Home Transcripts Snappies Fan Creations M & M Press Links LAD World by Millie Episode 42 | Episode 43 | Episode 44 | Episode 45 | Episode 46 Episode 47 | Episode 48 | Episode 49 | Episode 50 | Episode 51 Episode 52 | Episode 53 | Episode 54 | Episode 55 | Episode 56 Episode 57 | Episode 58 | Conclusion Episode 42: Missing Two days after Tad's outburst at Jacob's, Liza didn't know what to do with herself. She was alone in her house. Marian was still away in California and Marty was with Adam for a few more days. She needed time to think. Where did she go wrong? The answer was rather easy: it was that night on the mountain when she freaked out. Or maybe it was in the 5th grade when she accepted Tad's dare? It didn't matter now: Tad had enough of the little games they played. She hadn't seen him since Jacobs. Not that she tried to... she stayed at home the whole time. A knock at the door startles her. Belinda: (entering) Sorry, did I scare you? Liza: No, please, come in. Belinda: I didn't know if you wanted to see anyone, so I took a chance... so how are things. Liza: (sarcastically) Just great. Belinda: You haven't heard from him? Liza: Why would I hear from him? He hates me! Belinda: Now Liza, this whole town knows that he loves you. I don't know what got into him but there must have been a reason for that scene. Liza: You haven't seen him? Belinda: No. Liza: It's funny how things work out. I was ready to tell him that I want him and that I trust him.... Belinda: You can't torture yourself with this... Liza: And you know, I think he knew, I saw it in his eyes, like he could read my mind. He knew and he stopped me before he could hear the words. Belinda: Maybe he had other things on his mind? Liza: No. For a minute I saw it. I think I saw it, that flame in his eyes... like he was about to burst from.... Belinda: There must be an explanation because everything that he said, Liza, that was a lie. I know Tad.... Derek Frye knocks at the door looking grim. Derek: Hi. Can I talk to you, Liza? Liza: Derek? Come in, what can I do for you? Belinda: Derek? Derek: I have some questions for Liza. It's about Tad Martin. Liza: What's wrong? Derek: When was the last time you saw him? Liza: What's going on? Derek: (ignoring her worries) Jacob Foster at his restaurant said that you spoke to Tad two days ago, was that the last time you saw him? Liza: Yes... what is going on? Derek: What was the talk about? Liza: We had an argument. Derek: About? Liza: It was personal. Derek, whats going on?? What happened to him? Where is he? Derek: Has he try to contact you? Left messages? Liza: No! Derek: Did you notice anything different about him? Anyone youve never seen before with him? Liza: Apart from his odd behavior? Derek: How odd? Liza: He picked a fight with me before I had a chance to say anything. I was about to make things right between us but he never let me finish... Belinda: Derek, I think he was being followed. Derek: How would you know? Belinda: I remember him looking over his shoulder a few times. Derek: By whom? Belinda: I didn't notice. What kind of trouble is he in? Derek: I can't say. Liza: Derek, you have to. What's going on? Derek: <sighs> We have an APB on him. He's disappeared. He was supposed to give us some important information but he never showed up. Liza: When? Derek: Last night. Belinda: Information about what? Derek: I can't say. Belinda: I'm his lawyer, Derek, you can tell me. Derek: All I can say in this information can be very dangerous to hold. Liza: So he could be dead??? Derek: (trying to reassure her) No... (not able to hold eye contact) it's a possibility. Look, all I can say is it looks like Tad made sure you were not going to be a target in this thing. Liza: What thing?? Dereks phone rings. Derek: Derek Frye here... Liza: (to Belinda) Thats why he did this. He saw someone... he could be dead by now (ready to breakdown). Belinda: He's a survivor, Liza, I'm sure he's fine. Derek hangs up. Liza: What's going on? Did they find him? Derek: There was a shooting very early this morning, on the bridge. Eyewitnesses saw someone matching Tad's description fell into the river afterward. I'm heading over there now. Liza: I'll go with you! Derek: No, you can't, Liza. This is police business, besides what if Tad try to contact you? Belinda: I'm going with you, as his lawyer. Derek: Fine... Liza, we'll call, all right? Liza nods as Derek and Belinda leave, Belinda before leaving gives Liza a hug. Belinda: He'll be fine. CUT to the bridge. Night is starting to fall. Derek: What's the deal here? Police Officer: We haven't found a body or bullets shelves. But there was definitely a shooting. I have three witnesses who have either seen or heard it. They said the body was dumped in the river from the bridge. Derek: What else? Police Officer: One of the witnesses recognized Tad Martin in a car with two men minutes before the shooting. Liza's house. CUT to later, night has fallen completely. Liza is looking around her house, into windows, rearranging the furniture. The phone rings, she runs after it. Liza: TAD?????? Belinda: Sorry. Liza: Oh... hi Belinda, any news? Belinda: No. There was a shooting but they haven't found Tad. Are you all right? Liza: You mean apart from jumping out of my skin. I feel so bad, Lindy. I mean I could have stop all that non-sense months ago instead of panicking... Belinda: You can't blame yourself for this... Liza: He can't be dead, Belinda, what would I do without him? Belinda: He's not... I have to go, I'll call you later. Liza hangs up to go back to rearranging the furniture. This time, she decides to closes the blinds. It was time to go to bed, not that she could sleep. Finally, she gets around to the kitchen. Something is tapping on the door, a tree branch maybe she thinks, but the tapping gets stronger. Liza opens her door, no ones there but as Liza turns back inside she sees a dark shaddow and finally finds Tad on the side of the door. Tad: (out of breath) Mind if I drop by? Tad collapses at the door. Liza at that very moment notices his bloody chest. Episode 43: Night of the living dead Liza: Oh my God!!!!... Tad???? Liza is on her knees at the door with Tad who is sitting down, in a state of semi consciousness. He's all wet and bloody, muddy. Liza on the other hand is in a panick. Liza: (she pulls his chin to her, making him look at her) Tad, my God... look at me.... look at me... OK? Tad: (not quite sure where he is anymore) Liza? Liza: All right, all right.... Tad, come on... help me out here (she pulls him up a little to bring him into her house, he can barely walk but she brings him over to her couch). Tad: (in pain) Liza! Liza: I'm here, I'm here... what happened? Tad: (catching his breath) Shot.... Liza: We'll work out the details later, OK?... first weve got to get you to an hospital... Tad: NO! Liza, no you can't. They'll come after me ... and you... OUCH!.... Liza: Tad, thats a bullet in there.... you could die ... This is serious.... Tad: No!! Liza: At least, let me call a doctor.... Tad: No... they think I'm dead (out of breath) .... call.... call my dad... my dad... Liza: But... Tad: My dad, please Liza... Liza: OK, OK I'll call him....(she goes off, but Tad catches up with her hand to stop her) Tad: Don't tell him it's for me.... (he passes out). Liza: OK, OK I will... it's going to be all right, OK? I'll take care of you. Liza goes to the phone next to the couch, watching Tad. Liza (on the phone): Hi, is Doctor Martin there?... thank you.(to Tad) He's at home... we're in luck, I guess... (trying to hide her worries) Hi, Dr Joe. Yes it's Liza... no, I'm fine... well not really... (she hesitates) I can't really explain right now but could you come over to my house? Joe: Is this an emergency? Liza: You could say that... please, I can't really explain over the phone... it's about .... hmm... Marty.... Joe: Is he all right? Liza: Yes, but I have some questions... Joe: Well... I guess I could come over tomorrow morning... Liza: Well, please, I kinda need you right now, Dr Martin... please... Joe (puzzled): Well, all right... I'll be there in a few minutes (he hangs up). Liza: He's coming right over (she touches his forehead). God, you're burning up... (she tries to pull his hand off his chest). Come on Tad, let me check this... OK?... trust me... I won't hurt you, I promise (slowly Tad takes his hand off to uncover a mess of blood). Tad: (he jokes) Again?? (he winces as she touches him) It's a bullet wound... Liza: You lost a lot of blood... I guess we need to clean up, disinfect the wound.... Tad: I can't be here... they might see me... Liza: I can get you to my room, do you think you can make it upstairs? (Tad nods yes) Good, we'll clean you up and get you out of those wet clothes. Come on..... Liza helps up Tad to his feet and makes him lean on her shoulder as they make their way upstairs slowly and painfully. CUT to her bedroom. Liza gets Tad on her bed. Liza: (propping up the pillows) There, you'll be more comfortable here. (the door bell rings) ...That must be your father.... (she starts to move away). Tad: Liza! Liza... I'm ... sorry ... about the other night.... I didn't mean it... (He pulls her arm and he just looks at her, she slowly caresses his cheek). Liza: I know Tad, I know... it's going to be all right... OK...? Don't you die on me, you hear! Just don't do anything. Liza runs out of the room and goes straight to her front door, she opens it. It's doctor Joe. Joe notices the blood stains on her blouse and on the couch right away. Joe: My God, Liza, are you all right? Liza: (she closes the door, making sure no one is lurking outside) ....Thank God, you're here... it's .... Tad (she points to the bedroom), he's been shot.... Joe rushes up. In the room. Joe: How long has he been here? Tad: Hi dad (he winces in pain).... Joe: Liza, I will need some boiled water...(to Tad) It's all right, son, we'll get you to a hospital... Tad: NO! no Dad, you can't ....(he coughs) I'm a dead man if you do... Joe: But... (looking into his son's eyes - pausing for a moment) all right... let me take care of this... OK... Later after Joe took care of Tad, he and Liza go into her living room. Liza: Is he going to be all right? Joe: He should be in the hospital... but he'll be all right for now... The bleeding has stopped but I'm afraid there might be some infection.... I gave him some pain reliever and some anti-biotic but that won't go fully into effect until tomorrow morning <sigh> ... Do you know what happened? Liza: He just showed up at my kitchen door about an hour ago and wasn't in a conversational mood... The police are looking for him.... all he wants is to keep his whereabouts under wrap. Joe: <sighs> Always the trouble maker. You know that he wants me to leave and not tell anyone? Not even his mother. He says I will attract attention... Liza: Yes, well, I guess he feels we're dealing with a pretty bad bunch... (long pause) What am I suppose to expect for the next few hours? Joe: Get ready for some infections to set in... You'll need wet towels and he will need water. Ice cubs are better. Change his dressing every 2 hours for now, I'll leave you my medical bag... Just stay next to him and make sure that he doesn't move to set off more bleeding... he's lost a lot of blood and he's weak. I will call you every few hours to check up....all right? Liza: Right.... Thank you. Joe goes to the door. Joe: No, thank you for taking care of my son. He's lucky to have you as a friend... And don't worry about him too much, if anything Tad is very... well, resourceful. He's a survivor...(at the door). Call me if there's anything, all right? Liza: Yes, I will. And he is going to be all right, isn't he? Joe pats her on the shoulder, nodding. Liza: Bye. Tad goes through a terrible night of fever and nightmares, Liza is next to him wiping his forehead while he keeps talking. He mumbles a lot. CUT to 3 oclock, at the worst of the fever. Tad (feverishly, asleep): NO! Jenny? Jenny!!!!... I'm sorry.... Don't leave.... Liza: Shssssh! Come on, Tad, don't you die on me, damn it! Tad (breathing heavily): Liza! Liza...(he wakes up) Liza: I'm here, I'm here...(she sits on the bed to hold him) I'm here. Shsssh.... Tad (in a panic, breathing with great difficulty):..... love you..... Liza: ...I love you too, Tad... always have.... We didn't go thru all of this for you to die on me, all right? We have to discuss this, kay?... Later the clock shows 8 oclock AM: Liza is sitting in the chair next to Tad, she's asleep... Tad moves a little, moaning. He wakes Liza. Liza (wiping his forehead, whispering): Tad? (smiling at him) Hi... Tad: (still hurting) Liza? Liza: (smiling) Well, look who's back? Tad:(opening his eyes and smiling) You look like hell. Liza: Why.... Thank you! (she smiles, stroking his hair) And how do you feel? Tad: Like I went to hell and back... Ole Ray says hi, by the way. (smiles) Liza: (stroking his hair and his sweaty forehead) You called for Jenny, last night... I thought you were a goner.. Tad: I saw her... again... I do that a lot when I'm dying (he laughs and coughs in pain). Liza: I'll get you some ice... here (giving him a glass, he takes her hand, their eyes lock). Don't move. Tad: Thank you... You saved my life. Liza: Don't mention it. We're even now (she smiles - long pause).... Now, you want to tell me what this is all about? I have a feeling, it would make a fabulous documentary (Tad smiles). Episode 44: Sleeper Pine Valley Hospital, a private room. It's morning. It's been two days since the shooting. And Tad is now resting in his hospital bed. He's sleeping. Liza is sitting next to him, also sleeping, her hand on his hand. He opens his eyes and looks around, grimacing at every movement. He wakes her up. Liza: (she smiles as she gets up from her chair to get closer to him - softly) Hi. Good morning. Tad: Morning (he smiles at her, he wasn't dreaming, she is there). Liza: Nice of you to join us again. How are you? Tad: I feel like I've just been hit by a truck. Liza: Trust me, it was not a truck. (she has the urge to sit on his bed and hug him but doesn't, she starts to stroke his hair) Tad: Where am I? Liza: You're at Pine Valley Hospital. Tad: What happened? Liza: You don't remember? Tad: I remember showing up at your place after I was dropped in the river. And I vaguely remember the next morning... Liza: You told me all about that crazy case of yours. (raising her voice and her eyebrow) Have you gone mad, getting involved with people like that!?!? Tad: What?? I'm involved with you, what could be more dangerous? (gives her a silly grin that hurts him) Liza: (playfully hitting him on the arm) Oh-oh! You're playing in a mine field, Martin! (he laughs, it hurts) Anyway... after you told me about the case, you passed out.... Tad: What day are we? Liza: Thursday. Tad: (agitated) Thursday?? Ouch!! I was out all that time? What happened to the box? Liza: It's all settled. We have a lot to talk about. Tad: What do you mean: it's all settled??? Liza: I gave the box to Derek. He made the arrests. Including the bastards that shot you. Tad: Just like that? Liza: They operated on you yesterday, right after the arrests. The bullet they took out of your chest didn't do too much damage. You were very lucky it didn't hit anything. Tad: So, I missed all the fun??? Liza: Oh! I think there is such a thing as too much fun. Tad laughs but it hurts a lot. Liza: Are you okay? I could call a nurse. Tad: I'm fine. It only hurts when I laugh... so, all this means that I still got 6 lives left? Liza: You really scared me, Tad Martin. For a while there I thought I'd lost you. Don't ever do that again! Tad: Don't you know by now, I'm indestructible (she gives him a look) but if you insist... Now! When do I get out of here? Liza: Oh no! Just hold your horses. You'll have to get better. You need to heal. Tad: I feel fine. Liza: Yes, well, thats not up to you to decide. But when you're ready I think.... Tad: What? Liza: I think you should... it would be best for your recuperation that you move into my guest room, for a while. Tad: I still have a house, you know. Liza: You don't have a choice, mister. It's either my guest room or your old room at your moms or better yet, one of the guest rooms at Palmer and Opals. Which is it going to be? Tad: All right! All right! You win. But are you sure you're willing to risk this...? Liza: No risk. Besides, it will let me repay you for the time I spend in your guest room when I was pregnant... Tad: Thats how I got into trouble in the first place, remember? (he smiles at her sadly, she smiles back at him moving closer, gazing at his lips) Liza: I remember. Ruth enters interrupting right before a kiss could happen. Ruth: I see our patient is finally awake (Liza moves back swiftly, both of them give each other a disappointed look. Ruth knows very well that she interrupted something). Tad: Hi mom! (Liza and Tad's eyes don't leave each other's sight) Ruth: Don't you *hi mom* me, young man. Putting us through hell like that!! Tad: (still staring at Liza, wishing Ruth would leave so they could talk) I'm sorry. It won't happen again. I promise. Ruth: (noticing the gaze) It better not! You are so lucky to be alive, young man or you would be in deep trouble. Now, are you hungry? Tad: Not right now. Ruth: Let me take a look at that wound.... Liza, would you mind going outside while check the bandage? Tad: Don't push her away like that.... Liza: No, Tad, it's all right. I have to make a phone call about Marty, anyway, OK? We'll talk later. Tad: Say hi for me. Liza: I will. Tad pouts, disappointed as she leaves. Ruth: Rules are rules... (looking at his wound, she pauses) Tad, why are you doing this? Tad: What? Ruth: We both know she's the reason you're in here. Tad: No, the bullet and some guy named Rocko are the reasons I'm here. Not Liza. She saved my life! Ruth: Admit it, she's the person behind you almost going off the deep end. Tad: I believe that was me, also. Why are you doing this, mom? I'm an adult. I can take responsibilities for my own actions and my own screw-ups. Why can't you give Liza some slack? Ruth: Lets see, she broke up your marriage.... Tad: No, see, that was me. And Dixie. We're the ones that messed it up. As for Liza's role, she never held a gun to my head, ma Ruth: She caused Gloria to run away with Dimitri. Tad: She did no such thing!! Ouch!!!.... No one forced Gloria to run off with Dimboy. And Gloria, well she never did trust me, did she? Ruth: And Liza will? Tad: I know she does. CUT to outside at the nurses station. After making her phone call, Liza is about to go back to Tad's room. Gloria: You're so proud of yourself, aren't you? Liza: Excuse me? Gloria: You almost had him killed! Because of you, Jamie could have lost his father. Did you ever think about that? Liza: I'm sorry I must have miss that part where this is any of your business. Gloria: He's my friend. Liza: Oh please! You haven't talked to him since he threw you out of his life! You're a stranger who knows nothing about his life or mine, so why don't you go back to your urine samples?? (Glo gives her the evil eye) Joe: (getting in between) Liza? How are you? Is Tad awake? Liza: As a matter of fact, he just woke up, Ruth is with him. Joe: Good, come with me, I'd like to check this for myself. Joe and Liza go into his room, for some reason Gloria follows. Joe: Well, look who's harassing my nurses (smiles). Tad: Hi dad! Ruth: I was just telling Tad, that he is welcome to stay with us during his recuperation time. (Liza and Tad look at each other with a small smile). Tad: It's all right, mom, there's no need. I've already been invited to stay at Liza's and I accepted. Liza looks very happy along with Joe and Tad while Ruth and Glo give each other worried looks. Episode 45: The homecoming, part 2 PV Hospital. A week after Tad woke up at the hospital. Tad is packing up, getting ready to move in Liza's place. Anxious, really. Ruth: Now, Tad are you sure about this? You know our house is more than big enough for you. And you'd have a doctor and/or a nurse with you at all times... Tad: I know, Ma. But I'm all right... and lets face it, it would be too weird: moving back with my folks at my age! And I'd be in the way. Ruth: You're never in the way, sweetheart! Tad: Ma, don't worry so much. I'll be fine. And I could actually get back to work. Ruth: Not the PI agency??? Tad: No, the production company. Ruth: That soon!?! Tad: I told you, I'm fine. A little soar, thats all. Ruth: What about Opal? She could take you in. Tad: Ma!! Please! Ruth: So I worry too much... Tad: You worry about Liza....€Ruth: No, I'm worried about what she'll do to you... Tad: (big smile) I'm not. Ruth: Please, promise me you'll take it easy.... Tad: (gives her a big hug) I promise. Ruth: And you expect me to believe you? Tad: (sitting her down) Come on, Ma. Give her a chance. She's giving me a chance and Lord knows I don't deserve it. Ruth: Do you love her? Tad: Yes. Ruth: Well, all right. But if I could give you some advice. Tad: Again?? Ruth: Take your time, hmm. You can't rush these things. Tad: I'll try, Ma (Liza comes in through the door with a wheel chair and a big smile. Tad lights up at her sight). Liza: (not noticing Ruth) Hi. Tad: (forgetting about Ruth) Hi. Liza: Your chariot awaits. Ready? Tad: Am I?!?! (he practically jumps in the chair) Liza: Are you sure it's safe for you to get out of the hospital this early? Ruth: The doctors gave him a clean bill of health. Liza: Good.... He didn't bribe anyone or anything? Tad: (protesting) Hey!!!! Ruth: There isn't enough money in the world. Liza: Good. Your room is all ready. Ruth: (trying to get some informations as to their sleeping arrangement) Are you sure you have enough room, Liza? Liza: I'm fine, I have this extra room upstairs. I never use it. Dr Joe enters the room. Joe: Good, I caught you just in time. (happy to see her) Hello Liza! Tad: Ready to throw me out? Joe: I will personally roll you out myself, young man. Tad: (grabs his suit case) Roll it!! (The Martin men step out.) Ruth: Liza, could I talk to you for a moment? Liza: Of course. Ruth: Now, I think you know how I feel about this... Liza: Mrs Martin, I swear I will take good care of him. Ruth: I hope so. CUT TO Liza's house. Liza: (unlocking the door) Home, sweet home. Tad: (walking in, looking around, checking for signs of his last visit) Nice. Not one reminder of the bloody night. Liza: (putting down the suit case) Well, the blood was not easy to wash off but... (her mind goes back to the night of the shooting, fighting back the tears). Tad: (watching her, reading her mind) Hey! Hey! I made it. (hugging her) It's over. You didn't think you'd be rid of me that easily, did you?? (he gives her a big silly grin) Now! Wheres my room? Liza: (drying up her tears in laughters) Upstairs. Next to Marty's. Here, I'll help you out.... Tad: Don't be silly! (he runs upstairs with the suitcase) Liza: And don't overtire yourself (she screams back)! CUT to later: Liza in her kitchen. Tad enters, admiring her rear end for a second. Tad: Hello.... Liza: (not turning back, fussing around) Is the room OK? Tad: It's fine... (staring) Liza: Because if you need something... (she finally turns to notice his glare) Tad: Everything is great... What are you doing? (his eyes move up and down on her body, caressing every curve) Liza: (trying to ignore his stare, but loving it nonetheless) Getting ready for dinner... Tad: (getting back to reality, he wakes up worried) You're cooking??? Liza: (annoyed, no one likes her cooking) No!! I ordered out. The Serving Spoon. Tad: (relieved) Great! (Liza gives him a disapproving look) I mean, good. (long awkward pause) So.... when is Marty coming home? Liza: Tomorrow. Tad: (trying to sound as nonchalant as possible) And Marian? Liza: We talked last night. Her flight from San Francisco comes in tomorrow. Tad: Tomorrow? (long pause) Good. (long pause) Did you tell her about...? Liza: Only the highlights. I told her you would stay here for a while.... Tad: Oh. Good. (long pause) So... we're ... alone. Liza: ...Right. A long and awkward silent surrounds them as they stare at each other. Both of them don't know where to begin. Liza drops a fork on the floor and they both go after it. Their hands meet at the fork on the floor. It was as if time had stopped and all they could hear was their hearts beating faster and faster. Liza: (taking a long breath as she gazes at his lips, into his eyes) Thank you. Tad: (feeling her warmth) You're welcome. (he positions myself to help her up, holding her hand) Let me help you. (he pulls her up but has to let go, his chest feels like it's being ripped apart) AAAAAAAAH!! (holding his stomach, he falls back on the floor) Liza: (worried) Are you OK? Tad: (trying to catch his breath, his face showing pain) Maybe I should just sit here for a little while and enjoy the view (he tries to joke). Liza: (getting up) I'll get your medication... Tad: (pulling her back by the hand) Don't! I'm fine. I just need to sit here and take a breather. Liza: You're in pain! Tad: I'm fine. I swear, Liza. Please, I just need you with me (she sits by him on the floor). Liza: You need to take it easy. Tad: I need you. (his hand starts to stroke her hair, her cheeks, she wants to kiss him but hesitates, what if she hurts him again? He has no doubt. They get closer...) Marian: (on the other side of the kitchen door) Liza, darling, I'm home. (she walks into the kitchen, Liza quickly pulls away. out of instincts) Oh, I'm sorry (knowing perfectly well that she interrupted something) Did I interrupt something? Tad: Marian! Hows California? (he stays on the floor while Liza decides to get up) Marian: Tad? I hear you made a bloody mess around here. Liza: (annoyed at the easiness of both Tad and Marian) Mother? What are you doing here? Marian: I live here. Liza: I know. It's just I thought you said your plane was coming in tomorrow? Marian: (looking at Tad) It was. I just changed plans. (pointing at Tad) Should he be sitting on the floor like that? Tad: Just doing some plumbing, Marian. Marian: Again? Liza: (realizing Tad was still on the floor) Oh... Let me help you up (Tad grimaces in pain). Marian: Are you all right? Tad: Yes (on his feet). Sudden movements are just not recommended right now, thats all (looking at Liza's disappointed face). I should go rest in my room. Good night, Marian.... Welcome home. (kissing Liza on the cheek ever so gently) Good night (he leaves). Marian: He looks fine for a dead man... Liza gives Marian a long look. Episode 46: False start It's the morning after Tad's coming home and Liza wanted everything to be perfect. She had pushed Marian out the door, literally, with orders to pick up Marty at Adams and to have a long brunch with the little guy. Elsewhere. Marian protested slightly to annoy her nervous daughter, knowing full well what Liza had planned. Liza had prepared a breakfast tray for Tad. Nothing complicated - corn flakes, orange juice, coffee, toasts. For half an hour, she had debated whether get or not to get dressed. She decided not to - she was going to wear her red satin robe, his favorite, she thought. She was right. As she was about to knock at his door, she told herself not to be nervous, after all she was just bringing him breakfast. So she knocks at his door very lightly. Tad is still asleep, on his bandaged bare-back. Liza decides to leave the tray on the dresser and leave quietly. *Coward!* she told herself. Tad: (half asleep) Good morning. Liza: (surprised) Good morning. I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you. Tad: It's all right, I was dreaming about you. For a second I wasn't sure I was awake (he smiles, still groggy). Liza: You hungry? I brought you breakfast. Tad: Thank you. But you didn't have to. Liza: I wanted to (she comes closer to his bed as he tries to sit up, wincing a little. Finally she puts the tray on his bed) So... did you sleep all right? Tad: Like a baby (he gestures her to sit next to him on the bed). Come on, sit! (looking at the tray) This looks great. Thank you. (he drinks his whole glass of orange juice) The room stays silent for a long time with Liza not sure what to do next. Tad: (noticing the tension) I've been thinking.... I haven't apologize yet for what I said to you at Jacobs the night before the shooting. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. Liza: You already did that. Tad: I did? Liza: The night you showed up at my backdoor. Tad: I did! Good. Good... Cause I didn't... Liza: ...mean it. Yeah ... I know. Tad: Good. Good. (loooong awkward pause) Nice elephant! Liza: (confused) Hmm? Tad: Never mind ... (noticing the open door) So... wheres Marian? Liza: She... hmm .... she had to leave. She's picking up Marty later on. Tad: This is.... weird, you know that? (smiles) We need to talk! (he puts the breakfast tray on the floor and moves aside to make a place for Liza) Come here! (he taps on his unhurt shoulder, asking her to rest her head on it. She does). How's that? Liza: Nice. Tad: Good. Liza: (after a long pause) You know, I have loved you all my life...as long as I've known you... Tad: Me too (smiles). Liza: You have? Tad: But I was such an idiot, it took me years to realize it... Did I ever tell you about the time.... ? Liza: What? Tad: I never told this to anyone... A few years ago... when I lost my memory jumping off that bridge... I was out there going West, I didn't know who I was or where I was from. So, I used to hitch rides, heading for California... One day, I was sleeping in one of those big trucks and I had this dream. (he pauses to get the memory just right) I was 13 and I was at this party. The birthday boy was showing me around, telling me very adamantly, Now, you have to promise me not to fight with her, my mom won't stand for it. No arguments. Nothing! I know it's hard but.... And I promised. So I was walking around those kids and suddenly there she was, with long blond hair and a white and pink dress. Very pretty. And I remember thinking to myself, Man, she looks great! I wonder what I can do to really get her attention? and she was surrounded by a bunch of girls, all yappying away and finally she saw me, for a moment our eyes locked. She was looking right at me, into me, and finally she said What are you staring at, Gardner? (Liza perks up) And I think I said something rude and it turned into a wordfight... until some old lady threw me out of the house... Liza: Greg Nelson's thirteen year old party!?!? You remembered that?? Tad (nodding): Yep!... And then I'd wake up... and it seemed very vivid but it didn't make any sense... I was just a lost soul... with nothing but this childhood memory. For months, when people would ask me my name I'd say Gardner because of that girl. I didn't even know it was a real memory... It was just you, and it didn't matter all those years and all those things we did together or separately... when things came to shove, there you were, on my mind ... But then, I just pushed it back, and that was that...or so I thought. Liza: When did you realize that...? Tad: A few months after you left Adam and were living at my house. We were in the kitchen and I was making pasta and we were talking, arguing about something. I've never been happier. I realized I was in love with you that very day. Liza: I have something for you (she leans down to find the tray and picks up some keys) ... here!... Tad: What is it? Liza: It's the keys to my house. That way you don't have to break my window to save me (she jokes). Tad: Oh Liza, you didn't have to. Liza: I want to. I think the person you love, the person you trust should have the keys to your home. You gave me yours months ago, long before Marty was even born, now it's my turn. Tad sincerely touched by her gesture, he strokes her cheek. After a long pause, looking straight into each other's eyes, they start to kiss passionately. He is more than eager to pull on that red robe, which drives him crazy. He wanted to explore her neck on down, very slowly. Suddenly a faint voice came from downstairs. Brooke: (just entering the front door, Jamie following her) LIZA? .... Is anyone here??? .... Hello??? Back to Liza and Tad in a compromising position. Liza: Brooke?!? Tad: Didnt you lock the front door? (Liza rapidly puts herself back together, back on her feet) How can you *not* lock the front door??? (whining and laughing at the same time) What good are keys if the door isn't locked....? (he laughs louder and louder) Liza: (nervously) Stop it!!... Mother must have unlocked it when she got out. Brooke: (far away) Liza?? Liza: COMING!! Tad: (whining, joking) Oh God, this place is going to be busier than Grand Central station, we might as well go to Time Square to make love... Liza: Shtttt! Why don't you get dressed, Jamie must be with her (she leaves in a hurry). Liza gets downstairs out of breath, Brooke figures she must have interrupted something. Liza: Brooke! ...Hi. Brooke: I'm sorry, the door was opened. I was kind of worried, there for a moment. Liza: hmm... Mother ... forgot to ... lock it .... she left...(trying her best to smile) Hi Jamie. Jamie: Hi! We came to see my Dad. Brooke: I called earlier. No one answered. Liza: hmm, I think I unplugged the phone last night, so Tad would sleep better. Jamie: Can I go see him? Liza: Sure, go wake him up. It's the room next to Marty's Jamie: Can I, mom? Brooke: May I. And yes (Jamie runs upstairs). But be careful!!! (she smiles to Liza) I'm sorry if we disturbed you. Jamie has been begging me all morning to take him to see his dad. Liza: No, don't be silly, I was getting ready for a ... shower.... Want some coffee? Marian comes thru the front door with Marty in her arms. Marian: (playful) Look who I found on my way to work!!!... (surprised) Brooke? Brooke: Hello Marian. Liza: (really annoyed, all this was her fault, and she was early???) Mother, what are you doing here, now? Marian: (pointing at her grand son) He insisted on coming home... Liza: (taking Marty from Marians arms) Thank you, mother (not really meaning it). (softer) Hi, sweetheart.... Tad: (in his bathrobe, coming down the stairs slowly with Jamie's help with a big smile on his face) Welcome to Grand Central Station! Episode 47: Grand Central Station The week that followed his homecoming at Liza's was an exercise in missed opportunities and frustrations for Tad and Liza. The house *was* Grand Central Station with Jamie who wanted to spend every spare moment with his dad, well-wishers who were pouring in all the time. From Jacob to Brooke and Joe and Ruth and Belinda, Trevor, Derek, even Edmund dropped by with little Maddie and Sam! Tad appreciated all of them but desperately wanted to be alone with Liza. Liza was overwhelmed by all of it. Especially now that Marty was walking and as Marian pointed out was a little terror putting his fingers and his nose everywhere they shouldnt be, breaking stuff. His nights were also hectic. He *demanded* everyones attention. And got it. On top of it, the LAD Productions partnership was back on track. Tad and Liza had scrapped the justice system subject to explore Tad's misadventures with the mob. They had a lot of work to do, often interrupted by long staring sessions as the entire town was visiting her living room. Liza was certain that it was a conspiracy to keep them apart. ===== CUT To Tad in the honeymoon suite at the Valley Inn, wearing a suit and tie, fixing things up. His mind goes back to earlier that day in Liza's kitchen. Faux-Flashback: Tad: (whispering, face to face with Liza) Run away with me! We'll go to New York! Liza: (whispering too) We can't go now, what about the kids...? Tad: Then, I'll get us a suite at the Valley Inn. This afternoon... Just the two of us, making love till the sun goes down. (he smiles) Liza: Just the two of us? Tad: No interruptions. No one would know... (kissing her lips gently, smiling at her) A little champagne, one huge king size bed, just you and me. What do you say?? hmm?... Liza smiles back... Back to Tad: A knock at the door breaks his daydreaming. It's Liza. The sight of her just takes his breath away. She's wearing a red dress. She looks shyly at him. Tad: (very softly, holding his chest) Wow!... Liza: (in a whisper) Hi. Tad: (in a daze) Hi... Come in.... Liza: I'm sorry I'm late. I had to ditch Opal in the lobby. I think she suspected something was up. Tad: (quietly, staring) Something is.... hmmm (clearing his throat) You are... You look... *great*. (long pause, staring, finally realizing where he is) Oh! I got some... champagne (he scrambles to the bottle, bumbles with the glasses, almost dropping one of them) Sorry... (giggling nervously, preoccuppied with the glasses) I seem to have lost the use of my fingers.... Liza: (taking his shaking hands into hers) It's all right... It's all right. (she pulls him closer to her, making him concentrate on her. Their eyes meet in an unbreakable lock.) It's all right, it's perfect... (she nods, smiling). Their lips meet, at last. Tad loses his nervousness as his hands travels her body freely, slowly, feeling every curve, every shiver. Liza slowly starts to undressed him. First, his jacket drops to the floor, then the tie. She gets to the shirt that she unbuttons very slowly. He shivers. They fall on the bed, she on top of him, smiling at each other. Eye to eye. A strange sound emits from his jacket, like a far away door bell. Tad: (he smiles at her, giggling) I can hear your heartbeat... (his hand goes after her dress belt quickly undoing it). Liza: (enjoying his lips on her neck and his hand on her thigh) You do?? Tad: uh-hmmm! (the ringing continues, she finally notices the noise, it's not her heart...) Liza: Tad?... Tad: (caught up in the foreplay) I love you too, honey. Liza: ...It's a phone. Tad: (still concentrating on her neck) What? (half aware) Liza: The noise... the noise.... it's from your jacket... Finally, Tad stops himself to understand. He looks down at his jacket. His cellphone is still ringing quietly. Tad closes his eyes and hits his head over and over on the bed. Liza: (still in his arms on top of him, annoyed) You brought your cellphone? Here???? Tad: Damn!! Liza: You brought a cellphone to our hotel room?? What happened to no interruptions??? Tad: I forgot. Liza: You forgot??? (she sits on the bed, looking at the jacket, irritated) How can you forget....? Tad??? Tad: (sitting next to her) What??? It's so small and light... Liza: (pointing at it) Aren't you going to answer it? Tad: No! I don't want to... interrupt... Liza: (waving her arms) Oh! I think the moment is *gone*... and it could be an emergency. Tad: What emergency? Liza: Just answer it! Tad: (annoyed at himself) Oh... all right!!! (he gets it in a puff, and snaps at it) Martin, here! And this better be good!! Marian: (on the phone) Tad, is Liza there? Tad: (embarrassed) Marian? (Liza makes a face) ....What makes you think she's with me? Marian: Stop playing with me, Tad, I know perfectly well that you two planned this little rendez-vous! Now, put her on. I wouldnt do this if this wasn't important! Tad: (to Liza - he sighs, giving Liza the phone) Marian. Liza: (mad) This really better be good, mother, or I'll pretend to be adopted for the rest of my life! Marian: Liza, I'm at the Pine Valley Hospital, you need to come right away.... CUT TO PVH - Pediatric wing. A little later. Liza: Chicken pox???? Dr Angie Hubbard: I'm afraid so... (Tad shakes his head as he hears this). Liza: How? ... I mean I was very careful.... Angie: Was he in contact with any children lately? Liza: No! Just Jamie... Tad: And Jamie already had chicken pox, years ago... Liza: (thinking) ....Edmund... came .... with Maddie and Sam.... (her hand holds her head)... God... Is there anything I can do? Angie: Not really, I'll give you a prescription and some ointment. But there's not really anything you can do except ride it out. Time will take care of it. Just keep him away from people who haven't been exposed to the infection. And make sure, he doesn't scratch himself. Liza: (sarcastically) Oh! that should be easy... Tad: When Jamie had the pox I made him wear gloves... Liza looks a bit discouraged by the whole thing. Angie takes her hand reassuringly. Angie: He'll be fine. And it's not hurting him... He might have a few uncomfortable nights but he'll get over it quickly.... I'll write you that prescription... (she goes away to talk to a nurse). Liza: Thank you, Angie. Liza looks at Tad feeling disabused and beaten, he gets closer to her and gives her a big hug. It feels good. Tad: (holding her tight) He'll be all right. Liza: I know.... (long pause) I'm sorry. Tad: Don't be. It's gonna happen, one of these days. Liza: I was kinda hoping this would be *before* Marty goes away to college... Tad: (thinking) Maybe you were right. Maybe there is a conspiracy... Liza: Hmm? Tad: Maybe we should approach this differently... Episode 48: Starting over, over PVH. Marty is being observed for his chicken pox. Tad: ...I think I should .... move out. Liza: Move out? No, Tad! What? Because of a little chicken pox? Tad: No! Because it's time, I'm one hundred percent better now, right? And I think we should just... just take a backseat... Slow things down a little. Back track. Liza: Slow things down? Back track? Are you breaking up with me? Tad: No! No, honey. It's just ... ever since the shooting... I get the distinct impression that karma isn't on our side. Like we're taking the wrong road... The fast road. Liza: (sitting down) Now, I'm really confused. Tad: (following her) I think we should take things slow. It's like my father told me: you and I have been through the ringer ever since we were 10. You know, from enemies to strangers to lovers and enemies again, to coworkers to friends to lovers and enemies again and then, friends. And now, we're trying to get back to being lovers again, without much success.... It's not exactly a normal relationship. I mean what ever happen to *boy meets girl, boy asks girl out* ??..... Liza: We can't change the past! Tad: I know. But we can change the tempo of the dance. We skipped a beat somewhere. As far as I can remember there was never a time when we were just.... dating. Liza: Dating? Aren't we pass that? Tad: We never went thru that. Maybe that's what we need to get back on a normal track? Liza: Dating? Tad: Dinner and a movie. No great expectations. Maybe a little dancing. Nothing special, just two people enjoying each other's company... with their clothes on.... What do you think? Liza: Dating? You think we can make it? Tad: Piece o' cake! How 'bout it? hmm? One week from now when Marty is better, I'll pick you up at your house. ...There's an Ingrid Bergman festival at the Rialto next week. And then, dinner? Liza: I'd like that. Tad: Yea? (Liza nods yes) Good. Wonderful. Then, it's a... date! Angie: (moving closer) You can see Marty now... CUT TO A WEEK LATER. Tad is nervously getting ready his date, trying to get his tie on without success. The door bell rings. Tad: (annoyed) Now WHAT?? (he opens the door, it's Roger Thorpe) Roger?... well imagine that! I'd think you'd be in Chicago by now. Roger: I have business to take care of (noticing Tad's struggle with his tie). Anything wrong? Tad: This damn tie....!! Roger: Oh right! The infamous date! Tad: Infamous?? Roger: Well.. you know what I mean.... Tad: What do you want Roger? Other than making sure your daughters honor remains intact... Roger: I was wondering...: How do you feel about LAD Productions producing a new talk show, after you're done with that documentary? Tad: (surprised) I'd love it. But realistically, it's unfeasible, we need a TV station, a base. Roger: That might change. Tad: Oh? Roger: I'm negotiating with Chandler. Tad: Swapping stations? Roger: My shares of WSPR in Springfield for his WRCW shares. Tad: You're kidding?? Roger: It's not a done deal but.... Tad: Wouldn't it be simpler to just ask her out? Roger: Who? Tad: (sarcasm on) Mother Teresa... who do you think?.... Holly! Your ex-wife, my ex-boss! Geez Roger, you're playing with fire. Holly is not going to stand still for this. Roger: I can handle her. Tad: Oh really?? Thats good to know... Can you handle the grenade she's going to toss at Liza once she gets wind of this?? Roger: Holly has no ammunition. Tad: Yeah, right... At least, do a preemptive strike, tell Liza the truth. Roger: Thats not an option. That decision is Marians. Tad: (looks at Roger, discouraged and beaten) So this is where Liza got her stubborn streak.... Roger: Anyway, I just wanted to warn you so you could start thinking about some... concepts ... for the talk show. Tad: Good. I've been warned... (finishing up his tie knot). Roger: Your ties crooked (he straightens it up and leaves, Tad sighs). Tad: Thanks.... (long pause - loud) JAMIE! JAMIE!, come down. Jamie: (running in, putting his hands in his pockets) Yes, dad (Tad can't help but smile, Jamie's trying to be such a big man). Tad: (putting on his jacket) I'm ready to go. All right? Now remember what I said...? Jamie: Finish my homework. And be nice to Petra. Tad: Good boy... now I won't be out too late... How do I look? Jamie: Good. Are you going out with Liza? Tad: Yes. Is that a problem? Jamie: No. Liza's pretty cool. Tad: Yea, she is cool, isn't she? Gimme a hug (he does)... Now go on or I'm gonna be late. Jamie: (he looks at Tad, checking him out) Your tie is crooked (he runs off - Tad tries to re-adjust his tie). CUT off to Liza's house - Upstairs in her room. Liza: (looking nervously around her dresser with Marty attached to her leg, she raises her voice) MOTHER?? Have you seen my earrings, the ones with the rubys? Marian: (calmly entering the room) Inside the jewelry box, darling. Marty: Mama!!! Mama, book! Book!!! (he pulls on her dress) Liza: There they are. (she puts them on and looks down, smiling at her son, she picks him up) Oh sweetie, you're not helping. Marty: Book mama (he points to the dinosaur book on the mantle). Marian: I think he wants his story told. Liza: Oh sweetie, grandma will do that tonight, OK? Marian: Me?? (Liza hands her the book) There's no story in that book, just pictures! You're the one that's improvising that whole story! Liza: He's a one year old boy, mother, storyline continuity isn't big on his agenda. Marian: Continuity in storytelling is important at any age, Liza. Liza: The only continuity he needs right now is the storyteller. As long as you, Tad or I tell him the story, that's all that matters. Marian: At least give me a recap! Liza: <sighs> Fine!!! ...The pink dinosaurs just made a successful takeover attempt of the blue dinosaurs cavern while the T-Rexes have been waiting in the wings, they want to wage a major attack on the Pinks. But theyre dealing with some leadership problems right now.... Marian: (truly shocked) Thats your story??? Corporate takeovers?? Attacks?? Leadership problems???? What ever happened to Winnie the Pooh? Liza: He likes it!! The door bell rings interrupting them. Liza: (panics) Thats him!! (she hands Marty to Marian) How do I look? Marian: Wonderful! Liza: (insecurely) Really? Marian: (feeling so proud of her little girl) Really. Another ring. Marian: Go, darling. Liza: (quickly) Oh! Yes... (she kisses Marty on the cheek) Bye sweetheart, Mommy loves you, OK? Be good. (looking at Marian) You too. Marian: Go! Liza rushes downstairs but before she turns the doorknob, she takes a long nervous breath and pauses. Finally, she opens the door to find Tad, holding some flowers. Liza: Hi. Tad: Hi. ======= LATER that night. the tension seem to have vanished away between Tad and Liza. Tad is bringing home Liza after the date. Liza: I really had a wonderful time. Tad: Me too. I told you we could do this. (they walk slowly to the door) Liza: Well, here we are. Tad: I have to say good night. Liza: I know. Tad: Good night, Ms Colby. He softly approaches her and sweetly puts his lips against hers as she puts her arms around him. The kiss stops as gently as it had started, they pull away. But they eyes lock. He smiles, caressing her cheek. Tad: Good night Liza. Love you. Liza: (very softly, almost whispering) Good night.... (she watches him go back to his car and drive away). Love you too. Liza enters her house and closes the door behind her, her back against the door. She smiles. Marian (sitting in front of the tv): Well??? Liza: It was... wonderful. Just wonderful.. it was terrific. Episode 49: Dualing dates A FEW WEEKS LATER. In Liza's office. Liza: (exasperated) This is terrible!!! Terrible!!! I swear I will kill him!!! It's a disaster!! A disabused Liza seems to be looking for something as Belinda witnesses a breakdown of some kind. Belinda: (trying to calm her down) Liza, it's only a date. Liza: (raising her arms in the air) Exactly!! Belinda: Maybe I can help you with whatever you're looking for? Liza: (still mad) No, no it's OK... I got it (she puts the earrings on with some difficulty) Stupid earrings! Belinda, I think I should cancel this dinner thing. You and Edmund should be alone on that date. Belinda: Oh no, you don't!! You promised! Liza: You don't understand... having Tad and me at that same table with you guys is asking for trouble.... Belinda: I thought you and Tad were doing great.....?? Liza gives Lindy a disabused look. CUT to Tad and Edmund are having drinks at the Valley Inn bar. Tad keeps looking around nervously. Edmund: ...So how are things between the two of you? Tad: (unconvincingly) Good, you know... Edmund: Hmm... sounds like trouble in paradise. Tad: No, no I wouldn't say trouble.... Hell, I wouldn't say paradise! It just... (long pause) Edmund, I just don't know what to do.... I feel like some 15 years old kid. A frustrated 15 years old kid! Edmund: I'm lost. Tad: Join the club. Things are (pause) tense between Liza and me. To say the least. Edmund: Oh? Tad: ...And I just want to apologize in advance for what ever fight Liza and I will get into tonight. Edmund: Why so much tension? Work? Tad: It has nothing to do with work.... I mean, even though all we do these days is argue about work... Edmund: Sex? Tad: How did you know? Edmund: Other than the fact that it's written all over your face? Call it instinct. Tad: It's been so long since I have had a relationship like that. Edmund: So you, guys haven't.....? Tad: In a long, long, loooong.... long time. CUT to the office, Belinda is waiting while Liza is chewing up some poor delivery boy. She slams the door afterward. Belinda: Well I'm glad I am not in your path. Liza: I'm sorry, Belinda. Belinda: Are you OK? You seem tense. Is something wrong between you and Tad? Liza: No. Tad and I are perfect. ... <sighs> No I'm lying, I'm ready to.... to explode! I just don't know what to do. I haven't had that type of relationship since I was 15 years old. Belinda: What type? Liza: The type where all you do is date and talk. And do anything but what is really on your mind. Belinda: Which is? Liza: Sex. Belinda: (shocked) Are you saying that you and Tad haven't?... Liza: <sighs> Not since Mount Evangeline. Belinda: You're kidding...?? That was months ago!!! I mean it's kinda hard to imagine that you two haven't... I mean he lived at your house after the shooting and.... Liza: Last time I had a that long a sexless relationship, I was 15 and Jimmy Smith and I kept fighting all the time too. Belinda: Why? (Liza looks at her, confused) I mean why haven't you...? Liza: Well, it could be because we both know that this time, it would mean so much more. Belinda: And you're scared! Liza: More like terrified. Back to Tad and Edmund at the Valley Inn. Tad: The whole sex thing has gotten to a level of importance that you wouldn't believe... I think it scares us to death. Edmund: What is Liza saying about this? Tad: (embarassed) Well.... we haven't quite talked about this. Edmund: Nice way to avoid the subject. But I don't see what the problem is, you guys are totally in love with each other. Tad: Am I? I don't know, man. All we do is fight. Arguing, constant arguing. That sorta kills the mood. You know, I really thought this *just-dating* idea was good. It would get us settled.... Edmund: Just get it done, then. The minute she walks into this bar, just grab her and get a room upstairs. Tad: (putting in all the sarcasm he could muster) Maybe I could drag her by the hair too? Just for effect... Edmund: Somebody has to take the first step. My friend, you're waiting for the perfect moment, and it's never gonna come. Tad: I don't know about perfect... I do know I'm about to explode. Edmund: From what I had seen before with you two, the whole town is about to explode if you don't do something about this! Liza and Belinda finally arrive at the Valley Inn. Episode 50: The dinner Belinda: Hi! Liza: Hi! Sorry we're late. Edmund: You're here, finally!! Tad and Liza just stare at each other. Actually, Tad was closely gazing at that top button on her silk blouse. For a moment, Tad imagines himself ripping it to pieces on his way to one of the rooms upstairs. And a long awkward pause invades the bar. Edmund: (noticing the stares) Well, why don't all we go in, I think they've been waiting for us forever now... Belinda: What a great idea! (*thats a silly thing to say* she tells herself) Tad: (trying to find something to say) After you.... They walk inside the dining room and are lead to their table by the headwaiter. Tad: Thank you. (they all sit down) Belinda: I always feel a little bizarre in these fancy restaurants I never know what to chose... Tad in a daze finally decides to get up and walk straight over to Liza who is sitting across the table, she stands up to him, challenging him. He gives in with a passionate kiss. They quickly forget about the other guests in the room as he lifts her on the table. She wraps her arms around his body. With a swift swing of the arm, Tad pushes all the glasses and utensils off the table, breaking everything and kissing her neck..... Edmund: (trying to brake the ice and waking up Liza from her daydream) Belinda, Tad told me here that you have this huge, fascinating case happening right now.... (Tad and Liza still stare at each other still) Belinda: Well, Tad always exaggerates. Tad: I do not! Edmund: Yes, well it's not everyday that one gets to deal with a contract involving an important New York firm. Tad: (hitting himself on the forehead) New York! Damn it!! I forgot about that! I got to make a phone call (he looks for his cell-phone in his jacket). Belinda: Anything important? Tad: Yes, well, I got this phone call from Tracy Quartermaine today. And she agreed to do an interview for the documentary.(Liza gets an angry look in her eyes as he flags down one of the waiters, she didn't know about this) Edmund: The alleged mob-bosslady? Liza: (to Tad, ignoring everyone) Why wasn't I told about this? Tad: Liza, I know exactly how you feel about this, but thats not going to stop me! Liza: (annoyed) It's my documentary too! Hell, it's my company!! Tad: It's my case...! Liza: (sarcastically) Right! The one where you showed up at my door with a bullet in your chest!! Tad: Well, at least I did not run away from it!! Belinda: (trying to change the subject) Maybe we could order some appetizer...? What do you think? Edmund: Great idea! Liza: (raising her voice) I'm not going to stand here while you go and get yourself killed!! Tad: Well, you could just sit here then, 'cause I'm going. Liza: (getting madder) It's too dangerous! Belinda: (uneasy and looking at the menu) I hear the foie gras here is fabulous! Tad: (to Liza) No, it's not! Tracy Q is not that stupid. And it's an once in a lifetime opportunity! And our piece needs that kick!! Liza: Right, it's *our* piece! *Our* piece! I have a right to have a say about it. I thought we agreed on this one thing? Tad: GREAT! Now you had your say!! I'm still going!! Edmund: The foie gras is wonderful, though oysters are my favorites. Liza: (to Tad) Not without me, you're not!!! Belinda: Oysters! What a great idea! (to the waiter) I'll have sex.... eh... I mean six. (embarassed) Half a dozen. Tad: FINE! Liza: FINE!! Edmund: O....kay, so I guess we agree. Oysters all around. I hear they're great for your sex life.... (everyone at the table finally pay attention to Edmund). Tad: Edmund, I'm sorry.... we didn't mean to get into this argument.... Liza: Don't apologize for me!!! Tad: (exasperated) Is that it?? I can't win, can I?... Do we have to do this, every... Single..... Minute? Belinda: Argumentative. Tad: See, even Belinda agrees with me! Liza: Don't put her in between!! Edmund: (still amused) We should definitely order something. Belinda: (tired) I agree. Episode 51: This thing called love It's evening at the Valley Inn dining room. Roger Thorpe and Adam Chandler are having a business meeting. Adam: I admire your persistence, Thorpe. You want to tell me exactly why you would want my station? Roger: It makes a lot of business sense to me. It's important to have a base on the East coast. Just as it's important for you to have a base in the mid-West. I just happened to own two stations there. Adam: (he smiles slyly) Your interest in my business is really touching, Thorpe, but you can forget about it. WRCW holds a special place in my heart. Roger: Well I'm sure it keeps you warm at night (smile) but... I'm also certain that Holly is also keeping you up at night, but not in a good way (for the first time Adam flinches, Roger touched a nerve). Adam: You wish. Roger: I know her, Adam, I know how she gets, how she demands things, especially where the tv business is concerned. Always scheming, she's a pain in the butt.... I'll bet you this dinner that she stays up at night thinking of ways to topple you. Adam: You're already buying this dinner. And since you know her so well why would you want anything to do with her and her management? Roger: It's personal. Adam: (he smiles) Oh.... Holly: (just walking in) Am I interrupting something, Brutus? Roger: (getting up to be polite, but mostly to be eye to eye with Holly, they make eye contract, Holly is flinches first and looks away) Hol, nice to see you.... (Adam notices the temperature of the room raised by a few degree with Holly in the room). Adam: Would you like to join us? (he smiles) Since this little meeting also concerns you... (Roger gives Adam a worried look, he wanted to keep the element of surprise on his side). Holly: Don't mind if I do. Adam: Good. Waiter! (he snaps his finger, the waiter comes) Get us your very best bottle of champagne! Waiter: Yes, sir. Adam: (smiles, looking at both Roger and Holly, staring each other down) Wonderful, we have lots to celebrate. Holly: Really? Adam: Yes, I'm getting a new station. A very profitable one in the mid-West. Springfield to be exact (Holly gets angry at the mention of her old station). And you, (he looks at Holly) my dear, are getting a new partner. (Hollys jaw drops to the floor, Roger tries to hide his surprise) Congratulation, Mr Thorpe, WRCW is 75 percent yours. (Adam laughs as he drinks his champagne) CUT to Same evening. In New York. In a hotel room on Manhattan. Liza unlocks the door of her room, followed by Tad. They both have their heads down. Liza looks depressed. Liza: (dropping the keys on the bed) Could this thing have gone any worse?? Tad: It wasn't that bad! (unconvinced) Liza: (she finally looks at him) Tracy Quartermaine refused to answer any question outside of the weather report! It can't go worse than that... Tad: So she wasn't very cooperative... Look at least we have *that* on tape! Liza: It's a complete disaster!!! We have nothing! Nada!! How are we supposed to edit a documentary with nothing in it??? I can see it now: 50 minutes of dead air... that should get us an Emmy. Tad: We have.... *stuff*... That testimony from the guy who shot me... Liza: (talking to herself) Maybe we're just not cut out for documentaries... Tad: Don't say that! Liza: I wish we could be doing one of those talk shows... Tad: (spying that little very sensitive spot on Liza's neck, he fantasizes about stroking it) hmmm ... That may not be that far off. Liza: (she turns to him) What are you talking about? Tad: Roger.... He's negociating to get WRCW. Liza: (shocked) What??? Tad: (suddenly noticing the bed) He told me a few weeks ago... Liza: A few week??? Why wasn't I told about this???? Tad: It slipped my mind. (trying to get Liza off the subject) ...Liza? Liza: (ignoring him) I mean, it's not like it's a big secret or anything... if he gets the station, that changes everything. What else are you not telling me??? Tad: (with a slight hesitation, defensively) Nothing. Liza: You're hiding something! Tad: No! Liza: You had that tone... Tad: (trying to hide his guilty conscience, maybe he should have told her about Roger being her father?) What tone? Liza: That tone, that guilty tone.... Tad: (changing the subject, he gets closer to her) I think you're forgetting the most important thing. Liza: ... Holly! Boy, this is really going to piss her off (she rejoices) Tad: Liza! Liza: (she starts to pace the floor) No, really.... Tad: (he screams) LIZA! Liza: What??? Tad: I love you but sometimes you talk too much!! Liza: I do not!!.... (she thinks as he smiles at her, inviting her) You love me? (he nods yes) Tad: Dance with me ... (he approaches her, she's surprised by the request, he takes her hands gently. Suddenly the rest of the world disappears to her as she drowns herself in his blue eyes, and they dances slowly, without a sound in the room. Eye to eye. He was trying to capture, to memorize every details of the moment, her eyes, her clothes, her perfume). Liza: So this is it?? (she smiles) Tad: (he smiles back, nodding) Ironic, isn't it? Here we are in New York City.... Just like our very first time, years ago. Getting a second chance to do it right.... (slowly, methodically unbuttoning her blouse, kissing her neck) We're alone....(kiss) in the greatest city in the world... (kiss) we have this hotel room (kiss), this great big bed (kiss), no kids, no interruptions...(he loses himself in her body) Oh...... You are so beautiful... Liza: I love you, Tad Martin...(he still kisses her neck) Yes, there.<sighs of delight> He smiles as he touches that little spot on her shoulder, feeling her body relax and tremble at the same time, his hands running through her body. Her fingers soon gets to his shirt, unbuttoning it ever so gently. They fall on the bed. Making love by the lights of the city and the moon. to Van Morrison's 'Moondance': "Well it's a marvelous night for a Moondance With the stars up above in your eyes A fantabulous night to make romance Neath the cover of October skies And all the leaves on the trees are falling To the sound of the breezes that blow And I'm trying to please to the calling Of your heart-strings that play soft and low And all the nights magic seems to whisper and hush And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush Can I just have one a more Moondance with you, my love Can I just make some more romance with you, my love Well, I wanna make love to you to-night I can't wait till the morning has come And I know now the time is just right And straight into my arms you will run And when you come my heart will be waiting To make sure that you're never alone There and then all my dreams will come true, dear There and then I will make you my own And everytime I touch you, you just tremble inside And I know how much you want me that you can't hide." Episode 52: Sex, sex, sex!! New York City. Morning. The hotel room was in a complete mess, with clothes everywhere, platters of food on the floor and the empty king-sized bed quite undone. But all was quiet. Liza and Tad were sleeping on the sofa next to the window, cover by nothing except for a very light bed cover. Liza had her head resting on Tad's bare chest. Slowly, very slowly Tad started to hug her a little tighter, stroking her naked back. His eyes still closed, he smiled. The sun had started to pour inside the room when he finally opened his eyes. He felt well rested, peaceful: not that he had any sleep that night. And he knew why right away when he finally set his eyes on her. It had been the kind of night that a man could remember for the rest of his life. Tad could picture himself at 100, smiling just thinking about that night in New York City. Liza was waking up too. She did her best to snuggle closer and closer to him, kissing his chest. Tad in return kissed the top of her head. Liza: (her eyes still closed) Good morning. Tad: (giggling) Is it morning already? (looking around the room) How did we end up here, anyway? Liza: You don't remember? Tad: (his eyes light up) Oh yeah! (they laugh) Liza: (looking up, eyeing the messy hotel room) Boy, this place is a mess. (she laughs) Tad: (giggling) We'll have to leave a really good tip (they both laugh).... God, I love your laugh! (he pulls her chin to him and lands a small kiss on her lips) I love you. Liza: Me too, I mean, you're not so bad yourself. Tad: (sitting up a little bit, resting his back on the arm of the sofa, she follows him, her head on his chest) Well.... (he smiles thinking about the night) I may not be 17 anymore but..... Liza: Must be the New York air. Tad: We inhaled it too many times. Liza: Over and over. And over. (she smiles at him, he grins back) Tad: And over. <sighs> (feeling very comfortable, hugging her) Ah! this feels soooo ... right. Liza: I guess all those months of frustrations finally paid off (she laughs). Tad: (giggling) I guess........<he sighs> lets not do that again. Ever. Liza: Deal! (she kisses him to seal the deal and he answers back with passion, she gets the message loud and clear and stops the kiss to look straight into his eyes, he smiles) Tad: (a laugh in in voice) You know I have no blood in my head, right now. Liza: (smiling, understanding him, pleased with herself) I know..... I wonder what time it is... Tad: (he stretches his neck to check the clock on the wall) Eight. Liza: When is our train leaving? Tad: Noon. Check out time is 11. Liza: (she flashes a smile) I'll race you to the shower (and she's off and running).... Tad: Oh no, you don't! (he runs after her right into the shower.....) ======== The week following the return from New York was very intense for Tad and Liza as they saw no one but each other, no matter where they were or who they were with. Their thoughts always brought them back to each other and sex. And so, she would spend all her nights and days at his place while Jamie was with Brooke and Marty with Adam. When they did go out (more like forced to go out), they could hardly keep their hands off each other. They felt like a couple of teenagers in love who just discovered sex. And liked it. A lot. CUT to The Valley Inn on a Friday night. It's Phoebes birthday bash and the birthday girl has invited the entire town to celebrate. Liza was early and looked magnificent in her black dress. She checked inside the private dining room to see if she could spot Tad. He wasn't there, she pouted. Tad was supposed to pick up Jamie at Brookes right before the party. Jamie is spending the weekend with his father. And Petra was babysitting for him tonight. Liza felt a little sad, she was going to wake up without him tomorrow morning. Belinda spies her from the bar. Belinda: Well, hello stranger! Liza: (lost in her thoughts of Tad) Belinda?? Hi, I didn't see you. Belinda: Obviously. What's happening, girlfriend? We haven't seen you since.... well quite a while... Liza: (laughing awkwardly) Well, you know things have been kind.... busy. Belinda: (puzzled) Is that good or bad? (Tad enters the bar dressed in his black tux, Liza spots him right away, he smiles at her) Liza: (in a fog) It's the documentary... hmm, excuse me... Belinda: (noticing the sparks in the room, smiling - to herself) Of course, it is! Liza walks right over to Tad, grasping for air, desperate for his touch. He kisses her intensely, enough to attract the other guests attention. Edmund walks over to a smiling Belinda. Edmund: I guess they settled their differences. Belinda: Ain't love grand? CUT to Tad and Liza right after the kiss. They feel like theyre all alone in the world. Liza: (softly) Hi. Tad: (stroking her arms and shoulder) Hi. Sorry I'm late... you look amazing! (undressing her with his eyes) Liza: You like? Tad: (whispering in her ears) Love it. Wish I could take it off right now. Let's blow this joint and find ourselves a room, I hear you can get one right here. Liza: I know... but I don't think your parents would be too happy with another disappearing act. Tad: Pretty please!! (he kisses her gently as Jacob and Angie enter the room). Jacob: (teasing them) Oh! Will you two get a room, already!?! Tad: See, he agrees with me. (Liza starts to giggle as Ruth and Joe enter the room right behind Jacob and Angie) Ruth: (slightly sarcastic) Tad! Liza! How nice of you to join us. Joe: Ruth and I were starting to worry, we thought maybe aliens kidnapped you two or something.... (Liza and Tad smile politely) LATER that evening. Tad and Liza are slow dancing, head to head. While Phoebe's dining table is busy with well-wishers, gossiping away, all eyes are on the newest couple in town. Dimitri: When did this happen? Belinda: By my calculation, about 20 years ago... Hayley: This is nice. They look so in love. I'm happy for Liza, she's been through a lot. They both have. Enid Nelson: Well if you ask me, this public show of *affection* is quite inappropriate. Really, the gall... if you'll excuse me, I need to get some fresh air. (she leaves) CUT to Tad and Liza, dancing, slowly, naturally, they find themselves on the terrace. Tad: <sighs> This is nice. You know I wanted to do this for a long time now. Liza: How long? Tad: Junior High. The prom. There was this song... *Love hurts*... I wanted to ask you so much for that dance but that Jimmy guy got there before I did... and I chickened out. Liza: Feels like a century ago. (long pause while they both enjoy their touch) Tad: <sighs> The weekend is going to be pure torture, you know that? Liza: You could come to my house with Jamie. I'm sure he'd love to play with Marty... Tad: <pouting> Yeah, I guess... but it's not the same thing... Liza: (she giggles) No, it's not. Tad: And I promised Jamie to take him to that new cartoon movie. Liza: A dad's got to keep his promises! Tad: ... That's 3! Count them three mornings without you next to me when I wake up. (a hint of despair in his voice) I'll never make it... Liza: (she kisses him gently on the lips and smiles at him) Maybe I could give you something to remember me by... She starts to undo his bow tie, pulling him towards her on the edge of the terrace up to the bushes close by. She had a smile that betrayed every dirty thoughts in her head. Tad could read her mind like an open book. Once hidden away in the bushes, against the wall of the restaurant, they started to kiss passionately. She automatically went for his belt, unbuckling it as fast as she could. Meanwhile his hands were travelling up her thigh, quickly her legs went to his hip, he wanted her, now.... Liza: Oh my (she smiles)... And suddenly a noise startled them. Enid Nelson: Oh my Goodness!!!! (she runs off, shocked beyond belief, her face red as a cherry). Looking in Enid's direction, Tad and Liza start to laugh.... Tad: Maybe we should get that room now, before the police shows up... Liza: (laughing) Good idea... Episode 53: Troubled waters It's the Monday morning after Phoebe's party in Pine Valley and Tad is sleeping alone in his room. He's slowly waking up and reaching out for the person next to him, coming up empty. Liza wasn't there and her absence woke Tad up. Finally, he opens his eyes. The first thing he sees is the alarm clock. 6:30, he sighs. The phone rings. Tad: (still groggy) Hmmm.... Hello.... Liza (on the other line): (coyly) What are you wearing? Tad: (he smiles) ...And a good morning to you too, Ms Colby. Liza: I wanted to be the first person you talk to this morning. Did I succeed? Tad: Yes. Liza: Good. How did you sleep? Tad: Badly. I miss you. Liza: Me too. That bed was too darn cold. Too big, too. Tad: I know the feeling. <sighs> What's up this morning? Liza: (her voice getting lower and lower) I was hoping you would tell me that... Tad: (he giggles) God, you have the sexiest voice... Liza: (her voice getting raspier, still) How good are you at phone sex, exactly? Jamie: (from his room) DAD!!! I'M HUNGRY!! Liza: Jamie? Tad: (disappointed) Yeah... Will you be at the office this morning? Liza: Petra is coming in 9 to babysit Marty. I'll be there at 9:30. Tad: Good. I have to drive Jamie to school with his buddies, I should be there at 9:30 too. Liza: Can't wait! I love you. Tad: Love you too. (They hang up at the same time) Jamie: (entering his room) Dad, can I have pancakes this morning? Tad: Jamie, good morning. Jamie: Good morning. Can I have pancakes? Tad: Sure... You're sure up early, are you OK? Jamie: I'm fine. The phone woke me up. Tad: Oh.... sorry about that. Jamie: It's OK. Was it Liza? Tad: Yes, yes it was.... James, can I ask you a question? Jamie: Sure. Tad: How would you feel if Liza would come and live here, with us. I mean if she and I got married? Jamie: Would Marty live here too? Tad: Of course. Jamie: Cool, it'd be just like when she lived here before... Tad: Sort of. Only more so. Jamie: Good. I like Liza. Tad: You got good taste, kiddo. Jamie: I know. Can I have pancakes, now? CUT to LAD Production offices. 10:00. Liza's on the phone, sitting on her desk. Liza: Are you sure about this? (listening) Well, good, I guess, we can use that... (Tad enters the office and their eyes lock right away. Tad smiles. Liza smiles - still on the phone) um-hmm, yes.... I understand. (her eyes follow Tad around the little office) Good, Rudy? I got to go... hmm? Yes, I'll tell him... Thank you. (she hangs up, getting up from the desk - to Tad very softly) Hi. Tad: (he gets to his desk) Hi. Sorry, I'm late. Liza: (slowly, she approaches him) It's all right. That was Rudy on the phone. Tad: (shyly, he almost runs away from her) Oh...? Liza: (staring at his lips) Yes, he said that some of the footage we took in New York will work out great. Tad: (his eyes lands on the top button on her blouse) Thats good. I mean Rudy's got good taste. Good instinct. Liza: Yes, he does... She finally grabs him, pulling him to her by the jacket. He wraps his arms around her frame, pulling her deep into his embrace. She runs her hands across his back and into his hair. His hands continue to explore her quivering body, unbuttoning any button his fingers could find... Their breathing quickens as their passion intensifies... Liza maneuvers him toward her desk. He grasps her butt with both hands and lifts her onto the desk. Pleased to feel his excitement, Liza reaches to undo his belt buckle. She pulls out of their kiss and moves her mouth to his neck... And then, a knock at the door stops them cold. They stare at the door, shocked. The knocking restarts. Tad: (whispering) Shttt!!! Don't make any noise, they'll go away. I locked the door. Roger: (through the door) Liza!? Tad!? Are you in there?? Tad: (disappointed but still whispering) Roger... Let's just stay still, he'll go away. Liza: (trying to keep her voice down) He's our money man, Tad!! Tad: (closing his eyes, defeated) Fine. (screaming at the door, while Liza fix herself up best she could) COMING ROGER! JUST A SECOND... (Tad buckles back his belt but leaving his shirt outside his pants). After giving Liza one last look (she's a mess but Tad's not too keen on hiding the obvious), Tad finally opens the door to Roger who at a first glance guesses right away what he just interrupted. He gives Tad a sympathetic, amused smile and a loving gaze at Liza who was trying her best to look nonchalant. Meanwhile Tad looked guilty as hell, smiling shyly. Tad: (slightly sarcastic and still a little out of breath) Unca Rog!... What a surprise... Roger: (he enters the office noticing every signs of interruption: the hair out of place, the clothes wrinkled, the papers on the floor) Sorry to barge in like this, but I have great news. Get ready for that new talk-show, kids: the FCC just approved my WRCW take over. Liza: (happily) They did?!!? (Tad lowers his head, beaten) That was fast! Roger: As of today, I'm the boss. Liza: That's wonderful news! Roger, congratulations (she gives him a hug)! Tad: (unconvinced) Yes, wonderful. Roger: So pack up, we're going to the big show... Your old office is waiting for you, Tad. (Tad looks grim). Tad: Well, I don't know... Liza: (shocked by his reaction) Tad?? Tad: (to Liza) We need to discuss this (her eyes are one big question mark). Liza: What's to discuss? We'll take our old office, our old talk-show... Tad: I don't know if we should step back in that direction. I like it here. Roger: Maybe I should leave you two to talk it over... Tad: Thank you. Roger: I'll be in touch. (he leaves) Liza: Tad?? What was that all about? Tad: I just don't think we should do this. Liza: Why? Tad: Holly. Liza: (defiant) I'm not afraid of her. Tad: Well, maybe that's why I'm worried. I mean she's not going to take this laying down. What if she tries to break us up? Liza: It's not going to happen. She can't win. Tad: What if... she brings back an old boyfriend of yours to get between us or she gets ......?? Liza: (interrupting) There's nothing that she can do to us. Nothing. I love you. I know that you love me, I trust you with my life, with my son's life! Nothing can change that, not even Holly Colby-Thorpe. She gives Tad a reassuring hug while he gets a worried look on his face. Episode 54: The return It's Monday morning, one week after Roger Thorpe announced that the FCC approved his WRCW buy. Tad and Liza are in her bed. Marty was at Adams over the week end and Tad had brought back Jamie to Brooke the night before. They were alone in her house since Marian has been spending more and more time with Stuart. Tad is the first one to wake up. His first instinct is to watch Liza sleep next to him. He loves just doing that, not moving and just watching her breathe. Sometimes he would stroke her hair, trying best he could not to disturb her sleep. It's the morning of their move back to WRCW and he is very worried. He flashes back to the night of their first date when Roger came to visit him. Tad: Swapping stations? Roger: My shares of WSPR in Springfield for his WRCW shares. Tad: You're kidding?? Roger: It's not a done deal but.... Tad: Wouldn't it be simpler to just ask her out? Roger: Who? Tad: (sarcasm on) Mother Teresa... who do you think?.... Holly! Your ex-wife! My ex-boss! Geez Roger, you're playing with fire. Holly is not going to stand still for this. Roger: I can handle her. Tad: Oh really? That's good to know... Can you handle the grenade she's going to toss at Liza once she gets wind of this?? Roger: Holly has no ammunition. Tad: Yeah, right... At least, do a preemptive strike, tell Liza the truth. Roger: Thats not an option. That decision is Marians. BACK to Tad and Liza's bed: Liza finally wakes up, turning her head towards him. Tad: (grinning from ear to ear) Good morning, blondie. I love you. Liza: Hi. Love you too. (he kisses her sweetly) Have you been watching me long? Tad: It's my personal meditation ritual. It puts me at peace with the world. Liza: Glad to be of service. Did you sleep well...? Tad: As always. Making love to you does wonder to my sleep quality, if not the quantity. Liza: (sitting up on the bed, giggling) Oh... I know exactly what you mean... Tad: (kissing her) Yes, you do, don't you? Liza: So..... Today is the big day... Tad: Are you sure you want to do this? Liza: (without hesitation) Sure. Tad: Honey, I know that getting back to WRCW is a huge thing for you. I know what it means: *the triumphant return of Liza Colby!*, ready to conquer back her station but... getting back to the edge like that... it's dangerous. Liza: (in full tv exec mode) *Back to the Edge*!!, thats a good title! (she makes a note of it) Tad: Do we really need the hassle? Working with Holly?? Why not make a pact with the devil instead? Wed have an easier time of it... Liza: (still writing notes) Yes, but it wouldn't be as much fun to rub his nose in it. Now would it? Tad: But we're losing control of our company if all of our decisions are based on the way they would rub Holly the wrong way... Liza: (turning to Tad) I'm not going to let that happen, LAD Production's best interest is my first priority after Marty and you, of course (she kisses him)... What time is it? Tad: Eight. Liza: Oh God, we're going to be late!! (she rushes off to the bathroom, Tad looks at her with mixed feelings, admiring her drive and foreshaddowing the problems ahead) CUT to the Valley Inn's dining room. Roger is having breakfast and reading his morning paper. His thoughts bring him to his Springfield days with Holly when they were about to fully reconcile, right before she found out about Liza's paternity. **[Ed. Note: this is an actual Guiding Light scene, circa 1993-94 when Roger and Holly started to reconcile] [Flashback: Valentines day, Roger just gave her a card] Roger: Do you know how long and how desperately I have wanted you back? Not that I claim I have you. But, I do sleep in the room across from yours, I do breathe the same air you breathe. I see you first thing in the morning, last thing at night. Do you understand that I would give up anything for this chance you have, by some miracle, decided to give me. Do you think I was wrong? Holly (holding the paper heart): I might have jumped to conclusions. Roger: Do you like your Valentines gift? Holly (smiles and nods): I like it. (She hugs him) Back to the Valley Inn and a lost-in-his-thoughts Roger, he sighs. Holly: (angrily but calmly) You bastard, you think you can get away with this?? Roger: (calmly drinking his coffee, smiling) Holly? Nice to see you too, I like that my partners are up and early on the job. Good for productivity. Holly: I'm not going to stand for this, Roger. I will not stand there and do nothing while that little bastard of yours works at my station. Roger: I believe it's *my* station. Well, 75 percent of it. Holly: Get this, you arrogant jerk, I'm going to crush her. Roger: That would be unwise. And besides, Liza would never believe you, how could she? Your credibility is nil. And you have no proof. Holly gives Roger a knowing smile and turns her back to bump into surprised Marian. Holly just looks at the two of them and walks away, looking very angry. Marian: That woman gives me the creeps. Roger: She's just mad at me, Marian, because I just acquired WRCW... Can I offer you a coffee? Marian: (she sits down) Holly is up to no good. Roger: Holly is irrational maybe. But she can't hurt us, Marian, I promise you. Marian: She knows. Roger: She has no proof. Marian: It's easy for you to say, you have nothing to lose. Roger: I have plenty to lose, Marian: A budding relationship with Liza, not to mention what all this would do to my other daughter, Chrissie. But.... again, there's no proof: no DNA evidence, no birthmarks, just a few vague letters and some old pictures. And Liza will never trust or believe Holly as a source. All we need to do is to stay cool and collected, and everything will be fine... Marian: I swear you'd like nothing more than.... You want this to blow up in our face, don't you!! Roger: Then tell her yourself. Marian: You know I can't do that. She would hate me forever. She'd hate you too.... Roger: Then trust me, Holly can huff and puff all she wants but in the end, she has nothing that can destroy us. CUT to WRCW - Tad's old office. Liza and Tad enter the office, with Rudy following him. There's a *Welcome back Tad and Liza* banner on the wall. Liza: (giving Rudy a friendly kiss on the cheek) Thank you, Rudy... Rudy: My pleasure. We've all missed you around here... Tad: Wow! This is great! Liza: It hasn't changed much. Rudy: Well we tried to keep it as it was. Welcome back Liza, Tad... Tad: Thanks. Liza: Yes. Thank you again, Rudy. Rudy: If you need any help, just give me a call. Liza: Will do... (Rudy leaves) Tad: (looking around the office, excited and worried) This is really it! Liza: Feels like home already... Tad: Come here! Liza gives Tad a great big hug and they start to kiss as Holly walks by, leaving her with a bitter look in her eyes. Episode 55 Tad and Liza are busy at work. It's been a week since theyve come back to WRCW and theyre getting ready to go back to the air. *Back to the Edge* is the working title. Rudy is there, taking notes as Liza is pacing, bubbling with ideas while Tad is working at his desk about something else. Liza: (to Rudy) ... And remember to contact that sex doctor... What was her name??? Tad: (his noses still in his paperwork) Hayes. Liza: Right. Hayes. Mary Hayes. I hear she's pretty good. Rudy: Oh I know her, she can be very controversial. Liza: Good. Just what we need an exploding opening show. Tad: Figuratively, of course. Liza: (she turns to him, he's always so reasonable, she thinks) Of course. Rudy: Any thing else? Liza: Nope. Thats about it for now. Thanx, Rudy. (Rudy turns away and goes back to work, Liza turns to Tad, smiling, excited) ARGGGGH! This feels sooooooo good!! Have I told you this yet? Tad: Not since the last half hour. Liza: Hmm? I'm slipping (lurking at his work) What are you doing? Tad: Writing down a few ideas for the guests... How do you feel about sex at the office? Liza: (smiles) Well I wouldnt mind but I think auntie Holly took away the lock from our door so we wouldnt fool around. Besides if we pull down the shades people will start to gossip. Tad: (grinning) Not here, you silly! As a topic. For the show. Liza: (disappointed) Oh... Sounds good. Tad: As long as we're not too enthusiastic about it. Liza: (she moves towards him as he gets up) Yo're just making me nostalgic for our old office where we pretty much did (he smiles as he gives her a hug) everything that we wanted. Tad: Didn't I tell you that we would lose control? Liza: We weren't talking about that kind of control. Tad: Ah! Right.... Speaking of sleeping around, you know we're going to have to set this thing straight, running from your house to mine depending on where the kids are... Liza: I know (she gives him a peck on the cheek)... As soon as we're settled here, we'll deal with this... (she hesitates) this domesticity problem. Tad: Promise? Liza: Promise. Tad: (he looks at his watch) Which reminds me... I gotta go... Liza: Already? Tad: I'm meeting Jacob for lunch. Liza: At his place? Tad: I'll be back in an hour (he gets his jacket and kisses her gently on the lips) You want me to bring you back something for Jacob's? Liza: I'll be fine... My stomach is playing little tricks on me, today. Tad: (spotting Roger Thorpe from the corner of his eyes) Must be nerves... (Liza turns to Roger at that point) Right. (he leaves but not without giving a nudge to Roger) Roger: (entering the office) You look radiant. Business must be good. Liza: (trying to clean up the mess on her desk) It is. We're almost ready to go back on air. Two weeks, tops. Roger: Good. I didn't expect any less from you... (the atmosphere is getting a little uncomfortable, things are unsaid) Liza: So what brings you here, Roger? Outside of your obvious interest in your station... (he smiles) CUT to Jacobs LADder [ex-Holiday's] Jacob Foster is at his bar, on the phone. Tad enters in a hurry. Jacob: (to the phone) Never mind Rudy, he's here. (he hugs up, to talk to Tad) You're late. Tad: Sorry. The boss.... Jacob: (interrupting) I don't want to know about your sex life, Martin! Tad: Since when? Jacob: How are things at TVLand? Tad: You mean *Holly*World? ... As well as I could expect... so far... the former Mrs Thorpe hasn't really made any noise yet. So that's good, right? Jacob: Why would she? I mean unless she's completely nuts... Tad: She's not. She just has a very long memory... Jacob: Wanna fill me in? Tad: Nah! Nothing to report... (he thinks) You and Angie, you're doing fine, right? Jacob: We're fine. Tad: Good (pensive, he pauses) Let me ask you a hypothetical question..... What if... what if you knew something... something that you know doesn't really matter... but still it could really important, something basic about Angie.... something that might hurt her and more people around her.... Jacob: Could you be more vague? Tad: Nah! Forget it! Jacob: What? Tad: It's nothing. Jacob: O....kay? Are you keeping secrets from Liza? Tad: No! I'm not... I mean it's not mine to hide. Jacob: Cause if you are, you will be in deep doo-doo once it hits the fan.... BACK to WRCW, Liza and Tad's office. Roger: I was just thinking... what an amazing job your parents did with you! Look at you, all grown up and happy, doing exactly what you want with your life. I'm proud of you, Liza. You're a force to be reckoned with. Liza: (taken by surprise) Well thank you, Roger. Roger: No, I mean it... I remember when you were a little girl, when we first really met.... Liza: The first Christmas with Chrissie? Roger: Right... (he looks at her lovingly) You were five and *very* determined. You had this plan for the night before Christmas with some friends of yours and were determined not to let Holly and I ruin them. And you won... Liza: I was such a brat! Roger: Your parents did the right thing by not squashing that will. That stubborn streak. I'm glad. (his tone gets sadder, the truthfulness of his words brings a tear to his eyes) You know, I always thought Larry Colby was a much better father than I could ever be. Liza: (worried) Is something wrong? Is it Chrissie? Roger: (gives Liza a sad reassuring smile) No. No. I'm just going away for a little while, on business and I just came to say good bye. Liza: Business? Just business? Roger: Back in Chicago. I probably won't be there for your premiere... Liza: Is that all? Are you sure? Roger: Absolutely. Besides, I have nothing to worry about here, you and Tad are the best partners any true businessman can have. Unfortunately I can't say quite the same about this thing in Chicago and I have to be there, personally. Liza: Anything I can help you with? Roger: (he smiles, what else can he expect from his daughter) Nah! It's not *that* bad but I have to leave (he takes her hands in his, and puts them on his heart). Liza: Well if you need anything? We're just a phone call away. Roger: I'll keep this in mind (he gives her a fatherly kiss on the cheek). Gives little Marty my love. Liza: Of course. Roger exits sadly, leaving Liza perplexed and a bit confused. On the other side of the window, on the edge of the studio Holly observed the whole father/daughter scene, her eyes getting madder and madder. She heads for Liza's office quickly. She closes the door behind her as Liza turns, surprised to see her. Holly: Liza, dear... I think you and I have things to discuss. Episode 56: Holly knows best Back at Jacobs restaurant. Tad talking to his friend Jacob Foster. Tad: Let me ask you a hypothetical question... What if... what if you knew something... something that you know doesn't really matter... but still it could really important, something basic about Angie.... something that might hurt her and more people around her.... Jacob: Could you be more vague? Tad: Nah! Forget it! Jacob: What? Tad: It's nothing. Jacob: O....kay? Are you keeping secrets from Liza? Tad: No! I'm not... I mean it's not like theyre mine to keep. Jacob: Cause if you are, you will be in deep doo–doo once it hits the fan.... Marian: (interrupting) Tad, darling, may I speak with you? Tad: Speaking of deep doo–doo.... hello Marian. Marian: Yes, well, have you seen Liza lately?... I know it's a silly question, I'm sorry, but it just that I need to talk to my daughter. I haven't been able to since you are keeping her way too busy... Jacob: (sensing a personal matter coming up, he moves away from them) Excuse me... Tad: (looking at a run–away Jacob, feeling abandoned – to Marian) Are we talking about a full confession here? Marian: Of course not, darling... how could I explain to Liza such a thing? She adored her father. I could never do that to her. Tad: Marian, no matter what you think, she's not going to stop loving Larry or you because of this! Marian: No. But she will hate me. Tad: She will never hate you. She never could. And you did her a lot of bad things, Marian. She might get mad at you for a while but.... Marian: She will hate me for the rest of her life... Tad: She'll forgive you. She'll get mad and then, she'll forgive you, you just have to be patient. Marian: But if I don't tell her... Tad: (interrupting) Someone else will. Trust me on this. And *then* she will never forgive you. You have to come clean. And I mean now, cause I don't know how long Holly will keep that little secret of yours. Marian: She knows nothing. Tad: She knows plenty. She's just waiting for the right time to drop her bomb. You have to tell Liza the truth, now. Marian looks worried. CUT to the station. Holly is at the door of Tad and Liza's office just after Roger left Liza. Holly: Roger just left? Liza: (surprised, Hollys voice gives her the creeps) Holly? I'm sorry, I didn't see you.... I mean... Holly: No, it's all right... Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Liza: It's all right. It's *your* station, right? Holly: (ironically) Right. I just wanted to talk to you, Liza.... for quite a while, actually. Liza: Well if it's about the shows budget, it was cleared with Roger... Holly: (sincere) No actually, I wanted to.... apologize.... Liza: Apologize? Holly: I know, coming from me it seems a bit farfetched, but I've come to realize certain things over the last few weeks... Liza: (skeptical) Oh... like.... Holly: Like you're not to blame.... (she stops herself, thinking over her move in a long pause) Look, Roger is so good at manipulating people, at getting what he wants... He has been keeping you in the dark forever and it's not your fault... Liza: Roger has been nothing but honest with me. Holly: No. No, he hasnt. Liza: There's nothing you can say Holly... Holly: My credibility is probably at it's lowest point right now... Liza: (laughing) You have none, Holly. There's nothing you could say that I would believe. Holly: I know, but maybe you would believe some cold hard facts (she hands Liza a file)... This file is about Roger. And Marian. It's something that I have compiled over the last few years, it's about your father... Holly is trying to stay as neutral as possible, but as she spoke she began to feel a little sympathy for Liza. Liza: My father? Your brother is dead and buried, how low can you go, Holly? Beating up on your brother? Holly: (shaking her head) This isn't about Larry. It's about Roger... Roger is your father. Liza: (laughing) You want me to swallow this???? Holly: (ignoring Liza's denial) In Chicago, years ago I picked up some clues; pictures and letters send by Marian about you, about how you were growing up. I also recalled times after Larry died, when Rog would travel and meet his *niece* by *accident*, by *coincidence* (as Liza recalls those visits, her defense falls apart) in college or at a new job or a convention. Hell, *he* was the one who insisted that I hire you in Dallas! Did you know that? Liza: Your paranoia is really amazing!!! Holly: Oh I have proof! DNA proof. Recent DNA tests. There's no way you and I can be related... Liza: I don't remember going thru any test, Holly! Holly: I have ways. When I first came back and I visited your house, I picked an hairbrush of yours.... Liza: This is sick! Holly: The DNA test was negative. we are not related. Not by a long shot. You are not my brother's daughter. You can't be. Liza: (jokingly) Maybe you were adopted and no one told you.... Holly: I had the same test done with Rogers DNA, Liza.... It's a perfect match. He's your biological father, not Larry. Liza: No! You're making this up! Holly: Didnt you find it weird that uncle Roger was never around when Larry was alive? I mean you never heard from him or saw him for years. Liza: You came for Xmas when I was 5.... Holly: (she nods her head, recalling) ....And Roger was in awe of you, I remember. He never returned to Pine Valley after that. Liza: That doesn't mean anything... Holly: (continuing her speech) ...And then suddenly after Larry died, Roger was everywhere in your life??? At your graduation! Helping you getting that first job in television in Baltimore! Applauding you when you made that first presentation at the afiliate convention! I thought at first, well *maybe he's taking an interest in you because you wanted to be in television too*. Or he was taking pity on this fatherless child. After ignoring you all those years.... it didn't make much sense until I found those pictures and Marians letters in his office in Chicago. Thats why I left him, because of the lies, <sighs> a lifetime of lies... Theyve been lying to you all your life, Liza. They had this deal; Marian gave Roger regular updates on your growing up and he would leave you alone. I guess Larrys death and your falling out with Marian made the deal null and void. ....I'm sorry. Mostly, I'm sorry I took it out on you... Liza: I think you better leave. Holly: I understand... (she turns away)Keep the file.... I'm sorry. Liza turns to see Holly go as her eyes lands on the file. She picks it up, opens it with tears in her eyes and fear in her heart. LATER that day, Liza is alone in her house, she went home right after her conversation with Holly, stunned. She had just put down Marty for his nap, walking down the stairs with a strange, sad look in her eyes. Marian enters the house. Their eyes meet. Episode 57 Liza just put Marty to sleep. Alone in her house she's reflecting on her life and Marian. [Real Flashback scene at the PV Hospital after Liza had her first sonogram of Marty in the fall of 1997] Liza: (holding the sonogram picture).... I can't believe I'm going to be a mother. Marian: (teary) Oh Liza... Liza, please let me be a part of this childs life. I know I messed up your childhood and I so desperately want a second chance.... Marian enters the house. She doesn't know that Liza knows. Marian: Liza?? Darling, I've been looking for you all over town... Liza: (coldly) Where else would I be, mother? You know in the old days I would have gone to some bar... I guess that what a child does to your life... Marian: It's just... (noticing her mood) I called, there was no answer.... Liza: (matter of fact, she could look into Marians eyes) I didn't feel like talking. Marian: Oh.... is something wrong, darling? Liza: (saying the first thing that pops into her mind) I was thinking... I remember when I was a little girl... how cold you were.... like I didn't exist.... always flying off to some man... Marian: Darling? whats wrong? Liza: Was it my fault? I mean, did you ignore me because I reminded you of him? Did you even love him? Marian: (confused) What? I don't.... Liza: (just sad) I always thought it was my fault when I was a kid... I figured I must have done something wrong... I mean I could see my school friends parents.... Even Tad and he was just a foster child but the Martins, they loved him and paid attention to him.... It was never like that at home... Marian: No, Liza.... Liza: (getting madder) Did daddy know? Was it why he was always a little distant? Always putting a wall between us.... He knew, didn't he? Marian: Your father loved you. Liza: (finally Liza looks directly at Marian) From afar??? (Marian looks shaken, she guesses that her secret is out) Hmm? Daddy knew, didn't he? He knew that my father, my *real* father was far away, didn't he? Marian: My God, Liza.... Liza: (screaming) DIDNT HE? (Marian cries) Marian: I tried to tell you, Liza... many times but..... Liza: I don't want to hear it. I don't want any tears. (her jaw clenched) Especially yours! And I don't want you to upset my son.... Marian: Liza, I can explain.... Liza: What's to explain? Hmm? That you lied to me all my life to save your butt? Your image? (ironic laugh) Your image??? Thats rich!!... guess what Liza, darling, your mother is a bigger slut that you ever thought possible! Marian: You can't mean that... Liza: Did Larry Colby know about you and Roger Thorpe? About my birth father? The room stays silent. Marian is still crying, softly. Liza: (angry) Well? Did he??? Marian: (admitting the truth for the first time, almost relieved) I don't know... he never said anything... I never talked about... Liza: Get out! (Marian protests) Get out!! Now. Marian pitifully goes back to the door, she turns to say something, but comes up empty. Liza: I'll send your things to the Valley Inn, or what ever hellhole that will have you... (coldly) Good bye, Marian. Liza closes the door on Marians face, turning her back and finally her face in her hand she starts to cry. All that work for nothing, her mother was still the same, and could not be trusted. Ever. Liza's world was falling apart. Who she was never was. She was lost. A knock at the door startles her. It was Tad. Liza opens the door with a sigh of relief, right away throws herself in his arms, getting that much needed hug from the only person she could trust. Tad: Hey! What's going on? I just saw Marian leave, she looked like a mess... what happened? Liza: (pulling back, trying to dry her tears, to appear stronger than she really was) Everything... She lied... Tad: (knowing exactly what happened) Oh, Liza... (he gets close to her, trying her best to console her) I'm sorry. Liza: Holly told me... she had a whole file on Roger and Marian, on how he was my father.... Tad: Sweet lord... (he sits her down) Liza: I didn't believe her at first but she had proofs... Boy, did she have proof! I don't know whats worst that daddy knew or that he didn't know.... Tad: I knew this would happen... Honey, you have to forget about this, it doesn't matter..... Liza: (interrupting) What do you mean you *knew* it would happened? You knew??? Tad: No... I... I found out about this a while ago... when I first went to Chicago to meet Roger.... Liza: (she gets up, moving away from him) You knew?? In Chicago? That was months ago, almost a year ago!!! You knew and you didn't bother to tell me... How could you???... Tad: I knew it would upset you and it wasn't my place.... Liza: (interrupting, more and more upset) And you lied... Something this important and you lied??? Tad: (he gets closer to her, trying to hug her) Please, Liza, listen to me. (she pushes him away, turning her back) I didn't lie, I just tell you something they should have a long time ago... Liza: (angry) You haven't change one bit!! You're the same old Tad, lying to me... (looking at him straight in the eyes with disdain) What's next Tad Martin, are you going to sleep with my sister now that I have one?? Hmmm? Tad: (trying to calm things down) It was never my secret to tell, Liza. I tried to make them to tell you but.... Liza: That was the one thing I knew for sure Tad, that you would never lie to me... instead you kept from me the biggest secret of all... Tad: I love you. Liza: (turning her back) I think you better leave. Tad: (pleading) Liza.... (Marty is crying in his room) Liza: (begging) Please leave. Tad: I'm sorry. (he leaves, she runs upstairs in tears to comfort Marty) Tad has his head against on the other side of the door, tears in his eyes. Tad: I'm sorry.... (he gets his cellphone out of his jacket and dials - mad) Thorpe?? (pause) She knows. (pause, annoyed) What do you think, you arrogant bastard? It's blown up in everyones face!! Especially Liza's! Now you cause this! And you will get your sorry butt out here and fix this! You hear!! Tad hangs up before anything could be said by Roger. Episode 58 Tad is in his office at WRCW, just staring at a piece of paper, trying to write something down, he does but right away he tears the piece of paper and throws it in the trash can. He misses his target, again. It's been a week since Liza learned of Rogers paternity and she's not answering any of his phone calls. So Tad decided to write to her, to explain his actions, without much success. He writes some more still without the right words, the paper is thrown away, missing by an inch Belinda who just entered the room. Belinda: Should I call the cleaning lady? Tad: (looking sad) Lindy! Hi. Belinda: Nothing still? Tad: Nope. Belinda: I'm sorry. Tad: So am I.... I keep calling and calling. I even called about business... she won't even talk to me about that! She calls Rudy who passes the message along to me. Belinda: She'll forgive you. Tad: I don't think so.... we had something very fragile, based on trust and I broke that trust. Belinda: You had extenuating circumstances... Tad: You sound like a lawyer.... not that there's anything wrong with that! Belinda: Maybe you need one? Tad: She's hurt. There's nothing anyone can do about this. Belinda: She needs you, she's just too stubborn to realize it. Let me talk to her... CUT to Liza's house. She just opened her door to Roger who just came back from his Chicago trip. Liza: Go away! Roger: I need to explain this. Liza: It's been a week! Who told you?? Hmm?...... No, forget it, I don't care.... Roger: You need to know this.... (he enters the house as he watches her turn her back to him) ....I was 17. Holly and I were apart. Her father didn't think much of me and influenced Holly out of my life. I was lonely, sad and heartbroken. And Marian, she was like me. She was alone in this suburbian life, a young vital, smart woman left alone by a husband too busy proving himself to his dominating father to notice her. We connected. We liked each other. We were weak. And it didn't last. Liza, crying, tries to hide her emotions. Roger: ...Soon Holly came back to me and that was that.... Or so I thought, until the day when at a family dinner, Larry announced proudly that Marian was pregnant with you. From the moment I saw Marians eyes, I knew that that child was mine. Marian never hid it from me. She never lied to me... Liza: Lucky you! Roger: We both decided that we would do what was best for the child. For you, Liza.... I was just a kid. So what was best was Larry. So I stayed away. I went to college, married Holly. Marian promised me to keep me up to date where you were concern and she did. Every month I would receive pictures, letters, even little drawings of yours. Momentos trying to fill a huge hole in my life. Roger tears up. Roger: When Holly gave birth to Chrissie, I thought this hole I was carrying in my life was finally filled. I could concentrate on my new–born daughter and be content. Thats when Holly and I finally return to Pine Valley, when you were 5.... Liza: Xmas.... Roger: I thought I could handle it. But I was wrong, I still wanted to be your father. I loved you... I love you. I was in awe of you... of how much you reminded me of myself, of the *best* part of me. Marian saw that and after a long talk, we agree that I should never see you again.... To protect you. Liza: So you abandoned me?? Roger: I did what I thought was right... Liza: My mother ignored me through out my childhood. When I was in grade school, shed make me wait for hours because she was too busy with.... whatever. And Dad, always distant...... I was like a bad reminder of what was wrong with them.... She... Roger: (he wanted to console her but knew she would reject him and so he continued his story) ...After Larry died, I realized that your life might not have been.... especially your relationship with Marian..... I decided right then that I was going to be a father to you. By my actions if not by name, I tried to be there. At your college graduation... I helped you get that first job in Baltimore, it was my way to be close to you... (he smiles) I was so proud of you! The happiest moments of my life were when you and I would talk business on the phone for hours... But I couldnt say anything.... for Hollys sake, for Chrissies.... and for yours. You loved Larry as your father and I had no right to take him away from you.... When last year, Tad came to me with this idea of a production company <sighs>... I knew that this was one more chance to make it up to you.... Unfortunately... (long pause) Honey, I wish all of this could have come out some other way, it was out of my hands.... I didn't know Holly would... Liza: Oh you knew, you knew perfectly well... (she turns to him and smiles sarcastically, the tears still showing on her cheeks) Now that youve put the blame squarely on my mother, that you explained yourself, you can go now, Roger. Roger: What ever I did, I did it because I love you, Liza. Liza: (sarcastically) Well... I feel so much better now! Go! Liza opens the door to push out Roger, to Belinda's surprise. Roger leaves, his head down. Belinda: (letting Roger go without a word) Bad timing. Liza: What's good timing? Come in, please. I'm sorry... Belinda: Don't be. Liza: (she slams the door) You know what they say, knowledge is power... well frankly sometimes, I think knowledge sucks. Belinda: What are you going to do? Liza: What can I do? Do you want some coffee? Some tea? Belinda: Coffee is fine (they head for the kitchen)... I just came from WRCW... Liza, Tad is not doing well. Liza: (wanting to sound as unfeeling as possible) Let me know if he's planning to dig up his P.I. Agency again.... Maybe he'll get shot again... Belinda: (they sit at the table) Why won't you talk to him? I would think that he is the one person that you need the most right now! Liza: He knew about this for months, Belinda! Belinda: You're not being fair. It was not his secret to tell. For months, he tried his best to convince Marian *and* Roger to tell you the truth. But it was not his decision to make. And you can't hold him responsible for the actions or inactions of others. He did his best.... Liza looks pale suddenly, nauseased. Liza: Excuse me...(she runs off upstairs, Belinda surprised, follows her) At Liza's bathroom door. Belinda: Liza?? Are you OK? Liza: (coming out of the bathroom, looking tired) No, I'm fine... Belinda: Honey, you don't look fine. Liza: It will pass... Belinda: (coming to a realization) Oh my.... you're not???? (Liza looks sheepish) You are?? Liza: Don't go there, Lindy! Belinda: Are you???? Liza: I don't know! OK? I don't know... I was about to take the test when Roger came by.... Belinda: Does Tad know that you could be...? Liza: (very serious) NO! And he won't.... Belinda: Oh Liza! More secrets?? More lies? Liza: And besides it might not even be *that*.... Belinda: He needs to know. Liza: Belinda, you have to promise me not to tell Tad about any of this... whether I am or not....(she hesitates) Belinda: Pregnant? Liza: Don't! Belinda: Somebody has to say it! Liza: Promise me, Belinda... Belinda: Fine, I won't tell. But only because it's not my secret to tell... But Tad has a right to know. Liza for the first time sees part of Tad's side of the story... Conclusion Tad's house. The living room. Tad is at his desk, on the phone. Tad: (to the answering machine) Liza? Please, pick up.... Look I'm sorry about everything. I'm sorry, I should have told you, I was wrong. Look, this is a very small town and we have to speak about this one of these days.... There's a knock at the door, Tad hangs up and heads straight for the door, hoping for a miracle. He quickly opens the door. It's Liza. Tad sighs in relief, just to see her. Not seeing her for a week was like missing an arm. Tad: Liza... Liza: (her eyes showing the burden of days of crying) Hi. Tad: Hi... Come in, please. Liza: (she enters, holding herself) I was.... It's just... (she turns to him) I miss my best friend (they hug as she breaks down). Tad: I know, sweetie, I know. I'm sorry. I should have told you. Liza: No, no, it's OK... I understand why... Tad: Oh honey, you do? Liza: I talked to, Belinda... Anyway, I can't hold you responsible for things that happened years ago... and besides I need you too much. Tad: (he sighs in relief) Oh Liza, you don't know how much I wanted to hear you say this. Liza: I need my best friend, and... I have to tell you something. Tad: Look, Liza, whatever you have to say, it's OK. I understand what you felt after that bomb that they dropped on you... Liza: Please, I need... Tad: (he takes her hands, interrupting again) I'll be there for you, no matter what. Liza: (getting the sentence out as fast as she possibly could so he would not interrupt again) I think I'm pregnant. Tad: (long pause, stunted, hesitating) What? Liza: I could be pregnant. Tad: Pregnant? As in... Liza: With a baby, yeah. Tad: Well, could be?.... You *think* you are? What does it means? Liza: Well, I'm late... by a few weeks now, and I've been nauseous for the last few weeks, like when I had Marty. Tad: But you haven't been tested? Liza: I brought a pregnancy test. Tad: Oh... Liza: You're upset. Tad: No! No! I mean... I'm in shock... I mean, how did...? Liza: The usual way... Tad: No, I mean, I thought weve been fairly careful as far as birth control... Liza: Well, I thought about that.... Tad: And? Liza: Well, there was those first times in New York, (Tad smiles remembering that night) then the train ride back home after that, oh and then that time in our old office, and at the Valley Inn, and.... Tad: (smiling, interrupting) All right! All right! So we weren't *that* careful... What do you want to do now? Liza: Take the test? Tad: Right. Liza: (she sees Tad sit down, a bit confused) Are you sure you're OK with this? Tad: I'm fine.... Wow! A baby? Liza: A little boy or a girl? Tad: (smiles) A little girl. Definitely a girl, lets face it, you and I, we're due... Jenny.... Liza: Lets not get ahead of ourselves here. Tad: Right. Liza: I'll go take the test... (she leaves) Tad: (he gets up) Liza? (she stops) I love you and nothing would make me happier than you have my child... Liza: I know. (she goes off) A few minutes later. Liza comes back. Tad is at his desk, writing down baby names nervously... Liza: We should know in a few minutes. Tad: (getting up to give her a big hug) We'll be fine. Liza: I don't know about that, Tad. I mean... how am I suppose to raise two kids when I don't know who I am?? Tad: Don't be silly. Liza: No, really... one minute I was Larry Colbys daughter and now, I'm.... Tad: You are still Liza Colby, smart, strong, determined, stubborn, loving.... The identity of your father doesn't matter. You are who you are, no matter what! It's a done deal. Liza: How would you know? Tad: I know. Trust me. Look if I had paid any attention to who my father was I'd be dead by now... Who your father is doesn't change a thing about you. Nor should it. Liza: Yes, but neither Larry nor Roger were Joe Martin. Tad: But none of them were Ray Gardner either! Liza: (not convinced) Lucky me. Tad: They both loved you no matter what, biology is really over-rated. Look at Marty and me, I love that boy as if he were my own flesh and blood.... And besides, you can't change anything about it, and you shouldnt let this interfere with your life now... You have your children to think about. Liza: Oh god, children! Tad: Marty is going to be one great big brother! Liza: So will Jamie. Tad: (nods in agreement) ...And of course you realize that this little Colby-Martin will be one heck of a hell-raiser. We'll have our hands full. Liza: Hey, I'm looking forward to the teenage years, if she's anything like us.... Tad: (he giggles) See! You think it's going to be a girl too!! Liza: You can forget about Jenny as a name, by the way... A timer rings out. Liza: (looking at the test from afar) This it it! Tad: (he hold her in his arms) I love you, no matter what, OK? Liza breaks away. She finally takes the test and looks at it, there's a long pause as Liza's face doesn't betray her feelings. Tad: Well? Liza: It's positive... We're going to have a baby.... The End...