Episode 7: October 11, 2000: “Truth”

CHARLIE’S HOUSE. KIRSTEN is reclined on the couch watching TV. She is wearing pajamas and wrapped up in blanket. Her eyes are closed but she is still awake. She hurries to get up as she hears the key in the door.

KIRSTEN: Charlie, I thought you said…(Surprised) Julia? I thought you were sleeping…
JULIA: (Puts down a gym bag and speaks with a playful sarcasm) And here I thought you were just checking up on me.
KIRSTEN: (Confused) Wha…uh, where were you?
JULIA: (Smiling proudly) Work.
KIRSTEN: (Shocked) Work? But you’re not…(Julia walks over to the couch and plops down as Kirsten speaks.)
JULIA: (Still sounding proud) Yeah, I started volunteering over at the domestic violence shelter.
KIRSTEN: (Concerned) Do you really think you’re ready…
JULIA: (Calmly, she nods her head) Yeah…I do. I mean, I’ve been watching myself just lounge around this house and…and everyone kept saying “you need to do this, Julia,” “Julia, do that and you’ll feel better.” And…it was just making me feel worse. I didn’t want to eat, I couldn’t sleep…(Pauses in thought for a moment.) Then I saw myself…I looked in the mirror and saw this…this…thing I’d become. And I realized…if I could get through everything with Ned and I knew him…how can I let a total stranger control my life. I’m not going to be afraid anymore…and I’m not going to be depressed anymore…
KIRSTEN: (Proud, yet concerned) That’s great, Julia. But…you can’t just will those things away…
JULIA: (Standing up) I’m not…that’s just it. Once I realized what I was doing and that everybody noticed but me…I knew I had to…just get out there and live again. I thought it would really help me to help others…(looks sincerely at Kirsten) and it does Kirsten, it does. (Kirsten smiles.) You have no idea how good it felt to be an example for those women. To show them that they can overcome anything…that they can regain a sense of power. (Pauses for emphasis) It helped me regain a sense of power by…just talking to them. And…one of them has enrolled in a self-defense course. I’m going to go with her Wednesday nights.
KIRSTEN: (Proudly, with concern) Julia, that’s wonderful, it really is. Just be careful not to take on too much too fast.
JULIA: (Sincerely) I won’t. It’s just…it really feels good to be giving something back…instead of always taking…you know what I mean? (Kirsten nods and both women stand in silence for a few minutes before Julia sits down. Kirsten walks over to the window and peers out from the side of the curtain.) So, where’s Charlie anyway? It’s getting late.
KIRSTEN: There was a problem at Salingers’ so he had to go down there. He should be back soon, though.
JULIA: Nothing serious, I hope.
KIRSTEN: (Chuckles) The beer tap.
JULIA: That thing again? (Stands up and stretches.) Well, I better get to bed, Justin will be here bright and early.
KIRSTEN: I thought you told him not to come.
JULIA: I did but…I dunno. If I’m gonna get my life back together…(Julia shrugs as her sentence fades off and Kirsten smiles at her.)
KIRSTEN: Well, I hope you guys have a nice weekend. (Julia smiles at Kirsten before heading upstairs.)

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SALINGERS’ RESTAURANT. CHARLIE and JOE are both behind the bar. Charlie is underneath the counter, working on the broken beer tap. Joe is standing a few feet away watching Charlie.

CHARLIE: Okay, Joe. Try it now. (Joe holds a glass under the tap and pulls the handle. Beer begins flowing, filling the glass.)
JOE: Wha-la!
CHARLIE: (Getting up from under the counter) I’ve still got the magic touch, huh?
JOE: (Handing Charlie the glass) Here – you’ve earned it.
CHARLIE: (With a slight smile, wiping his hands on a rag) Thanks, but...I’d better get going. I told Kirsten I’d be home in an hour…and knowing her, she’s probably waiting up for me.
JOE: (Smiling) Well, don’t keep her waitin’ on my account. (Joe motions Charlie toward the exit. Charlie smiles, and begins walking toward the door. After taking a few steps, he stops for a moment, then he turns around and walks back toward the bar.)
CHARLIE: Joe, do you remember back when I was in high school?…I used to always come to you for advice?
JOE: Of course I do. (Smiling) When you’re a teenager, you can’t tell your old man your problems.
CHARLIE: (Forcing a slight laugh) You got that right. (Charlie sits down on a barstool, thinking.)
JOE: Is something on your mind?
CHARLIE: Well, it’s just…let’s take Frannie for example. Did you know when she wasn’t telling you everything? (Joe has a confused look on his face. He is about to speak when Charlie continues.) What I mean is…well, before I came here, Kirsten told me she really needed to talk to me about something.
JOE: (Leading) Yeah…
CHARLIE: So then, she told me she’s quitting her job the first week of November.
JOE: (Confused) So…
CHARLIE: The thing is, I already knew that. And Kirsten made that decision months ago. So… (shaking his head) I just get the feeling that she’s holding something back.
JOE: You want my advice, right?
CHARLIE: (Nodding) Yeah.
JOE: Don’t let it bother you. Whatever it is, she’ll tell you when she’s ready. And if she doesn’t tell you, she’s probably worked it out on her own. (Charlie looks down, nodding in a thoughtful manner.)

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CLAUDIA’S BEDROOM. CLAUDIA is lying in bed with the pillow covering her head as very loud music can be heard. After tossing and turning for a few moments, she rolls out of bed and puts on her robe. The alarm clock reads 5:30.

CLAUDIA: (Entering the living room, she finds Tina, Valerie and Heather dancing to Britainy Spears. Angrily) Don’t you guys have any respect for the rest of…Heather?! (She peers at Heather for a moment then shakes her head in disgust as she walks into the kitchen and opens up the refrigerator.)
TINA: (Shouting over the music) You manage to sleep through it every other morning!
CLAUDIA: (Muttering under her breath as she walks toward the refrigerator and opens it.) You mean I manage to ignore it every other morning! (Claudia begins searching through the refrigerator. Heather stops dancing and enters the kitchen.)
HEATHER: (Sincerely) I’m really sorry about the music…I tried telling them to turn it down, but…well…you know how they can be.
CLAUDIA: (Shaking her head, her tone is a bit calmer) That’s the problem. I know how they can be…(Claudia pulls a box of donuts out of the refrigerator and walks over to the coffee pot. Talks under her breath.) Well, at least they had the decency to make some coffee.
HEATHER: (Leading) So, uh…how did it go?
CLAUDIA: (Confused) What are you talking about.
HEATHER: You’re phone call…remember? The distant relative.
CLAUDIA: Oh that? It was nothing.
HEATHER: Nothing? Come on, tell me what happened. (Claudia looks down for a moment, then looks up at Heather sincerely.)
CLAUDIA: Look, a person I used to be really close to lives around here, only I’m not quite sure exactly where. I was thinking…I don’t know…about maybe, um, trying to see her…but, well…
HEATHER: (Completing her sentence) You chickened out.
CLAUDIA: (Looks up and Heather) Yeah. I dunno, I got her answering machine and…I just couldn’t leave a message. She’s got her own life now, she wouldn’t want to be bothered with me.
HEATHER: A true friend is hard to come by. If you’ve got one, don’t let her go. I’m sure she’s missing you, too. (Claudia sips her coffee in silence as she contemplates Heather’s words.)

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GLEN’S BIKE SHOP. GRIFFIN has brought Owen to work with him and is working on a motorcycle while OWEN is sitting on Griffin’s tool box eating a caramel apple.

OWEN: How did you get so good at fixing motorcycles?
GRIFFIN: (While working) I don’t know…you do something long enough, and…I guess you just get good at it.
OWEN: (Thinking) You mean like Claudia and her violin?
GRIFFIN: Yeah, sure.
OWEN: So…what did you have to study in school to be a mechanic?
GRIFFIN: (Thinking) Nothin’…I guess.
OWEN: (Excitedly) Nothing? Do you think I can be a mechanic, too?
GRIFFIN: (Turns toward Owen, smiling) You’ve got a few years before you have to make that decision, kiddo. (Owen smiles, then takes a bite of his caramel apple as Griffin goes back to work on the motorcycle. After a moment, Owen speaks.)
OWEN: (In a more serious tone) Hey, Griffin – you know how you and Julia used to be married…but now you’re not? (Griffin stops what he’s doing and turns toward Owen with a confused look.)
GRIFFIN: Yeah…
OWEN: (Slowly, sounding a bit disappointed) Well, does that mean…that you’re not my family anymore?
GRIFFIN: (With a slightly surprised look) Who told you that?
OWEN: Nobody…I just thought…
GRIFFIN: (Surprised and touched) Do you…want me to be…part of your…family?
OWEN: Yeah.
GRIFFIN: (Smiles proudly) Well then…I am. (Owen smiles. After a few moments he speaks again.)
OWEN: (Innocently) Well, seeing as how we’re family and all…when can you start showing me how to be a mechanic? (Griffin shakes his head and chuckles as the scene fades.)

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BAILEY walks in to his DORM ROOM to find COLE in a heated argument with his FATHER. Cole’s father is tall with short, dark hair that recedes to his temples. He is wearing an immaculate, dark blue business suit. Cole is sitting on his bed looking down while his father paces back and forth in the room.

FATHER: (To Cole) What am I going to do with you? Do you have any idea what kind of strings I had to pull just to get you in this school?
COLE: (Still looking down, sounding tired) How can I not know? You remind me every time…
FATHER: (Loudly) Then why don’t you listen to me? Do you think I enjoy repeating myself? (Runs his fingers through his hair in frustration.) Friend or no friend, the dean can’t do me any more favors…especially if you end up on academic probation!
BAILEY: (Cautiously, to Cole and his father) I…I’m sorry to interrupt. I just need to grab a few things and I’ll be out of here. (Bailey walks past Cole’s father to a small bookshelf, grabbing a few books.)
COLE: (Standing up, talking in a sarcastic tone) Hey, don’t go running off so fast, Salinger. You haven’t had the “pleasure” of meeting my father, have you? (Bailey looks very uncomfortable as the expression on Cole’s father’s face turns to disgust.) We were just having a nice “Father to Son” chat, weren’t we, pop?
BAILEY: (To Cole, uncomfortably) Look, I’ll…catch you later. (Bailey begins heading for the door, but before he exits Cole’s father begins speaking.)
FATHER: (To Cole in a stern voice, pointing at Bailey) Instead of giving your roommate such a hard time, maybe you should be more like him. It appears he actually reads his textbooks. (Without turning around, Bailey stops for a moment at the door. He thinks for a very short moment, then proceeds to leave.)

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BEN AND JERRY’S ICE CREAM PARLOR. JULIA and JUSTIN are sitting at a booth eating sundaes. As the camera focuses in on them, they are laughing.

JULIA: (Taking a bite of her ice cream) I can’t believe you said that.
JUSTIN: (Smiling, as his laughter begins to subside) I know…but what could I do?
JULIA: (Shaking her head) Well, you sure have had an interesting few weeks. (Justin’s smile fades and a look of concern comes over his face.)
JUSTIN: (Carefully) So…uh…how have things been with…uh, here. How have things been…here?
JULIA: (Smiles warmly) It’s okay. Look, I’m sorry for how I acted last time you were here. I…guess I just needed a little time. But…things are a lot better. Especially with starting at the domestic violence shelter. I mean, I was only there one day and…(looks directly at Justin) I can’t begin to tell you how good it made me feel. (Justin reaches across the table and holds Julia’s hand.)
JUSTIN: (Sincerely) I am so proud of you, Julia. (There is a moment of silence as they look intently at one another. Suddenly Julia begins to smile as a tremendous look of pride comes across her face.)
JULIA: Thank you. It feels really good to finally be doing something for myself. I mean, how many times have I said I was gonna do something for myself and then let someone get in my way?
JUSTIN: I’m really glad you’re taking care of yourself. You had me pretty worried the last time I was here.
JULIA: Sorry. Guess I let myself get into a rut. But I feel a lot better now. (Smiles as she looks at Justin.) I’m glad you held me to that rain-check. (Justin smiles at Julia as he takes a bite of ice cream.)

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CLAUDIA and NORA are walking away from the Juilliard Opera Hall. The leaves on the trees have begun to change color and there’s a slight chill to the air.

CLAUDIA: I can’t believe the Orchestra roster still isn’t posted!
NORA: I really hope I…one of us got first chair.
CLAUDIA: Wouldn’t that be great…I mean, if it were one of us? I don’t know though…everyone was so good.
NORA: You doubt your talent way too much, Claud.
CLAUDIA: You’re pretty good yourself, you know. I must confess…there is no one I’d rather lose it to than you. (Nora smiles shyly as Claudia nudges her with her elbow.)
NORA: Not even your guy from back home?
CLAUDIA: Are you kidding? (Playful) I couldn’t lose to him! He’d never let me hear the end of it. (She giggles, then her smile slowly fades into a trance-like expression.) I sure do miss him…
NORA: So then what about this new guy that’s been stopping by all the time?
CLAUDIA: Curtis? There’s nothing going on…he’s becoming a good friend, though. (Claudia smiles in spite of herself.)
NORA: Come one…that is not a look of ‘nothing’.
CLAUDIA: (Stops walking and turns to face Nora.) To be honest, I don’t really know what’s going on with Curtis. I mean, I am so in love with Todd…
NORA: (Leading) But…
CLAUDIA: But…I don’t know. I have so much fun with Curtis. It’s not all about practicing the violin or…talking about music. And…
NORA: He’s here.
CLAUDIA: You said that, not me.
NORA: Yeah, but weren’t you going to?
CLAUDIA: (Bites her lip in desperation) I don’t know. I can’t give up on Todd…he means way to much to me.
NORA: Then I’d highly suggest you stay away from Curtis.
CLAUDIA: (Twiddling her fingers) Maybe you’re right, Nora…but he’s helped me out so much since I’ve been here…(Claudia drifts off for a moment in thought.) Maybe you’re right. I’ll have a talk with him…after I finish helping him memorize his lines. (Nora peers at Claudia disapprovingly, over her glasses. Claudia pleads) Nora, I promised…and…well, with all he’s done for me…I can’t let him down.
NORA: (Still peering over her glasses) It is your choice.

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DAPHNE AND LUKE’S APARTMENT. LUKE is sitting at the dining room table, reading the morning newspaper. A half-eaten English muffin and an almost empty glass of orange juice are on the table in front of him. DAPHNE enters from the living room carrying MATTHEW. She has a packed diaper-bag draped over her shoulder, and Matthew is dressed in a little Dallas Cowboys outfit.

LUKE: (Looking up from his paper) You two going somewhere?
DAPHNE: Yeah – that photo place over on Chestnut is having a special. (Smiling) I thought it’d be cute to have a picture taken of Matt in his Cowboys outfit.
LUKE: (Putting his paper on the table) Oh…okay. (Standing up) I’ll pull the car up…
DAPHNE: (Interrupting, speaking quickly) That’s okay. (Luke looks at her, and she begins speaking, trying to sound “matter of factly.”) I mean, yeah – we’d love for you to go…but don’t feel like you have to or anything.
LUKE: Oh. (He thinks for a moment.) Do you want me to go?
DAPHNE: Well…only if you want to.
LUKE: I see. (He stands there for a moment, nodding his head as he thinks.) Well, I guess if you can handle it on your own, I’ll just stay here. (Luke sits down a begins reading his paper again.)
DAPHNE: (Forcing a smile, with a hint of disappointment in her voice) Okay…well then, I guess we’ll see ya.
LUKE: (Still looking at his paper) Yeah…bye. (Daphne walks out of the room with a hurt look on her face.)

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CHARLIE'S HOUSE. GRIFFIN is in the garage working on a motorcycle. He is laying on the ground working on the underside of the bike. STEPHANIE enters the garage from the drive way. She is wearing a short, black dress and high heels. She walks over to Griffin.

STEPHANIE: Hey, sexy.
GRIFFIN: (Seeing only her legs, he rushes to get up and hits his head on the pedal.) Ouch. (Rubs his head) Hi. I’m, uh…almost done.
STEPHANIE: (Smiles seductively) You sure are a mess. (Sighs) Looks like I’m really gonna need to clean you up…(She walks around to the side of the bike Griffin is on and bends down next to him. She runs her fingers through his hair and massages his temples. He closes his eyes and lays his head backwards.)
GRIFFIN: (Trancelike) I really need to finish…
STEPHANIE: (Stopping abruptly) Of course you do…(She gets up and walks towards the back of the garage. As she walks out the door towards the guest-house, she smiles seductively.) Don’t keep me waiting too long…lover. (She dramatically tosses her hair and disappears through the doorway. Griffin fumbles with his tools before pushing them aside and clumsily running after her.)

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CLAUDIA and CURTIS are seen exiting a theater on "Broadway.” The marquee reads "World Premier of 'The Last Kiss.’”

CURTIS: Hey look! I'm walking out of my first real Broadway show!
CLAUDIA: (Laughing) Who knows, maybe you'll be performing one day!
CURTIS: Only with your help. (Turns and smiles sincerely at Claudia.) I really appreciate you helping me with my lines…(Claudia smiles shyly and looks away.) And allowing me to take a little break. (Claudia turns to face Curtis again with a slightly embarrassed smile, changing the subject.)
CLAUDIA: Hey, you know - I always thought that all Broadway shows had flashy lights, and a big chorus line. I didn't think they had two person comedies like that. Wasn't it funny when those people were like…so different, and then you find out they're getting married!
CURTIS: That was hilarious! How about the part when they're old, and they described what the kid looked like! The guy in front of us was busting up! (Laughing they walk to Curtis' car.)
CURTIS: (Opening Claudia’s door.) You're not tired are you?
CLAUDIA: (Sitting down) Well, I should probably be getting back…(Curtis looks disappointed.) Do you need to study your lines some more?
CURTIS: Kinda…and I know just the place. (He shuts her door and hurries into the car. He drives a little ways and parks in a “no parking” zone at the edge of Central Park where there is a beautifully illuminated fountain. They both get out of the car.)
CLAUDIA: (In awe) Wow, this is incredible.
CURTIS: Kinda like yo…(Catching himself, he runs his hand through his hair.) Yeah, it is pretty cool. We can see some of the park from our dorm, but it’s so much better up close. It’s a peaceful spot in a very un-peaceful city. (He pulls out two pennies. And hands one to Claudia.) Here…make a wish. (They both toss in their pennies and begin to laugh as the scene fades.)

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BAILEY’S DORM. A close-up shot of Bailey’s computer screen shows the words:
DOCTOR_HOLLY: “Of course I miss you. But I’ve got a mid-term Monday, so I’ve got to log off.”
BAY78: “Ten more minutes…please?)”
The camera pulls back to show Bailey sitting at his desk. He has a smile on his face. After typing a few words, the door opens and Cole enters the room.

BAILEY: (To Cole, turning around) Hey. (Cole gives Bailey a quick nod, then flops down on his bed, covering his eyes with his arm. Bailey turns back to his computer, types a few more words, and then shuts it off. He begins speaking to Cole in a careful manner.) Are you…okay?
COLE: (Still covering his eyes) Never better.
BAILEY: (Concerned) No, really…I know it’s none of my business, but…things sounded pretty heated with your dad…
COLE: (Interrupting) That’s how he always sounds… (quietly) when he talks to me. (Cole uncovers his eyes and looks at Bailey, noticing his concerned look.) Hey, man – I’m used to it. After awhile, you just let the words roll off…know what I mean?
BAILEY: Yeah, but… (Shaking his head) Have you tried talking to him about it?
COLE: (Sitting up) It won’t do any good. He’s too damn… (Cole pauses a moment, then speaks in a soft tone.) Look, it won’t do any good talking to you about it either. (Smiling, in an exaggeratedly happy tone) So, instead of worrying about it…I’m going to go out…have some fun…and forget I’m his son for tonight. (Standing up, speaking sincerely) Hey, why…don’t you come with me? (Bailey begins shaking his head, but before he can speak Cole breaks in.) Look, I know me and my friends got…kinda outta hand at that bar last week. We’re jerks to begin with, but get a few drinks in us and look out! (Cole and Bailey both smile.) So if you don’t want to come, I’ll understand.
BAILEY: (After a moment, Bailey begins nodding) Let me get my coat.

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CLAUDIA and CURTIS are sitting in front of a fountain at CENTRAL PARK. They are each holding a script and Curtis has just finished reciting a few lines.

CLAUDIA: (Applauding.) That was much better. You’re really getting those lines down. How about one more time.
CURTIS: (Smiling shyly) How about you tell me what you wished for…
CLAUDIA: (Looks away, with an embarrassed smile) I can’t do that…it won’t come true…(Curtis gets up and sits on the other side of her, so she’s facing him.)
CURTIS: Sure you can.
CLAUDIA: (Mischievously) Alright…but you first.
CURTIS: (Smirks) Now that ain’t fair. (Claudia folds her arms and raises her brows in anticipation.) Well, see. There’s this girl I like…I really like and…I’m not really sure how she feels. So…I made a wish for one kiss with her.
CLAUDIA: (A little surprised) Just one?
CURTIS: (Looks down) Well, see…I know she can’t be mine…
CLAUDIA: (Innocently) How sad…kinda like in the play.
CURTIS: (Looks deeply into Claudia’s eyes) Exactly like the play.
CLAUDIA: (Matter of factly) So does she know how you feel?
CURTIS: I think so…
CLAUDIA: And does she feel the same?
CURTIS: I sure hope so…
CLAUDIA: So what’s stopping you, then?…from kissing her. (Curtis’ expression changes from one of confusion to one of nervousness.)
CURTIS: I guess you’ve got a point there…(Awkwardly he moves a little closer to Claudia and places his hand on the back of her head. Slowly he moves closer to her. Her expression changes to apprehensive desire as she realizes he was talking about her. They slowly move closer as the anticipation of the kiss builds. His lips move closer to hers and are just about to touch…)
CLAUDIA: (Quickly stands up) Curtis! You know I have a boyfriend…
CURTIS: (Confused) But you said…
CLAUDIA: I know what I said…I…just…didn’t know you were talking about me.
CURTIS: (Embarrassed) You didn’t? But…you…
CLAUDIA: I know…(Closes her eyes.) I know. (She sits down again a few feet away from him and they sit in silence for several minutes before Curtis speaks.)
CURTIS: (Turns to face Claudia) Look, I don’t want things to be weird between us. The truth is you’re one of the best friends I have here. Can we…just forget that happened?
CLAUDIA: (Moving closer to Curtis) Hey, don’t worry about it. To be honest you’re one of the few people I can trust around here.
CURTIS: I’m really sorry…I didn’t mean to betray that trust.
CLAUDIA: (Thoughtfully) You didn’t. But we…uh…better get back. It’s getting late. (Curtis nods and they begin walking towards the car.

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THE GUEST HOUSE. STEPHANIE and GRIFFIN are lying in bed and Griffin is holding Stephanie. He is gently stroking her hair as she runs her fingers across his chest and kisses him. After a few moments of thoughtful silence Griffin speaks.

GRIFFIN: (Leaning up a little) You know, the coolest thing happened to me the other day. (Stephanie props herself up on her elbow to listen better.)
STEPHANIE: Really?
GRIFFIN: (Smiling) Yeah. I took Owen to work with me…well, I told you…but, anyway…(Proudly) He said he wanted to be a mechanic.
STEPHANIE: A mechanic? Well, you told him that he should go to college, right?
GRIFFIN: (Defensive, he sits up and pulls away from Stephanie.) What? What’s that supposed to mean?
STEPHANIE: (Moving closer, she gently touches his face.) Nothing, just that…well, at his age…he just needs to be taught that he needs to go to college if he wants to be successful.
GRIFFIN: (Jumps out of bed and runs his fingers through his hair) So…you’re saying that I’ll never be successful.
STEPHANIE: Darling, you’re over reacting. (Pats the bed next to her and pouts.) Come back to bed.
GRIFFIN: I’m over reacting? You just tell me that a person without a college education won’t ever amount to anything…how am I supposed to take that?
STEPHANIE: (Gets out of bed and wraps her robe around her.) You are twisting my words, darling. I said he will need to go to college to be successful. The market is changing and by the time he enters the workforce…
GRIFFIN: I thought you didn’t have a problem with mechanics…you even said you found it sexy…(Stephanie tries putting her arms around Griffin, but he pulls away and walks across the room.)
STEPHANIE: (Following Griffin) I do. I find you sexy…and brilliant. (Looking deeply into his eyes.) And terribly thoughtful…Griffin, I love you. I love you for doing your own thing, and…I respect you for wanting to do it your own way…(Looks away) Even though sometimes I’d rather you didn’t.
GRIFFIN: You say that, but then you make a crack like that about college, and…well, it makes me feel like I’m a nobody…(he shrugs.) It makes me wonder what the hell you’re doing with me. (He sits on the bed and covers his face with his hands. Stephanie sits next to him and begins to put her arm around him, but stops and just sits next to him.)
STEPHANIE: To be honest, I’m trying to figure out what you’re doing with me. I always manage to say exactly the wrong thing to you. (Griffin lowers his hands and looks at her sideways.)
GRIFFIN: What are you talking about?
STEPHANIE: (Realizing she’s got his attention, she tosses her hair back.) I don’t know…just, somehow…I always get us fighting. (Looks directly at him and sighs.) I’m just so…sick of fighting. (She twirls her hair.)
GRIFFIN: It’s not your fault. (Shrugs) I don’t know, maybe I do take things too personally. (Gently caresses her cheek with his hand.) I know you love me…(turns away) and here I go screwing it up...again. (Stephanie gently touches his face with her hand and slowly turns him back to face her.)
STEPHANIE: (With a slight pout) It’s okay, darling. You’re not screwing anything up. (She slowly moves closer to him and begins kissing him. After a long, passionate kiss she lays him down on the bed.) Now let’s pick up where we left off. (She pulls the sheets up over their heads.)

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CLAUDIA’S DORM ROOM is dark. She enters and turns on a small bedside lamp. She opens the lowest drawer in her dresser and, after removing some folded clothes, sees a small blue booklet that reads “My Dearest Claudia.” She pulls out the scrapbook that Todd gave her, and sits on her bed.

CLAUDIA: (Holds the book close to her.) Oh, Todd...what am I gonna do… (She opens the book, and flips through some pages. She sees several pictures of her and Todd laughing and holding each other. There are a few notes and poems from Todd, but the items that stand out most to her are two carnival ticket stubs. A tear forms in her eye as she reminisces...)

~TODD: So where to next?
~CLAUDIA: Well...we could ride the Ferris wheel again…do more ring toss - maybe you can win me another alien!
~TODD: I know the perfect spot…

(Todd’s voice echoes in her mind. She wipes her tears and picks up the phone. Hearing Todd’s answering machine, she leaves a message and holds the phone close to her a few moments before slowly replacing the receiver.)

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

CHARLIE'S HOUSE. JULIA and JUSTIN are standing on the driveway next to the car Justin has borrowed from his mom.

JUSTIN: Well, another teary-eyed good-bye. (Holds Julia’s face in his hand.) I hate this part.
JULIA: (Looks down) I know. (Justin pulls Julia towards him and she doesn’t resist. He closes his eyes and holds her for a few moments before pulling back enough to look at her. He gently brushes a few hairs out of her eyes.)
JUSTIN: I’ve really enjoyed these past few days…kinda like old times, ey? (Julia smiles at him.) So, uh…hey…what do you say next weekend and we can…
JULIA: (Pulls back a little) Next weekend?
JUSTIN: (Confused) Yeah, I thought…is that a problem?
JULIA: (Hesitant) Well…no. (Pauses for a moment) That’s just so…soon.
JUSTIN: (Hurt) But I thought…(Pauses for a moment in thought. His tone is defensive.) You still blame me…don’t you?
JULIA: No! (Looks away.) Well…maybe. A little. (Looks back towards Justin) But that’s not what this is about. I’m just starting to get my life back on track and I need some time to do that…
JUSTIN: (Hopeful) Well that’s great…I can help you.
JULIA: (Shakes her head and turns away) You don’t understand. (Justin walks up behind her and gently puts his hands on her shoulders.)
JUSTIN: Then help me understand.
JULIA: (Turning around) I need…to do this…alone. (Justin tries to hold back a hurt expression as he thinks about what she said for a few moments.)
JUSTIN: So…what’s going on here? Are we breaking up?
JULIA: (Defensive) No, Justin, that’s not what I’m saying…
JUSTIN: (Slightly agitated) Well you just said you need to do this alone. How am I supposed to take that?
JULIA: (Raising her voice a little) Take it as me needing some time alone…to figure things out.
JUSTIN: (In a loud tone) But you said you already had everything figured out! (Julia runs her fingers through her hair in frustration.)
JULIA: (Yelling) Okay, so maybe I am still a little confused. Thank you so much for making me figure that out! (Justin takes a deep breath.)
JUSTIN: (Calmer) Julia, I don’t want to argue with you. (Runs his fingers through her hair.) If you need time alone, I’ll give you time alone. (Speaks slowly and strained.) Look, I’m gonna get going now. But, uh…I’m not gonna call you or anything…until you let me know it’s okay. Take whatever time you need. (He holds her chin with his hand.) I’ll wait. And…whatever you decide…it’s okay with me. (He looks deeply into her eyes for a few moments before turning around and opening the car door. His expression is full of love and hurt as he sits down in the driver’s seat.)
JULIA: Justin…(She looks at him sadly. He nods and smiles through his painful expression as he closes the car door. He turns around to look at her one last time before driving off.)

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

CHARLIE AND KIRSTEN’S BEDROOM. CHARLIE is talking on the phone when KIRSTEN enters the room. There are several piles of neatly folded clothes on the bed. Kirsten begins putting them away as Charlie concludes his conversation.

CHARLIE: (On the phone) Yes, that’s my cell number. (He listens for a moment.) It doesn’t matter. He can call whenever he gets the message. (He listens.) Okay, thanks. (He hangs up the phone and sighs.)
KIRSTEN: (Picking up a pile of clothes.) Who was that?
CHARLIE: (Rubbing his temples) Robert Day’s answering service.
KIRSTEN: Robert Day…your lawyer?
CHARLIE: (Sighing, nodding his head) Yes, my lawyer. Look, I know we need to talk about it, but…I wanted to get feedback from him also.
KIRSTEN: (Throws the pile of clothes onto the bed. Slightly agitated.) You’re not pursuing that thing with Daphne, are you?
CHARLIE: (Holding his hands out for emphasis.) Look, nothing has been decided, okay? I’m just asking his advice…finding out what my options are.
KIRSTEN: Your options, Charlie? She is Diana’s mother…you can’t just use Diana against her like this! (Charlie shakes his head. After a moment, he speaks. His tone becomes increasingly louder.)
CHARLIE: What is it with you? You act like she did nothing wrong.
KIRSTEN: She didn’t!
CHARLIE: (Loudly) That’s your opinion. I still think…
KIRSTEN: (Forcefully grabbing a pile of clothes.) It’s not my opinion, Charlie – it’s the truth.
CHARLIE: (Angrily) I know you don’t think it’s a big deal…
KIRSTEN: It’s not a matter of it being a “big deal” or not, Charlie…
CHARLIE: Can you honestly tell me a responsible parent would…
KIRSTEN: (Drops the clothes into a drawer) I’m not going to listen to this. (Begins walking out of the room.)
CHARLIE: Kirsten…
KIRSTEN: (Turning around) You know…she was a stripper when you two got together…(Shakes her head and turns to walk out.) I can’t believe you!
CHARLIE: (Defensive) Don’t go bringing up the past, Kirsten. She was not the mother of my child then! (Shakes his head) I absolutely can’t believe you’re defending her like this…you of all people.
KIRSTEN: Oh, and just what’s that supposed to mean? That I’m “Miss Goody Two Shoes”? (Shakes her head as her expression grows more furious. After a few moments she blurts out.) It was me, okay? (Charlie rolls his eyes in disgust.)
CHARLIE: The lengths you will go through to protect…
KIRSTEN: (Taunting) Your friend didn’t see Daphne stripping…he saw me.
CHARLIE: (Disbelieving) Kirsten…
KIRSTEN: And this isn’t a confession. I don’t want you to think I’m telling you this because I owe you an explanation, because I don’t. I’m telling you because I can’t let you go on treating Daphne like a criminal. (Kirsten gives him a stern look.)
CHARLIE: (Dumbfounded) Wait, let me get this straight. You were stripping?
KIRSTEN: (Sarcastic) Yes, Charlie…is it that hard to believe?
CHARLIE: (Raising his voice) As a matter of fact, it is!
KIRSTEN: (Angrily) And you know what? That’s exactly the reason I did it!
CHARLIE: (Shaking his head, boiling in anger) What?
KIRSTEN: (With a raised voice) Do you have any idea what it’s like never to do anything off the straight and narrow path? Do you, Charlie? Because it’s not as easy as you think.
CHARLIE: (Loudly) So…you think that makes it alright?
KIRSTEN: Charlie, I don’t’ think…(Stops herself and thinks for a few moments.) I’m not gonna talk about this right now. (She stares at Charlie for a few moments before shaking her head and exiting the room. Sarcastically, from the hallway) Tell Robert Day I said “hello.”

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

BAILEY and MARIA are in the ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE at the Wharton School of Business. Bailey is talking to a woman sitting behind a desk. She appears to be in her early fifties, wearing large, black-rimmed glasses.

BAILEY: (To the woman, while rummaging through his backpack) I know it’s here somewhere… (The woman rolls her eyes, and Maria gives her a quick, nervous smile.) Ah – here it is. (Bailey hands the letter to the woman, and she places it in a large “In” box. Bailey sees this, and speaks in a nervous tone.) Uh, do I need to get a time-stamp on that or anything? (The woman gives Bailey a dirty look.) No, I’m…sure it will be fine. (The woman begins typing on her computer as Bailey and Maria exit the office. They begin walking down a hallway.)
MARIA: So when do you find out if you’re accepted into this “study abroad” program?
BAILEY: Well, they’ve got to wait until they get my grades for this semester. I’ve gotta have a “B” average.
MARIA: Uh-huh.
BAILEY: And if I do get a “B” average, the application says I’ll hear back from them by January 3rd.
MARIA: Wow, that’s so late! The semester starts on…
BAILEY: The 22nd, I know. I’ll have less than three weeks to prepare, but I’m not worried about that. I’m more worried about not getting in.
MARIA: Well, just keep your grades up and there’s no reason they shouldn’t accept you.
BAILEY: Yeah, I know. But just in case, I’m still not gonna mention anything to Holly. If things don’t work out, I don’t want her to be disappointed.

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

KIRSTEN is sitting on a rocking chair in DIANA AND STEWIE’S ROOM. She has the chair turned toward the window so she can look at the rain. After a moment, CHARLIE walks in. Kirsten flashes him an angry look, and returns her gaze to the window.

CHARLIE: (In a calm tone) Kirsten, I love you…you know that. But…(shaking his head) you know what?…you’re wrong about this one. (Kirsten takes a deep breath as Charlie continues.) I don’t care why you did it – you can give me a hundred different reasons – the fact is, you did something that you knew I wouldn’t…(correcting himself) that you shouldn’t do. (Kirsten begins shaking her head, as Charlie raises his voice.) And the fact that you didn’t tell me about it proves you knew it wasn’t right. (Kirsten stands up and turns toward Charlie.)
KIRSTEN: (Sternly) Charlie, let me tell you something. I’m not going to apologize for what I did. It wasn’t wrong…and it has nothing to do with you.
CHARLIE: (Loudly) Nothing to do with me?
KIRSTEN: That’s right! I did it for myself. I did it because I saw Daphne’s friends…and I saw how…free they were – with their bodies, and with their minds. They did what they wanted to do…and that’s something I had never done – not once! (Charlie gives her a solid look and she returns it with a stern but hurt stare.) I knew you wouldn’t understand… (Kirsten walks toward the door, but stops and pauses for a moment before turning around.) You know, it’s so ironic…the one time I decide to do something…something crazy…or out of the ordinary…something for me for a change…this is what I get!
CHARLIE: (Angrily) Fine – so if it wasn’t wrong, why didn’t you tell me? (Griffin walks into the room, holding a cordless phone receiver.)
KIRSTEN: (Loudly) Because it’s none of your business!
GRIFFIN: (Shocked) Whoa…I – I’m sorry. (Charlie and Kirsten both look at Griffin. Griffin holds the phone out toward Charlie.) Charlie, it’s Bailey. He said it’s important.
KIRSTEN: (To Griffin, while walking out of the room) That’s okay. We were finished talking. (She gives Charlie a stern look as she leaves. Charlie takes the phone from Griffin, who leaves the room.)
CHARLIE: Bay?
BAILEY: (Happily) Charlie – I’m glad you’re home.
CHARLIE: (Closing his eyes, shaking his head) You know what, Bay – this is a really bad time…
BAILEY: (Disappointed) Aw, c’mon Charlie! You never have time to talk when I call you at the shop. This is important to me…it’s like…life-changing stuff.
CHARLIE: (Sighs) Okay, I’m sorry…go ahead.
BAILEY: Well, I wanted to get your advice on something. You see, there’s this thing Wharton offers – it’s called the “Study Abroad” program – and it’ll allow me to take courses at foreign universities for the same credit.
CHARLIE: (Uniterested) Uh-huh.
BAILEY: Well, here’s the thing – one of the universities is Oxford.
CHARLIE: Oxford. (Confused) Okay…?
BAILEY: Charlie, Oxford is in England…and so is Holly. So that’s what I wanted to ask you about, man.
CHARLIE: (Shaking his head) Bailey…
BAILEY: I’ve already put in my application, but I…I dunno. I really miss Holly, but it’d be such a huge change, y’know? And the thing is, I’d need to let them know like right away if I get approved. So…what do you think?
CHARLIE: (Running his hand through his hair) Look, Bailey…that’s great and all, but…I really can’t think about this right now, okay? I’m sorry, but I gotta go.
BAILEY: But Charlie… (Charlie hangs up.)

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

CLAUDIA’S DORM. Tina, Valerie, and Heather have just left for their first class of the day. Claudia and Nora enter the living room and sneak over to the TV and VCR, where they finds a stack of tapes labeled "Britney Spears Workout." Double checking that no one is watching, they take the stack of tapes off the shelf and begin turning toward the bedroom area, when the doorbell rings. Startled, they quickly put the tapes back, and run to the door.

CLAUDIA: Curtis! (Curtis steps into the apartment carrying a bouquet of flowers in one hand and three balloons that read ‘Congratulations’.)
CLAUDIA: (Surprised) Is this for me?
CURTIS: You bet!
CLAUDIA: (Confused) Why? What…
CURTIS: (Smiling) Hey, it’s not every day that a girl makes first chair in the Juilliard Orchestra!
CLAUDIA/NORA: WHAT?!
CLAUDIA: Are you kidding?
NORA: (Under her breath) Please be kidding…
CURTIS: I'm not kidding! (Claudia puts her hands over her mouth and screams. Nora folds her arms and leans against the wall with her head down.)
CLAUDIA: (Excitedly) Oh my God! That is so…(calming down) wait a minute. How did you find out?
CURTIS: (With a sneaky smile) I’ve got my connections. (Claudia looks confused, and Curtis’ begins smiling.) That, and…it’s posted on the Juilliard Opera Hall. (Claudia smiles.)
NORA: (Looks at her watch) Oh my goodness, I need to get to class. (Hurriedly) Congratulations…(She hugs Claudia half-heartedly and walks toward the door.)
CLAUDIA: I can't believe it! I actually made first chair! Oh, thank you Curtis, thank you, thank you! You’re the sweetest!! (Claudia throws her arms around Curtis, and he picks her up and swings her around. In their excitement, they did not notice a person standing at the door as Nora left. As Curtis begins to put Claudia down she is surprised to see who it is.) Todd!

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