SCENE ONE: ISABELLA IS THINKING BACK OVER HER CHILDHOOD WHEN SHE HEARS JACK AT THE DOOR.

JACK: Ah.... hi!

ISABELLA: You came back.

JACK: Well, I said I would. (Beat) Ah.... are you alright?

ISABELLA: Huh, uh.

JACK: I'm not interrupting anything am I?

ISABELLA: Nothing I can't get back to.

JACK: Alright.

ISABELLA: Why are you here?

JACK: Ah.... er nothing. Actually I thought you might be bored and I brought you this.

JACK HANDS ISABELLA AN AUDIO TAPE.

JACK: It's Beethoven, one of his early ones. Kind of upbeat.

ISABELLA: Thank you.

JACK: So.... er.... I thought maybe you'd like to talk.

ISABELLA: About what?

JACK: I don't know. About.... about Marina? You want to talk to me about Marina?

ISABELLA: Maybe.

JACK: You can talk to me. I won't bite. Go on, go ahead, tell me about Marina.

ISABELLA: There's something I need to know first.

JACK: Oh, oh! Okay go ahead, shoot.

ISABELLA: How well do you know my sister?

JACK: Well. I obviously don't know her as well as you do.

ISABELLA: Well that doesn't tell me much.

JACK: It wasn't supposed to. Now who's asking the questions of whom?

ISABELLA: When was the last time you saw Marina?

JACK: Recently. How about you?

ISABELLA: Just as recently.

JACK: Hmmm. This is going nowhere fast.

ISABELLA: Well, I'm not the one who wants information.

JACK: No, no, no. Correct information as opposed to misinformation. There's a difference. According to my information the two of you are not very close.

ISABELLA: Our relationship is much too complicated for you to understand.

JACK: Maybe. You know what I think though. I think that you're too complicated to understand.

ISABELLA: Isn't a person in a place like this easy to figure out?

JACK: Usually I'd say yes. But in your case, no. You know why?

ISABELLA: No, why?

JACK: Because there's nothing wrong with you. You're perfectly sane.

ISABELLA: Why do you think I don't belong in here? My doctor would be pleased to hear that.

JACK: What about you? Aren't you pleased to hear that?

ISABELLA: If I'm so sane, then what am I doing in here?

JACK: I don't know. That's what I'm trying to figure out for myself. You know a lot of people thought Beethoven was crazy in his day. But you know what I think? I think he wanted people to think that so they'd leave him alone so he could do his thing. (Beat) Enjoy the tape.

JACK LEAVES.

SCENE TWO: ONCE AGAIN HE HEARS MARINA COMING TO SEE ISABELLA SO HE HIDES OUTSIDE AND LISTENS TO THEIR CONVERSATION. MARINA TELLS ISABELLA IT IS GETTING MORE AND MORE DANGEROUS. ISABELLA ASKS HER WHY SHE HAS TO STAY AT BAYVIEW AND MARINA SAYS SHE IS SAFER THERE AND THAT WHAT SHE IS AFTER IS WORTH THE DANGER. JACK IS COMPLETELY PUZZLED.

SCENE THREE: VICTOR VISITS STEVE AND THREATENS HIM TO FIND THE KEY.

SCENE FOUR: LATER MARINA GOES BACK TO HER HOTEL ROOM AND AS SHE ENTERS THE ROOM, SHE IS ASSAULTED BY A THUG. SHE IS STRUGGLING WITH HIM WHEN JACK COMES IN.

JACK: Hey, get away off her. What!

JACK STRUGGLES WITH THE THUG.

HE PUNCHES JACK AND KNOCKS HIM TO THE FLOOR. AS HE RUNS OUT THE DOOR, MARINA SCREAMS AT JACK TO GO AFTER HIM BUT JACK IS TOO HURT.

MARINA: Are you alright?

JACK: No, are you?

MARINA: You saved my life. Why? You saved my life. You risked your life for me Jack. Why?

JACK: Well, it seemed like the thing to do. Oh I know. Never let a good story die! How about that?

MARINA: Is that the reason why you followed me here?

JACK: Ha. Aren't you glad that I did?

MARINA: It isn't a story you're after Jack.

JACK: You're right. I'm after your sworn abstinence from Steve and Kayla. How about that?

MARINA: What's wrong with you? Can't you see I'm the victim here.

JACK: Oh, please, please.

MARINA: You saw what just happened. Oh please, Jack someone is trying to kill me.

JACK: Kill you? They're trying to kill me. I mean you just keep sticking your hand in the fire, don't you?

MARINA: Right, fine. Steve will help me.

JACK: Steve will not help you!

MARINA: Yes he will! I know he cares about me.

JACK: No, he won't. He doesn't care about you. As far as you're concerned it's a done deal.

MARINA: No, never.

JACK: No, no, no. Now listen to me. One more warning. Stay away from Steve and Kayla, alright.

MARINA: Is that a threat, Jack?

JACK: Let me give you one last piece of advice from your pal, and maybe your only pal.

HE PLACES HIS HANDS AROUND HER THROAT.

JACK: It would take this much effort to snap that little chicken neck. Maybe next time I won't be around to help you.

SHE PUSHES HIM OUT THE DOOR AND SLAMS IT SHUT. JACK WIPES THE BLOOD FROM HIS MOUTH.

SCENE FIVE: A SHORT TIME LATER, KAYLA IS ALL DRESSED UP READY TO GO OUT. SHE IS AT HER PARENT'S PLACE AND IS OBVIOUSLY WAITING FOR SOMEBODY. THERE IS A LOUD KNOCK AT THE DOOR.

KAYLA: Jack.

JACK: Ah.... hi. The mail guy dropped this on the.... what am I saying. I just wanted to check in on you and see how you were doing.

KAYLA: I'm alright.

JACK: Yeah. Nice outfit. Pretty.

KAYLA: Oh, I'm having dinner with Steve tonight.

JACK: Great.

KAYLA: Yeah.

JACK: Ah, let me take this in for you. It's cold out there. (Beat) So I hope he's taking you to a four-star restaurant. I mean you certainly look dressed for it.

KAYLA: Oh well, we're not going anywhere special. It's not a special night.

JACK: Oh, you're dressed like it's going to be special.

KAYLA: Listen as long as Marina is around, Steve and I are going to stay apart.

JACK: Oh, I don't think you should worry about Marina. Steve is really trying to push her away.

KAYLA: Well, maybe not pushing hard enough.

JACK: I think your really over estimating Marina. She's a lot more limited than you think.

KAYLA: You know a lot about her.

JACK: Yeah, I know some things, yeah.

JACK: Are you about to start asking me questions about Marina?

KAYLA: Well, why don't you tell me what you know, huh?

JACK: Look, I've told you everything I know.

KAYLA: Well, maybe you're leaving out just something important.

JACK: There's nothing else important.

KAYLA: I don't trust her.

JACK: Don't worry about trusting her. You've got to trust Steve. He's doing everything he can to make this right.

KAYLA: You think so?

JACK: Yeah, don't you?

KAYLA: No, I don't know. You know he begged me to have dinner with him tonight. Now he's late.

JACK: Well, maybe he ran into a traffic jam or something.

KAYLA: I'm sure he's just late.

SCENE SIX: MEANWHILE MARINA HAS GONE TO SEE STEVE BUT HE TELLS HER THAT HE KNOWS SHE HAD THE KEY ALL ALONG BECAUSE VICTOR TOLD HIM. SHE SWEARS SHE DOES NOT HAVE IT. STEVE TELLS MARINA TO LEAVE BUT SHE REFUSES. HE PUSHES HER ASIDE AND IS ABOUT TO GET IN HIS CAR WHEN IT BLOWS UP.

SCENE SEVEN: BELIEVING SHANE IS DEAD, KIM HAS SEX WITH CAL WINTERS.

SCENE EIGHT: STEVE IS NOT INJURED BY THE EXPLOSION. WHEN KAYLA FINDS OUT THAT MARINA WAS WITH HIM SO SHE STILL REFUSES TO GO BACK THERE.

SCENE ONE: JACK IS IN HIS OFFICE WHEN JO ARRIVES TO SEE HIM.

JACK: Come in.

JO: I thought I'd find you here. Don't you even take off for holidays?

JACK: Does the news take a holiday? No. Do I take a holiday? No. I've got to get the newspaper out.

JO: Well, when you're finished, why don't you come by Dr. Curtis's for Thanksgiving? I've invited Adrienne and Steve.

JACK: For a good old Johnson Thanksgiving?

JO: Well, since we haven't had one yet, I thought this would be a good time to start.

JACK: Not for me, not today.

 

HE GLARES AT JO ALMOST BAITING HER TO COMMENT.

JO: Okay. Fine. I want to tell you something Jack. You can get another job but you've only got one family.

JACK: Don't you think I know that. Why do you think....

HE STOPS, UNABLE TO TELL HER HOW HARD HE IS TRIED TO HELP HIS FAMILY.

JO: We'll set an extra place for you just in case you get off early. Happy Thanks giving.... Son.

JO LEAVES.  JACK THINKS ABOUT HER OFFER.

SCENE TWO: JENNIFER ARRIVES AT HER GRANDPARENTS. EMILIO DROPS BY AND TELLS HER HE WILL BE BACK LATER FOR TURKEY AND HOW GLAD HE IS THAT SHE ASKED HIM.

SCENE THREE: LATER THE HORTONS ARE ALL GATHERING IN THE LIVING ROOM WHEN EMILIO ARRIVES. HE FEELS AWKWARD WITH THE HORTONS.

SCENE FOUR: MEANWHILE JACK GOES TO VISIT ISABELLA.

JACK: Oh, what the heck!

JACK HANDS SOME MORE CASH TO THE NURSE ATTENDANT.

MALE NURSE: What, no turkey, no stuffing?

JACK: Yeah.

THE NURSE GOES INSIDE AND ISABELLA COMES OUT.

ISABELLA: Oh, it's you.

JACK: I guess the romance has gone out of this relationship. Or were you expecting Marina?

ISABELLA: Well, it is a holiday.

JACK: That's why I'm here to bring a little holiday cheer.

HE HANDS HER A SMALL BUNCH OF FLOWERS.

ISABELLA: Thank you but you didn't have to.

JACK: Well, I figured the others were dead by now. And I know it must be kind of hard to be alone on Thanksgiving.

ISABELLA: I won't be for long.

JACK: What do you mean?

ISABELLA: I'm getting out.

JACK: Really?

ISABELLA: Marina will be by anytime now.

JACK: So, I guess I can't visit you anymore?

ISABELLA: I don't know.

JACK: What, you don't want to see me?

ISABELLA: I want to get out.

JACK: Well, I don't blame you for that. This place is.... I tell you what. Let's take a walk around the grounds until Marina gets here.

ISABELLA: I don't think we should leave.

JACK: Don't worry about it. I'll make sure you don't miss Marina, believe me. Okay? This way.

ISABELLA TAKES JACK'S ARM, AND PATS HER HAND, WHICH IS RESTING ON HIS ARM;

THEY BEGIN TO WALK AROUND THE GARDEN.

ISABELLA: Our family was always together for holidays.

JACK: Sounds like your family was pretty close at one time.

ISABELLA: At one time. I wonder where Marina is.

JACK: Well, maybe.... maybe you just got the time wrong. Huh?

ISABELLA: No, it was today.

JACK: Guess you've been stood up before, huh? (Beat) Sorry.

ISABELLA: You don't have to feel sorry for me. I can take care of myself.

JACK: Whoa, whoa. Feel sorry for me. I can't figure out a way to help you.

ISABELLA: Do you really want to help me?

JACK: Sure, why not?

ISABELLA: I need money.

JACK: You need money? What for?

ISABELLA: To make things more comfortable for me.

SHE HANDS JACK THE FLOWERS.

JACK: Well.... wait a minute.

ISABELLA REMOVES A RING FROM HER FINGER.

ISABELLA: I want you to pawn this for me. You should be able to get quite a bit for it.

JACK: Wait a minute. I.... er.... look I think I can loan you the money.

ISABELLA: No. I want you to pawn the ring.

JACK: Look, Isabella..... alright, I'll do whatever I can do.

MALE NURSE: Sorry I've got to get her back in.

JACK: Alright. Thanks. Here for you. (He hands her back the flowers.)

ISABELLA: (Whispering) Please do it.

ISABELLA GOES INSIDE. JACK IS LEFT OUTSIDE STILL PUZZLED BY HER.

SCENE FIVE: A SHORT TIME LATER BACK AT THE HORTONS, MIKE ANNOUNCES THE TURKEY IS READY. THE DOORBELL RINGS AND JENNIFER RUNS TO ANSWER IT. IT IS JACK.

Thanksgiving, Jack brings flowers to Jennifer, but she is spending it with Emilio; 55 sec; 2 Meg

JENNIFER: Hello.

JACK: Hi.

JENNIFER: Jack!

JACK: Happy Thanksgiving!

HE HANDS HER A LOVELY BUNCH OF MIXED FLOWERS.

JENNIFER: What are these for?

EMILIO APPEARS FROM BEHIND THE DOOR.

EMILIO: Hey, if it ain't the turkey himself.

SEEING EMILIO JACK SEEMS AFFECTED. IT APPEARS THAT HE WAS ABOUT TO SAY SOMETHING MORE BUT CHANGES HIS MIND.

JENNIFER: Jack, why don't you come in? It's cold out there.

JACK: (It is obvious that he is not bringing flowers to all his staff just Jennifer, but he does not want Jennifer to know.) No, no, no, no. I've got a lot of these to deliver to the other employees. Got a whole car full. I just wanted to (Stopping before he says that they are for her.).... I just wanted to give this to your family.

JENNIFER: Thanks.

THEY LOOK IN EACH OTHER'S EYES.

JACK: Sure. It's no big deal really.

EMILIO: They're calling us. Come on.

EMILIO WALKS AWAY.

JACK: Well, I guess your grandpa's winding up there. It's my cue to leave.

JENNIFER: Oh, well, happy Thanksgiving Jack.

JACK: (Jack is somewhat hurt and lonely, and with love in his eyes) Happy Thanksgiving to you.

JENNIFER SHUTS THE DOOR AND JACK FEELS LIKE HE IS BEEN SHUT OUT FROM THE WORLD.

JENNIFER GOES BACK INTO THE LIVING ROOM AND JACK WATCHES THROUGH THE WINDOW AS EMILIO KISSES HER.

SCENE SIX: JACK GOES BACK TO HIS OFFICE AND AS HE OPENS THE DOOR HE FINDS JO THERE AND HIS WHOLE DESK SET UP FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER.

Thanksgiving, alone at the paper, Jo surprises Jack; 15 sec; 540K

HE IS HAPPY BUT TRIES NOT TO SMILE. DURING THIS TIME THERE IS A VOICE OVER OF TOM HORTON TALKING ABOUT FAMILY AND THOSE WHO ARE ALONE AND ARE NOT ABLE TO SHARE THE HOLIDAY WITH OTHERS, HE TALKS ABOUT BEING THANKFUL. IT IS A MONTAGE OF THE HORTONS, JACK, AND OTHERS.