Best Laid Plans (Read 1,662 times)

[Kpatch]

The sequel to Out of Africa
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Want to know what Chloe’s text message to Philip was all about? The wait is over! Here’s what happened in the last chapter of Out of Africa -- updated since the last time you read it...


~PROLOGUE~

SALEM AIRPORT TARMAC

As you recall ... Philip was forced to fly and land the Titan Jet when Joe the Pilot became ill on the flight back to Salem from Africa. Stephanie gave birth to Nathan’s son aboard the jet. An ambulance carrying Stephanie, Nathan, the baby, and Joe has sped off to Salem University Hospital. Melanie catches up with Philip on the tarmac.

Melanie: Philip, wait up. Where are you going?
Philip: Home. On second thought, I’m going to the Pub. I need a drink.
Melanie: You sort of look pale. Are you okay?
Philip: I’m just drained.
Melanie: Well, you should be happy. You’re a hero. You saved our lives.
Philip: I’m not feeling like much of a hero right now. All I kept thinking is that I don’t want to die without holding my wife in my arms one more time and telling you how much I love you.
Melanie: That’s funny. I was thinking the same thing.
Philip: What do you mean?
Melanie: Well, we didn’t die, but we could have, and now that we’re not dead... um, okay, I could use a hug ...
Philip puts his arms around her and kisses her head.
Philip: I love you, Melanie.
Melanie: Um. Instead of the pub, wanna come with me to the hospital?
Philip: The hospital? That’s not very romantic.
Melanie: I’m going to go meet my new baby sister.
Philip [taking a step back]: Ah. That’s right. Well, have a good time.
Melanie: Please come with me.
Philip: Why? ... Oh. I know why. You lost Dr. Honesty and now suddenly I’m looking good to you.
Melanie: Of course not, Philip. You’re not my second choice. You never were. It’s you I want.
Philip [smiling]: I’ve been waiting a long time to hear you say that.
Melanie: Oh man, I just can’t resist that smile.
Philip: Then don’t.
He puts his hand on her face and moves in to kiss her. Their lips meet as his cell phone rings. Melanie pulls away.
Melanie: Saved by the bell again. You should answer it.
Philip looks at his phone and sees a text message from Chloe that says “Carly is running a paternity test on the baby right now. We’ll know soon which one of you is her father.”
Melanie: What’s wrong?
Philip: I think I’ll come with you to the hospital after all.


Tune in for Chapter 1 of Best Laid Plans ...

______________________________________
Copyright © 2010 kpatch. All rights reserved.

[Kpatch]

SALEM UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Philip and Melanie are riding in the elevator up to the third floor.

Melanie: I’m kind of nervous.
Philip: What about?
Melanie: About us. I mean ... I’m scared ... to trust you again.
Philip: I get that. And I’m going to prove to you that I’m worthy of you. You’ll see.
Melanie: I need you to do something for me, Philip.
Philip: Anything. Just name it, Mel. I would do anything for you.
Melanie and Philip have been so engrossed in their conversation that they had automatically gotten off the elevator and were now standing in front of Chloe’s hospital room.
Melanie: If I give you my heart again, you have to promise me you won’t break it this time. She looks up and realizes where they are. Oh. Hey. We’re here. Come on, Philip, let’s go inside and see the baby.
Philip: Um. You go ahead. I’ll wait out here.
Melanie: No, you have to come in. You’re family, you know. You’re my husband ...
Philip: Say that again.
Melanie: ... and the baby is my sister, so the baby is your family too. Come on.

She holds out her hand and he takes it. They walk into the room where Chloe is in a hospital bed, holding her baby. Melanie walks over to Chloe while Philip hangs back near the door.
Melanie: Ohmygoodness, look at her. Hi Chloe.
Chloe: Hi Melanie. Philip.
Melanie: She’s sooo cute. Look at all that hair. She looks like she needs a haircut already. Can I hold her?
Chloe lets Melanie take the baby.
Melanie: Hi baby. Oh, I never even asked her name.
Chloe: It’s Rebecca.
Melanie: After my dad’s first wife.
Chloe: That’s right.
Melanie: Where is my dad?
Chloe: He’s on his shift.
Melanie walks over toward Philip at the door and notices how uncomfortable he looks.
Melanie: Look at the baby, Philip. She’s so adorable. Check out those dimples.
As her words hang in the air, Melanie looks down at the baby. Then she looks up at Philip. She looks at the baby. Then at Philip. She then looks at Chloe, then Philip again. The light finally dawns and the color drains from her face as she moves back toward the bed and gives the baby back to Chloe.
Melanie: Um, I’m gonna go see if I can find my dad.
Melanie pushes past Philip and leaves Chloe’s room. She goes over to the desk.
Melanie: Maxine, have you seen my dad?
Maxine: Welcome home, Melanie. How was Africa?
Carly walks up.
Carly: Melanie! I’m so glad you’re home. I need to talk to you.
Melanie: I need to see my dad.
Carly: Let’s talk first.
Nathan walks up.
Nathan: Melanie! I’m so glad to see you. We need to talk.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

SALEM UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Nathan: Melanie! I’m so glad to see you. We need to talk.
Melanie: I don’t feel like talking and I don’t feel like listening. I just need to see my dad.
Nathan: I just want you to know that, even though Stephanie had my baby, it doesn’t change anything between you and me.
Melanie: Are you kidding me? It changes everything.
Nathan: It doesn’t have to.
Melanie: I can’t deal with this right now.

Daniel approaches.
Daniel: Hey! Look who’s home!
Melanie rushes into his arms and starts to cry.
Daniel: Did you see the baby?
Melanie shakes her head without letting go of Daniel.
Daniel: I know how you feel, kitten. I’m overcome with emotion every time I see the baby too.
Carly: I need to talk to all of you. We ran some tests on the baby and ...
Daniel: What kind of tests? I didn’t authorize any tests.
Carly: Why don’t we all go into Chloe’s room and talk about it.
Melanie: No. I can’t. I can’t. I have work to do.
Carly: It’s important for you to hear this, Melanie.


INSIDE CHLOE’S HOSPITAL ROOM

Chloe: Thanks for coming over so quickly.
Philip: I came as soon as I landed the plane.
Chloe: You mean, you came as soon as the plane landed.
Philip: Actually, I flew the plane.
Chloe: I didn’t know you knew how to fly a plane.
Philip: I don’t. Well, I didn’t, but I do now. Why are you still in the hospital?
Chloe: Because of all my risk factors, Daniel wanted to make extra sure that me and the baby are healthy.
Philip: And?
Chloe: We’re perfect. But ... I need to know what you’re thinking, Philip. Tell me. What are you thinking?
Philip: I’m thinking how freaky it is that the baby looks so much like ...


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

CHLOE’S HOSPITAL ROOM

Chloe: I need to know what you’re thinking, Philip. Tell me. What are you thinking?
Philip: I’m thinking how freaky it is that the baby looks so much like you.
Chloe: It’s freaky how much I love her. I never thought I could love anyone so much. I mean, I’ve only known her for short time, but already I’d lay down my life for her.
Philip [stroking the baby’s head]: Me too.

Carly, Daniel, and Melanie enter the room. Philip backs away from the baby as Daniel goes over and sits on the bed beside Chloe. He’s all smiles.
Daniel: So what do you think, Philip?
Philip: Um. About what?
Daniel: About my family.
Carly: I have some news that I want to share with you all. I hate to be the bearer of bad news ...
Chloe: Then don’t. Please. Don’t ruin everything for us.
Daniel: Carly, what the hell are you talking about? Wait a second. You said something about tests.
Carly: Since Chloe is unable to tell you the truth, I guess I’m going to have to be the one to tell you that the baby isn’t yours, Daniel.
Daniel: Excuse me?
Carly: The test we ran ... it was a paternity test. We ran your DNA against Rebecca’s DNA and there was no match.
Daniel: That’s crazy. Chloe, tell her. That’s impossible.
Daniel looks at Chloe’s tear-streaked face.
Daniel: Chloe?
He gets up off the bed and stares at Chloe and the baby for a minute, as Philip watches Melanie’s reactions.
Chloe: Daniel, I’m so sorry. I never meant for it to happen. It was just one time.
Daniel stands there dumbfounded. Suddenly he turns and storms out. Melanie follows him. Philip follows Melanie. Chloe stares daggers at Carly.
Chloe: Thanks for ruining my life.
Carly: Blame me all you like, Chloe. You know who’s really to blame here. The only thing the paternity test didn’t tell me is who the baby’s father really is.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

SALEM UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Philip: Melanie, wait.
Melanie: I can’t, my father needs me.
Philip: Well I need you too.
That comment makes Melanie stop dead in her tracks.
Melanie: You know Philip, this is rich. All this time ... in fact, almost from the moment I met you ... I’ve been worried about Stephanie, jealous of Stephanie, afraid that Stephanie was going to come between us.
Philip: Mel ...
Melanie: But Stephanie isn’t the one I should have been worried about, is she?
Philip: I told you it wasn’t Stephanie.
Melanie: And to think I almost forgave you. But you slept with my father’s wife.
Philip: They weren’t married yet.
Melanie: But we were!
Philip: I never meant to hurt you. We never meant for it to happen. I told you the circumstances.
Melanie: And now the two of you have a baby together. Or are you going to deny that Chloe’s baby is yours?
Philip: I ... I can’t.
Melanie: At least you’re honest about that. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find my dad.
Philip: Melanie, please don’t go. I love you. We were so close to getting back together.
Melanie: That was before I knew you slept my father’s fiance. Now, let go of my arm, Philip.
Melanie’s tone of voice and somber expression tell Philip that she’s deathly serious. He lets go and she storms off.


CHEATIN’ HEART, LATER THAT DAY

Melanie: Dad! I’ve been everywhere looking for you.
Daniel: You should have started here. Seems appropriate, you know?
Melanie: You’ve been drinking.
Daniel: Can I buy you one?
Melanie: Um. Ya know what? Yes. I can use a drink.
Daniel: What’s your pleasure?
Melanie: Whatever you’re having.
Daniel: Gin and tonic?
Melanie: Sounds good to me.
Daniel: Bartender, bring me a couple more of these.
Melanie: Who’d a thunk that we would both get cheated on with each other’s spouse.
Daniel: Ahhh. So Philip is Rebecca’s father, is he? Chloe’s “confidante.” Ha! I may have to kill him.
Melanie: Fine by me.
Daniel: You know, I had my suspicions about Chloe and Philip ... but Chloe ... would look at me with those big ... blue eyes and ... she’d say they were just ... friends. Bullsht!
Melanie: I know. I was always jealous of Stephanie, but not Chloe. I mean, I knew Philip and Chloe had a history together, but I thought it was ancient history, not current events. The whole idea of the two of them together makes me sick. I mean ...
Daniel: I know what you mean. Look. Can we just sit here and not talk?
Melanie: I’m sorry. I know this has to be agonizing. More for you than even me, because I knew Philip cheated, but you didn’t know that Chloe cheated. And then to find out the baby isn’t yours.
Daniel: Melanie! Stop! I can’t listen to any more of this. Just drink your gin. Get blind drunk. That’s my plan.


To be continued...

[Kpatch]

CHEATIN’ HEART

Finding out that Philip cheated on her with Chloe and they have a baby together has reopened the wound and made it feel like the day she learned her husband had been unfaithful to her. As Melanie commiserates with Daniel and the gin begins to hit her brain, she remembers back to the day she first found out. She overheard Philip and Stephanie talking about it at the hospital. All day long, she felt like she was walking around in a trance, like she was someone else, somewhere else. Everything was moving in slow motion, up until that moment in Maggie’s kitchen, that evening when Philip walked through the door.

Philip: There she is. Hey Mel. ... Hey, what’s wrong?
Melanie: I overheard you talking to Stephanie at the nurse’s station today.
She holds her breath because she knows her whole life hangs on her husband’s reaction to that statement. She watches the smile evaporate from his face and realizes that may be the last time she ever sees the smile that could always melt her heart.
Philip: What did you hear?
Melanie doesn’t reply. She is silent. She suddenly feels dead inside because Philip’s question to her question just spoke volumes. She tries in vain to keep the tears from flowing out of her eyes while she watches Philip run his hands through his hair as if he wants to pull it all out.
Philip: Oh god. Look Mel, it’s not what you think.
Melanie: What I think is you’re having an affair with Stephanie.
Philip: What? No, that’s not true.
Melanie: Please don’t lie to me Philip. On top of the humiliation of betraying me in the worst possible way, when you lie it’s just plain demeaning.
Philip: Okay, I’ll tell you the truth. He takes a deep breath. Remember how I saw you and Nathan kissing?
Melanie: Don’t change the subject! I told you that kiss signaled the end of my feelings for Nathan.
Philip: No, I’m not changing the subject. It’s just that ... after you confessed to me about the letter you wrote to Nathan on our wedding day, and then seeing you kiss him, I thought you chose him over me and that we were finished. He nervously rubs his forehead. I thought you didn’t love me and you were leaving me for Nathan. I was ... I was ... out of my mind with jealousy. I was lost and lonely and angry and hurt ... and ... I went out and got drunk.
Melanie: And then you went and found Stephanie.
Philip: No, not Stephanie. Someone else. But Mel, it wasn’t like I planned it. It just happened. It was just that one time and it didn’t mean anything.
Melanie’s rage takes over and she slaps Philip’s face as she yells at him.
Melanie: Oh yes it meant something! It meant something. It meant we’re done. We’re done, Philip!
Philip: Melanie no. I love you.
As she struggles to gain her composure, she looks at Philip and coldly, unemotionally replies.Melanie: You know what? That really doesn’t matter anymore. I want you to pack your things and leave.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

CHEATIN' HEART

Daniel and Melanie exit from the Cheatin' Heart feeling no pain. They are laughing a drunken laugh about nothing at all, until they run into Philip outside the bar. All at once, the laughter stops and the mood turns deathly serious.

Philip: Mel! I’ve been looking for you. We need to talk.
Daniel: You freaking bastage. How dare you show your face around here.
Philip: I don’t blame you for hating my guts.
Daniel: That’s putting it mildly.
Melanie: Come on Dad, Philip doesn’t deserve all the blame. Your trampy wife should share some of the hatred. We hate her guts too.
Daniel: Yea, but I hold Philip responsible. And I’m not just enraged ... at you ... for sleeping with Chloe. I’m enraged ... because you cheated on my daughter here after ... what ... two months of marriage? I could actually kill you.

Daniel takes a swing at Philip. Philip flashes back to the punch he took from Steve in Africa. This time he ducks and Daniel falls over onto the pavement.

Melanie: Dad!

Philip kneels down to help Daniel.

Melanie: Take your hands off of him!
Philip: I’m just trying to ...
Melanie: You’re always “just trying to” something. Just get the hell out of here. I want you out of my sight.
Philip: Mel ...
Melanie: Go!

Philip reluctantly gets up. He’d never heard her so angry before. He stands there for a moment watching the pathetic scene of Daniel lying in the street with Melanie ministering to him. He is overcome with shame as he realizes that he’s the cause of this scene. He turns and leaves.


SALEM UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, THE NEXT DAY

Nathan: Melanie, you doing okay?
Melanie: Except for a killer headache, I’m just dandy. Why?
Nathan: You know, you don’t have to put on a brave face for me. I heard what happened and I just want you to know I’m here for you if you need me.
Melanie: Thanks Nathan. That means a lot.
Nathan: It’s not just lip service. I mean it. I can see that you need a friend, and I’ve got two strong shoulders. You’re welcome to one at a time, or even both.
With tears in her eyes, Melanie slowly walks into Nathan’s open arms.
Nathan: I’ll always be here for you, Mel.

At that moment, Chloe and Philip emerge from a hospital room with the baby, getting ready to take her home. Philip glares at Nathan. Melanie glares at Philip. Chloe coos at the baby in her arms.

Philip: Ready to go?
Chloe: I am! Let’s go home.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

KIRIAKIS MANSION, THAT NIGHT

Philip knocks on Chloe’s bedroom door.
Chloe: Yes?
Philip: Okay if I come in?
Chloe: Sure.


JAVA CAFE

Melanie: Where’s Stephanie? I thought you’d be spending all your free time with her and the baby.
Nathan: Oh, I guess you haven’t heard.
Melanie: Heard what?
Nathan: Stephanie decided that it would be best if she went back to Africa. She’s staying with her parents for a while.
Melanie: How long is a while?
Nathan: I don’t know. Indefinitely.
Melanie: Oh Nathan, you must be heartsick. Here I’ve been talking a blue streak about my troubles, and you’ve got troubles of your own.
Nathan: It’s okay, really.
Melanie: You must miss them.
Nathan: Mostly I miss the little guy. He was really getting into my heart, you know?
Melanie: What did you guys name him?
Nathan: We named him Martin. It was the name my Grandpa Mickey had when Grandma Maggie first met him.
Melanie: I like the name Martin. Makes me think of Marty McFly from Back to the Future.
Nathan: Speaking of back to the future, what do you think?
Melanie: About what?
Nathan: About picking up where we left off before we went to Africa?


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

JAVA CAFE

Nathan: Speaking of back to the future, what do you think?
Melanie: About what?
Nathan: About picking up where we left off before we went to Africa.
Melanie: Oh. Gosh. A lot has happened since then.
Nathan: My feelings for you haven’t changed.
Melanie: I just feel so screwed up right now, you know?
Nathan: Then we’ll take it slow. I’m in no rush. I’m not going anywhere. Listen, I checked the rotation and we both have tomorrow off. So how about we start with lunch and a movie tomorrow afternoon. No expectations. Just two friends being there for each other.
Melanie: I kinda like the sound of that.
Nathan: I’ll pick you up at noon.


KIRIAKIS MANSION

Philip knocks on Chloe’s bedroom door.
Chloe [whispering]: Yes?
Philip [in a low voice]: Okay if I come in?
Chloe: Sure.
Philip enters Chloe’s room. She’s sitting on the edge of the bed looking into Rebecca’s crib.
Philip: She’s sleeping. Damn, I was hoping she’d be awake. I wanted to hold her.
Chloe: There’ll be plenty of opportunities.
Philip: I want you both to think of this house as your home.
Chloe: I’m not so sure this was such a good idea, Philip. Me and the baby living here.
Philip: What? Why?
Chloe: Did you see the way Victor looked at me when we walked in?
Philip: Eh, Dad’s just a grumpy old man. Pay no attention.
Chloe: Between your grumpy old father, the fact that I’m still married to Daniel, and you’re not divorced from Melanie ...
He sits down on the bed beside Chloe.
Philip: Shhh, calm down, Chloe. I told you if it turned out I was your baby’s father, that we’d get through this together. The most important thing is that we make a home for Rebecca, where she can feel loved and safe. A home with both of her parents. She deserves that.
Chloe: You’re right. She’s really special.
Philip: Give her time. She’s gonna melt my dad’s heart ... along with every other guy she meets.
Chloe: Just like she’s melted your heart?
Philip: Is it that obvious?
Chloe: Uh huh.
Philip: I probably shouldn’t admit this because our lives are such a mess, but I’m kind of glad she turned out to be mine. She reminds me of Claire when she was first born.
Chloe: She does?
Philip: You know, I was beside myself when I found out that Claire wasn’t really mine. But this time’s going to be different.
Chloe: I’m glad you’re so happy about this.
Philip takes Chloe’s hand.
Philip: I want to do this right, Chloe. You know, sometimes I think this is the way it was always supposed to be.
Chloe: Me too.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

KIRIAKIS MANSION, PHILIP’S ROOM

Philip takes off his clothes and gets into his bed alone. He thinks about his life and his baby daughter and her beautiful mother. He takes his cell phone and starts scrolling through some pictures. He looks at the picture Maxine took of him, Rebecca, and Chloe before they left the hospital. Then he comes to a picture of him and Melanie on their wedding day.

He remembers their life together, things like getting ready for work every morning, talking over coffee at the Pub, raiding the fridge after making love, walking barefoot through Salem park, and their Friday night movie marathons when they recited all the dialogue from Airplane.

He slides down onto his pillow still holding his cell phone and staring at the wedding picture. He was so happy that day. Joy quickly turned to tragedy when Melanie got shot. Weeks later, after recovering from her gunshot wound and being released from the hospital, Melanie still had so much she had to deal with. They were living with Maggie, and she was trying to absorb the fact that she had two parents she never knew about.

Despite everything she was going through, shortly after her hospital stay, she took him to a hotel so they could have a little privacy and finally have a honeymoon night. It was the only honeymoon they would ever have.

Philip smiles as he remembers how she pushed him onto the bed, straddling his body as she pulled off his tie, unbuttoned his shirt and took off his belt. He loved it when she was aggressive like that.

Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her petite body, rolled her over on her back, and began kissing her. No one kissed him the way Melanie did. No one ever loved him like that before. Not Chloe. Not Belle. Not Stephanie.

He closes his eyes in an effort to hold onto the memories.


THE NEXT AFTERNOON OUTSIDE THE SALEM PLACE BIJOUX

Nathan: What did you think of the movie?
Melanie: How can you not love “Gigi”? The story of the worldly businessman and the young girl who blossoms into a woman reminds me of ....
Nathan: Reminds you of what?
Melanie: Um. Nothing. Nevermind. I love the old musicals. But then, it was a chick flick. I’ll bet you didn’t like it, did you?
Nathan: I just liked being at the movies with you.
He kisses her.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

AFTERNOON AT SALEM PLACE

Nathan: What did you think of the movie?
Melanie: How can you not love “GiGi”? The story of the worldly businessman and the young girl who blossoms into a woman reminds me of ....
Nathan: Reminds you of what?
Melanie: Um. Nothing. Nevermind. I love the old musicals. But then, it was a chick flick. I’ll bet you didn’t like it, did you?
Nathan: I just liked being at the movies with you.
He kisses her.
Melanie: What happened to taking it slow?
Nathan: Sorry, I got carried away. It won’t happen again.
Melanie [eyeing him suspiciously]: I can’t figure out if you’re sincere or if you’re just good at blarney.
Nathan: Ouch.
Melanie: Well, I know a line when I hear one.
Nathan: Then I’ll have to work at being more original. And at earning your trust back.
Melanie: Oops, there goes another line.
Nathan [laughing]: You’re gonna have to cut me a little slack here, Mel.
Melanie: You’re right, Nathan. I’m sorry.
Nathan: Don’t be sorry. Don’t be anyone but you, my sweet Melanie.
He lightly kisses her again. She puts her arms around him and starts kissing him long and hard.
Melanie: So much for taking this slow. I think it’s time to take this somewhere more private.
Nathan: Sounds good to me.
Melanie: Me too. I think we’ve waited long enough.
Nathan: Let’s go to my place.


Nathan and Melanie hold hands and take a shortcut through Salem Park. They head toward the park exit, when they encounter Philip pushing a baby carriage.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

AFTERNOON AT SALEM CITY PARK

Nathan and Melanie hold hands and take a shortcut through Salem Park. They head toward the park exit, when they encounter Philip pushing a baby carriage.

Philip: Hi.
Melanie: Hi.
Nathan: Hey.
Nathan remembers all the times Philip flaunted his relationship with Melanie, and he takes great pleasure in getting even, as he pulls Melanie close and kisses her on the cheek.
Melanie: Come on Nathan, let’s keep walking.
Melanie starts to walk away, determined not to look at the baby, but she can’t help herself. She looks inside the carriage and is drawn to the little girl.
Melanie: I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cuter baby. Hmmm, have you been feeding her grape juice?
Philip: No, of course not. She’s too young.
Melanie: That’s funny. Her lips look purple. Mind if I pick her up?
Philip: No, go ahead.
Melanie: Philip, she’s burning up.
Philip: What?
Melanie: Oh my god. Nathan, look.
Nathan touches the baby’s head.
Nathan: We’d better bring her into Emergency right away. Come on.
Melanie: Where’s Chloe?
Philip: She’s home resting.
Nathan: You’d better call her.
Philip instinctively takes the baby out of Melanie’s arms and the three of them run toward the hospital, a couple blocks away, leaving the baby carriage behind.

To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

SALEM UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Philip is on his cell phone calling Chloe.
Philip: Chloe, it’s me.
Chloe: When are you coming home? I miss my little girl.
Philip: Chloe, don’t freak out.
Chloe: Uh oh. What?
Philip: I’m at the hospital. Something’s wrong with Rebecca. You’d better get over here now.
Chloe: Oh my god! Oh my god. I’ll be right there.

Daniel and Melanie walk up to Philip.
Philip: Do you know anything yet? What’s wrong with Rebecca?
Daniel: We’re running a battery of tests. Where’s Chloe?
Philip: She’ll be here soon. I wanted to give her a break today. She’s so tired. ... I just wanted to let her rest, so I took the baby out for a walk. I never meant to ...
Melanie: You didn’t do anything wrong, Philip. This has nothing to do with anything you did.
Philip: How can you be sure? I gave her a bottle. Maybe it wasn’t the right temperature. Maybe ...
Melanie: Stop making yourself crazy. We need to wait and see what the tests say.
Daniel: I’ll go check and see what I can find out. He leaves.
Philip: I feel like I’m losing my mind here.
Melanie: Well, whatever it is, whatever’s wrong, we’ll take care of her. We’ve got the best doctors in the midwest here and ...
Philip: I thought you hated me. Why are you being so nice to me?
Melanie: Um. I’m a nurse. That’s what we’re known for.
Philip: Well, thank you.
Melanie [mindlessly stroking his lapel]: Look Philip, you’re a worried Dad. No one wants to see you or your baby suffer.

Chloe comes off the elevator, and rushes toward Philip as Melanie backs away.
Chloe: Philip! Oh my god, where is she? Where’s my baby?
Philip: They’re running tests.
Chloe: What happened? Did you drop her?
Philip: No, she started turning blue and running a fever. Luckily, Melanie was there and ...
Chloe: Melanie was there?
Melanie: Nathan and I ran into Philip in the park.
Philip: Melanie figured out that something was wrong with Rebecca.
Melanie: I’ll go see if my Dad found anything out. She leaves.
Chloe: Philip, I’m so scared.
He puts his arms around her.
Philip: Me too. I’ve never felt so helpless.
Chloe: Oh my god. Suppose she dies. I can’t lose her, Philip. I can’t ...
Philip: Calm down, Chloe. She’s not going to die.
Daniel and Melanie return.
Daniel: I have some news for you. And it isn’t good.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

SALEM UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Daniel: Rebecca has a disease called aplastic anemia. Have you heard of it?
Chloe: Yes.
Philip: No.
Daniel: It’s a disease of the bone marrow. The bone marrow stops making enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets for the body.
Chloe: This is all my fault.
Philip: Is it serious?
Daniel: The disease is very serious, but it can be treated. To start with, she’ll need a transfusion. She’ll need blood platelets.
Philip: Where do I go to donate?
Daniel: We’ll get you hooked up. Melanie can take you over.
Chloe: Me too.
Daniel: Sorry Chloe, you can’t.
Chloe: What do you mean I can’t?
Daniel: Your blood has been exposed to too many chemicals as a result of chemotherapy. Your blood could contaminate the baby.
Chloe: This is so unfair. I can’t even help my own baby.
Philip: It’s okay. I’ll donate enough blood for the both of us. I'm ready. Let's go.
Melanie: Follow me. Philip and Melanie head for the lab.
Chloe: There has to be something I can do.
Daniel: I suggest you call your and Philip’s family and friends and everyone you know, and ask them to donate blood. And call Father Matt. Rebecca needs our prayers.
Daniel and Chloe stare at each other for a moment. She falls into his arms and cries hysterically.


STAFF LOUNGE, LATER

Nathan: What’s going on?
Melanie: Well, I just dropped Philip off at the lab. He’s donating blood.
Nathan: You know, we’re still off duty. Technically, we’re still on our date. Wanna go grab a bite to eat?
Melanie: I don’t think so.
Nathan: Why not?
Melanie: I want to stick around ... you know, in case there’s any change in the baby’s condition.
Nathan: Why do you care?
Melanie: Nathan! It’s a baby.
Nathan: But she’s not your baby. She’s not connected to you at all.
Melanie: I know, but still. How would you feel if that was Marty in there? It’s so hard to see the babies suffer.
Nathan: And their parents?
Melanie: Well of course I feel bad for Philip and Chloe. This is agony for them.
Nathan: Um. Mel, if the baby doesn’t survive, do you think you and Philip will get back together?
Melanie: Excuse me???
Nathan: I think I have a right to know.
Melanie: I don’t even know how to respond to that question.
Nathan: Um. Forget I asked. Let’s go take a walk or something. I think a little fresh air would do us both some good.
Melanie: Well, okay, for just a little while.


To be continued ...

[Kpatch]

REBECCA’S HOSPITAL ROOM

Chloe: Why isn’t my baby getting any better?
Daniel: I can’t explain it. We’ve given her the transfusions. She should be responding.
Chloe: I don’t think Philip has any blood left to give.
Philip: Don’t worry, Chloe. We’ve got the top man in this specialty here from the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Hellman will figure out how to cure Rebecca. The doctor enters. Here he is now.
Dr. Hellman: I’m very sorry to tell you this, but Rebecca is still unresponsive.
Philip: There must be something else we can do.
Dr Hellman: As you know, blood from a relative is our first line of treatment, but since that’s not working, I’ve started administering transfusions from other sources. We’ll just have to wait and see.


STAFF LOUNGE

Nathan is holding two paper cups with orange juice. He hands one to Melanie as he sits down beside her.
Melanie: Thanks, Nathan.
Nathan: How do you feel?
Melanie: Fine. Actually I feel better now that I’ve given blood. At least I feel like I’m doing something to help Rebecca. Other than that, I feel so helpless.
Nathan: I know what you mean. I’m glad I gave blood too, even though I hate needles.
Melanie: Don’t be a baby, Nathan. Even Maggie and Caroline didn’t complain when they came to give blood.
Nathan [laughing]: I guess it’s true what they say about doctors making the worst patients.

Nathan is holding Melanie’s hand when Carly comes in.
Carly: Nathan, Lexie is looking for you.
Nathan: Oh. Okay. He looks at Melanie. See you later?
Melanie: Sure.
Nathan kisses Melanie and leaves the lounge. Carly sits in the seat that Nathan vacated next to Melanie.
Carly: Things seem to be going well with you and Nathan.
Melanie: They are.
Carly: I’m glad. I think he’s the right guy for you. Can you stand some motherly advice?
Melanie: Motherly advice. I kind of like the sound of that.
Carly: Before things get any more serious with Nathan, do yourself a favor and divorce Philip.
Melanie: Um. I don’t think this is the right time, what with the baby being sick and …
Carly: Are you making excuses?
Melanie: No, it’s just that … wait, you’re in the same situation with Bo and you didn’t wait until he got divorced.
Carly: That’s true. And that wasn’t a good decision. A commitment can only go so far when one of the two people in a relationship is still married to someone else.
Melanie: I guess that makes sense. I've noticed that Nathan sometimes seems insecure about us.
Carly: See?
Melanie: Soooo, do as you say …
Carly: And not as I do. Exactly!


To be continued ...