 |
 |
|
| E-mail this page to a friend | Tell me when this page is updated |
| IN SICKNESS BY TIMA |
CHAPTERS 16 - 20 |
PREVIOUSLY...
[Tea picks up his hand and places it under her shirt on her bare stomach.]
Todd: Now what?
Tea: Move it around slowly. Don't push hard on my stomach and no wild, jerking movements.
Todd: And this will help you?
Tea: It helps when I'm nauseous and feeling your hand touching me might actually help me sleep, okay?
Todd: Okay.
[Todd starts to slowly caress Tea's stomach as she closes her eyes and tries to forget everything except how his hand feels against her skin. Even after Tea falls asleep Todd continues gently caressing Tea as he watches her sleep.]
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
chapter 16:
Days later...
[Todd helps Carlotta carry several bags of food from her car into the house.]
Carlotta: How is Tea doing today?
Todd: She's sleeping right now.
Carlotta: Has she been sick again today?
Todd: Not yet but she's really tired.
Carlotta: Has she been sleeping much?
Todd: Sometimes.
[After they have everything in the kitchen Carlotta starts finding places to put everything.]
Todd: You know, you didn't have to do all of this. Tea may not feel much like eating.
Carlotta: Well, when she does there'll be plenty for her to choose from. Besides, you need to eat, too. If you're going to take good care of your wife you'll need plenty of strength.
Todd: I use up most of my strength trying to convince Tea to let me take care of her.
Carlotta: She's always been stubborn. I think I can handle everything here okay, you can leave now if there's something you have to do. I'll take good care of Tea, you don't have to worry.
Todd: I actually don't have to leave for a little bit. I thought I'd wait and see if Tea wakes up.
Carlotta: What do you have planned? If you don't mind my asking.
Todd: I'm going to see Starr.
Carlotta: Oh, that's good.
Todd: Yeah.
Tea (entering the kitchen and seeing Carlotta): I didn't realize you were here already. I hope the two of you are getting along okay.
Todd: I've been very civilized.
Tea: Good.
Todd: What are you doing up?
Tea: I woke up from this really weird dream and didn't feel like lying around anymore so I thought I'd come down here.
Carlotta: Would you like something to eat?
Tea: No. Not right now.
Todd: What was the dream about?
Tea: I dreamt that I was bitten by a cow.
Carlotta (laughing): A cow?
Todd: What were you doing with a cow?
Tea: I have no idea.
Todd: Do you secretly want to live on a farm?
Tea: Not if cows are going to bite me.
Todd: Maybe you feel guilty for all of the hamburgers you've eaten.
Tea: I don't think so. (to Todd) What are you doing here? I thought you were going to see Starr today?
Todd: I am. I'm leaving right now. Are you sure you don't want me to bring her here to see you?
Tea: This is your first time seeing her again, I'm sure she's going to want you all to herself.
Todd: I know she wants to see you.
Tea: Later, when I feel better. I don't want her to see me when I'm sick.
Todd: You're supposed to feel better in between treatments, right? Maybe we can work something out for then.
Tea: That would be great.
Todd: Okay.
[Todd awkwardly looks at Tea not sure how to handle his good-bye to her.]
Tea: Todd, could I see you in the other room alone for a minute before you go?
Todd: Okay.
[Tea and Todd exit the kitchen together.]
Todd (once they're alone): Well, what do you want?
Tea: I thought maybe you wanted something. You were looking at me kind of strange in there.
Todd: I wasn't really sure...
Tea: What?
Todd: Am I supposed to kiss you or hug you or how does this work?
Tea: Well, I know that you wouldn't be comfortable doing anything like that in front of other people so it would be okay if you didn't.
Todd: Good.
Tea: But, you know, technically we're alone right now.
Todd: Sort of.
Tea (moving closer to him): What would you like to do?
[Todd thinks for a moment and then puts his hand out like he wants to shake her hand. She smiles at him and puts her hand in his. He brings her hand up to his face and touches it to his lips. He looks toward the kitchen to make sure they're not being watched and then quickly kisses Tea on the mouth before turning and leaving. Tea returns to the kitchen.]
Carlotta: Did Todd leave?
Tea: Yes.
Carlotta: He didn't seem to want to leave.
Tea: He's really anxious to see Starr again. He's missed her a lot.
Carlotta: I don't think he wanted to leave you, though. I don't think he trusts me to take care of you.
Tea: He thinks you feel the same way about him.
Carlotta: Is he taking good care of you?
Tea: He's taking wonderful care of me. (as she hugs Carlotta) Don't worry about me.
Carlotta: That's not an easy thing to do.
Tea: I'm not just saying this, it's the truth. He's been really wonderful. I'm glad that I'm here, okay? You really don't have to worry about me.
Carlotta: Of course I'm worried about you. You're sick, you're living with that man again and you look like you haven't been eating. Let me make you something to eat.
Tea: I'm really not hungry.
Carlotta: But you need to eat.
Tea: Maybe later.
Carlotta: Just try a little something. I brought all of your favorite foods.
[Carlotta continues pushing Tea until she finally gives in and eats something.
Later that day, Todd returns from his visit with Starr and finds Tea lying in bed with Carlotta sitting beside her as they quietly talk.]
Tea (seeing Todd enter): You're back.
Todd: Yeah.
Tea: How was it?
Todd (uncomfortable with Carlotta there): You know. (pause) Are you still tired?
Tea: I'm fine.
Carlotta: She was sick.
Tea (reassuringly): I'm fine.
Todd (concerned): How sick?
Tea: I just threw up a little. It wasn't that bad.
Carlotta: I finally got her to eat something and a little while later she started throwing up.
Todd: I thought that medication was supposed to help you.
Tea: It's supposed to lessen the nausea, it doesn't necessarily eliminate it.
Todd: You're sure you're okay.
Tea: I'm positive. I'm just really tired.
[Todd stands there uncertain of what to do. He knows that it's easier for Tea to fall asleep if he's next to her but he's uncomfortable about lying next to her with Carlotta there. He looks at Tea and sees how tired and sick she looks. He walks around to the other side of the bed and gets in. Before he can talk himself out of it he quickly puts his arm around Tea's stomach and presses his body against her body.]
Todd (commanding): Okay, go to sleep.
Tea: Yes, sir.
Carlotta: Why don't I leave you two alone. (to Tea) I'll see you in a couple of days. If you need anything before then you call me, okay?
Tea: I will. Thank you for everything.
Carlotta: You're very welcome. (to Todd) Is it all right if I get in there to kiss her on the forehead.
[Todd moves his head back from where it's been resting on the side of Tea's head.]
Carlotta (after kissing Tea): I love you.
Tea: I love you, too.
Carlotta: Good-bye, Todd.
Todd: Yeah.
[Carlotta leaves. Tea turns around in Todd's arms so she's facing him.]
Tea: How was your visit with Starr?
Todd: You should sleep.
Tea: I will but I want to hear about it. You missed her so much.
Todd: She's the same...taller, but the same. She's still totally beautiful. She still loves me.
Tea: Of course she does, you're her daddy.
Todd: Daddies aren't always worth loving.
Tea (gently touching his face): This one is.
Todd: If you say so.
Tea: I say so. Starr says so. You're just going to have to deal with it, Todd.
Todd: Okay. Now go to sleep.
[Without really thinking about it Todd starts to caress Tea's back through her shirt.]
Tea: That feels good.
Todd: What does?
[Suddenly Todd's hand stops when he realizes what he's been doing.]
Tea: I guess I shouldn't have said anything.
[Todd starts moving his hand again but it isn't the same, he's clearly uncomfortable.]
Tea (rolling over on her other side again): Never mind, Todd. You don't have to.
[Todd rests his head against her head again and puts his hand on her stomach and starts to move it in small circles.]
Todd: Is this okay?
Tea: It's fine.
Todd: Are you going to go to sleep?
Tea: Hopefully.
Todd: Well, hurry up.
[Tea smiles as she closes her eyes and enjoys the feeling of being next to her husband.]
chapter 17:
[Tea puts the finishing touches on Starr's bedroom. She makes sure that everything is perfect for her step-daughter's first visit to the new house. Tea stops for a moment and listens to how quiet it is, realizing that this is the first time that she's been alone in her new home. It took some arguing but she was able to convince Todd that since she is in between treatments she felt well enough to be left alone while he picked up Starr.
Minutes later, she positions herself on the couch in the living room enjoying the quiet, realizing that what is especially enjoyable about it is that it is not permanent - soon Todd will return and he'll have Starr with him. Momentary solitude she can savor unlike that lifetime without Todd, or Starr, she thought she'd have to endure not that long ago.
Tea's thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a car in the driveway. She excitedly hurries outside and is ready to hug Starr as soon as she exits the car. Todd gets Starr's things out of the trunk as he wonders to himself why a little girl would need so much stuff for one night.
They get Starr settled in and have dinner together. Todd enjoys watching Tea and Starr together again and is glad to notice that Tea's actually eating something for a change. After dinner, Todd tries to teach Starr how to play pool.]
Starr (excitedly, after pushing a ball into the pocket with her hand): I win.
Todd: No fair. You cheat.
Starr: I do not.
Todd: You don't play by the rules.
Starr: Yes, I do.
Todd: What rules?
Starr: Mine.
Tea (watching and laughing): Just like her daddy.
Todd: Why don't you play the cheater for awhile?
Tea (looking at her watch): Uh, I think it's getting kind of late.
Todd: You're just afraid that you'll lose.
Tea: Well, we'll have to find out another time. Right now it's time for bed.
Starr: Aw, Tee.
Todd: Yeah, aw, Tee.
Tea (pushing them both toward the door): Come on you two.
[Upstairs, Tea says good night to Starr and leaves Todd to spend some time alone with his daughter. Later, Todd enters their bedroom and finds Tea sitting on the bed reading.]
Tea: Is Starr asleep?
Todd: Yeah.
Tea: Good. We should probably get some sleep too.
Todd: Okay. I'll see you in the morning.
Tea (to a retreating Todd): Hey, wait a minute. Where are you going?
Todd: You said you were going to sleep.
Tea: I am but since when does that mean that you leave the room?
Todd: My kid's down the hall, you don't expect me to stay in here, do you?
Tea: That's what most husbands and wives do.
Todd: But we never did. It would confuse her.
Tea: So, every time Starr spends the night you're going to sleep downstairs, is that it?
Todd: I could stay until you fall asleep, if you want me to.
Tea: Don't bother.
[Tea turns off the lamp by her side of the bed and turns onto her side facing away from Todd. Todd turns off the remaining light descending the room into darkness.]
Tea (minutes later): How long are you going to stand there?
Todd: Until you fall asleep.
Tea: You could just get into bed with me. I don't think it will warp your daughter if she knows we share a room.
Todd: It wouldn't feel right.
Tea (turning toward Todd): Do I have to tell you again that nothing that has, or hopefully will, happen in this room is in any way dirty or disgusting?
Todd: When it's just you and me it okay but this is different.
Tea: It shouldn't be.
Todd: But it is.
[Todd sits down on the bed and starts caressing Tea's back.]
Todd: Just go to sleep, okay? I'll stay until you start snoring.
Tea: I do not...
Todd: You do too.
[Tea gives up on trying to argue with her husband and gradually allows herself to fall asleep. Hours later she awakens to the feeling of a hand pushing at her.]
Starr: Tee? Tee? Are you awake? Tee?
Tea: Starr, sweetie, what's wrong? Why aren't you asleep?
Starr: I woke up.
Tea: Did you have a bad dream?
Starr: No. I just stopped sleeping. Can I finish sleeping in here with you?
Tea: What about your room? Don't you like it?
Starr: I like it. I just thought I could keep you company in here.
Tea: Well, that's really sweet of you but I think you'd be more comfortable in your own room. What if I come and keep you company until you fall asleep again? Would you like that?
Starr: Okay.
[Tea takes Starr back to her room and stays with her until she starts to fall asleep. When Tea returns to her bedroom she doesn't feel like lying down in an empty bed again so she decides to go out onto the balcony for some air. As she passes through the sitting area she catches her foot on something big and muscular in her path and topples over landing on top of her previously slumbering husband.]
Todd: If I was in your way you could have said something, you didn't have to kick and tackle me.
Tea: What are you doing here?
Todd: You said you wanted me to stay in the room. It would have been safer for me downstairs.
Tea: Todd, if you were going to stay in the room then why didn't you just stay in the bed with me?
Todd: I couldn't do that.
Tea (getting up): Well, I don't feel like having this conversation again tonight.
Todd: Are you okay? What are you doing up?
Tea: Starr woke me up.
Todd: Is she all right?
Tea: She's fine. I took her back to her room. She's probably just nervous, you know, staying in a new room, in a new house. There are new shadows, new noises. She's fine though.
Todd: Good. Are you okay? You didn't hurt yourself when you fell, did you?
Tea: No. Luckily, a big jerk broke my fall.
Todd: Shouldn't you be in bed now?
Tea: I didn't feel like going back to sleep right away. I thought I'd get some fresh air first.
Todd: Okay, let's go.
Tea: I don't recall requesting your company.
Todd: Hey, it's safer for me if I know where you are at all times.
[Tea and Todd go out onto the balcony. Tea puts her arms around Todd from behind.]
Todd: What are you doing?
Tea: Well, I was about to tell you that I love you.
Todd: I make things difficult for you.
Tea: You certainly do.
Todd: Would you change who I am if you could?
Tea: No. I'd make things easier for you though.
Todd: Which would make things easier for you?
Tea: Probably, but that's not why I would do it. I just wish everything wasn't such a struggle for you. I wish you could relax and enjoy this more.
Todd: I enjoy it...in my own way.
Tea: Do you?
Todd: Sort of.
Tea: Would you change anything about me?
Todd: I'd make you not sick anymore.
[Tea rests her head on Todd's back until they hear Starr calling from the bedroom.]
Starr: Tee? Tee? Where are you?
[Tea starts toward the house but Todd stops her.]
Todd: I'll go.
[A moment later Todd carries Starr onto the balcony.]
Todd: Look who's up past her bedtime.
Tea: I thought I tucked you in a little while ago.
Starr: I untucked myself.
Tea: Why?
Starr: I thought maybe you were lonely. I didn't know daddy would be here. (to Todd) Daddy, do you sleep with Tee?
[Tea almost laughs nervously but turns it into a cough instead.]
Todd (to Tea): Are you okay?
Tea: Uh, yeah, I just swallowed wrong. Starr, it's really late you should go back to bed.
Starr: But I want to sleep with you and daddy.
Todd: Starr, you know when Tee over there can't sleep sometimes she sits out here until she gets really tired. What if you stay out here with us until you fall asleep and then I'll take you back to your room, okay?
Starr: Okay.
Todd: You have to promise that you'll try to sleep and that unless you really need to you won't get up again until it's light out, okay?
Starr: Okay. I promise.
Todd: Okay.
[Todd and Tea sit side by side on the floor of the balcony as Starr climbs into Todd's lap and snuggles up to him. Tea leans her head against Todd's shoulder and gently strokes Starr's hair. Less than an hour later, Todd takes a sleeping Starr back to her room and returns to the master bedroom.]
Tea: Is she still asleep?
Todd: So far. Do you think insomnia's hereditary?
Tea: I have a theory about Starr's sleeplessness but you might not want to hear it.
[Todd sits down next to Tea on their bed.]
Todd: Go ahead. I'm not going to be sleeping tonight anyway.
Tea: Maybe the reason she keeps getting up is to check on you, to make sure you're still here.
Todd: You think she expects me to leave again?
Tea: I was about her age when my mother left and sometimes I would check to make sure my father was still there. Every morning for months after she left I was afraid that I'd wake up and he'd be gone too. When you're young and someone you care about suddenly leaves it's only natural that you're going to wonder who the next person to leave will be.
Todd: Do you think she checks up on Blair?
Tea: It wouldn't surprise me.
Todd: You know, when I told her you were sick she told me to fix you, to make you better, so you wouldn't go away. Maybe she's afraid that everyone's going to leave her. (pause) We haven't exactly made her feel secure, have we? All of the custody battles, me throwing you out those times, you not getting to see her while I was away, me leaving her and staying away so long.
Tea: We're lucky, Todd.
Todd: We are?
Tea: We have time to make it up to her. We can't know how much time, of course, but we do have time.
Todd: Let's not talk about this stuff anymore, okay?
Tea: For now.
[Tea gives Todd a brief kiss on the cheek before stretching out under the covers.]
Tea: Good night.
[Todd doesn't respond but lays down next to her, staying on top of the covers.]
Tea: Are you staying?
Todd: Well, I think Starr already figured out I sleep here and I don't feel like having people trip over me anymore tonight so I could probably stay here. Just don't try anything.
Tea: I'll try to restrain myself.
[The Mannings spend the next day together exploring the mountain near their home until it's time for Todd to take Starr back to town. Tea stays at home and rests, exhausted but happy following Starr's visit.
Hours later, Tea wakes up to the sound of the doorbell. She looks at the clock surprised by how late it is. She assumes that Todd must have decided to stay with Starr until she fell asleep. Tea gets out of bed and goes downstairs to answer the door.]
Tea (opening the door): Carlotta? What are you doing here? We didn't have plans did we?
Carlotta: No...uh...Tea...
Tea (seeing the look on Carlotta's face): What's wrong? What happened? Is it something with Cristian or Antonio?
Carlotta: No...uh...Tea...
Tea: Just tell me what it is. You're scaring me.
Carlotta: There was an accident.
[Tea instantly remembers that Todd is late returning home. She leans on a table in the entryway so she doesn't fall down.]
Tea: Is it Todd? He's okay isn't he?
Carlotta: I don't know. Viki called me on her way to the hospital. She didn't know what his condition was.
Tea: But he's alive, right? He's okay? Oh, no! Was Starr with him? Is she all right?
Carlotta: Viki didn't mention anything about Starr.
Tea: He was taking her home. She had spent the night with us. Wait a minute. Viki? How does Viki know about it?
Carlotta: Someone called her.
Tea: Why would they call his sister and not his wife? Never mind. I'm going to the hospital.
Carlotta: Tea, you should stay here. Viki will call as soon as she knows anything.
Tea: I have to be with Todd. I have to see him.
Carlotta: He would want you to stay here.
Tea: I don't care what he wants. I have to be with him. He needs me.
[Tea rushes upstairs to get dressed determined that she has to see for herself that Todd is okay.]
chapter 18:
[Tea is almost ready to leave for the hospital when the phone rings.]
Tea (with panic in her voice): Todd?
Viki: Tea, it's me.
Tea: Viki, just tell me he's okay.
Viki: He'll be fine.
[Tea breathes deeply, completely relieved.]
Tea: Was Starr in the car?
Viki: No. Todd had already dropped her off and was on his way home when the accident happened.
Tea: What happened?
Viki: Well, Todd's been yelling so much, and at so many people, that I haven't quite gotten the details from him yet.
Tea: Is he in a lot of pain?
Viki: Everyone around him is currently in more pain than he is.
Tea (smiling slightly): He's being an impossible patient, isn't he?
Viki: When I got here he was unconscious at first but as soon as he woke up he started insisting that he had to go home, that no one was going to keep him here against his will. It took me several minutes just to convince him to let the doctor examine him. He still insists that he won't stay.
Tea: Does he need to stay? How bad was he hurt?
Viki: No that badly from what I can tell. He was very lucky, really. He has bruises and he did hit his head. They would prefer that he spend the night here but Todd, of course, won't allow that.
Tea: Well, I'll come and convince him to stay there.
Viki: Tea, I don't know if even you could convince him. He's pretty determined. I don't think he'd want you to spend the night sitting in a chair by his bedside and that's probably the only way he would otherwise stay here.
Tea: No, he'd probably insist that I use the bed and he would spend the night in the chair.
Viki: You know, Tea, given the way he was behaving when I saw him earlier he probably would be gone before you got here. The two of you would probably pass each other on the road.
Tea: I don't suppose there's any chance I could talk to him.
Viki: He's afraid you'll try to talk him out of leaving.
Tea: I would.
Viki: Then he'll probably avoid you until he gets home.
Tea: At least he won't be able to avoid me then. You'll be bringing him, right?
Viki: Of course. As soon as the doctors finish with him.
Tea: Viki, tell him that I love him, even though he'll pretend he doesn't want to hear it.
Viki: I'll tell him. I just might tell him that I love him too, that ought to really get a reaction.
Tea: Thank you for letting me know that he's okay and for putting up with him because I doubt he'll thank you himself.
Viki: Well, when you love Todd Manning you'll put up with a lot.
Tea: Don't I know it.
[Tea sits on the stairs and waits for Todd to arrive. Seeing the look on Tea's face, Carlotta keeps out of her way. When Tea finally hears Todd's key in the door she stands up.]
Tea (as Todd and Viki enter): You idiot!
Todd: Is that how you greet your wounded husband?
[Tea starts yelling at him in Spanish. Todd tries to calm her down but is unsuccessful.]
Todd (to Carlotta): What is she calling me?
Carlotta: You don't want to know.
Todd: Probably not. (to his wife) Tea, relax. I'm fine.
Tea: You belong in the hospital.
Todd: I thought I belonged here with you. (pause) Well, that got you to shut up.
Tea (examining the bruise on his head): Are you all right?
Todd: Don't worry about me, Delgado. I've still got a few lives left.
Tea: Don't joke about that. What happened?
Todd: It's not important right now. It's late and I have a major headache.
Tea (gently touching his head): What can I do?
Todd: Stop yelling at me.
Tea: Okay...for now. You should go and lay down.
Viki: Well now that the excitement is over I think I'll be going home to bed myself.
Carlotta: I'll leave with you.
Tea: No. Wait. Why don't you both stay here tonight. I hate the idea of sending you both down that dark mountain road. It's late, you both must be exhausted. It's Todd's fault you're here so please stay.
Carlotta: I don't want to put you out.
Tea: You wouldn't be. We only have two other bedrooms that are furnished but that's all we need. (to Todd) We want them to stay, don't we?
Todd (massaging his throbbing head): If it means you won't yell at me anymore then yeah let them stay.
Tea: See, he's overjoyed at the prospect.
Viki: If you're sure.
Tea: I am. Uh, Viki why don't you take Starr's room. I don't think she'd mind if her aunt spent the night in her room. Carlotta, the only other bedroom we have, well, with furniture anyway, is the one down here. I hope that's okay.
Carlotta: That would be fine.
Todd (heading toward the downstairs bedroom): I'll get my stuff out of there.
Carlotta: You don't have to do that. (looking at her watch and lying) It's not that late. I'll just go home.
[Todd doesn't listen, he just keeps moving toward the room knowing that his wife will ultimately get her way and they'll have house guests for the night.]
Carlotta (quietly, to Tea): I don't want to take his room. I'll just go home or I could sleep on the couch.
Tea: It's not...well, it's...uh...
Todd (returning with an armful of stuff that he tosses on the couch): What my wife is trying not to say is that it isn't my room anymore. I sleep upstairs with my wife. (Tea gives him a surprised look) What? It's okay if my kid knows we share a room but you don't want your family to know.
Tea: That's not it.
Todd (looking toward Viki and Carlotta): I share a bed with my wife. Is everyone okay with that? (not waiting for a response) Good. Now, I'm going upstairs because I feel like hell and I don't feel like anymore chit chat. (to Carlotta) There's still some stuff in there. If it's in the way shove it under the bed or throw it out the window. I don't really care.
[Todd turns and painfully walks up the stairs.
After making sure that Viki and Carlotta have everything they need, Tea returns to her own bedroom and finds Todd trying to take off his shirt.]
Tea (noticing his obvious pain): Do you want any help?
Todd: I was just trying to see how much damage there was. It feels like a lot.
Tea: Didn't you see in the hospital?
Todd: I was kind of busy.
Tea: Making everyone around you miserable, I'm sure.
Todd: Hey, they let me go didn't they.
Tea: So, you were only being impossible so they'd let you go?
Todd: Of course.
[Tea unbuttons his shirt and sees the bruising on his chest.]
Todd: Take my shirt off.
Tea: Are you sure?
Todd: I don't know, maybe it'll hurt just as much with it off but right now I feel like I don't want anything touching me.
Tea: Are you sure? I could kiss it and make it better.
Todd: I'm not a little kid, Tea. That's not going to work on me.
Tea: Just thought I'd offer.
[Tea slowly removes his shirt and notices extensive bruising on his left side.]
Tea: I can understand bruises on your chest but why do you have them on your side.
Todd: Because that idiot hit me on the side and the back and the front.
Tea: What exactly happened?
Todd: I'll tell you tomorrow, okay?
Tea (looking at the clock): It is tomorrow. So, tell me.
Todd: Someone tried to kill me. It was no big deal. We should go to bed.
[Todd tries to lay down but even his back hurts too much for him to be comfortable.]
Todd (sitting back up): I didn't want to sleep tonight anyway.
Tea (reaching for his pants): Are your legs bruised too?
Todd (stopping her): Hey...
Tea: I wasn't going to do anything. I just wanted to see the damage.
Todd: I'm fine down below, trust me.
Tea: Okay. So, who tried to kill you? Anyone we know?
Todd: Okay, you can take my pants off.
Tea: You'd rather have me take off your pants than tell me who tried to kill you?
Todd: Yes.
Tea (reaching for his pants again): Okay.
Todd (stopping her again): Wait.
Tea: Just tell me who it was.
Todd: Your boyfriend.
Tea: Which one?
Todd: How many do you have?
Tea: Just one at the moment. (noticing the look he's giving her) You, you jerk.
Todd: Oh.
Tea: I just meant that there are several people I've dated since I've been in Llanview. I assume you're referring to one of them.
Todd: Yeah.
Tea: So, which one? It can't be Kevin because Viki would be upset and it can't be Andrew for the same reason. (Tea suddenly realizes the other driver's identity) John Sykes? He tried to kill you?
Todd: Yep, but he wasn't very good at it. He ended up killing himself instead.
Tea: John Sykes is dead?
Todd: Don't be surprised if I have to spend some time in jail pretty soon. Maybe Carlotta can stay here with you or you could go stay with her in town. That way you'd be closer to the jail to come visit me. That is if you'd want to visit me. If you're not feeling well you don't have to, of course.
Tea: Shut up, Todd. John Sykes tried to kill you? The former police commissioner of this town?
Todd: The current one would try to kill me too if he had the guts.
Tea: Okay, tell me exactly what happened.
Todd: Tea, I have a terrible headache, the last thing I want to do is talk about that loser...that dead loser. We can talk about it in the morning, okay?
Tea: All right. (looking at his naked upper body) Do you want to sleep like that?
Todd (looking down at himself): Maybe I shouldn't. My wife, you know, she can't control herself sometimes.
Tea: You have no idea how much self control your wife does have.
[Tea finds a clean shirt and helps Todd put it on. Todd leans his back against the headboard finding the least painful position for his body.]
Todd (as Tea gets into the bed with him): Tea, tonight I really need you not to touch me.
Tea: I wasn't planning on it.
Todd (slightly disappointed): You weren't? Well...okay...good.
Tea: If you wanted I could maybe touch you just a little.
[Tea leans over his body, careful not to touch anywhere he might be bruised, and kisses him.]
Tea: Did I hurt you?
Todd: Uh, it wasn't that painful, I don't think, but I wasn't really paying attention maybe you should do it again.
[Tea kisses him again.]
Tea: Well?
Todd: I think it feels good.
Tea (smiling): I'm glad.
[Tea repositions herself next to Todd.]
Todd: What about you? Do you still feel okay?
Tea: Yeah, another rare day when I don't feel completely horrible. I could get used to this. If only it could last.
Todd: It will. As soon as your done with that treatment stuff you'll have lots of days when you won't have to feel bad.
Tea (wishing she could believe him): Yeah. (as she gently runs her hand along his hair) Does your head still hurt?
Todd: Not as much. (looking intently at her) It's because of you.
Tea (gesturing to a pill bottle on the nightstand): Are you sure it isn't because of those painkillers over there?
Todd: They don't do anything. It's all you. (closing his eyes and speaking softly) You take away my pain, Tea.
[Todd falls asleep. Tea stays awake and watches him sleep.]
chapter 19:
[Todd wakes up and realizes that Tea isn't next to him. He jumps out of bed and rushes, as quickly as he painfully can, into the bathroom. Tea isn't there. He quickly goes to the balcony but doesn't find her there either. Todd becomes very concerned for Tea. He looks in both of the offices and in the empty bedrooms upstairs but doesn't find her. Viki comes out of Starr's room after hearing all of the noise he's making.]
Todd: Have you seen Tea?
Viki: Not since earlier.
Todd: Where the hell is she?
Viki: What's wrong?
Todd: She's missing.
Viki: Maybe she went downstairs for a snack.
[Todd practically throws himself down the stairs. When he doesn't find her in the kitchen he starts yelling out Tea's name and desperately opening every door and going into every room looking for her. Todd starts pounding on the door of the bedroom Carlotta is sleeping in.]
Carlotta (opening the door): What is it?
Todd: Is Tea in there with you?
Carlotta: No. Is something wrong?
Todd: You're not lying to me, are you?
Carlotta: Why would I lie to you?
[Todd continues searching for Tea. He finally finds her sitting on the floor leaning against the pool table with a glass in her hand.]
Todd: What's going on, Tea? Didn't you hear me calling you?
Tea: I heard you yelling. You always yell. Well, you used to anyway. You don't yell at me anymore now that I'm dying.
Todd: You know that's not going to happen. Let's go back upstairs.
Tea: Can't. I'm thirsty.
[Tea tries to drink from her glass but finds it empty. She gets up and grabs a bottle off the bar and plops herself on the floor as she drinks from the bottle. Todd grabs the bottle from her and throws it against the wall.]
Todd: What the hell do you think you're doing?
Tea: Hey, you can't yell at me. I'm dying, remember?
Todd (trying to sound calm): You shouldn't be drinking.
Tea: Alcohol can increase your appetite. I'm drinking for my health.
Todd: That's a small amount of alcohol. You're not supposed to get drunk. Besides, any amount could interfere with your medication and make your side effects worse. I crammed just as much for chemotherapy as you did, remember? Why are you drinking?
Tea: I just wanted to understand.
Todd: What?
Tea: You.
Todd: What about me?
Tea: When we lived at the penthouse you would drink. Beer, dry sec, Campari...whatever, it didn't matter. Just so it lessened the pain. That's why you drank, right? So you didn't have to feel anything.
[Todd slowly sits down next to Tea and leans his back against the bar.]
Todd: Is that what this is about? Which pain are you trying avoid?
Tea: You.
Todd: Me?
Tea: You hurt me, Todd.
Carlotta (concerned): Tea...
[Carlotta starts to move toward Tea but Viki stops her.]
Tea (smiling as she looks up and realizes that Carlotta and Viki are in the room): Hi. (seeing the concern on Carlotta's face) Don't worry, Carlotta, he didn't hit me this time.
Carlotta: This time?
Tea: Oh, sorry, did I forget to tell you about the time he punched me in the face and knocked me out? What about the time he pulled my hair? Or the times he grabbed my arms really hard. He left bruises a couple of times.
Todd: Tea, is that what this is about? You're scared of me?
Tea: I'm petrified of you.
Todd (defeated): Do you want to move out or do you want me to?
Tea: Neither.
Todd: We can't both live here if you're afraid that I'll hurt you.
Tea: You'll hurt me or I'll hurt you. We don't have to live together to cause each other pain. Actually, not living together is one of the ways we both have hurt each other in the past.
Todd: Tea, it's late, I have a headache and you're confusing the hell out of me.
Tea: You know, sometimes I was glad people didn't know about the stuff you did to me because then they'd think that it was even more pathetic that I still loved you. I mean, they already thought I was pathetic anyway, why give them more of a reason, right? When you left, everyone told me how great it was that I was finally rid of you but I didn't want to be rid of you. I wanted to be with you but I couldn't tell anyone that. They wouldn't understand. If you had died in that accident they would have been even happier because it would have been permanent...forever. (Tea begins lightly stroking his hair) No one would have understood why it would hurt me to think about forever without you.
Todd: Is that what this is about?
Tea: Sort of. Not really.
Todd: Then what? (pause) Tell me.
Tea: You never let me.
Todd: Let you what?
Tea: Tell you.
Todd: Well, tell me now.
Tea: I'm going to die.
Todd: No, you're not.
Tea: Why won't you admit it?
Todd: Because it won't happen.
Tea: I'm going to die. This time I'll be the one who leaves you. Say it, Todd. Say that I'm going to die.
Todd (looking away): No.
Tea: Say it. (pause) Come on, Todd. (yelling) Say it! Yell at me. Get angry. Tell me how hurt you are that I'm leaving you. Do it, Todd. Stop pretending that I'm going to survive.
Todd (quietly): You will. You won't leave me. You won't.
Tea: I'm going to die, Todd. How does that feel? Do you feel anything? Are you even capable of feeling anything?
Todd (standing up): You want to know how I feel? Fine. I'll show you how I feel.
[Todd goes behind the bar and pulls out every bottle and every glass and throws them against the wall in a rage. Tea stays on the floor and closes her eyes as Viki and Carlotta stand and watch Todd in shock. After Todd can't find anything else to destroy behind the bar he stands there confused about what to do next.]
Tea: Are you finished? (pause) Come here. (forcefully) Todd, come here.
[Todd walks around the bar and stands near Tea.]
Tea (looking up at him): Sit down.
[He sits next to her again. He tries to resist when she reaches for his hands but she insists and checks them to make sure he didn't hurt himself.]
Tea: Do you feel better?
Todd: I feel like hell.
Tea: So do I.
Todd: You should go lay down.
Tea: Only if you're next to me.
Todd (closing his eyes): Why are you even here, Tea? You said yourself that I hurt you.
Tea: I hurt you too.
Todd: How?
Tea: I tried to force you to have sex during that blizzard.
Todd: You just got naked in front of me, that's not the same thing.
Tea: What I did...
Todd: I've forced people to have sex. Trust me, it's not the same thing. You didn't hurt me you just wanted to be with me. You've never hurt me, Tea.
Tea: If it doesn't hurt then why are you so angry that I might die?
Todd: That's different. I physically hurt you.
Tea: Todd, I hit you months before you hit me. Do you remember that?
Todd: That's different.
Tea: How is that different?
Todd: I deserved it.
Tea: No, you didn't.
Todd: I was being a jerk.
Tea: Yes you were but you didn't deserve to be hit. Right before you hit me I was saying some pretty horrible things to you.
Todd: I deserved it.
Tea: You don't deserve everything bad that happens to you, Todd. Although, I'm sure your father convinced you otherwise. (Tea starts stroking Todd's face) When I said that you hurt me I wasn't talking about the physical stuff. I've forgiven you for that and I trust that you won't do it again.
Todd: You do?
Tea: Yes, but you did hurt me today.
Todd: How?
Tea: You almost died.
Todd: Not on purpose.
Tea: I know but it could have happened and that scares me. I don't want to live without you, it would hurt too much. I was laying upstairs next to you and I thought maybe you feel the same way about me.
Todd (quietly): I do.
Tea: That scares me too. I don't want to die, Todd. I really don't. I wish I could make it stop.
Todd: It might not happen.
Tea: But the odds...
Todd: The odds stink but so what. I've beaten the odds before and so have you. Just our being together means we beat the odds already, doesn't it?
Tea: But if I do die, Todd, I don't want you to die too. You need to be here for Starr. You can't run off and hide. It'll be so hard for you. I've been so afraid that you would leave me...
Todd: I told you I won't.
Tea: I know but I don't want to leave you either. You never say anything about it. You just keep telling me that I'll be fine.
Todd: I thought you liked it when I tell you that?
Tea: I do but I was thinking about how much it must hurt you knowing that it might happen. I'm so sorry, Todd. I never should have told you. I never should have told anyone. I should have just gone off somewhere and no one would have known.
Todd: I'm glad you told me. I glad you're here. I'm glad I can help you, Tea.
Tea: But if it happens...
Todd: It won't happen, I know it. You won't leave me.
Tea: But...
Todd: Tea, you won't leave me.
Tea: I might...
Todd: Shut up for a minute, okay? You'll always be with me, Tea. Even if...even if...(taking a deep breath and speaking softly)...you die. (he gently holds his hand against her cheek) You'll still be with me. Every time that we've been apart I've felt you with me. You're inside of me, Tea. I can feel you. I know that you'll always be with me.
Tea: Always?
Todd: Always.
[Todd leans forward and lightly kisses Tea on the mouth.]
Tea: Todd? (looking deeply into his eyes) I think I'm going to be sick.
Todd: From the chemotherapy or the booze?
Tea: I don't think my stomach cares.
Todd: Upstairs or downstairs?
Tea: Down.
[Todd quickly helps Tea up and into the downstairs bathroom. As Carlotta and Viki stand close by, Tea empties the contents of her stomach into the toilet. Todd gently strokes Tea's back reassuringly.]
Todd (softly): It's okay, Tea. It's almost over.
[After Tea finishes throwing up Todd helps her up. She washes her hands in the sink and puts water on her face.]
Tea (looking in the mirror): I look horrible.
Todd (looking at her reflection): You look beautiful.
Tea (smiling weakly at his reflection): You lie.
Todd: Do you want to go upstairs and lay down?
Tea (nodding her head): I think you may have to help me up the stairs.
[Without saying anything Todd gently picks Tea up in his arms and carries her out of the bathroom.]
Viki: Is there anything we can do?
Todd: Leave us alone. (looking at Carlotta) Don't worry, I won't hurt her. (looking at Tea's face resting against his upper arm) I love her.
Carlotta: I believe you.
[Todd carries Tea up to their bedroom.]
chapter 20:
The next morning...
[Viki approaches the master bedroom and finds the door open. As she looks into the room she sees Tea and Todd laying together on the bed. Tea is lying on her back and Todd is resting his head on Tea's shoulder. Viki turns to leave.]
Todd (speaking quietly as he moves his head off of Tea and onto the pillow): Sis?
Viki (turning back toward him): You're up?
Todd: Yep.
[Viki walks slightly into the room.]
Viki: Is everything okay?
Todd: Tea's sleeping, she didn't get sick again after last night, so, everything's fine.
Viki: About last night...
Todd: Sorry about that. I know Tea will be too, if she remembers any of it.
Viki: Don't be sorry. Apparently you both needed to say a few things.
Todd: Yeah, but we didn't need to say them in front of other people. (pause) You didn't know, did you?
Viki: Know what?
Todd (refusing eye contact): That I hit Tea.
Viki: No. I did not know that.
Todd: I thought maybe Sam had told you.
Viki: Sam knows?
Todd: Yeah, but I don't think he's ever talked to me about it. I doubt he's ever talked to Tea about it either.
Viki: Who else knows?
Todd: Blair and anyone who read the police report.
Viki: I don't understand. There was a police report? Why didn't it become public knowledge?
Todd: I have no idea. I was pretty out of it at the time.
Viki: When was this?
Todd: When I kidnapped Tea in the woods after I held all of you hostage at the lodge.
Viki: Why did you do it?
Todd: Don't know.
Viki: There must have been a reason.
Todd: You want to blame Tea?
Viki: I'm just trying to understand.
Todd: I was out of it. You know that. You saw me at the lodge.
Viki: But for you to hit...
Todd (looking at Tea): Do you think she meant it when she said she forgave me?
Viki: Why would she lie about that?
Todd (his eyes filling with tears as he touches Tea's forehead): I don't understand how she could. I hit her. I actually hit her. It didn't stop her, though. She still cared about me. She still loves me. How? All of the times that I've kidnapped her, that whole time with the DID, the wedding... She never stopped loving me. (he strokes Tea's cheek) She could always see my pain. Even when I was hurting her she would always try to help me, to take away my pain. Why? What does she see? You know, all that she wanted was to be with me, for me to hold her, to tell her that I loved her but I couldn't. I tried but it hurt so much I pushed her away. All that time that we could have been together, all that time that I could have been making her feel loved and I made her feel horrible instead. (He moves his face so that it's touching Tea's face) I wasted so much time. And now...
Viki: Todd...
Todd (closing his eyes, trying to stop the tears): Go away.
Viki: Todd...
Todd (as the tears start to fall): Go away.
[Viki leaves the room and closes the door behind her. Todd puts his arm across Tea's body and his head on her chest as he cries. When he feels her hand stroking his hair he pulls away and rolls away from Tea on the bed.]
Tea: Don't. It's okay. Don't hide from me.
[Todd looks at Tea with tears falling down his face.]
Todd: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
[Todd embraces her again and cries into her shoulder.]
Tea: I know.
[They hold each other and cry together for a long time, much longer than either of them realizes. They're both startled by a knock on the door.]
Tea (calling out): Just a minute. Don't come in. (quietly to Todd) You don't have to be embarrassed but if you want you can go into the bathroom.
[Todd kisses her briefly before going into the bathroom.]
Tea (calling out): Okay, you can come in now.
Carlotta (entering the room): Is this a bad time?
Tea: Uh, no, not really.
Carlotta (looking at Tea's face): You've been crying.
Tea: I cry a lot these days.
Carlotta: Viki and I were wondering if you were going to have lunch.
Tea (looking at the clock): Is it that late already?
Carlotta (sitting on the side of the bed and gently touching Tea's hand): Are you really okay?
[Tea hears the water running in the bathroom and knows that Todd is taking a shower.]
Tea: I'm fine, Carlotta. I'm sorry about last night. It...it was a bad night.
Carlotta: Why didn't you tell me?
Tea (knowing instantly what she's referring to): How could I? You already hated Todd and you thought my marriage was a mistake. How could I tell you? You wouldn't have understood.
Carlotta: If he hurts you...
Tea: He doesn't. He hasn't done anything like that since we've been back together.
Carlotta: What about when you're not sick anymore? What if he starts hurting you again?
Tea: I don't think he will.
Carlotta: Were you expecting him to hurt you the other times? Is this acceptable to you? Is this how you want to be treated?
Tea: There were reasons... I can't explain this to you. You won't understand. If I were on the outside I wouldn't understand it either. If this were a case I was working on I would tell my client to get away from this person.
Carlotta: Then...
Tea: But this isn't a case, this isn't something happening to someone else. This is my life. I'm in the middle of this. I know what's going on. I know all of it. You don't. You can't. I know Todd in a way that you could never know him. I know what he's been through. I know why he is the way that he is.
Carlotta: Since you've been sick I've seen Todd be very compassionate and loving to you. I see how much he loves you. I can't help but be worried, though, Tea. What if he becomes violent again? What will you do? I don't want you to get hurt.
Tea: I'm trusting that it won't happen again.
Carlotta: If it did?
Tea: I don't know. I don't know what I would do. Right now, I'm focusing on getting better and Todd is trying to get better too. He is. He's trying. Maybe we'll get lucky and it will work out and we'll have a life together, maybe not. Either way, what he's done for me has been so incredible. I needed him and he's been here. It hasn't been easy for him but he's been here for me. I know there are some people that would only look at the mistakes that Todd's made and they'd ignore the good things that he's done but I can't. I won't.
Carlotta: I just hope you don't think that you deserve to be hurt because you don't. You deserve to be treated with respect.
Tea: My self esteem might not always be the greatest but it isn't that bad. I don't want to be in an abusive relationship. Todd and I are both volatile people. When we're hurting we react by hurting the other person. We both have to work on that, on changing our behavior, not just Todd.
Carlotta: If you ever need anything you can come to me.
Tea: I know.
Carlotta: If it happens again I hope you will tell me, or someone. Don't go through it alone.
[Carlotta hugs Tea and leaves the room. Tea sits there for a moment thinking until she realizes that the shower isn't running anymore. She wonders how long Todd's been out of the shower and if he heard any of her conversation with Carlotta.
Tea steps out onto the balcony wanting to delay any conversation with Todd, at least for a little while. It doesn't take long before she senses his presence behind her.]
Todd: Do you want to talk?
Tea: No...but we should.
Todd: If you want to know why, I don't think I really have any answers. None that would make any sense anyway. I certainly can't say anything to make it okay.
Tea: No. You can't.
Todd: But we should talk about it anyway, right?
Tea: Maybe we should wait until Viki and Carlotta are gone.
Todd: No. (Todd moves so that he's standing next to Tea on the balcony) If we don't talk about it now we'll never talk about. One, or both, of us will keep putting it off until we're too old to even remember where we left our teeth.
Tea: Todd, I don't think I'll ever forget.
Todd: I wish you would but I'm glad you won't.
Tea: So, how do we talk about this?
Todd: You're the one who usually knows how this communicating stuff works.
Tea: Not this time. I don't have any answers either. I'm just as confused as you are.
Todd: Then we're in a lot of trouble.
Tea: Maybe we are.
Todd: What does that mean?
Tea: When I look at our relationship through other people's eyes I understand.
Todd: Understand what?
Tea: Why Carlotta is scared. Why people have told me in the past to get out. I do see things that they can't see. There are reasons why I stayed, why I needed to stay. There are things, however, that they see that I don't, that I choose not to see.
Todd: Like?
Tea: We haven't always been good for each other. At times we have brought out the worst in each other. We know just how to do it too, you know, which buttons to push and the precise moment to push them for maximum effect.
Todd: We also know the other stuff too.
Tea: What stuff?
Todd: You know, the other stuff. The stuff that isn't bad. We know how to make each other laugh. We know what the other person is thinking sometimes without there having to be words. I know how to touch you when you feel sick so you feel less sick. You know how to get me to talk about stuff that I hate to talk about, stuff that I would never tell anyone else about. You see things about me that other people don't see, things that even I can't see sometimes until you show them to me.
Tea: Are you actually trying to talk me into staying?
Todd: Hell no! I think you should get far away from me. You know that. You won't, though.
Tea: Why not?
Todd: Because you love me and you know that I love you. You know that now, don't you?
Tea: That doesn't mean that we won't continue hurting each other.
Todd: No, but it means that we don't want to. That's important, isn't it?
Tea: That's very important.
Todd: We can work on the bad stuff. We can talk about all the stuff in the past, whether we really want to or not.
Tea: What are you saying?
Todd: We've both tried to get away from each other but we keep coming back. We can keep trying and we both would be miserable. (touching her face) You came to me in the worst moment of your life. You could have gone to someone else but you came to me because there are things that only I can give you. It's the same way for me. You give me something that no one else can. I don't completely understand what that is but I know I want it. We could try it apart again and we would both regret it because we would be wasting more time. We've already wasted so much. I don't want to waste anymore, do you?
Tea (caressing the side of his head): Your head injury was really severe last night, wasn't it?
Todd: Yeah, it was. It was so severe it made me see things better. I need you, Tea. I don't want to lose you. I don't want to miss any more time. Whatever the future is, however long we get, I know that I want it to be with you.
Tea: You do realize that in a day or two something will happen and you'll be telling me to get out of your life again.
Todd: Of course, but you won't go. We're stuck with each other.
Tea: I don't know if I can really believe that, Todd. What if I do and then you leave?
Todd: Then you'll yell at me, probably throw some things at me, but in the end you'll take me back.
Tea: You can't keep leaving me and expecting me to take you back. You know, there may actually be a time when I don't. There may actually be a time when one of us does something so painful to the other that we won't be able to forgive.
Todd: I know. Until that time, though, you're stuck with me. Unless that time is already here for you.
Tea: Not yet.
Todd: Then, for now, can we just accept that we both did stuff we regret and move on. I'm not saying forget anything just keep doing what we've been doing.
Tea: You know, tomorrow I start treatment again.
Todd: I know.
Tea: So, tonight is the last night I'll probably feel well for awhile. We could make it special.
Todd: How special?
Tea (pressing her body against his): Very special.
Todd: Oh.
Tea: We don't have to, of course, but maybe you could think about it.
Todd: Maybe I could. (thinking for a moment) We have a really weird relationship, don't we?
Tea: Unique...special...
Todd: Bizarre...peculiar...
Tea: Whatever it is, it's us and I guess you're right, we are stuck with it.
Todd: Yep. Bet you wish you never came to Llanview.
Tea: My life certainly would have been different. Probably really boring.
Todd: Boring is bad.
Tea: I think so.
Todd: Okay, I promise I'll try my best never to be boring.
Tea: I don't think you'll have to try too hard.
[Tea kisses Todd briefly and then drags him downstairs to have lunch with Carlotta and Viki.]
to be continued...
