A taxi pulls up to a beautiful, white two-story home in the Diamond Heights district of San Francisco. The cab driver helps the young woman bring her bags to the front door. JULIA thanks the cab driver as she pays him. She pauses before knocking. Charlie’s words are still so clear in her mind: “I’ll buy a house big enough so all of you can visit anytime you want.” She looks up and down the peaceful block and lets out a sigh of relief. She knocks and nervously twirls her hair to try to cover several dark bruises on her face.

KIRSTEN: (Yelling from within) Just a minute. (Kirsten puts Diana in the play-pen and answers the door.) (Shocked) Julia!
JULIA: (Very quietly) Hi, Kirsten. (Unsure) I…uh…probably should have called first, but…
KIRSTEN: (Welcoming) Oh, don’t worry about it. It’s great to see you! Come on in. (Kirsten steps outside and reaches for one of Julia’s bags.)
JULIA: (Quickly) Kirsten, you’re pregnant! That’s too heavy for you to lift.
KIRSTEN: Well, at least let me get your carry-on bag. (Both women enter the house. Julia follows Kirsten past a small sitting room into the living room. Kirsten speaks jokingly.) You sure are traveling heavy these days.
JULIA: (Setting her bag in the living room) Actually, I was kinda hoping you guys wouldn’t mind me staying here for a little bit. I mean, I left DC without really thinking (pausing) but Charlie had said…
KIRSTEN: (Turning toward Julia) Don’t be silly, of course we don’t min…(noticing Julia’s bruised face and arm) Julia - what happened?!
JULIA: (Smiling awkwardly) Oh, nothing. (Smiling reassuringly) I…uh, just had a little accident...it’s not really as bad as it looks. (There is a moment of uncomfortable silence before Julia changes the subject) I mean, it would only be for a couple weeks or so.
KIRSTEN: (Concerned) Julia, you’re welcome to stay here as long as you’d like. (Staring at Julia’s bruises) That doesn’t look like a little accident, are you sure you’re all ri…
JULIA: (Sternly) Yes, I’m fine.
KIRSTEN: (Conceding) Okay. (Hesitating, she continues cautiously) Justin…didn’t do this to you, did he?
JULIA: (Surprised at Kirsten’s accusation) No. How could you even think…(Julia shakes her head. She takes a deep breath and stares at the ground as she begins to speak, sounding a bit rehearsed) Look, if you really must know, someone stole my purse and pushed me into some garbage cans, that’s all. (Looking up at Kirsten) But I’m okay, really. (Julia looks at Kirsten reassuringly then takes a moment to look around the room.) Wow, this place is great. (She sees Diana in the playpen.) And little Diana, she’s getting so big.
KIRSTEN: (Following Julia’s cue for a subject change, Kirsten still looks concerned) It’s been quite a bit of work getting this place in order. Charlie’s been working such long hours, and since Victor quit we’ve been…
JULIA: (Caught off guard) Victor quit? Wow. So whose been watching Owen and Diana while you two are at work?
KIRSTEN: Well, I shouldn’t say he quit. He moved in with his own little girl so he can watch her while the mother works. Charlie’s been driving Owen over there and picking him up every day, but it’s a half hour out of the way and…(Kirsten notices Julia wincing.) Hey, would you like some Advil or something?
JULIA: (Wincing as she sits down) That’d be great. (Starting to get back up) Where do you keep it?
KIRSTEN: Julia, just relax, please. You’ve had a long trip. I’ll be right back.
JULIA: (While waiting for Kirsten, she looks around the room and admires the beautiful neighborhood from the huge bay window. She notices pictures of all the Salingers on the mantle, with a large photo of their parents on the wall next to the fireplace, which is across from the window. She smiles at the picture. The stairs leading up to the bedroom are kitty-corner from the kitchen doorway, which is a few feet from the fireplace. Kirsten returns and hands Julia a glass of water with the medication.) Thanks. (She swallows the pill with the water.)
KIRSTEN: (Smiling concernedly) You’re welcome. Now…how about if you tell me what really happened.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

The scene fades in on the outside of a small, well kept, four-unit apartment building. The camera closes in towards the balcony of the upper left unit while the sad harmony of a guitar and a violin becomes louder. Through the patio door, we see GRIFFIN playing the guitar while CLAUDIA plays the violin in the small living room. The living room is attached to a small kitchen by a breakfast bar, which is across from a narrow hallway that leads to two bedrooms. The song ends.

GRIFFIN: (Impressed) That was great, Claud. Can’t believe you improvised all that. (Pausing for emphasis) You’re gonna be just fine at school.
CLAUDIA: (Modestly) I don’t know…I’ll be playing with some of the best musicians in the country. I’ll be just a beginner to them.
GRIFFIN: (Taking his guitar strap off) Hey, don’t sweat it. Juilliard will be a piece of cake for you.
CLAUDIA: Thanks for all your help, Griffin. I couldn’t have gotten this far without you.
GRIFFIN: (Smiling shyly) I didn’t do anything, Claud. You’re a great musician.
CLAUDIA: (Disagreeing) Don’t be ridiculous, Griffin. I needed you this summer. Todd couldn’t help me as much with his new job and all, and…it’s been really helpful…practicing with you. Todd says he’s really noticed a difference. He thinks it will really help me to play with other instruments.
GRIFFIN: (Shrugging) If you say so, Claud.
CLAUDIA: (Confirming) I do. (Pauses and lets out a deep breath) Well, I should get going. (She starts to pack up her violin.) I’m sure Kirsten needs help with Diana, and I want to get some packing done before Todd picks me up.
GRIFFIN: (Getting out his guitar case) But you still have two weeks for all that stuff?
CLAUDIA: Yeah, but I don’t want to leave anything to the last minute, y’know?
GRIFFIN: (Looking around the room) Yeah, I know what you mean. I should probably start packing myself.
CLAUDIA: (She closes her violin case and looks at Griffin) Packing? (Teasingly) So Stephanie finally beat you into submission, ey?
GRIFFIN: (Giving Claudia a dirty look) Very funny. Naw, actually, Travis is going back to school. (He puts his guitar away.)
CLAUDIA: (Confused) So, what does that have to do with you?
GRIFFIN: (Slightly amused at her naivety) You really think I could afford this place by myself?
CLAUDIA: (Pauses a moment before responding concernedly) But where will you go?
GRIFFIN: Well, (slow and somewhat strained) Stephanie has been bugging me about moving in with her…and…I dunno…(he shrugs and slowly closes the guitar case.)
CLAUDIA: (Concerned) But you’ve been saying all summer how you don’t want to do that.
GRIFFIN: (Shrugs again) It’s just…eh…I don’t know what I want to do, I guess.
CLAUDIA: (Claudia is silent for a few moments while she thinks.) Hey, why don’t you stay with us? Charlie has the guest-house now...
GRIFFIN: (Interrupting) I couldn’t do that. I mean…I’m still trying to figure out how to pay Charlie back for everything you guys did after my motorcycle accident. Anyway, I’m sure he wouldn’t want me slugging around again.
CLAUDIA: Don’t be silly! We would be happy to have you. (She pauses a moment) Come to think of it…(Claudia’s face lights up) you would be paying us back.
GRIFFIN: (Smiles crookedly at Claudia for her thoughtfulness) Thanks, Claud. But I know what you’re trying to do…
CLAUDIA: (Excitedly) No, Griffin…you don’t understand. (Whispering to herself) This is perfect…why didn’t I think of this sooner?
GRIFFIN: (With suspect) Okay, Claud, what’s are you up to?
CLAUDIA: Griffin, Charlie and Kirsten have been pulling their hair out trying to make time to get back and forth from Victor’s to pick up Owen. (Claudia twiddles her fingers and continues sheepishly) If you were staying in the guest-house, you could watch Owen and you’d be doing Charlie a huge favor. (Smiling convincingly) In a way, you would be paying off your debt.
GRIFFIN: (Amused, he smiles at Claudia’s cunningness) C’mon, Claud. You know that’d never work. (He closes the latches on the guitar case as he speaks) Charlie and Kirsten finally have some privacy. The last thing they want is me hanging around.
CLAUDIA: (Still trying to be convincing) Don’t be silly, Griffin. You’d have a completely separate place. They would still have their privacy and you would have yours. I’ll be leaving soon, and I know they’ll need the extra help…
GRIFFIN: (Still unconvinced) Claud, you’re asking me to be a live in nanny. That’s just…not…it’s just not me. I mean…I just can’t…and with work and all. (He carries his guitar into his bedroom.)
CLAUDIA: (Calling after him) Griffin, you work on motorcycles. You can work any hours you want! And besides, you need a place to stay, Owen needs a nanny, and Charlie needs help.
GRIFFIN: (Returns to the living room looking slightly perturbed) I can’t just work any hours I want…anyway there’s no way Charlie would want me there. It took him three years to get me out of his shed. I just can’t do it, okay.
CLAUDIA: (Sarcastically, she turns her back to Griffin and heads toward the door) Fine…I’m sure you’ll be very happy at Stephanie’s. (Griffin begins to protest, but Claudia quickly turns back toward Griffin, determined to get her way.) Come on, Griffin! It’s not like you’re a stranger. You’re family!
GRIFFIN: (Getting irritated) Enough, Claudia. I told you it’s just not going to work.
CLAUDIA: (With a quieter, concerned tone, she walks toward Griffin and puts her hand on his shoulder as she speaks) But what about you, Griffin? Why should you do something you’re not ready for when…when this could help us as much as it helps you? (She looks at him earnestly.)
GRIFFIN: (His expression is unchanged by Claudia’s words, and he continues sternly) Look, Claud…(she bats her eyes at him and his tone softens) I’m not any good with kids, anyway.
CLAUDIA: (Still pleading) That’s not true. You’ve always been there for us. You were the only one looking out for me when I was in boarding school, remember? And…and when Owen got lost in the mall…you helped us look for him for hours!
GRIFFIN: (Unsure) Yeah, but…
CLAUDIA: (Interrupting) And who took Owen trick-or-treating last year when Charlie was too busy? You! Griffin, please at least think about it. It could be so great for everyone. (Looking into his eyes, she holds his arm still pleading) Please, Griffin…promise me you’ll at least think about it.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

JULIA and KIRSTEN are in the kitchen of the new house. There is an average size cooking area that backs up to the living room wall. It is separated from the eating area by a counter. There are stools on the table-side of the counter. The eating area has a breakfast nook surrounded by windows on three sides. There is a door to the backyard next to the windows. The windows overlook a beautiful garden with a gazebo to the left of the guest-house. Julia is sitting on one of the stools and Kirsten is putting some pasta into a pot on the stove.

JULIA: (Smiling slightly in spite of a terribly bruised cheek) So, where is everyone, anyway? It’s after 6:00. I thought for sure everyone would be home (pausing for a moment)…not that it isn’t nice to see you, or have a moment of peace and quiet. (Diana starts crying from her playpen in the living room. Julia and Kirsten’s eyes meet and they both chuckle.)
KIRSTEN: Duty calls. (Julia follows Kirsten into the living room. Kirsten picks up Diana.) Shhh, Shhh. (Looking at Julia) Well, Charlie should be home soon with Owen. Like I said, picking up Owen adds a good hour to his commute. Claudia’s probably out practicing the violin. She’s been frantic all summer, afraid she won’t be able to keep up at Juilliard. (Looking at Diana) You need to be changed again, don’t you? (Kirsten puts Diana on the floor and begins changing her.)
JULIA: (Sits on the couch, and speaks after a few moments of silence) So what’s been going on around here? I know I didn’t call that much. Work was just so busy.
KIRSTEN: Ain’t that the truth. We’ve all been really busy. (Kirsten puts Diana back in the playpen.) There ya go. (Towards Julia) It’s amazing I get anything done around here. (Kirsten returns to cooking in the kitchen and Julia follows.) Let’s see…Charlie’s been so busy with his bedroom furniture line that I hardly ever see him. His one buyer like tripled their order and now Charlie’s playing catch up…and Bailey will be visiting during his break after his summer finals. Charlie’s picking him up from the airport on Sunday.
JULIA: Oh, that’s right… (Julia pulls an apple out of the refrigerator.) Mind if I have this?
KIRSTEN: No, Julia, please make yourself at home. (Kirsten strains the pasta.)
JULIA: Yeah, Bailey did say something about having a week off or something. He was supposed to visit DC a few times over the summer but was always too busy. (Takes a bite of the apple.)
KIRSTEN: Sounds like Bailey. Well, I think that’s about everything. (Thinking as she walks towards the refrigerator.) Well, you know Claudia’s leaving for school in a couple weeks.
JULIA: MmmHmm. (Still eating the apple.)
KIRSTEN: (Stopping, she chuckles a little) Oh, and of course, then there’s this whole thing with Daphne.
JULIA: (Thinking) What’s with Daphne?
KIRSTEN: You know. (Patting her belly.)
JULIA: (Slightly confused) What? She’s not pregnant, is she?
KIRSTEN: (Nodding her head) You mean Charlie didn’t tell you? (Opens the refrigerator.)
JULIA: No, he didn’t. (Uninterested, but trying to keep the conversation going) Well, that’s exciting. When’s she due?
KIRSTEN: (Chuckling) Next month.
JULIA: (Shocked) What? I thought you meant she just found out she’s pregnant. Have I been gone that long?
KIRSTEN: (Smiles) Not that long. She didn’t even know she was pregnant until the middle of May. (Smiling) That’s why I have to laugh when I think about it. (Kirsten takes an apple from the refrigerator and sits next to Julia.) Apparently she had a cyst on her ovary and they thought that’s what was giving her pregnancy symptoms. (Enviously) Plus, she hasn’t gained hardly any weight. But once the cyst was removed and she still didn’t get her period, she went back to the doctor who said ‘whoops, it’s a boy’. (Kirsten chuckles.)
JULIA: (Astonished) Wow, that’s amazing. She and Luke must be so happy to be having a baby of their own.
KIRSTEN: You’d think so. Y’know, Luke is really great with Diana, but he seems so preoccupied with work. (Shrugging) Maybe it’s just me. (Jumping up from her stool) Ooh, I forgot to set the timer.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

BAILEY is sitting on a couch in the sitting room of a fairly large apartment in LONDON. The room is clean, but cluttered with books and papers on the couch, floor and coffee table. The apartment is bright and very welcoming. HOLLY is pacing all around the apartment, glancing out the window frequently.

BAILEY: (Setting a book on the floor, he watches Holly for a few moments and chuckles to himself) Pacing back and forth isn’t going to get it here any faster, ya know. (Holly stops in front of the large window then looks at Bailey while biting her nail.)
HOLLY: (Nervously) I know…I know, but I can’t help it, Bailey. My whole future depends on that letter! If Birmingham accepts me, my life is laid out before me. If not…
BAILEY: (Interrupting) Then my life is laid out for me.
HOLLY: (Threatened) Don’t say that! You’re not hoping they turn me down, are you?
BAILEY: (Standing up, shaking his head) No, of course not. But we’ve had a great week together here. You even said if you didn’t get accepted by Birmingham that you would consider coming back to the States.
HOLLY: We have had a great week, Bailey. But we’ve got to stay focused on school – both of us! Do you think I would have ever let you come here had I known that you had finals this week?
BAILEY: (Teasingly sarcastic) Why do you think I didn’t tell you?
HOLLY: (Trying to hide a smile) Well, you should have.
BAILEY: C’mon, Hol. All my teachers agreed to let me take the finals next week, so I’ve got plenty of time to study. You’ve been making me study for three straight days! When do I get a break?
HOLLY: After Wharton accepts you. Bailey, your Fall registration depends on your summer grades. How can you be so nonchalant about that?
BAILEY: I’m not. (shaking his head) Holly, look, these summer classes I had…they made me think that maybe school just isn’t for me. I mean, I know how to run a business. Maybe I don’t need some yuppy in a fancy suit making me memorize intrinsic and extrinsic motivators when I already know how to handle employees. (He walks over to Holly and puts his arms around her.) Besides…(he smiles a sneaky smile) there’s something else I’d rather be handling. (Holly playfully smacks Bailey with a notebook.)
HOLLY: I really don’t think you moved clear across the United States to give it up so easily.
BAILEY: (Moving his body closer to Holly’s) I know…but I’m not talking about giving up; I’m just talking about a little break from studying. (He tries to kiss Holly.)
HOLLY: (Pushing his arms away and backing away from him) Wait - did you get a hold of that last professor yet…Professor Schmultz…or Smitt…what was his…
BAILEY: I’ve left him a few messages. I’m sure he’ll…(Bailey is interrupted by a knock on the door. Holly peeks out the window and sees a delivery-man.)
HOLLY: (Hopping slightly) Oh, my God! That's the letter. (She covers her mouth with her hand) Oh, Bailey - I'm so nervous!
BAILEY: (Smiling) Just relax and answer the door, Hol. There’s no way they’ll decline you.
HOLLY: (Answers the door and signs the delivery-man’s clipboard with a shaky hand. She closes the door, and then opens it again quickly.) (To the delivery man) Oh, thank you! (She closes the door again and nervously paces the room looking at the envelope. She is biting her lip as she walks. Finally the pressure builds and she thrusts the envelope at Bailey.) I can't do it - you open it.
BAILEY: (Smiling sheepishly) I can’t open it…you have to.
HOLLY: (She thrusts the letter towards him more forcefully) I just can’t.
BAILEY: (Sitting back on the couch and stretching his arms above his head.) I tell you what. I’ll open it for you…if you stop bugging me about studying…(Holly shoots him a disapproving look)… just for tonight (he reassures her) and you let me take you out to dinner…to celebrate your acceptance.
HOLLY: (Reluctantly) Oh, alright. But only for tonight. And you have to study twice as hard tomorrow.
BAILEY: (Takes the envelope from her, then he opens and reads it. A stunned but sad look comes over his face as he begins to read a few words) “…regrets to inform you…” (looking up at Holly) Holly, I’m sorry. I thought for sure…(he shrugs and smiles a little) Looks like you’re coming back to the States with me after all.
HOLLY: (Snatching the letter from him) Let me see that. (Reading to herself) “The University of Birmingham congratulates you on your acceptance into…” (she looks sternly at Bailey and playfully threatens him) I’m gonna get you! (She chases him around the room before tackling him on the couch. They begin kissing.)

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

KIRSTEN is showing JULIA the guest-house, which is located in the backyard of the main house. A thin walkway leads from the kitchen of the main house to the front door of the single-story guest-house. The entrance is just to the right of the gazebo. There is a small living room, a kitchen and two small bedrooms. KIRSTEN just finished showing JULIA the two bedrooms as the women return to the living room and walk towards the door.

JULIA: (Impressed) Wow, this is great. But why did you guys want a guest-house?
KIRSTEN: We actually weren’t looking for a guest-house, it was just…here. Anyway, it sold for about the same as other homes in the area without the extra space. We figured it would give Victor some privacy and you and Bailey could use the extra space when you’d visit.
JULIA: So, now that Victor’s gone…(Julia smiles. Kirsten holds the door open for Julia to exit.)
KIRSTEN: It’s yours for as long as you want it. (They both smile, as they walk back to the main house. As they enter the back door, they hear Owen’s voice from the living room.)
OWEN: (Looking at Julia’s luggage) Charlie, whose bags are these?
CHARLIE: (Scratching his head) You know, they look like…(Julia and Kirsten enter the living room.)
OWEN: Julia! (Owen runs over to hug her. She winces as she hugs him back.)
CHARLIE: Julia?
JULIA: Hey, O. (Nods at Charlie) Charlie.
OWEN: (Noticing Julia’s bruises) What happened? Did another kid beat you up?
KIRSTEN: No, Owen. She had a little accident.
JULIA: (To Owen) But I’m fine.
CHARLIE: (Shocked) A little accident? Are you kidding? Look at her!
JULIA: I’m fine, Charlie, really. (Smiling) I mean, can’t you just say (mockingly, she talks with a deeper voice) ‘Hello, I’m happy to see you’? (She walks over and hugs Charlie.)
CHARLIE: (While embracing) I am happy to see you, Jul. (Releasing his hug, he keeps his hands on her arms) But I’m still your brother and until someone teaches me not to worry about you…
KIRSTEN: (Soothingly) Charlie, she’s fine. Really.
CHARLIE: (Frowning) Okay. I get it. (To Julia) I am glad you’re here.
KIRSTEN: (Matter-of-factly) And she’s going to stay with us for awhile.
OWEN: (To Julia, excitedly) You are?…you are?!?
JULIA: (Smiling) Yep.
OWEN: (He extends his arm and makes a fist, then quickly pulls it back towards his body, lifting his left knee toward his elbow) Yes! (Excitedly) Will you help me study? Victor’s been helping me and I’m getting really good at spelling and…
CHARLIE: (To Owen) Hey, slugger, slow down. Why don’t you go upstairs and wash up for dinner…let Julia catch her breath. There’ll be plenty of time to visit.
OWEN: (Reluctantly) Oh, alright. (He slowly and dramatically climbs the stairs.)
JULIA: (To Owen) Hey, I’ll be glad to help you, O. (She looks at Charlie and smiles, then looks away. There is an uncomfortable silence as Julia tries to avoid eye contact with Charlie. Suddenly, the front door opens. Everyone turns as Claudia walks in with Griffin following.)
CLAUDIA: (Excited) Julia!
GRIFFIN: (Surprised) Julia?
JULIA: (Even more surprised) Griffin?
CLAUDIA: (Smiling with a concerned look on her face, she walks over to hug Julia) Julia, you’re home! (Standing back, she looks Julia over while holding Julia’s arms with her hands.) But what happened to you?
GRIFFIN: (Very concerned, he moves into the living room) Yeah, Jul. Is everything okay?
JULIA: (Trying to be patient) I’m fine. Will everyone please stop asking me that? Can’t you all just be happy to see me? (Her eyes begin to water and she runs upstairs. Claudia starts after her.)
CHARLIE: (Putting his arm out) Claudia, don’t.
CLAUDIA: We can’t just leave her alone, Charlie! Someone hurt her…badly.
CHARLIE: Listen, Claud, she obviously doesn’t want to talk about it. She wouldn’t say a thing to me either.
CLAUDIA: (Spitefully) And you’re just going to accept that? (Pleading) Charlie…
GRIFFIN: (To Claudia) Hey, Claud, we can talk later…I…really shouldn’t be here right now. (He begins to walk out.)
CLAUDIA: (Walking toward Griffin to stop him) Don’t be silly, you of all people should be here. (Pausing) Just because you two are divorced doesn’t mean you stopped being a part of this family. We need you. (Looking at Charlie with a crooked smile) Don’t we, Charlie?
CHARLIE: (Suspiciously) Alright, Claud, what’s going on?
CLAUDIA: Look, Charlie, taking care of Owen has been difficult for you guys even with me here to help out…and…with me leaving for school. Well, I just thought…
CHARLIE: Claud, we have everything under control.
CLAUDIA: Do you? It takes you an extra hour to get to and from work with having to go to Victor’s...and what about when school starts? Who’s going to pick up Owen from school?
CHARLIE: (Matter-of-factly) We’ll figure it out, Claud.
GRIFFIN: (Fidgeting) Claud, I really should get going…
CLAUDIA: (Firmly, to Charlie) Well, it’s already figured out. (She looks towards Griffin.)
CHARLIE: (To Griffin) Did she talk you into this? (Shaking his head) Look, I appreciate it, but…(To Claudia, extending his arms for emphasis) Claud, Griffin has to work, and…
GRIFFIN: (Interrupting, Griffin enters the living room again.) Look, Charlie. I still owe you guys a ton of money from that hospital thing…(pausing) and…well, if you guys could use help with Owen…it’s just…I can watch him if you need me to. But if you don’t think I should…or you don’t want me around…
CHARLIE: (Waves his arm) Whoa, that’s not what I’m saying here.
KIRSTEN: (Walking over to Charlie, excitedly, she grabs Charlie’s arm) Charlie, this is a great idea. It would free up so much of your time. Think about it, you could leave for work at your normal time and be home an hour earlier than you have been. And when you have to work late you won’t have to worry about picking Owen up and then going back to the factory.
CHARLIE: (He pauses a moment to think, then he speaks to Griffin) You don’t have to do this. Owen can be a handful…and Diana will be here when Daphne doesn’t have her.
KIRSTEN: That’s right. Diana will probably be here for a few weeks after the baby is born to give Daphne and Luke a chance to adjust.
GRIFFIN: (Confused) Baby?
KIRSTEN: Daphne’s baby. She’s due next month.
GRIFFIN: (Shrugging) I didn’t even know she was pregnant. (To Charlie) Hey, I can watch Owen and Diana…whatever you guys need. Claudia told me how hard it’s been on you with Victor gone…(pausing, he speaks slowly) Look, you guys have always been there for me. I’d like a chance to be able to give something back.
CHARLIE: (Raising his eyebrows, he looks at Kirsten who nods her head slightly. He looks back at Griffin) Well, (sighs) with an offer like that, I’d be a fool to refuse. You’ve got yourself a job. (He walks over and shakes Griffin’s hand.)

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

BAILEY and HOLLY are having dinner in a beautiful restaurant at Trafalgar Square. There are muffled conversations amidst the clinging of cups and silverware. Bailey manages to acquire a window seat by giving the maitre d’ a generous tip. The famous “Big Ben” clock can be seen lit up in all its splendor through the window in the misty distance.

HOLLY: (Looking at the menu, she speaks to the waiter) I'll have the Lamb Chops…and a garden salad with raspberry vinaigrette. (She closes her menu.)
WAITER: (Writes down both orders) Can I get the two of you a bottle of wine?
BAILEY: (Quickly, before Holly can refuse) Why yes, that would be…(attempting a British accent) splendid.
WAITER: (Nodding with an uncomfortable smile) Splendid. I’ll be right back with your bread, sir. (Walks away.)
HOLLY: (Controlling) Bailey I really don’t think you should be…
BAILEY: (Nonchalant) Just one glass, my dear. To celebrate your acceptance. (He reaches across the table and holds her hand, looking sincerely into her eyes) Congratulations, Holly. I’m very proud of you.
HOLLY: (Taunting) Even if this means I definitely won’t be returning to the States with you?
BAILEY: Let’s not think about that, just yet. I want to cherish every second I have with you. I mean, (looking out the window at the clock tower) I still can’t even believe I’m in England. (In awe) San Francisco is…like…on the other side of the world…heck even Philly’s…what? …eight hours behind us? (Holly smiles at Bailey’s enthusiasm.) I mean, here I am in London with the most beautiful, fantastic, intelligent girl…(his gaze drifts over to the window) a view of Big Ben…the…
HOLLY: (Interrupting) You mean St. Stephen’s Tower. “Big Ben” is the largest bell inside the tower. (She smiles.)
BAILEY: (Jokingly) Did I mention intelligent? (Slightly extends his hand, moving it up and down for emphasis) My point is - I've never even left the States let alone the continent. (Proudly) I'm finally seeing the world...it's finally my turn.
HOLLY: (With fake sternness) You should be seeing your textbooks…(smiles) but I'm glad you came, too. I've missed you…a lot.
BAILEY: (Looking at Holly) We can’t let this slip away again, Holly. You and me…we’re way too good together. (Holly takes her eyes away from Bailey, and glances at the floor. Just then, the waiter returns with the champagne and a basket of bread. He places them on the table and returns to the kitchen. Bailey pours two glasses of champagne and puts one in front of Holly.) Now let’s toast, “To Holly, who is making all of her dreams come true, and all of mine. To finding a way…”
HOLLY: (Looks up at Bailey, unsure) Bailey, we'll be a whole ocean away from each other. Do you have any idea how much time I’ll have to spend studying to keep up at Birmingham? I won’t have time to chat on-line or email…and as much as you don’t want to, you're going to have to devote yourself to your studies at Wharton. (Disappointed but determined) As much fun as we’ve had, we’re just not going to have time for each other. (There is a pause, then Holly looks down again.)
BAILEY: (Grabs Holly's hand from across the table and stares intently into her wandering eyes) We'll make time, Holly. (Holly’s eyes meet his) I mean, yeah – it’ll take some effort, but isn’t it worth it?
HOLLY: (Still determined) But we’ll never see each other.
BAILEY: Well, until we’re done with school, we can spend our summers together, and…and maybe even holidays. I could come here for Christmas. (Bailey sees that Holly is unconvinced. He leans back and speaks in a more serious tone) Holly, look…all I’m asking is that you give it a try. If it’s too hard we can call it off then. (Shaking his head) But how can you call it off now…without even giving it a shot? (There is a long moment of silence before a smile begins to form on Holly’s lips.)
HOLLY: (With a new glimmer of enthusiasm) So…what do you say we take a closer look at Big Ben after dinner?
BAILEY: (A large smile comes across Bailey’s face) You mean “St. Stephen’s Tower.”
HOLLY: (Returns Bailey’s smile) You wanted to see the world…and I'm going to show it to you.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

DIANA’S ROOM. While Charlie is showing Griffin the guest-house, CLAUDIA sneaks away to Diana’s room, where she finds JULIA. The room is dark, and Julia is sitting in a chair next to Diana’s changing table resting her head on her knees, which she is holding with her hands. She has her eyes closed and does not see Claudia enter. Claudia gently knocks on the partially opened door, which she pushes open. Hearing the knock, Julia sits up and wipes her eyes.

JULIA: Oh…come in.
CLAUDIA: (Timidly) Hey.
JULIA: (Smiles shyly) Hey.
CLAUDIA: Charlie told me to leave you alone, but…well…he’s busy showing Griffin the guest house…and…I thought you might like to talk.
JULIA: (Confused) What? Why is he showing Griffin the guest-house?
CLAUDIA: Griffin’s gonna watch Owen and Diana.
JULIA: (Amused) What? Griffin…a nanny?
CLAUDIA: Well, yeah…I mean, Owen likes him, we all trust him…and Griffin needs a place to stay.
JULIA: (Trying to avoid the reason Claudia came in) Of course we all trust him…it’s just that Kirsten said I would be staying in the guest-house. (Drifting off) Not that it matters…but…(Looking at Claudia) Hey, I thought Griffin was staying with a friend…and…and what about Stephanie? She has…like a huge house, doesn’t she? I know she’d let Griffin stay there.
CLAUDIA: Griffin says he’s not ready for that yet. (Pauses briefly.) Look, Jul…that’s not why I came in here. (Julia rolls her eyes and turns around in the chair, facing the window. Claudia pulls up a stool. Her tone is very concerned and soothing.) I wanna know what’s really going on and where these bruises came from.
JULIA: (Getting upset) That’s all anyone sees are these stupid bruises. Can’t I just get a warm welcome? Instead I get all these stupid questions! (Julia gets up and looks out the window.)
CLAUDIA: (Concerned) It’s just that you were so exited about DC… and now you’re back…(Claudia walks over to Julia and puts her hands on Julia’s shoulders) with bruises. (Julia continues to stare out the window in silence.) Is it Justin? Are you guys having problems?
JULIA: (Turns around upset, almost in tears) No, it’s not Justin. (Wiping her eyes with her sleeve) Why does everyone think Justin did this? That is…like so not fair. (Thinking for a moment) God, he would never do anything to hurt me. (Julia wraps her arms around herself and walks back over to the chair. She sits with her feet on the chair holding her knees. Claudia sits back down on the stool. There are a few moments of thoughtful silence before Julia takes a deep breath) Claud, if you must know…(her tone is not as strained but instead somewhat rehearsed) on my way home from work, late one night, a man grabbed my purse. I had it over my neck so we…(she sniffles) so we…struggled a bit. He pushed me into a stack of garbage cans and…and that’s where all the bruises came from.
CLAUDIA: (Leans back on the stool and sits silently for a few moments, with a stunned look on her face. She contemplates Julia’s words and, after a few minutes, raises an eye brow) You mean you got bruised that severely from garbage cans?
JULIA: (Persistent) Oh, now you’re gonna call me a liar?
CLAUDIA: (Takes a deep breathe and continues calmly) I don’t want to argue with you, Julia. I just want you to know that I’m worried about you…(She gently sets her hand on top of Julia’s) and I’m here if you need to talk.
JULIA: (Sharply removes her hand and sits up) Claud, there’s nothing else to say, (Claudia looks doubtful)… really. (Claudia slowly gets up with a sad expression on her face, and begins to walk out. Julia calls after her with an apologetic tone.) Hey Claud, (Claudia turns around) just promise you’ll be careful in New York.
CLAUDIA: (Smiling slightly through her sad eyes) I promise. (She shrugs) Anyway, Bailey will only be a few hours away. (Her eyes light up a little and Julia forces a faint smile.) You know he’s got a break between summer and fall next week…he’ll be home on Sunday.
JULIA: (Nodding) Yeah, Kirsten told me.
CLAUDIA: (Her tone becomes more lively) He’s gonna fly with me to New York and help me get all my things to school. (Smiling) It’ll be so nice to have everyone home, even if it is just for a few days. (Claudia looks back at Julia’s bruised face and then looks down at the floor for a few seconds. She fidgets with her hands a little, and then walks out of the room.)

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

A few days later, BAILEY arrives at his dorm room at the University of Pennsylvania. He unlocks the door and throws it open with his partially free hand. His hands are full with his luggage, which he drops as he enters the room. He takes off his jacket and tosses it onto the unoccupied bed. He walks over to his small desk, where he picks up a picture of his family.

BAILEY: (Shaking his head, he sighs as he looks at the picture. He hesitates a moment, then picks up his phone from the desk. He dials and after four rings hears a message.)
ANSWERING MACHINE: (Voice of Charlie) Hi, you've reached the Salinger residence…please leave a message. BEEP
BAILEY: Hey, guys, it’s me. I guess you're not there. Hmm…well…(glances at his watch) Geez, of course you’re not gonna answer - it’s not even 5 a.m. there in San Francisco. Anyway...(scratching his head) I won’t be arriving tomorrow. I was really looking forward to seeing you guys, but…well…I’m just not able to get away. I hope you understand. Well, I guess that’s about…(Bailey stops for a moment with his mouth open as he thinks, then he puts his hand to his forehead.) Oh my God…that’s right! Claud - I was supposed to fly to New York with you to help you get settled…well maybe you could…hmmm, no that won’t work…um…well, I dunno. (He pauses) Look, there’s just no way I can get away this week. I’m real sorry. I’ve got two tests on Friday and I just…it’s just, I have to be here for them. I really hope you underst…(BEEP. The machine cuts him off. Bailey looks down at the picture and holds it close to him. He has a disappointed look on his face. The scene then changes to a view of Charlie’s answering machine with its light blinking as the picture fades out.)