oldEpisode Two-hundred-thirty-four:
Jack Whisks Jennifer Away to a
Romantic Cabin; Reliving the Rape
She Slaps Him and Calls Him a Rapist.

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[Air early January 1991]

 

SCENE ONE: IT IS THE NEXT DAY, JENNIFER COMES HOME EARLY FROM WORK. SHE TELLS FRANKIE THAT SHE IS GOING TO TAKE A BATH AND RELAX. HE TRIES TO ENCOURAGE HER TO GET HELP FOR HER PROBLEM BUT SHE SAYS SHE HAS TAKEN CARE OF THAT. HE IS ABOUT TO LEAVE WHEN EVE ARRIVES TO SEE HIM. JENNIFER COMES DOWN IN HER BATH ROBE TO GET HER SHAMPOO AND WHEN FRANKIE LEAVES EVE STAYS TO CONFRONT JENNIFER ABOUT GOING AFTER FRANKIE.

 

EVE: So you didn't think anybody was here, right Jen?

JENNIFER: What's your problem Eve?

EVE: I don't have a problem. You see it's Frankie that has the problem. He doesn't see he's being strung along just for a person's personal entertainment. Don't you get tired of leading men on all the time?

JENNIFER: I don't know what you're talking about Eve and I don't think I want to know what you're talking about.

EVE: Miss Innocence. Miss Innocence who just happens to stroll around half naked in front of her room mate, who happens to be her ex-boyfriend! What do you do at night Jen? Just happen to get undressed, put on your PJs. Oh Frankie, I didn't see you. I'm naked. I'm so embarrassed....

JENNIFER: Eve, you are ridiculous, you know that?

EVE: .... oh Frankie dear.... do you have any soap? Oh Frankie, I didn't know you were going to come in. I'm taking a bath. I'm so embarrassed.

JENNIFER: Eve, go home.

EVE: Is this some kind of a game for you? Do you keep count, how many men you can string along at once?

JENNIFER: Look I don't know what you're talking about, alright.

EVE: Let's count, okay. Let's just count for one minute. You have a boyfriend, check. You have a live-in ex-boyfriend, check. You have a husband, let's not forget about the husband. How ever do you manage it Jen? Really I'd like to know. You know when I grow up I'd like to be just like you. But the thing is, I don't think I can because I don't think I'm clever enough to keep all these men panting after me.

JENNIFER: That is enough Eve.

EVE: Yeah, that's what I say Jen. What about you, I bet you are shopping for number four right now.

JENNIFER: You know what, I feel really sorry for you.

EVE: Oh?

JENNIFER: You have had a thing for Frankie for years and you still do. You keep trying to get him interested in you but it's just not working, is it? He just doesn't go for selfish little schemers like you.

EVE: Really. I guess it's so easy for you because you're so much better at it than I am, right. You hooked him into living here Jen. What did you say.... oh I'm so lonely. Oh I need you so much Frankie. Just so you could parade around half naked and get your kicks. Is that what does it for you, huh? Getting a guy excited and then leaving him? You know don't be surprised if he takes you up on your invitation because what man wouldn't.

JENNIFER: Get out Eve. Get out of my house right now. GET OUT!

EVE: Oh Jen, you can get dressed now, nobody's here.

 

EVE LEAVES AND JENNIFER SLAMS THE DOOR.

SCENE TWO: FRANKIE GOES DOWN TO SEE WHITNEY BAKER TO SEE IF SHE WILL HELP JENNIFER. SHE TELLS HIM THAT JENNIFER MUST COME TO COUNSELING HERSELF.

SCENE THREE: LATER WHEN FRANKIE RETURNS HE TELLS HER THAT SHE MUST TELL SOMEBODY WHAT HER PROBLEM IS AND SHE DECIDES TO GO BACK TO COUNSELING. AT COUNSELING SHE LISTENS TO THE OTHER WOMEN BUT STILL CANNOT TALK ABOUT HER PROBLEMS.

SCENE ONE: THE NEXT DAY, JACK COMES TO SEE WHITNEY BAKER.

 

JACK: Dr. Baker. Your receptionist said that you were free.

WHITNEY: Absolutely, I have time. What can I do for you Jack?

JACK: Nothing. I just came by to say hello. I'm fine, really, I'm hunky dory, peachy keen. I couldn't be better.

WHITNEY: Well that's funny because, you know, usually my patients that are hunky dory don't generally call in for emergency sessions.

JACK: Oh you think that's what this is? No, no, no. I was just at a.... staff meeting, just dropping by. Of course if you have to charge for just a little bit of time, I know that you must. You've got condo payments to make and that sort of thing.

WHITNEY: Jack, why are you here?

JACK: Because I need someone to talk to. (Beat) I always thought that Miss Horton, although an apt pupil and a promising journalist, would, if given the choice, if she had to choose, would give everything up for love and commitment. It's something I found rather frightening. Even more frightening still, I found that she's just as afraid of love and commitment as I am. So the question is, what to do about it?

WHITNEY: Well what do you think you should do?

JACK: No, no, I'm asking you what to do about it. You're the shrink. I'm paying you. Otherwise I could go home and talk to myself and save myself a lot of money. The only problem is, I've done that already and all I've managed to do is to.... screw up myself and the situation in the process.

WHITNEY: Jack, why do you always assume that it's you? Did you ever stop to think that maybe the trouble is with Jennifer this time?

JACK: I've got no trouble with that. She's been acting strangely ever since she got back.

WHITNEY: Well I suppose you've talked to her about it.

JACK: Well yes suppose I have talked to her. I told her that if there's a problem, the problem can be dealt with.

WHITNEY: Well Jack, if you've made that clear to her, I don't really know what else you can do. It seems to me that Jennifer's got to make the next move.

SCENE TWO: MEANWHILE, AT THE STUDIO, JENNIFER ARRIVES AT WORK AND EVERYBODY SEEMS UPSET WITH HER. MADELINE TELLS HER THAT IT IS BECAUSE SHE HAS BEEN PULLING STRINGS TO GET BETTER ASSIGNMENTS. AT FIRST, JENNIFER THINKS JACK HAS BEEN INTERFERING AGAIN BUT SHE FINDS OUT ITIS FRANKIE. WHEN HE COMES TO SEE HER, SHE HAS IT OUT WITH HIM AND HE EXPLAINS THAT IT WAS ONLY TO HELP HER. SHE WONDERS WHY HE IS SO PROTECTIVE BUT FORGIVES HIM ANYWAY. A MESSENGER COMES IN WITH A NOTE FOR HER.

 

MESSENGER: Jennifer, somebody just delivered this for you.

JENNIFER: Thanks. (Reading) "You have a limo waiting for you." I didn't order a limo.

FRANKIE: You probably have an appointment that you....

JENNIFER: No, no I don't I'm going to go check this out, alright.

FRANKIE: Want me to come with you?

JENNIFER: No, no, I'm fine. I can take care of it. Can you do me one favor? Stop worrying about me okay.

SCENE THREE: JENNIFER GOES OUTSIDE AND FINDS THE LIMO THERE WITH JACK INSIDE.

 

JENNIFER: Hello? Excuse me. Hi...

 

THE WINDOW SCROLLS DOWN, SHE IS STARTLED. IT IS JACK WHO IS INSIDE, AND HE IS STARTLED TOO; HE GIVES A LITTLE JUMP AS WELL. THE WINDOW SCROLLS DOWN, SHE IS STARTLED. IT IS JACK WHO IS INSIDE, AND HE IS STARTLED TOO; HE GIVES A LITTLE JUMP AS WELL.

 

JENNIFER (CONT.) JACK!

JACK: Jennifer I didn't .... I couldn't see you either. Ahhh Surprise!

JENNIFER: What about surprise. What are you doing?

JACK: Just a minute.

 

HE OPENS THE DOOR, BUT HAS A LITTLE TROUBLE.

 

JENNIFER: What are you doing, Jack.

 

WHEN HE OPENS IT HE PICKS HER UP AND PUTS HER INTO THE LIMO. THEY ARE TALKING SIMULTANEOUSLY.

 

JACK: Get in quick!

JENNIFER: I can't I have to work.

JACK: Don't ask any questions, just get in quick.

JENNIFER: I can't I have to work.

JACK: Don't ask any questions just get in, quick.

JENNIFER: What are you doing are you crazy; what are you doing?

JACK: It's obvious, I'm kidnapping you.

JENNIFER: Jack you're kidnapping me? Are you crazy?

JACK: Yes perhaps I am.

JENNIFER: You can't do this. I have to....

JACK: I can and I have. Prepare yourself Miss Horton for some quiet time, for some of the first uninterrupted quiet time in a long time. I figured since New Year's fell through, why not the following weekend? I mean it seemed like a good idea to me so just prepare yourself for it and we'll go.

JENNIFER: No Jack, I'm not prepared to go away. I don't have anything....

JACK: Don't worry about that. I've got you packed from teddy bear to toothbrush.

 

HE HOLDS UP HER TOOTHBRUSH WHICH SHE GRABS.

 

JENNIFER: Jack I can't imagine what Dan's going to say. I have to be there to do a story.

JACK: I'll tell you.... and I quote. Tell Jennifer to relax, enjoy and have a good weekend. Say I'll see her on Monday.

JENNIFER: You thought of everything didn't you?

JACK: Oh yeah. Speaking of which, that reminds me.

 

HE REACHES OVER BEHIND THE SEAT AND PICKS UP A SINGLE RED ROSE WHICH HE HOLDS OUT TO HER.

 

JACK: I ran into one of those hubcap stealing flower vendors down on the expressway. I mean metaphorically speaking of course. So.... ah.... what do you say, shall we go?

 

JENNIFER TAKES THE ROSE.

 

JENNIFER: Yeah, I'd love to go with you.

JACK: Good. That's good.

 

JACK KNOCKS ON THE LIMO.

 

DRIVER: Yes sir.

JACK: Let's get a move on.... Rodney.

 

JENNIFER LAUGHS, BECAUSE JACK IS REFERRING TO THE DRIVER OF THE FIRETRUCK THAT HE USED TO KIDNAP HER THE LAST TIME -- HOWEVER, BACK THEN JACK KEPT GETTING THE NAME WRONG, HIS REAL NAME WAS BRADLEY.

SCENE FOUR: THEY DRIVE INTO THE MOUNTAINS AND TO A CABIN SET ALONE IN THE WOODS. JACK OPENS THE DOOR. THE CABIN IS COZY AND WARM WITH FIRE ALREADY BURNING; AND A LARGE COMFORTABLE BED.

 

JENNIFER: Ohhhhh.

 

THEY ARE BOTH GLAD TO GET IN OUT OF THE COLD.

 

JACK: Ahhhhh.

JENNIFER: I can't believe it. This is really beautiful.

JACK: Yeah, yeah, it'll do. (Beat) Well I'm glad we finally made it up here.

JENNIFER: Yeah so am I.

 

JENNIFER IS VERY NERVOUS AND JACK HELPS HER OFF WITH HER WRAP.

 

JACK: Let me get that for you, here.

JENNIFER: Thanks.

 

JACK IS NERVOUS TOO.

 

JACK: Ah, if you want.... ah.... why don't you sit down right over here by the fire. It is warm. Get yourself comfortable.

JENNIFER: Alright.

 

JENNIFER SITS DOWN BY THE HEARTH.

 

JACK: See what did I tell you. Cozy, no tensions to upset you.

JENNIFER: Yeah. It's very nice.

JACK: Oh one more thing.

 

JACK GOES OVER AND PICKS UP A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE THAT IS BEING CHILLED IN AN ICE BUCKET. HE ALSO GRABS TWO GLASSES. HE PULLS THE TOP ON THE BOTTLE.

 

JACK: I was a waiter in another life. Here.

 

HE POURS THEM BOTH A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE AND CLINKS HIS GLASS AGAINST HERS. SHE IS VERY NERVOUS.

JACK: You don't have to drink it if you don't want.

JENNIFER: It's.... it's not the champagne.

JACK: Leftovers from the office party. So if it isn't the champagne, what is it?

 

JENNIFER JUST LOOKS AT HIM.

 

JACK: Jennifer, whatever the problem is, it can be dealt with. It's been done before. You did it before when got in the Lawrence mess, right?

JENNIFER: You know there is nothing to tell Jack.

JACK: I see. Just business as usual.

JENNIFER: That's right. I really think you are making a big deal out of nothing.

JACK: (Beat) So why do you flinch when I touch you? I'd like to know the reason for that if it's nothing.

JENNIFER: I would like to know the reason why you have to keep badgering me about this because I've told you more than a hundred times that there's nothing wrong so why can't we just leave it alone?

JACK: Because we're losing each other.... that's why.

 

JENNIFER MOVES AWAY FROM HIM BUT HE STANDS UP NEXT TO HER.

JACK: Jennifer, there's a problem here and it's time to deal with it before it's too late.

 

SHE WILL NOT LOOK AT HIM.

 

JENNIFER: I really don't.... I really don't want to talk about it. I just want to....

JACK: Jennifer....

 

HE TURNS HER TO FACE HIM.

JACK: Jennifer.... I would like to keep.... I would like to hang on to what we've been.... building. Maybe it is selfish.... but this is the kind of commitment that I only used to dream about. (Beat) Love and commitment have been nightmares to me. Remember you insisted, rather strongly if I recall, if I.... if I trusted you, we could work it out together. And we did, didn't we?

JENNIFER: Yes.

JACK: So trust me the way that I trusted you. If there's a problem, we will deal with it. (Beat) Talk to me.

JENNIFER: I'm trying not to hurt you.

JACK: Then why are you just walking away?

 

SHE TURNS AWAY AND STARTS TO CRY.

 

JACK: Jennifer, whether I believed it or not, you convinced me that you could make me happy. All I'm asking is for an opportunity to do the same.

 

SHE LOOKS AT HIM BUT STILL SAYS NOTHING.

 

JACK: All I'm asking for is a chance.

 

SHE STILL REFUSES TO SAY ANYTHING BUT JUST STANDS THERE CRYING.

 

JACK: Alright, if that's the way you want it.

 

JACK IS ABOUT TO WALK PAST HER, BUT INSTEAD HE GRABS HER AND KISSES HER PASSIONATELY ON THE LIPS. SHE DOES NOT RESPOND BUT HE KEEPS KISSING HER TRYING TO MAKE HER SEE WHAT THEY ARE LOSING. HE KISSES HER FACE AND LIPS AND ALL SHE CAN THINK OF IS LAWRENCE AND THE WAY HE KISSED HER BEFORE THE RAPE.

JACK: Jennifer.... Jennifer.... Jennifer!

 

SHE SEES AND HEARS LAWRENCE NOT JACK. SUDDENLY SHE BURSTS WITH ANGER.

 

JENNIFER: DON'T TOUCH ME, YOU RAPIST!

 

SHE SLAPS HIM HARD ON HIS RIGHT CHEEK,

MAKING HIM REEL AWAY IN HURT AND PAIN. SHE INSTANTLY REALIZES WHAT SHE HAS SAID AND GASPS. HE PUTS HIS LEFT HAND TO HIS CHEEK AND STARES IN HORROR AT HER, THE WORDS CUTTING HIM LIKE A KNIFE. IN ONE SINGLE WORD SHE HAS DESTROYED THEIR WHOLE RELATIONSHIP.

JENNIFER: Oh Jack, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. Oh Jack, I'm sorry.