Home for the Holidays 14
by Denise
SCENE 34, MASTER BEDROOM, THORNWAY ROAD, 6:00 A.M. CHRISTMAS MORNING.
Quint and Nola lie snuggled in each others arms, sound asleep. Children's voices are heard out in the hallway. Quint awakens, then rouses Nola, and they listen in on the deep discussion taking place outside their door.
CUT TO HALLWAY.
Paul: Did too. I heard the bells. I even saw him fly off.
Beatrice: You did not. He prob'ly din't even know we were here and left all our stuff at home.
CUT TO BEDROOM
Nola and Quint have quietly arisen and are both pulling robes on over their hastily donned nightclothes, and listening to the debate out in the hall.
N: (whispering) Everything's ready?
Q: Yes, Tony helped me finish setting it all out while you helped Jim and Claudia get them settled last night.
N: (looking at the time) That wasn't even five hours ago! I've forgotten what it's like to have little ones around at Christmas.
Q: But they sound just like Stacey and J don't they?
Quint stands behind Nola and wraps his arms about her waist, and they smile, remembering their own children.
N: Are you sorry we didn't have more?
Q: Nola, I love our children dearly and I wouldn't trade them for the world, but...no, I'm really not sorry we didn't have more. I don't know how Jim and Claudia keep up with theirs.
As if to prove his point, the discussion in the hallway grows louder as the three older siblings of Paul and Beatrice join them. Quint opens the bedroom door and he and Nola observe the scene. The children are divided as to whether or not Santa was able to locate them at their aunt and uncle's mansion. Only James, Jr. abstains from joining the debate, and wears a knowing look. Nola gives him the eye as if to tell him not to spoil the illusion.
Soon, the rest of the Reardon clan is awakened and all are assembled in the hallway, yawning and rubbing their eyes. Violet and Victoria soon join them.
Q: Well, the only way to determine if Santa got the message that your stockings were hung by our fireplace instead of yours, is to go downstairs and see for ourselves. Shall we?
A chorus of childish affirmatives is heard and a mass exodus begins down the stairs.
CUT TO STUDY
Daniel and Benjamin throw open the study doors and lead the pack of children into the study. They fall on their stack of gifts, with Stacey carrying Maureen over to examine hers. The adults settle back to watch the chaos. After a bit, Nola stands and kisses Quint on the cheek.
N: This looks like it could take a while, and I'm in serious need of some caffeine. I'm going to go start the coffee.
Q: (starts to rise) Let me help you.
Bea: No, Quint, you stay put. I'll help Nola.
Q: No, Bea, let me. You stay here.
Bea: No, I insist.
N: (to Quint)You'll never win this argument, dear....(to Bea) Come on Mom, help me find out where Edie keeps everything.
CUT TO KITCHEN.
Nola and Bea locate the coffee and Nola starts the coffeemaker, while Bea gets out the cups. Nola brings a tray over and helps her place them on it.
Bea: Nola?
N: What, Ma?
Bea: Oh, I just missed you that's all...(she hugs Nola) I love you so much. I'm so glad to see you this happy.
N: It's been a while hasn't it?
Bea: Well, you haven't sounded like yourself on the phone for...
N: I know, Ma. But that's over. We've put that behind us and we're starting over.
Bea: I'm glad. I know Quint loves you so much. He called me a few times in the past year or so. He sounded a lot worse than you did.
N: (surprised) He called you?
Bea: He needed someone to talk to. I hope you don't mind. I never told him anything about what we had talked about. I mostly just listened.
N: You mostly just listened to me too. I guess you've heard the whole thing twice, huh?
Bea: Yes, Nola, and I could tell how much you both still loved one another the whole time. I can't tell you how happy I am that things have worked out for you two.
N: Me, too. Second chances are like this are pretty few and far between. You just never know what could happen.
Bea: True. And opportunities like this one...who would have ever thought we'd be spending Christmas with so many of us back together?
Just then Quint enters the kitchen to see what's taking them so long.
N: Thanks to that devious husband of mine. He still hasn't told me how he managed to get you all here.
Q: Devious? Me? You don't believe that do you Bea?
N: Shall I explain my recent kidnapping?
Q: Nola, I wouldn't call that a kidnapping.
Bea goes and gets the pot of coffee that has finished brewing and places it on the tray, and watches in amusement as they continue to playfully disagree.
Bea: I'll leave you two to work this one out on your own. You don't need me as referee.
Q: Thanks, Bea...for everything
Bea: I didn't do anything.
Q: (kissing her cheek as she passes) You listened. Sometimes that kind ear is what's needed most.
Bea exits and Nola goes to the refrigerator to begin seeing about breakfast.
Q: Nola, stop.
N: What?
Q: Stop that. Breakfast can wait. Come here a minute.
She closes the door and walks over to Quint. He pulls her into his arms and holds her tightly.
N: Oh, this is better than breakfast.
Q: Much.
They begin kissing each other gently and tenderly.
Q: (whispering in her ear) Merry Christmas, Nola. I love you.
N: (sighs) I love you too. Merry Christmas.
Quint pulls away slightly and reaches into the pocket of his robe.
Q: Here's something Santa left you...since you've been such a good little girl.
He hands her a small package.
N: (surprised) What? Quint you already gave me my present in New York.
Q: Shh, Nola. Just open it.
N: O.K.
She rips the shiny paper off and opens the box. Inside is another, smaller box, this one covered in velvet.
N: Quint you didn't...
Q: Yes, Nola I did.
Quint lifts the velvet jeweler's box from within and slowly opens it. The emerald earrings gleam brilliantly.
N: But you shouldn't...
Q: Of course I should have. I want you to have them. Now stop protesting and try them on. Let me see how they look on those delicious ears of yours.
N: Oh Quint, they're beautiful. Thank you so much.
Nola places them on her ears and lets Quint admire them.
Q: Perfect.
He kisses each ear and then returns to kiss her enthusiastically on the mouth. The chaos in the study continues unheeded. After a few moments Nola breaks the kiss.
N: Wait here. I'll be right back.
Q: Nola...
N: No, Quint. I want to give you your present in here, just the two of us.
Q: Alright.
After a few brief moments, Nola returns with a rectangular package and hands it to Quint.
Q: What's this?
N: Open it silly.
Quint removes the paper to reveal a beautiful, leather bound, but very old book. He examines the spine and his face lights up. He opens it carefully and reads the title page.
Q: Nola! Where did you find this?
N: Pretty amazing isn't it? I couldn't decide what to get you for the longest time. I just stopped in this bookstore on the off chance they might have something...and there it was.
Q: First edition...such good condition. Professor T.B. McAlister, Native Tribal Custom of the Toalamin. Thank you, Nola.
N: You're welcome. It looks like it covers every aspect of their lives.
Q: I believe you're right. Rites of passage. Marriage custom. Oh my, that's unusual...for a volume this old.
N: What?
Q Tribal sexual ritual seems to be covered in great detail in chapter seven.
N: (grinning) That sounds interesting.
Q: Nola, have you read this yet?
N: (innocently) Oh no, I just skimmed it a bit in the bookstore. Page 102 looked kind of intriguing though.
Q: Page 102.
Quint begins flipping pages but Nola stops him and snaps the book shut and grabs it from him.
N: Oh no you don't. Believe me, you don't want to read that right now.
Q: Why not?
N: Because, dear, this house is crawling with our family and you'd only spend the rest of the day wishing you'd never made them magically appear here to celebrate Christmas with us. Page 102 requires uninterrupted concentration.
Q: And total privacy?
N: You got it.
Quint reaches for the book, but Nola snatches it away and hides it behind her back.
Q: Please, Nola?
N: Not this time. Now it's your turn to die of curiousity.
Q: Please?
N: Nope. I might even have to tie you up to keep your hands off it, huh?
Q: That sounds like fun.
N: Later dear. But I'm afraid it may be much later.
To be continued...
Home for the Holidays 15
by Denise
SCENE 35, THORNWAY ROAD STUDY 8:00 PM, DECEMBER 25
The adults are enjoying after dinner coffee and watching the children play with their new loot. Quint wanders about the room a bit restlessly. Nola sits calmly on the sofa and watches him with a small smile at the corner of her mouth.
Bea: (concerned) Quint, is everything o.k.?
Q: (distracted) Hmm? Oh, yes Bea, I'm fine.
Bea: Are you sure? Come sit here by Nola and tell me about your trip to New York.
N: Yes, Quint, come sit here.
She pats the sofa cushion next to her. Quint glances about the room one last time and turns to go sit by his wife. Just then the telephone rings. Quint reverses direction and goes to the desk to answer it.
Q: Hello...Oh, hello Bridget...yes everyone is here, who did you want to speak with first?...You are?...(pause)Oh, I see...I'm sorry...(pause)Just a moment, let me check.
Quint covers the receiver and turns to speak to the family.
Q: Bridget and Peter and Matt returned from Flint earlier than expected. Unfortunately, things didn't go as well as she had hoped between Matt and Sean.
Bea: Oh no, I was afraid of that. Can I talk to her?
Q: Actually, she'd like us all to head on over to Company. She thinks she can keep Matt there until we arrive. She'd love to see everyone and she hopes it will help Matt as well. Shall we?
A chorus of affirmatives is heard and Bea goes to the phone to let Bridget know that they'll be arriving shortly.
SCENE 36, INTERIOR OF COMPANY, A SHORT WHILE LATER.
Matt and Peter are playing with Peter's new fire truck on top of the bar, and the rest of the room is deserted.
Matt: Hey, Petie, where's that mommy of yours? She said she'd be right back.
Just then a knock is heard at the front door.
Matt: (raised voice)We're closed. It's still Christmas. Come back tomorrow.
The knock sounds again. Matt crosses the room, carrying Peter with him and opens the door impatiently.
Matt: We're closed, I said...
He stops short.
Tony: Even for me? I used to own the place you know.
Matt: Uncle Tony!
Tony: Hi, Matt. Can we come in?
Matt: Of course.
Tony leads the troops in and Matt's jaw drops as each Reardon passes by him and pauses to give him a brief hug or kiss. Tony crosses to the middle of the room and stops to look around in amazement.
Tony: What the? (raising his voice) Bridget!!
Bridget enters from the boarding house.
Bridget: What? Tony!!
Tony: What have you done in here?
As the two of them begin to debate the wild color scheme, Nola enters, followed by Quint.
N: (kissing Matt's cheek) Hi Matt. You look about as shocked as I did last night.
Matt: How did everyone..
N: (indicating Quint) Thanks to Quinton Copperfield here. You ask him. He won't tell me.
Quint grins his crooked smile.
Q: Now, Nola, true magicians are sworn to never reveal the secrets of their illusions.
N: (whispering in his ear) Magician maybe, but you're no Kreskin or you would have figured out where I hid that book already.
Nola giggles and takes off across the room rapidly before Quint can grab her and force her to talk. Just then, Peter notices the strange man who's very upset with his mommy, and he jumps down and heads over to defend her. Bea enters the doorway then followed by Victoria and Violet.
Bea: (hugging Matt) Matthew, oh,....look at you...
She kisses him and hugs him one more time.
Matt: Hi, Grandma. It's great to see you...
He peeks out the door.
Matt: Is that everyone?
Bea: Yes I think so...(she looks about the room and counts noses) Yes that's it. Come on in, Victoria, Violet...Matt let me introduce you...
CUT OVER TO TONY AND BRIDGET
Bridget: Come on, Tony. I had to keep up with the times.
Tony: What times? This looks like a 70's acid trip! A really bad one.
Bridget: Peter, you tell him...you like how Mommy decorated Company don't you?
Tony: Bridget, it's your place now, but...Where are my movie posters?
Bridget: Up in the attic, where they've been for years. I hate to break it to you Tony, but this isn't the first time this place has been re-done since you left.
Tony: Yeah, but it's got to be the worst. You're gonna get sick of this real fast. I give it a couple more weeks and (he snaps his fingers) it'll be gone.
CUT TO JIM AND CLAUDIA AND THE CHILDREN.
James, Jr.: So you grew up here?
Jim: No, the bar wasn't here then. Come on. Let's go into the boarding house and I'll show you.
They all troop off to see where Daddy's room used to be.
CUT TO TONY AND MATT.
Tony agrees to disagree with Bridget about decor and notices Matt still standing near the door. He crosses over and speaks to him.
Tony: Rough Christmas?
Matt: (shuts his eyes) The worst ever. Bridget thought dragging me to Flint would take my mind off...things...It didn't work. Sean showed up drunk this morning and every rotten Christmas we'd ever had came back, ten times worse. I should have driven up to Lake Geneva like I wanted to.
Tony: All by yourself?
Matt: I don't feel all that alone up there.
Tony hugs him.
Tony: I know how you feel...Look at me, Matt.
Matt turns and sees the pain he feels reflected in Tony's eyes.
Matt: Yeah, I guess you of all people can actually say that to me and mean it.
Matt swallows with difficulty and looks back at his Uncle.
Matt: So, does it ever get any better?
Tony: Sometimes, but probably not for quite a while. Annabelle's been gone for eight years now and I still curse the day I let her get in that damn car instead of me. All kinds of things go through my head. Like why didn't the phone ring so she would have been five minutes later and that idiot could have plowed into someone else when he ran that red light...None of it brings her back. I just work harder and sometimes I can forget for a while.
Matt: Lake Geneva doesn't make me forget. It just...
He stops, unable to explain.
Tony: It's o.k. Whatever works for you. You don't have to try to talk about it. But, come on, Matt, you can't go up there now. Let's go fake it for a while and pretend like we can feel some of this holiday cheer. These people love you, even if they can't quite understand. They're worried about you and they want to help.
Tony puts a hand on Matt's shoulder and they turn to join the others. The family has gathered around one of the tables and J has produced a deck of cards.
Tony: I feel a serious poker game is about to begin. Come on Matt. Let's play some cards and pretend we're not thinking about anything but the hand we've been dealt.
SCENE 37, COMPANY, ONE HOUR LATER.
J, Nola, Quint, Tony, and Matt are in the middle of a hand of poker. Stacey and Bridget are over in the corner with Peter, watching him play with his truck. Bea, Tommy, Victoria, and Violet are watching the poker game. Claudia enters and joins the group observing the game.
Bea: Where did Jim and the kids go?
Claudia: They're upstairs in Nola's room. Jim's telling them quite the bedtime story. Something about when he and Tony were caught climbing out their window. I hope he doesn't end up giving them any ideas.
Nola: (yawning loudly) Oh my...I fold. I can't keep my eyes open. Maybe I should go up there and join them and Jim can tell me a story. I'd be out like a light.
Quint: (folding his cards as well) I'm feeling a bit sleepy myself. Here Claudia, why don't you take over for me so I can get Nola home before she falls asleep here. Tommy, why don't you take over for Nola. Maybe you can win a few hands and take your father for all he's worth.
Tony: Well, Quint, I'm sure he'd rather you stayed in the game so he could try to take you for all you're worth.
Quint: Maybe tomorrow night, Tommy. Get some practice in on your old dad here and we'll both take him on tomorrow night. Come on, Nola, let's get you home and tucked in. Please excuse us. I'm afraid all this excitement has finally caught up to us.
Bea: No we don't mind. You two get some rest. We'll be back later. Maybe much later knowing these two.
Bea indicates Tony and Tommy. Tommy appears to have settled seriously into the challenge of the game, and Tony looks amused by his attitude. Quint and Nola quickly gather their coats and head for the door.
SCENE 37, THORNWAY ROAD STUDY, SOME TIME LATER.
The doors are closed and the fire is burning. The lights from a couple candles and the lights of the Christmas tree are the only illumination. A trail of discarded clothing leads from the doors to the back of the sofa. Quint and Nola's bodies are entwined and they are kissing sweetly as they recover from their lovemaking.
Q: Hmm, you seem to have recovered your energy quite nicely, Nola.
N: You think they bought that?
Q: I don't know. I don't care. They were nice enough to let us escape and have this time alone.
N: Better make the best of it.
Q: Nola?
N: You heard me Quinton.
She eyes him suggestively and begins kissing his neck.
N: You still haven't told me how the Reardons magically appeared last night.
Q: And you, my precious Nola, have not revealed the whereabouts of my Christmas gift.
N: (giggles) You'll just have to make me talk.
Quint rolls over and pins Nola beneath him.
Q: I'll tickle you!
N: Oh, that could be fun.
Quint begins to make good on his threat.
CUT TO SHOT OF HALLWAY OUTSIDE STUDY.
Squealing and giggling can be heard from the next room. The front door opens and Stacey and J. enter.
Stacey: Next time I'm driving.
J: I don't think so, it's my car.
Just then, the sounds from the study register in their minds.
J: What? I thought they'd be asleep by now.
Stacey: Oh Anthony James, are you really that clueless?
J: You mean...
Stacey: Helloooo, little brother. Yes, they're at it again. I just thought they would have gone up to their bedroom.
J: But the others will be here any minute.
Stacey: Their secret won't be safe for long. You better go warn them.
J: Me?!! Why me?!! You do it. You're older.
Stacey: Chicken. Just go make some noise or something.
The two of them go stand near the study doors and begin talking in artificially loud voices.
Stacey: HERE J, TAKE MY COAT. DO YOU WANT SOME POPCORN OR SOMETHING?
J: OK, YOU MAKE THE POPCORN. JUST DON'T BURN IT.
Stacey: I BETTER MAKE A COUPLE OF PACKAGES. THE OTHERS SHOULD BE HERE SOON.
They pause to listen. The squeals and giggles continue intermittently.
Stacey: Is that Tony's car?
J: Yeah, what'll we do?
Stacey: You get them upstairs, or better yet get them into the kitchen and get them distracted. I don't know, ask Grandma to cook something. She loves to baby you.
J: And what will you do?
Stacey: I'll...I don't know, I'll think of something.
Just then, Tony, Tommy, Bea, Violet and Victoria enter the foyer. The squeals seem to have quieted down. J and Stacey exchange a hopeful glance that the pause will last long enough for them to get the others out of the way before their parents activities are discovered.
Bea: We're back.
Stacey: So soon?
Tony: Yeah, this card shark son of mine wiped us all out in record time. Good thing it was only penny ante stuff.
Tommy: I want higher stakes tomorrow night. You gonna spot me a cuople bills to start with, Dad?
Tony: Bills? What bills? I've got a couple bills sporting good old George Washington's portrait you can have.
Tommy: Come on, Dad. I'll need more than that.
The pause in the action in the study was short-lived. Nola's squeals can again be heard.
J: (loudly) Hey, Grandma...Let's go have some of that great hot chocolate you make.
He gives her a simpering grin.
Bea: (listening) What's that? Are you two watching a movie in there?
Tony, who is standing nearer the study door, clearly recognizes his sister's voice and realization dawns. He hears less giggling and squealing, and more telling sounds are heard.
Tony: (loudly covering) Hey, J, that sounds like a great idea. Tommy, you and I and J can escort these ladies to the kitchen for some of Ma's great hot chocolate.
J takes Victoria and Violet and leads the way. Tony takes Bea by the arm, and then reaches back and grabs Tommy, who is standing stock still and wearing a puzzled expression.
CUT TO STUDY.
Quint has given up on tickling Nola moved on to other tactics. Both are oblivious to the racket out in the hallway, as Quint kisses Nola deeply and begins working his way down her neck, with a detour behind her right ear.
N: Oh...Quinton.
Q: (slowly, pleading) Nola.
N: Yes?
Q: Are you ready?
N: Mmm, uh, ready? Yes, I think so...definitely.
Quint stops his kissing abruptly and looks her in the eye.
Q: All right, young lady...where is it?
N: (wailing) What? The book? I thought you meant..
Q: I know what you thought. You've been driving me insane all day. Turn about's fair play. Now where is it?
N: (kissing his neck) Oh come on Quint. I promise I'll go get it in a bit. Let's just take a few minutes and...
Q: (interrupting) That's not going to work this time, Nola.
Quint sits up and pulls Nola up with him.
N: Oh, all right. You wait here though. I'm not giving away where I've hidden it. I might need a good hiding place again someday. Shut your eyes.
Quint complies, quite honorably attempting not to peek. Nola grabs a candle from the table nearby and wraps herself in a cotton throw that had been draped over a nearby chair. She heads over to the bookshelves and triggers the shelves to swing open. Just as Nola is about to disappear, Quint clearly hears Stacey speaking out in the hall.
Stacey: Hey, Grandma, is that hot chocolate ready? Why don't we have some popcorn too. I'll be right there.
Quint's eyes pop open and he sees Nola enter the secret passageway. He quickly decides he'd best join her. He grabs his pants and quickly pulls them on and then scoops up the other clothing and heads for the passageway himself.
CUT TO HALLWAY.
Tony has returned from the kitchen.
Tony: You can go now. I'll keep everyone out till...
Stacey: You heard all that?
Tony: Enough. I guess that explains the weird mood Quint was in all day. Geez. He should have said something. I'd have kept everyone at Company longer. I guess I should have figured out what Nola was up to.
Stacey: I guess I should have to. They've been pulling that "I'm just so sleepy" act for years now. I guess it didn't even register...Hey, I think it's gotten pretty quiet in there.
Tony: (pauses to listen) You're right. We better get out of here so they can sneak upstairs.
Stacey: Now if we can just keep Grandma in the kitchen a little while longer. She didn't catch on did she?
Tony laughs.
Tony: Stacey, your Grandma had six kids, believe me, she knows. She'll never let on though. You just keep Victoria and Violet in there a few minutes. I'll make sure these two know they better head for the bedroom. (Stacey gives him a look) Don't worry, I'll be tactful.
Stacey heads for the kitchen. Tony pauses to listen and is amazed at the complete and utter silence that meets his ears.
Tony: They better not have fallen asleep in there. I might just have to tactfully go get some snow balls and gently awaken the little love birds.
He knock softly on the door, and gets no response. He loudly clears his throat and knocks louder. After a long pause, he shrugs his shoulders, and opens the door a crack. He eyes the room cautiously but sees no sign of Quint or Nola.
Tony: That's weird. Where the hell are they?
CUT TO SECRET PASSAGEWAY.
Quint quietly sneaks up on Nola as she reaches the second floor landing of the passageway.
Q: (ghostlike tones) Noooolaaa....
Nola jumps about a foot and wheels around to discover that the ghost is none other than her dear husband.
N: (loudly) Quint! I told you, I won't go get the book unless you promise not to peek. Get back down there!
Q: Shh! Nola, I'm afraid I can't do that. We were about to be discovered. It seems time flies when you're having fun...the family is back, Nola.
N: You're kidding! Already?
Q: Untimely, isn't it?
N: They didn't...
Q: No, dear I'm quite sure they had just arrived. Look, I've got all our clothes here, no one will know we didn't pop straight into bed upon arrival.
N: (relieved) That's good. Good thing you heard them right away like that.
Nola opens the doorway before her and the two of them emerge into the master bedroom. Nola places the candle on top of the nightstand and flops across the bed, still wrapped in the throw. Quint realizes she is determined not to reveal her secret hiding place.
Q: You're not going to tell me where it is?
N: Now, Quint. I just can't...this hiding place is so perfect. I can't let you find out about it.
Q: Nola, I really would have let you go get it by yourself, but it was an emergency.
N: I know, but...
Q: O.K. Nola, have it your way...This calls for plan B.
Quint crosses the room and opens a dresser drawer.
N: Plan B? What is plan B?
Quint approaches the bed, hiding something behind his back. He climbs onto the bed and then pounces on Nola, pinning her beneath him. He kisses her thoroughly and then draws the red scarf slowly across her, just below her chin.
Q: This, my love, is plan B.
Quint reaches out and snatches away the coverlet from atop Nola and the fun begins...
To be continued.....
Home For The Holidays, Part 16
SCENE 39, MASTER BEDROOM, LATE MORNING, THE NEXT DAY.
Quint and Nola lie still asleep in their bed, their bodies spooned together. Jim's kids can be heard noisily playing in the hallway outside their room. Quint opens one eye, checks the clock, and then kisses Nola behind her ear and shuts his eye to drift back to sleep.
CUT FOYER
J and Jim are putting on their coats. Claudia comes down the stairs, leading the chidren, carrying Maureen who is already bundled up in a pink snowsuit.
Jim: Come on, kids. Let's go build a snowman.
James, Jr.: Nah, let's have a snowball fight!
The kids all yell enthusiastically and they all troop out.
CUT BACK TO BEDROOM
The children's yells awaken Nola and she sits up suddenly.
N: What? What happened?
Quint grabs her and pulls her back down next to him.
Q (drowsily) Come back here. You're letting in the cold air.
Nola snuggles back in. The front door slams shut as the last of the kids troop out.
N: What time is it?
Q: TIme to snuggle with your husband.
N: Mmm. Sounds good.
She shuts her eyes again and smiles dreamily. A few seconds later, one of Nola's eyes pops open and she checks the bedside clock.
N: Eleven!!
Q: Shh. Let's go back to sleep. Five more minutes, Nola.
N: Oh no, I know you and your five more minutes. It'll be another hour. We're not being very good hosts. I hope they got breakfast alright.
Q: They're all family, Nola. And Edie was going to be back in this morning. I'm sure between her and Bea they were all well fed.
N: I suppose you're right. Well, I guess five more minutes couldn't hurt.
CUT TO KITCHEN.
Bea and Edie are watching out the back window at the children playing in the snow.
Edie: You've got some wonderful children and grandchildren, Bea.
Bea: Thanks. I think so, too. I'm so glad we're finally together again like this. And you? Do you have children?
They begin comparing notes on their children and trading grandchildren stories.
SCENE 40, STUDY, HALF AN HOUR LATER.
Quint strolls in, humming and smiling to himself. He crosses to the desk, and doesn't notice Tony who is sitting on the sofa, reading the paper.
T: Get enough rest?
Q: Tony! I didn't see you there...ah, yes well I believe I did catch up rather nicely on my rest last night. We were both so tired. All the excitement of the past week and the trip to New York really hit Nola and I hard.
Tony laughs.
T: Try again.
Q: (confused) I beg your pardon?
T: Feed that line to someone who will buy it. Try Jim and Claudia and the kids. They crashed over at the boardinghouse last night so they'd probably believe you Quint. Course that's assuming you can wipe that grin off your face. It's a dead give away.
Quint continues to grin, but looks a bit surprised as well.
Q: What? Buy it? What do you mean by that?
Tony chuckles again.
T: Quint, old buddy, I'm surprised the house was still standing when we got here last night. Pretty hot. Thought the smoke alarms might go off at any minute at the very least.
Quint just looks at him, puzzled.
Q: When did you arrive?
T: Let's just say it was before you and Nola miraculously disappeared upstairs. How'd you do that anyway?
Q: (incredulous) You knew we were in here?
T: Yeah, sounded like you two were definitely not resting. That sister of mine isn't exactly quiet, you know.
Q: (grinning) Yes, I'm well aware of that fact... (concerned) I just assumed we had heard you arrive and had gotten upstairs in time.
T: Don't sweat it. I'm happy for you both. We all are. Just give me the high sign next time and I'll make sure we all stay away longer. We're just lucky the little kids didn't come back with us. (jokingly) Jim might have had to give them "the talk" a little earlier than he planned.
Q: That is fortunate.
T: (more seriously) Hey, so are you and Nola. Take care of each other. Make the most of everyday you two have together. You just never know what could happen.
Q: We will, Tony...don't worry, we will.
CUT TO MASTER BEDROOM.
Nola emerges from the bathroom, fully dressed, brushing her hair and humming. The bedroom door is open and Stacey walks past.
N: Stacey, honey, good morning.
Stacey comes back and stands in the doorway.
S: Morning, Mom. Almost afternoon though. Did you sleep well?
N: (stretching her arms up and yawning) Oh yes, like a log. I can't believe I was tired enough to sleep this late.
Stacey laughs quietly.
S: Mom, you're so funny.
N: What? What do you mean?
S: Mom, it became abundantly clear that you and dad weren't all that sleepy last night.
N: (mortified)You heard us?
S: Sounded like old times in those tents when...
N: (sharply) Anastasia Louise!
S: Mom, maybe you should bring it down a few decibels if it bothers you like that. Sounded pretty hot.
N: Anastasia Louise! That is private!
S: Not anymore
N: Who heard?
S: Maybe you should ask . . who didn't hear? The list would be shorter.
N: (in denial) Stacey stop teasing me. That's not true
S: What moment exactly would you like me to describe to let you know I am speaking the truth?
N: I can't discuss this with you.
S: OK mom, live in fantasy land...you obviously enjoy it. But I cannot understand why you can't discuss this with me. We are both adults. I'm not your little girl anymore.
N: I just can't. What goes on between your father and I...I can't discuss it.
S: Mom, we've talked about sex before. And I'm not a kid anymore. What do you think happened when I went on that ski trip to Gstaad last year? I told you Doug and Brian went with Melanie and I.
N: And I told you that you should be very careful. I understand that you're an adult and I can't keep you from making your own choices, but I want you to remember what I told you about the difference between sex and making love with someone you love. There is no comparison. When the two people are truly in love and committed to one another, there is nothing else like it. It is truly worth waiting for. Daddy and I waited. And it made our wedding night all the more special.
S: Mom, that story you told me about waiting is so...unbelievable. You and Daddy alone together on a romantic cruise, and NOTHING happens? Come on!
N: It's true! I'm not saying we didn't want something to happen. We both did. But Daddy understood that I wanted to wait. He hadn't even asked me to marry him yet. But I knew he would, and as old-fashioned as it sounds, we waited until after we were married to make love.
S: And was it worth the wait? No, don't answer that. I already know that answer.
N: OK, Stacey, tease me all you want. But I only hope and pray that you find someone as special as Daddy to love and you'll finally know how wonderful love can be.
CUT TO STUDY
Quint is alone, reading over some papers at the desk. The front door slams.
Q: (shaking his head) Anthony James....how many times have your mother and I told you NOT to slam the door like that?
J enters the study.
J: Sorry, dad. Old habits you know.
Q: Try to remember next time.
J: (taunting) So you and mom finally got out of bed?
Q: Yes, we did. Why the attitude J?
J: I just can't believe you two. Why don't you cool it?
Q: I take it you heard us in the study last night when you arrived?
J: Yeah, dad. And later on too. Totally disgusting.
Q: (amused) Really? I didn't think it was disgusting. Niether did your mother.
J: Oh, man! You two could have at least toned it down or something.
Q: Why should we? Your mother and I have finally gotten our marriage back on the right track. We're not about to "tone down" anything. We went upstairs as soon as we realized everyone had returned from Company.
J: Too bad you didn't realize it sooner. Geez.
Q: (smiling, almost gloating)Yes, well, that couldn't be helped. Some things are...all-consuming.
J: (rolling his eyes) I'm outta here. I think I'm going back to the boarding house tonight to sleep. Even with all those people there it's still quieter.
Q: That's fine, son. As soon as the family visits are over, I'm sure Mom and I would appreciate the privacy. I'll tell you what...I'll let you know when it's "safe" to come visit Mom and I. Let's see... I'll signal you to stay away by hanging a necktie on the front door knob. No tie and all's clear. How does that sound?
J: Oh my god! You're not a frat boy in college, Dad.
Q: (laughing) Maybe not, J, but I sure feel like one.
CUT BACK TO MASTER BEDROOM.
Stacey has gone and Nola is still sitting at her dressing table putting the final touches on her make up and admiring her emerald bracelet and earrings in their velvet boxes before her. She has a dreamy look on her face.
Bea walks past and notices her.
Bea: Knock, knock.
N: (snapping out of it) Hi mom. Come on in.
Bea: Are you alright, Nola?
N: I'm o.k. Just thinking. And feeling embarrassed. Did you hear Quint and I last night, too?
Bea: (laughs a bit) Oh, Nola. Don't worry about it. I'm just glad to know that you two are together again and everything's back the way it should be.
N: But, mom...
Bea: You know Nola, I'm just a bit jealous. If I only had your energy.
N: (embarrassed) Mom!
Nola pauses as her mother gives her a familiar look.
N: (more openly, grinning) I don't think Quint or I have been quite this "energetic" in some time. We're back in the honeymoon stage, only this is even better than the first time around. I'm not worried that I'll do something wrong or the kids will need attention, or...I just didn't think you guys would come back so soon.
Bea: Sorry about that. If we'd known we'd have stayed away longer. Nola, I'm just a little curious about one thing. How did you end up upstairs on the third floor?
N: The secret passageway, Mom. But how did you know we were up there?
Bea: Well, if you don't want anyone to know you'll have to find a way to be quieter.
N: I guess so...It's just that in the middle of everything I don't even realize...
Bea: I understand, Nola. It's been a while, but I remember how it is.
N: (more openly) I'd almost forgotten myself. I made myself forget. Until Quint came back to Springfield. And even then I tried so hard not to let him get to me.
Bea: You were just scared, honey.
N: Terrified, mom. I still am sometimes.
Bea: (hugging her) I know it's scary loving someone as much as you love Quinton. But I know he loves you just as much. Just remember what I told you on your wedding night. I'm here for both of you.
N: Thanks, mom. We know that.
SCENE 41, LABORATORY, LATER THAT AFTERNOON
Nola is puttering aimlessly about, shifting books and papers to different locations. She pauses by the computer, leans over and taps a few keys, and reads the screen.
Q: (O.C.) Nola? Nola, are you up here?
N: In here, honey.
Quint enters the lab.
Q: Nola, are you feeling all right?
N: I'm fine.
Q: You were awfully quiet at lunch.
Quint crosses over to her, sits in the desk chair and draws Nola over to sit on his lap. He kisses her cheek and she lays her head on his chest.
N: I was just thinking, I guess.
Quint strokes her hair.
Q: What's got you so preoccupied?
Nola makes a non-committal sound.
Q: Come on, Nola. Talk to me. Remember what I told you. I can't help if you don't talk to me about what's bothering you.
N: Well...(pause)...am I really that noisy when we're making love?
Quint roars with laughter.
Q: As compared to what, Nola?
Nola playfully slaps at Quint's shoulder.
N: Don't tease me. I want to know. Stacey and Mom both mentioned it this morning.
Q: So you know we were found out last night.
N: Yes
Q: Tony and J both had a chat with me as well. I guess they got here while we were "otherwise engaged" in the study.
N: I know, Stacey told me. She thinks it's funny. She seemed to want to talk about it with me, but I just couldn't.
Q: (laughing) J didn't find it at all funny. He's moving back to the boarding house tonight, in fact. Just so he won't overhear anymore of our quote, totally disgusting behavior, unquote.
N: Oh no. And Tony?
Q: Don't worry, Nola. I believe J's just a bit jealous that his old Dad's love life is so much more "active" than his own. He'll get over it. And Tony was happy for us. He said if he'd only known we wanted some privacy he'd have kept everyone over at Company longer.
N: Mom said almost the same thing. She's pretty happy for us too. I don't know why, but I could just talk to her so much more easily. I worry about Stacey. I don't want her to make any stupid mistakes like I did. I tried to tell her how different it is when you're committed to someone. She thought I was crazy.
Q: Nola, she'll be fine. I just don't think that's something she'll be able to fully understand until it happens to her. She'll meet the right young man someday and she'll remember what you said and everything will make perfect sense.
N: She still won't believe me about that time we took the cruise home from Tanquir.
Q: (laughing, shaking his head) If I hadn't lived through it, I don't think even I would believe it, Nola. And I don't think I could have lived through it were it not for the abundance of cold showers I took.
N: But aren't you glad we waited until we were married?
Q: In a way I am. In another way, I curse all the time I wasted being so concerned with being a gentleman. You don't know how many times I stood outside your door at night longing to go in and make love to you all night long.
N: (surprised) You did?
Q: Yes, I did. And believe me, gentlemanly behavior is highly over-rated. I firmly believe had I followed my baser instincts, you and I would have gotten married that much sooner.
Nola pauses to contemplate that image.
N: You know something?
Q: What, Nola?
N: I'm surprised you didn't bump into me out in the hallway. We must have picked different nights to go stand outside each other's door.
Q: Oh, Nola, really?
Nola nods. Quint lifts her chin and kisses her deeply.
Q: Such an awful waste of time. I guess we'll just have to make the most of the next forty or fifty years.
Quint resumes his kissing and the kisses begin traveling south.
N: Wait, Quint!
Q: Mmmm. I can't. I can't believe we never thought to "experiment" in the lab before last night. Another horrendous waste of time.
N: Quint! You still haven't answered my question.
Q: (still nuzzling) What question?
Nola pulls back and forces Quint to look at her.
N: (embarrassed) Am I really that noisy when we make love?
Quint draws her back to his chest and holds her gently.
Q: Nola, I love all your reactions when we're making love. Face it, my love, you are a very passionate woman, who has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
N: I guess I do get kind of carried away. I can't help it, though. It just feels so fantastic and I sort of get lost in all that feeling.
Q: I do too. And believe me, your screams of delight are music to my ears.
N: Screams?
Q: (chuckling) You have no idea, do you?
Nola shakes her head and stares at him.
Q: Oh, Nola. It is the sweetest music. A true symphony.
N: A symphony?
Q: Oh yes. The most eloquent and intimate of symphonies.
Quint pauses and then an extremely devilish grin spreads across his face.
Q: It reminds me of...
N: (suspiciously) What?
Q: Hmm, let me see...Beethoven. Which one? Ah, yes I recall now. The 25th, I believe. Yes that's the one. Beethoven's 25th.
N: (indignant) You're never going to let me live that down are you?
Quint laughs and slowly Nola's indignance fades and she joins him.
Q: You are still that breath of fresh air that makes this house come alive, my dear. How does that symphony go again, Nola?
N: Stop teasing me, Quinton Chamberlain. I'll become inhibited and unable to make love unless...
Q: (Interrupting) Oh no you don't. I don't care what it takes, we're not going back to the way it was when we were first married, living with Father and all those servants. Why do you think Edie is only here days?
N: I wondered about that. But what if the mood strikes us while she's here?
Q: I'll get our bedroom sound-prooofed then. You can feel free to express yourself completely and no one will hear a thing.
N: O.K....
Q: Why do I hear a "but" in there?
N: But what if I decide to jump you up here? Or down in the study?
Q: I'll sound proof them all. And put locks on all the doors. Shut off all the phones via remote control...
N: I like the way you think, Mr. Chamberlain. I definitely like the way you think.
To be continued....
Home For The Holidays, Part 17
AFTERNOON, THE NEXT DAY.
The Daniel, Benjamin, Paul, Beatrice and Peter are noisily playing "cars" and Peter's fire engine is just as noisily running them off the make believe roads set up all over the floor in the front hall.
Claudia: Shh! Kids let's play something quieter. You'll wake Maureen from her nap.
The kids ignore her and the noise continues.
Stacey and J walk carefully through, bickering loudly.
Stacey: Will you quite being so idiotic? Life doesn't stop after age 30. That's just something those 1960's hippies imagined until they turned 30.
J: Like you're the authority? What do you know about life after 30?
Stacey: I've talked to Grandma. She's really cool....
Nola exits the study as J and Stacey enter and continue their debate. She closes the door behind them and their voices can still be vaguely heard.
Nola wanders toward the back of the house and comes upon Tommy and James, Jr. being taught the finer points of playing craps by Tony and Jim.
N: Moving on from poker already, Tommy?
Tommy: You bet, Aunt Nola. Dad's gonna take me to Vegas as soon as I'm old enough. Gotta be ready.
N: (rolling her eyes) Go get 'em, Tiger. You hold on to that pot you won from Uncle Quint last night and you'll be all set.
Tommy: Are we going to play again tonight?
Tony: Slow down, son. One game a time. Roll those dice.
Nola walks off shaking her head.
CUT TO KITCHEN.
Bea, Victoria, Violet, and Edie are enjoying tea and a lively conversation. Nola, not wanting to interrupt, slips quietly past, pulling on her cream-colored cashmere coat. She quietly exits out the back door.
CUT TO EXTERIOR, REAR OF HOUSE
The noise from the house fades as Nola slowly strolls away. Her face visibly relaxes, and she sighs contentedly as peace of the surprisingly pleasant winter day surrounds her.
Soon Nola arrives at her destination...the familiar comforting confines of the gazebo, that Quint had replicated just like the gazebo of old had been before it was moved to Henry's. As she approaches she sees Quint, sitting by himself, head bent, eyes closed.
A smile crosses her face and she begins speaking in a somewhat girlish voice.
N: Excuse me? I'm here about the ad in the paper? For an archaeological assisstant?
Quint looks up...an exact replica of a look he shot at her so many years before.
FLASHBACK TO ORIGINAL MEETING SCENE
DISSOLVE BACK TO PRESENT
Quint's look has changed to one of sheer joy and a dazzling grin greets Nola's eyes as she steps into the gazebo and goes to sit next to her husband.
N: I bet you never thought in a million years when you first met me that your house would be invaded by a swarm of Reardons like this someday.
Quint laughs softly.
Q: You're right, Nola. That thought didn't cross my mind. I guess now you know I'm not Nostradamus either.
Nola leans over and kisses Quint's cheek and he leans back and puts his arm around her shoulders.
N: No, just my fantastic, wonderful husband. How long have you been out here?
Q: Just a few minutes. I sent Stacey and J back inside. They were here a little while ago. Then I sat back and waited for you.
N: How'd you know I'd come out here?
Q: I knew.
N: See you are Nostradamus, or Kreskin, or...
Q: (laughing) Stop! I've just come to know you so well. We think alike, you know.
N: (giggling) Yes, I guess we do. See what I've done to you over the years? It's like all those old couples who start to look alike.
Q: Mmmm. That sounds good to me. Can we sit here every night and finish each other's sentences and...
N: ...reminisce on all our adventures. Yes, dear, in about twenty or thirty years. I'm not ready to give up on adventures yet.
Nola stands and paces back and forth a bit
Q: What are you thinking about?
N: I'm sorry, I was just thinking about you, me, us...Quinton, will you re-marry me?
Q: What?
N: I said will you re-marry me?
Q: Of course I will. Anytime. Anywhere.
N: There is no better place than right here in the gazebo. Where it all began.
Quint stands and crosses to where Nola is and they both look around at the gazebo. They kiss, gently and tenderly at first and then more passionately.
At last, the kissing ends and Nola rests her head on Quinton's chest and his arms envelope her.
Q: OK, that settles where. Now the question becomes, when?
N: Hmmm...do you suppose we could persuade at least some of the family to stick around until New Year's Eve so we could come out here just before midnight and start the new year off right?
Q: That's a wonderful idea, Nola. I'm sure we can convince Bea to stay, and maybe Tony and Tommy. Jim mentioned that they would have to be returning by tomorrow at the latest. He's got patients to see.
N: That's too bad. But of course J will be around. And Stacey will be here for at least two more weeks. And Violet and Victoria...
Q: Well, actually, Nola, Victoria had me make arrangements for her to go back to Scotland tomorrow as well. She's enjoyed her stay and all, but she wants to get back to the hotel.
N: But Violet?
Q: Oh no, Violet assured me she'd be able to stay another couple of weeks. She thinks Victoria is just being a bit of a worrier. They've a dependable handyman who's been looking after the place.
N: That's the guest list, then. I just want it to be us and the family.
Q: And Father Murphy? Will he brave the cold night air to join us?
N: Well, I don't think we'll need to be that official, do you? We are still married. Even if we had gotten divorced, the church would still consider us married. I just want the people we love to know that we're...
Q: ...starting over.
N: (laughing) As an old married couple who finish each other's sentences.
Quint goes back and sits down and Nola follows him and this time sits on his lap instead of next to him.
Q: Ah, Nola, I still can't quite believe how amazingly blessed I am to have you back. It's a true Christmas miracle.
N: Well, Christmas is over for this year, but...
Q: I know you've been a good girl. And I'm certain you will behave just as well all next year. So, what do you want for Christmas next time around?
Nola leans over and begins whispering in Quint's ear about all the "goodies" she'd like to find in her stocking...
To be continued...
Go to next chapter of " Home for the Holidays "