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KEEPING UP WITH THE DEVERAUXES
By Jennifer-Lynn D'Anna
EPISODE 46

SCENE 1: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

IN on JACK, who is sitting back in his chair, waiting for reaction from both of them. JENNIFER is crying silently and MARLENA is watching the two of them. JACK does not like the quiet and crosses and re-crosses his legs anxiously. Finally he stands up.

JACK: How's that for a party ender?

MARLENA: Why do you do that?

JACK: Make jokes or make Jennifer cry? (HE THROWS JENNIFER A CONCERNED LOOK) It seems I have a penchant for both.

MARLENA: Why do you do something, say something so serious, and then immediately follow it by a joke?

JACK: (EMBARRASSED) I don't...I don't know what you're talking about.

MARLENA: You guard yourself by being flip about things. You figure if you're not too serious, no one will take your faults and shortcomings too seriously, but it's a double-edged sword. Because they don't take your faults seriously, they also don't take your achievements seriously either, Jack.

JACK: (WINCING) Ouch.

MARLENA: Are you capable of having a conversation without joking, Jack?

JACK: If I can't joke, I can't talk. (LOOKING AT JENNIFER) Seriously, I can't.

MARLENA: (SMILING REASSURINGLY) Very well. (THE TIMER ON HER DESK GOES OFF) Well, (SIGHING) we seemed to have covered a lot of ground today. (SMILING) I'm proud of both of you.

JENNIFER and JACK smile weakly at each other and then to MARLENA.

MARLENA: It takes a tremendous amount of courage to do what you are choosing to do. I don't think you both understand that. (BEAT) I do, however, have some more (SMILING) homework for you both.

JACK: (WALKING OVER AND CLAPPING HIS HANDS IN MOCK GLEE) Ooh, homework!

JENNIFER throws him a look and hits him playfully. She then turns back to Marlena.

MARLENA: (LAUGHING SLIGHTLY) I want you both to think separately about what you see in your future-it's important that you both agree on where this is headed. We'll use that for our next session. (STANDING UP) Be sure to see Mary on your way out.

JENNIFER looks slightly alarmed at this assignment.

JACK: (DRYLY) Mary, right....(TURNING TO EXIT, BUT STOPPING WHEN HE SEES JENNIFER ISN'T MOVING) Miss H?

JENNIFER: (COMING TO) Yeah. I'll be there in a minute.

JACK is curious, but shrugs. He glances one last time at her and reluctantly steps out.

MARLENA: Jennifer, is something wrong?

JENNIFER: Wrong? (DRYING HER EYES WITH A HANKIE) Nothing. I mean, (GETTING UP AND ADJUSTING HER PURSE STRAP) what do you mean?

MARLENA: (CONFUSED) Mean?

JENNIFER: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) Oh my, I know this is going to sound so silly, but you want me to write down what I want?

MARLENA: (SMILING) What you hope for. You and Jack seem to have a problem with your differing definitions of what a spouse should be, what success means. Putting it in writing and discussing it beforehand is something you both could benefit from.

JENNIFER: Like mini-goals?

MARLENA: (NODDING) Like mini- and major goals. It can be anything as simple as wanting one night a week to have a date with each other to deciding if you want any more children.

JENNIFER: (NERVOUS) More children?

MARLENA: (READING HER FACE) Does that bother you? Jennifer, I always got the feeling that you wanted more children, the way you're with Isaac, the way you were with J.T. (SMILING) You're a wonderful mother.

JENNIFER: (IN DISBELIEF) I am?

MARLENA: Now, why wouldn't you think that? Everyone knows it. You'd do anything for Abigail. To you, there is nothing more important that the health and welfare of your child. (SMILING) I'm sure you'd be the same way if any other little Deverauxes were to come along.

JENNIFER looks upset.

MARLENA: (NOTICING HER DISCOMFORT) Jennifer, is everything okay? You look a little pale.

OUT on JENNIFER'S nervousness.


SCENE 2: INT. MARLENA'S LOBBY

IN on JACK, who is pacing back and forth outside MARLENA'S closed door. MARY is oblivious and is on the phone. He tries to listen, but can't hear anything.

JACK: (TO HIMSELF) Dammit, what could they be talking about in there? (PULLING A FACE) Probably HIM again. Mr. Luck o' the Irish, Top o' the Mornin', Potato-Loving....

MARY: (TO JACK) Did you say something?

JACK: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) Uh...

MARY: I thought you said something about potatoes...

JACK: (RECOVERING) I did...I mean...I said I could...I could go for some potatoes. (BEAT) Couldn't you?

MARY tosses him a strange look and goes back to what she is doing. JACK groans in frustration and walks out of the office into the hall..


SCENE 3: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

MARLENA: Jennifer, you look as if you are going to be sick. (WALKING OVER AND PUSHING THE CHAIR TOWARDS HER) Sit down.

JENNIFER: (LYING) Sit? No. No, Marlena, I'm going to be fine. Really, I am. I'm just a little...a little drained that's all...all the (TRYING TO SMILE) breakthroughs and all today must've taken their toll on me.

MARLENA: (NOT BUYING IT) They can be a bit heavy, I know. (BEAT) Are you sure that's all?

JENNIFER: (WEAKLY SMILING) Yeah, that's it. (GLANCING AT HER WATCH) Look at the time. Jack must be fuming-we're at a meter, you know. You know how Jack loves his quarters. (NOTICING MARLENA'S FACE) No, you don't, do you? (FIXING HER PURSE STRAP AND HEADING TO THE DOOR) Thanks again, Marlena.

MARLENA: Jennifer-

JENNIFER opens the door and turns around.

JENNIFER: Yes?

MARLENA: You know you can come see me whenever you want, right? With or without Jack.

JENNIFER: (SHUTTING THE DOOR. NERVOUS) Why...why would you say that?

MARLENA: I don't know. I just think that you're going through a lot right now. I'm here to talk and listen.

JENNIFER: I don't think I need full-on therapy. (BEAT) At least I thought I didn't.

MARLENA: I'm not saying you do. I'm just suggesting. It could help.

JENNIFER: (TAKING IT IN) Oh. I'll...I'll think about it, okay?

MARLENA: (SMILING) Okay.

JENNIFER: (PAUSING AND THEN WANTING TO GET OUT OF THERE) The meter-

MARLENA nods and JENNIFER exits.

MARLENA: (CONCERNED. TO HERSELF) Oh, Jennifer, what have you gotten yourself into?

CUT TO OUTSIDE THE OFFICE DOOR, WHICH IS CLOSED

JENNIFER: (SAD. TO HERSELF) Jennifer, what have you gotten yourself into?

MARY: (LOOKING UP) Did you say something?

JENNIFER: (EMBARRASSED) No...I was just saying how I could go for something...for something to eat. I need to put something into my stomach.

MARY: (THROWING HER A LOOK) How about potatoes?

JENNIFER: (LOST) Potatoes?

MARY: (WAVING HER OFF) Oh, never mind.

JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) Okay. (WALKING OUT INTO THE HALLWAY)

MARY: (TO HERSELF) Those two are perfect for each other. No doubt about it.

OUT on MARY resuming work.


SCENE 4: INT. SALEM UNIVERSITY HALLWAY

JENNIFER walks out of MARLENA'S office, closes the door, pauses for a moment, and then walks smack into a man, walking. It is COLIN.

JENNIFER: I'm so sorry. (REALIZING WHO IT IS) Colin!

COLIN: (DELIGHTED) Jennifer. What are you doing here? (REALIZING SHE JUST EXITED MARLENA'S OFFICE) Oh.

JENNIFER: (SLIGHTLY EMBARRASSED) Yeah. (LOOKING DOWN. NERVOUS) Jack and I had our (SMILING NERVOUSLY AND MEETING HIS EYES FINALLY)...We had our second therapy session today.

COLIN: (NOT LIKING IT BUT TRYING) And how...how's that going?

JENNIFER: (SMILING) It's going...it's going well. We're doing okay.

COLIN: (LYING) I'm...I'm glad for you.

JENNIFER: (SURPRISED A LITTLE) Thanks. Wait, I'm such an idiot, here I am talking about me and I haven't even asked how your new job is...how are you liking University Hospital? Have you been to the Black Cancer Center yet? My grandma says it's amazing over there. So state of the art...

COLIN: No, I'm afraid I haven't. You knew Isabella Black, didn't you? I recall you speaking of her once when we were back in Africa.

JENNIFER: Yeah. She was really close to Jack and I. Look at you, I can't believe you remembered something like that.

COLIN: Oh, Jennifer, believe me, I remember everything...everything...

OUT on JENNIFER'S nervousness over what he just said.


SCENE 5: INT. UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HALLWAY

IN on JACK, who is down another hallway and is on the payphone. He is holding a cup of coffee and has a SPECTATOR tucked under his arm.

JACK: What do you mean, independently wealthy? Nobody is independently wealthy. That means illegally wealthy.

THE SCREEN SPLITS INTO TWO. VERN IS AT HIS APARTMENT, ON THE OTHER LINE WITH JACK.

VERN: You were independently wealthy, Jack.

JACK: (PULLING A FACE) We must not forget that I was second generation independently wealthy. Besides being a serial killer, Harper did have his hands in other things. He was an all-around shady businessman. Keep going.

VERN: (MAKING SURE JO IS NOT AROUND) I meant what I said, Jack. That's all I could find.

JACK: (FRUSTRATED. PLUGGING ONE EAR UP WITH HIS FINGER TO HEAR BETTER) Okay, okay...now read it again...

VERN: Again? (LOOKING AROUND FOR JO AGAIN) Really, Jack, your mother could show up.

JACK: My mother? What's my mother doing there? Oh, never mind. Just read.

VERN: (CONDESCENDING) Jack-

JACK: (MATCHING VERN'S TONE) Vern-

VERN: (GIVING IN) Fine. I'll never understand why I do this...

JACK: (SARCASTICALLY) You love me, Vern, that's why.

VERN: (ROLLING HIS EYES) It must be something. (LOOKING FOR GLASSES) Where are they? Oh, there they are. (FINDING THEM ON THE COFFEE TABLE AND PUTTING THEM ON)

JACK looks annoyed at the wait. He flashes a fake smile to the nurses walking by and staring.

VERN: Okay. (CLEARING THROAT AND HOLDING UP PAPER) Elizabeth ________...(READING) Daughter of Sir Robert ________. Independently wealthy. Says here her father is a businessman and founder of _______ Travels, which, for years has been serving England by creating memorable vacations for tourists-anything from Whaling to African safaris. Attended various boarding schools throughout Europe. A frequent celebrity feature in England, noted on the best-dressed list often. Loves to travel. Once modeled for her father's company....

JACK: I know that....keep going...the part about her fiancé...

VERN: (ANNOYED. RIPPING GLASSES OFF) Jack, do you want me to read or not?

JACK: Vern-

VERN: Let's see (READING AGAIN) Jack, there's nothing about a fiancé down here.

JACK: Nothing? Not a blurb? Not a miscellaneous one-liner?

VERN: (ANNOYED) Nothing. Why don't you come over and read it yourself?

JACK: No, no...I believe you. I just find that odd, that's all.

VERN: What?

JACK: Wealthy woman, well-known, in the news quite a bit-at least there anyway-and it says nothing about her pending marriage.

VERN: Maybe they haven't announced it yet.

JACK: No, people like her always announce their marriage, you know they look forward to it-bells, organ players, row upon row of roses and organza...

VERN: Maybe she and Colin are different, you know, private.

JACK: They are different, that's for sure. (BEAT) What about him?

VERN: Besides what we know? Nothing.

JACK: Dammit.

VERN: Jack, I thought you said you knew her. Have you figured out where yet?

JACK: Yes, but that's inconsequential.

VERN: How is that?

JACK: I knew of her. I mean I met her briefly once or twice. Let's just say she was a friend of a friend's.

VERN: You're not talking about Colin, I take it.

JACK: Wish I were, Chief. Wish I were. (TO HIMSELF REALLY) I just don't understand it, that's all. It just so happens that the (PULLING A FACE) man whom Jennifer chases after to Ireland becomes engaged to the woman that her fat-(REALIZING HE SAID TOO MUCH)

VERN: (CURIOUS) Bill? Jack are you saying that Elizabeth and Jennifer's father knew-knew each other?

OUT on JACK, upset that he said too much.


SCENE 6: INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY

IN PROGRESS

IN on JENNIFER, clearly uncomfortable by what COLIN just said.

JENNIFER: (CROSSING HER ARMS AND WALKING AWAY A BIT) I wish you hadn't said that.

COLIN: (TURNING TO WATCH HER) It's the truth, you know.

JENNIFER: (TURNING TOWARDS HIM) I know. Colin, I know we were close in Africa, but now that we're both living in Salem--

COLIN: (CUTTING HER OFF) Jennifer, don't-

JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) Don't what?

COLIN: Don't. Don't say what you were going to say. (SHE GOES TO SPEAK, BUT HE STOPS HER) Jennifer, I know that this is not Africa and I know that things are a bit different, but we're not. We still enjoy each other's company. This, as you Americans say, running into each other proves that. I know we can't be anything more than chums. I have Elizabeth and you have Jack and I'm happy for you, I really am. (LYING) But your friendship means a lot to me, Jennifer Rose, and if I were to lose that now, I would be devastated.

JENNIFER: Colin, you don't understand.

COLIN: No, you don't. Did our time in Africa mean nothing to you? Have you forgotten our long nights at the campfire? Our talks? (DROPPING HIS VOICE) Have you forgotten that I was there when you lost the baby? I held you, I helped you through that time.

JENNIFER: (ALARMED. LOOKING AROUND) Shhhh. Colin-

COLIN: I'm...I'm sorry. I just want you to remember that we were much more than passerbys in Africa. We were companions. I need your...your companionship now, too.

JENNIFER: (TAKING IT ALL IN) You're in trouble, aren't you?

OUT on COLIN, realizing that JENNIFER may be onto his game.


SCENE 7: INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY

IN PROGRESS (STILL SPLIT-SCREEN)

VERN: (LOWERING HIS VOICE SO THAT JO MIGHT NOT HEAR HIM) Jack, are you saying that Bill Horton and that witch knew each other?

JACK: (NERVOUSLY TRYING TO COVER) No, no. No, I mean. I mean (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) Holy cow, look at the time! Vernon, I really do appreciate your help. You are one of a kind, one of a kind. And remember, we never spoke.

VERN: Jack-

JACK: No, really do. I'll catch you later. (HE ANXIOUSLY HANGS UP THE PHONE AND CHECKS THE SLOT FOR QUARTERS)

CUT TO VERN'S APARTMENT

VERN: (LOOKING AT THE PHONE) J-

JO walks out of the bedroom in a blue satin nightgown and robe.

JO: (CURIOUS) Who was that?

VERN: J (STARTING TO SAY JACK AND THEN STOPPING)-----Just a prank caller.

JO: Must've gotten you all heated. For a moment there I thought it was Jack.

VERN: (COVERING) What makes you say that?

JO: (CUPPING HIS FACE LOVINGLY) That little vein in your neck was popping. Jack always does that to you.

VERN: (PUTTING THE PHONE ON THE RECIEVER) He does, doesn't he?

JO: (BABY TALK) Yes he does.

VERN: (NOTICING HER OUTFIT) And what does his mother always do to me?

JO: (GIGGLING NERVOUSLY) I don't know. Why don't you come with me and we'll find out?

VERN: You don't have to ask me twice.

OUT on the two of them giggling and running to the bedroom.

CUT to JACK, pacing beside the phone.

JACK: (IN DEEP THOUGHT. VOICEOVER.) What the hell is going on here? Bill knows Elizabeth, Elizabeth knows Colin, Colin is related to the Bradys, double-crossed Stefano, and practically stole my w-my Jennifer. None of this makes sense. None of it. (RUBBING HIS CHIN) Hmmmm...(HE SETS OFF DOWN THE HALL TO FIND JENNIFER).


SCENE 8: INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: That's it, isn't it? You're in some sort of danger.

COLIN: (LOOKING DOWN AT HIS CLIPBOARD TO AVOID HER EYES) Have you gone mad? I am not. I'm just a regular physician now living the small town life.

JENNIFER: Who just happened to double cross Stefano DiMera. (BEAT) That's why you didn't tell me about Elizabeth, isn't it? You didn't want Stefano to hurt her. Colin, I-

COLIN: (GOING WITH WHAT SHE JUST SAID) Jennifer...Jennifer, that's exactly it. I couldn't bear the thought of anything ever happening to Lizzie. She's just so, so delicate, that's all.

JENNIFER: Delicate? (FINDING THAT FUNNY) Yeah, I guess she is. Colin, have you gone to Bo? Have you told him everything?

COLIN: Yes, yes, I have. I'm sorry to burden you with this, Jennifer, but you were the one person I I knew I could trust. I need your friendship, Jennifer. It keeps me sane.

JENNIFER: (FALLING FOR IT) I...I understand. It's the least I can do. I'll talk to Jack and--

COLIN: (ALARMED) You'll talk to Jack? About what?

JENNIFER: About us. I don't want him to get the wrong idea. You know, he even told me that I didn't have to quit talking to you. It took a lot of him to do that.

COLIN: Oh.

JENNIFER: Colin, I have to tell Jack-

COLIN: Maybe you're right...Maybe it's best then if we parted ways-

JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) What?

COLIN: I don't want to drag Jack into this any further. He abhors me enough as it is.

JENNIFER: But he's my hus-my ex-husband. I do love him, Colin.

COLIN: I understand that. I just don't think that he'd understand us, that's all. I don't want to complicate your relationship any.

JENNIFER: What's there to understand?

COLIN: Nothing. (PULLING HER CLOSER TO LOWER HIS VOICE) Jennifer, I think it's just best if we keep what I tell you to ourselves. For my sake, For Lizzie's sake, (BEAT. GRABBING JENNIFER'S WRIST) for Jack's sake.

JACK turns the corner and sees them. HE immediately becomes intrigued and slinks back behind the wall to watch.


SCENE 9: INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY

IN PROGRESS

IN on JACK peeking around the corner. He cannot hear them, but does not like what he sees.

COLIN: (HOLDING JENNIFER'S WRIST STILL) You do agree, don't you?

JENNIFER: (WINCING AT HOW HARD HE'S HOLDING HER WRIST) Colin-

COLIN: Jennifer, say you'll do it.

JENNIFER: Colin, I don't know-

COLIN: I need you, Jennifer Rose.

JENNIFER: (CURIOUS) Fine. I won't like it, though.

COLIN lets go of her wrist and JENNIFER begins rubbing it.

COLIN: I really do care for you, you know. You are a good friend.

JENNIFER: (WONDERING WHAT'S GOING ON. A LITTLE SCARED.) Yeah, I know. You are too.

JACK: (STEPPING OUT TO INTERRUPT) Ah, I see you two kiddies have run into each other again.

JENNIFER: Jack! Where did you go?

JACK: Oh, nowhere. (TOUCHING THE SMALL OF HER BACK) Just arranging that surprise I have for you, that's all.

JENNIFER: Oh, yes, the "surprise."

JACK: Hehehe. (TO COLIN) Doctor Murphy. Don't you have rounds to make?

COLIN: Right. Jack-

JACK: (PUTTING HIS HAND UP TO STOP HIM) No, really. The sick and the weary need you. Don't let me stand in the way of you saving mankind.

COLIN: (NODDING) I guess I'll be off, then. Jennifer. (HE NODS AND THEN WALKS OFF)

JACK watches him walk away and JENNIFER watches JACK for a reaction.

JENNIFER: (TRYING TO EXPLAIN) Jack, we just ran into each other-

JACK: No need to explain. I trust you. (LYING) I even trust him.

JENNIFER: You do?

JACK: (THROUGH GRITTED TEETH) I do.

JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) Good. Are we ready then?

JACK: (REMEMBERING SOMETHING) Yeah, just a minute, I forgot my-my pen inside Marlena's office. I'll be right back. (HE RUSHES AWAY INTO MARLENA'S OFFICE AND JENNIFER WATCHES HIM CURIOSLY)

JENNIFER: (KNOWING SOMETHING'S UP) Jack-- (SEEING A PAYPHONE) Time to get to work, Jennifer. (SHE RUSHES OVER AND DIALS A NUMBER)

CUT to VERN'S Apartment.

IN on two people under the covers and laughing. The phone rings.

VERN: (STICKING HIS HEAD OUT FROM UNDER THE BLANKET) Who could that be?

JO: (STICKING HER HEAD OUT FROM THE BLANKET AS WELL) Who could it be?

VERN: Hold on. (PICKING UP THE PHONE) Hello?

THE SCREEN SPLITS TO TWO. JENNIFER IS ON THE OTHER LINE.

JENNIFER: Vern? Hi, it's Jennifer. Listen, I need you to do me a favor and please don't tell anyone, not even Jack.

VERN: (ROLLING HIS EYES) J-- (STARTING TO SAY "JENNY-GIRL", BUT STOPPING WHEN HE SEES JO WATCHING HIM) Not even J-?(STARTING TO SAY JACK AND THEN SLAPPING HIS FOREHEAD CAUSE HE DID IT AGAIN)

JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) Okay. Vern, are you okay? You sound like you're breathing a little heavy.

VERN: (EMBARRASSED) No, no, I'm fine. What can I do for you? Is it about what we spoke about earlier?

JO looks on curiously.

JENNIFER: Yes and no. I need you to go to the Spectator and look something up for me. If Jack gets wind that I'm going over there, he'll never let it go.

VERN: (IMPATIENT) Okay. What do you need?

JENNIFER: I need as much information that you can find on Colin Murphy and his fiancée, Elizabeth.

VERN: (ALARMED AT THIS) What? Why? (SITTING STRAIGHT UP IN THE BED)

JENNIFER: (SEEING JACK WALKING UP AND SMILING) I can't get into it, right now. I'll tell you what I can later. Can you do this for me?

VERN: J-I don't think it's a good...a good idea. You shouldn't keep it from him.

JENNIFER: Please, Vern. It'll mean a lot.

VERN: (SIGHING AND GIVING IN) Okay. I'll have it for you ASAP.

JENNIFER: Thank you, Vern.

VERN: You're welcome, J-ma'am.

JENNIFER: (SMILING. NOW SHE KNOWS WHY HE IS ACTING SO STRANGE) Bye. Oh and tell Jo I said hello.

VERN: (SIGHING IN ANNOYANCE) I will. (HANGING UP THE PHONE)

JO: Who was that?

VERN: Business, that's all...

JO: I thought you were retired.

VERN: I thought I was, too. Now where were we?

OUT on VERN and JO, giggling and going back under the covers.

CUT TO HOSPITAL

JACK: (REACHING JENNIFER AND SMILING) Who ya talking to?

JENNIFER: (HANGING UP THE PHONE AND SMILING BACK) Uh--Hope.

JACK: How is Hope?

JENNIFER: She's -she's fine, at home with the baby. (BEAT) Did you get your pen?

JACK: My pen? Oh yes, it's right here (PATTING HIS JACKET) Safe and sound.

JENNIFER: Good. Ready?

JACK: (KNOWING SHE'S LYING) Yup. (PUTTING HIS ARM AROUND HER AND WALKING TO THE ELEVATOR, WHICH OPENS, REVEALING HOPE).

HOPE: Jack, Jenn!

OUT on JACK throwing JENNIFER an amused look. She is caught.

END OF EPISODE 46

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