ALT.DAYS

Episode #46

An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: April 5, 1994
Time: Easter,
Morning to Evening

Copyright 1995

TEASER

JACK AND JENNIFER'S BEDROOM. WE SEE JENNIFER'S SLEEPING FACE, THEN JACK LEANING OVER HER FROM BEHIND AND KISSING HER CHEEK. SHE STIRS AND SMILES.

JENNIFER: Mmmm... Good morning.

JENNIFER TURNS TO FACE JACK. THEY KISS.

JENNIFER: Happy Easter.

JENNIFER TURNS TO LOOK AT THE CLOCK.

JACK: What? What's wrong?

JENNIFER: (SITTING UP) It's so late! I'm never going to get brunch ready on time!

JACK: (SITTING UP) Oh, yes... The family brunch...

JENNIFER: (STARTING TO GET OUT OF BED) I'd better get started.

JACK GRASPS JENNIFER'S ARM AND PULLS HER GENTLY BACK DOWN.

JACK KISSES HER ON THE CHEEK.

JACK: (RAISING AN EYEBROW) Probably...?

JENNIFER: All right, I'll stop worrying. It's just that... I'm a little nervous about being the hostess this year.

JACK: You'll do fine. I have the utmost confidence in you.

JENNIFER: Thank you, Jack. (BEAT) I'm glad you agreed to this. I know how you feel about large family gatherings.

JACK: Yes, well... It is Easter Sunday. The day should be spent with family. (BEAT) I'm sure that this brunch will be... almost fun.

JENNIFER: (FEIGNING SHOCK) Did I hear you correctly? Did you talk about a Horton family gathering, and mention the word fun?

JACK: (GRUDGINGLY) Yes, you did. And yes, I did. (SOTTO VOCE) Although I'm beginning to regret it...

JENNIFER: Could it be that you're getting used to being part of the Horton family?

JACK: Don't push your luck.

JENNIFER CHUCKLES. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE BEDROOM DOOR.

THE DOOR OPENS. ROSIE ENTERS, CARRYING ABIGAIL.

JACK: And to you, Rosie.

JENNIFER: Happy Easter, Rosie!

ROSIE: This little girl wanted to see her mommy and daddy.

ROSIE BRINGS ABIGAIL OVER TO THE BED.

JACK: Ah, that's my cue.

ROSIE HANDS ABIGAIL TO JACK.

ABIGAIL GIGGLES.

JENNIFER: Sure, Rosie. I'll be down soon to help you.

ROSIE: Take your time...

ROSIE EXITS. JENNIFER TURNS TO JACK AND ABIGAIL.

ABIGAIL: Mama!

JENNIFER: That's right, Mama's here.

ABIGAIL: Bunny!

JACK: Bunny? Bunny? Are you referring to the fabled Easter Bunny?

ABIGAIL: Bunny!

JACK: Are you suggesting that there was a large rodent in our house last night?

ABIGAIL: (SQUIRMING) Bunny!

JENNIFER: I think she is, Jack. I think she wants to go see if the Easter Bunny left anything. (TO ABIGAIL) Do you, honey? Do you want to go see if the Easter Bunny came?

ABIGAIL SQUEALS AND CLAPS.

JACK AND JENNIFER CHUCKLE AT ABIGAIL'S EXCITEMENT. HOLD ON THE THREE.

CUT TO: BRADY PUB. SHAWN, CAROLINE, CARRIE AND MAX HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM CHURCH AND ARE DRESSED ACCORDINGLY. CAROLINE WEARS A BEAUTIFUL HAT. MAX IMMEDIATELY TAKES OFF HIS TIE AND SHRUGS OUT OF HIS JACKET. CAROLINE BEGINS TO BREW A POT OF COFFEE.

CAROLINE: Yes. I can't wait to see everyone in their Easter finery. It's all so lovely.

SHAWN: (TO MAX) The first Easter I was courting your Ma, she wore this beautiful hat. She looked like an angel. (BEAT) There's something about a lady in a hat...

MAX: Pop! No one wears those anymore. Only old...

CAROLINE RAISES HER EYEBROW AND MAX STOPS MID-SENTENCE. CARRIE COVERS.

SHAWN: And a good thing, too! You'd be getting sick again from all those chocolate eggs!

CARRIE: That was the flu!

SHAWN AND CAROLINE LAUGH. RELUCTANTLY CARRIE JOINS IN.

CAROLINE: Did you talk to your father last night?

CARRIE: He and Marlena send their love. Everything is fine with them. (BEAT) Remember the year John got Sammi and Eric those inflatable bunnies? They insisted on sleeping with them and Eric's popped.

CAROLINE: And even then he wouldn't give it up. (SHAKING HER HEAD) The sight of that boy dragging that shred of blue plastic around...

SHAWN: I wish Kimmy and Philip could have come home for Easter.

CARRIE: Me, too. But maybe they'll come for a visit over the Summer.

CAROLINE: Well, we'd better get the picnic lunch together or we'll be late. Max, help your father put the chairs and blankets in the car.

MAX: Oh Ma, do I have to go? The Easter Egg Hunt is for little kids.

CAROLINE: Don't you want to see the rest of the family?

MAX: They'll all be here tonight. Can't I go to the video arcade? Please?

SHAWN: Nonsense. The Easter Egg Hunt is tradition. Everyone's going and that's that.

HOLD ON MAX'S DISAPPOINTMENT.

CUT TO: BRADY'S ROOM. JOHN FINISHES DRESSING BRADY IN A NEW "DRESS-UP" OUTFIT, COMPLETE WITH BOW TIE. JOHN CARRIES BRADY OVER TO THE MIRROR TO SEE HIMSELF, TURNING HIM THIS WAY AND THAT.

BRADY LAUGHS.

NICHOLAS COMES IN, CARRYING A LARGE, BUT EMPTY EASTER BASKET. HE IS VISIBLY EXCITED.

JOHN: Happy Easter to you too, Nikki.

NICHOLAS: Brady, the Easter Bunny came last night!

BRADY SQUEALS AND TRIES TO GET OUT OF JOHN'S ARMS.

NICHOLAS: Brady, want to see where he hid the eggs!

BRADY: Eggs!

NICHOLAS LEANS CLOSER TO JOHN AND WHISPERS.

JOHN: (TOUCHED) Why, thank you, Nikki. That was a very nice thing to do.

BRADY: Eggs!

JOHN: Yes, slugger, eggs. What say we go downstairs and join the hunt?

JOHN, CARRYING BRADY, AND NICHOLAS HEAD DOWNSTAIRS.

NICHOLAS: (LAUGHING) Yes, eggs. Shall I help?

CUT TO: LOFT. BRADY IS NOW CARRYING THE EASTER BASKET AROUND THE ROOM, WHILE NICHOLAS FOLLOWS, GENTLY POINTING OUT EGGS. JOHN, VIVIAN AND IVAN WATCH WITH INDULGENT SMILES.

VIVIAN: (SMILING) You're very welcome, John. It's the least we could do. (BEAT) That big smile on Nikki's face is due in large part to your help.

THE THREE TURN AS NICHOLAS CHEERS. NICHOLAS PICKS UP BRADY, BASKET AND ALL, AND CARRIES HIM OVER TO JOHN. BRADY HOLDS OUT AN EGG.

BRADY: Eggs!

EVERYONE LAUGHS. OUT ON THE HAPPY GROUP.

ACT I

JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM/FOYER. JENNIFER AND ROSIE ARE SETTING OUT THE FOOD FOR THE BRUNCH. A LARGE TABLE WITH FOLDING CHAIRS HAS BEEN SET UP.

ROSIE: Don't worry, dear. We've got enough food to take care of the Hortons, the Bradys and perhaps the entire hospital staff.

THE DOORBELL RINGS. JACK COMES DOWN THE STAIRS, CARRYING ABIGAIL.

JACK AND ABIGAIL OPEN THE DOOR, FINDING TOM, ALICE AND BILL.

ALICE: Yes, hello dear. (TAKING ABIGAIL'S HAND) And hello to you, Abigail Johanna.

TOM AND ALICE WALK INTO THE LIVING ROOM.

JACK: Just like her mother...

BILL CLOSES THE DOOR AND TAKES ABIGAIL'S HAND.

THE DOORBELL RINGS AGAIN.

BILL TURNS AND OPENS THE DOOR. DOUG AND JULIE ENTER.

DOUG: Greetings and Happiest of Easters to all!

DOUG WALKS OVER TO JACK AND ABIGAIL.

ABIGAIL: Hap-py!

DOUG: (SMILING) (TO JACK) She's absolutely adorable, Jack.

JULIE: (CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HER) What did you expect, darling? She's a Horton, after all.

DOUG AND BILL BOTH LAUGH, WHILE JACK LOOKS PUZZLED AS TO HOW HE SHOULD RESPOND. AS HE STARTS TO SPEAK, THE DOORBELL RINGS YET AGAIN.

JULIE OPENS THE DOOR TO MICKEY AND MAGGIE. MICKEY CLOSES THE DOOR.

MAGGIE: Jack, she's so precious. (TO ABIGAIL) And I'll bet that the Easter Bunny came to see you.

ABIGAIL GIGGLES AS MAGGIE TAKES HER FROM JACK'S ARMS. JENNIFER JOINS THE CONVERSATION.

BILL: (SOTTO VOCE) Who said Grandfathers boast?

JENNIFER: (NUDGING JACK WITH HER ELBOW) Yeah, that "rabbit" went a little crazy this year. He brought enough colored eggs and chocolate bunnies to keep Abigail busy until the 4th of July.

BILL, DOUG, JULIE, MICKEY, MAGGIE AND JENNIFER ALL LAUGH. EVERYONE STARTS TO HEAD TOWARDS THE TABLE, BUT BILL STOPS JENNIFER.

BILL: (LOOKING AT THE HAPPY FAMILY GROUP) On days like this... (BEAT) I miss your mother. She'd be so happy to see you and her granddaughter on this lovely Easter morning.

JENNIFER: I miss her, too, Dad. (BEAT) She'd really enjoy all of this, wouldn't she?

BILL: Yes, she would.

JENNIFER SMILES AND GIVES HER FATHER A HUG.

BILL: Happy Easter, Jennifer Rose.

HOLD ON BILL AND JENNIFER'S HUG.

CUT TO: JOHN'S LOFT. JOHN IS SEATED ON THE COUCH. BRADY IS ASLEEP IN HIS LAP, CLUTCHING ONE OF THE EGGS HE HAS FOUND.

JOHN GENTLY TAKES THE EGG FROM BRADY'S HANDS. HE HOLDS THE EGG UP IN FRONT OF HIM. HIS GAZE NARROWS AS WE FADE TO: JOHN'S CHILDHOOD FLASHBACK. WE SEE A YOUNG FORREST (JOHN), SMILING AND HOLDING A SIMILAR COLORED EGG. FADE BACK TO: JOHN'S FACE. HE SLOWLY SETS DOWN THE EGG ON THE TABLE. VIVIAN COMES DOWN THE STAIRS AND SEES JOHN STARING AT THE EGG.

JOHN: (STILL LOOKING AT THE EGG) I remember...

VIVIAN: You always enjoyed those egg hunts on the estate.

JOHN: Yes. Yes, I did. I remember one year, I had a favorite egg...

FADE TO: JOHN'S MEMORY. A YOUNG FORREST (JOHN) IS HOLDING A BEAUTIFULLY PAINTED EGG AND SMILING BRIGHTLY. HE IS SUDDENLY GRABBED FROM BEHIND BY A YOUNG LAWRENCE.

LAWRENCE: What do you have there?

FORREST: (HOLDING THE EGG CLOSE TO HIS CHEST) It's mine!

LAWRENCE: (GRABBING THE EGG) Not anymore.

FORREST: (REACHING FOR THE EGG) Give it! Give it back!

LAWRENCE: You want it?

FORREST: Yes! Give it!

LAWRENCE: Take it.

LAWRENCE HOLDS OUT THE EGG. AS FORREST REACHES FOR IT, LAWRENCE DROPS THE EGG. THE EGG LANDS ON THE GROUND AND BREAKS. FORREST STARTS TO CRY. LAWRENCE LAUGHS. FADE BACK TO: JOHN'S FACE.

VIVIAN SITS DOWN NEXT TO JOHN.

JOHN: Even then, he was cruel and hateful...

VIVIAN: True, but things are different now.

JOHN: Oh?

VIVIAN: Quite different. You're more than capable of standing up to him now. You've proven that.

JOHN: I guess so.

VIVIAN: Then again, some things are the same.

JOHN GIVES VIVIAN A CURIOUS LOOK. VIVIAN REACHES INTO HER POCKET AND PULLS OUT AN EGG, PAINTED EXACTLY LIKE THE ONE IN JOHN'S MEMORY. SHE HANDS HIM THE EGG. HE TAKES IT AND SMILES AT HER.

VIVIAN SMILES AND SHRUGS. HOLD ON VIVIAN.

CUT TO: BRADY PUB. SHAWN HAS AN ASSORTMENT OF BLANKETS AND LAWN CHAIRS ASSEMBLED. HE PATS HIS POCKETS AND FINDS HIS CAR KEYS.

MAX COMES DOWN THE STAIRS DRESSED IN JEANS WITH THE KNEES TORN OUT AND A FLANNEL SHIRT WITH A HOOD.

MAX: I'm more comfortable this way.

SHAWN: That may be, but you can't go to the Egg Hunt looking like that.

MAX: Then I'm not going.

SHAWN: Everyone's going. Now go on upstairs and change your clothes.

MAX: I'm not going!

SHAWN: Yes, you are.

MAX: No! It's stupid and you can't make me go! I'm not a little kid anymore!

SHAWN: (WARNING) Max, I'll not tell you again.

CAROLINE AND CARRIE COME DOWNSTAIRS WITH TWO PICNIC HAMPERS. CAROLINE LOOKS FROM MAX TO SHAWN.

SHAWN: Ask your son.

MAX: What for? No one cares what I think, anyway! No one pays attention to me or what I want!

CAROLINE: Max...

MAX: I'll just run away. Maybe then somebody will listen to me.

SHAWN: Don't you ever let me hear you say that again!

MAX RUNS OUT THE DOOR. SHAWN STARTS TO GO AFTER HIM, BUT CARRIE STOPS HIM.

CARRIE WALKS OUT THE FRONT DOOR.

CAROLINE: His teenage years.

GO TO: PORCH. MAX IS SITTING ON THE STEPS, HUGGING HIS KNEES. HE STARTLES WHEN THE DOOR OPENS BUT SETTLES DOWN WHEN HE SEES THAT IT IS CARRIE. SHE SITS DOWN NEXT TO HIM.

MAX NODS.

MAX: I know. (BEAT) I just feel like no one notices me...

CARRIE: That's not true. I notice you.

MAX: That's different. I mean grown-ups.

CARRIE: Thanks a lot, brat. I thought I was a grown-up.

MAX: Nah.

CARRIE: So, whaddya say? Will you come to the Easter Egg Hunt with us?

MAX: Do I have to?

CARRIE: Come on. If I'm not a grown-up and I'm not a little kid, who else am I going to hang out with? (BEAT) And it'll get Grandma and Grandpa off your case.

MAX: All right. I guess I'll go change my clothes.

CARRIE: Thanks, kiddo.

CARRIE HUGS MAX.

CARRIE: And for a "little" kid, you're okay. (BEAT) Now get going. There is food to eat and eggs to hunt.

MAX STANDS AND DASHES BACK INTO THE PUB. OUT ON CARRIE'S SMILE.

ACT II

JOHN'S LOFT. VIVIAN AND IVAN ARE ON THEIR WAY OUT THE DOOR. VIVIAN IS CARRYING BRADY. IVAN IS CARRYING A LARGE BASKET. NICHOLAS IS RIGHT BEHIND THEM. VIVIAN PAUSES IN THE DOORWAY AND CALLS TOWARD THE STAIRS.

JOHN APPEARS AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS.

VIVIAN: John, we'll be fine. I'm sure nothing will happen to us if we're standing outside for a few minutes.

JOHN: (CAUTIOUSLY) I don't know. I'd feel better if...

IVAN: (INTERRUPTING) Do not worry, Mr. Black. I will make sure nothing happens to Madame or Master Nicholas.

JOHN: You're as much of a target as either of them, Ivan...

VIVIAN: I'm sure all the hit men are taking an Easter holiday, John. (BEAT) Really, we'll be fine.

JOHN: (SMILING) All right, I can see this is futile. I'll be right behind you.

JOHN VANISHES FROM THE STAIRWELL. VIVIAN, IVAN, BRADY, AND NICHOLAS GO TO LEAVE. NICHOLAS STOPS.

VIVIAN: No, darling, it's in the basket with the rest of them.

NICHOLAS: No, this is a special one. I did it all by myself.

VIVIAN: (IMPRESSED) Oh, I see.

NICHOLAS: It's in the fridge. (BEAT) You guys go ahead, I'll come down with Uncle John, okay?

VIVIAN: All right. (TO BRADY) Are you ready to go, Brady?

BRADY: Da-da!

VIVIAN: (SMILING) Da-da's coming, too, dear. We'll wait for him downstairs, all right?

BRADY SMILES BACK AT VIVIAN.

VIVIAN AND IVAN EXIT AS NICHOLAS GOES TO THE REFRIGERATOR. HE OPENS IT AND TAKES OUT A PAINTED EGG.

AS NICHOLAS CLOSES THE REFRIGERATOR DOOR, JOHN COMES DOWN THE STAIRS WITH THE BABY BAG.

NICHOLAS: I had to get the egg I painted for Shawn-Douglas.

NICHOLAS HOLDS UP THE EGG TO SHOW JOHN. JOHN WHISTLES.

NICHOLAS: What is it?

JOHN: I have a favor to ask of you.

NICHOLAS: Sure. Any favor for you, Uncle John.

JOHN: (SMILING) I'd really appreciate it if you would try to take some time and talk to Shawn-Douglas at the egg hunt today. He could use a friend.

NICHOLAS: Why, is something wrong?

JOHN: Well, you remember how I told you he ran away?

NICHOLAS: Yes, I remember.

JOHN: He's been upset, lately. Some things haven't been going too well for him. (BEAT) I was thinkin' that since you two are best buds, you could talk to him and maybe cheer him up a little.

NICHOLAS: Sure, I'd be happy to. I want Shawn-Douglas to feel better.

JOHN: Thanks, Nikki. I think that'll help a lot.

NICHOLAS: Good. I'm glad I can help.

NICHOLAS SMILES PROUDLY. HOLD ON NICHOLAS.

CUT TO: SALEM PARK. JANET, CANDIS, JOE, FRED, BOB AND SEVERAL OTHER OFFICERS AND VOLUNTEERS FROM THE COMMUNITY CENTER ARE GETTING READY TO HAND OUT EASTER BASKETS TO CHILDREN FROM THE LOCAL HOMELESS SHELTER. BO AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS ARRIVE LADEN WITH MORE BASKETS AND CANDY.

JOE: (LAUGHING) Where are your floppy ears, Bo?

FRED: And your fuzzy tail?

BO: Shoot, they must be in my other jacket. But how's this?

BO WIGGLES HIS BEHIND AND DOES A FEW BUNNY HOPS. SHAWN-DOUGLAS GIVES A SMALL SMILE, WHILE THE REST OF THE GROUP BREAKS INTO LAUGHTER.

PETERS: Geez, Bob, I hope he doesn't do that when you're out on the beat!

BO: Don't knock it till you've tried it. We've got the most crime-free block in Salem!

THERE IS MORE LAUGHTER. JANET SILENTLY NOTICES THE GROWING CAMARADERIE AND APPROVES. SHAWN-DOUGLAS EDGES CLOSER TO BO. THE BOY HASN'T SAID A WORD SINCE THEY'VE ARRIVED. BOB GESTURES TO BO OVER SHAWN-DOUGLAS' HEAD. BO NODS.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS LOOKS AT BO HESITANTLY. BO REACHES FOR A BASKET. SHAWN-DOUGLAS FOLLOWS SUIT, RELUCTANTLY.

BOB: So, did the Easter Bunny leave you a chocolate bunny?

SHAWN-D: Uh-huh.

BOB: I always used to eat the ears first. They're the best part, you know. Don't you think?

SHAWN-D: Uh-huh.

BOB AND BO LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND SHRUG. KAYLA AND MARCUS ARRIVE WITH STEPHANIE. MARCUS STOPS TO TALK WITH JANET. STEPHANIE RUNS OFF TO SEE CANDIS. KAYLA FOLLOWS HER DAUGHTER.

JANET: Does Brady count?

MARCUS: (BEWILDERED, HAVING MISSED BO'S IMITATION) As a bunny?

GO TO: KAYLA AND STEPHANIE, WHO ARE CHATTING WITH CANDIS.

STEPHANIE: Thank you.

KAYLA: (LAUGHING) It's a good thing we've been to church already because I'm sure she won't look like this for long.

CANDIS: I'm glad so many volunteers showed up this morning to help distribute Easter baskets to the kids. Thank goodness for the Salem PD.

KAYLA IS ONLY HALF-PAYING ATTENTION TO CANDIS. SHE'S ALSO WATCHING MARCUS AND JANET'S RELAXED MANNER WITH EACH OTHER.

HOLD ON KAYLA'S INATTENTION.

CUT TO: BRADY PUB. JOHN ENTERS WITH BRADY, FOLLOWED BY NICHOLAS, VIVIAN AND IVAN. JOHN JOINS CAROLINE, SHAWN AND CARRIE AT THE BAR, TRAILED BY THE ALAMAIN GROUP.

BRADY: Haaeee Eatter!

CAROLINE: Clear as a bell, Brady! Happy Easter to you, too!

CARRIE: Did the bunny bring you lots of candy?

BRADY: Caneeeeee!

JOHN: Of course, he's a little young yet, but he does know about chocolate already... Oh... Nikki, Vivian, Ivan... you know all the Bradys?

VIVIAN: Of course. What a lovely thing, you inviting us all to join you at the picnic...

SHAWN: Invite...?

CAROLINE: Ahh, well, of course. (SLIGHTLY DRYLY) The more the merrier....

NICHOLAS: Can we go soon? I want to hurry up and get there, so I can talk to Shawn-Douglas.

SHAWN: Well, isn't that a good thing, then, that you'll be spendin' time with Shawn-Douglas. It's glad I am he has a friend to talk to...

VIVIAN: Has anyone ever told you, Mr. Brady, that you have a beautiful voice? I'll bet you sing divinely...

SHAWN: Call me Shawn, please. And my singin' makes up for in enthusiasm what it lacks in harmony.

VIVIAN: Nonsense, I'm sure it's... divine. An Irish tenor, I'd guess. And do call me Vivian. (AS AN ASIDE) You, too, of course, Mrs. Brady.

CAROLINE: Right...

A MOMENT OF UNCOMFORTABLE SILENCE PASSES. THEN VIVIAN REACHES INTO THE BASKET SHE'S CARRYING, AND BRINGS OUT A SMALLER BASKET WITH SEVERAL OF HER HAND-PAINTED EGGS.

CARRIE: Oh, they're lovely. Did you paint them yourself?

VIVIAN: I did. It's something one of my Russian nannies taught me.

JOHN: She made several for Brady and I... all beautiful.

SHAWN: You've got talent for, that's for sure, Vivian. I'm thinkin' I've not seen eggs so pretty.

CAROLINE GLARES AT HIM, THEN CATCHES HERSELF.

IVAN: (FINALLY FEELING THERE'S SOMETHING HE CAN DO) I would be happy to serve, Madame Brady...

CAROLINE: Thank you, but I can certainly handle pouring coffee in my own restaurant...

IVAN LOOKS SOMEWHAT HURT, AND CAROLINE SLIGHTLY CHAGRINNED. OUT ON THE AWKWARD GROUP.

ACT III

SALEM PARK: THE PARK IS CROWDED AS EVERYONE GETS READY FOR THE ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT. CAROLINE, SHAWN, CARRIE AND MAX ARRIVE, FOLLOWED BY JOHN, BRADY, VIVIAN, NICHOLAS AND IVAN. KAYLA, MARCUS AND STEPHANIE COME OVER AND POINT OUT WHERE THEY'VE SPREAD THEIR BLANKETS. BO AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS WAVE FROM ACROSS THE PARK. SHAWN AND MAX START SETTING UP LAWN CHAIRS. MAX IS OBVIOUSLY ANXIOUS TO GET AWAY, BUT CARRIE ELBOWS HIM AND GIVES HIM A PLEADING LOOK. THE HORTON CONTINGENT, JACK, JENNIFER, ABIGAIL, ROSIE, MICKEY, MAGGIE, BILL, DOUG, JULIE, TOM, AND ALICE, ARRIVES AND THERE IS A FLURRY OF ACTIVITY AS EVERYONE SAYS HELLO AND GETS SETTLED.

ALICE: It certainly is!

JULIE: I am so ready for spring after this horrible winter.

SHAWN: That's a right lovely hat you're wearing, Maggie.

MAGGIE BLUSHES AND JENNIFER AND ROSIE LAUGH.

ROSIE: I do believe that's the third man to compliment your hat, Maggie.

DOUG: And no one said anything about my new tie!

JULIE: That's because your handsome face far outshines that humble cloth...

DOUG: (SMILING) Good answer... (HE LEANS OVER AND KISSES JULIE)

JACK KNEELS DOWN ON A BLANKET NEXT TO ABIGAIL, RUBBING HER ARMS AND GENTLY PUMPING HER LEGS UP AND DOWN.

JACK: Getting our daughter ready for the Egg Hunt, of course. You wouldn't have her strain a muscle, would you?

JENNIFER ROLLS HER EYES.

ABIGAIL GIGGLES AND WAVES AROUND HER BASKET.

JACK LOOKS ASKANCE.

JENNIFER BURIES HER FACE IN HER HAND AND SHAKES HER HEAD. BO AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS COME UP TO A CHORUS OF HELLOS. DOUG HUGS HIS GRANDSON AND ALICE WAVES. SHAWN-DOUGLAS LOOKS UNCOMFORTABLE WITH ALL THE ATTENTION AND INCHES CLOSER TO BO. MAX TAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SLIP OFF AND JOIN HIS FRIENDS. A MAN DRESSED IN AN EASTER BUNNY SUIT "HOPS" BY.

"HERE COMES PETER COTTONTAIL" PLAYS AS WE GO INTO A MONTAGE OF THE EGG HUNT. THE KIDS HUNT EGGS AND CANDY IN TWO DIFFERENT FIELDS. STEPHANIE IS ON MARCUS' SHOULDERS TAKING AN EGG OUT OF A TREE, WHILE KAYLA LOOKS ON. NICHOLAS REACHES INTO A TREE STUMP AND THROWS SOME CANDY TO SHAWN-DOUGLAS, WHO CATCHES IT IN HIS BASKET. JOHN TRIES TO CATCH A RUNNING BRADY AND POINT HIM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. JACK LAYS ON HIS BELLY TO REACH AN EGG UNDER A SHRUB WHILE ABIGAIL SITS DOWN IN THE DIRT AND EATS A MARSHMALLOW CHICKEN. OUT OF THE MONTAGE. THE MUSIC FADES. EVERYONE IS SEATED, MINGLING AND ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE. THE EGG HUNTERS ARE BACK, THE ADULTS LOOKING MORE EXHAUSTED THAN THE CHILDREN. ABIGAIL IS ASLEEP IN JACK'S LAP, SMEARED WITH CHOCOLATE.

JACK: No, sadly.

ALICE: That's all right, dear. Now Abby's got enough chocolate bunnies and eggs to last her until Christmas.

JACK: Only until Christmas? Hmmm... maybe there'll be a sale on Easter candy tomorrow and I can stock up...

BILL: Jack, you spoil her, you know.

JENNIFER: Look who's talking!

JACK LEANS DOWN TO KISS ABIGAIL'S HEAD.

STEPHANIE IS HAPPILY POURING JELLY BEANS INTO KAYLA AND MARCUS' HANDS. SHAWN LOOKS ON, DISGRUNTLED. NEARBY, CARRIE ADJUSTS HER LAWN CHAIR TO CATCH THE SUN'S RAYS. BO AND JOHN SIT TOGETHER. BO NODS AT BRADY, ASLEEP IN HIS STROLLER.

JOHN CLASPS BO'S SHOULDER.

CALLIOPE SHOWS UP, WEARING A DRESS OF BRIGHTLY COLORED FABRIC PATTERNED WITH EASTER EGGS. SMALL BASKETS DANGLE FROM HER EARS, AND HER HAT HAS AN ENTIRE COOP OF CHICKS AND SEVERAL BUNNIES ON IT. SHE'S CARRYING A HUGE "BOUQUET" OF CHOCOLATE FLOWERS AND PASSES THEM OUT TO EVERYONE. WHEN SHE GETS TO TOM, SHE PAUSES AND SITS ON HIS LAP.

TOM: Oh yes, very.

ALICE: (PLAYFULLY) Keep on hopping down the bunny trail, dear. There are a lot of eggs out there.

CALLIOPE: (TO TOM) She's not going to give you up, is she?

TOM: I think not.

CALLIOPE SIGHS AND CONTINUES ON HER WAY. MARCUS STANDS NEARBY, TALKING TO JANET. THEY EXCHANGE A LAUGH WHEN CALLIOPE GOES BY, ACCEPTING HER TREATS WITH THANKS. KAYLA WATCHES FROM A DISTANCE.

KAYLA: Yes, Ma?

CAROLINE: You'll be able to help me with dinner tonight, right?

KAYLA: Of course.

CAROLINE: (WATCHING KAYLA WATCH MARCUS) You don't have to worry, you know.

KAYLA: Pardon me?

CAROLINE: About Marcus. It's obvious he's devoted to you and Stephanie.

KAYLA: Do you really think so?

CAROLINE: Yes, I do. (BEAT) But if you're feeling threatened, maybe you should do something about it.

KAYLA SMILES SLOWLY AND GETS UP.

KAYLA WALKS UP TO JANET AND MARCUS, GRABS MARCUS AND GIVES HIM A PASSIONATE KISS. JANET LOOKS SURPRISED AND QUICKLY LEAVES THE SCENE, GOING OVER TO TALK TO ALICE. SHAWN SEES AND IN HIS ANGER KICKS AT A STONE AND STUBS HIS TOE. A GROUP OF WOMEN STANDING UNDER THE TREES LOOK AT KAYLA KISS MARCUS, HORRIFIED. STEPHANIE IS PLAYING WITH A TOY BUNNY NEARBY.

WOMAN 2: That's disgraceful!

WOMAN 3: People should stick with their own kind.

OUT ON STEPHANIE, LOOKING AT KAYLA AND MARCUS, THEN AT THE WOMEN.

ACT IV

EVE'S BEDROOM. THE CLOSET DOORS ARE OPEN AND CLOTHES ARE STREWN EVERYWHERE. WE SEE A LARGE EASTER BASKET ON THE BED.

EVE PULLS OUT A BLACK MINI-DRESS FROM THE CLOSET, AND HOLDS IT UP TO THE MIRROR. SMILING, SHE PUTS ON A LARGE EASTER HAT.

EVE DROPS THE DRESS TO THE FLOOR. SHE TAKES OFF THE HAT TO INSPECT IT.

EVE TOSSES THE HAT ONTO THE BED, THEN RETURNS TO THE CLOSET.

EVE GOES TO THE BASKET, AND REMOVES A CHOCOLATE BUNNY. SHE BREAKS OFF ONE OF THE EARS, AND STARTS TO EAT IT.

EVE BREAKS OFF THE OTHER BUNNY EAR, BUT BEFORE SHE CAN TAKE A BITE, THE PHONE RINGS.

EVE STARTS THROWING CLOTHES OFF OF THE BED, LOOKING FOR THE PHONE. ON THE FOURTH RING, SHE FINDS IT. TWO-WAY.

IAN: Eve? It's Ian.

EVE: Ian! Speak of the devil.

IAN: (LAUGHING) Didn't know I was Mephistopheles... (BEAT) I called to wish you a Happy Easter.

EVE: Uh... thank you, Ian. (BEAT) And?

IAN: And?

EVE: Come on Ian, you didn't call me just to say "Happy Easter". What's up?

IAN: Actually, I was hoping that you could come down to the club a bit early. I've had a musical inspiration.

EVE: (UNCONVINCED) A musical inspiration?

IAN: Just get down here, okay?

EVE: Alright... I'll be there in a few minutes. Bye.

IAN: Bye, Eve.

EVE HANGS UP THE PHONE.

EVE GOES BACK TO THE CLOSET, AND PULLS OUT A WHITE LACE DRESS. SHE TURNS TO THE MIRROR.

HOLD ON EVE.

CUT TO: SALEM PARK. SHAWN-DOUGLAS AND NICHOLAS HAVE RETREATED TO A TREE AND ARE SITTING TOGETHER, EXAMINING THE CONTENTS OF THEIR EASTER BASKETS. SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS STILL CLEARLY WITHDRAWN.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS LOOKS THROUGH HIS BASKET, NODDING HIS HEAD AS HE COUNTS.

NICHOLAS: I found ten.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS SIGHS. NICHOLAS NOTICES HIS DISAPPOINTMENT. NICHOLAS TAKES AN EGG OUT OF HIS BASKET AND OFFERS IT TO SHAWN-DOUGLAS.

SHAWN-D: No, that's okay.

NICHOLAS: Really, I don't mind. Take it.

SHAWN-D: (RELUCTANTLY) Well... okay.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS TAKES THE EGG AND PUTS IT IN HIS BASKET.

GO TO: JOHN, WHO IS HOLDING A STILL-SLEEPING BRADY. BO, PANICKED, COMES UP TO THEM.

SEEING THAT BRADY IS SLEEPING, BO LOWERS HIS VOICE.

JOHN: (SENSING BO'S PANIC) Bo, take it easy. I know it's tough after what's happened, but stay cool. I'm sure he didn't go far.

BOTH JOHN AND BO LOOK AROUND. JOHN SPOTS SHAWN-DOUGLAS AND NICHOLAS UNDER THE TREE. HE SMILES.

BO FOLLOWS JOHN'S GAZE. BO SIGHS WITH RELIEF WHEN HE SEES THE BOYS.

BO: You're right, I'm sure he could. (BEAT) Thanks, John. Thanks for looking out for my boy.

JOHN: (PUTTING HIS FREE HAND ON BO'S SHOULDER) My pleasure, bro.

GO TO: SHAWN-DOUGLAS AND NICHOLAS. THEY ARE EATING SOME OF THE CANDY FROM THEIR BASKETS.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING.

SHAWN-D: (SURPRISED) You did?

NICHOLAS: Yeah. (BEAT) I ran away from a school in Europe so I could be with my Aunt Viv.

SHAWN-D: Oh.

NICHOLAS: You can talk to me about it, if you want.

SHAWN-D: I don't really wanna talk about it.

NICHOLAS: Come on, it's okay. I'll tell you about when I ran away, and you tell me about when you ran away.

SHAWN-D: No...

NICHOLAS: Are you sure?

SHAWN-D: (AGITATED) No! I don't wanna talk about it!

NICHOLAS IS STARTLED BY SHAWN-DOUGLAS' OUTBURST.

THE TWO SIT IN AWKWARD SILENCE, STARING AT THE GROUND. AFTER SEVERAL MOMENTS, SHAWN-DOUGLAS LOOKS UP.

NICHOLAS: Yes?

SHAWN-D: Have you ever seen anyone die?

NICHOLAS: No...

SHAWN-D: You're lucky...

SHAWN-DOUGLAS SHIVERS. NICHOLAS NOTICES.

SHAWN-D: Uh-huh.

NICHOLAS: You want to ask me anything else...

SHAWN-D: No.

NICHOLAS: Okay.

NICHOLAS TAKES A PIECE OF CANDY OUT OF HIS BASKET.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS CALMS DOWN AND BEGINS RUMMAGING THROUGH HIS BASKET. HE PULLS OUT A SMALL EGG WRAPPED IN FOIL.

NICHOLAS: Hmmm... You're a tough negotiator, Shawn-D. (BEAT) Okay, deal.

THEY EXCHANGE THE CANDY. NICHOLAS SMILES. SHAWN-DOUGLAS SMILES BACK, BUT ONLY SLIGHTLY.

GO TO: SHAWN, CAROLINE, VIVIAN, JOHN, AND IVAN. THEY ARE GATHERING THEIR THINGS TOGETHER AND PREPARING TO LEAVE.

SHAWN: Aye, he was with his friend, Jimmy. I told him to meet us at the car in five minutes.

CAROLINE: All right. (TURNING TO VIVIAN) Vivian, do you, Ivan, and Nikki have plans for Easter dinner?

VIVIAN: Well, no... I guess we don't.

CAROLINE: Then you must join us.

VIVIAN: Oh, I don't know. We've imposed enough already...

CAROLINE: Nonsense! (BEAT) Please, I insist.

VIVIAN: Well, if you insist... Thank you. We'd be delighted to join you.

CAROLINE: Good!

JOHN, WHO HAS BEEN LISTENING, APPROACHES CAROLINE.

CAROLINE: It's my pleasure. Everyone should have somewhere to go for Easter dinner. (BEAT) Besides, they're your family, so they're welcome at our table.

JOHN PUTS HIS ARM AROUND CAROLINE AND HUGS HER.

GO TO: SHAWN, WHO IS LADEN WITH THE BRADYS' GEAR, AND VIVIAN. SHAWN IS STILL SULKING.

SHAWN: That's all right, I've got it.

VIVIAN: (TEASING) Come on... Surely, you don't need to prove to everyone that you're the strongest kid on the block? (HOLDING UP HER HANDS) My hands are free, so let me help.

SHAWN: Oh, okay. If you really want somethin' to carry, here...

SHAWN HANDS VIVIAN A FOLDED-UP LAWN CHAIR. SHE TAKES IT WITH A LOOK OF SURPRISE.

SHAWN: (LOOKING CONFUSED) But...

VIVIAN LAUGHS.

SHAWN: (CHUCKLING) Aye, you did. Very sly...

SHAWN'S SMILE FADES AS HE LOOKS OVER AT KAYLA AND MARCUS.

GO TO: KAYLA AND MARCUS. MARCUS IS STILL GRINNING ABOUT THE KISS THAT KAYLA GAVE HIM.

KAYLA PLAYFULLY SHOVES HIM.

MARCUS: I think you're absolutely right.

KAYLA: I'm glad you agree... Oh!

MARCUS SUDDENLY TAKES KAYLA IN HIS ARMS AND GIVES HER A LONG, PASSIONATE KISS.

GO TO: SHAWN, WHO SCOWLS ANGRILY WHEN HE SEES MARCUS AND KAYLA KISSING. VIVIAN LOOKS ON WITH INTEREST AT SHAWN, THEN AT KAYLA AND MARCUS. CAROLINE CALLS TO SHAWN.

SHAWN: (STILL GLARING AT MARCUS AND KAYLA) Let's go.

SHAWN WALKS OFF. VIVIAN PAUSES, WATCHING SHAWN. OUT ON VIVIAN'S INTRIGUE.

ACT V

EUTERPE. EVE AND IAN ARE SITTING AT A TABLE OFF THE STAGE, SIPPING ICE WATER.

EVE: It did. We make a good team, you and I.

IAN: You think Doug will be pleased?

EVE: How could he not? The song was wonderful... (LAYING IT ON) You're wonderful...

IAN: And I think it cheered you up.

EVE: It did. It's so sweet that you care about me... (PUSHING) You do care, don't you?

IAN: You know I do, Eve, we're friends. But it's getting a bit thick in here, don't you think?

EVE: Thick?

IAN: Eve, it's a song, not the millennium...

EVE: I was just thanking you...

IAN: A simple "thank you" is fine... You don't need to trot out your "sweet, sexy thing" act for me...

EVE: Well, if I'd known you were going to be this mean...

IAN: Not mean, Eve. Just putting you back on track a little. Unruffle your feathers...

IAN IS FACING THE DOOR, TO WHICH EVE HAS HER BACK. THE DOOR OPENS, AND SHANE ENTERS. IAN SEES HIM AND EVE DOES NOT.

EVE: Easter Bunny? I don't think so...

IAN: Why don't you turn around?

EVE: I can't imagine why...

EVE TURNS AROUND, AND SEES SHANE. WITH A GLAD CRY, SHE JUMPS FROM HER CHAIR AND RUNS INTO SHANE'S OPEN ARMS. HOLD ON EVE AND SHANE.

CUT TO: BRADY KITCHEN. CAROLINE, CARRIE AND KAYLA ARE PREPARING DINNER. IVAN COMES INTO THE KITCHEN CARRYING A FEW GLASSES AND PUTS THEM BY THE SINK.

CAROLINE: Oh, thank you, Ivan, but no. Why don't you join everyone in the other room?

IVAN: Are you sure I can't be of any help?

REALIZATION DAWNS AS KAYLA REMEMBERS A CONVERSATION WITH JOHN.

IVAN: I would be more than happy to help, Mrs. Johnson.

KAYLA PAUSES, NONPLUSSED.

CAROLINE GIVES KAYLA AN ODD LOOK.

GO TO: LIVING ROOM. SHAWN IS STANDING BY THE FIREPLACE. BO, SHAWN-DOUGLAS, MARCUS, STEPHANIE, VIVIAN, NICHOLAS, JOHN AND BRADY ARE ALL GATHERED AROUND THE "CANDYLAND" BOARD SET UP ON THE COFFEE TABLE. NICHOLAS ROLLS THE DICE.

VIVIAN: Oh no! We've ended up in that blasted molasses bog again.

JOHN: Brady and I could use the company.

SHAWN-D: I'm glad we're not stuck in molasses, Papa.

BO HUGS SHAWN-DOUGLAS TO HIM.

GO TO: KITCHEN. THE THREE WOMEN AND IVAN SEEM MORE RELAXED WITH EACH OTHER NOW AND ARE WORKING TOGETHER SMOOTHLY.

CAROLINE: Sure honey, that would be a help. (BEAT) These dinners are getting to be such a chore as the years go on.

CARRIE: That's not surprising, since the family keeps growing!

KAYLA: I think Alice Horton had the right idea this year.

IVAN: I heard about that. (BEAT) If you don't think me too presumptuous, I would like to be a fly on the wall in the Horton kitchen.

THE FOUR EXCHANGE LOOKS AND LAUGH.

GO TO: LIVING ROOM. THE GAME PLAYERS ARE GETTING MORE RAMBUNCTIOUS AS THE GAME COMES TO A FINISH. SHAWN CONTINUES TO STAND APART FROM THE GROUP, CLEARLY ANNOYED.

STEPHANIE: We're gonna win!

JOHN: Watch out! Brady and I are right behind you!

NICHOLAS: (MOANING) Why can't we get out of this bog?!

THERE ARE CHEERS AND GROANS ALL AROUND AS MARCUS AND STEPHANIE GO ON TO VICTORY. STEPHANIE SQUEALS AND HUGS MARCUS AROUND THE NECK. SHAWN GLOWERS. VIVIAN STANDS UP AND JOINS HIM AS THE OTHERS BEGIN TO PUT THE GAME PIECES AWAY.

SHAWN: Mmmm. Maybe next time.

VIVIAN: I can't help but notice that you seem... bothered by something. It's not an inconvenience to have us here, is it?

SHAWN: Oh no, of course not. There's always room for one more... or three... at the Brady table.

VIVIAN: Thank you again, then. (LOOKING AT SHAWN) But there is something. (BEAT) Can I help in any way? I'm a good listener.

SHAWN: It's a family matter. (BEAT) But thank you for asking.

SHAWN EYES CAROLINE IN THE KITCHEN.

HOLD ON SHAWN'S INDIGNATION.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. THE DINNER CROWD IS STARTING TO COME IN, WHEN DOUG AND JULIE ARRIVE. DAVE SHOWS JULIE TO A TABLE STAGESIDE, AS DOUG GOES TO CONFER WITH IAN IN THE CONTROL BOOTH.

IAN: Full house! You still going to go on?

DOUG: Wouldn't miss it. Julie and I will be leaving right after the first set, for the Horton Family Dinner Extravaganza...

IAN: Julie has quite some family, doesn't she?

DOUG: Of the several thousand reasons that I love her, the fact that she's a Horton ranks high amongst them... (LOOKING AT THE CROWD) I trust Marty's prepared for my set?

IAN: He's ready... and Doug, we've got something else ready, too.

DOUG: A new act?

IAN: I can't tell you. But I think you'll like it. It won't keep you from the Horton-fest too long, and it'll be worth it.

GO TO: EVE AND SHANE, SITTING AT A TABLE NOT TOO FAR FROM JULIE.

EVE: You shouldn't have pushed yourself so hard...

SHANE: I knew how upset you were when I left... I wanted to get done as quickly as possible... to get back home to you.

EVE: Honestly?

SHANE: Honestly. I wanted to get in last night and surprise you... I had it in my head to hide Easter eggs for you, like I used to do with Andrew and Jeannie... Like I never got to do with you...

EVE'S EYES WELL WITH TEARS, BUT SHE TRIES TO COVER.

SHANE: But there was no way I could make it in last night. I hope you aren't too upset...

EVE: No... It's just... good to have you home, Dad.

SHANE: (SMILING) You're not still mad at me for leaving?

EVE: Maybe... a little... (SEEING SHANE'S SMILE FADE) No, of course not. I'm sorry I got so upset. (BEAT) I was just getting used to having you around...

SHANE: I can't promise always to be around, but I can say I'll do whatever I can to be here for you.

EVE: That's all I need. (BEAT) Thank you, Dad.

SHANE: Thank you. Now, care to join your old man for Easter dinner?

EVE: Sounds great... as long as we can eat here?

SHANE: Salem's finest? Think I can still get a table?

EVE: You have connections. But we can't start until after the first set. I have something I have to do....

OUT ON EVE'S ANTICIPATION.

ACT VI

HORTON LIVING ROOM. ALICE, MAGGIE, CALLIOPE, ROSIE AND JENNIFER ARE ALL RELAXING WITH CUPS OF PUNCH. ABIGAIL IS SITTING BESIDE JENNIFER.

ROSIE: (TO JENNIFER) I wonder how your Dad is doing.

MAGGIE: (LAUGHING) I wonder how all of the men are doing.

CALLIOPE: Whose idea was this, anyway?

ALICE: It's was Tom's, dear. He told me that after so many years of the Horton women preparing the holiday meals, it was the Horton men's turn.

CALLIOPE: What a man, that Tom Horton. (SIGHING) He always thinks of these things. (BEAT) He's the best catch in Salem.

ALICE: I agree, dear. Just remember, I caught him!

CALLIOPE: You sure that I can't borrow him for awhile?

EVERYONE LAUGHS.

CALLIOPE: I try.

ALICE: But I am a one-man woman, and Tom is a one-woman man.

MAGGIE: Alice, you and Tom have lived the most beautiful love story.

JENNIFER: And you're an inspiration to us all.

THE DOORBELL RINGS. JENNIFER GOES TO THE DOOR, AND FINDS JO AND VERN.

JENNIFER: Happy Easter, Jo, Vern...

VERN: Hiya, Jenny Girl!

JENNIFER: (TO JO) Jo, why don't you sit down and make yourself comfortable. (TURNING TO VERN) But you, sir, have to go to the kitchen.

VERN: (SKEPTICAL) Me?

JENNIFER: Yes you, Vern. Jack needs your help.

VERN: Jack needs me? Saints preserve me...

THE WOMEN ALL CHUCKLE AS VERN WALKS TOWARD THE KITCHEN.

CUT TO: THE HORTON KITCHEN. TOM, BILL, MICKEY, JACK, AND ROBERT ARE WORKING ON DINNER. AS VERN ENTERS, HE SEES THAT MICKEY AND BILL ARE IN A HEATED DISCUSSION ON THE FINER POINTS OF BARBECUING A TURKEY.

MICKEY: And I say using the oven rotisserie will be fine... Wait until you taste this...

TOM IS WORKING ON POTATOES AU GRATIN.

BILL: Mom pours it in until it looks right.

TOM: (POURING CREAM, DOUBTFUL) Looks right?

AND ROBERT IS PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON A CHOCOLATE TORTE.

MICKEY: (EYEING THE TORTE) Hmm... think he has some cultural advantage?

BILL AND ROBERT LAUGH. JACK, WHO IS COVERED WITH FLOUR, IS TAKING A PAN OF MUFFINS OUT OF THE OVEN, BUT THEY COME OUT A BIT BURNT. JACK POKES THE MUFFINS.

VERN ROLLS UP HIS SLEEVES AND WALKS UP TO JACK.

JACK: (LOOKING AT THE PAN HE TOOK OUT OF THE OVEN) Apparently I do.

BILL: (WIPING HIS BROW) Whose bright idea was this anyway?

TOM: It was mine, son. It's about time that the Horton men handled the cooking for the holiday meal. (BEAT) Although I don't think your mother is convinced that we can handle it.

MICKEY: (SOTTO VOCE) Smart woman... my Mother...

TOM: Maybe this will become a new family tradition. The Horton men cook all the meals.

BILL: (LAUGHING) Great idea, Dad!

MICKEY, BILL, ROBERT, JACK AND VERN ALL NOD IN AGREEMENT.

HOLD ON THE MEN LAUGHING.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG IS ON-STAGE, SINGING "EASTER PARADE" TO A GLOWING JULIE AND A FULL HOUSE. IN PROGRESS.

DOUG FINISHES THE SONG AND STEPS OFF THE STAGE TO KISS JULIE. THE AUDIENCE CHEERS. DOUG TAKES A BOW, THEN SITS NEXT TO JULIE.

JULIE KISSES DOUG AND HE TAKES HER FACE IN HIS HANDS.

DOUG LOOKS UP AS EVE AND IAN TAKE THE STAGE.

ON STAGE, IAN SITS ON A CHAIR AND PICKS UP AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR. EVE STANDS IN FRONT OF A MICROPHONE. IAN BEGINS TO PLAY THE GUITAR, AS EVE SINGS "ON YOUR SHORE" BY ENYA.

SHANE WATCHES EVE SING, WITH GROWING PRIDE.

IAN PLAYS A SHORT INSTRUMENTAL SOLO.

DOUG SMILES WIDELY, IMPRESSED BY THE PERFORMANCE. HE TURNS TO JULIE AND TAKES HER HAND INTO HIS.

TEARS BEGIN TO FORM IN SHANE'S EYES, BUT HE CONTINUES TO SMILE WITH PRIDE.

THE AUDIENCE BREAKS INTO LOUD APPLAUSE. EVE TURNS AROUND TO APPLAUD IAN, WHO STANDS UP TO TAKE A BOW.

EVE BOWS, AND WHEN THE APPLAUSE DIES DOWN, SHE APPROACHES THE MICROPHONE AGAIN.

SHANE SMILES AND THROWS A KISS TOWARDS EVE.

TOUCHED, IAN WALKS UP TO EVE AND KISSES HER ON THE CHEEK. SHE GRABS HIS HAND, AND TOGETHER THEY TAKE A FINAL BOW. OUT ON EVE AND IAN.

ACT VII

BRADY DINING ROOM. THERE ARE TWO TABLES SET UP. SITTING AT THE MAIN TABLE: SHAWN, CAROLINE, BO, SHAWN-DOUGLAS, JOHN, BRADY (IN HIS HIGH CHAIR), VIVIAN, KAYLA AND MARCUS. AT THE "CHILDREN'S" TABLE: CARRIE, NICHOLAS, STEPHANIE, MAX AND IVAN.

THE ROOM GOES QUIET.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS SQUIRMS IN HIS SEAT.

KAYLA SQUEEZES MARCUS' HAND.

MAX ROLLS HIS EYES.

ALL: Amen.

BRADY: Ham!

JOHN: (LAUGHING) You ready for some ham, slugger? Marcus, would you pass the plate, please?

BO: And would someone pass the sweet potatoes?

PLATES START CIRCULATING AROUND THE MAIN TABLE, WHILE IVAN AND CARRIE HELP NICHOLAS AND STEPHANIE AT THE OTHER TABLE. MAX POUTS.

MAX: Why wouldn't I be? I "enjoy" sitting at the kid's table.

AT THE MAIN TABLE, THERE IS A SUDDEN BURST OF LAUGHTER.

HOLD ON MAX'S SULLEN LOOK AS CONTRASTED TO THE HAPPY FAMILY GROUP AT THE MAIN TABLE.

CUT TO: HORTON DINING ROOM. THE WOMEN, MAGGIE, ALICE, ROSIE, JENNIFER, AND CALLIOPE ARE ALL SEATED AT THE TABLE. ABIGAIL IS SEATED IN A HIGH CHAIR NEXT TO JENNIFER. THE MEN, JACK, BILL, MICKEY, TOM, AND VERN, ARE BRINGING IN THE FOOD AND SETTING IT ON THE TABLE.

ALICE: It certainly does.

JENNIFER: Abby, are you hungry?

ABIGAIL IS WATCHING JACK BRING THE MUFFINS IN FROM THE KITCHEN.

JENNIFER: Yes, Dada made muffins!

JACK PLACES THE MUFFINS ON THE TABLE AND SITS NEXT TO JENNIFER.

JENNIFER WIPES A SMUDGE OF FLOUR OFF OF JACK'S CHEEK.

MICKEY: Well, let's eat!

ALICE: Wait! We have to say grace... And where are Doug and Julie?

CALLIOPE: I thought they'd be here by now.

BILL: We should wait for them.

JULIE'S VOICE COMES FROM JUST OUTSIDE THE ROOM.

DOUG AND JULIE ENTER, MUCH TO EVERYONE'S DELIGHT. DOUG IS CARRYING A BROWN PAPER BAG.

MICKEY: Yeah, sure you are...

BILL: Showing up just after all the work is done.

JULIE: What do you mean, Uncle Bill?

TOM: (PROUDLY) We broke from tradition this year. This time, the Horton men prepared the dinner.

JULIE: (SURPRISED) Well, I'm certainly impressed!

CALLIOPE: Yeah, well, I'm reserving judgement until I get a taste of this feast.

EVERYBODY LAUGHS.

HE REACHES INTO THE PAPER BAG AND REMOVES TWO BOTTLES OF WINE.

MICKEY AND BILL: (TRYING TO SOUND DOUBTFUL) Wellllll...

TOM: Of course. Sit down, you two.

DOUG AND JULIE TAKE THEIR SEATS.

EVERYONE BOWS THEIR HEADS AND JOINS HANDS.

ALL: Amen.

CALLIOPE: (PICKING UP HER FORK) Okay, let's dig in!

ABIGAIL SQUEALS IN AGREEMENT, DRAWING CHUCKLES FROM ALL. THE FOOD IS PASSED AROUND, AND EVERYONE STARTS TO EAT.

JENNIFER: Absolutely.

ROSIE: (TO ABIGAIL) Aren't you proud of your Daddy?

VERN AND JACK SMILE SHEEPISHLY.

MAGGIE: I'll second that!

MAGGIE GIVES MICKEY A KISS ON THE CHEEK.

ALICE: (TEASING) Calliope, dear, how did I know you would say that?

CALLIOPE: (SHRUGGING) I dunno. You're psychic?

JULIE: I think she's smitten with the chef.

CALLIOPE: Okay, ya caught me. What can I say?

ROBERT: (TEASING) Perhaps you shouldn't say much more, cherie, unless you want to get in trouble with the hostess.

CALLIOPE: Maybe you're right... (SEDUCTIVELY) So, Robert... you hunky Frenchman, you... What are you doing later?

ROBERT: (SURPRISED) I, eh... Well, I...

DOUG: You're in trouble now, mon vieux.

ROBERT: C'est la vie!

EVERYONE LAUGHS. HOLD ON THE FAMILY'S MIRTH. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.

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