FADE IN:
EXT. HIGHWAY - LATE MORNING
It's the morning of Christmas Eve. The sky is overcast, threatening. An SUV with TWO FEMALE PASSENGERS races along a deserted highway somewhere in Northern Michigan. Remains of a heavy snowfall dot the roadside.
INT. STACY'S SUV - CONTINUOUS
At the wheel, bundled up in muffler and heavy car coat, is STACY CROMWELL, 32, bright and attractive. On her cell:
Stacy
Hi, Mom. It's me.
INT. KITCHEN - MILLER HOME - CONTINUOUS (INTERCUT WITH SUV)
Utilizing a speaker phone is BONNIE MILLER, 50-ish, cheerful and matronly. She is in the midst of preparing Christmas goodies at a large table in a cozy farm kitchen.
Bonnie
Hey, honey. You guys at the cemetery?
Stacy glances over at her daughter, TIFFANY CROMWELL, 16, pouty and pretty, stylish in the latest teen winter attire, staring vacantly out the window at the scenery whizzing by.
STACY
Almost there.
BONNIE
Stop at the florist?
STACY
Yeah, got it.
BONNIE
Good. Want me to make those fancy deviled eggs with the caviar topping you like?
STACY
Wouldn't be Christmas Eve without 'em.
Tiffany curls her lip at that remark. The expression on her face may be blank but she's listening. This kid misses nothing.
BONNIE
What time you want us over there?
STACY
Six would be great. After we visit with Grandpops, gotta drive over to the video store. They're supposed to be holding a DVD of CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT for me. The new restored version.
BONNIE
You and your old Christmas movies.
STACY
Well, it better be in. 'Cause they're not very efficient over there anymore.
BONNIE
Ain't that the truth.
STACY
Then, it's the Bonton to pick out a party dress for Tiffany.
BONNIE
Honestly, you spoil that girl rotten.
Looking over at Tiffany again, Stacy laughs and retorts:
STACY
But she's the only daughter this single working mom's got. And, heck, it's Christmas!
Tiffany rolls her eyes, still watching the scenery whizzing by.
BONNIE
Well, need I remind you that you're just a bookkeeper at a lumber yard and not Paris Hilton?
STACY
(laughs)
Oh, Mom!
EXT. CEMETERY ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS
The SUV sails beneath the cemetery's ornate archway.
EXT. CEMETERY PARKING LOT - MOMENTS LATER
Stacy retrieves a floral reindeer made from twigs and branches from the back of the SUV, slams the door shut and comes around the passenger side of the vehicle to:
A sullen Tiffany, leaning against the closed door to the shotgun seat.
Stacy walks past Tiffany, expecting her daughter to follow. A few feet past the SUV, Stacy realizes Tiffany is not there. So she stops, turns around and asks:
STACY
Coming?
Tiffany shakes her head.
STACY
You're not going to pay your respects to Grandpa Gavin?
Tiffany
If you mean, am I going to talk to someone who's buried six feet under the cold ground, no, I'm not.
Stacy flinches at that caustic remark and warns:
STACY
Tiff.
TIFFANY
Besides, he never liked me -- and I certainly didn't like him.
Stacy stares at her daughter for one long hard moment. Then, responds quietly but very firmly:
STACY
And if you think you're going to ruin my Christmas with that kind of attitude, you're sadly mistaken.
Stacy turns on her heel and continues toward the cemetery.
Tiffany almost cracks a smile now that her mom is gone. Then, her face clouds. She reaches into her coat pocket as:
EXT. CEMETERY - CONTINUOUS
On a winding path, Stacy passes A FEW OTHER PEOPLE paying their respects at various grave sites blanketed with snow.
EXT. CEMETERY ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS
In the vicinity of Stacy's SUV, a troubled Tiffany has dialed a familiar number on her cell and greets that party with:
TIFFANY
Greggy. Can you talk?
EXT. CEMETERY - CONTINUOUS
Stacy has stopped before a stately stone memorial graced with the statue of a tall older man created in the likeness of Gavin Stratton. She places the floral reindeer at the base of the statue, saying:
STACY
Hi, Grandpops. It's me, SweetPea.
FLASHBACK BEGINS
EXT. HIGHWAY - DUSK
It's Christmas Eve, one year earlier. A pickup truck speeds along a snow-covered highway. There is no other traffic.
INT. GAVIN'S PICKUP - CONTINUOUS
At the wheel is GAVIN STRATTON, 70-ish, strong and craggy-faced, winterized in scarf, lumber jacket, cords. He's on his cell:
Gavin
...Yeah, gonna check in with my sidekicks at the tavern, have a beer, then head home You want anything from the store, Pearl? OK. See you soon.
Gavin hangs up and:
EXT. HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS
A deer suddenly darts across the highway, directly in front of Gavin's pickup.
INT. GAVIN'S PICKUP - CONTINUOUS
Gavin turns the wheel to avoid hitting the deer.
EXT. HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS
The pickup skids on an icy patch of road, flies across the highway and careens over an embankment. There is a huge crash O.S.
FLASHBACK ENDS
EXT. CEMETERY - CONTINUOUS
Stacy tidies up the area, brushing snow from the base of the statue, accompanied by a commentary:
STACY
Well, it's December 24th, Grandpoppy. The day of your accident. You held on strong through the night at the hospital and then left us during the wee hours of Christmas morning. A year ago tomorrow. And I gotta tell you, it's just not the same 'round here anymore without you.
NEW ANGLE
As if "SOMEONE" is looking down at Stacy from above, a heavenly aura, golden in hue, encircles the area.
STACY
Though, I have to admit Grandma Pearl is as cantankerous as ever. Mom says I'm the only one...other than you, of course...that can handle her.
EXT. CEMETERY ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS
Tiffany, more vulnerable than we've seen her up 'til now, is in mid-conversation on her cell:
TIFFANY
...So what should I do, Greggy?
INT. GREGORY ANNE'S BEDROOM - timmons' home - CONTINUOUS (INTERCUT WITH CEMETERY ENTRANCE)
"Greggy" is on her cell. She is Tiffany's closest friend, GREGORY ANNE TIMMONS, also 16, equally as pouty as Tiff but not as pretty, lounging on a queen-sized bed in a bedroom decorated girly-girl style.
Gregory anne
Talk to Jake at the party tonight.
Tiffany is apprehensive, admitting:
TIFFANY
I don't know...
GREGORY ANNE
Well, you gotta tell him sometime!
Tiffany remains unconvinced.
Ext. CEMETERY - cONTINUOUS
Stacy is saying a silent prayer, head bent. A gust of wind comes up and a shiver goes down Stacy's back, bringing the prayer to an end. She looks up at the clouds, even more threatening now.
STACY
TV weather guy says it might snow tonight. That's always nice on Christmas Eve, I think.
Stacy steps further back and looks up at:
Tight on the face of Gavin's statue.
Close on Stacy, eyes filling with tears.
STACY
It's your SweetPea signing off.
(laughs softly)
You're the only person in the world I'd let call me "SweetPea." But you promised me that it was your "secret name" for me -- and nobody else would ever know about it. And you kept your word.
Stacy's nose begins to run a bit. She reaches into her pocket for a handkerchief -- and dabs at her nose. Then:
STACY
Love you, Grandpops. Forever. 'Cause I know this is only a temporary separation. You're just in the next room.
Stacy gives a little wave and turns to leave.
EXT. CEMETERY PARKING LOT - cONTINUOUS
Still conversing on her cell, Tiffany turns and sees:
A stone-faced Stacy approaching the SUV.
TIFFANY
(whispers)
Later.
Tiffany concludes the call abruptly, puts the cell away in her coat pocket.
Stacy has reached the door to the driver's side of the SUV, opens it. Mother and daughter neither speak nor look at each other. As she is about to open her door, Tiffany feels a "presence," turns, looks back at the cemetery and sees:
A TALL OLDER MAN standing on the path leading to the cemetery, watching her. He looks like Gavin Stratton, wearing the clothes he wore at the time of his fatal accident.
Tight on Tiffany, astonished.
An automobile races by, obstructing Tiffany's view for a moment. When the car has passed, we see that the old man is gone.
Tiffany opens the passenger door, eager to say something to her mother about what she's just witnessed. Instead, Tiff clams up when she sees:
Stacy, in profile at the wheel, staring straight ahead. Deep in thought. She has seen nothing.
Tiffany reacts, shaking her head slightly. Is she losing it? She decides to keep the sighting to herself, gets in the SUV and:
EXT. VIDEO STORE - EARLY AFTERNOON
The local branch of a major chain, situated on the outskirts of a small city in Northern Michigan. Through the large window, we can see Stacy arguing with an indifferent SALES CLERK at the front counter.
EXT. PARKING LOT - VIDEO STORE - CONTINUOUS
Stacy's SUV is parked in a space just outside the store. Tiffany can be seen waiting in the passenger seat.
INT. STACY'S SUV - CONTINUOUS
Obviously, Tiffany has been shaken by the appearance of the older man who resembled her great grandfather. She's still thinking about it, as she rummages around in the glove compartment of the SUV. There's a Kleenex packet, a Bayer's aspirin bottle, maps, car insurance paperwork -- and some family snapshots. Tiffany grabs these out of the glove compartment and looks through them. She stops at one particular shot:
Insert: A smiling Stacy and Gavin posed together out in the snow just days before his death last winter.
Tight on Tiffany, reacting. That old guy at the cemetery really did look like her great grandfather!
EXT. VIDEO STORE - CONTINUOUS
Stacy exits the store, empty handed, extremely annoyed.
EXT. BONTON - LATER
A high-end one-stop-shop boutique featuring men's and women's designer apparel plus expensive one-of-a-kind gift items is positioned in a key spot on a busy downtown street.
INT. BONTON - CONTINUOUS
The big boutique is tastefully festooned for the season, crowded with last-minute SHOPPERS. After many visits to the changing area, not to mention a battle royal, Stacy and Tiffany have finally agreed upon the perfect "winter formal" for the girl. Now, back in a holiday mood, Stacy is completing the purchase of the dress at the front counter. DEBRA, a sales clerk, early 20s, hands a shopping bag across the counter to Stacy with a warm smile.
STACY
Thank you. Happy holiday!
Debra
Same to you, Ms. Cromwell.
Stacy whirls around to look for:
Tiffany, who is scrutinizing a rack of more sophisticated dresses for young women.
Close on Stacy, scrutinizing her daughter in the same way the girl is checking out those dresses.
Marge (O.S.)
Stacy...
Hearing her name, Stacy
smiles and turns 'round to see:
MARGE WHEELER, 60-ish, tall and glamorous, striking in pink, quite soignee for a fairly small city like this one, exiting an open door to an office marked PRIVATE. She is the owner of the Bonton.
Stacy's smile does a fast fade.
As she approaches Stacy, Marge inquires in a dignified way:
MARGE
Hello. Find everything you needed?
Being Stacy, she is about to carry on enthusiastically about the junior cocktail dress she has just bought for Tiffany but then remembers who she is facing here. She becomes coolly polite and responds in a soft voice:
STACY
Yes...thank you.
MARGE
Oh, good. We aim to please.
Tiffany appears at Stacy's side. The teenager deliberately ignores Marge and says to her mother in a haughty tone:
TIFFANY
C'mon, Mom. Let's go.
There's an awkward moment of silence. Marge can see she's not going to get anything further from Stacy -- and certainly nothing from her daughter. But Marge manages to maintain a pleasant air of civility, as she says:
MARGE
Well...Merry Christmas to you and your family.
STACY
Merry Christmas.
With that, Stacy and Tiffany, matching stoics, turn on their heels and head for the front door.
EXT. STACY'S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING
A gentle snow falls on Stacy's modest ranch house.
INT. DINING ROOM - STACY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Close on a buffet table adorned with holiday decorations and an abundance of food, glorious food. Pulling back to reveal VARIOUS GUESTS, wearing Christmas finery, mingling, talking, sampling treats from the buffet.
EXT. DINING ROOM WINDOW - STACY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
O.S., "someone" looks in the window, observing the activities taking place inside, but it's a non-threatening "presence." That heavenly aura, golden in hue, encircles the area.
INT. DINING ROOM - STACY'S HOUSE - cONTINUOUS
Newly arrived at the festivities are Gregory Anne, unhappy with a conservative party dress, accompanied by her parents, both in their late-30s: LAUREEN, warm and motherly, and SAM, easy-going, helpful, a good daddy. Also in tow are "Greggy's" siblings: the rambunctious seven-year-old twins, AMOS and ETHAN, and a lively two-year-old named DELILAH.
At the head of the table, Stacy and Bonnie, attractively attired, competing in a sense, as both take turns fussing with the arrangement of Christmas serving plates on the buffet. Stacy's dad, NATE MILLER, 50-ish, stout and good-natured, enters from the kitchen, carrying a large platter of sliced turkey.
Nate
Turkey's carved!
Stacy inspects the slices, as Nate plunks the platter down on the table.
STACY
Good job, Dad. Thanks.
BONNIE
It's the only thing I'll trust him with in the kitchen.
NATE
Better check on Grandma Pearl. Looks like she could use a refill on that eggnog.
BONNIE
The unspiked kind.
Grinning, Nate heads toward:
Stacy's grandmother, PEARL STRATTON, 70-ish, crusty and no-nonsense, sitting in a wheelchair, holding court over in a corner. She explains to some guests as well as Laureen, who has escaped from Sam and their kids:
PEARL
My husband didn't have much use for Christmas. "Stuff and nonsense," he called it. So it was up to me to buy all the Christmas gifts for the family.
LAUREEN
Do you still maintain that legendary "Christmas closet" of yours, Pearl?
Nate appears. Without speaking, he takes Pearl's empty eggnog cup from her for a refill and exits to do the job.
PEARL
Certainly. All year long, I'm on the lookout for the best sales. And when I find 'em, those things go right into that closet.
LAUREEN
Gavin wouldn't help with any of it?
PEARL
No, just like a man. Christmas Day at Bonnie and Nate's, you'd always find him in the den playing cards with his cronies. Euchre, that was his favorite.
LAUREEN
The same with my Sam. Only with him, it's gin rummy.
Pearl samples a deviled egg on a serving platter on a nearby side table. She makes a face and then says in a disapproving tone:
PEARL
These need more paprika.
(scans the room)
Where's Bonnie?
At the other end of the dining room, Tiffany, attired in a strapless party dress, is looking at a framed photograph of Gavin among a collection of family photos on the sideboard. Tiffany touches the golden frame, deep in thought.
There is a subliminal shot of the older man who resembled Tiffany's great grandfather standing on the path leading to the cemetery she saw earlier in the day.
Stacy catches sight of Tiffany touching the picture frame and comes up beside her daughter. Tiffany is startled, looks over at her mother. Stacy's gentle look seems to say, "You really do care about Grandpa Gavin, don't you?"
Tiffany hesitates for a moment, again questioning whether to tell her mom about that fleeting glimpse of the man who looked like Grandpa -- but decides against it.
Stacy notes Tiffany's hesitation and asks:
STACY
Tiff? What is it, what's wrong?
Tiffany averts her eyes. She doesn't want to tell Stacy!
Mercifully for Tiffany, just at that very moment, Gregory Anne, appears before them. Without an "Excuse me," she yanks Tiffany away from Stacy, saying:
GREGORY ANNE
Oh, Tiff. You won't believe what happened at the Burger Shack this afternoon!
Gregory Anne whispers something into Tiffany's ear. Tiff's eyes pop in amazement. They share a naughty laugh -- and with that, they're gone.
Stacy watches after them, a rather wistful expression on her face. She is thinking: The early part of her own high-school experience was the happiest time of her life. She doesn't want to let go of those days. She re-lives them through Tiffany. Maybe that's why she spoils her so.
BONNIE (O.S.)
Didn't tell me anything about your visit with Poppy today.
It's Stacy's turn to be startled out of her personal thoughts. Bonnie has joined her at the sideboard.
STACY
Not much to tell. The reindeer looked real pretty, though. Know he would've approved.
BONNIE
'Course. Of all of us, you were his favorite, his sidekick.
Bonnie smiles, but there's an undercurrent to what she's just said that maybe she's not even aware of. Then, Bonnie thinks of something else to ask:
BONNIE
So then you guys stopped in at the Bonton...?
Stacy nods.
BONNIE
And you saw..."her"...?
Meaning Marge Wheeler. Another nod from Stacy. A beat. Mother and daughter share a significant moment of sadness -- and understanding.
Then, Stacy's attention is directed across the buffet table to:
Tiffany whispering further with Gregory Anne. The girls giggle conspiratorially.
Bonnie looks on disapprovingly, remarking to Stacy:
BONNIE
That dress is a bit grown-up for Tiffany, isn't it?
Stacy bristles. Their mother/daughter adversarial routine raises its ugly little head albeit quietly in this holiday setting.
STACY
Well, she is growing up. We can't stop that.
BONNIE
Hmmmm, I suppose. I don't know how those girls stay so slender.
STACY
Tiff's not anorexic, if that's what you're implying. Neither is Gregory Anne, for that matter.
BONNIE
Don't get into a snit. I wasn't implying anything of the sort.
STACY
OK then. Tiff simply had to have that dress for tonight. It's for --
Across the table, a new arrival, JAKE WITHERSPOON, 16, slick and confident, rushes up to Tiffany and greets her with a warm kiss. The dateless Gregory Anne looks on, enviously.
Bonnie turns to Stacy with a questioning look, saying:
BONNIE
I'm not sure if I like that young man or not.
STACY
Jake Witherspoon's a very nice boy.
BONNIE
You trust him alone with Tiffany?
Stacy may not like or trust Jake either, but she's not about to admit that to her mother. Instead, she says:
STACY
Yes, I do. He comes from a very good family.
BONNIE
You mean, they're rich.
Stacy gives Bonnie a "look," adding:
STACY
Mother.
Bonnie shrugs, turning her attention back to the buffet.
BONNIE
Think I'll sample the shrimp.
While an amused Stacy flashes an indulgent smile across the table at:
Tiffany and Jake, as they whisper together:
TIFFANY
Mistletoe?!? That is so totally lame.
Jake
Where is it?
TIFFANY
Out in the hallway.
JAKE
C'mon!
Jake grabs Tiffany's arm and pulls her away, leaving behind the solo Gregory Anne, who looks totally pissed.
Stacy suppresses a laugh.
INT. FRONT HALL - STACY'S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
Below a sprig of mistletoe adorning an overhead light fixture in the front hall, teen hormones rage. Making out, Jake has Tiffany's back pressed against the closed hall closet door. She breaks away from his lip lock just long enough to whisper:
TIFFANY
We gotta talk...
But Jake isn't interested. He has only one thing on his mind, grabbing her close again, as he growls:
JAKE
You talk too much...
Jake's hungry mouth reaches out for Tiffany's pliant lips.
TIFFANY
Jake...no...wait...
But it's too late. Jake is kissing Tiffany wildly again like there's no tomorrow. She quickly succumbs.
Even with their bodies locked in a tight embrace, Jake somehow manages to use one hand to turn the knob of that closet door behind Tiffany. The door opens half-way. It's awkward as hell but with a strength of purpose, Jake backs Tiffany into the walk-in closet. With his foot, he kicks the door shut behind them. The first folks to leave the party tonight may be in for quite a surprise when they open that closet door.
INT. LIVING ROOM - STACY'S HOUSE - lATER
It's the wee hours of Christmas morning. The guests have long gone home, the house is very still. The door to Pearl's quarters off the living room opens -- and Pearl appears in her wheelchair. She wheels across the room to:
A closet door. Pearl opens it. Inside can be seen gaily wrapped Christmas presents stacked high. There's a magical aura to the space, as if it were Santa's workshop.
Close on Pearl, surveying all the gifts. Even as crusty as she is, the woman has a sentimental streak. She does love Christmas.
Pearl reaches for one of the gifts and fusses with the ribbon. Then, she frowns. She has remembered something.
INT. STACY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
In her room, Stacy is sound asleep, when suddenly a loud, desperate voice is heard in the dark:
TIFFANY (O.S.)
Mom!!!
Stacy awakens with a start. She looks around groggily. Then, moonlight from the window reveals to her:
Tiffany, wearing a nightgown, standing in the doorway to the darkened hall, her face contorted in pain, holding her stomach with one hand, gripping the door frame for support with the other.
INT. LIVING ROOM - STACY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Pearl reacts to Tiffany's cry down the hall -- and drops the gift in her hands. She listens intently as:
INT. STACY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Stacy leaps from her bed, crying:
STACY
Tiff! What is it?
INT. STACY'S BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
Stacy has clicked on the light, as the increasingly hysterical Tiffany clutches her stomach and screams out in pain:
TIFFANY
Oh, it hurts so bad!
Stacy now sees Tiffany's blood-smeared nightgown.
Tight on a disbelieving Stacy, as she exclaims:
STACY
Oh my God!!!
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
An ambulance, siren wailing, speeds along the highway.
INT. BONNIE/NATE'S BEDROOM - MILLER HOME - CONTINUOUS
The jangling of the bedside telephone awakens Bonnie from a deep sleep. As she fumbles for the receiver, Nate automatically turns over on his side, removing himself from whatever may be the trouble. Bonnie lifts the receiver and inquires in a groggy voice:
BONNIE
Hello?
(listens)
What?!? Oh no. My God. Yes. We'll be right there.
Bonnie hangs up the receiver, turns to Nate and pokes him in the shoulder.
BONNIE
Nate, wake up!
EXT. MERCY HOSPITAL - LATER
An ultra-modern medical facility on the outskirts of this small city.
INT. CORRIDOR - NEO-NATAL UNIT - CONTINUOUS
Stacy walks along the hall with Bonnie and Nate, still wearing their overcoats. They're in mid-conversation:
BONNIE
...She was pregnant and you didn't tell me?
STACY
I didn't know either.
BONNIE
Can't believe it. Tiffany, a mom.
STACY
You can't believe it. Well, imagine how I felt when I saw that bloody gown --
(looks over at Nate)
Sorry, Dad.
BONNIE
Yeah, you're not gonna faint on us or anything?
NATE
No. Well, not yet anyway.
Up ahead, they see:
DR. BILLINGS, a physician specializing in post-natal problems, 40-ish, direct but with a sympathetic approach to his patients and their families, conferring with A NURSE at the nurses' station.
Stacy, Bonnie and Nate reach the doctor.
STACY
Dr. Billings.
DR. BILLINGS
Mrs. Cromwell.
STACY
These are my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miller.
Dr. Billings nods and shakes hands with Bonnie and Nate.
STACY
How's Tiffany?
DR. BILLINGS
Fine. Considering her condition.
(to Bonnie and Nate)
It was a relatively easy delivery.
BONNIE
She didn't suffer at all?
Dr. Billings shakes his head. Bonnie can't hide her annoyance at that news. There should be a little suffering involved for a spoiled brat like Tiffany.
STACY
And the baby? How is he doing?
DR. BILLINGS
Well, at only six months, there are a number of complications, I'm afraid. Can't breath on his own. Can't swallow. We're getting him fluids via intravenous lines.
BONNIE
So what are his chances?
DR. BILLINGS
If he makes it through the night, we'll consider it a miracle.
STACY
Oh, no.
DR. BILLINGS
With "preemies," it's a 50-50 proposition. A waiting game, sorry to say. But I assure you he's being closely monitored. And I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything new.
Stacy, Bonnie and Nate react. Then:
STACY
When can I see Tiff?
DR. BILLINGS
She's resting. The nurse will let you know when you can go in.
INT. CORRIDOR - NEO-NATAL UNIT - LATER
Through a large hall window, Bonnie and Nate can be seen inside the unit's waiting room.
INT. WAITING ROOM - NEO-NATAL UNIT - CONTINUOUS
For the moment, Bonnie and Nate have the lounge all to themselves. They sit on a sofa, both sipping Starbucks coffee, staring straight ahead. She thinks aloud:
BONNIE
A baby having a baby.
NATE
Tiff's no baby.
Bonnie swivels and looks sharply at Nate. He continues to stare straight ahead. He's right, she isn't. There's nothing more to say. She turns back. A beat. Then:
BONNIE
Do you realize we were in this very same hospital just a year ago today...when Poppy...?
NATE
Uh-huh.
Bonnie tears up a bit. Still staring straight ahead, Nate takes Bonnie's hand in his, clasping it tightly.
INT. TIFFANY'S ROOM - MATERNITY WARD - LATER
An anxious Stacy walks in through the open door to Tiffany's private room, carrying a tote bag, saying:
STACY
Brought you a fresh nightgown and a robe...
Stacy stops dead in her tracks when she sees:
STACY
Gregory Anne.
Tiffany abed, none the worse for wear, hospital-gowned, is caught in one of those conspiratorial giggle/huddles with Gregory Anne, wearing an overcoat. They halt mid-smirk and:
Stacy turns ice-cold and says quietly to Gregory Anne:
STACY
Out.
Gregory Anne looks to Tiffany for confirmation. She nods. In typical teen fashion, Gregory Anne brushes by Stacy without a word and exits.
Stacy reaches the edge of the bed, puts the tote bag on it, asking:
STACY
She knew...
(beat)
Everything?
Tiffany nods, going into her pretend bored mode, looking past Stacy's shoulder at the overhead TV, where an infomercial for beauty products is currently in progress.
Meanwhile, Stacy is processing all of this new information.
STACY
And Jake...? He's the father?
Tiffany gives Stacy a look that says, "Duh!" We'd slap her face, if given the chance. But Stacy continues with the questions:
STACY
How long has that been going on?
Tiffany hates being questioned by her mother, but responds:
TIFFANY
A year, I guess.
Stacy is stunned into silence.
TIFFANY
Oh, don't act so shocked, Mom. I mean, you had me when you were the same age.
STACY
That was different.
TIFFANY
Yeah, right.
STACY
Guess you've got a point there.
More silence. Stacy continues to process. Then:
STACY
So does Jake know about the baby?
Tiffany shakes her head. Then, adds quietly:
TIFFANY
Well...not yet.
Stacy picks up on that immediately.
STACY
Gregory Anne. She's calling him.
EXT. ENTRANCE - MERCY HOSPITAL - MOMENTS LATER
Bundled up, Gregory Anne is talking on her cell:
GREGORY ANNE
...Yeah, Mrs. Cromwell's up there with her right now. Totally pissed. Uh-huh. You might think 'bout getting out of town...
INT. JAKE'S BEDROOM - WITHERSPOON HOME - CONTINUOUS
Jake is on his cell, listening. Standing there in his skivvies. He doesn't look quite as slick as usual. In fact, he looks downright pale.
INT. TIFFANY'S ROOM - MATERNITY WARD - MOMENTS LATER
Stacy is staring hard at Tiffany, who continues to avert her eyes from her mom.
STACY
What are we going to tell your father?
TIFFANY
Dad won't care. He's too busy with his new wife and family.
STACY
He might be interested to know that he's a grandfather.
That thought amuses Stacy because of her ex-husband's ultra-vanity, but she doesn't admit it aloud.
TIFFANY
Doubt it.
STACY
I'll call him.
(beat)
Have they wheeled you over to see the baby yet...?
TIFFANY
No, and I don't want to.
STACY
What...?
TIFFANY
Drop it, Mom.
STACY
No, Tiff. Not this time. You gave birth to that li'l child. Won't you please consider...?
Tiffany also hates when her mother uses the word, "please." To the girl, it's the equivalent of someone begging. And nobody should ever beg for anything. That just sets Tiffany off. Suddenly she turns to Stacy and lashes out:
TIFFANY
I didn't want a baby. This wasn't supposed to happen! I used "protection." But when I took the home pregnancy test and found out that I was going to have a kid, I decided then and there that if it lived, I was never going to look at it.
(beat, quietly)
Nothing has happened since to change my mind about that.
Stacy shakes her head at Tiffany, incredulous at the girl's callous behavior, she can't speak.
Tiffany acts as if she's totally unfazed by Stacy's response. She turns her back on her mom.
Stacy can't see Tiffany swallow hard, her mom's reaction has gotten to her. But Tiff steels herself regarding her decision. She is not going to see that baby!
INT. OBSERVATION WINDOW - ICU - NEO-NATAL UNIT - LATER
A pensive Stacy stares through the glass at:
INT. ICU - NEO-NATAL UNIT - CONTINUOUS
A TINY INFANT is sleeping in a respirator, fed by a number of long tubes. This baby could fit into the palm of a human hand. A card on the outside of the respirator identifies: BABY CROMWELL. A NURSE, monitoring the baby's progress, makes a note to the patient's medical chart.
INT. OBSERVATION WINDOW - ICU - NEO-NATAL UNIT - CONTINUOUS
Close on Stacy, that very strong maternal streak in her is coming to the fore.
INT. ANOTHER CORRIDOR - MERCY HOSPITAL - LATER
Lost in thought, Tiffany, wearing the fresh nightgown and robe her mother had brought to the hospital for her, ambles along a semi-dark corridor toward a picture window at the end of the hall and comes to a stop there.
Tight on Tiffany, thinking. What is going to happen next?
But Tiffany's not alone at the window. She's unaware that "someone" is there with her. That heavenly golden-hued aura envelopes the space.
O.S. the deep gruff voice of A MAN speaks to her:
GAVIN
Merry Christmas, Tiffany.
Tiffany is startled out of her reverie. She turns and sees:
GAVIN STRATTON standing there before her, that golden hue surrounding him. He is wearing the same clothes he wore at the time of his auto accident.
Close on Tiffany, she can't believe her eyes!
Tiffany falls back against the glass of the picture window. It's a miracle she doesn't go crashing through it!
Gavin steps forward to make sure she's all right.
GAVIN
Easy, girl.
TIFFANY
Stay away from me!
Tiffany cringes from Gavin, a mixture of terror and confusion in her eyes. So many things, in fact, are crowding her head at the same exact moment. With all that has happened in the last few hours, has she finally lost it and gone completely 'round the bend?
GAVIN
Didn't mean to scare you. Sorry. But I need to talk to you...
Now, Tiffany looks at her deceased great grandfather like he's the crazy one. Talk? About what?!?
GAVIN
Is that all right? I'll talk. And you'll listen.
Tiffany just stares at Gavin, dumb-founded. He searches her face, questioningly, repeating:
GAVIN
Is that OK...?
Tiffany takes a big breath -- and finally whispers:
TIFFANY
Yeah.
Gavin nods a "Good"
at Stacy, then, launches into:
GAVIN
Well, first of all, I'm glad there's finally a baby boy in this world of women of ours. What a crazy family! But why did the kid have to show up after I croaked? That's my only beef.
Tiffany manages a weak nod of sympathy at that.
GAVIN
You're probably wondering why I'm still around...after the accident and all...
Another weak nod from Tiffany.
GAVIN
Yeah, well, so was I. But it turns out I got some unfinished business to take care of here first...
TIFFANY
I don't get it...
The old Gavin begins to assert himself again. The cranky, impatient grandfather that Tiffany's mom, Stacy, knew and loved. He explains testily:
GAVIN
Well, it's stuff and nonsense. Woman's stuff, really. And, frankly, it pisses me off that I gotta deal with it before I can get outa here...and go up...there...
For added emphasis, Gavin indicates the ceiling above.
With some difficulty, Tiffany attempts to track what her great grandfather is trying to tell her:
TIFFANY
What..."woman's stuff?"
GAVIN
In due time, girl, all will be revealed. But I just gotta know now whether you're on my side or not. That you'll be there for me. When the time comes...
TIFFANY
Yeah, sure, I guess.
(beat)
But how do I know I haven't just totally flipped out? I mean, I am so beat. I just gave birth to a baby a couple of hours ago. Maybe I'm really sleeping -- and this is just some dumb bad dream I'm having.
GAVIN
Oh no, this is for real!
TIFFANY
(rationalizing things for herself)
Well, I did see you at the cemetery yesterday morning.
(thinking further)
But why did you pick me to talk to and not my mom? You loved her. You didn't even like me!
GAVIN
Well, you got me on that one. But they don't make it easy for you up there. Everything's gotta be "a challenge."
Tiffany is calming down, she is kind of getting into this now. She's even a bit amused when she admits:
TIFFANY
Uh-huh. That'd be me.
Gavin nods.
TIFFANY
So what is it? How do I help you?
GAVIN
No, not now.
TIFFANY
Why not?
GAVIN
'Cause the time's not right yet. But you gotta promise me one thing, Tiff.
TIFFANY
And what's that...?
GAVIN
You won't tell another living soul that you and me have talked.
Tiffany looks her great grandfather squarely in the eye for a long moment -- and then finally says:
TIFFANY
Grandpa, there's no way I'd tell anybody about this. 'Cause nobody would believe me if I did!
GAVIN
Good. Then, we have a deal.
(beat)
Heard you inherited my pickup after the crash, that it was refurbished. Hope you're taking good care of it!
That said, the golden-hued aura -- and Gavin -- are gone.
Tiffany gives the area a quick scan, not quite sure now that she hasn't totally flipped out!
INT. TIFFANY'S ROOM - MATERNITY WARD - MOMENTS LATER
Still thinking about her encounter with Gavin, Tiffany enters her room from the hall. At the same time, AN OLDER NURSE appears through the open door to the bathroom.
Older nurse
Oh, there you are, young lady! We've been looking all over for you.
TIFFANY
Just went for a walk down the hall. When can I get out of here?
OLDER NURSE
Probably later this afternoon. But you need to rest first. The doctor ordered a sedative for you.
Tiffany grimaces.
The older nurse helps Tiffany off with her robe, pulls back the covers and gets her patient back into bed.
As she hands a pill and a glass of water to Tiffany, the older nurse says:
OLDER NURSE
Sweet dreams.
TIFFANY
(under her breath)
That's what you think.
Tiffany dutifully downs the pill with water and:
INT. WAITING ROOM - NEO-NATAL UNIT - LATER
We catch Dr. Billings in mid-conversation with Stacy, Bonnie and Nate. He tries to appear casual in his update to the family, but beneath the surface, he is tired after a long night -- and tense about the baby's chances too.
DR. BILLINGS
...I'm afraid the prognosis for the baby is not looking good. If he survives, he will probably be a "special care" baby. He'll more than likely be blind. He may also suffer from M/S. Hell, there's a whole shopping list of possible problems.
STACY
Oh!
Stacy shares a concerned look with Bonnie and Nate, both stressed by the bad news.
DR. BILLINGS
Because of the baby's critical condition, we'll keep him here in our Neo-Natal Unit. Proud to say we have the best facility of this type in our state. He'll remain under constant monitoring. The next four hours should tell us more...
Stacy nods. Bonnie and Nate come in close for a group hug with her.
DR. BILLINGS
Tiffany is finally sleeping. I suggest that you folks go home and get a little shut-eye yourselves. There's really nothing more you can do here now. We'll let you know if there's any change. Immediately.
EXT. PARKING LOT - MERCY HOSPITAL - DAWN
It's still snowing lightly. Stacy stands beside her SUV with Bonnie and Nate.
STACY
So you've kept Grandma Pearl up to date on everything...?
NATE
Yep. Back and forth on our cells.
BONNIE
She's been on the horn all morning, calling our nearest and dearest with the news.
Stacy nods. Bonnie puts her arm around her daughter's shoulder, saying:
BONNIE
Sure you don't want your dad to drive you home? We can leave your car here and pick it up later.
STACY
No, I'll be OK, thanks. You guys have much farther to go. Get home, get some rest. We'll talk later. See what happens about Tiff and the baby...and Christmas.
Bonnie and Nate both nod, as Stacy gets into her SUV.
Stacy drives off, gives a little wave to Bonnie and Nate. They return the wave -- and then trade worried looks with each other.
As they head for their own car, Nate says quietly:
NaTE
Looks like Christmas may be on hold again for another year.
Bonnie nods sadly.
EXT. HIGHWAY - EARLY MORNING
Stacy's SUV proceeds cautiously along the snow-covered road. No other vehicles in sight.
INT. STACY'S SUV - CONTINUOUS
Tight on Stacy at the wheel, so much on her mind. Tiffany. Her duplicity. The new baby. His chances for survival.
EXT. FORK IN THE ROAD - CONTINUOUS
The SUV comes to a divide in the road and goes automatically to the left. Suddenly the vehicle stops short and:
INT. STACY'S SUV - CONTINUOUS
Close on Stacy, realizing there's something she must do. In an impulsive gesture, she turns the wheel and:
EXT. HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS
The SUV backs up safely and swerves to the right. Then:
EXT. DRIVEWAY - WITHERSPOON HOME - LATER
Stacy's SUV pulls up into a wide circular driveway in front of an upscale home. Stacy gets out. She notes several vehicles parked outside. Including Jake's pickup truck.
EXT. FRONT DOOR - WITHERSPOON HOME - MOMENTS LATER
The front door flies open. There stands FLORA WITHERSPOON, 50-ish, high-born and high-strung, still attired in a stylish dressing robe. A perpetually stricken look on her face. She is even more stricken (if possible!) to see:
Stacy standing in the doorway. Amazingly calm under the circumstances, very much in control.
STACY
Hello, Flora.
Flora needs a moment to compose herself. The person she was most dreading seeing this Christmas morning is now standing before her. Finally, she manages:
Flora
Stacy.
For Flora, there's another awkward silence as the two women stare at each other. Then, Stacy takes further control:
STACY
May I come in, please? I'm sure Gregory Anne Timmons has been in touch with Jake. Obviously, we need to talk...
INT. LIVING ROOM - WITHERSPOON HOME - LATER
The living room is aglitter with high-priced Christmas decorations. Stacy and Flora sit on a luxurious sofa facing a roaring fire in the hearth. Stacy remains very much in command. Polite. Focused. Determined. She is finishing up the latest report re the baby:
STACY
...So we're awaiting further word from the doctor.
INT. DOOR - JAKE'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
The door at the top of the stairs opens a crack. Jake is listening to the two women talking below:
INT. LIVING ROOM - WITHERSPOON HOME - CONTINUOUS
In their earlier conversation this morning, Flora hasn't denied that Jake is the father of Tiffany's child. But she now suggests:
FLORA
Such a sickly child...from what you've just described. Maybe it's God's way, if he doesn't make it.
That is not what Stacy wanted to hear. She looks past Flora to the curved staircase in the B.G.
STACY
May I speak to Jake, please?
FLORA
Oh, but he's not here...
STACY
That's his pickup parked outside.
FLORA
Yes, it is. But he and his father aren't here...
STACY
No?
FLORA
No. They left in George's car early this morning. Gone up to the lake cabin. Hunting. Well, it's that time of year...
Stacy nods.
FLORA
And you know how men are about their hunting...
STACY
On Christmas Day?
Stacy thinks it over for a moment. Then, stands up abruptly. To go. Flora is flustered. But she regains her composure. Gets to her feet too.
STACY
I can see there won't be any support...of any kind...coming from this house. Isn't that right, Flora?
Flora hesitates. She is startled by the bluntness -- and the truth -- of Stacy's words. Stacy doesn't wait for a reply, saying with quiet sarcasm:
STACY
Have a nice Christmas.
Stacy moves around the still-astonished Flora, looks up the staircase to that first door and calls out:
STACY
Goodbye, Jake.
INT. DOOR - JAKE'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
The door closes quietly shut.
INT. TIFFANY'S ROOM - MATERNITY WARD - MORNING
The drapes are tightly drawn to block out the bright sun of a clear and crisp Christmas morning. Panning to:
Tiffany lies in bed. She is staring up at the ceiling. The sedative has worn off. She is thinking to herself:
TIFFANY (V.O.)
So was it all a bad dream, Grandpa? Or did we really talk to each other early this morning?
Subliminal shots of Tiffany and Gavin conversing at the picture window in the hall.
TIFFANY (V.O.)
If it was real, I think I was a little too quick in agreeing to help you. I mean, if I'm such a selfish person, like you always said I was, shouldn't I have asked you, "What's in it for me?"
That thought brings a mischievous smile to Tiffany's face. She rises her head from the pillow, looks around the room and inquires aloud:
TIFFANY
So when are you gonna show up again, huh, Grandpa? Need another "visit" from you 'bout now. Y'know, to really shake things up a little bit more 'round here.
Tiffany waits expectantly. But nothing happens. No magical manifestation from her great grandfather. Suddenly she has to laugh out loud. He really must have been a figment of her imagination. It's all so lame!
INT. LIVING ROOM - STACY'S HOUSE - LATE MORNING
Tight on Pearl, a determined look on her face.
PEARL
Christmas is Christmas. Traditions. It's this family's most important holiday. So in spite of our present crisis, there will be the annual Christmas Day party at the Miller house this afternoon.
Pulling back to reveal: Pearl, in her wheelchair, parked in front of the open door to her Christmas closet. Stacy, Bonnie and Nate, wearing fresh clothes, are there too. They are all very weary but smile gamely in unison at this announcement from the family's matriarch.
STACY
Grandma Pearl has spoken!
BONNIE
Amen.
NATE
So let's head 'em up and move 'em out!
Nate disappears into the closet, ready to load up with gifts. Bonnie is right behind him, giving orders per usual:
BONNIE
Nate, get the big packages first. Always good to put 'em to rest at the bottom of the wagon.
NATE
I know the drill, Bonnie!
STACY
I'll help too.
But before joining the moving-the-gifts procession, Stacy turns to Pearl, flashes a small smile and pats her grandmother's shoulder. All the while Pearl has been deep in thought. At Stacy's touch, she comes out of her reverie and mutters:
PEARL
Y'know, it was the weirdest thing...
STACY
What was, Grandma...?
Stacy gets out of Bonnie and Nate's way as they exit the closet loaded down with gifts and head for the back door in the kitchen.
INT. CHRISTMAS CLOSET - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Stacy enters the closet and begins looking for the largest gifts to pick up. Pearl wheels herself to the open door and explains:
PEARL
It was real early this morning. Just before Tiffany's big dramatic "moment." I couldn't sleep. So came out here to the Christmas closet. To check on things. Wanted to make sure that everything was in ready. When this little voice...sorta at the back of my head...reminded me of something quite odd that happened last year...
STACY
And what was that?
PEARL
It had to do with Gavin...
STACY
What do you mean...?
Anything to do with her grandfather gets Stacy's immediate attention. She stops her search for the last of the larger gifts and turns to listen intently, as Pearl continues:
PEARL
Earlier that year...during the summer, it was...Gavin had actually shown interest in buying some Christmas gifts of his own for folks. Y'know, way in advance of the holidays. Just like I always do. He teased me about starting his own "Christmas closet." Imagine that!
Stacy is carefully taking in every word of Pearl's recollection. All she can offer in return is a very quiet:
STACY
Yeah...imagine...
PEARL
Don't know what ever possessed him. I asked him why after all these years he'd want to do something like that now. Y'know, all of a sudden, so out of the blue. But he wouldn't tell me. He just laughed. You know the way he did. Could drive a person crazy!
Stacy moves closer to Pearl seated in the doorway, asking quietly:
STACY
So did he...? Buy some Christmas gifts, I mean.
PEARL
Don't know for sure. Never told me. But it's funny. I just have a gut feeling that he did...
Stacy nods, thinking carefully. Then:
STACY
Well, where would they be...?
Pearl shrugs, adding:
PEARL
Haven't the faintest idea.
Tight on Stacy, her curiosity piqued by this revelation from Pearl.
EXT. MILLER HOME - EARLY AFTERNOON
A nice-looking tract house in a middle-income community.
INT. KITCHEN - MILLER HOME - CONTINUOUS
Stacy and Bonnie are adding carrot sticks, broccoli florets and crackers/chips to a fancy glass dip tray. The women are in mid-conversation:
BONNIE
...Didn't get a chance to ask you earlier, honey. Get any sleep?
STACY
No. Couldn't. You?
Bonnie shakes her head.
STACY
Shower felt good, though.
BONNIE
Yeah, know what you mean.
(something crosses her mind)
So...Flora Witherspoon told you that George and Jake were up at the lake?
STACY
Yeah. Bet George had already left for the cabin when Gregory Anne called over there with the "news." And to avoid any kind of immediate confrontation, it was decided that Jake was "with" his father.
BONNIE
Clever, those rich folk.
The swinging door swings open. Nate enters.
NATE
The natives are restless. They're starving!
As she gestures to the dip tray, Bonnie says:
BONNIE
Here, Nate, take this in...
Nate picks up the dip tray, as Stacy hands him another glass tray featuring pigs in a blanket and mustard sauce:
STACY
And this one too, Dad...
As he balances one tray in each hand, Nate quips:
NATE
Oughta keep 'em occupied...for at least a couple of minutes.
Nate is gone, back through the swinging door.
Over at the kitchen sink, Bonnie washes her hands. She has been thinking:
BONNIE
Mention of the lake made me think of Poppy. How much he loved that ol' place of ours up there too. Getting away by himself...
Of course, Stacy has been thinking about that as well.
STACY
Yeah, I remember...
INT. LIVING ROOM - MILLER HOME - LATER
The celebration of Christmas is in full swing in the living room. CHILDREN, of all ages, are opening gifts on the floor in front of a big Christmas tree. From her wheelchair, Pearl is supervising which gifts can be opened now and which ones must be saved for later, etc.
WOMEN, dressed in holiday attire, gossip around the buffet table in the dining-room area.
Through the open den door, MEN can be seen seated around a table, playing Euchre in the great tradition of Grandpops.
Over by the plasma TV with a football game in progress, Stacy consults with a nephew, PETE, about 12, who is in charge of making sure that the crowd will be entertained with a steady stream of movies once the game is over.
STACY
Where are the holiday movies, Pete?
Pointing to a nearby bin loaded with DVDs, Pete says:
Pete
There.
Stacy checks through the DVDs, reciting titles aloud:
STACY
THE CHRISTMAS STORY. THE BISHOP'S WIFE. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. All my favorites...
Pete picks up one of the DVDs and reads the title:
PETE
HOLIDAY AFFAIR. Who's Robert Mitchum? And...Janet Leigh? [pronounces "Leigh" as "Lay"]
STACY
Oh, that one makes me cry every year.
Pete reads further and rolls his eyes, grumbling:
PETE
It's in black-and-white.
Blissfully unaware of Pete's disapproval, Stacy beams, adding with glee:
STACY
Yeah, and it hasn't even been colorized.
Satisfied that the holiday-movie situation is now under control, Stacy hurries away from the area. A disgusted Pete drops that particular DVD back into the bin with a resounding thud. You get the distinct impression that none of Stacy's ancient black-and-white holiday movies are going to be shown during the Millers' annual Christmas party!
INT. HALL - MILLER HOME - LATER
Stacy and Bonnie stand in the entry way, talking. In the B.G., Nate is retrieving overcoats from the hall closet.
STACY
...What exactly did the nurse say?
BONNIE
Not much, really. Just that Dr. Billings wants to talk to us.
Stacy nods, an anxious look on her face.
NATE
Bonnie...
Nate helps Bonnie on with her coat.
BONNIE
Meantime, Mom will be holding down the fort for us here.
NATE
Pumpkin...
Nate now gives an assist to Stacy with her coat.
Bonnie turns to Nate, as he puts on his own overcoat, inquiring as the mistress of the manor:
BONNIE
Wagon's loaded?
NATE
Yep.
BONNIE
You didn't forget the folding card table?
NATE
Got it.
BONNIE
The cooler's filled with soda pop?
NATE
Check. Got the sliced turkey. The pasta salad. Bread, sourdough and rye. Mayo. Mustard. Pickles. More deviled eggs. The red-and-green Jello mold. Paper plates, napkins. Plastic utensils. Even got a paper tablecloth decorated with Christmas wreaths on it. So we are all set to go, my dear Mrs. Santa Claus.
Bonnie looks dubious, muttering:
BONNIE
I don't know. Are you sure...?
NATE
Positive!
Bonnie hesitates a bit longer, thinking, she is certain they have forgotten something! An impatient Stacy gives her mother a slight nudge toward the front door.
STACY
C'mon, Mom.
NATE
Yeah. Santa's sleigh is ready to roll!
INT. WAITING ROOM - NEO-NATAL UNIT - LATER
Wearing a Santa Claus cap, Nate is serving turkey slices and the rest of the goodies on the card table decorated with the holiday paper tablecloth to a line of silent and weary VISITORS, family members and friends who are there awaiting word about babies of their own in jeopardy in the Neo-Natal Unit. This is the Miller family's Christmas gift to them.
Bonnie surveys the table -- and spies something amiss. Aha! She points an accusing finger at her husband, saying:
BONNIE
I knew it. Nate, you forgot the olives, green and black!
Nate shrugs the accusation off with a sheepish grin -- and places a turkey slice on the paper plate of the next person in line.
STACY (O.S.)
Mom!
Bonnie turns and sees:
A worried Stacy standing in the doorway.
STACY
Dr. Billings wants to see us down at Tiffany's room.
INT. TIFFANY'S ROOM - MATERNITY WARD - MOMENTS LATER
Tiffany, still in her nightgown, sits on the edge of the bed, brushing her hair with a fancy brush from home. Dr. Billings has not arrived yet.
As they come through the open door from the hall, Stacy asks Bonnie:
STACY
Did you know that during Grandpop's last summer with us, he sort of joked 'bout starting a "Christmas closet" like Grandma Pearl's?
Tiffany stops her brushing when she hears "Grandpops" and "Christmas closet" mentioned and listens intently.
Unaware of Tiff's interest, Stacy and Bonnie continue their conversation at the end of the bed.
BONNIE
Uh-uh. That's news to me. Who told you that?
STACY
Grandma Pearl. This morning at my place.
(beat)
When you closed their house after he died, did you find anything like that? I mean, a separate Christmas closet for Grandpoppy.
BONNIE
No, hon. Believe me, if I had, you would've heard about it at the time.
Stacy nods. She knew that would be the answer, but had to ask.
Tiffany chews on what has just been said too.
As he comes in from the hall, Dr. Billings says:
DR. BILLINGS
Hello, folks...
At the sight of the doctor, Tiffany gets up from the bed, goes into the bathroom and closes the door quietly behind her. Dr. Billings notes the girl's retreat but continues on without her, addressing Stacy and Bonnie, who are mortified by Tiff's action:
DR. BILLINGS
OK, here's the way it is. Tests confirm that the baby is blind.
STACY
Oh.
DR. BILLINGS
But modern medicine is amazing, Mrs. Cromwell. We may be able to give the baby sight later on when he's older.
BONNIE
Anything else, doctor?
DR. BILLINGS
Well, his vital signs are still very weak. That's not good.
STACY
And what about Tiffany?
As he eyes the closed bathroom door, Dr. Billings notes:
DR. BILLINGS
That girl's stamina is incredible. She's ready for release.
INT. TIFFANY'S ROOM - MATERNITY WARD - LATER
Tiffany is dressed, ready to go home. She is on the hospital phone, listening, waiting impatiently.
TIFFANY
He's not picking up!
Furious, Tiffany slams down the receiver.
Stacy comes in from the bathroom, having retrieved Tiffany's toiletry kit.
STACY
I don't think you'll be hearing from Jake Witherspoon anywhere in the near future.
Those words sting Tiffany. She shoots daggers in her mother's direction. Doesn't want to hear that!
Stacy comes face to face with her daughter, asking quietly:
STACY
Please take a look at your baby before we leave the hospital today, won't you?
There's that word "please" again. They have been through this a number of times already. Tiffany is not interested. She shakes her head.
STACY
So what are you gonna do about your son?
TIFFANY
Nothing.
STACY
Nothing?!?
TIFFANY
No. I told you already. I don't want anything to do with that kid. Give the thing up for adoption, if you want to. Whatever. Because I do not care!
Tight on Stacy, the apparent heartlessness of her own daughter stuns her again.
That look on her mother's face totally pisses off Tiffany. She can't stand it and has to turn away.
Stacy stares at her daughter's back for a long moment. Then, still in "good mother" mode, she announces:
STACY
Granddad Nate will drive you home. Unless you want to stop at their place for some Christmas eats. All your presents are under the tree over there...
Tiffany shakes her head. Then, adds:
TIFFANY
Already called Gregory Anne. She and her mom are gonna pick me up.
Stacy emits a tiny sigh. Doesn't know what to do next. Realizes she's still holding Tiff's toiletry kit. Sees Tiff's large leather handbag, wide open, lying on the bed. Goes to the bag, ready to put the toiletry kit in there when she sees something inside the purse.
Tight on Stacy, startled.
Stacy slowly lifts out a birth-control pill dispenser with a shaky hand. Then, in a pointed voice, asks:
STACY
Tiff. What's this?
Tiffany turns around with a "What is it now?" expression on her face. She sees what her mother is holding. Rolling her eyes, she snaps:
TIFFANY
Mom. You know what that is.
STACY
I mean, what is it doing in your purse?
TIFFANY
Those are my li'l buddies. Never leave home without 'em.
Close on Stacy, it takes a moment for that information to sink in. Then, in a quiet fury:
STACY
Tiffany. Do you mean to say that you've been taking birth-control pills throughout your pregnancy?
Tiffany gives an indifferent shrug, adding:
TIFFANY
Yeah. So what...?
STACY
Were you trying to induce a miscarriage?
It's Tiff's turn to be shocked, confused. All she can manage is:
TIFFANY
No. Huh?!? I didn't know...
Suddenly Stacy blasts the air with:
STACY
No, dear God. Please tell me that my own daughter couldn't be that idiotic!
(to Tiffany)
Do you realize what you may have done to your own child by taking those pills?
Clutching that birth-control pill dispenser, Stacy realizes what she has to do -- and right away.
Still in a state of shock, Tiffany watches as Stacy rushes from the room.
INT. DR. BILLINGS' OFFICE - MERCY HOSPITAL - LATER
A concerned Stacy sits across from Dr. Billings in his office. Tiffany's birth-control pill dispenser is on the desk before him. Doctor and patient's mother are in mid-conversation:
DR. BILLINGS
...Your suspicions were absolutely on target, Mrs. Cromwell. Those birth-control pills could well have chemically induced defects in the baby.
STACY
Oh, no! I was praying against hope that I was wrong. But how could Tiff have been so stupid to...?
DR. BILLINGS
These kids just don't know any better.
STACY
Even with sex education in schools today?
DR. BILLINGS
Yes, as sophisticated as our young people are about sexual practices, they really still are...children.
Stacy thinks about that for a moment, nods in agreement.
As he rises from his desk with the birth-control pill dispenser, Dr. Billings says:
DR. BILLINGS
I'll get these tested at once.
INT. ANOTHER CORRIDOR - MERCY HOSPITAL - DUSK
The hallway is deserted. A sadder but wiser Tiffany ambles along the same corridor she trod during the wee hours of this morning. She comes to:
The picture window. Tiffany stares out at the city at twilight, holiday lights on display everywhere. Though, to Tiffany, at this exact moment, it's a bleak scene.
Close on Tiffany, feeling a great deal of guilt about her part in creating the birth defects in her baby.
TIFFANY
Grandpa...? Can you hear me...? What have I done?
Tiffany waits expectantly for a sign from her great grandfather. A beat. But she is greeted only with silence. A sense of incredible disappointment overwhelms her.
INT. ANOTHER CORRIDOR - MERCY HOSPITAL - LATER
It's evening now. Exhausted emotionally, Tiffany is slumped on a bench in that empty hallway. The bell tone of her cell goes off. She clicks on.
TIFFANY
Hello?
INT. TIMMONS' STATION WAGON - CONTINUOUS
On her cell is Gregory Anne. She looks over at her "chauffeur," Laureen, grim-faced at the wheel, frustrated by a highway tie-up. Honking horns can be heard in the B.G.
GREGORY ANNE
We're stuck in traffic. Some kind of big accident on Route 5. No telling how long it'll take us to get over there...
INT. ANOTHER CORRIDOR - MERCY HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS
Tiffany rises from the bench, saying:
TIFFANY
OK. Give me a call when you're approaching the parking lot. I'll come down to the main entrance and meet you guys there. Thanks.
Tiffany clicks off.
INT. LADIES' ROOM - MERCY HOSPITAL - LATER
The closed door of a stall in a deserted ladies' room. The toilet flushes. The door opens. Tiffany steps out.
At the bathroom sink, Tiffany washes her hands. She looks at her reflection in the mirror. That cruel overhead lighting makes the girl look extra tired. She splashes some cold water on her face.
Suddenly that heavenly golden aura appears behind Tiffany. Gavin stands there.
Tiffany almost has a heart attack! She wheels around to face Gavin with an accusatory:
TIFFANY
Grandpa!
GAVIN
Hi, Tiff.
Download this book for your ebook reader.
(Pages 1-66 show above.)