Out of Africa (Read 1,942 times)

[Kpatch]

Chapter 1

Readers, please click the link to listen to the theme music while reading the first chapter.



SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL BOARD MEETING

Lexie: I have a request here from Dr. Johnson saying they are running very low on supplies in Eritrea. She’s asking for donations. She enclosed a list of the things they need most.
Lexie passes the list around.
Julie: Motion to approve.
Maggie: Seconded.
Lexie: She also says they are experiencing an outbreak of Hepatitis E and is requesting medical personnel. Philip, do you think the Titan Foundation could fund a mission over there?
Philip: How much money are we talking about?
Julie: The last mission we sent cost three quarters of a million dollars.
Philip: I’ll underwrite a grant for a million. And they can use one of Titan’s jets to carry the supplies and the medical personnel.
Lexie: Thank you. That would be wonderful.
Daniel: Now we need to figure out who to send.
Lexie: I would go, but I don’t want to leave Theo for that long.
Daniel: I’d go, but Chloe’s due to deliver within the month.
Lexie: The only staff we could possibly spare are the juniors.
Daniel: I think this could be a great learning opportunity for both Melanie and Nathan.


THIRD FLOOR NURSE’S STATION, AFTER THE MEETING

Stephanie: Hi Philip. Why the long face?
Philip: I just sealed my own fate.
Stephanie: What are you talking about?
Philip: If I ever had hope that my soon-to-be ex-wife would take me back, it’s about to disappear, thanks to a big fat million dollar check I’m writing.
Stephanie: Maybe it’s my hormones, but I still don’t understand.
Philip: I agreed to underwrite a mission to Eritrea ...
Stephanie: For my mother’s clinic?
Philip: That’s right. Your mom requested volunteers and they’re sending Melanie and Nathan.
Stephanie: No! They can’t go!
Philip: Working under those conditions, they’re bound to get closer than ever. As if they’re not already close enough.
Stephanie: We can’t let that happen.
Philip: How are we going to stop it?
Stephanie: Well you’re right, we probably can’t stop it. But I’m going to go along to Africa.
Philip: In your condition?
Stephanie: Women have babies every day.
Philip: Steph, you’re what? Eight months pregnant? Eritrea is no picnic. There’s death and disease and civil unrest there.
Stephanie: I don’t care. I’m not going to hand the father of my baby to Melanie on a silver platter. Plus, I could really use my mom right now.
Philip: Do your parents even know you’re pregnant?
Stephanie: They’ll know soon. Hey, you should come along too.


To be continued weekdays...

______________________________________
Copyright © 2010 kpatch. All rights reserved.

[Kpatch]

TITAN JET

Nathan: This is really cool. I’ve never been on a private jet before. Have you?
Melanie: Um.
Nathan: Sorry, stupid question. You probably were on this jet when you went on your honeymoon.
Melanie: We never actually went on a honeymoon.
Nathan: Sorry again. Boy, I keep putting my foot in my mouth, don’t I?
Melanie: Well you do seem a little nervous.
Nathan: I guess I am. I’ve never treated any patients outside a hospital setting. It’s going to be very different. I just hope I don’t make any mistakes.
Melanie: Why, Dr. Horton, you’re not admitting to being less than perfect, are you?
Nathan: Me? Of course not. Let’s talk about something else. Hey, I know, let’s talk about our honeymoon.
Melanie: Nathan, I’m not even divorced yet.
Nathan: I know. You said we can’t move forward in our relationship until your divorce is final. But that’s just a technicality as far as I’m concerned. So, where do you want to go on our honeymoon? I’ll take you anywhere in the world you want to go.
Melanie: I’ll have to think about it.
Nathan: Let’s see if I can tune in some music to set the mood.
He starts fiddling with the radio overhead. Philip and Stephanie are sitting a few rows back and Philip is seething with jealousy.

Philip: Hey Horton, cut that out. It’s against federal law to tamper with the sound system.
Stephanie: Geez Philip, you’re the worst travel companion in the world.
Philip: Thanks a lot.
Stephanie: You’ve been doing nothing but craning your neck trying to see what Nathan and Melanie are up to.
Philip: Well aren’t you curious about what they’re discussing?
Stephanie: Of course. But it’s a long flight and I’m not supposed to get excited, so I’m working on my relaxation techniques from my pregnancy book. Check this out. She shows him a page in the book. You should try some of these.
Philip: I was born uptight. I can’t relax.
Stephanie: You can say that again.

Nathan has left his seat to use the restroom and Philip takes the opportunity to go sit next to Melanie.
Melanie: So have you and Stephanie picked out a name for your baby?

To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

TITAN JET

Nathan has left his seat to use the restroom and Philip takes the opportunity to go sit next to Melanie.
Melanie: So have you and Stephanie picked out a name for your baby?
Philip: Don’t start that again, Mel.
Melanie: I’m sure it will be a beautiful baby, with her for a mother and you for a father. Of course it will also be the devil incarnate.
Philip: How many times do I have to tell you? I’m not her baby’s father. Nathan is.
Melanie: That’s funny. I mean, okay, why would I believe you over Nathan? Nathan and I are honest and open with each other. He would have told me if he was the father. Besides, I know what I heard.
Philip: Well, you heard wrong.
Philip flashes back to the conversation that Melanie thinks she overheard.

***FLASHBACK to 7 MONTHS EARLIER***
3rd FLOOR NURSE’S STATION

Philip: Things are great. Why wouldn’t would they be?
Stephanie: Things had better be great between you and Melanie because if they’re not ...
Philip: Give it a rest, Stephanie.
Stephanie: ... Melanie’s going to go running straight to Nathan and I don’t need that. Things are perfect between me and Nathan right now.
Philip: Glad to hear it.
Stephanie: What I can’t figure out is why you’ve been acting so jumpy lately. And why did you call yourself a basstard and say you were the guilty party that day I found you drinking a bottle of wine at the Pub?
Philip: I told you to drop it, Steph.
Stephanie: Oh my god. I just figured it out. You cheated on Melanie, didn’t you?
Philip: What? I did not.
Stephanie: I know you, Philip. I’m right. You had an affair.
Philip: Shhhh!
Stephanie: Who with? Who did you have an affair with?
Philip: You’re just unbelievable. Listen, I need you to promise me that you will never tell Melanie. She can’t find out about it or it will be very bad for both of us.
Stephanie: You don’t have to tell me twice, Philip. I have just as much to lose as you.

***BACK TO PRESENT***

Philip: Well, you heard wrong.
Melanie: I don’t think so.
Melanie flashes back to the conversation that she overheard between Philip and Stephanie.

***FLASHBACK to 7 MONTHS EARLIER***
3rd FLOOR NURSE’S STATION

Melanie is coming out of a patient’s room and sees Philip and Stephanie having a heated discussion.
Philip: Shhhh!
Stephanie whispers something to Philip that Melanie can’t hear.
Philip: You were unbelievable, baby. I need you. Promise me that you will never tell Melanie. She can’t find out about us.
Stephanie: You don’t know what it’s like, Philip. I just don’t want to lose you.

***BACK TO PRESENT***

Philip: Well, you’re wrong.
Melanie: Yet you admitted you had an affair.
Philip: No, it wasn’t an affair. It was a one-time mistake. Like I told you, it happened after I saw you and Nathan kissing and I went out and got drunk.
Melanie: Then if it wasn’t with Stephanie, who was it?
Philip: I already told you that it’s not important.
Melanie: You know the truth always comes out, Philip. You may as well admit you and Stephanie slept together.
Philip: We just can’t have a pleasant conversation anymore, can we?


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

TITAN JET

Melanie: You know the truth always comes out, Philip. You may as well admit you and Stephanie slept together.
Philip: We just can’t have a pleasant conversation anymore, can we?

Meanwhile, Nathan is making his way from the restroom back to his seat when Stephanie stops him.
Stephanie: Nathan, wait. Can we talk for a second?
Nathan pretends he didn’t hear her and keeps walking.
Stephanie: I will not be ignored!
Nathan: We have nothing to say to each other, Stephanie.
Stephanie: Nothing to say??? We’re having a baby!
Nathan: According to you, a pathological liar.
Stephanie: Look, you wanted proof, and I got you proof. The chorionic test proved the baby is yours.
Nathan: That’s just biology.
Stephanie: That’s cold, Nathan. Why don’t you man up and take responsibility.
Nathan: Responsibility??? You threw your birth control away. You were trying to trap me, Stephanie, and it backfired on you.
Stephanie: Is that what Melanie told you?
Nathan: She didn’t tell me anything. She merely showed me that homeless patient’s chart -- you know, the woman who found your pills -- and I put two and two together.
Stephanie: So all of a sudden you’re a detective?
Nathan: I’m outta here.
Stephanie: Wait Nathan, please. I’m scared.
Nathan: Of what?
Stephanie: Of a lot of things, like childbirth, and raising this baby alone. But right now, I’m afraid of what my parents will say when they see me. Could you stand by me when I explain it to them?
Nathan: Are you crazy? I never met your father, but he has a reputation as big as all of Salem. I’d prefer not to have him rearrange my face.
Nathan heads back to his seat as Philip returns to the seat next to Stephanie. An announcement comes over the intercom.

Joe the Pilot: Passengers, this is Joe from the flight deck. We are beginning our final descent into Eritrea, so please take your seats and fasten your seatbelts.
Philip [pressing the intercom button at his seat]: Thanks, Joe.
Stephanie: Philip, would you do me a favor? Would you stand by me for moral support when I explain about the baby to my parents?
Philip: Sure.
He takes her hand and smiles at her.


To be continued.

[Kpatch]

ERITREA, AFRICA AIR FIELD

The passengers from the Titan Jet are walking down the gangway steps as Kayla, Steve, three-year old Joey, and Bill Horton are waiting on the tarmac. Stephanie has positioned herself behind Philip so her parents can’t see her advanced stage of pregnancy.

Nathan: Uncle Bill! It’s great to see you.
Bill: You’re a sight for sore eyes.
Nathan: This is Melanie Kiri ... I mean Melanie Layton. She’s a student nurse.
Bill: You don’t know how grateful we are to have you here. Come on. I’ll show you to your quarters.
Melanie turns her attention to the scene unfolding a few yards away.

Kayla: Oh my lord.
Steve: Sweet baby Jesus.
Kayla: Stephanie! You’re pregnant.
Stephanie: I know.
Steve: How the hell did this happen?
Stephanie: Well...
Before she can say anything else, Steve looks at Philip, makes a fist and punches him hard in the jaw. Philip is knocked off his feet.
Stephanie: Papa, no!
Melanie smirks as she watches the little drama.
Melanie: Okay, I’m ready to see my quarters now.
Melanie and Nathan follow Bill to their barracks.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

ERITREA, AFRICA: THE BOYS’ BARRACKS

Philip is lying in his barracks bed holding a cold pack to his jaw. Nathan is sitting on his own bed doing a very bad job of concealing his amusement.

Philip: I don’t know what you’re laughing at, Horton. That right hook should have landed on your jaw, not mine.
Nathan: Maybe so, but you deserved it.
Philip: What for?
Nathan: Cheating on Melanie.
Philip: You should talk. You got Stephanie pregnant and you turn your back on her. You’re a real prince.
Nathan: Stephanie got herself pregnant.
Philip: That’s not how it works, a-hole. Immaculate conception went out of style over 2,000 years ago.
Nathan: I’ve been meaning to ask you, Philip. Why did you come on this mission? I mean, you’re not a doctor, you’re not a humanitarian. In fact, other than being born with a wad of greenbacks in your mouth, you’re pretty useless.
Philip: Shut the hell up, Horton.
Nathan: As I see it, you’re just taking up space, and taking food out of the mouths of starving children.
Philip [sitting up]: Look, jackoff, the Titan Foundation Board wants a firsthand report of these missions we’re funding. WE’RE funding. And in case you forgot, my company ... MY company ... is paying for your services here, so in essence, you’re now my employee. Show a little respect.


MEANWHILE, IN THE GIRLS’ BARRACKS

Melanie: You know, the conditions here aren’t nearly as bad as I thought they’d be. The only thing that’s intolerable is having to share a room with you.
Stephanie: Shut up, Melanie.
Melanie: Nice comeback, Steph. I’m surprised you came with us in your condition. You know what’s funny?
Stephanie: Your face?
Melanie: You wanted to get pregnant so badly, but you got pregnant by the wrong guy, huh? So how’s that working out for you?
Stephanie: Sticks and stones, Melanie.
Melanie: Whoa, another whopper of a comeback! You know what else is funny, Steph?
Stephanie: Your wardrobe?
Melanie: Philip swears up and down that he didn’t have sex with you and couldn’t possibly be the father of your baby, but you’ve never denied having an affair with Philip.
Stephanie: What’s your point, Melanie?
Melanie: Sometimes, Philip is really convincing. I mean I almost believe him. After all, Philip has good taste and, ha, who’d want to sleep with you? So what’s the truth, Stephanie?
Stephanie: The truth is you’re boring me to death. I’m going to go see my parents and baby brother.


To be continued...

[Kpatch]

STEVE AND KAYLA’S QUARTERS

Steve: How did this happen, sweetness? How did our baby girl get knocked up? I thought she was smarter than that. I thought she was ... I don’t know ... more innocent than that.
Kayla: That’s because you’re her papa and you love her and you want to think the best of her. What I can’t believe is that no one in my family bothered to tell us about this.
Stephanie enters.
Stephanie: I made them promise they’d let me tell you about the baby.
Steve: She’s always gotten people to do what she wanted them to do.
Stephanie: Papa, don’t talk about me like I’m not here.
Steve: If I had been around to raise her, this never would have happened.
Kayla: Excuse me?
Steve: What I mean is ...
Kayla: Do you have any idea how hard it is to be a single parent working a full-time job, going to medical school, and raising a child?
Stephanie: Mama, Papa, please don’t fight.
Steve: Sweetness, look, I didn’t mean to imply that you didn’t do a great job raising her. I’m just saying I would have been more heavy-handed than you.
Stephanie: Actually, Philip thinks you’re very heavy-handed.
Steve: The only reason I didn’t kill that dude is because he’s the father of my grandchild.
Kayla: Grandchild. I’m not sure I like the sound of that. I’m not ready to be a grandmother.
Stephanie: You’ll have to get ready pretty quick. I’m due next month.
Steve: Speaking of getting ready, I hope you and Philip are ready to get married. Here and now. I’ve even got the shotgun, if it comes to that.
Stephanie: Papa, here’s the thing. Philip isn’t my baby’s father.
Steve: What?
Kayla: Who is?
Stephanie: I’m not so sure I should tell you.
Steve: Is it Maxwell?
Stephanie: No, I haven’t seen him in a year.
Kayla: Why won’t you tell us?
Stephanie: It’s complicated. I can tell you’re both disappointed in me. I can see it in your eyes.
Kayla: I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. Have you thought about how you’re going to raise this baby?
Steve: Wait a second. Rewind. What the hell does “complicated” mean?
Stephanie: I can’t tell you. I’m sorry.
Steve: Not good enough. I want an explanation. Now!


To be continued...

[Kpatch]

STEVE AND KAYLA’S QUARTERS

Kayla: Why won’t you tell us?
Stephanie: It’s complicated. I can tell you’re both disappointed in me. I can see it in your eyes.
Kayla: I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. Have you thought about how you’re going to raise this baby?
Steve: Wait a second. Rewind. What the hell does “complicated” mean?
Stephanie: I can’t tell you. I’m sorry.
Steve: Not good enough. I want an explanation. Now!
Stephanie: I’m a grown woman and I don’t need to explain myself.
Steve: Grown woman, huh? Then why are you playing games?
Kayla: What happened with you and Nathan? The two of you were hot and heavy last spring. Is he the baby’s father?
Stephanie: Things with Nathan didn’t work out the way I hoped.
Steve: Kayla, what happened to our little sweetness? Where the hell is she?
Kayla: Steve!
Stephanie: Papa!
Steve: I don’t know who you are anymore, but I can tell you this. I don’t like the person who’s standing in front of me now. I can’t believe how selfish, manipulative, and irresponsible ...
Stephanie [starting to cry]: Papa, please.
Steve: The way I see it, you have two choices. One – you stay here and we’ll help you raise the baby and get your life back together.
Stephanie: I can’t stay here.
Steve: Or Two – you go back to Salem and you’re on your own. No help from us.
Kayla: Steve! Don’t you think we should discuss this before you start issuing ultimatums?
Steve: Sorry baby, no. It’s time for tough love. She’s not our baby girl anymore and I’m not gonna coddle her. Two choices, Stephanie. Pick one.
He walks out.
Stephanie: Mama.
Kayla puts her arms around her crying daughter.
Kayla: Your papa’s right, you know. It’s time to grow up and take responsibility for yourself … and for your baby.
Kayla's pager rings and she sees it's a call from Bill to come to the clinic. She leaves as Stephanie flashes back to the day she tossed her birth control pills in the trash.
Stephanie: Papa would be so ashamed of me if he knew I got pregnant to trap a man into marrying me. I’d rather let my parents imagine the worst than ever tell them the truth.


To be continued...

[Kpatch]

CLINIC: ERITREA, AFRICA, ONE WEEK LATER

Bill: We treated nearly 200 patients today. Good job, Nathan.
Nathan: I’m beat, Uncle Bill. I don’t know how you do it.
Bill: This is what I was born to do.
Nathan: I couldn’t believe it when you did that emergency appendectomy. Under these conditions! That patient would have died if you hadn’t diagnosed her so quickly.
Bill: It’s all in a day’s work around here. Sooner or later, we see it all.
Nathan: You know what surprised me?
Bill: What’s that, son?
Nathan: Mr. Johnson. Aside from the fact I don’t think he likes me very much, he's amazing with those kids. And he doesn’t even have any medical training.
Bill: He worked as an orderly in a suburban Chicago hospital for a while. But you don’t need medical training when you have a love for people like he does. He helps keep the patients calm and entertained while waiting for medical care. I can’t even measure what that kind of medicine does for the people.
Nathan: That’s something they don’t teach you in med school.
Bill: You know, son, the work here is very different than it is at Salem U. But it’s also very rewarding.
Nathan: You’re right, it is.
Bill: Would you consider staying?
Nathan: Who, me?
Bill: We could certainly use another capable doctor like you.
Nathan: No, I couldn’t. I mean, I’ve got too much going on in Salem right now.
Bill: You mean with Melanie? I can see you’re quite smitten with her.
Nathan: So it shows, huh?
Bill: I was young and in love myself once or twice. I know how you feel.


CLINIC SUPPLY ROOM

Meanwhile, Philip and Melanie are rolling bandages in the supply room.
Philip: Am I doing this right?
Melanie: Looks right to me. Which is shocking. I mean, you doing anything right.
Philip: You never miss an opportunity to twist the knife, do you?
Melanie: It’s my whole reason for living.
Philip: Mel, look, I know what I did was unforgiveable, but ...
Melanie: You’re right. That’s why the subject is closed.
Philip: I get that, but since we’re stuck here rolling bandages, and small talk isn’t my strong suit, I figure, what the heck.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

CLINIC SUPPLY ROOM, ERITREA, AFRICA

Philip and Melanie are rolling bandages in the supply room.
Philip: Am I doing this right?
Melanie: Looks right to me. Which is shocking. I mean, you doing anything right.
Philip: You never miss an opportunity to twist the knife, do you?
Melanie: It’s my whole reason for living.
Philip: Mel, look, I know what I did was unforgiveable, but ...
Melanie: You’re right. That’s why the subject is closed.
Philip: I get that, but since we’re stuck here rolling bandages, and small talk isn’t my strong suit, I figure, what the heck.
Melanie: Oh great, I can hardly wait to hear what you have to say. Again.
Philip: I know what I did was unforgiveable, but I’m asking for forgiveness anyway.
Melanie: Request denied.
Philip: It’s just that ... I didn’t believe hard enough.
Melanie: Who are you supposed to be now? Peter Pan?
Philip: I mean I didn’t believe hard enough in us. I mean I knew I loved you, but I didn’t have faith that you loved me. Only me.
Melanie: You didn’t trust me …
Philip: I saw you kissing Nathan.
Melanie: Would you forgive me if I had cheated on you with Nathan?
Philip: If you told me it was a mistake and you still love me, yes I’d forgive you.
Melanie: Bull. You should have asked me about the kiss. If you had asked me, none of this would have happened. Or would it?
Philip: No. Of course not. But at the time, I was afraid you were going to break my heart and I just couldn’t face that.
Melanie: So instead, you broke mine.
Philip: I get that. And not a day goes by when I don’t regret what I did. I know it’s not a good excuse, Mel, but you know my history. My whole life, I’ve always been second choice.
Melanie: Where did I put my violin?
Philip: First I came in second to Brady, then second to Shawn … So it wasn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility that I would come in second -- even to a jerk like Nathan. Especially after seeing what I saw and knowing what I knew.
Melanie: Are you talking in riddles now?
Philip: I mean about the letter you wrote to Nathan on our wedding day.
Melanie: At least I told you about it. I was honest with you, but you still can’t be honest with me. You still won’t admit you slept with Stephanie. Oh wait. ”It wasn’t Stephanie, Mel, I swear.” So if it wasn’t Stephanie, who was it? Not that I care anymore.
Philip: I ... um. Like I’ve said before, who it was isn’t important.
Melanie: Will you look at the time. I have to go watch Jerry Springer.
Philip: Can you be serious for a minute, Mel? Look, what I did was stupid and wreckless and would never have happened if I hadn’t been drunk.
Melanie: Someone forced you to get drunk?
Philip [sighing]: No, that was my fault too.
Melanie: Philip, this conversation is going nowhere.
Philip: I was hoping you might ... that we could ...
Melanie: You can’t possibly still think there’s a chance for us. It’s too late, Philip, and you know it.
Philip: So, “I’m sorry” isn’t enough, is it?
Melanie: Not nearly.
Philip: Then tell me what I need to do. I’ll do anything.
Melanie: How about taking a flying leap?
Philip: Dammit. I really screwed up. I made the worst mistake of my life and I lost the best woman I’ll ever know.
Melanie: I wish I believed you meant that.
Philip: I do.
Melanie: Um. Okay. This is why I didn’t want to have this conversation. I’m too much of a softie. Listen, Philip … I …
Philip: Yes? He takes a step toward her.
Melanie: Um. Okay. … I don’t know. Maybe ...
Philip: Maybe what?
He takes another step closer and is about to kiss her when her cell phone rings.
Melanie: Saved by the bell.
She reads a text message.
Melanie: Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!
Philip: What? What are you so happy about?
Melanie: I’m a big sister! I mean I have a baby sister. My dad texted me that Chloe had her baby! I have to call my dad.
She leaves.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

ERITREA AIR FIELD, ONE WEEK LATER

Kayla: I can’t believe it’s time for you to leave already. It seems like you just got here.
Stephanie: I miss you already, Mama.
Kayla: You be sure and call me as soon as you get home. And call me if you need anything. Call me as soon as the baby is born, and I’ll be on the next plane to Salem.
Stephanie: Is Papa really not coming to see me off?
Kayla: He seems to think he’d be sending you mixed signals if he came to say goodbye.
Stephanie: I feel really hurt.
Kayla: He’ll get over it, eventually.
Stephanie: Tell him I love him. And I love Joey. And I love you, Mama.
Stephanie and Kayla hug.
Kayla: Love you too, baby girl.


TITAN JET, 10 HOURS INTO THE FLIGHT

Joe the Pilot: Passengers, just a word from the flight deck. We are currently three hours and 14 minutes from Salem, flying at a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet and I see nothing but clear skies all the way to Salem. Enjoy the rest of your flight.
Melanie and Nathan have been talking a mile a minute about their trip, while Philip and Stephanie have been sitting quietly the whole flight, either napping on and off, or lost in their own thoughts. Philip breaks the silence.
Philip: Steph, would you do me a favor?
Stephanie: Sure. What’s up?
Philip: I know you take pleasure in tormenting Melanie, but I really need you to tell her that your baby isn’t mine.
Stephanie: I can’t do that. Like I told you before, Philip, if I tell Melanie the truth, I lose the upper hand.
Philip: I get that, but right now, you have no hand. God only knows why you want Nathan, but listen. If you tell Melanie you’re having Nathan’s baby, Melanie will realize that he’s been lying to her, she’ll dump him, and he’ll get back with you.
Stephanie: I’m not so sure that’s how it will turn out.

Suddenly, the door to the cockpit opens and Joe runs for the bathroom.
Stephanie: Oh my God. Who’s flying the plane?
Philip: It’s fine, Steph. Relax. We’re on cruise control.

The plane hits some turbulence and everyone freaks out. Philip gets up and pounds on the bathroom door.
Philip: Joe, are you alright?
Joe: I’m sick, Philip. I think I have dysintery. You have to fly the plane.
Philip: What? I don’t know how to fly a plane.
Stephanie: Aaah. Ow. Oh God. Someone help me. My baby’s coming!


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

TITAN JET

The plane hits some turbulence and everyone freaks out. Stephanie screams. Melanie screams. Nathan screams. Philip gets up and pounds on the bathroom door.
Philip: Joe, are you alright?
Joe: I’m sick, Philip. I think I have dysintery. You have to fly the plane.
Philip: What? I don’t know how to fly a plane.
Stephanie: Aaah. Ow. Oh God. Someone help me. My baby’s coming!

The bathroom door opens and Joe comes out looking pale. He sways from side to side as he makes his way to the cockpit with Philip following him. Joe sits in the co-pilot’s seat and motions for Philip to take the pilot’s chair.

COCKPIT
Philip: Joe, you’re scaring me.
Joe: I’m dizzy, Philip. I can’t see straight and my insides are a mess. You’re gonna have to fly this thing.
Philip: Fly this thing? Surely you can’t be serious.
Joe: I’m very serious. And stop calling me Shirley.
Philip: We had some basic flight training in the Marines, but it was simulated. I never actually flew a plane. I can’t ...
Joe: You can and you will. You’re a former Marine and so am I. Semper fidelis. Have faith. We never say die.
Philip: Semper fidelis, my a**.
Joe: I’ll talk you through it. Now take hold of the steering wheel like you’re driving your Porsche. But whatever you do, don’t pull on it.

MAIN CABIN
Meanwhile, Nathan and Melanie have helped Stephanie to the floor in the aisle, where she is lying flat on her back. As the plane bounces around, Melanie instinctively puts her arm across Stephanie’s belly to protect her.
Nathan: Mel, find some clean towels and blankets, stat.
Melanie leaves to find the towels and blankets.
Stephanie: I’m scared, Nathan.
Nathan: Me too.
Stephanie: That’s not what I wanted to hear you say right now.
Nathan takes her hand.
Nathan: It’s gonna be okay, Steph. Everything’s gonna be fine.
Stephanie: Promise me we’ll get through this, Nathan.
Nathan: I promise.

Melanie goes to the food prep area and finds some terrycloth towels. She finds a few more in the bathroom. She then stands on a seat in the main cabin and feels around in the overhead compartment for a blanket. She pulls out a few blankets. She then goes into the cockpit.
Melanie: Philip, don’t get excited or anything, but your baby is about to be born.
Philip just shakes his head.
Joe: Melanie, please! He needs total concentration. Say, Melanie, could you see if Dr. Horton has any pills to treat dysintery?
Melanie: Will do. Oh, and good luck, Philip, we’re all counting on you.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

TITAN JET

COCKPIT
Melanie: Philip, don’t get excited or anything, but your baby is about to be born.
Philip just shakes his head.
Joe: Melanie, please! He needs total concentration. Say, Melanie, could you see if Dr. Horton has any pills to treat dysintery?
Melanie: Will do. Oh, and good luck, Philip, we’re all counting on you.
Joe: You’re doing fine, Philip. Just keep the wings level with the horizon.

MAIN CABIN
Nathan: Melanie, get back here.
Melanie: Don’t yell at me. I’m here! There was a little problem in the cockpit.
Nathan: The cockpit? What is it?
Melanie: It’s this little room where the pilots sit, but that’s not important right now. So what do we do now?
Nathan: We’re gonna deliver a baby.
Melanie: Oh God.
Stephanie: Oh God.
Nathan: It’s okay, Steph.
Stephanie: It hurts so bad.
Nathan: I know, but you’re gonna have to push some more.
Stephanie: Nooooo.
Melanie: Don’t be so bull-headed, Stephanie, push!
Nathan: Good good good. You’re doing great. It’s coming. I can see the baby’s head.

COCKPIT
Melanie goes back to the cockpit with the medication for Joe. Joe swallows the pills.
Melanie: Good luck, Philip, we’re all counting on you.
Philip: Get back to your seat, Mel, and fasten your seatbelt. It’s going to be a bumpy flight.

Joe is back in the restroom. Sweat is pouring off him. Sweat is pouring off of Philip. Sweat is pouring off of Nathan. Sweat is pouring off of Stephanie. Melanie is pretty much cool as a cucumber.

MAIN CABIN
Stephanie: I’m exhausted, Nathan. I can’t do this anymore.
Nathan: You have to, Steph. I want to meet my baby.
Melanie: Your baby?
Nathan: Come on Steph, one more big one. Push.
Stephanie pushes one more time, lets out a howl, and the baby is thrust out from its mother’s womb.
Stephanie: Why isn’t my baby crying?
Nathan: He’s not breathing.
Stephanie: No. Oh no.


To be continued...

[Kpatch]

TITAN JET

MAIN CABIN
Stephanie: Why isn’t my baby crying?
Nathan: He’s not breathing.
Stephanie: No. Oh no.
Nathan: Quick, Melanie, get me something to cut the cord.

COCKPIT
Melanie goes back to the cockpit.
Melanie: Hey Philip, do you happen to have a scissors or hedge clipper on you?
Philip: Sort of busy here.
Joe returns from the bathroom and, as he passes Melanie, he hands her his Swiss Army Knife.
Melanie: Cool! Thanks Joe. Just like a true Marine. Always prepared.
Joe: That would be the Boy Scouts.
Melanie starts to leave the cockpit, then turns back around.
Melanie: Good luck, Philip, we’re all counting on you.
Melanie goes back to the main cabin.
Joe: She’s a bit of a weirdo, Philip.
Philip: Not really.

***Flashback***
Philip flashes back to when he and Melanie were newlyweds and they watched Airplane movie marathons together every Friday night. They’d sit on the sofa at Maggie’s house, tossing popcorn at each other and reciting the lines along with the movie ... lines such as Leslie Nielsen’s “Good luck, we’re all counting on you.” Those Friday night movie marathons always ended with the two of them making out on the sofa while fretting that Maggie or Mia might walk in on them at any minute. They both liked taking risks, and worrying over being interrupted never stopped them from finishing what they were doing.
***End of Flashback***

Philip: She’s just trying to break the tension. See, we used to have this Friday night tradition where we’d watch Airplane marathons together. “Good luck, we’re all counting on you” is a joke from the movie. Did you ever see it?
Joe: If it was a comedy, probably not. I was born without a funny bone.

MAIN CABIN
Nathan: What did you find?
Melanie: Here.
Nathan: What’s this?
Melanie: It’s a teeny tiny scissors from a Swiss Army Knife.
Nathan looks at her incredulously.
Melanie: Don't look at me like that. They don't allow sharp objects on planes anymore. Besides, beggars can’t be choosers.
Little by little, Nathan cuts through the cord. He turns the baby upside down and slaps its rear. The baby starts to cry. Stephanie starts to cry. Nathan starts to cry. Melanie rolls her eyes. Nathan wraps the baby in a blanket and gently hands him to Stephanie.
Nathan: We have a son, Steph.
Stephanie: He’s beautiful.
Nathan: Just like his mother.
Melanie: I think I’m gonna puke.

COCKPIT
Joe: We’re within radar range of Salem now. I want you to radio in and have Terminal Radar Approach Control guide you.
Philip: What? No! I need you to guide me.
Joe: Sorry, Philip, I can’t. I’m going to pass out.
Philip: What?
Joe passes out. Melanie returns to the cockpit.
Melanie: Oh Joe, Nathan asked me to tell you that the pills he gave you might make you drowsy.
Philip: Oh God.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

TITAN JET

COCKPIT
Joe: We’re within radar range of Salem now. I want you to radio in and have Terminal Radar Approach Control guide you.
Philip: What? No! I need you to guide me.
Joe: Sorry, Philip, I can’t. I’m going to pass out.
Philip: What?
Joe passes out. Melanie returns to the cockpit.
Melanie: Oh Joe, Nathan asked me to tell you that the pills he gave you might make you drowsy.
Philip: Oh God.
Melanie goes back to the main cabin. Philip looks for the radio expecting to see a microphone and there isn’t one. He starts to panic, then he sees a button on the control panel marked “a.m. radio.” He presses it and a Barry Manilow song starts playing on the sound system.

MAIN CABIN
Melanie: That’s weird. Philip hates Barry Manilow.
Nathan: I like Manilow. “You know I can’t smile without you ... can’t smile without you.”
Stephanie: “I can’t laugh and I can’t sing. I’m finding it hard to do anything.”

COCKPIT
Philip presses the button again and “f.m. radio” displays. He hears less static in his headset.
Philip: Hello? Is someone there? Mayday. Mayday. Titan 1 to Ground Control. Do you copy?
Ground Control: Affirmative Titan 1. What’s your situation?
Philip: The pilot is unconscious, I don’t know what I’m doing and I need help landing the jet.
Ground Control: No worries. TRACON is monitoring your approach and we have locked on your coordinates through our radar system. What’s your name?
Philip: Philip. Philip Kiriakis.
Ground Control: My name is Orville. How’s it going, Phil?
Philip: It’s Philip, not Phil.
Ground Control: Okay then. Philip. How many passengers aboard the jet?
Philip: Just a sec. I have to let go of the steering wheel for a second. Counting on his fingers. There’s me, Melanie, Joe, Nathan, Stephanie ... Five ... Oh wait. Six. A passenger just gave birth. Which reminds me, we need to get a couple passengers to the hospital as soon as possible.
Ground Control: The hospital? What is it?
Philip: It’s a big building with patients, but that’s not important right now. The point is, we’ll need an ambulance for the pilot and the new mother and baby when we land.
Ground Control: I like you’re optimism, Phil!


To be continued...