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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: November 22, 1994
Time: Several Days After #78,
Morning to Evening
Copyright 1994
DOUG AND JULIE'S DINING ROOM. DOUG AND JULIE ARE FINISHING UP THEIR BREAKFAST.
JULIE: Darling, how do you give the potatoes just the right amount of seasoning? These are wonderful.
DOUG: I have Lorenzo make them at the restaurant the night before and then I nuke them in the microwave. (SIGHS) I wish I could get my potatoes seasoned this well.
JULIE: Your secret's safe with me... And I know Lorenzo will never talk...
DOUG: Speaking of Lorenzo's cooking prowess... Wait 'til you see what he is making for us to take to Alice's for Thanksgiving dinner.
JULIE: Dinner? (SIGHS) I've been thinking about that all night... And I was wondering...
DOUG: Yes?
JULIE: Would you mind if we skipped Thanksgiving this year?
DOUG: A Horton wanting to skip a holiday? What's wrong?
JULIE: It just won't be the same this year. Grandpa is... gone... Robert's in CCU. (BEAT) There doesn't seem to be a lot to be thankful for.
DOUG: We have plenty to be thankful for. We have each other. We have David and Scott and Shawn-Douglas. There is Alice and Mickey and Maggie. And, CJ is here...
CJ WALKS INTO THE KITCHEN.
JULIE: I don't know. It doesn't seem right to be sitting around giving thanks while Robert is lying in a hospital bed. Maybe we should skip the celebration this year.
CJ: Nonsense. I won't have it.
HOLD ON CJ'S OBJECTION.
CUT TO: JACK & JENNIFER'S KITCHEN. JENNIFER FROWNS AS SHE PUTS THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON THE CRANBERRY SALAD. JACK ENTERS THE ROOM, FIXING HIS TIE AS HE WALKS.
JACK: Is this tie okay for... (NOTICING JENNIFER'S EXPRESSION) What's wrong?
JENNIFER: I'm worried about Grandma. This is her first big family event since Grandpa died. (BEAT) I don't know if she can handle it.
JACK: Jennifer, your grandmother will get through this Thanksgiving just fine. Having her family around will make it easier for her. (LONG BEAT) Are you sure that the person that you think might not make it through today is you?
JENNIFER: (SIGHING) You're probably right. The Horton family Thanksgiving has always been a major event, and Grandpa is... was... a big part of it.
JACK WALKS OVER TO JENNIFER AND PUTS HIS ARMS AROUND HER.
JACK: Jennifer... I know some people might not believe this, but I miss him, too. (BEAT) Your grandfather welcomed me into his home... into his family... I will always be grateful to him for that.
JENNIFER: He loved you... just like I do... And he wanted us to be happy...
JACK: Exactly. So he wouldn't want us to sit around today feeling sorry for ourselves because he's gone; he would want us to be thankful for what we have.
JENNIFER NODS, TRYING NOT TO CRY. JACK PULLS HER INTO HIS ARMS. HOLD ON THEIR EMBRACE.
CUT TO: HORTON KITCHEN. THE KITCHEN IS A HIVE OF ACTIVITY AS ALICE GETS READY FOR THE THANKSGIVING MEAL. NORM SHADOWS HER EVERY MOVE, WAITING FOR ANY STRAY SCRAPS TO "ACCIDENTALLY" FALL ON THE GROUND. ALICE IS PEELING POTATOES WHEN THE BUZZER ON THE OVEN RINGS. SHE GOES OVER AND TAKES OUT A PERFECT PUMPKIN PIE, INHALING THE SCENT.
ALICE: Now there's a pie for you!
NORM BARKS. ALICE PUTS THE PIE DOWN AND RUFFLES NORM'S EARS.
ALICE: (CONT'D) Norm, you're nothing but a little beggar. You know this pie is for dessert. Just be patient, you can have the turkey neck when I finish the gravy.
NORM LIES DOWN, HIS HEAD ON HIS PAWS, AND WHINES.
ALICE: (CONT'D) (LAUGHING) All right. Here's part of a donut.
NORM GRABS THE DONUT AND GOES UNDER THE TABLE TO EAT IT. HE DOESN'T WANT TO BE TOO FAR AWAY FROM THE REST OF THE FOOD, JUST IN CASE. ALICE STIRS A FEW POTS ON THE STOVE AND GOES BACK TO PEELING POTATOES. BILL COMES IN AND LOOKS AROUND BEWILDERED.
ALICE: (CONT'D) Good morning, sweetheart. The coffee is hot, would you like some?
BILL: 'Morning, Mom. (BEAT) What's going on in here?
ALICE: What do you mean "what's going on in here"? It's Thanksgiving Day!
BILL: I know that Mom, but...
ALICE: But nothing! This is a big day for the Hortons and I've got to get dinner ready.
BILL: (GENTLY) Are you sure you can handle it?
ALICE PUTS THE POTATO SHE IS PEELING DOWN AND WIPES HER HANDS ON HER APRON. SHE GOES TO BILL AND KISSES HIM ON THE CHEEK.
ALICE: Thank you, darling, for thinking of me. But I'll be fine. This is what I do best and it's what I want to do. For the family. (BEAT) And for Tom.
OUT ON ALICE AND BILL EMBRACING.
HORTON KITCHEN. BILL AND ALICE, IN PROGRESS.
BILL: You know, Mom, you don't have to do everything.
ALICE: Don't worry about me, dear.
BILL: Maybe, we can all do something different this year.
ALICE: Something different? What do you mean?
BILL: Well... Maybe we can have Thanksgiving at Jennifer and Jack's this year. I'm sure they would love to host it.
ALICE: We couldn't do that to them. It's much too late of a notice.
BILL: Then... maybe we can all go to Euterpe.
ALICE: A restaurant?! On Thanksgiving?
BILL: Sure. I hear they serve a fantastic meal... with all the trimmings.
ALICE: (HOLDING UP HER HANDS) Nonsense!
BILL LOOKS AT ALICE, SURPRISED.
ALICE: (CONT'D) We have always celebrated the Horton Thanksgiving in this house, and this year changes nothing.
BILL: Mom, are you sure? (SOFTLY) I'm afraid that it'll be too tough on you, emotionally.
ALICE SMILES AND PLACES A LOVING HAND ON ONE OF BILL'S HANDS.
ALICE: Thank you for thinking of me, dear. I know you mean well, but this will be good for me.
BILL: Are you sure?
ALICE: Absolutely! I enjoy doing this each year. (LOOKING HEAVENWARD) Besides, I know that your father would want the family tradition to continue.
HOLD ON ALICE'S SMILE.
CUT TO: DOUG AND JULIE'S KITCHEN. DOUG, JULIE AND CJ. IN PROGRESS.
CJ: The Horton Family Thanksgiving dinner is a tradition! I know Papa would be horrified if you didn't go.
JULIE: It's just so difficult...
CJ: I know... It was hard for me to drag myself out of bed this morning... But Papa would want us not to give up, to enjoy life, to live every day... That includes being with family, celebrating Thanksgiving.
DOUG: You're right, of course...
CJ: I always am...
JULIE: Modest, too.
CJ: Honest...
JULIE: So you say...
CJ: I do say... Let's go visit my father and then you go to the annual Horton celebration.
DOUG: Only if you promise to join us at Alice's.
CJ: Are you sure? It is for family...
JULIE: Of course we're sure. You certainly qualify as family... (QUICKLY GLANCING AT DOUG) You and Robert both.
CJ: Then I accept gratefully. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in the States.
DOUG: Then we'll all go visit Robert, and after, head over to Alice's?
JULIE: Perfect. Maybe there'll be some change, some improvement we can give thanks for...
CJ: I hope so... I pray so...
CJ PUTS HIS ARMS AROUND DOUG AND JULIE.
CJ: (CONT'D) There is so much love around him, he couldn't do anything but get better...
HOLD ON CJ'S OPTIMISM.
CUT TO: BRADY KITCHEN. CAROLINE IS BASTING THE TURKEY WHEN SHAWN WALKS INTO THE ROOM.
SHAWN: Aw... the house smells divine, Caroline! (BEAT) But I don't know if I can hold out until dinner time, so I think I'll just...
SHAWN REACHES FOR ONE OF THE PUMPKIN MUFFINS THAT ARE IN A BASKET ON THE COUNTER.
CAROLINE: Don't you dare, Shawn Brady.
CAROLINE STARES AT HER HUSBAND UNTIL HE MOVES HIS HAND AWAY FROM THE BASKET. SHE THEN CLOSES THE OVEN DOOR.
SHAWN: That was John on the phone a few minutes ago. He asked if he could bring Vivian, Nikki and Ivan along with him and little Brady. (BEAT) I said he could.
CAROLINE: (SKEPTICAL) The more the merrier?
SHAWN: Exactly! We'll have a grand time!
CAROLINE: If you say so... (BEAT) It's nice to see you in such a good mood, Shawn. I hope this means that you're going to be nice to Marcus today.
SHAWN: For Pete's sake, woman, why do you keep harping at me about Marcus and Kayla?
CAROLINE: Because they want to be together and you make life miserable for Kayla and Marcus when you're around.
SHAWN: I do not.
CAROLINE: You do so.
SHAWN: I never say a blessed word to them!
CAROLINE: Exactly! You sit and glower and make every effort to ignore them!
SHAWN: I do not... I...
CAROLINE: Don't you dare deny it. That is exactly what you do. And it's going to stop. Marcus and Kayla are coming here today and you will be nice and polite and friendly.
SHAWN: Or what?
CAROLINE: Or so help me, Shawn Brady, I will never speak to you again!
CAROLINE TURNS HER BACK TO SHAWN AND STORMS OUT OF THE ROOM. OUT ON SHAWN'S ASTONISHMENT.
ABIGAIL'S BEDROOM. JENNIFER IS SITTING IN THE ROCKING CHAIR WITH ABIGAIL ON HER LAP, PUTTING NAVY TIGHTS ON HER. JACK IS ON HIS HANDS AND KNEES RUMMAGING AROUND IN ABIGAIL'S CLOSET.
JACK: How is it possible that a two-year old has more shoes than I do?
JENNIFER BEGINS TO PUT A NAVY AND RED DRESS OVER ABIGAIL'S HEAD.
JENNIFER: Everyone knows that women need more shoes than men, Jack.
JACK: Well, I could argue that our daughter is not a woman yet, but I have a feeling that will get me nowhere. (BEAT) Which shoes am I looking for again?
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) The red ones.
JACK: Ah ha! Here they are!
JACK GETS UP AND PRODUCES THE SHOES WITH A FLOURISH. HE KNEELS DOWN IN FRONT OF JENNIFER AND ABIGAIL AND BEGINS TO PUT THE SHOES ON ABIGAIL'S FEET.
JACK: Here you are, young lady. We can't have you going to the Horton Thanksgiving dinner underdressed.
ABIGAIL LAUGHS.
JACK: (CONT'D) (TO JENNIFER) Will you be all right?
JENNIFER: I think so. It will be hard without Grandpa there, but you're right, there isn't anywhere else I'd rather be on Thanksgiving Day.
JACK: Well, I hate to admit it, but now that I've gotten used to all the hustle and bustle... I can't imagine being anywhere else either.
JENNIFER: I just hope that Grandma will be all right.
JACK: It will be difficult, I'm sure, but we'll all be there to help.
JENNIFER SETS ABIGAIL DOWN. ABIGAIL TWIRLS AROUND SO THE SKIRT OF HER DRESS FLARES OUT. SHE TRIES TO CLICK HER HEELS TOGETHER.
ABIGAIL: No place like home!
JENNIFER AND JACK BREAK INTO LAUGHTER. JENNIFER SCOOPS ABIGAIL UP AND KISSES HER.
JACK: I'm going to hide that tape! Next she'll be asking me to dance like Ray Bolger.
JENNIFER: You're right, honey. There is no place like home. (TO JACK) We've got so much to be thankful today. A home, each other...
JACK: (KISSING ABIGAIL) A beautiful, witty daughter, great jobs...
JENNIFER: And a loving family. I have so many wonderful memories of Grandpa. I can't wait to share them with Abby someday.
HOLD ON THE HAPPY FAMILY.
CUT TO: HORTON KITCHEN. ALICE IS CHECKING ON THE TURKEY. BILL IS SNIFFING THE PIES.
ALICE: Bill Horton, if you touch that pie you will have me to reckon with.
BILL: You had your back turned. How did you know I was heading for the pie.
ALICE: You've been trying to get to my pumpkin pies before dinner every year since you were old enough to stand.
WE HEAR COMMOTION FROM THE LIVING ROOM. MICKEY AND MAGGIE HAVE ARRIVED.
MICKEY: (V.O.) Mom! We're here.
MICKEY AND MAGGIE WALK INTO THE KITCHEN.
MAGGIE: Happy Thanksgiving. (DEEP BREATH) Ohhh... Alice, that turkey smells wonderful.
BILL: Happy Thanksgiving.
BILL AND MAGGIE HUG. BILL AND MICKEY SHAKE HANDS.
ALICE: I hope it's enough to feed everyone.
MICKEY: You haven't failed us, yet. Although, last year was a close call.
BILL: That was your fault for picking at the turkey the whole time we were cooking.
MICKEY: You know, Mom, I think there might be some hurt feelings this year because you didn't ask the men to cook dinner, again.
BILL: No hurt feelings here. I prefer to do the eating.
ALICE: Right now you two can do the setting.
MICKEY: Good. Football's about to start.
ALICE: Setting, not sitting. The two of you can set the table while Maggie and I finish dinner.
MAGGIE: And, put these out for people to munch on.
MAGGIE HANDS MICKEY A TRAY OF CUT VEGETABLES AND MICKEY AND BILL HEAD OUT THE DOOR.
CUT TO: HORTON DINING ROOM. MICKEY SETS THE TRAY DOWN AS BILL OPENS THE CHINA CLOSET AND PULLS OUT PLATES AND GLASSES TO SET THE TABLE. MICKEY JOINS HIM.
MICKEY: How are things at the hospital?
BILL: Busy. I don't know how Dad managed all these years.
MICKEY: Pretty amazing, isn't it?
BILL: People still expect to see him when they come in my office. I can see the surprise on their faces when they see me sitting in his chair.
MICKEY: It must be difficult stepping into his shoes.
BILL: Doing that job is difficult enough, but following Dad... Everyone thought so highly of him.
MICKEY: He also had a lot of years of experience. Don't expect to be able to know everything at once.
BILL: I don't... But I miss him...
MICKEY: Me, too. It's going to take a long time to get passed missing him. (BEAT) How is Mom doing?
BILL: She seems to be doing pretty well. But, she misses Dad and it shows up in little ways. She says "we" once in a while. She cooks too much food. And she's called me "Tom" a few times...
MICKEY: It's going to take her a long time to adjust to being single. (BEAT) I'm glad you're here to help her.
BILL: I'm not sure I'm much help.
MICKEY: Just being here is help enough.
CUT TO: HORTON KITCHEN. MAGGIE AND ALICE ARE PEELING POTATOES.
MAGGIE: Did I tell you Melissa and Sarah called today?
ALICE: How are they?
MAGGIE: They're fine. They're spending the day with friends. They say they hope to be home for Christmas. (BEAT) I told them about Robert. They're going to send flowers.
ALICE: That's very sweet of them... Tell me, how is Robert? Bill says no change...
MAGGIE: Bill would know. That's what he told me as well.
ALICE: I pray there's some positive change soon...
MAGGIE: So do I. Then we'd have something to really be thankful for.
HOLD ON MAGGIE'S CONCERN.
CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. ABE, CANDIS AND MORGAN ARE SETTING UP THE SERVING LINE.
ABE: Where do you want the yams?
CANDIS: Right beside the peas would be fine, Abe.
MORGAN TAKES THE YAMS FROM ABE, AND PUTS THEM INTO THEIR PROPER PLACE.
ABE: Candis, this is a veritable feast. The head of the Women's Shelter was amazed at all you've done.
CANDIS: And I'm amazed at everything she does.
MORGAN: What I want to know is how we ended up doing all the work here today.
CANDIS: You stop that right now, Morgan. Kayla is the one who got this place cleaned up yesterday, plus she and Marcus brought over those huge pans of stuffing. She earned her day off.
MORGAN: (TO ABE) And because of that, we don't get to watch football today.
CANDIS: Poor baby... life is so hard...
MORGAN: Come on Abe, I know we're not going to get any sympathy here, so might as well see what else is left to do.
THE MEN HEAD BACK TOWARDS THE KITCHEN AS LEXIE COMES OUT TO THE SERVING LINE WITH THE BREAD PUDDING. AS THE KITCHEN DOOR CLOSES, SHANE AND JANET ENTER THE COMMUNITY CENTER, CARRYING TWO COVERED DISHES.
LEXIE: Hello, Janet, Shane... This is a surprise. You must have heard about our dire need for volunteers to help with the cooking...
JANET AND SHANE LOOK AT EACH OTHER, AND THEN BREAK INTO LAUGHTER.
SHANE: Well, Lexie, if Janet's refrigerator is any indication, I think I would be the best choice for assisting in the kitchen.
LEXIE LOOKS TO JANET, WHO NODS HER HEAD.
JANET: Sad but true... These days my idea of cooking consists of actually heating up the canned chili before I eat it...
SHANE: While, I, on the other hand, don't think you can start the day without kippers and eggs and toast and...
LEXIE: Okay, okay... I'm convinced.
LEXIE REMOVES HER APRON AND TOSSES IT TO SHANE. SHE THEN GRABS HIM BY THE ARM.
LEXIE: (CONT'D) Mr. Superspy... Follow me...
SHANE TURNS AND LOOKS HELPLESSLY AT JANET AS LEXIE DRAGS HIM TOWARDS THE KITCHEN.
JANET: (WAVING) Bye, Shane...
OUT ON JANET'S GIGGLING.
BRADY HOUSE. BO AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS ENTER. BO CARRIES A BAKERY BOX, AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS, FLOWERS.
BO: Hey, Ma! We're here!
BO AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS ENTER THE KITCHEN, WHERE CAROLINE IS BASTING THE TURKEY. SHAWN SITS AT THE TABLE, LOOKING AT THE PAPER.
SHAWN-D: Gramma! I brought you flowers!
CAROLINE: Those are lovely, Shawn-Douglas
CAROLINE HUGS SHAWN-D.
CAROLINE: (CONT'D) Thank you! These will look beautiful on the table.
SHAWN-D: Thanks! Papa let me pick them out myself. Is Max around?
CAROLINE: You picked perfect ones, dear. And, yes, Max is in his room. Go on up, but don't forget to knock first.
SHAWN-D: Okay.
SHAWN-DOUGLAS DASHES OUT OF THE ROOM. CAROLINE PUTS THE TURKEY BACK IN THE OVEN AS BO HANDS HER THE BOX HE CARRIES.
BO: We brought the rolls, Ma. I hope you don't mind the bakery kind, I didn't have time to do 'em myself.
CAROLINE: Well, as long as they're from... (SHE LOOKS AT THE TAG) Oh, good job, Bo, they're from Anise's. They bake your father's favorite rolls, right, Shawn?
SHAWN GRUNTS AND PUTS DOWN THE PAPER. HE LEAVES THE KITCHEN.
BO: What's wrong with him?
CAROLINE: Sometimes, well, sometimes your father can act just like a little boy... Ignore him, Bo.
BO: (RUEFUL LAUGH) I've come to think that may be typical of a lot of men... it's something I've had to get over, that's for sure.
CAROLINE: And you've done a wonderful job, Bo. I'm so proud of the way you've turned things around, your job, Shawn-Douglas...
BO: We have a long way to go, the Sailor and I, but it does seem he's doing better...
BO STOPS AS HE HEARS THE DOOR OPEN AND WE HEAR JOHN SHOUT GREETINGS.
JOHN: Hello!
JOHN WALKS IN, CARRYING BRADY.
CAROLINE: Oh, good, John and Brady are here...
CAROLINE AND BO GO TO GREET JOHN AND BRADY. CAROLINE STIFFENS A LITTLE WHEN VIVIAN WALKS IN, BUT MASKS THE REACTION, SMILING HAPPILY AT JOHN, BRADY AND NICHOLAS. SHAWN COMES DOWN FROM UPSTAIRS, AND HIS SCOWL BRIGHTENS TO A GRIN WHEN HE SEES VIVIAN.
JOHN: Happy Thanksgiving, Brady family!
CAROLINE: And to you, too, John
CAROLINE HUGS JOHN, AND TAKES BRADY FROM JOHN.
CAROLINE: (CONT'D) And how's my favorite little guy today?
BRADY: Turkeeee!
CAROLINE: I can see he's been prompted by his Daddy already!
EVERYONE LAUGHS.
NICHOLAS: Mrs. Brady, thank you very much for inviting us to dinner again this year.
CAROLINE HANDS BRADY TO BO, WHO BEGINS TO MAKE FACES AT HIM.
CAROLINE: Why, you're very welcome, Nikki. We're all glad you could be here with us...
VIVIAN: (GLIDING FORWARD) Yes, Caroline, I do wish to thank you and your wonderful husband for yet again opening your home to us...
CAROLINE: You're wel....
SHAWN: (INTERRUPTS) It's welcome you are in my home, Vivian! And glad I am to see you! Here... let me take your coat...
VIVIAN: Shawn Brady, ever the gentleman.
SHAWN TAKES VIVIAN'S COAT AND SHE SHAMELESSLY FLIRTS WITH HIM.
NICHOLAS: Did you know that this is our last Thanksgiving in America?
IVAN ENTERS, CARRYING A COVERED DISH.
IVAN: Yes, we are leaving tomorrow. So thank you, Mrs. Brady, for your gracious hospitality on our last day in Salem...
CAROLINE: Again, you're all very welcome. (SNIFFING) Ivan, what is in that dish? It smells divine!
IVAN: It is a special artichoke dip... an appetizer, if you like.
BO: (SNIFFING APPRECIATIVELY) I like!
IVAN: If I may put this in the kitchen... and perhaps offer you my assistance, Mrs. Brady?
CAROLINE: Only if you'll remember to call me Caroline.
THE TWO HEAD OFF TO THE KITCHEN. HOLD ON THE GROUP.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. EVE WALKS INTO THE DINING AREA AND WALKS TOWARDS IAN, WHO IS REVIEWING HIS NOTES AT THE BAR. IAN LOOKS UP WHEN HE HEARS HER FOOTSTEPS.
IAN: Hi Eve!
EVE: (COOL) Hello Ian.
IAN: What are you doing here today?
EVE: Working, what do you think?
IAN: I thought you'd want to spend the day with your father.
EVE: Why?
IAN: Because it's Thanksgiving.
EVE: Let's just say I don't have much to be thankful for this year...
IAN: Because of Nick?
EVE STARES AT IAN, BUT DOESN'T MAKE A SOUND.
IAN: (CONT'D) (SOTTO VOCE) Ask a stupid question...
EVE: And what about you, Ian? (BEAT) What are you doing working on a holiday?
IAN: It's not that big a deal to me. I don't have any family in Salem, so I don't have a problem with pitching in today. (BEAT) Besides it looks like we'll be pretty quiet today...
EVE: I hope so. Peace and quiet would be a welcome change of pace...
EVE'S VOICE TRAILS OFF AS NICK WALKS IN. HOLD ON EVE'S FROWN.
CUT TO: ROBERT'S HOSPITAL ROOM. DOUG, JULIE, CJ ARE VISITING. ROBERT LIES IN BED, STILL HOOKED UP TO A VARIETY OF MONITORS.
CJ: Papa. It's me, CJ. I'm here with Doug and Julie. We stopped by to visit on our way to the Horton's for Thanksgiving.
DOUG: Oui, mon vieux. You have to get well soon. You know how fast Alice's pumpkin pies go. There won't be any left for you, if you don't get well soon.
JULIE: We'll set a place for you, darling.
BILL ENTERS.
JULIE: It looks like we'll have to rely on Doug picking out the wine with dinner this year.
BILL: We could be in real trouble, now.
CJ, DOUG AND JULIE TURN TO BILL.
JULIE: Uncle Bill! I thought you would be at Grandma's.
BILL: I was. But, I wanted to check on Robert. Maggie's in the hall, if you want to wait with her while I give Robert the once over.
CJ: I'd rather wait here, if you don't mind.
BILL: It'd be better if you'd wait in the hall. I'll give you a full report when I'm done.
DOUG AND JULIE ESCORT A RELUCTANT CJ INTO THE HALL.
MAGGIE: Hello, Doug, Julie, CJ. How is Robert?
CJ: He seems the same. But...
MAGGIE: Maybe Bill will have good news...
CJ TURNS AND LOOKS AT BILL AND ROBERT THROUGH THE WINDOW. MAGGIE AND JULIE LOOK AT CJ, THEN EACH OTHER.
JULIE: So... How are things at Grandma's?
MAGGIE: Right on schedule. You know your Grandma. She has everything timed to the minute.
DOUG: I think she has done this so many times, you could set a clock by what time the cranberries are done.
MAGGIE: Alice is amazing, isn't she?
DOUG: (HUGGING JULIE) I think all the Horton women are amazing...
OUT ON DOUG AND JULIE.
HORTON LIVING ROOM. JACK, JENNIFER, AND ABIGAIL ARRIVE. JENNIFER CARRIES ABIGAIL, WHILE JACK HOLDS A CASSEROLE DISH AND THE CRANBERRY SALAD. THEY SEE THAT NOBODY IS IN THE LIVING ROOM.
JENNIFER: Hello! Is anybody here?
ALICE AND MICKEY COME TO GREET THEM.
ALICE: Hello! Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
EVERYONE GREETS EACH OTHER WITH HUGS AND KISSES. JENNIFER PUTS DOWN ABIGAIL.
ALICE: (CONT'D) We didn't hear you come in.
JACK: Where is everyone else? Are we too early?
ALICE: Of course not, Jack. You're just in time.
MICKEY: Maggie and Bill went to the hospital to check on Robert.
ALICE: And I think Doug and Julie are there as well.
JENNIFER: Is there any change in his condition?
MICKEY: (SHAKING HIS HEAD) I'm afraid not.
ALICE: But, I'm sure he can use all of our hopes and prayers.
JENNIFER: We can give plenty of those.
MICKEY: I think everyone should be back from the hospital soon. I doubt if they'd risk missing mom's cooking.
ABIGAIL, WHO IS SITTING ON THE FLOOR, TURNS HER HEAD, AT THE MENTION OF THE WORD "COOKING."
ABIGAIL: Cookie? Where?
MICKEY BENDS DOWN AND PICKS UP ABIGAIL IN HIS ARMS.
MICKEY: Why don't we have a look in Grandma's kitchen and see if she's got any cookies hidden away somewhere.
ABIGAIL: Oh boy!
ALICE: Abby, darling, make sure your Uncle Mickey doesn't lay a finger on that turkey.
ABIGAIL: No tookey for Unca Mickey.
MICKEY: I'll have to polish up my bribery tricks.
MICKEY WINKS AT ABIGAIL, SPINS AROUND, AND CARRIES HER INTO THE KITCHEN.
JACK: (SQUINTING) Maybe I should've given our child that ethics lesson already.
ALICE: I'm sure Abby will be a perfect lady... just like her great-grandmother. (BEAT) Speaking of grandmothers, Jack, will your mother be joining us today?
JACK: Unfortunately not, but she sends her regrets.
ALICE: I hope nothing's wrong.
JENNIFER: Oh, everything's fine. She's spending the day with Vern and his family.
ALICE: Why isn't that lovely?
JACK: (UNENTHUSIASTIC) I suppose.
JENNIFER: Come on, Jack! (TO ALICE) This is the first time in a long while that all three of Vern's children are in town. He wanted to be with them, and to have them get to know Jo better.
ALICE: It's too bad we won't be seeing her, but I think that's a wonderful way for her to spend the holiday.
JACK: Ah, but in her place...
JACK HANDS ALICE THE CASSEROLE DISH.
JACK: (CONT'D) ... Jo sent along her famous green tuna noodle casserole.
HOLD ON THE CASSEROLE AND JACK'S RUEFUL GRIN.
CUT TO: BRADY APT. SHAWN AND CAROLINE ARE IN THE KITCHEN AREA, PREPARING DINNER. JOHN, BRADY, BO, NICHOLAS, VIVIAN AND IVAN ARE IN THE LIVING ROOM AREA, WATCHING A FOOTBALL GAME.
JOHN: No... pass! Pass!
BO: No... run! Run!
IVAN LOOKS ON, BEFUDDLED.
IVAN: (TO NICHOLAS) Nicholas, is it just me, or does American football remind you of an Army without a general?
VIVIAN: (INTERRUPTING) Oh... I think a game that has all those big, strong, handsome men in it, can't be all bad.
IVAN LOOKS AT VIVIAN'S WICKED GRIN, BUT BEFORE HE CAN RESPOND, A COMMERCIAL BREAK INSPIRES JOHN.
JOHN: Okay, everyone, Caroline wanted the table set. I'd say we have about 4 minutes. Shall we?
JOHN, BO, VIVIAN AND IVAN STAND AND MAKE PREPARATIONS TO SET THE TABLE WHEN CARRIE AND JONAH WALK IN.
CARRIE: Hi, everyone.
THERE ARE GREETINGS FROM THE ASSEMBLED CROWD.
BO: Hey, Jonah, come over here and help us!
JONAH: I'd like to, but...
CAROLINE WALKS OUT OF THE KITCHEN, CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY SHAWN.
CAROLINE: Carrie... Jonah... Happy Thanksgiving!
CAROLINE HUGS CARRIE, THEN JONAH.
JONAH: Thanks, Mrs. Brady. Happy Thanksgiving.
SHAWN: And, Happy Thanksgiving to the most beautiful granddaughter anywhere.
CAROLINE: There's munchies on the table, drinks in the kitchen and...
CARRIE: Thanks, Grandma, but Jonah and I stopped by for just a second...
SHAWN: "Just for a second." You're not staying for dinner?
JONAH: No, sir. We are helping out at the Community Center.
CARRIE: We're helping to serve meals to the homeless.
CAROLINE: We'll miss you, but what a wonderful cause. (BEAT) You know, I think I made one too many pies. Why don't you take it to the Community Center?
CARRIE: Thanks, grandma. I'll do that. (BEAT) Also, there's something I need to discuss with you.
SHAWN: What might that be?
CARRIE: I spoke to Mom and Dad...
VIVIAN WALKS UP TO SHAWN.
VIVIAN: Shawn, dear. Could big, ol', strong you help me put the leaf in the dining room table? I just can't seem to manage by myself.
SHAWN: Of course.
SHAWN HAPPILY TRAILS AFTER VIVIAN. CAROLINE DOES NOT SEEM AMUSED.
CARRIE: 'Tell you what, Grandma, we'll talk about it later.
KAYLA, MARCUS AND STEPHANIE ARRIVE. KAYLA CARRIES A LARGE, COVERED DISH. MARCUS CARRIES STEPHANIE.
KAYLA: Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
CARRIE: Kayla, Marcus... Happy Thanksgiving.
CAROLINE HUGS KAYLA AND MARCUS.
KAYLA: Here, ma. A side dish for today.
CAROLINE: (SNIFFING THE DISH) It smells wonderful. Kayla, you're such a talented cook.
KAYLA: (LAUGHING) Marcus deserves all the credit.
CAROLINE: Then thank you, Marcus. (BEAT) You're going to make some lucky young lady a wonderful husband one day.
HOLD ON MARCUS' PROUD SMILE.
CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. JANET, ABE AND MORGAN ARE MOVING TABLES AROUND AND SETTING UP CHAIRS.
ABE: What's the status of all those carjacking cases, Janet? Any leads?
JANET: No. And I'm practically at my wits' end.
MORGAN: It would help a lot if we could get some accurate descriptions. But the victims are so shook up that we can't really get anything to go on.
ABE: Well if Lexie and I can help in any way, please let us know.
JANET: You are helping by setting up the Neighborhood Watch program. I'm hoping that other neighborhoods will follow your example.
CANDIS, LEXIE, AND SHANE COME OUT OF THE KITCHEN BEARING LARGE CHAFING DISHES.
ABE: I sure hope so. You know, I have a great idea for the Neighborhood Watch program. What do you think about...
CANDIS: (INTERRUPTING) Oh no, no shop talk today! Can't I leave you three alone for a minute?
SHANE: (GRINNING AT CANDIS) Well at the risk of being whacked with a wooden spoon, I for one would like to hear your idea, Abe.
LEXIE: Me, too, this is the first I've heard of it.
CANDIS THROWS UP HER HANDS AND HEADS BACK TO THE KITCHEN.
CANDIS: I surrender! You've outnumbered me! Call me when it's safe to come out of the kitchen!
MORGAN: She's going back to get that wooden spoon. (TO THE GROUP) I love it when she gets kinky.
CANDIS: (V.O.) I heard that Morgan!
EVERYONE LAUGHS.
LEXIE: So come on, hon, tell us your idea.
SHANE: Yes, do.
MORGAN: What is this? Sounds to me like you're all missing the Salem PD. (TO JANET) You better fear for your job, Cap.
JANET: (LAUGHING) I'm the boss, I should be saying that to you.
ABE: Well, yeah, I'll admit it. I miss the Cop Shop sometimes.
LEXIE: Me, too.
ABE: What about you Shane? You can't be ready to give up the glamorous life of an international superspy for a podunk police department like Salem's.
JANET: (MOCK INDIGNANT) I resent the use of the word "podunk" Mr. Carver. I prefer "backwater."
SHANE: Believe me, Abe. Being a part of the I.S.A. is not as great as it sounds. Don't believe a word those recruiters tell you.
OUT ON SHANE'S PLAINTIVE SIGH.
EUTERPE. EVE IS BEHIND THE BAR, SCANNING THE RESERVATIONS LIST, POINTEDLY IGNORING NICK, WHO IS STANDING BY THE DOOR. NICK FINALLY MUSTERS THE COURAGE, SQUARES HIS SHOULDERS, AND WALKS UP TO EVE.
NICK: Hi, Evie... Happy Turkey day...
EVE: From the biggest turkey I know...
NICK: Aw, Eve... I came by because I hoped... I thought maybe we could talk?
EVE: Talk to yourself, Nick, because I'm not listening!
NICK: But we need to talk! You need to understand why I did what I did...
EVE COVERS HER EARS AND STARTS HUMMING LOUDLY.
NICK: (CONT'D) Damn it, Eve! I need to talk to you!
EVE LOOKS OVER AT NICK, STARTLED BY HIS VEHEMENCE. SHE THEN TURNS ON HER HEEL AND WALKS FROM BEHIND THE BAR TOWARDS THE BACK OF THE RESTAURANT. THINKING PERHAPS SHE'S WILLING TO TALK, NICK FOLLOWS HER... DIRECTLY TO THE LADIES ROOM, WHICH SHE ENTERS. NICK STOPS SHORT, AND THEN GROANS, AS HE HEARS THE LOCK CLICK INTO PLACE. A VERY DEJECTED NICK WALKS BACK TO THE BAR AND TAKES A SEAT. IAN JOINS HIM AT THE BAR.
IAN: Didn't look like Eve was too receptive, wanna talk to me, instead?
NICK: Well, you'll certainly be more willing, that's for sure.
IAN: She'll come around.
NICK: You think? Do you have any tips? You sure don't seem to have any problem getting the ladies to open up to you!
IAN: (LAUGHS) Well, I suppose... I mean... (TRYING NOT TO LAUGH) Okay, seriously... maybe it's because I don't come on too strong, try not to be pushy...
NICK: I've already tried that, least I thought I had. I've given Eve time, I've given her "space"... Now, it's about damn time we talk about things.
IAN: I can't say I disagree with you, Nick. But you've got to remember, when it comes to female types, Eve is definitely not your average woman.
NICK: (GLUMLY) You got that right...
HOLD ON NICK'S DISCOURAGEMENT.
CUT TO: HORTON LIVING ROOM. MICKEY, JENNIFER, HOLDING ABIGAIL, JACK AND ALICE. IN PROGRESS.
JACK: Say, "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," Abby.
ABIGAIL LOOKS AT HER FATHER.
JACK: (CONT'D) Come on, I know you can... I heard you singing along with the video... "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious..."
ABIGAIL LOOKS AT JACK, THEN AT JENNIFER, THEN SMILES BRIGHTLY.
ABIGAIL: Daddy funny...
EVERYONE APPLAUDS AND CHEERS ABIGAIL'S ASTUTE OBSERVATION. CJ, DOUG, JULIE, BILL, AND MAGGIE WALK INTO THE ROOM.
DOUG: (LOOKING AT EVERYONE APPLAUDING) Well, that's certainly an unexpected welcome.
JULIE WALKS OVER TO JACK, JENNIFER AND ABIGAIL.
JULIE: Jennifer, you look wonderful. Jack, hello. And just look at this precious young lady.
JULIE TAKES ABIGAIL FROM JENNIFER AND HUGS HER. CJ STANDS SLIGHTLY IN THE BACKGROUND.
JENNIFER: Hi, CJ. How's your dad?
CJ: He's stable.
BILL: There's been no change.
THE PHONE RINGS. MICKEY GOES TO ANSWER IT. IT'S MIKE. TWO-WAY.
MICKEY: Hello... Horton extravaganza... Turkey for twenty...
MIKE: (LAUGHING) This must be the place. Got room for one more? I could sure use some of Grandma's scalloped potatoes...
MICKEY: What? (REALIZATION) Michael? Is that you?
MIKE: Who else? I tried to call you at home. When there was no answer, I knew you'd be at Grandma's.
MICKEY: Everyone is at Grandma's. Even CJ... he just came back from visiting Robert...
MIKE: How is Robert? Robin's worried.
MICKEY: He's stable, but there's no change.
BILL WALKS UP TO THE PHONE AND TAPS MICKEY ON THE SHOULDER.
MICKEY: (CONT'D) Oh-oh, the line is forming already. You take care... Give my love to Robin and Jeremy... Bye...
MICKEY HANDS THE PHONE TO BILL.
BILL: Michael, how are you? How are Robin and Jeremy?
MICHAEL: Everyone's fine. We've just been worried about you guys... First grandpa... (BEAT) and now Robert... How is he really?
BILL: As Mickey said, he's stable... no change.
JENNIFER, NOW HOLDING ABIGAIL AGAIN, TUGS ON BILL'S JACKET.
JENNIFER: Hey, come on, Dad, no hogging the phone!
BILL: Hogging the phone? I just picked it up...
JENNIFER: (PLEADING) Dad...
BILL: Oh no, the old Bambi-eye ploy... You win... (SIGHS) Mike, hold on, there are a couple more people anxious to talk to you.
JENNIFER TAKES THE PHONE.
JENNIFER: Mike?
MIKE: Hiya, squirt.
JENNIFER: How are you? How are Robin and Jeremy?
MIKE: They're great. The three of us went on a picnic today for our own private Thanksgiving. How are Jack and Abby?
JENNIFER: Jack's great. Abby's right here.
JENNIFER HOLDS THE PHONE TO ABIGAIL'S EAR.
JENNIFER: Say, "Hello, Uncle Mike."
ABIGAIL: Hello, Unca Mike.
MIKE: Hello, Abby.
ALICE WALKS UP AND HOLDS OUT HER HAND FOR THE PHONE.
JENNIFER: Wait a sec. Here's Grandma.
JENNIFER HANDS THE PHONE TO ALICE.
ALICE: Hello, darling.
MIKE: Grandma...
ALICE: Mike, how are you, dear?
MIKE: Fine... But I miss the Horton holiday extravaganza... and your fabulous turkey dinner.
ALICE: Well, then, do something about it.
MIKE: Pardon?
ALICE: I think you ought to pack up Robin and your son and get back here for Thanksgiving next year.
MIKE: Maybe I'll just do that next year. But right now, we're needed here.
WE HEAR A CLICK ON THE LINE.
MIKE: (CONT'D) Grandma, I have to get going now. Give everyone our best. Tell them we love them.
ALICE: I will. And, we love you. 'Bye, dear.
HOLD ON ALICE, SMILING AS SHE HANGS UP THE PHONE.
CUT TO: BRADY LIVING ROOM. BO AND JOHN WATCH MAX, NICHOLAS AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS PLAYING A GAME OF "SORRY" ON THE FLOOR, WHILE TRYING TO FEND BRADY FROM STEALING THE PLAYING PIECES.
BO: So, John... any luck finding out more about that key?
JOHN: Nothing so far. But since it's the only tangible hope I have of finding out about my past, I'm counting on it unlocking something... something big.
BO: I hope so too... I know how important it is for you.
JOHN: For me, and for Brady. I want to be able to tell him about my past, share stories with him like Shawn did with us... I mean, with you and Roman. I'm all Brady's got... I want to be a rich resource for him.
BO: I can definitely relate. I'm the only parent Shawn-D has, although he does have the rest of the Brady... (BEAT) And so do you, John.
JOHN: I know... but it's different... being a single father, and all that.
BO: It isn't easy, is it? Being the only role-model for our sons, trying to balance that relationship, with job, the rest of the family, friends, if we have time and energy...
JOHN: Speaking of friends... Bo, have you considered starting to date again?
BO: (LAUGHS) Would you believe... I hadn't even been thinking about that? What with everything Shawn-Douglas has been going through in the last several months, not to mention work... I can't imagine finding time to meet a nice woman, much less take her out! What about you?
JOHN: Pretty much the same. It's so hard even imagining loving someone else.
BO: Yeah, that, too. After Hope... well... (BEAT) And now, it's gonna be hard to trust anyone else, to believe in anyone enough to share myself with them.
JOHN: But it can be done... like Marcus and Kayla. The two of them are getting pretty close.
BO: That's true. And they both seem so happy. (SIGHS) I'm glad for Kay... glad at least one of us has been able to find happiness...
OUT ON JOHN AND BO.
COMMUNITY CENTER. JONAH AND CARRIE ARE STANDING BEHIND A SERVING TABLE. A LINE OF HOMELESS PEOPLE ARE TAKING THEIR FILLED PLATES AND HEADING TO TABLES.
CARRIE: Jonah... What makes these people any different from you or me?
JONAH: Whaddya mean, Carrie?
CARRIE: I mean, any one of these people could be you or me. (BEAT) Just a couple of turns of bad luck and we could be depending on other people for dinner.
JONAH: Yeah. We're pretty lucky, huh?
CARRIE: Blessed, really. We both come from such close families that if anything did happen, we could count on them to help us. It's pretty clear that not everyone is that fortunate.
JONAH: Is that why you called Roman and Anna? For help?
CARRIE: It was more than that. I needed advice.
JONAH: So, what was the advice they gave?
CARRIE: Let's take this up later. I'm almost out of potatoes. I'll have to run into the kitchen and get more.
JONAH: You are obviously trying to avoid telling me what is on your mind. (BEAT) Spit it out.
CARRIE: Really. I'm not trying to avoid anything.
A VOLUNTEER COMES OUT OF THE KITCHEN AND REPLACES CARRIE'S NEARLY EMPTY MASHED POTATOES WITH A FULL CONTAINER.
JONAH: Well, now that we have potatoes, you can tell me what Roman and Anna advised you to do.
CARRIE: I guess there's no easy way to break this to you. (SIGHS) Dad, Mom, and I decided I would go live with Mom for a few months.
HOLD ON JONAH'S SHOCK.
CUT TO: BRADY KITCHEN. THE FOOD IS AT THE TABLE. BRADY, STEPHANIE, SHAWN-DOUGLAS, NICHOLAS AND MAX ARE ALREADY AT THE TABLE. MAX IS SULKING. SHAWN HAS TAKEN HIS SEAT AT THE HEAD OF THE TABLE. KAYLA IS WALKING TOWARDS THE TABLE, BUT MARCUS STOPS HER.
MARCUS: (QUIETLY) What say we avoid causing any more waves tonight, and sit away from Shawn?
KAYLA: (EQUALLY QUIET) Good idea.
VIVIAN WALKS TOWARDS THE TABLE, PASSING CLOSELY IN FRONT OF CAROLINE.
VIVIAN: Shawn? May I sit with our gracious host?
SHAWN: (FLATTERED) Of course, Vivian. I'd be honored.
CAROLINE ROLLS HER EYES, THEN TAKES HER SEAT AT THE OPPOSITE END OF THE TABLE FROM SHAWN. JOHN, BO, IVAN, MARCUS, AND KAYLA ARE FINALLY ALL SEATED. SHAWN BOWS HIS HEAD; EVERYONE EXCEPT MAX FOLLOWS SUIT.
SHAWN: Dear Lord, we thank You for bringing us together on this day, and for the bountiful feast before us. Amen.
ALL: Amen.
MAX STARTS TO REACH FOR THE TURKEY, BUT SHAWN STOPS HIM.
SHAWN: Hold your horses there Max. Before we begin, I'd like to have everyone say what they're most thankful for this year. Ivan, would you like to begin?
IVAN: (NERVOUSLY) I am thankful... for such a wonderful employer.
VIVIAN BLUSHES SLIGHTLY.
BO: I'm thankful that my Sailor is doing better this year.
SHAWN-D: I'm glad that Christmas is next month.
EVERYONE LAUGHS EXCEPT MAX.
NICHOLAS: I'm thankful that I've got Aunt Viv and Ivan to take care of me.
CAROLINE: Max? It's your turn..
MAX: (SULLEN) I'm thankful that this will be over soon.
CAROLINE: (SIGHING) I'm thankful that Kimmie and Roman are healthy and happy, even if they're not here with us today.
STEPHANIE: I'm happy about my Mommy and Uncle Marcus...
KAYLA SMILES AT STEPHANIE AND MARCUS.
MARCUS: And I'm thankful for the two most important ladies in my life.
SHAWN SCOWLS, BUT DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING.
KAYLA: (TAKING MARCUS' HAND) I'm thankful that I've found this sort of happiness again.
BRADY: I tankfull for Daddy.
JOHN: And I'm thankful for you, Slugger. (BEAT) You mean everything to me.
VIVIAN: Well, that just leaves me, doesn't it? (BEAT) I'm thankful that one of my nephews made the ultimate sacrifice by letting his son go... (LOOKING AT JOHN) while my other nephew has made it possible for us to have a new life.
HOLD ON VIVIAN AS SHE SMILES AT JOHN.
CUT TO: HORTON DINING ROOM. MICKEY AND BILL TALK IN HUSHED TONES. JENNIFER AND JACK HELP SEAT ABIGAIL IN HER HIGHCHAIR. DOUG AND JULIE HOLD HANDS, WHILE CJ LOOKS AROUND AND SMILES.
CJ: It's definitely been a while since I've celebrated Thanksgiving in true American style.
DOUG: You're at the right place. Nobody knows how to do it better than the Hortons.
FROM INSIDE THE KITCHEN, ALICE CALLS OUT.
ALICE: (V.O.) Here comes the bird!
ALICE AND MAGGIE CARRY OUT A MAGNIFICENTLY ROASTED TURKEY. THEY ARE MET BY APPROVING "OOH'S" AND "AH'S". ALICE AND MAGGIE PLACE THE TURKEY ON THE TABLE AND TAKE THEIR SEATS.
JACK: I certainly hope we don't have a repeat performance of last year's argument over who carves the turkey.
BILL: There won't be any argument, because this year I'm carving the turkey.
MICKEY: Now, wait a minute...
BILL: Come on, Mickey, I'm a surgeon, I have a knife (PICKING UP THE CARVING KNIFE) and I know how to use it!
MAGGIE: (ROLLING HER EYES) Not again! Can't you two ever agree on anything?
MICKEY: Of course we can. In fact, Bill and I talked it over earlier, and we've both agreed on at least one thing.
MICKEY LOOKS AT BILL, AND BILL NODS.
MICKEY: (CONT'D) Every year, Dad said the family grace at Thanksgiving. Now, I'm sure that everyone here will agree with us that no one person could ever take Dad's place...
WE SEE JACK AND JENNIFER. JACK PUTS A HAND OVER JENNIFER'S.
MICKEY: (CONT'D) So, with our mother's permission, Bill and I have decided to say it together this year.
WE SEE ALICE, WHO SMILES WARMLY AT MICKEY AND BILL. SHE NODS HER HEAD.
ALICE: Your father would be proud.
OUT ON ALICE'S SMILE.
COMMUNITY CENTER. WE HEAR THE "SIMPLE GIFTS" PART OF COPLAND'S "APPALACHIAN SPRING" BEGIN TO PLAY. ALL OF THE GUESTS ARE SITTING AT TABLES ENJOYING THEIR MEAL. WE SEE CANDIS AND MORGAN SITTING AT ONE OF THE TABLES AND LAUGHING AT A JOKE THAT AN ELDERLY MAN HAS JUST TOLD. WE SEE ABE AND LEXIE SITTING AT ANOTHER TABLE, LISTENING TO A WOMAN COMPLAIN ABOUT THE COLD WEATHER. WE SEE SHANE AND JANET SITTING AT A TABLE ACROSS THE ROOM, ENGAGED IN AN ANIMATED CONVERSATION WITH AN OLDER COUPLE. WE SEE JONAH AND CARRIE, SITTING AT THE NEXT TABLE. JONAH GETS UP FOR SECONDS. AS HE SCOOPS MORE MASHED POTATOES ONTO HIS PLATE, HE WATCHES CARRIE TALK WITH A WOMAN AND HER TWO SONS. HOLD ON JONAH, GAZING FORLORNLY AT CARRIE.
CUT TO: THE BRADY KITCHEN. SHAWN-DOUGLAS AND NICHOLAS TEACH STEPHANIE AND BRADY HOW TO MAKE SCULPTURES OUT OF THEIR MASHED POTATOES AND PEAS. KAYLA WATCHES WITH AMUSEMENT AS JOHN, BO AND MARCUS RECREATE THE DAY'S FOOTBALL GAME WITH CARROT AND CELERY STICKS. WE SEE VIVIAN, LAUGHING, AS SHE COMPLIMENTS SHAWN ON HIS FISHING ABILITY, WHILE SHAWN RELATES WITH EXAGGERATED HAND GESTURES, HIS LATEST VERSION OF "THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY". WE SEE CAROLINE EXPLAINING TO A VERY INTERESTED IVAN, THE FINE ART OF MAKING GRAVY.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. NICK SITS ALONE AT THE BAR. HE WATCHES EVE, WHO CONTINUES TO AVOID HIM. NICK MAKES ONE MORE ATTEMPT TO APPROACH EVE. WHEN HE WALKS UP TO HER, SHE TURNS QUICKLY, AND DISAPPEARS INTO THE KITCHEN. IAN WALKS OVER TO NICK, AND PUTS A REASSURING HAND ON NICK'S SHOULDER. DEJECTED, NICK FINALLY TURNS AND WALKS OUT THE DOOR. AT THE ENTRANCE, WE SEE NICK PAUSE TO LIGHT A CIGARETTE. HE GIVES ONE LAST LOOK TOWARDS THE CLUB, AND WALKS AWAY.
CUT TO: HORTON DINING ROOM. EVERYONE JOINS HANDS AND BOWS THEIR HEADS. BILL LOOKS BRIEFLY PANIC-STRICKEN AND MICKEY CLEARS HIS THROAT SEVERAL TIMES. ALICE SMILES AT THEM AND NODS. THE TWO OF THEM CALM SOMEWHAT.
BILL: Dear Lord, thank you for allowing us to be together today. This has been a difficult year for us and at times we have questioned our blessings.
WE SEE JACK AND JENNIFER SQUEEZING HANDS. JENNIFER TURNS TO LOOK AT ABIGAIL.
BILL: (CONT'D) But now we realize that we do indeed have many things to be thankful for. We are together today as a family, happy and healthy.
WE SEE ALICE, A BIT TEARY-EYED, BUT SMILING PROUDLY AT HER ASSEMBLED FAMILY.
MICKEY: Many family members cannot be with us physically, but we know that they are with us in spirit.
WE SEE MAGGIE, SMILING AS SHE THINKS OF MELISSA AND SARAH. WE SEE BILL, SADLY THINKING OF LAURA. THEN JENNIFER WATCHING BILL, AND REMEMBERING MIKE, ROBIN & JEREMY.
MICKEY: (CONT'D) We send our love to them today and every day.
WE SEE ALICE, THINKING OF ADDIE, MARIE, TOMMY, DAVID AND SCOTTY.
MICKEY: (CONT'D) We send love and prayers also to our dear friend, Robert LeClere, and hope for his speedy recovery.
WE SEE CJ, LOOKING DOWN AT HIS LAP, TRYING TO MAINTAIN COMPOSURE. JULIE REACHES OVER AND PATS HIS HAND. HE LOOKS UP AND SMILES BRAVELY.
BILL: Today we remember also those family members who are with you now in heaven and the happy times we shared.
WE SEE DOUG AND JULIE, THINKING OF ADDIE AND HOPE.
BILL: (CONT'D) Most of all we remember Dad. (NEAR TEARS) We miss him terribly and ...
MICKEY PUTS HIS ARM AROUND BILL'S SHOULDERS AND TAKES OVER.
MICKEY: We know he's with us, watching over us.
WE SEE ALICE. NORM WALKS UP AND LAYS HIS HEAD IN HER LAP. SHE SMILES AS SHE PETS HIS HEAD.
ALICE: Always.
MICKEY: Amen.
ALL: Amen.
HOLD ON THE HORTON FAMILY. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.