FADE IN (Episode 3B)

INT. REARDON BOARDING HOUSE - LATER THAT DAY

QUINTON and BRIDGET and PETER return to the boarding house after getting ice cream. Peter's face is covered with ice cream.

QUINTON:

Well I kept up my side of the bargain . . . . Now tell me what you know about this man.

BRIDGET

I don't know much about him except I think Nola said he was divorced, but if you want to know his rank and social security number . . . I have no idea. I only saw him once, he's really cute and looks pretty young. Maybe about 30.

Quint tries to cover his surprise that Nola is dating someone so young.

QUINTON:

Shouldn't Nola be back soon?

BRIDGET

Oh, didn't I tell you. She told me not to expect her home tonight. (Bridget sees she is getting Quint going) Actually I don't know why she bothers anymore. I just assume . . .

Quint tries very hard to cover his shock and disappointment.

EXT. QUINT'S DIG SITE - - 2 DAYS LATER (Episode 4)

QUINT has given J the day off so he can have a day of fun before school starts back. Quint tries to concentrate onhis work, but Bridget's remarks keep running through his head.

BRIDGET (V.O.)

Nola's Playmate, she told me not to expect her tonight, Nola's Playmate, Nola's Playmate, Nola's Playmate

NOLA enters in a very happy chipper mood. She sees Quint.

NOLA

Oh, there you are. J asked me to bring you these tools that he picked up yesterday. He is so thrilled to have the day off. I think all the kids were going to the beach. Sounds like fun.

QUINTON:

(in an accusing tone)

You certainly are in a good mood today, aren't you?

NOLA

Is there something wrong with that?

QUINTON:

Of course not. It's just the last time I saw you, you were so upset.

NOLA

Oh, don't worry about that. It was nothing

QUINTON:

I stopped by the boarding house the other day

NOLA

(innocently)

Really, I didn't know

QUINTON:

Bridget and I had a nice talk. Have you two gotten close?

NOLA

Kind of, but not really. She's been sort of upset with me lately

QUINTON:

Why?

NOLA

I guess she doesn't want to hear the truth

QUINTON: Sometimes knowing the truth isn't so great

NOLA

Well, I should know something about that, shouldn't I?

QUINTON: So should I.

NOLA:

Now what is that supposed to mean?

QUINTON:

I guess, I just don't like the shoe being on the other foot.

NOLA

Now you're really confusing me. What did you and Bridget talk about?

QUINTON:

Bridget told me about your er . . . friend Nola starts to understand

NOLA

She did?

QUINTON:

Yes

NOLA

So what did she tell you?

QUINTON:

Oh, not much, just that he was divorced, very good looking, very young (he looks at Nola for reaction, but she doesn't) and that you were . . . . . . . lovers (he chokes out the last word). Nola tries to cover her surprise at Bridget's elaborate story. She turns away from Quint as she tries to follow through with what Bridget started.

NOLA

Well, I don't know how it is really any of your business.

QUINTON:

I just didn't realize it was that serious

NOLA

It's not

Quint is surprised

QUINTON:

But she said you were spending the night with him.

NOLA

That makes it serious?

QUINTON:

Nola, I can't believe that from you. I can't believe that you could make love to someone if you didn't love him

Nola is becoming visibly emotional

NOLA

Well, people change.

QUINTON:

No one changes that much. You must be very much in love with him (Quint forces out the words). Sex was always so emotional for you.

Nola is becoming even more emotional and can't continue with the charade. She finally turns to him.

NOLA Bridget lied to you

QUINTON:

About what?

NOLA

About everything. There isn't anybody and never really has been beyond a few first dates.

QUINTON:

But what about the other day?

NOLA

I can't talk about that Quinton.

Quinton moves toward her

QUINTON:

I just want to help you. Be there for you.

NOLA I know, but I just can't tell you. Not now.

QUINTON:

Nola, I so want you to trust me again. To be able to lean on me.

NOLA

I want that too, but I just need some time

Quint touches her cheek and he smiles that half smile.

QUINTON:

Nola, I am really glad this man that Bridget told me about isn't real. I know you deserve it, but I don't know that my fencing skills are what they used to be.

Nola can't help, but smile

QUINTON:

That's much better. I like to see you smile at me. Nola, I know this isn't going to be easy, but nothing worthwhile is.

He gently kisses her cheek where his hand was.

QUINTON:

There is a part of me that feels you have every right in the world not to forgive me, but I just can't let you go

NOLA

It's not really up to you

QUINTON:

I know, but I wanted to let you know how I feel. I wanted to let you know that I am willing to spend the rest of my life making this up to you

NOLA

Quinton, I just never thought this would happen to us. This happens to other people, not us. I was totally unprepared

QUINTON:

I am so sorry Nola. I am so sorry. Just know that my feelings for you never changed. I may not have always done the right thing, but I ALWAYS felt the right thing. Nola, I am still in love with you

Quint moves to kiss her. Nola quickly turns away.

NOLA

Please don't use that word if you don't mean it

QUINTON:

I do mean it. I love you. I never stopped loving you and that is something you have to believe.

NOLA

How could you love someone and do what you did?

QUINTON:

I don't know . . . . Nola, I love you. I will do anything to make this up to you except give you up" He comes up behind her and embraces her.

QUINTON:

It's true, it's all true, I swear.

CUT TO:

EXT. QUINT'S DIGSITE -- LATER THAT DAY

QUINT and NOLA are working silently together at a table cleaning off recently excavated artifacts. Both seem a bit uncomfortable. Quint finally works up enough courage

QUINTON:

So are you mad at me for what I said?

NOLA

Why should I be mad? You have a right to say what you like.

(Nola tries to cover her emotions)

QUINTON:

(mustering more courage)

Nola, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to dinner tonight?

Nola can't help, but smile at the way he made the request

NOLA

I suppose that couldn't hurt, but may I bring a chaperone?

QUINTON:

If you like, but I promise to be good.

NOLA

Okay, then, no chaperone. . . So what should I wear?

QUINTON:

Definitely formal

NOLA (Smirking)

Why'd I ask? Guess you never were exactly a beer and BBQ kind of man

INT. ELEGANT RESTAURANT - LATER THAT EVENING (EPISODE #5)

An elegantly dressed QUINT and NOLA are being escorted to a quiet corner table by the restaurant's MAITRE D.

MAITRE D

Mr. Chamberlain, will this be satisfactory?

QUINTON:

Yes, this is lovely

MAITRE D

Mrs. Chamberlain, may I take your wrap?

NOLA

No, I'm not . . . . um . . . yes please."

Maitre d takes her wrap and leaves. Nola sits down and Quint helps her push her chair in and then he sits.

NOLA

(responding to the Mrs. thing)

I guess technically I still am

Two WAITERS rush over to their table. WAITER #1 has something behind his back.

WAITER #1

I am so sorry Mr. Chamberlain, but these just arrived.

Waiter #1 shows Quint what is behind his back while WAITER #2 blocks it from Nola's view. Nola cranes her neck trying to see what they are talking about. Waiter #2 grabs the flower center piece and rushes off as Waiter #1 replaces it with an arrangement of heather.

WAITER #1

I hope that is better Mrs. Chamberlain?

Nola is speechless as Waiter #1 rushes off.

NOLA

(teasingly)

So, is this your idea of being good?

QUINTON:

(grinning)

Well actually yes.

NOLA

Now you know what heather does to me!

QUINTON:

Well that is kind of the idea . . . Nola seeing you like this with the heather, it's like . . .

NOLA

I know, but I'm not that young girl that you fell in love with Quinton and you're not Mr. McCord anymore. I've spent almost half of my life as your companion. Your lover. And now we're . . We have grown children. That is something you have to accept

QUINTON:

I know. That is what makes it so wonderful. I can look at you and feel all those same old feelings. Don't you feel it too?

NOLA

Yes

QUINTON:

(trying to get her to say more)

Yes what?

NOLA

I remember those feelings

QUINTON:

Don't you feel them too? Can't you say it?

NOLA

Quint, really can't we just enjoy where we are right now?

There are a few moments of silence

NOLA

(teasingly)

So tell me what you thought when Bridget told you about my young stud.

QUINTON:

I thought, I wish I was that guy

NOLA

(continues to tease)

Really?

QUINTON:

Yes, I wished that I was spending the night with you.

NOLA

You were.

Nola continues to tease him and fully enjoys his response.

QUINTON:

I remembered making love to you and I was very very jealous.

NOLA

That's interesting

Waiter # 1 arrives with an expensive bottle of champagne and pops the cork. Quint and Nola gaze at each other over the table. Nola thoroughly enjoyed this ittle exchange.

INT. ELEGANT RESTAURANT - - LATER THAT EVENING

QUINT and NOLA have finished dinner. Nola is a little tipsy from the champagne and drinks the last drop in her glass. Quint goes to pour her more, but the bottle is dry.

QUINTON:

Nola, would it be all right if I asked you to dance?

NOLA

(grinning)

Hmmmmm, let me think. (She looks deeply into his eyes milking the moment for everything it is worth) I think that might be a legal activity.

Quint gets up and goes around to her side of the table. He puts his hand out and she takes it. He pulls her quickly to him. She loses her balance a bit and falls into his arms.

NOLA (whispering)

Now that was bad!

QUINTON:

Was it?

He pulls her into a kiss and she gives into it and sighs with pleasure. Then she quickly pulls away.

NOLA

Now that was definitely an illegal activity. I will have to cite you for unwanted or unsolicited or something advances. Nola giggles

QUINTON:

I think you might have a hard time proving both "unwanted" and "unsolicited".

NOLA

(still tipsy)

Oh really, is that so?

Nola longingly looks at Quinton.

QUINTON:

Come on, let's get out of here.

Quint signs the check and she grabs the heather arrangement and they are off.

EXT. OUTSIDE RESTAURANT - EVENING

QUINT and NOLA are walking out of the restaurant which is situated by a lake. Quint puts his arm around Nola as if warming her as they wait for the VALET. She notices the lake and pulls away from him and runs off toward the lake only stopping to take her shoes off.

QUINTON:

Nola, what are you doing?

The valet pulls up with the car.

NOLA (O.C.)

I want to see the water

Quint nods to the valet.

QUINTON:

I'm sorry my wife wants to see the water

He runs after her

EXT. LAKE SIDE -- EVENING

NOLA approaches the water. QUINT is right behind her.

NOLA

Oh, it is such a beautiful night. The sky is so clear and this lake is so peaceful. When I was a little girl on nights like this, I would just lay on the ground and look up at the stars wondering what my life would be like.

She lays on her back to see the stars and gingerly places the heather on the ground next to her. Quint sits down next to her.

QUINTON:

Nola, you amaze me.

NOLA

Quinton, look how beautiful it is. It's just beautiful.

QUINTON:

(honestly)

Nola you are beautiful

NOLA

I am beautiful to you.

She surprised herself by how naturally she says this.

QUINTON:

I meant what I said earlier. I'm still in love with you

NOLA

Quinton when I was a little girl, I thought love was everything. When I fell in love with you I still thought love was everything. It's very important Quint, but its not everything (she says dreamily staring at the sky). I love you too, but its not everything. It's just a start

QUINTON:

What did you say?

NOLA

I said I love you Quinton. I'll always love you, but we're at the beginning again. We can't be fooled into thinking that love alone will be enough.

QUINTON:

(joking, but kind of serious)

I had one citation tonight. Could I get away with another?

NOLA

(teasing)

You must be prepared for the consequences of such an act

QUINTON:

I love consequences

He leans over and begins to slowly kiss her at first, but their kissing becomes more passionate.

FADE OUT

EXT. LAKE SIDE - - JUST A LITTLE LATER

QUINT and NOLA are still kissing. Quint breaks from the kiss leaving Nola wanting more.

QUINTON

So since when do friends kiss like that?

NOLA

(breathlessly)

I told you, I changed Quinton

QUINTON

Well, I think I like this little change (kiss lightly kisses her). The only problem is . . .

NOLA

What?

QUINTON:

Our clothes are absolutely ruined.

Quint tries to brush off his clothes a bit

NOLA

(still breathless)

Oh, who cares . . . you know, losing Henry and then the last few weeks have really taught me how important it is to enjoy life. Enjoy every second

QUINTON:

I'll say it again Nola. You amaze me.

NOLA

I suppose I had a little too much champagne, but I really do feel that way.

She leans over and gives him a longer kiss than he expected. She finally pulls away. She sits up and brushes her clothes off.

NOLA

(perfunctorily)
Now I am ready to go

Nola gets up, grabs the heather, grabs her shoes and runs back toward the valet. Quint shakes his head.

QUINTON:

Nola Reardon Chamberlain, you are going to drive me crazy aren't you??

He gets up and runs after her CUT

Int. Reardon Barding House -- Next Morning (SCENE 6)

A knock is heard at the front door. BRIDGET runs to get it

BRIDGET: Coming, coming, hold your horses!!
She opens the door and QUINT is standing there with a bundle of heather

B: Oh, Uncle Quint, it's you again

QUINTON: Good morning Bridget (they walk into kitchen). I came to see Nola. I thought we would have breakfast together

B: Guess your stuck with little ol' me. I haven't seen Nola this morning.

Q: (confused) Not here? But what about my son?

B: He seems to be MIA as well. Actually he called last night to say there was a big party last night and well you know kids (she jokes). He should be back later this morning.

Q: Well maybe Nola's still sleeping (mischieveously) I'll go wake her up.

B: No, I'm sure she's not up there

Q: Then where is she?

B: Quint, do we have to go through this again?

Q: Go through what again Bridget?

B: (Pointing at the heather) Hey those are some weird looking weeds.
(Quint rolls his eyes.)

Q: Bridget, please, go through what again?

B: Look do you want me to do some demonstration or something. (speaking very succintly). She's not here, because she slept elsewhere.

Q: Look Nola told me everything. I know there is no "young playmate" in her life. She told me yesterday that you made the whole thing up.

B: Fine, if that's what you need to believe.

Q: No, that is what I know

B: Look, I don't blame Nola. Aren't women her age peaking sexually or something (trailing off ) or maybe that's menopause, whatever. . . . Who wouldn't like to play on both sides of the fence?

Q: Bridget, please just tell me where Nola is.

B: I have no idea. She's not in her room. I haven't seen her all morning. Quint, this is not unusual. So what did you think, Nola was going to burn a candle for you until you came to your senses.

Q: She told me yesterday that there was no one

B: I'm sorry. I don't know what to say. Hey so Nola's no Virgin Mary. I thought that was what guys liked. I'll tell her you stopped by.

Q: No, please don't.

B: Okay, hey, so you didn't waste a trip. Those weeds would look great in my room

Q: Here take it. And by the way, its heather.

B: Thanks

Quint quickly leaves and an evil grin spreads across Bridget's face

CUT TO:

INT/EXT QUINT's TENT (Scene 7)

Quint's tent is all tidy and no one is home. Suddenly NOLA is seen peeping into the tent waiting to surprise Quint and is disappointed that he is not there.

NOLA: (calling out) Quinton, where are you? I brought breakfast

Nola starts to look around the site. Suddenly Nola is tapped on the shoulder. Nola smiles.

NOLA: (turning) Oh, there you are

A Scrubby Bearded Man is standing there

NOLA (frightened) Who are you?

RENO: Mrs. Chamberlain, it's me Reno. Don't you remember me from the dig in Bolivia?

N: Ofcourse I do. I didn't recognize you with the beard.

R: If you are looking for your son, I haven't seen him yet.

N: No, I'm looking for Quinton. J will be late today. I thought I'd let Quinton know and I thought we could have breakfast together . . .

R: Sorry I haven't seen Quint. Maybe he had to go into town to pick up some supplies.

N: Well maybe I'll just wait for a little while, wait in the tent a little while.

R: Okay, Mrs. Chamberlain. It was great seeing you. I'm sorry about . . . well you know

Nola nods. She walks into the tent and examines her surroundings. She notices the globe and then noticed a small framed snapshot of herself with a younger Stacey and AJ from Christmas. Nola pulls one of the books out the bookcase. She opens the book to the dedication, "to my beloved wife, Nola. This wouldn't have been possible without you". Nola gets misty eyed.

FADE OUT:

INT. QUINT's TENT -- AWHILE LATER (SCENE 7B)

NOLA is clearly disappointed and gathers her things and leaves the tent. A few moments after she leaves, QUINT enters the tent looking dejected. He sits down on the bed.

QUINTON: (to himself) Nola what are you doing?

EXT. QUINT'S DIGSITE - LATER THAT AFTERNOON (SCENE 8)

QUINT is working on sorting all the artifacts. He works very unenthusiastically. AJ appears.

AJ: Hey dad, did mom tell you that I would be late?

QUINTON: No, I heard it from Bridget

J: Oh man, we had such a blast yesterday. Thanks for the day off and the extra cash.

Q: No problem, you worked hard all summer. You deserve it.

AJ grabs one of the artifacts

J: Wow dad, when did you find this. This is great.

Q: Yesterday, and I didn't find it your mother did

J: Yeah, mom told me last night when I called that the two of you went out. So are things getting better?

Q: I don't know

J: Well she sounded happier than I've heard her in a long time

Q: What time did you talk to her?

J: Well I had been trying all night, but I didn't get through until about one or so. I thought she was going to serve my butt up on a platter for not coming home, but she was totally cool.

Q: Well she just wants to make sure you are okay

J: Well she was in an awfully happy mood. Guess I have you to thank for that.

Q: We had a very nice evening (mumbling) so I thought.

J: What?

Q: Nothing. I'm really glad to see you taking more responsibility and not giving your mother such a hard time.

J: Mom and I are getting along great. She still nags me every once in awhile, but what are mom's for?

Q:(prying for more info) I know you said she was happy on the phone, but how has she been doing otherwise?

J: I don't know, its hard to tell with mom sometimes. I mean she's mom.

Q: Has she met a lot of new people since coming back to Springfield?

J: I guess so. I mean, I don't really know. I've been working this summer and before that I was in school. Why don't you ask her yourself?

Q: I just don't want to pry to much. I just want to make sure she's okay.

J: Well maybe you should tell her that and not me

Q: Your right. We had better get back to work. I'll be losing you soon when you go back to school.

CUT TO:

INT. REARDON BOARDING HOUSE -- THAT AFTERNOON (SCENE 9)

NOLA is making lunch for herself. BRIDGET comes down the stairs into the kitchen

NOLA: So is Peter down for his nap

BRIDGET: Yes, he fell right asleep (rubbing her hands together) Now I'm off to the couch and my tv.

N: Did Quinton call while I was out this morning?

B: I thought we weren't going to say that name around here anymore?

N: Well, who's meddling now? Did he call?

B: Nope, no phone calls this AM. So I guess you didn't run into him at the dig site.

N: (disappointed) No, by the way, he told me about that little story of your's.

B: I thought I was helping you. If he thought you had some hot little boy toy, he would steer clear of here.

N: Well thank you very much, but I really do not need your help.

B: So old Indiana Jones is making your middle aged heart do backflips again?

N: Real nice Bridget! Quinton and I are far from back together, but I do . . . . still enjoy spending time with him.

B: Well, he is still rich and for an old guy he looks pretty good.

N: What is the matter with you today?

B: Nothing, all I hear all year is what a jerk he is and now suddenly your getting all Bambi-eyed and asking if "Quinton called" (dramatically mocking her)

N: A little jealous are you?

B: Yeah right, like I want a husband who is cheating with someone young enough to be my daughter.

N: Bridget enough!!! And what's with all these age cracks??

B: One night of hot sex and she's ready to forgive all.

N: I don't know why I'm answering to you, but Quinton and I just went out to dinner.

B: Give me some credit Nola. You come in here way after midnight half ripped and necking on the porch. Your dress looked like it was rolled in dirt . . . Ain't hard to figure that out!!

N: You watched us? You ARE jealous. You know Bridge, maybe if you'd stop running after someone who didn't want you . . . you'd be "necking" (mocking her use of word) on the porch too and wouldn't have to get your jollies watching others.

Bridget is surprised and speechless at Nola's comeback. Nola grabs her purse and storms out.

FADE TO:

EXT. QUINT'S DIGSITE (SCENE 10)

AJ and QUINTON are busily working when NOLA shows up. Quint keeps working

AJ: Mom, what are you doing here?

NOLA: I just had to get out of that house.

J: What's the matter?

N: Nothing, just something stupid (She turns to Quinton and endearingly) Quinton?

QUINTON: (semi-coldly) Good afternoon, Nola

N: (confused) Is something the matter?

Q: No, I just realized I will be losing J soon when he goes back to school and there still is a lot to get done.

N: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interupt you. Can I help with something?

Q: Sure, you can help with those artifacts over there Quint points to artifacts clear on the other side of the dig site.

The PHONE RINGS in the tent. J runs to get it.

N: Quinton, I didn't want to say anything while J was here, but did I do something?

Q: Nola, I know I deserve all of this, but I'm just surprised how easily you pull it off.

Nola is stunned and confused

TO BE CONTINUED

Go to next chapter of "Not So Forbidden Fruit"