SCENE ONE: JACK IS PACING IN HIS OFFICE. HE IS TRYING TO CONCENTRATE ON WORK BUT KEEPS THINKING OF JENNIFER. HE SITS DOWN AND PUTS HIS FACE IN HIS HANDS AND SIGHS. THEN HE RUMMAGES THROUGH HIS DRAW UNTIL HE FINDS A PICTURE OF JENNIFER. HE SITS LOOKING AT IT. SUDDENLY HE HEARS JENNIFER'S VOICE OUTSIDE.

 

JENNIFER: Vern, just let me by.

VERN: I'm telling you Jack isn't in there.

JENNIFER: I know what you said but I just want to go inside.

 

JACK QUICKLY PUTS THE PICTURE BACK IN THE DRAWER AND PRETENDS TO BE WORKING HARD AS SHE WALKS IN.

 

JENNIFER: Oh I knew it.

JACK: Good afternoon Jennifer.

JENNIFER: Don't you good afternoon me Jack. Not after what you did to me.

JACK: What are you talking about?

JENNIFER: The job in New York. I didn't get it and it's your fault.

VERN: I did my best. You're on your own now.

JENNIFER: Goodbye Vern, will you hold all his calls, thank you.

 

VERN LEAVES AND SHE SHUTS THE DOOR.

 

JACK: Jennifer, there's still one thing that I don't quite understand. What could I possibly have do to with you not getting a job in New York?

JENNIFER: Well you know everything was going great.

JACK: Hmmm.

JENNIFER: The interview, the audition.... I mean they thought that I was perfect for this job.

JACK: Hmmm.

JENNIFER: Except for one teeny little reference.

JACK: Do you.... do you mean to tell me that Dan didn't give you a reference? I'm calling him right....

 

HE IS ABOUT TO PICK UP THE PHONE BUT SHE PUTS HER HAND OVER IT.

 

JENNIFER: It wasn't Dan.

JACK: Well it certainly wasn't me. I gave you nothing but glowing praise and reports.

JENNIFER: Oh right, right. I've done some fine reporting despite my lack of experience and on-air time.

JACK: Well what's wrong with that?

JENNIFER: And for the most part I didn't let my emotions get in the way of a good story.

 

JACK GETS UP AND GOES OVER TO THE WATER JUG. HE PICKS UP A BOTTLE OF PILLS AND STARTS TIPPING A FEW INTO HIS HAND.

 

JACK: Well for the most part, you don't.

JENNIFER: And if they're looking for a pretty face, I'm their girl.

JACK: Jennifer, you can't get mad at me about that.

JENNIFER: Jack, I am not running for most beautiful girl on television. I was perfect for this job and you knew it and you blew it. And you did it on purpose.

 

JACK HAS BEEN POPPING PILLS INTO HIS MOUTH AND IT IS NOW FULL. HE TRIES TO TALK AS HE MUNCHES PILLS AND SIPS WATER.

 

JACK: Why?

JENNIFER: You know why. Because you wanted to keep me here in Salem, that's why.

JACK: Jennifer you are upset about losing this job. Now if you are convinced that you have to give it this reason, you go right ahead and do that.

JENNIFER: Jack, I know that it's the reason. You just won't admit it.

JACK: I don't have to admit anything because I've already told you my decision. It's best for us to be apart.

JENNIFER: Right. You know you always say that but you know as well as I do that you don't believe that.

JACK: What I don't believe is that these New York guys could totally misconstrue my remarks about you.

JENNIFER: Jack if you really wanted to get rid of me you would have made them understand you word for word. You would have made me look like the best reporter since Edward R Murrow. But you didn't.

JACK: Well you're a hell of a lot cuter than Ed Murrow....

 

JENNIFER HITS JACK HARD ON THE ARM WITH HER BAG.

 

JENNIFER: Stop it!

JACK: AAARRRGGGHHH!!!!! Now what, stop what?

 

JACK IS HOLDING HIS SORE ARM.

JENNIFER: You always do this, alright. You make me mad, you tell my I'm cute and then you push me away again. Will you make up your mind?

JACK: I think I've already made up my mind.

JENNIFER: But it keeps changing. See it seems that there's two sides to you. One that wants me and one that doesn't. So could you just make up your mind which side you want to be because I don't want to deal with this anymore, professionally or personally. So just have a nice life will you Jack because that's what I intend to do without your help. So you don't have to bother giving anymore references for me because I don't want to have to worry about which side of you is going to reference me.

 

JENNIFER WALKS STRAIGHT OUT OF HIS OFFICE AND SLAMS THE DOOR.

 

JACK: Jennifer, wait. JENNIFER!

VERN: Jack, this is something you should see.....

JACK: No Vern. Forget about it. I'm a man with a mission.

 

VERN ENTERS.

 

VERN: No this is very important Jack.

 

JACK RUNS BACK INTO THE OFFICE AND PICKS UP THE PHONE.

 

JACK: (On the phone) Jennifer has turned down the job in New York. So she's a free agent, she's available. That's why I'm calling you. Listen if I was editor of The Chronicle I would jump on her right away. Yeah you don't want to let her to go to some outside organization. Sure why not? Anytime babe. We'll do lunch.

 

JACK HANGS UP.

 

JACK: What are you still doing here?

VERN: Why don't you just hire her back?

JACK: Hire who back?

VERN: Jennifer. Why recommend her to The Chronicle when I could really use her here?

JACK: I can't do that.

VERN: Why not? You just want to keep her in town anyway.

JACK: I'm not keeping anybody anywhere and that includes you. Now what are you still doing here? Don't you have some copy to edit or something?

VERN: I told you I had something important for you to see.

 

JACK HAS ANOTHER MOUTHFUL OF PILLS.

 

JACK: Well just put it on my desk.

VERN: I think you should read it now. It says that a representative of the Von Leuschner family is coming to Salem.

JACK: I hope they have a good time. Wait a minute.... Von Leuschner family as in the missing heiress?

VERN: As in the story you and Jennifer were trying to outs coop each other on.

JACK: Let me see that.

VERN: He's arriving day after tomorrow.

JACK: Huh, uh. I'm going to get to the bottom of this and I'm going to find out how Jennifer is involved.

VERN: Well you better hurry up.

JACK: I know I better hurry up.

VERN: You know she's already scooped you on that phoney tape. Knowing the way Jennifer works, she's probably already set up an exclusive with this guy.

JACK: Not when I've had my finish with this thing.

 

JACK GRABS HIS JACKET AND WALKS OUT OF THE OFFICE.

SCENE TWO: BACK AT THE LOFT, JENNIFER IS LOOKING AT THE SHELL RING. SHE TAKES IT OFF AND PUTS IT DOWN JUST AS JACK STARTS BANGING ON THE DOOR.

 

JACK: JENNIFER, JENNIFER! ARE YOU IN THERE? OPEN UP, I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE. IT'S ME, JACK. OPEN UP, COME ON. JENNIFER, COME ON OPEN THE DOOR. I NEED TO TALK TO YOU.

 

SHE SLOWLY WALKS OVER AND SLIDES THE DOOR OPEN.

 

JENNIFER: Um if you're here to apologize Jack, then....

JACK: As a matter of fact I am here to apologize.

JENNIFER: You are?

JACK: Yes.

JENNIFER: You are. Then fine but that doesn't mean I'm going to accept it.

JACK: Well just hear me out alright. You were right and I was wrong. I gave you a bum referral because I didn't want you to get that job in New York. I wanted you to stay here but I couldn't tell you that because of that push you pull you thing that you were talking about.

JENNIFER: I see. So which Jack are you right now?

JACK: I'm the Jack who wants to be honest about a couple of things. Starting with the station in New York. I'm going to call those guys and tell them that I was jerking everybody's chain and that you are as good a reporter as anybody that they could find.

JENNIFER: Alright Jack, you don't have to do that.

JACK: No, no, I want to do it because I was wrong and I was not being fair because I want to do the right thing.

 

HE SEARCHES THROUGH HIS POCKETS AND PULLS OUT AN AIRLINE TICKET.

 

JENNIFER: Jack.

JACK: Starting with this.

JENNIFER: What is this supposed to be?

JACK: It's a ticket to New York leaving tonight.

JENNIFER: Well I can see that. Why are you giving it to me?

JACK: So you can start work there tomorrow.

JENNIFER: Okay, so you're pushing me away again.

JACK: No, I'm pushing you forward. It's a clean positive break.

JENNIFER: You know, dammit Jack, you....

JACK: Why, what did I do now?

JENNIFER: You do this all the time, okay.

JACK: No I don't.

JENNIFER: But I'm not going to let you do it anymore.

JACK: Jennifer.

JENNIFER: I'm not going to let you play go with my life anymore Jack. That's all there is to it alright.

JACK: Jennifer. What, are you saying you're not going to take the plane to New York?

JENNIFER: If I want to go to New York, I will go to New York. Not because you arranged it.

JACK: But it's a Super Saver. I mean it's for your own good. It really is.

JENNIFER: I can decide what's best for me Jack.

JACK: I'm telling you, this is best for you. You're going to see that in the long run.

JENNIFER: Goodbye Jack.

 

SHE OPENS THE DOOR.

 

JACK: Jennifer, it's.... it's a nice window seat. It's.... it's....

 

SHE SLAMS THE DOOR IN HIS FACE.

 

JACK: I guess maybe you wanted an aisle.

SCENE THREE: INSIDE JENNIFER IS REALLY MAD AND SHE HEARS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR. SHE THINKS IT IS JACK BUT IT'S CARLY. CARLY TELLS JENNIFER THAT SHE SHOULD LEAVE TOWN BECAUSE WARNER BAYER, A MAN THAT WORKS FOR HER FAMILY IS COMING TO TOWN. JENNIFER THINKS THAT JACK IS INVOLVED BUT CARLY SAYS IT DOES NOT MATTER WHO DID WHAT, JUST THAT JENNIFER SHOULD LEAVE TOWN BECAUSE SHE IMPERSONATED HER. JENNIFER REFUSES TO GO.

SCENE FOUR: MEANWHILE JACK GOES TO SEE HIS PSYCHIATRIST, WHITNEY BAKER.

 

JACK: Well.

WHITNEY: Come in Jack, have a seat.

JACK: I guess you thought you'd never see me again, doctor.

WHITNEY: I'm glad you came.

JACK: You know I can't get that painting off my mind. I'd like to buy that from you.

WHITNEY: Is that really why you're here?

JACK: I'll offer you top dollar, really.

WHITNEY: It's not for sale.

JACK: Oh.

WHITNEY: Is there something else you'd like to talk about?

JACK: No. (Beat) Actually yes, one thing. I just wanted to let you know that the Jennifer Horton situation is.... is taken care of.

WHITNEY: Is it?

JACK: Yes, yes. She's on her way to New York tonight to start a new life and a new job. In fact I just got her a plane ticket, Super Saver.

WHITNEY: Why did you do that?

JACK: It was a good deal. I mean it's an opportunity of a lifetime. I'm not going to stand in the way of that. I mean she's accused me in the past of standing in the way of her future. I mean she may have been right then but she's not right now.

WHITNEY: I'm not sure I understand.

JACK: Well.... um.... you see.... I had this.... I gave her a referral that was really kind of lousy so she wouldn't get the job in New York because I wanted her to stay here. But I realized it was wrong and.... that painting is just.... are you sure you don't want to sell it?

WHITNEY: Why did you change your mind Jack?

JACK: Well according to Jennifer I have a couple of couple of personalities going on inside. You know that sounds like a good story. I think we could.... we could get something going and.... get the movie rights. Ah, the Three Faces of Jack. It's already cast. We've got Billy, we've got Jack, we've got Carmen Miranda. What do you think?

WHITNEY: The question is Jack, is Jennifer right?

JACK: I don't know.... maybe.(Changing the subject to avoid answering her question, and admitting that that is the truth.) You know that picture would look so great in my office on the wall right next to the door. I used to have a painting there of.... of.... but you don't want to sell it do you. So I guess we've got nothing to talk about.

WHITNEY: Are you sure about that?

JACK: All I'm sure of is that Jennifer's getting on that plane tonight, taking her problems and my problems with her. So I'm not going to need therapy anymore because my problems will all be gone at thirty thousand feet.

WHITNEY: Is that what you really think?

JACK: That's what I know.

 

JACK PICKS UP ONE OF THE TOYS IN WHITNEY'S OFFICE. IT IS A BLUE PARROT AND HE CARRIES IT AROUND ON HIS SHOULDER AS HE SPEAKS.

WHITNEY: You think once Jennifer is gone, all of your problems will be solved.

JACK: Listen, you've heard of the term, geographically undesirable. Long distance relationships do not work.

WHITNEY: So you think distance can erase someone from your mind?

JACK: No. I mean yes.... I mean.... I mean after a while, yes.

WHITNEY: How long's a while?

JACK: Well that depends on the person.

WHITNEY: How long do you think it will take you to get over Jennifer?

JACK: Look, I.... I just don't think Jennifer should have to go through all this yo-yoing with me.

WHITNEY: You love her that much.

JACK: You ask a lot of loaded questions, don't you.

WHITNEY: I just want to help you answer them yourself Jack.

JACK: And that is exactly what you have done. You have helped me so much, it's incredible. It's a miracle. You have helped me to erase the memory of Jennifer from my memory banks. I.... I'm really amazed. I mean don't you wish that all your cases were this simple? Well I guess.... yabba, yabba, yabba that's all folks. Hasta la bye, bye, I'll see ya.

 

JACK RUNS TO THE DOOR BUT IT IS STUCK AND HE STRUGGLES TO OPEN IT.

 

JACK: I'll see ya again. Bye.

 

HE GOES OUT AND SHUTS THE DOOR.

 

JACK: No I won't.

 

AS HE IS WALKING PAST THE RECEPTIONIST, A NURSE BRUSHES PAST HIM.

 

JACK: Oh I'm sorry. Excuse me.

 

JACK TURNS TO FACE THE NURSE AND HE IN HIS EYES IT IS JENNIFER.

 

JENNIFER: Oh it's alright.

JACK: Jennifer?

NURSE: Janine.

 

THE NURSE TURNS BACK INTO HERSELF. BECAUSE OF JACK'S ACTIONS THE NURSE FLIRTS WITH HIM.

 

JACK: Oh.

 

THE NURSE TURNS BACK INTO JENNIFER.

 

JENNIFER: Can I help you?

JACK: No, but I know somebody who can. Excuse me.

 

JACK WALKS BACK AND OPENS WHITNEY'S DOOR.

 

JACK: Ah hi.

 

WHITNEY'S CHAIR SWINGS AROUND AND HE SEES JENNIFER SITTING THERE.

 

JACK: Never mind, really.

 

HE SHUTS THE DOOR AND RETURNS TO THE RECEPTIONIST.

 

JACK: Excuse me.

 

SHE LOOKS UP AND IT IS JENNIFER.

 

JACK: AAAAAHHHH!

JENNIFER: Would you like to make another appointment Mr. Deveraux?

JACK: Yeah, sure why not. Yeah.

SCENE FIVE: BACK AT THE LOFT, CARLY KEEPS INSISTING THAT JENNIFER LEAVE TOWN. IN THE END JENNIFER LIES TO HER AND TELLS HER THAT SHE WILL GO JUST TO GET RID OF HER.

SCENE SIX: JACK RETURNS TO HIS OFFICE AND JENNIFER IS THERE. SHE IS DRESSED IN WHITE SHIRT AND TIE WITH A VEST SIMILAR TO THE ONES THAT VERN WEARS. SINCE JACK HAS BEEN SEEING EVERYONE AS JENNIFER, HE ASSUMES THAT HE IS HAVING YET ANOTHER HALLUCINATION.

 

JACK: Alright, this is not funny anymore. I have got to get my eyes checked.

JENNIFER: You're not seeing things Jack.

JACK: I'm not seeing th.... no. Okay Vern, what's going on?

JENNIFER: Vern?

JACK: Yep, that's who you are, Vern.

 

JACK IS GULPING DOWN PILLS AND WATER.

 

JENNIFER: Jack what's the matter with you?

JACK: Nothing wrong with me. You're the one with the problem Vern.

JENNIFER: Why do you keep calling me Vern?

JACK: Because that's who you are, Vern.

JENNIFER: Jack I am not Vern. Look at me, I am not Vern, I am Jennifer.

JACK: That's very funny Vern, very funny.

 

JENNIFER PULLS HIS FACE TOWARDS HER AND KISSES HIM; JACK RESPONDS. HOWEVER, STILL UNCERTAIN THAT IT MIGHT BE VERN, HE PULLS AWAY.

JACK: Vern? Jennifer. This is Jennifer. This had better be Jennifer.

JENNIFER: Of course it's Jennifer. That's what I've been trying to tell you Jack. What's going on with you?

JACK: Nothing. Nothing's going on with me. It's a very stupid joke. It's very stupid.

JENNIFER: I don't get it.

JACK: Neither do I. What are you doing here? You're supposed to be.... (Realizing that she should be winging her way to New York) you're supposed to be at the airport in FIVE MINUTES! I'm going to call them and I'm going to put the flight on hold.

JENNIFER: I am not going Jack. Don't think you can get rid of me that easily.

JACK: I hope your decision to stay her has nothing to do with me.

JENNIFER: Jack how many times do I have to tell you, I'm not going to let you run my life anymore. I'm going to make my own decisions from now on and they don't involve you.

JACK: I'm not trying to run your life. I'm just trying to help.

JENNIFER: Well you know what, I don't want your help and I don't need your help and I don't want your plane tickets. I don't want anything from you Jack, right, do you understand. If I can't have it all I don't want any of it.

JACK: Jennifer, there....

 

SHE WALKS OUT ON HIM AND SHUTS THE DOOR. HE SLUMPS BACK IN HIS CHAIR.

 

JACK: Super Saver's not refundable.