VICTOR'S FOYER/EXT. JOHN IS STANDING OUTSIDE THE DOOR, LOOKING UNCOMFORTABLE IN A BUSINESS SUIT. HE RINGS THE BELL, AND THE DOOR IS ANSWERED BY VICTOR.

JOHN: How's it goin'?

VICTOR: Fine, fine. Come in, please.

THEY ENTER THE HOUSE.

JOHN: The other night, at the hospital, you mentioned something about a trunk...

VICTOR: Ah, yes. Of course. I found it in the attic and had Nico bring it down for you.

JOHN: Thanks.

VICTOR: No problem at all. In fact, I admit I'm curious to see what's inside.

JOHN: You said it had been up there for some time?

VICTOR: That's what I would surmise, based on the amount of dust on it.

JOHN: I wonder when she put it there? And why?

VICTOR: Well, as to the when, probably while she was living here. As to the why... we won't know until we open it, now will we?

JOHN: Well, let's have at it.

JOHN FOLLOWS VICTOR INTO THE LIVING ROOM.

CUT TO: LAWRENCE'S HOUSE/LIVING ROOM. LAWRENCE, PACING, LOOKS UP AND SEES CARLY COMING IN.

CARLY: Well I came as soon as I got your message. What's going on?

LAWRENCE: Well, I think it's time we talked to Nikki and told him the truth.

CARLY: So soon? Do you think he's ready?

LAWRENCE: I thought you wanted to tell him as soon as possible that we're his parents.

CARLY: Well I do, but I don't want to if he's not ready. He's been through a lot.

LAWRENCE: Well, we'll know soon enough if he's ready.

KIMBERLY COMES DOWN THE STAIRS AND ENTERS THE LIVING ROOM.

CARLY LOOKS ANXIOUSLY AT KIMBERLY.

KIMBERLY: Yes, I talked to him.

CARLY: And?

KIMBERLY: And I think he's ready to hear the truth. Or at least as ready as he's going to be for something as shocking as this.

CARLY IS NERVOUS. LAWRENCE COVERS HIS REACTION.

KIMBERLY: I don't see any reason why not.

CARLY: Oh, Kim, thank you, I don't know what we would have done without your help.

LAWRENCE: Yes, thank you, Kimberly.

KIMBERLY: Don't mention it. Anything for family. (GLARES AT LAWRENCE) Something I doubt you would understand. (TURNS TO CARLY). Good luck. You know we're all here for you, if you need us.

CARLY: Thanks.

KIMBERLY LEAVES. CARLY TURNS TO LAWRENCE.

HOLD ON THEIR FACES AS THEY EXCHANGE LOOKS.

CUT TO: ROMAN'S LIVING ROOM. ROMAN IS SETTING THE BREAKFAST TABLE AS MARLENA COMES IN FROM HER MORNING JOG.

MARLENA: I needed to think.

ROMAN: (EYEING HER) Looks to me like you needed to run.

MARLENA: Running helps me focus.

ROMAN: OK... (SKEPTICAL) So what did you need to "focus" on?

MARLENA: Us.

ROMAN: Us?

MARLENA: I needed to think about whether or not there still is an "us."

OUT ON ROMAN'S STUNNED EXPRESSION.

ROMAN'S LIVING ROOM. IN PROGRESS. ROMAN IS STARING AT MARLENA.

MARLENA: Roman, let me finish. We are both aware that we've been having problems.

ROMAN: That's for sure...

MARLENA: All right. Then what do you want to do about it?

ROMAN: What do you mean?

MARLENA: We can't go on like this (THINKING OF JOHN)

ROMAN: Doc, what are you saying? I love you. I have loved you since the moment I first put my sleeping bag on your floor. My love for you is all that kept me going all those years I was in prison. You can't mean...

MARLENA: (CUTTING HIM OFF) Roman, I love you, too. I really do. But so much has changed. We've changed. We were apart for so long. We just can't go back to the way we were.

ROMAN: OK, we can't go back, but we can go forward.

MARLENA: But we don't seem to be able to. I've been thinking, and I think the problem is Salem.

ROMAN: What?

MARLENA: I think by staying here, we are trying to go back. And we keep repeating the same mistakes. I think if we want to make our marriage work we need to make changes.

ROMAN: Changes?

MARLENA: Yes, we both need a fresh start. I have given this a lot of thought. (BEAT) Roman, I'd like to move to Colorado.

ROMAN: (STUNNED) Colorado?

MARLENA: My parents are there. Eric is there. Sammi loved it there, she misses her brother and her grandparents.

ROMAN: But my family, my job...

MARLENA: Roman, it's up to you. I think this is the only way to save our marriage. I've already talked to a marriage and family counsellor there, and she's willing to see us.

ROMAN: But it's so far from Salem...

MARLENA: Roman, you have to decide, what is most important to you?

ROMAN: (BEAT) (LOOKING AT MARLENA) Doc, I don't need to think about it. You know that nothing is more important to me than you and the kids. If moving to Colorado is what it takes to really make us a family again. Then I'll do it.

MARLENA SMILES AND GOES INTO HIS ARMS. THEY KISS.

CUT TO: CARRIE'S HOSPITAL ROOM. CARRIE IS LYING IN BED, SOMEWHAT UPSET. KNOCK AT DOOR.

BO AND SHAWN-D ENTER.

BO: Hi Carrie.

SHAWN-D: Carrie! Hi! How are you? Are you doing all right? I was worried when I heard what happened, but Papa said you'd be all right.

CARRIE: Aw, thanks for your concern, Shawn-D. Well, the doctors aren't really sure yet as to how I'm doing, but I'll be okay. Hopefully they'll be able to tell me soon if I'll be scarred or not...

SHAWN-D: Well, even if you have a scar, it won't matter to me. You're my cousin and I love you. A little scar won't change that.

CARRIE: (VISIBLY TOUCHED) Shawn-D, you're so sweet. What would I do without you? (MESSES HIS HAIR)

SHAWN-D: I don't know.

CARRIE AND BO LAUGH.

SHAWN-D: Really? I'd better go find her!

SHAWN-D RUNS OUT.

CARRIE: Yeah, he is.

BO: So what's up with you? You looked upset when we came in. Anything you want to talk about?

CARRIE: No thanks, Bo. Really, I'll be all right. I just have ... some things I need to get used to.

BO: You sure you don't want to talk? I'm a good listener, you know.

CARRIE: (SMILING SLIGHTLY) Thanks, I appreciate it.

BO: Any time.

CARRIE: But what about you? I hear you and Carly are finally back together.

BO: (SMILING WIDELY) Yeah, you heard right. I finally figured out that whole Lisanne mess, and now we're trying to put all that behind us.

CARRIE: (JOKINGLY) So when's the wedding?

BO: (LAUGHING) Well, not for a while yet, but believe me, when we set the date, you'll know.

CARRIE: I'd better!

BO: Speaking of dates... (LOOKS AT WATCH) I have a date with my bride-to-be!

CARRIE: You don't want to be late for that! And Uncle Bo... thanks for visiting...

BO: Well you know if you ever need anything, and I mean anything, you let me know.

CARRIE: (SMILING) I will.

BO: You'd better. Anyway, I better head outta here.

CARRIE: Have fun!

BO: I'll stop in later.

CARRIE: Okay. Thanks for coming by. And thank Shawn-D for me!

BO: Okay. Any time!

BO LEAVES, HOLD ON A ONCE-AGAIN SAD CARRIE.

CUT TO: VICTOR'S LIVING ROOM. A STEAMER TRUNK IS SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM. VICTOR SITS ON THE SOFA AS JOHN TAKES OFF HIS JACKET, LOOSENS HIS TIE, AND SITS ON THE FLOOR BY THE TRUNK.

VICTOR: It's not locked. Nico checked.

JOHN: Oh. Well then... (OPENS THE TRUNK AND BEGINS TO LAUGH) Looky here!

JOHN HOLDS UP A BATTERED TEDDY BEAR, MISSING ITS LEFT EYE.

JOHN: (RAISES HIS EYEBROW) Snoogli?

VICTOR: Yes, Snoogli. I remember Isabella telling me about how she had a favorite teddy bear...

JOHN: Named Snoogli?

VICTOR: Yes. She said Marina had torn out his eye when they were young. Something about one of their arguments.

JOHN: She told me about some of those fights. But she never mentioned anything named "Snoogli." (LAUGHS) Maybe Brady would like him...

VICTOR: Yes, I would like Brady to have something of his mother's.

JOHN: Yeah...

VICTOR: Is something wrong? You seem upset.

JOHN: Nah... it's nothing.

VICTOR: (SKEPTICAL) If you say so.

JOHN: It's just that I don't have anything... anything of my parents... not even memories.

VICTOR NODS AS JOHN SITS ON THE FLOOR WITH THE TEDDY BEAR IN HIS LAP.

VICTOR: You still don't remember your childhood? Your family?

JOHN: Not except for little bits and pieces, that just don't make any sense.

VICTOR: Have you considered therapy?

JOHN: Yeah, yeah. I've thought about it.

VICTOR: But?

JOHN: But what? I'm just not that interested.

VICTOR: If you say so.

JOHN: I say so, alright? Let's see what else is in here.

JOHN BEGINS RUMMAGING THROUGH THE TRUNK AGAIN. THIS TIME HE HOLDS UP A PICTURE OF TWO LITTLE GIRLS LAUGHING AND HUGGING EACH OTHER.

JOHN: (STARING OFF INTO THE AIR) Huh? Sorry. What did you say?

VICTOR: Nothing of importance. Why are you so fascinated with that photograph?

JOHN: I dunno. It's just, looking at this picture.. these are two little girls who love each other. Look at how Marina is smiling at Isabella.

VICTOR: Yes?

JOHN: I just wonder. How does that love turn to hate? How did this little girl get warped into the Marina Toscano I knew?

VICTOR: Are you sure you're talking about Marina and Isabella?

JOHN: Huh? Who else would I be talking about?

VICTOR: You and your brother. You and Lawrence.

OUT ON JOHN'S FACE.

LAWRENCE'S HOUSE/LIVING ROOM. CARLY AND LAWRENCE LOOKING NERVOUSLY AT EACH OTHER

NICHOLAS: (FROM UPSTAIRS) Be right there, Lawrence.

LAWRENCE WALKS BACK TO LIVING ROOM. HE SITS ON THE SOFA, CARLY SITS IN A CHAIR.

NICHOLAS ENTERS.

NICHOLAS: Oh, hi Carly. (TURNS) You called, Lawrence?

LAWRENCE: Yes, I did. (PATS COUCH SEAT) Here, why don't you sit down?

NICHOLAS: (SITS) What's going on?

LAWRENCE: Well, it seems to me that after our trip was cancelled the other night, I made you a promise to tell you the complete truth... about everything.

NICHOLAS: That's right, you did. And you said that you'd never go back on your word.

LAWRENCE: And I'm not. I called you down here so that I could tell you the truth, just like I promised.

NICHOLAS: (EXCITED) You mean it? You really mean it? You're finally going to tell me the truth?

LAWRENCE: Yes, that's right, Nikki. Carly and I are going to tell you everything.

NICHOLAS: Carly? What does she have to do with this?

LAWRENCE: Now have a little patience... You'll see.

NICHOLAS: Okay.

LAWRENCE: Well, the first thing we should talk to you about is Lisanne's death.

NICHOLAS: Lisanne? What do you mean? But she died in that car accident, didn't she?

CARLY: That's right, honey, she did.

LAWRENCE: But see, Nikki, the police thought that I killed her.

NICHOLAS: You? But Lawrence, you'd never hurt anybody! I know you wouldn't!

LAWRENCE: Don't worry, Nikki. The police know that now, too. You see, the trip we were going to take was so that I could get proof that it was an accident. But since Bo figured it out, we didn't have to go after all.

NICHOLAS: So that's why the plane was stopped?

LAWRENCE: Yes, that's right.

NICHOLAS: Well, then... (THINKS) Is that why Carly is here? Because she and Bo are back together now?

CARLY AND LAWRENCE EXCHANGE LOOKS.

GO TO: TOP OF STAIRS, VIVIAN IS EAVESDROPPING. SHE TURNS AWAY INTO THE HALLWAY.

IVAN: Oui, Madame. What can I do for you?

VIVIAN: You can help me, that's what you can do.

IVAN: Help you? With what?

VIVIAN: I've got to think of a way to keep Carly out of the picture, away from Nicholas. Permanently...

HOLD ON VIVIAN'S FACE.

CUT TO: VICTOR'S LIVING ROOM. IN PROGRESS. JOHN IS STILL HOLDING THE PICTURE, LOOKING AT VICTOR, PLAINLY SHOCKED.

VICTOR: I was just wondering. Were you thinking about Marina Toscano or were you thinking of Lawrence Alamain?

JOHN: Now why the hell would I be thinking about Lawrence?

VICTOR: Because he's your brother. And because, like Marina, something happened to him. Something that turned him into who he is now.

JOHN: Look, I really don't care about Lawrence.

VICTOR: Do you have any childhood pictures of the two of you?

JOHN: (BEAT) No. I don't.

VICTOR: Do you remember anything about him, as a child?

JOHN: Nothing concrete. Just vague impressions. Mostly I remember boarding school and a baseball game...

VICTOR: Hasn't Lawrence offered to show you any old pictures, tell you stories about your childhood?

JOHN: Not really. Neither of us is all that interested.

VICTOR: Aren't you in the least bit curious?

JOHN: No. I'm really not interested in that family.

VICTOR: (LEANS FORWARD) Interesting you should put it that way. "That family."

JOHN: What's so interesting about it?

VICTOR: They're your family, John. Yet you will have nothing to do with them. You won't even use the name they gave you.

JOHN: (SHRUGS) Sorry. I just don't feel like an Alamain.

VICTOR: What do you feel like?

JOHN: (QUIETLY) A Brady.

VICTOR: Aha.

JOHN: "Aha?" What "aha?"

VICTOR: You know how I feel about family.

JOHN: Yeah. So?

VICTOR: Sometimes there's more to family than blood. Sometimes, we get lucky. We get to choose our family. I think you've made a choice. You just need to tell your family about it.

JOHN: Maybe....

HOLD ON JOHN.

CUT TO: ABE'S OFFICE/CORRIDOR. ABE IS SITTING AT HIS DESK, WORKING. ROMAN WALKS IN.

ROMAN: Have you got a minute? I need to talk to you.

ABE: A minute, for you? Anytime. (SEES THE SERIOUS EXPRESSION ON ROMAN'S FACE) What's wrong?

ROMAN: Nothing's wrong. It's just... Marlena and I have decided we want to do everything we can to make our marriage work.

ABE: That's great news, I know how worried you've been.

ROMAN: You might not think the news is so great, once you hear it all.

ABE: Talk to me.

ROMAN: Marlena thinks the only way we can make this work is to start again.

ABE: Yes...

ROMAN: Away from Salem.

ABE: You mean?

ROMAN: Yes, old buddy, Marlena wants to move to Colorado and I've agreed.

ABE: I can't believe this. I don't know what to say.

ROMAN: Say you'll be happy for me. Say you wish me well.

ABE: I do, you know I do.

ROMAN: Then please say you'll accept my resignation without the proper two weeks notice.

ABE: (LAUGHING) I never could get you to follow regulations... (BEAT) I will miss you, partner.

ROMAN: I'll miss you, too. There isn't anyone else who'll give me a good swift kick when I need one.

ABE: Don't you worry, if I hear you're stepping out of line, I'll fly all the way to Colorado to administer that kick.

THE TWO MEN LAUGH, THEN HUG. AND OUT.

LOFT. THE STEAMER TRUNK IS NOW SITTING ON THE FLOOR BY THE SOFA. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR. JOHN COMES DOWN FROM UPSTAIRS AND ANSWERS THE DOOR. IT IS MARLENA.

MARLENA: I know. I have something important to tell you. Can I come in?

JOHN: Sure, sure. There's nothing wrong with Carrie is there?

MARLENA: No. It's nothing like that. I'm here to talk about us.

JOHN: Us? I thought we agreed there was no us.

MARLENA: Yes. We agreed.

JOHN: So... What's the deal?

MARLENA: Roman and I have decided to leave town.

JOHN: Leave town? Like in a business trip? A vacation?

MARLENA: No. For good.

JOHN: For good. (HE SITS DOWN ON THE SOFA) Why?

MARLENA: We want to start over. I love him. He loves me. We want this marriage to work.

JOHN: (NODS NUMBLY) But to leave for good....

MARLENA: We felt it was necessary.

JOHN: Because of me?

MARLENA: You are part of it, yes.

JOHN: Doc. I am so sorry.

HE LEANS TOWARD HER AND GENTLY CARESSES HER CHEEK. SHE CLOSES HER EYES AS HE LEANS CLOSER TO HER.

THEY KISS. AT FIRST IT IS GENTLE, BUT IT GROWS MORE PASSIONATE. SUDDENLY, HE BREAKS IT OFF AND THROWS HIMSELF TOWARD THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SOFA.

MARLENA: So am I.

JOHN: So. Where do we go from here?

MARLENA: I guess this is the part where we promise to be friends forever, and then say good-bye. (TEARS BEGIN TO FALL)

JOHN: Yeah. But I don't think I can do that.

MARLENA: You have to say good-bye, John. You have to let go.

JOHN: No. Not that. I can say good-bye. It's the other part. The friends part. I just don't think I can do that. Look at what just happened.

MARLENA: Yes.

JOHN: I think it's best if this is just plain good-bye.

MARLENA: John...

JOHN: I think it's best. We were married, Doc. And I still love you. I guess a part of me always will. I can't just be friends. I can't just watch you with Roman, and with the kids that used to be ours.

MARLENA: John, I'm sorry. I wish....

JOHN: Wish what? That Roman never came back? That I was really him? (BEAT) I wish that a lot. But then I think, what about him? I'm not being fair to him. But sometimes I don't care.

MARLENA: I just wish things weren't so complicated. And I wish you still had Isabella here to help you deal with this.

JOHN: Me, too.

THEY GET UP AND WALK TO THE DOOR. THEY STAND TOGETHER IN THE OPEN DOORWAY, THEIR FACES CLOSE TOGETHER. THEY LEAN TOWARDS EACH OTHER, BUT PULL APART GUILTILY. MARLENA QUICKLY TURNS AND LEAVES. JOHN CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HER.

CUT TO: (LAWRENCE'S HOUSE/UPSTAIRS HALLWAY. VIVIAN AND IVAN ARE STANDING IN HALLWAY. IN PROGRESS.

VIVIAN: I will do anything I have to to keep that wretched woman away from my boy.

IVAN: But... murder?

VIVIAN: Let me make one thing clear to you, Ivan. Dr. Manning will never have Nikki. Never. And I will do anything to make sure of that. Do I make myself clear?

IVAN: Oui Madame, but please don't go too far! Remember what happened with Mademoiselle Gardner...

VIVIAN: (IRRITATED) What about her?

IVAN: Well, her death really was an accident, and look how much the police checked into it. Killing Dr. Manning might be dangerous, because they wouldn't let it drop.

VIVIAN: Hmmm... Maybe you're right. (BEAT) Well, never you fear Ivan. I will think of something...

HOLD ON VIVIAN'S WICKED SMILE.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE/SPECTATOR. JACK IS WORKING FEVERISHLY AT HIS DESK, LOOKING THROUGH STACKS OF PRINT-OUTS, PUNCHING IN NUMBERS ON HIS COMPUTER, TALKING TO HIMSELF.

A WORKMAN, JOE TANDY, SUDDENLY BURSTS IN, CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY JACK'S RECEPTIONIST, JANE.

TANDY: Deveraux? Name's Joe Tandy. I'm a contractor. Don't mind me, I've just got to take a few measurements.

TANDY PULLS OUT A TAPE MEASURE, LOOKS AROUND, AND BEGINS TO MAKE NOTES ON A PAD.

JANE SCURRIES OUT.

TANDY PULLS OUT A PIECE OF PAPER. JACK READS.

JACK: This can't be right, you've made a mistake...

TANDY: No mistake.

JACK: But how? Who?

VICTOR WALKS IN, UNANNOUNCED.

JACK: Pleasant, Victor? For whom?

VICTOR: Jack, no need to be disagreeable. I'm glad you're here. How do you like my plans?

JACK: Your plans?

VICTOR: Why yes, Jack. I was sure you knew, I intend to take over the Spectator.

HOLD ON JACK'S STUNNED EXPRESSION AND OUT.

JACK'S OFFICE/SPECTATOR. JACK, VICTOR, IN PROGRESS.

VICTOR: Jack, please don't insult my intelligence. I've spoken to my sources, you don't have a single backer. No one in Salem will finance this paper for you.

JACK: Then I'll go outside Salem.

VICTOR: Jack, be a gracious loser. No fairy godmother is going to come in and wave her magic wand and miraculously restore the paper to you.

JACK: I wouldn't be too sure about that Victor. Miracles can happen...

VICTOR: Not to the likes of you and I, Jack. I think our connections are, how shall I put this, a little further South.

JACK: If that's so, Victor, then that's where we'll meet before you get your hands on my paper.

VICTOR: Jack, you've lost. By the end of this week the Spectator will be mine.

JACK: Victor, this conversation has lost it's charm.

VICTOR: You know, Jack, it's too bad you didn't concede earlier. I might have kept you on as Editor, you've made some excellent creative decisions. Too late, of course, to help you, but I could use a a good Editor.

JACK: Victor, you are too kind. But we are finished here.

VICTOR: Yes, Jack, one of us is finished.

THE PHONE RINGS. JACK LOOKS AT VICTOR.

VICTOR: Fine, Jack, I've leave, but I will be back.

JACK: And take this person (INDICATING TANDY, WHO'S BEEN MEASURING THE WHOLE TIME) with you.

VICTOR: (TO TANDY) Come along, this can wait until next week. (TO JACK) Adieu.

JACK: A diable...

VICTOR SMILES AND LEAVES, TAKING TANDY WITH HIM. JACK PICKS UP THE PHONE, ONE-WAY.

JACK HANGS UP THE PHONE.

HOLD ON JACK'S STRICKEN FACE.

CUT TO: CARRIE'S HOSPITAL ROOM. CARRIE IS SITTING UP IN BED, LEAFING THROUGH A MAGAZINE. SHE LOOKS UP WHEN ROMAN AND MARLENA ENTER, SMILES, AND PUTS DOWN THE MAGAZINE.

ROMAN WALKS OVER AND HUGS CARRIE AND KISSES HER ON THE CHEEK.

CARRIE: (KNOWINGLY) Oh... so does this have something to do with your big news?

ROMAN: Big news? What big news?

CARRIE: (LAUGHING) The big news that's written all over your faces!

ROMAN: (FEIGNING CONFUSION) Doc? Why didn't you tell me I had something written on my face?

MARLENA: (KISSING HIM) Roman...

CARRIE: (MAKING A FACE) Daaad....

ROMAN: All right, all right. Here's the big news. Jeez, try and keep a secret around this kid....

CARRIE: Yeah, yeah...

ROMAN: Marlena and I have decided to try and make a fresh start. So, as of next week, we're moving to Colorado.

CARRIE: (SLOWLY) Colorado...?

MARLENA: (UPBEAT) You can be with the twins again, and the scenery is breathtaking...

ROMAN: And there's lots of horseback riding, and skiing....

CARRIE: (DEADPAN) Sounds fun.

ROMAN: You bet! You're gonna love it!

CARRIE: Dad....

ROMAN: What?

CARRIE: Dad, I'm not going with you.

ROMAN: What? What do you mean you're not going with us? Of course you're going with us!

CARRIE: No, I'm not, Dad.

ROMAN: (IRRITATED) Well, would you care to explain why you don't want to go?

CARRIE: All my friends are here. My life is here. My job is here, my school is here... I'm sorry, but right now the last thing I need is to have to move and make new friends and... (TOUCHING THE BANDAGE ON HER FACE)

ROMAN: (SUDDENLY CONTRITE) Oh. Sweetie, I'm sorry. I just didn't think... we were just so excited...

CARRIE: It's okay, Dad. I'm an adult now. I'm 19, remember? I have an apartment, so I have a place to stay. I'll be fine.

ROMAN: (CONFUSED) Wha... What do you mean? We'll stay until you're ready to go!

CARRIE: I don't know if I'll ever be ready to leave. At least, not for a long time.

ROMAN: If you think I'm going to leave you here all alone...

CARRIE: Dad, I won't be alone. I'll have Gramma and Grampa, and Uncle Bo, and Aunt Kim, and Shawn-Douglas... I won't be alone.

ABE AND LEXIE ENTER CARRYING A BIG BOUQUET OF LILIES.

LEXIE: How about over there, honey? (MOTIONS TOWARDS WINDOW SILL)

ABE CROSSES AND PUTS THE LILIES BY THE WINDOW.

ROMAN: Abe, you remember our travel plans?

LEXIE: You mean Colorado?

ROMAN: Yes.

ABE: What about it? Change your mind?

ROMAN: No. Carrie doesn't want to go.

ABE: Carrie? Is this true?

CARRIE NODS, HER JAW CLENCHED.

MARLENA: I think Carrie has a lot of adjustments to make in the immediate future. And she doesn't want to have to deal with a move on top of all of that.

ROMAN: Doc! You sound like you agree with her!

MARLENA: (QUIETLY) I do. She is a mature young woman now. I think she'll do fine on her own. And if she ever has any problems, she knows where we are.

ROMAN: Doc...

ABE: Well, wait just a minute. You're worried she'll be here by herself, is that it?

ROMAN: Exactly.

ABE: Well, look partner, that's not a problem. Not only does she have all the Bradys in town, she also has all the Carvers.

ROMAN: Really?

LEXIE: Of course.

CARRIE MOUTHS `THANK YOU' TO LEXIE AND ABE. LEXIE GIVES HER A THUMBS UP GESTURE

LEXIE: Trouble? Carrie? There won't be a bit of trouble!

ABE: Of course not. I've been babysitting Carrie since she was, what, six years old? And considering some of the scrapes I've pulled her and that little brother of mine out of... (MAKES A FACE)

ROMAN: (LAUGHS) Well, if you're really sure....

ABE: What are partners for?

ROMAN: Well... all right. But, I want plenty of phone calls and letters, young lady.

CARRIE: (SMILING) Sure dad. And thanks.

ROMAN: And no wild parties.

CARRIE: Yes, dad (LAUGHS) I mean, no, Dad.

ROMAN: And no staying out after your curfew.

CARRIE: Dad!

ROMAN AND MARLENA HUG CARRIE.

CUT TO: LAWRENCE'S HOUSE/LIVING ROOM. IN PROGRESS, CARLY LOOKS ANXIOUS.

LAWRENCE: Yes, I know, and believe me... I will not go back on my promise. (BEAT) No, Nikki, that's not why Carly is here. There is still something else that we have to tell you, something even more important. And that's why Carly is here.

NICHOLAS: What is it, Lawrence? Is it about Aunt Viv? Is she getting sick again?

CARLY: No, Nikki, your Aunt Viv is fine. She's not getting sick.

NICHOLAS: Then what is it?

LAWRENCE: Nikki, I want you to listen carefully. What we're going to tell you is very important. It's the reason why you've been stuck in this house recently.

NICHOLAS: (LOOKS HESITANT) Wha... what is it? Is everything all right?

CARLY: Don't worry, Nikki. Everything's going to be...

NICHOLAS: (RUDELY) No! I don't want to hear it from you! I want Lawrence to tell me what's going on.

LAWRENCE: Nicholas, don't speak to Carly like that. You know it's impolite to be so rude.

NICHOLAS: Lawrence, what's going on? Why do you always want me to be so nice to Carly?

LAWRENCE: You know very well that you should always be polite. However, you should be polite to Carly in particular because she's going to be spending a lot more time with you...

NICHOLAS: Why? Lawrence, what is going on?

AND OUT ON LAWRENCE'S PAINED FACE.

CARRIE'S HOSPITAL ROOM. CARRIE IS IN BED, SAMANTHA ENTERS.

CARRIE: Hi Sammi!

SAMANTHA: So. How are you feeling?

CARRIE: I'm... working on it. What's up?

SAMANTHA: Well... I was wondering....

CARRIE: Yeah?

SAMANTHA: Well... is there any way I could talk you into going to Colorado with us?

CARRIE: I'm sorry, Sammi. My mind's made up.

SAMANTHA: (DISAPPOINTED) I'm really gonna miss you, Carrie.

CARRIE: Me too, Munchkin.

SAMANTHA: I mean, Eric's okay... for a brother.

CARRIE: (LAUGHS) I'm sure he'd be flattered!

SAMANTHA: But I'm gonna miss having a big sister. Someone to talk to about boys, and clothes, and dates....

CARRIE: Someone with makeup and jewelry you can borrow?

SAMANTHA: You know what I mean!

CARRIE: I know, Sammi. I'll miss you, too. All of you. Maybe I'll come out and visit sometime.

SAMANTHA: That'd be fun. (LOOKS HAPPIER)

CARRIE: And you can always call, and write.....

SAMANTHA: But it's not the same.

CARRIE: I know. But I just can't leave. Not now.

SAMANTHA: Is it Austin?

CARRIE: (LOOKS AWAY) No. He left. It's... it's me. I have to stay here. I have to get over this by myself. I have to deal with things instead of running away.

SAMANTHA: (UNCOMPREHENDING) Oh.

CARRIE: Sorry. Maybe you'll understand someday. It's about being... being myself, instead of daddy's little girl.

SAMANTHA: Oh.

CARRIE: Look, don't worry about it. You just have lots of fun and call and write a lot, okay?

THE SISTERS HUG AS THEY BEGIN TO CRY.

CARRIE: Bye, Sammi.

SAMANTHA LEAVES.

CUT TO: LOFT. JOHN IS SORTING THROUGH THE TRUNK, LOOKING AT THE CONTENTS, MOSTLY OLD PICTURES OF MARINA AND ISABELLA. BRADY'S PLAYPEN IS SET UP IN A CORNER, WHERE HE IS CHEWING ON SNOOGLI'S EAR. JOHN LOOKS AT THE PICTURES, AND AS THE MUSIC "THE POWER OF LOVE" BEGINS TO PLAY, WE FADE TO A MONTAGE: JOHN SITTING BY ISABELLA'S BED AFTER SHE WAS SHOT; JOHN AND ISABELLA DANCING ON THE CRUISE; PLAYING SOFTBALL; WHEN HE RESCUED HER FROM ERNESTO; MEXICO; HIS REUNION WITH MARLENA ON THE DOCKS; JOHN AND ISABELLA'S WEDDING AND BRADY'S BIRTH; ISABELLA'S FAREWELL VIDEO; HER FINAL DAY, AS HE HOLDS HER IN HIS ARMS ON THE BALCONY. AS WE FADE BACK TO THE PRESENT, JOHN IS SITTING ON THE FLOOR, CRYING. HE SLOWLY PICKS UP THE PICTURES AND PUTS THEM AWAY. HE SHUTS THE TRUNK.

AND OUT ON JOHN'S FACE.

CARRIE'S HOSPITAL ROOM/CORRIDOR. CARRIE IS SITTING UP IN BED AS JONAH ENTERS.

JONAH: (SMILING) Hey there! How's my old partner in crime?

CARRIE: Partner in crime. Hmmm... I like the sound of that. I guess you can be Capone and I'll be Scarface.

JONAH: Carrie!

CARRIE: (TOUCHES HIS HAND) Sorry, Jonah. I guess I'm just... I'm just... I don't know what I'm just. (SIGHS)

JONAH: Wanna talk about it?

CARRIE: No. Not right now. But thanks for asking.

JONAH: (SHRUGS) Well, what are old buddies for, huh?

CARRIE: Well, old buddy, I thought you were a night-time party type. How come you're here so early?

JONAH: Early?! (FEIGNING SHOCK) I thought it was still night! I still have to get to bed!

CARRIE: Yeah, sure. Why are you really here?

JONAH: (SERIOUS) Work.

CARRIE: And?

JONAH: (SIGHS) I never could keep a secret from you, girl. Okay. I'm here cause I saw Austin.

CARRIE: (TORN) Austin?

JONAH: Yeah. Austin.

CARRIE: So...?

JONAH: So, he said he was leaving town.

CARRIE: Oh.

JONAH: He said he was doing it cause you told him to go.

CARRIE: (BEAT) I did.

JONAH: But why? I mean, if you love the guy?

CARRIE: Because I couldn't stand what he did to me.

JONAH: (EDGY) Oh. Well, I thought maybe you might need a friend... or something.

CARRIE: Thanks, Jonah. But not right now. Right now I need to be alone.

JONAH: (GETS UP) Well... if you're sure...

CARRIE: I'm sure.

JONAH: (WALKING OUT) Well, you know where to find me...

CARRIE: I know.

JONAH: (AWKWARDLY) Well. Okay. Later.

CARRIE: Yeah. Bye

GO TO: CORRIDOR. AUSTIN IS STANDING IN THE CORRIDOR. AS JONAH EXITS CARRIE'S ROOM, HE PASSES AUSTIN, SHRUGS AND SHAKES HIS HEAD. AUSTIN ENTERS CARRIE'S ROOM.

CARRIE: (PUTS DOWN MAGAZINE) Austin!

AUSTIN: Look, I know what you said and all...

CARRIE: What are you doing here? Jonah said you were leaving!

AUSTIN: I couldn't just go... not just like that.

CARRIE: Why not?

AUSTIN: Because I love you.

CARRIE: (SOFTLY) Austin...

AUSTIN: Carrie, I love you. And I know you love me.

CARRIE: We've been over this before.

AUSTIN: I know. I just thought...

CARRIE: Thought what?

AUSTIN: Maybe you changed your mind.

CARRIE: (TURNS AWAY FROM HIM) No. I haven't changed my mind.

AUSTIN: Please Carrie. Just give me another chance.

CARRIE: No.

AUSTIN: Please.

CARRIE: No. I just can't do that.

AUSTIN WALKS OVER TO HER BED AND GENTLY TURNS HER HEAD TOWARDS HIM.

HE BENDS DOWN AS CARRIE LOOKS UP INTO HIS EYES. THEY KISS LIGHTLY

CARRIE: Yes. I felt that.

AUSTIN: Then how can you go on saying you don't want me?

CARRIE: I do want you.

AUSTIN: Then why do you keep telling me to leave?

CARRIE: Because... because...

AUSTIN: We love each other Carrie. We deserve to be together.

CARRIE: No. We can't.

AUSTIN: Why not?

CARRIE: Because... Would you please leave? Everything was fine till you came back! Just go away!

AUSTIN: Fine? Then why did you look so sad? Why did you kiss me? Why are you so upset?

CARRIE: Just leave! Now!

AUSTIN: Okay. I'll go. But I'll be back

AUSTIN LEAVES THE ROOM AS CARRIE TURNS AND CRIES INTO HER PILLOW.

CUT TO: JACK/JENNIFER LIVING ROOM. JENNIFER IS SITTING ON THE FLOOR HOLDING ABIGAIL, GOING THROUGH THE HOPE CHEST JACK GAVE TO HER FOR CHRISTMAS 1990. JENNIFER IS TALKING TO ABIGAIL.

THERE'S A KNOCK AT THE DOOR, JENNIFER PUTS ABIGAIL IN HER CRIB AND JENNIFER ANSWERS THE DOOR. IT IS BILLIE.

JENNIFER: You're Jack's assistant, shouldn't you know where he is?

BILLIE: I can't keep track of him all the time.

JENNIFER: He's at work.

BILLIE: (NOTICING THE DOLL IN JENNIFER'S HAND) Is that yours or Jack's?

JENNIFER: Mine... Jack gave it to me.

BILLIE: Jack gave you a doll? Man, I knew he could be a jerk, but a Barbie...

JENNIFER: (DEFENSIVE) I will thank you not to speak about my husband and your employer that way.

BILLIE: I didn't mean anything by it, but a doll...

JENNIFER: Not that it's any of your business, but it happened to be a very romantic gift.

BILLIE: Romantic? Jack Deveraux, the sexless wonder? I don't think so.

JENNIFER: (EPIPHANY) You're the one...

BILLIE: What?

JENNIFER: Billie, you know nothing of our personal life. Jack happens to be very romantic.

BILLIE: Prove it.

JENNIFER: I don't have to prove anything to you.

BILLIE SEES THE OPEN HOPE CHEST, WALKS OVER TO IT AND PEERS IN.

JENNIFER: Yes, they are.

BILLIE: And this stuff is supposed to be romantic?

JENNIFER: It is to me. Jack gave me all of this when I was going through a very rough time to remind me of everything we'd done and what we'd meant to each other...

BILLIE: Jack Deveraux?

JENNIFER: (GETTING ANGRIER, WANTING TO DEFEND JACK) Yes, Jack Deveraux, you just don't know him like I do.

BILLIE: Thank heaven for small favors.

JENNIFER: (FURIOUS) Don't you dare insult my husband. Jack followed me halfway around the world. He fought not one, but two duels for me. He proposed to me on a balcony with champagne and candlelight and Shakespeare. (TEARS WELL) That night was everything I ever dreamt and so is Jack. He is the most romantic man in the world to me and the only man I will ever love!

HOLD ON JENNIFER'S FACE.

(JACK/JENNIFER LIVING ROOM. BILLIE AND JENNIFER, IN PROGRESS.

BILLIE: (STUNNED) And you really do love him.

A DEPRESSED JACK OPENS THE FRONT DOOR AND WALKS IN. BEFORE HE CAN SPEAK, BILLIE WALKS UP TO HIM AND SLAPS HIM ON THE BACK.

JACK: Pardon?

BILLIE: Never mind. It looks like you need to talk to wifey, our business can wait. (TO JACK, SOTTO VOCE) But Jack, you'd better come up with that money fast, Tony will be here any day. (TO JENNIFER) Good-bye, Jennifer and thanks for the... lecture.

JENNIFER BLUSHES AS BILLIE LEAVES.

JENNIFER: Nothing.

JACK: (BEAT) (DEFEATED) Jennifer... I've lost.

JENNIFER: What do you mean?

JACK: I've lost the Spectator.

JENNIFER: No, Jack, it can't be true. What about the backers?

JACK: Backers? (CYNICAL LAUGH) There were never any backers. Don't you see, I have finally lost it all.

HOLD ON JENNIFER'S STUNNED EXPRESSION.

CUT TO: LAWRENCE'S HOUSE/LIVING ROOM. LAWRENCE LOOKS PAINED, NICHOLAS CONFUSED, CARLY IS ON THE VERGE OF TEARS.

NICHOLAS: You mean Marie-Helene? What about her?

LAWRENCE: Well, we just discovered something about your parents.

NICHOLAS: What? What did you find out?

LAWRENCE: Nikki... Marie-Helene wasn't really your mother.

NICHOLAS: (SHOUTS) What? Lawrence, why are you still lying to me? You promised you would tell me the truth!

LAWRENCE: I am telling you the truth, Nikki. Marie-Helene is not your mother.

NICHOLAS: No, that can't be true! Aunt Viv wouldn't lie to me! She loves me too much!

LAWRENCE: Well, Nikki, calm down. Vivian didn't lie to you.

NICHOLAS: (SOMEWHAT CALMER) But, you just said...

LAWRENCE: I know what I said. Marie-Helene isn't your mother. But Vivian didn't lie to you... at least, not on purpose.

NICHOLAS: Lawrence, I don't understand.

LAWRENCE: Nikki, Marie-Helene had lied to Vivian. She wasn't your mother... someone else is.

NICHOLAS: Then who? Who is my real mother?

LAWRENCE HESITATES.

LAWRENCE: All right, Nikki, I'll tell you. Your mother is... Carly. And I'm your father.

OUT ON NICHOLAS' SHOCKED FACE. FADE TO BLACK.