GRIFFIN: (Placing a parking receipt on the dashboard) Man, this place is packed.
JULIA: I bet it’s always like this on Friday.
CLAUDIA: Griffin, why didn’t you park in “short term” parking? It’s cheaper.
JULIA: (To Claudia, a bit nervously) Uh…short term parking was full, Claud.
CLAUDIA: (With a quick tilt of her head) Oh.
GRIFFIN: (Seeing an open space) Hey, there’s a spot. (Griffin pulls into the parking space.)
CLAUDIA: (While getting out of the car) I’m so glad you guys are here. (Smiling) I mean, what’s a teary goodbye without family to send you off at the airport, right? (While getting out of the car, Julia and Griffin look at each other nervously.)
JULIA and GRIFFIN: (Together at the same time) Yeah…(Griffin alone, quietly, slightly rolling his eyes) sure. (Griffin opens the trunk and begins taking out three large suitcases.)
CLAUDIA: I’ll have a skycap help me with those in New York. (Noticing two smaller bags in the trunk.) Hey, those aren’t mine. (Griffin takes out the smaller bags, handing them to Julia.) Whose bags are those?
GRIFFIN: (Quietly to Julia) I knew you should have told her.
CLAUDIA: Told me? Told me what?
JULIA: (Nervously) Told you? Uh…told you…um. Look Claud, New York is a dangerous place, especially for a ki…(Noticing Claudia’s face tense up.) I mean…well, (more confident) Look, we’re…going with you.
CLAUDIA: (Defensive) What? I’m not a kid, Julia.
JULIA: (Apologetic) Claud, that’s not what I meant…(Claudia quickly turns away from Julia with an angry expression. Julia walks toward her.) Look, Bailey can’t be there with you, so I just thought…
CLAUDIA: (Interrupting loudly) You thought what? That you would…baby-sit me? (Griffin looks away, fidgeting.)
JULIA: (Protesting) No, Claud. That’s not it at all. I just want…
CLAUDIA: (Again loudly) Look…the only reason Bailey was coming was to help get me settled. Not because he didn’t think I could handle it alone. (Quieter) That’s obvious by the fact that he cancelled on me!
JULIA: Claud, wait…
CLAUDIA: (Angrily) No, you wait! Bailey was going to go with me because he wanted to spend the extra time with me. (Accusingly) Not because he thought I needed a babysitter. (She scowls at Julia and Griffin as she grabs one of her bags. Shaking her head.) I can’t believe you! (She begins walking toward the terminal. Griffin and Julia exchange a worried and confused glance before grabbing the rest of the bags and quickly following Claudia.)

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

THE FACTORY. CHARLIE and LUKE are touring the factory with Katherine Tyler, the buyer from the Park Plaza Hotel. Dressed very professionally, Katherine appears to be in her late-thirties. She has medium-length, brown hair that is pulled back in a bun. Charlie and Luke are showing Katherine the materials that will be used for her order.

KATHERINE: (To Charlie) So you’re putting my chairs together with…glue?
CHARLIE: (Smiling) Well, we’re not talking about Elmer’s here. (Katherine smiles.) We use a special polyurethane glue that cures as it’s exposed to moisture.
KATHERINE: (Looking directly at Charlie, with a flirtatious smile) Fascinating. (Luke’s pager goes off, and he reads the number.)
LUKE: Will you two excuse me a moment? (To Charlie) It’s Daphne…a 911. (Charlie is about to speak, but Katherine beats him to it.)
KATHERINE: (To Luke, smiling warmly at Charlie) Take your time. (Luke smiles, walks a few feet away, and pulls out his cellular phone. His conversation is muffled by the noises of the factory.)
CHARLIE: (To Katherine) His fiancé is due to give birth any day now.
KATHARINE: (Again looking at Charlie intently) Really?
CHARLIE: (With a shy smile, looking down) Really. (Looking back up) And…my wife is due in December.
KATHERINE: (Her warm smile fades as she looks down.) I see. (Luke returns.)
LUKE: Charlie, I’ve got to go. Daphne’s water broke. (Charlie nods, smiling.)
KATHERINE: (Smiling again) How exciting.
LUKE: (Luke nods toward Katherine) Hope you’ll excuse me, ma’am. (Luke begins walking away.)
CHARLIE: (Calling after Luke) Tell Daphne that Kirsten and I will be there as soon as we can. (To Katherine) Now, where were we?

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

JULIA, GRIFFIN and CLAUDIA have just finished the first leg of their journey and have arrived at PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Claudia is at a large glass window speaking with an airport employee in the baggage claim office. Julia and Griffin are outside the office.

GRIFFIN: (Looking at his ticket) So what time do we catch the connecting flight?
JULIA: (Looking at her watch) Mmm…about an hour.
GRIFFIN: (Thinking out loud to himself) An hour. (He pauses a moment, then speaks to Julia.) I’m…uh…gonna make a quick phone call…be right back.
JULIA: Huh? Oh, sure. (She pauses a moment.) I’ll be right here. (Smiling) Say “hi” to Stephanie for me. (Griffin smiles and walks away as Claudia returns with a distressed look on her face.) So what happened?
CLAUDIA: They think my bags went to Denver.
JULIA: What?
CLAUDIA: They said they’ll have the bags delivered to my dorm at Juilliard as soon as possible, but that will be tomorrow morning at the earliest. (Disappointedly, looking down) This trip sure has turned into a mess.
JULIA: I know. (Apologetically) Look, I know you didn’t want me and Griffin to come, and…I’m sorry for making you feel I think you’re still a baby...it’s just…hard for me to not worry about you.
CLAUDIA: (Looking at Julia, forcing a slight smile) That’s alright. (Staring at Julia’s healing bruises) I know you’re still shook up. (She pauses for a moment then shakes her head) You know, even after all that’s happened, a part of me was expecting to see Bailey when we got off the plane. I mean, he knows there’s a layover in Philly…
JULIA: (Interrupting) Wait, Shhh.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Repeating, due to an oversold situation, Delta is offering a free first-class upgrade to passengers on flight 1117 who are willing to take the 4:05 flight to New York. Please see the desk at Gate 12A if interested.
JULIA: Hey Claud, why don’t we take that 4:05 flight…then we can go visit Bailey.
CLAUDIA: Oh, I don’t know…with everything that’s happened and all…
JULIA: (Smiling) Sure, why not? C’mon, we have almost three hours.
CLAUDIA: Well, I suppose it would be nice…

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

JFK INTERNATION AIRPORT in New York. BAILEY is trying to find the gate for flight 1117, Claudia’s original flight. He sees a large group of people waiting for passengers to exit a plane. Bailey approaches a man in the crowd.

BAILEY: (Loudly, over the noise of the crowd) Excuse me, sir. Is this the gate for flight eleven-seventeen?
MAN: (Loudly) Yes it is. (Pointing to the arrival screen) It just landed.
BAILEY: (With a smile, loudly) Thank you. (Bailey moves to a spot where he will be able to see the passengers as they arrive. He glances at his watch, then looks to the gate. After a few moments of waiting, a young woman with long, brown hair passes by Bailey, walking quickly toward the higher numbered gates. Bailey looks shocked as he gasps out loud.) Sarah? (Bailey begins threading through the crowd, following her. She is quite a bit ahead of Bailey, and he is trying to push his way through the crowd as quickly as he can. After a moment, he catches up to the young woman and he puts his hand on her shoulder.) Sarah?
YOUNG WOMAN: (Turning around) Excuse me?
BAILEY: (A bit shook up) I…I’m sorry. I thought you were…Look, I’m real sorry. (The young woman quickly turns and walks away from Bailey. Bailey stands still for a moment, deep in thought. A moment later, he snaps out of his trance and begins rushing back toward the gate. Upon arriving at the gate, Bailey sees the last few passengers exiting the plane, but he doesn’t see Claudia.) Dammit!

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

CLAUDIA, JULIA and GRIFFIN arrive at the University of Pennsylvania and are roaming the halls of Bailey's dormitory, trying to find his room. Claudia has the room number on a piece of paper, but the dormitory halls are quite confusing and crowded from residents moving in.

CLAUDIA: (Quietly) I'm not sure if I should be excited, or ready to kill him…
JULIA: (Comforting) I know…it is kind of exciting, though…isn't it? (Looking around at all the people crammed into the hallways, she chuckles to herself.) These halls are giving me some bad memories of Stanford, though. (Nudging Griffin) How 'bout you Grif?
GRIFFIN: (Two attractive females pass by as Julia speaks and Griffin’s head turns to watch them go by.) What? Uh, yeah...me too.
JULIA: (Noticing his wandering eye she taunts him.) I don’t think Stef would approve. (She smiles at Griffin who shrugs.) Hey Claud, isn’t this it? (Julia points to a door that’s partially opened.)
CLAUDIA: Yeah, can't believe I almost missed it. (Claudia takes a deep breath and sighs as she knocks on the door and slowly pushes it all the way open.) Hi, Bai…(seeing another guy in the room) You’re not Bailey! (A young man with fairly long, black, scraggly hair turns around from a stack of boxes to face Claudia.)
COLE: (With a strong eastern accent, his tone is very sarcastic.) No duh...I’m Cole. (Looking Claudia up and down with a scowl) Who are you?
CLAUDIA: (Looks confusedly into his big, hazel eyes as she admires his tan, muscular physique. Carefully, she approaches him and extends her hand, smiling in an unthreatening manner) Hi, I'm Claudia. You must be Bailey’s roommate.
COLE: Bailey? I don’t know no Bailey. What kind of a faggot name is that? (Ignores Claudia’s attempt at a handshake and turns to continue unpacking. Claudia, Griffin and Julia look at each other with shocked expressions from Cole’s vulgar remark.)
CLAUDIA: (To Cole) Well this is his room, you must be…
JULIA: (Standing by the door, her tone is somewhat nervous) Okay, Claud. Bailey’s not here…we should….
GRIFFEN: (Standing next to Claudia in an offensive stance) Look, we don’t want any trouble…(Puts his hand on Claudia’s shoulder motioning for her to leave.)
CLAUDIA: (Turning to walk out) But…where’s Bailey?
COLE: (To Claudia’s back, his tone is less defensive) Look, if it helps…I got in here yesterday afternoon. That bed’s been empty since then. I don’t know my roommate and I don’t know where he’s at…but I know he’s here. Look at all this junk. (Looking at a picture on Bailey’s dresser) Hey that’s you. What are you his girlfriend or something? I mean, he does like girls, right? (He chuckles thinking he said something clever.)
CLAUDIA: (Turns toward Cole with a slightly perturbed look) I’m his sister. And yes, he likes girls, (turning towards the door she twiddles her fingers) apparently too much. (She pushes past Julia to enter the packed hall again. Griffin shrugs at Cole and follows Julia out of the room.)
JULIA: (Places her hand on Claudia to keep from getting separated as Claudia shuffles through the crowd as quickly as she can.) What was that all about?
CLAUDIA: (Stops and turns to face Julia with a sincere look on her face) Think about it, Julia. He doesn’t come home…he hasn’t been in his room all night…(Julia has a confused expression on her face.) It’s a girl, Julia. (Sadly) He ditched us for a girl.
JULIA: (Stumbling to find comforting words) Oh, I…I doubt that, Claud…
CLAUDIA: (Shaking her head, a tear begins to form in her eye) To think, I trusted him most. (She wipes her eye with her sleeve) Let’s get outta here. I don’t wanna be here when he gets back.

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

ST. FRANCIS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. CHARLIE and KIRSTEN are at the information desk on the second floor.

CHARLIE: (To the nurse behind the counter, impatiently) No, it’s not Jabberwocky…it’s Jablonsky. Daphne Jablonsky.
NURSE: (To herself, typing on her keyboard) Jablonsky…Jablon…aha!
KIRSTEN: (With hope) You found her?
NURSE: No…but I remembered where I heard the name “Jabberwocky.” (Proudly) It’s a poem by Lewis Carroll. (Charlie and Kirsten look at each other, and Charlie begins rubbing his temples.) Lewis Carroll…you know? He wrote Alice in Wonder…
CHARLIE: (Interrupting, holding back his frustration) Ma’am, we want to see her before the baby’s first birthday. (The nurse gives Charlie a crooked glance and then looks at her computer screen. After a moment, she speaks.)
NURSE: Ms. Jablonsky is in 215B…(pointing) down this hall on the left.
KIRSTEN: (To the nurse) Thank you. (Charlie and Kirsten begin walking toward Daphne’s room.)
CHARLIE: (Shaking his head) And the amazing thing is, they pay her to do that! (Looking at his watch) God, Luke left the shop five hours ago. I hope we’re not too late. (Charlie and Kirsten enter room 215, but Daphne’s bed is empty. There is a pregnant woman in bed “A” and her husband is sitting by her side.)
PREGNANT WOMAN: (Smiling, holding her husband’s hand) You must be looking for my roommate.
CHARLIE and KIRSTEN: (Together) Yes.
PREGNANT WOMAN: They took her into labor a couple of hours ago.

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

SUBWAY STATION in NEW YORK CITY. JULIA, CLAUDIA and GRIFFIN have just exited the train.

JULIA: (Nervously looking around) Columbus Circle? You’re sure this is the right stop? I thought they said it would be a longer…
GRIFFIN: (Interrupting) Actually, according to what the guy at the airport said, we should have gotten off two or three stops ago, like I tried…
CLAUDIA: (Slightly perturbed) I told you guys, the person I spoke with at Juilliard specifically said there is a Lincoln Center stop.
JULIA: (Still sounding nervous) Okay, okay. Listen - can we just get out of here and argue up there? (Points to the top of the stairs.)
GRIFFIN: Yeah…we’ll need to figure out exactly where we are. (They begin walking up the stairs.)
CLAUDIA: (Sarcastic) Now that we’re gonna have to walk an extra few miles because you just wouldn’t listen to…
JULIA: (Sternly, she holds her hands out for emphasis) Can you two just stop? We can always ask for directions. (They reach the top of the stairs as the noises from the city become louder. Julia tries asking 2 or 3 different people for directions, to no avail.)
CLAUDIA: (Still somewhat sarcastic) That really worked. (Under her breath) And you were worried about me in New York.
JULIA: (Naively) Hey, how about that guy over there selling the watches, maybe he…
GRIFFIN: (Pulling Julia’s sleeve to move her in the opposite direction) I don’t think so, Jul. (They walk a couple blocks as Griffin glances at the street signs.) Well, the numbers are going up, so we’re headed in the right direction. (Seeing the sign for 60th Street) Lincoln Center should be about six or seven blocks to our right.
CLAUDIA: (Protesting) Griffin, I’m telling you, we need to go left. We got off the train too soon.
GRIFFIN: You heard that guy at the airport. (Pausing for emphasis) Look, we missed our stop a ways back, so now we’ll have to backtr…
CLAUDIA: Look, it’s getting late and I’m very tired. I just want to get…home. (Softer) That sounded weird. (Shakes her head) Anyway, I know Juilliard is that way…(points to her left as they arrive at 60th Street) so that’s the way I’m going. You guys can follow me or go off on your own.
JULIA: (Sternly) Claudia, don’t be silly. Look, Griffin is right, according to…
CLAUDIA: I really don’t care what they said at the airport, I know what the school told me. (Starts to walk away.)
GRIFFIN: (Stopping Claudia) Hey, let’s be rationale here…
CLAUDIA: (With a sneaky smile, she turns around) Tell you what. Why don’t you guys check out where you think it is. I’ll go this way and we’ll meet back here in…say (looking at her watch) an hour? Then you guys can follow me back to Juilliard. By then I’ll be all settled…
JULIA: (Protesting) No way! You are not going off on your own. (To Griffin) If she really thinks it’s that way…
GRIFFIN: C’mon, don’t be ridiculous. We have to go back…
CLAUDIA: (Starting across the street, she turns around and points to her watch) An hour.
GRIFFIN: (Julia starts to follow Claudia, but Griffin stops her) Let her go, Jul…her mind’s made up. We’ll go find Juilliard, meet back here in an hour and then take her to the school. (Seeing Julia’s concerned face) This is a safe part of town, she’ll be fine…anyway it’s just for an hour.
JULIA: (She continues watching Claudia until Claudia disappears into the crowd on the other side of the street) Griffin, we have to go after her!
GRIFFIN: She’ll be fine, Jul. (He stares intently into Julia’s eyes.) This is a good chance for you to show her you respect her…(Julia bites her lip and begins to protest) as an adult. (Griffin looks intently at Julia for a few moments before walking away. Julia slowly follows.)

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

BAILEY is talking to a clerk at the RESERVATIONS DESK of Delta Airlines at JFK Airport.

BAILEY: (Sounding very upset) What do you mean you can’t give out that information? I’m her brother.
CLERK: (Adamantly) I’m sorry, sir. It’s for the protection of our customers.
BAILEY: Protection? So it doesn’t matter that my sister didn’t arrive at her dorm, or that her bags never…
CLERK: Sir, could she have taken a later flight?
BAILEY: No, my sister wouldn’t just change flights. (Stands still, thinking for a moment.) Well, if you won’t give me the information can I at least use your phone?
CLERK: Well, I’m really not supposed…(Bailey looks angrily at the clerk.) But, just this one time. (The clerk hands Bailey the phone over the counter. Bailey dials.)
BAILEY: (Listening to the receiver) Great, there’s no answer. (Hears the beep) Hey, Charlie, it’s me. I was at the airport to meet Claudia like Julia asked, but…well, she never got off the plane. She didn’t check into school either. (Scratching his head) I’m really hoping she’s still there...(Lets out a deep breath) The airline won’t give me any information…and I’ve been running around all day. (Very serious) I’m really getting worried. (Thinking) Well, I’m gonna check back at Juilliard…maybe I just missed her and she’s gotten there by now. I’ll try calling a little later.

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

JULIA and Griffin are walking down a crowded street in NEW YORK. It’s difficult for them to hear each other over all the noises in the big city.

GRIFFIN: (Confused) We should have reached it by now.
JULIA: (Pointing to an officer on a horse, a little ways up the block, her tone is tired and pleading) Hey, lets ask him where it is. (Griffin nods and they walk to the officer.) Excuse me, sir, can you tell me where we can find 60 Lincoln Center Plaza?
OFFICER: (Chuckling) You kids are on the opposite end of the city. You’re best bet is to get back on the subway (he points up the road opposite the direction they came) and get off at the Lincoln Center exit.
JULIA: (Gives Griffin a dirty look) Thank you, officer. (The officer nods as he takes off on the horse.) So Claudia was right!
GRIFFIN: (Looking a little embarrassed, he begins walking the way they came.) Sorry, Jul…I was…just going by what they said at the airport.
JULIA: Well, shouldn’t we do as he said?
GRIFFIN: (Confused) What?
JULIA: (Pointing behind them) Go and get on the subway and take it over to Lincoln Center. Claud’s probably all settled, just like she said.
GRIFFIN: (Smiles as he points to his watch) That would be a great idea, except we’re supposed to meet Claudia in…like fifteen minutes.
JULIA: We’ll never make it.
GRIFFIN: (Matter-of-factly) We can take a cab, Jul. (Julia’s expression is unchanged as Griffin approaches a cab parked a few yards away. He bends down to the passenger window and begins speaking to the driver.) Hi, we were wondering…
CAB DRIVER: (Reading a newspaper, with a strong Bronx accent) Where to?
GRIFFIN: Uh…(Looking at Julia) Where were we supposed to meet her?
JULIA: (Defensive) I don’t know! You were the one paying attention to street signs.
GRIFFIN: (Remembering) That’s right, 60th Street.
CAB DRIVER: (Getting impatient) 60th and what?
GRIFFIN: And what? Um…Jul, do you remember what street…
JULIA: (Rolls her eyes) Oh, great.
CAB DRIVER: Listen, you’d better make up your mind. The meter’s runnin’.
GRIFFIN: (Walking back toward Julia) C’mon, Jul. We’ll have to find it on foot. (They begin walking down the street as the cab driver returns to his paper.)

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

CLAUDIA arrives at the meeting place but does not see Griffin and Julia. She looks at her watch again and lets out a sigh of disgust.

CLAUDIA: (To a man passing by) Sir, can you tell me what time it is?
MAN: (Checking his watch) 7:35.
CLAUDIA: Thanks. (To herself) That’s what I have, also. (Looking around) Where could they be? (She enters a coffee shop on the corner and sits at a table with a clear view of the corner.)
WAITRESS: What’ll it be, honey?
CLAUDIA: Oh, uh…I’ll just have a…a cup of coffee.
WAITRESS: (Perturbed) Look, I can’t let you sit here unless you order a meal.
CLAUDIA: But I’m waiting for my sister…see, I was supposed to meet her here at…
WAITRESS: (Indifferently) Rules are rules, kiddo.
CLAUDIA: (Frowns) Then…bring me a B.L.T. (The waitress nods her head and walks away, but Claudia calls after her.) Ma’am, you don’t happen to know where the Juilliard School of Music…(Claudia notices the waitresses confused look. Under her breath) Of course you don’t. Why would you? (Sighing, she looks out the window to see that Julia and Griffin still have not arrived.)

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

CHARLIE and KIRSTEN are seated in the WAITING ROOM at St. Francis Memorial Hospital.

CHARLIE: (To Kirsten, while looking at the television in the upper corner of the room) Owen will be disappointed to have missed “The Three Stooges.”
KIRSTEN: (Smiles slightly) We’re lucky Victor could pick him up today.
CHARLIE: (Still looking at the television) Yeah. (Sighs) I never had to worry about Owen with Victor.
KIRSTEN: (Looking at Charlie questioningly) Are you worried about Griffin watching Owen?
CHARLIE: (Looks at Kirsten) Not worried…just…(shaking his head) I don’t know.
KIRSTEN: (Reassuringly) Charlie, Griffin will be fine. I really don’t think you need to worry…(Just then, Luke walks into the room. He looks very nervous, with beads of sweat covering his forehead. Charlie and Kirsten stand up.)
CHARLIE: (To Luke) Hey, how is she?
LUKE: (Nervously) She’s fine. They’re just fixing to take her back to her room...she’s so exhausted. I’m headed up there, now.
CHARLIE: (Smiling) Doesn’t the proud papa want to show off his new son?
LUKE: (Smiling nervously) Well, I really think Daphne needs…(he stops, seeing how excited Charlie and Kirsten are.) Uh, yeah. Of course. Um, let’s head down to the nursery.
KIRSTEN: (To Charlie) Hey, you go ahead with Luke. I’ll stay with Daphne.
CHARLIE: (To Kirsten) Are you sure? (Kirsten nods.) (To Luke, smiling proudly) C’mon, partner. Introduce me to your son. (Charlie and Luke begin walking toward the elevator.)

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

The sun has just set in NEW YORK. CLAUDIA is walking into a small hotel. As she enters, she notices an attractive young man parking his car in a metered space in front of the hotel. He is tall, with brown hair and a slim but muscular build. She proceeds through the hotel lobby as the young man enters behind her. Rubbing his eyes and walking very slowly, he appears to be extremely tired. He is right behind Claudia as they approach a clerk at the front desk.

CLAUDIA/YOUNG MAN: (To the clerk, at the same instant) I’d like a room. (Claudia and the young man look at each other.)
YOUNG MAN: (To Claudia, startled to hear her voice) I’m sorry. I guess I was…dozing off there…go ahead.
CLAUDIA: (Slightly giggling) Oh, no…no. (With an understanding voice) Go ahead, its okay…you look really tired.
YOUNG MAN: Thanks. Are you sure?
CLAUDIA: (Nodding) Uh, huh.
DESK CLERK: (To both of them) I should warn you: we’ve only got one vacancy. (The young man turns to Claudia with a guilty look.)
CLAUDIA: (Pouting) What? Wait…I was the first one here.
YOUNG MAN: Yeah, but you said I should go first.
CLAUDIA: Hey, what ever happened to “Ladies first?”
YOUNG MAN: Hey…I’m sorry, I don’t know wh…
CLAUDIA: (Getting upset) I mean, at least you have a car! (Somewhat whiny) I’m stranded in New York on foot! My luggage is in Denver, my sister is…God only knows where…I can’t find my…
YOUNG MAN: Hey, you said yourself how tired I look.
CLAUDIA: (Pleading) Well, can’t you see how tired I am? I’ve been up since 4:00 a.m., I can’t find where I’m supposed to be…
YOUNG MAN: (Quietly) Okay.
CLAUDIA: (Not hearing him) Then my brother wasn’t even there…my ex-brother-in-law insisted…
YOUNG MAN: (Very loud) Okay! (Claudia stops talking.) I said okay.
CLAUDIA: (Quietly and confused) Okay?
YOUNG MAN: Okay…you can have the room.
CLAUDIA: (Surprised) What? Why…thank you. I’m sure there’s another hotel near-by…
DESK CLERK: (Sarcastically) A Friday night of a three day weekend in New York…right.
CLAUDIA: (Pleading) Look, I’m really sorry about the confusion. (The young man looks at Claudia and shakes his head. She continues) You don’t now how thankful I am.
YOUNG MAN: (Snickers) That’s okay. (After a pause) I suppose I am more capable than you in this city. (He smiles with a forced politeness, and begins waking out of the hotel. Claudia watches him with a hurt look on her face.)

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

CLAUDIA arrives in her room and lets out a sigh of relief. She takes off her shoes and drops onto the bed before reaching for the phone on the table next to the bed. The phone rings four times before it is picked up.

VOICE OF CHARLIE: Hi, you’ve reached the Salingers…Beep
CLAUDIA: Darn…you’re not there. I was really hoping…(sighing) Anyway, I couldn’t find Juilliard…I got separated from Grif and Jul…my luggage is in Denver. It’s just been a horrible day…and so long. I really miss you guys. (Pausing for a moment) Well, I just wanted to let you know I’m safe and I got a hotel room…the last one as a matter of fact…anyway…(Pausing) Well, I guess that’s all. I’ll call you tomorrow.

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

JULIA and GRIFFIN are still wandering the streets of New York City. It has been dark for hours, and they have not yet found their meeting place with Claudia. They both look exhausted.

GRIFFIN: Jul, it’s almost midnight. I’m sure she would have given up waiting for us by now and returned to Juilliard.
JULIA: (Frantic) And just what if something happened to her while she was waiting? Or what if she’s worried about us and…
GRIFFIN: (Comforting) Claud’s a smart kid, Jul. She knows we’re fine. (Stops and looks intently into Julia’s eyes) And she knows the one thing that will make you feel best is if she’s safe at school.
JULIA: (Calmer, but still concerned) I really hope you’re right, Griffin. (Pauses for a moment as she looks away and appears to be holding back tears) I don’t know what I’d do if she got hurt…
GRIFFIN: (Moving into Julia’s gaze) She’s fine, Jul. But we won’t be if we don’t get off these streets and get some rest.
JULIA: (Walking past a group of prostitutes.) Yeah, it is getting kinda creepy. (Persistent) I just don’t want to give up on her if she’s still wandering these streets…I mean what if…what if she didn’t find her school?
GRIFFIN: (Sternly) She found it, Julia. (Comfortingly) I mean, come on…we were only a few blocks away from it, just like she said. She’s probably lying in her bed waiting for us.
JULIA: (After a moment of quiet thought, she chuckles) Bet she’s missing her luggage and a clean set of sheets right about now. (Griffin smirks.)

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

THE NURSERY at St. Francis Memorial. CHARLIE and LUKE are standing at the window waiting to see the baby.

LUKE: So what are you saying, Charlie?
CHARLIE: (Smiling) I’m “saying” take next week off. I’ll be fine.
LUKE: But what about…
CHARLIE: (Interrupting, smiling) What about what? Luke, I don’t care how busy we are…you just had a son (shaking his head)…and nothing at work will ever be as important as that. (He pauses.) Okay? (Just then, a nurse walks in carrying a baby. Charlie and Luke look into the window.) Here he is. (The nurse holds a small, brown-haired baby boy in front of the window. Charlie looks at Luke, smiling. After a moment, Luke begins to smile.)

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

GRIFFIN and JULIA enter a hotel room and JULIA drops onto the bed. They both look exhausted.

GRIFFIN: (Leaning up against the wall, taking off his shoes) What a day, huh?
JULIA: (Covers her eyes with her arm) You’re telling me.
GRIFFIN: Well, I guess we should feel lucky that we got the last room.
JULIA: (Pausing for a moment before sitting up) But we should still be out there looking for her!
GRIFFIN: (Speaking with a reassuring tone as he sits on the chair that’s across from the bed) She’s fine Julia. She’s probably all comfy-cozy in her unmade bed. (Chuckles)
JULIA: (Unconvinced) I sure hope you’re right. (Julia lays back down and covers her eyes with her arm again as she speaks.) I’m way too exhausted…(She begins to doze as Griffin pulls the desk chair in front of the oversized sofa-chair. The noise startles Julia and she sits up.) What are you doing?
GRIFFIN: (Nonchalant) Making my bed so I can get some sleep.
JULIA: (Resolutely) You can’t sleep on a chair.
GRIFFIN: (Amused) And where did you think I was gonna sleep?
JULIA: (Biting her lip, she looks around the room) I guess right here (patting the bed). C’mon, Grif…we’re both adults. (Griffin gives her a doubtful look, which she returns playfully) Or will Stefy-poo get upset?
GRIFFIN: (Defensive) It has nothing to do with Stephanie. It just…doesn’t feel right, that’s all.
JULIA: (She crosses her legs to sit indian-style) And you’re back’s sure not gonna feel right if you sleep on that chair. (She pats the bed) C’mon.
GRIFFIN: (Hesitates then sits on the edge of the bed across from her. His tone is inquisitive) Why did you make that crack about Stephanie, anyway? You don’t know her.
JULIA: (Confused) I was joking, Griffin. (Noticing the concerned look on his face) Why? Is something up with you two?
GRIFFIN: (Defensive) No…no…I mean, what makes you think that?
JULIA: (Raises an eye brow) You.
GRIFFIN: (Leaning backwards) Naw, everything’s cool. (Julia raises her eyebrow at him again. Griffin pauses for a moment then continues uncomfortably) Well, maybe there is something. (Julia leans forward with an interested look on her face.) I dunno..it’s just she really wants me to move in with her…
JULIA: Well…you guys have been together quite a while. What’s so bad about that?
GRIFFIN: (Shakes his head, then looks earnestly at Julia as he runs his hand through his hair.) Well, I guess it’s…just…I managed to screw things up pretty good the last time I lived with someone.
JULIA: (Caught off guard) That’s not true…
GRIFFIN: (Slowly reaches into his pocket, his tone is still intensely earnest) I’ve been meaning to give this to you.
JULIA: (Surprised) Your wedding ring?
GRIFFIN: (Intently) Your father’s wedding ring. I found it when I was packing up the shed…but (he looks at the floor) I just couldn’t give it to you with the other stuff…
JULIA: Griffin, you don’t have to give it to me at all, it’s yours.
GRIFFIN: (Looks up at Julia) Yes I do. (He pauses) That belonged to your father...and it should go to the man you’re going to spend the rest of your life with. (Looking down again) Not me.
JULIA: (Sadly) If that’s really what you want…(Griffin hands her the ring.)
GRIFFIN: (Looks up at Julia and smiles a little) Maybe that’ll be Justin’s someday.
JULIA: (Leans back and shakes her head) Ooh, I don’t know.
GRIFFIN: What? You guys have been on again-off again since High School.
JULIA: Yeah, it’s the off again that worries me. (She brushes her hand across her still slightly-bruised cheek before resting her head on her hand.)
GRIFFIN: (Noticing her movement) Justin didn’t…hurt you…did…
JULIA: (Letting out a heavy sigh she stands up) Not you, too!
GRIFFIN: (Holding out both arms confused) What? You just made the crack about Justin and…(Julia pulls the chair back over to the desk and sits down. She folds her arms on the desk and lays her head in her arms. She begins to cry softly. Griffin looks uncomfortable as he walks over behind her and attempts to put his hand on her shoulders several times before placing his hands in his pockets.) What is it, Jul?
JULIA: (Sternly through her tears) I don’t want to talk about it.
GRIFFIN: Since when do you not want to talk about something? (He turns back towards the bed.)
JULIA: (Lifts her head and wipes her eyes with her sleeve. She turns towards Griffin.) What’s that supposed to mean?
GRIFFIN: (Seeing Julia’s red face, he grabs the box of Kleenex and hands it to her.) Nothin’…just when we were married I could never get you to shut up. (Julia chuckles a little in spite of her tears. She tries to talk, but tears build up instead. Griffin sees this and walks over to her. He kneels next to her on the floor.) What is it Julia? (She bites her lip as she gets out of the chair. She grabs his hand for him to stand up and falls into his arms. Griffin is very tense and unsure how to respond. After a few seconds he relaxes a little and begins to put his arms around her as she quickly backs away and sits down on the bed. Griffin turns to her and looks confused. He sits next to her on the bed, looking at her.)
JULIA: (Bursting into tears) I was so scared, Griffin. (She throws her head on his shoulder. He turns toward her and puts his arms around her.)
GRIFFIN: (Concerned and comforting) What, Jul? What scared you?
JULIA: (Crying harder, her body begins to shake. Griffin holds her tighter and rubs her back. After a few minutes she calms down a little and lifts her head. Griffin hands her a tissue. She blows her nose as she pulls away from him. She lifts her feet onto the bed and holds her knees as she looks at Griffin very seriously. Her tone is almost a whisper.) The attack.
GRIFFIN: Your purse?
JULIA: (Holding back tears she speaks solemnly) My purse wasn’t stolen, Griffin.
GRIFFIN: Yeah, I kinda figured…(Looking at Julia earnestly, he softly puts his hand on hers, then continues carefully.) Do you wanna talk now?
JULIA: (Biting her lip she turns her head to look the other direction) It was horrifying. (Griffin inches closer to her, and she looks back at him.) No one understands…
GRIFFIN: (Extremely concerned) Let me try…
JULIA: (Hugging her knees tightly, she speaks between sobs) It…it was dark out. I…uh, had to go to this fundraiser thing. I asked Justin to go…but he, uh said no. He was always so bored at those kind of things. (Julia pauses to wipe her eyes and nose.) You know, but that was fine. (Smiling a little through her tears) I even had fun…
GRIFFIN: (A little confused) So…
JULIA: Well, I stayed late to talk to my boss. I knew Justin would be waiting, but I figured, hey - he’d understand. (More to herself) He always does…(Continuing) Anyway, it’s not like I hadn’t gone home late before…alone. I was actually starting to feel safe in that run-down apartment…(She begins to cry again and Griffin holds her as best he can with her hugging her knees.)
GRIFFIN: (Comforting) It’s okay, Jul. You’re safe now. (Julia cries uncontrollably for a few minutes before calming down enough to talk again. She takes a deep breath to hold back her tears and lets out a painful sigh. Griffin puts his hands on her shoulders.)
JULIA: (Wiping her eyes with another tissue) I…(she begins trembling) I put my key in the front door when I felt a jolt around my waist as someone grabbed me from behind. I felt the cold metal of the knife against my throat and a deep, harsh voice whisper “open the door…slowly.” (Breathing deeply and deliberately, she continues slowly) He ordered me to go to my apartment…(She begins to cry harder) It all happened so fast, I was trying to think of something, but he dragged me up the stairs. I just kept thinking “It’s okay, Justin’s home and everything will be okay.” (Her voice fades out and she buries her head in her knees again, crying. Griffin attempts to hold her once more as she cries.)
GRIFFIN: Jul, we don’t have to talk about…
JULIA: (Looking up at Griffin through her red, watery eyes) I haven’t talked about it since it happened…
GRIFFIN: (Reassuring) Hey, Jul, if you’re not ready…
JULIA: (Leaning back she takes both of his hands in hers) I think I need to.
GRIFFIN: (Awkwardly attempts to hold her) Whatever you need, Julia. (He gently brushes her hair out of her face.)
JULIA: (Looking up at Griffin with a desperate look on her face) Griffin, (slowly and painfully) Justin wasn’t there. (She begins crying again and unfolds her legs so Griffin can hold her tightly.) He pushed me into the apartment and I tried to run…(sobbing) but…but there was no place to go. He was always there…hitting me, pushing me… (She rubs her wet face on Griffin’s shoulder) Every time I’d break free he’d laugh…(She lifts her head to look at Griffin and pulls the hair out of her face) he’d just laugh at me like it was some…just like it was a…a game. (She cries harder and Griffin softly kisses the top of her head.) I tried to fight back, I did…I mean, he was so strong. He overpowered me and dragged me into the bedroom. Oh, Griffin (She cries uncontrollably as Griffin holds her and strokes her hair.)
GRIFFIN: (Comforting, yet demanding) Okay, Jul, I think that’s enough remembering. You need to get some rest.
JULIA: (Crying harder) He ripped off all my clothes…and…and he was laughing. This horrible gut-wrenching laughter.
GRIFFIN: (Pulling her closer) Oh, Jules.
JULIA: He had me all tied up…and…and there was…nothing I could do. (Trembling) I felt so…helpless. Then, he…he got off me…and…and he began unbuttoning his pants. (Crying harder again) I kept squirming to get away, but there was nothing I could do. (Griffin holds her for a few silent moments before her tears subside a little and she continues.) Then…there were loud voices…it sounded like in the next room. I heard myself saying “That’s my boyfriend with all his friends”…and he slapped me across the face as hard as he could. Then he heard it, too. He quickly re-buttoned his pants and opened the window. As he climbed out he said “Don’t worry, darling, I won’t keep you waiting long.” (She looks up at Griffin and wipes her eyes with a tissue. She waits to regain a little control of her crying before continuing.) It wasn’t Justin that time, either. (Griffin strokes her hair) It was the neighbors. I laid there, tied up for almost two hours before he came home and found me. (She puts her head down, crying uncontrollably.)
GRIFFIN: (Pulling her close) Oh, Jules, no wonder…
JULIA: I tried to stay there, I did. But I just couldn’t. The next day I had Justin take me to the airport and I told him I would call when I was ready to talk to him. (Looking back up at Griffin with a pleading expression) I just hope Claud’s okay.
GRIFFIN: (Reassuring) Claud’s fine, Jul. I know she is. (He continues to hold Julia until she cries herself to sleep. As the scene fades out, Griffin is sitting on the bed and Julia is leaning up against him, asleep.)

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

CLAUDIA is entering the HOTEL LOBBY where a continental breakfast is being served. She gets in line behind a tall, brown-haired young man. As he turns to pick up a danish she recognizes him.

CLAUDIA: Hey…(he turns around) Hi. How are you? So…uh, a room opened up after all?
YOUNG MAN: (Recognizing Claudia from the night before he shakes his head.) Uh…I don’t think so.
CLAUDIA: (Confused) But you’re…
YOUNG MAN: Yeah, well. After a night in my car, I figured they wouldn’t mind if I had a pastry.
CLAUDIA: (Concerned and guilty) What? Why…
CURTIS: I didn't think it was any use trying to find a hotel on a busy weekend like this…besides, I’m only a few blocks from school. (He takes his plate and sits down at a small table. Claudia sits across from him.)
CLAUDIA: (Quietly) At least you know where your school is. (In a regular tone) I still have to find mine.
YOUNG MAN: So, let me guess…you’re attending NYU. (Takes a bite of his danish.) CLAUDIA: No…actually I’m a musician. I’m attending Juilliard. It’s a highly acclaimed school of the performing arts.
YOUNG MAN: I know that! Actually, that’s where I’m going--I’m a drama student.
CLAUDIA: (Amazed) It truly is a small world! (With a crooked smile) Hey, so you said you know where it is, right?
CURTIS: (Taunting) Well, I don’t know if I remember now, my neck is kind of cramped from my head-rest…
CLAUDIA: (Thinking) Hey, if you know where it is, why didn’t you just stay in the dorm last night?
YOUNG MAN: (Joking) Well, little miss know-it-all, (smiling) I tried. But I got here too late to check into the dorm.
CLAUDIA: Hmmm. (With a slight smile) So, does that mean you’ll give me a lift?
YOUNG MAN: Persistent, aren’t we. (Smiles crookedly) Only if you promise not to steal my dorm room!
CLAUDIA: (She smiles as they both get up from the table) Deal.
YOUNG MAN: (As the are leaving the hotel.) I don’t believe we were properly introduced. (Extending his hand) I’m Curtis.
CLAUDIA: (Shaking his hand) Claudia. It’s nice to meet you.

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

CURTIS and CLAUDIA are walking in the halls of the ROSE BUILDING at JUILLIARD. Curtis is carrying two of Claudia’s large suitcases, and Claudia is carrying the other.

CLAUDIA: It’s a relief to have my bags again. Thanks for helping me to my room.
CURTIS: No problem. Your room can’t be too far from mine. (They walk toward the elevator and get in.)
CLAUDIA: (Putting her bag down momentarily) Gosh, I feel so…so free here. No family telling me what I can or can’t do…my own place where I can come and go as I please…
CURTIS: Yeah, it’s pretty cool. I just drove in from Colorado. My family’s moved around a few times…always by plane. So I thought I would drive just to be rebellious. (Claudia laughs as they exit the elevator. Along the hallway the sound of music can be heard as they pass an open door to a practice hall where someone is playing the piano.)
CLAUDIA: Isn’t it like so great to be surrounded by music? This is wonderful! Oh, 1037...this is it. (Nervously) Should I knock?
CURTIS: It’s your room! Remember, (mocking) “you’re on your own.”
CLAUDIA: (Scrunching her face) I know…but…I hear voices. (In a low tone) I should knock. (Curtis shakes his head and smiles. A young, pretty blond girl answers the door. She wears glasses and looks very down to earth.)
CLAUDIA: Hi! I’m Claudia Salinger. This is my…room. (Trying to avoid Curtis’ patronizing grin.)
TINA: Oh hi! I’m Tina…(reaching out to shake her hand) Come on in! This is so great…we have everyone here! (Calling out) She made it! (To Claudia) Your family has been worried sick about you.
CLAUDIA: My…family? (Claudia follows Tina into the common area where Julia, Bailey and Griffin approach her.)
JULIA: Claudia?
CLAUDIA: (Shocked) Julia? Bailey!
JULIA: Oh my God! Claudia where have you been? I was…like frantic when we arrived and you weren’t here!
CLAUDIA: (Confused) What are you guys…(turning toward Bailey) Bailey? How did you get here?
BAILEY: That doesn’t matter…are you okay? (He puts his hands on Claudia’s shoulder and looks at her squarely.) No one hurt you, did they? If they did, I’ll…
JULIA: Do you know how worried we were? God…my little sister alone in New York. There were a million things that could have happened to you!
CLAUDIA: I…
BAILEY: (To Julia) Geez…this is just like the time Owen got lost in the mall. Or even worse! (Looking at Claudia) The time you got lost in the Train Station when you were six. (Claudia begins blushing as her new roommates giggle in the background.)
JULIA: This isn’t gonna be like when you went to boarding school, is it Claud? I mean, you aren’t having second thoughts?…because Griffin…you know, he can’t come and get you this…
CLAUDIA: Stop it!! Just…just stop it! (Julia and Bailey stare at Claudia. They then look around at Curtis, Tina, and another girl staring at them.) You’ve ruined everything!
BAILEY: What? You had us worried sick! And now…
GRIFFIN: (Interrupting, to Bailey) Look, this may not be the right time for this…(He looks at Claudia, who is almost in tears.)
BAILEY: (To Griffin) That’s easy for you to say. At least you two knew Claud was in New York…Do you know how worried I was when she didn’t get off that flight?
JULIA: (Angrily, to Bailey) Well, if you hadn’t cancelled on her in the first place…(Unbeknownst to everyone, Claudia slips out of the dorm room as Bailey, Julia and Griffin continue to argue. After a moment, Curtis joins her in the hall. She sniffles, trying to gain her composure.)
CURTIS: (Sympathetically) Man, now I know why you were so happy to get away from your family. (Claudia smiles slightly at Curtis’ attempt to make her feel better.) If it’ll help, you can tell them you’ve been with me the whole time.
CLAUDIA: Thanks, Curtis. I feel so stupid. I mean, here I am telling you how independent I am, and half of my family is waiting for me in my dorm! (After a moment, their eyes meet, and they begin smiling slightly.) And the truth is, even after all of their…fuss, I feel really lucky to have a family that cares so much. (Curtis nods, then the door opens and Bailey walks out.)
CURTIS: (To Claudia) Well, it’s been fun, but I should get going to my room. See ya around. (Curtis begins walking back toward the elevator.)
BAILEY: (To Claudia) Claud, I’m sorry…we’re sorry. It’s just…well…we were worried about you. You’re our little sister, and no matter how old you are, we’ll always feel…protective of you. So please, don’t be mad…(Claudia’s expression softens.) Look, we’re gonna get out of your way…let you get settled and get to know your roommates. (Claudia smiles.) But if you ever need anything – ever – call me…okay? I’m the one closest to you now.
CLAUDIA: (She hugs Bailey, then looks at him) You always have been. (Claudia and Bailey walk back into the dorm room.)