"Not So Forbidden Fruit" 19

NOT SO FIRBIDDEN FRUIT -- Episode 19

"Bed & Breakfast Part 4"

INT. BED & BREAKFAST BEDROOM -- LATER THAT DAY

QUINT is asleep in the bed and NOLA is getting dressed for some snooping. She hears SCRATCHING at the door and opens it. It is the BLACK LONGHAIREDCAT. She bends down to pet the purring cat, but then she suddenly takes off. Nola closes the door and she moves toward the bed to wake Quint up.

NOLA: Geez, wake up already.

QUINT: I'm exhausted.

NOLA: (teasing) You have got to increase your stamina. I need you to getup and distract Herman so I can go back to his room.

QUINT: I don't want you going to his room.

NOLA: You promised.

QUINT: Okay, okay!

Quint gets out of bed and stiffly moves to get his robe.

NOLA: What is wrong with you?

QUINT: It's my back. Could you . . . ?

NOLA: Yes, yes, yes, just get down on the floor.

Quint lays face down on the floor and Nola takes her shoes off and walks onhis back.

NOLA: Does that feel better?

Quint groans.

QUINT: It's amazing. Thank you.

NOLA: Enough?

QUINT: Just a little more.

Nola walks on his back a little longer and then gets up. Quint gets up andtests out his back.

NOLA: Better?

QUINT: Much

NOLA: What have you done about your back these last few years?

QUINT: I only have problems with it when I'm with you if you know what Imean.

NOLA: (understanding) Oh. You really should go to the gym with mesometimes.

QUINT: I like to fence.

NOLA: (teasing) When do you fence anymore?

QUINT: Well maybe not as much as I used to.

NOLA: How about never . . . now get dressed so you can entertain Herman.

Quint mopes off to get dressed.

NOLA: What is the matter now?

QUINT: Does my body turn you off or something?

NOLA: Do I act like it turns me off ? I am just concerned with your health. Now get dressed.

Quint walks to the bathroom.

INT. BED & BREAKFAST PARLOR -- LATER THAT DAY

QUINT & HERMAN are sitting across from each other.

HERMAN: Is Nola coming down?

QUINT: I don't think so. She was reading some mystery novel that shecouldn't put down.

There is an uncomfortable silence.

HERMAN: Can I get you something to drink? Maybe some cognac?

QUINT: Maybe just some club soda.

HERMAN: No problem.

Herman moves over to the wet bar and pours himself a cognac and pours someclub soda for Quint. He turns to Quint.

HERMAN: Would you like that with a lemon or a lime?

QUINT: Lemon please.

Herman turns back to the wet bar and puts a lemon in Quint's drink and spillssome powder into it as well. He brings the drinks over to Quint.

QUINT: Thank you very much.

Quint takes a big sip of his drink as Herman watches.

HERMAN: Are you not a big cognac drinker?

QUINT: I do enjoy cognac, but usually I drink it with my wife. It's kind ofa tradition.

Quint takes another sip of his drink.

INT. HERMAN'S BEDROOM -- THE SAME TIME

NOLA quietly enters Herman's room and closes the door behind her. She looksaround the room and then quickly moves toward the open closet. She ducksinto the closet and notices that the secret door is also open. Shedisappears through the secret door.

INT. BED & BREAKFAST PARLOR -- A FEW MOMENTS LATER

HERMAN continues to slowly sip his cognac and watches QUINT. Quint's headstarts to droop.

HERMAN: Quinton, are you okay?

QUINT: I'm . . . I'm fine, I don't know why I'm so tired.

HERMAN: It must be hard keeping up with such an energetic girl like Nora.

QUINT: (groggily) That must be it.

HERMAN: I knew someone like her once. She was a spitfire too.

QUINT: (even more groggy) You did? I'm sorry Herman . . . I . . . Ireally should be getting back to my room.

Quint tries to get up, but passes out in the chair. Herman gets up to checkhis pulse and breathing.

HERMAN: I don't want to hurt you. I just want my Nora back even if it canonly be for one last time.

Herman leaves the parlor.

INT. DARKENED ROOM -- THE SAME TIME

NOLA climbs the last step and finds herself in a lowly lit room. There isonly a small bit of light coming through a small hole in the wall. Nolanotices this and slowly makes her way to the "peep hole".

NOLA: (to herself) That's weird.

She looks through the hole and realizes that it looks right into her andQuinton's room.

NOLA: (disgusted) He's been watching us.

She gets scared and tries to find a light. She finally locates a chainhanging from the ceiling and pulls it. A single dim bulb lights up. Plastered on the wall are pictures of a young Herman and a woman who looksjust like a young Nola. She pulls the pictures off the wall and looks atthem in disbelief. She notices more pictures in a shoebox on the floor. Sheleafs through them as well. There are more pictures of this same woman. Theback of the pictures are dated from the 70's through the late 80's. A few ofthese pictures show this woman as clearly pregnant and posing with Herman. She finally comes across some wedding pictures of Herman with this woman. Nola drops the pictures and turns off the light and quickly makes her waydown the stairs.

INT. HERMAN'S BEDROOM -- A FEW MOMENT'S LATER

NOLA quietly backs out of the closet and closes the door behind her. Sheslowly turns around and is face to face with HERMAN. Nola lets out a softscream.

HERMAN: Nora, what is the matter?

NOLA: You scared me.

HERMAN: I knew you would come back her eventually. Come back to me.

NOLA: What?

HERMAN: I know what you have been doing?

NOLA: What do you know?

HERMAN: I have been watching you with . . . that man. You have been a verybad wife.

NOLA: Quint is my husband . . . what are you talking about? Herman are youokay?

HERMAN: I am much better now that you have come back to me.

NOLA: Come back to you? Herman, I am not Nora. I am not your wife. Idon't know where your wife is.

HERMAN: Of course you are. I knew you were Nora the first time I saw you. You just . . . just changed your name.

NOLA: My name is Nola. Always has been.

HERMAN: If that's true, why did you come here and why are you in my roomnow?

NOLA: We came to Santa Barbara to . . . to visit our children and I came inhere looking for . . . for the cat.

HERMAN: The cat NEVER comes in my room. You told me she was your cat andshe stays in your room, but don't worry . . . I won't tell Quinton about us?

NOLA: Where is Quinton? He must be looking for me.

HERMAN: Quinton is taking a nap down in the parlor.

NOLA: A nap?

HERMAN: I wanted to make sure we had some time alone.

NOLA: (very scared) Did you hurt him?

HERMAN: I wouldn't do that. I told you, he is just napping.

NOLA: I need to see Quinton.

HERMAN: I need some time too . . . with you. You never had time for me. Iwas never good enough for you. There was always someone else.

NOLA: I'm sorry wasn't Nora faithful to you.

HERMAN: It wasn't in your nature to be faithful. I accepted that. I couldnever satisfy your lust for life and adventure. I just wanted what littletime you could give me.

NOLA: I saw your pictures upstairs. I just look like Nora, but I am nother. What happened to your child?

HERMAN: You took the baby away. The baby wasn't mine and you took her away. I gave you all your freedom and you still went away.

NOLA: Was the room on the third floor her room?

HERMAN: That was the room where you took all your handsome young men.

NOLA: And you would watch her from the secret room upstairs?

HERMAN: Yes

NOLA: Why did you do that? Why didn't you find a woman that loved just you?

HERMAN: I could only love you and only you.

NOLA: When did she leave you?

HERMAN: (confused) You didn't just leave me, you also left your owngrandmother in her last years.

NOLA: Herman, I am not Nora.

Herman starts to break down.

HERMAN: You have to be her.

NOLA: I'm sorry Herman. Please I have to leave.

Nola starts to leave.

HERMAN: I can't let you go. (Angrily) I won't.

Herman grabs Nola by the arm.

NOLA: Please, Herman, you are hurting me.

HERMAN: You hurt me too. I have to watch you making love to some other manand you won't even spend a few minutes with me.

NOLA: Please, you are scaring me.

Nola starts to cry.

HERMAN: I heard you before . . . you know? It was just as things were allthose years ago. You always had to rub it in my face. . . make sure I knewexactly what was going on . . . make sure I knew exactly what type of womanyou were . . . make sure I knew exactly how it would never be between us.

NOLA: That is horrible that she did that to you, but if she didn't love you. . . you should be happy she left . . . so you could get on with your life .. .

HERMAN (laughs): Even Nora's own grandmother warned me about her. She saidthe name Nora was a family curse. Grandmother's mother was a Nora too andshe also was a lustful impure woman who gave birth to an illegitimate child,but she paid for her sins with her life. She claimed the father of herchild was the son of one of the richest men in the town, but he died in war. It really is quite a family history.

NOLA: Didn't people believe Nora?

HERMAN: Of course not. She was just trying to tarnish the name of a greatIrish family.

NOLA: What family?

HERMAN: The Ryan family. John Ryan she claimed was the baby's father. Hewas a great war hero, but no one believed her. Nora came from poor farmingpeople.

NOLA: Nora was Colleen's mother. Then Colleen was your wife's grandmothernot your's?

HERMAN: She was not my grandmother by blood, but she always treated me likea son.

NOLA: I'd love to stay and hear more, but I really need to go.

HERMAN: Not yet.

NOLA: I need to see if Quinton is okay.

HERMAN: Why are you so worried about him?

NOLA: He's my husband. I love him. I have to see if he's okay.

HERMAN: I'll always love you Nora. Can I please kiss you at least one lasttime?

NOLA: Herman, please , no.

Herman's strength surprises Nola as he pulls her close to him.

HERMAN: Just one last time.

NOLA: I don't want to . . . please let me go.

Herman touches her hair as Nola starts to cry. QUINT bursts into the room.

QUINT: What's going on here?

Herman releases Nola. Nola runs to Quint and hugs him as she continuescrying.

QUINT: (to Herman) What the hell have you done to my wife?

NOLA: Quinton, it was nothing, let's just get out of here.

HERMAN: She is my wife.

QUINT: Are you crazy?

NOLA: Let's get out of here!

QUINT: (to Nola) Did he hurt you?

HERMAN: (snaps back) I wouldn't hurt her.

NOLA: I'm fine really, he's just a confused sick man.

Nola yanks at his arm to leave. Quint hesitates as he wants to have a biggerconfrontation with Herman, but then thinks better of it and leaves the roomwith Nola. Herman has a blank look on his face which turns to sadness afterthey leave.

INT. CAR -- LATER THAT EVENING

NOLA: Maybe we should call Bridget and let her now that we checked out.

QUINT: I already called her and gave her our new number. . . I just can'tbelieve what you told me.

NOLA: I swear his wife Nora looks exactly like me and she should be justabout my age. I've always heard about doppelgangers, but I have adoppelganger . . . and a dead ringer.

QUINT: Are you sure it wasn't just a resemblance? Like the picture ofColleen?

NOLA: If I didn't know better I would have thought the pictures Herman hadwere actually pictures of me.

QUINT: Did he say where she was now?

NOLA: No, it sounds like she never contacted Herman after she left him.

QUINT: Can you blame her?

NOLA: No, he's a creep. . . There was one thing I didn't tell you while wewere there because I knew you would blow up . . .

QUINT: What?

NOLA: He was watching us. He saw us when we were . . .

QUINT: What ?!! How?

NOLA: Through a peep hole into our room.

Quint keeps his eye on the road and takes Nola's hand.

QUINT: Nola, I'm sorry.

NOLA: Why are you sorry? It isn't your fault Herman's a pervert?

QUINT: It's just that I picked out the place and everything . . . it's agood thing you didn't tell me that back there . . . he would not have likedmy reaction.

NOLA: It wouldn't have been worth it. At least we are out of there now.

They drive in silence for a few moments.

NOLA: I am really curious about this Nora. I would really like to try andfind her.

QUINT: Are you sure you want to do that? Wouldn't you rather just forgetthe whole thing?

NOLA: I want to forget Herman, but I can't help, but want to meet Nora.

INT. NORA'S SEATTLE CONDOMINIUM -- AT THE SAME TIME THAT NIGHT

We see NORA a woman who looks exactly like Nola and dresses in a veryclassical style. Nora has long dyed Strawberry Blonde hair with dark roots ala early Iva Snyder. Nora slumps by the front door of her fancycondominium. She is sobbing hysterically. Her mascara is running and herface is bruised. Outside the door a MAN yells and bangs at the door. Nora'sblonde seven year old daughter KRISTA is also crying hysterically in fear andtrying to calm her mother.

KRISTA: (sobbing) Mommy . . . please tell daddy to go away.

MAN (O.C) Let me in Nora. (He continues banging at the door) . . . I have aright to see my daughter . . . you are not taking my daughter away

(Krista huddles up to Nora)

NORA: (screaming) Go away . . . you're scaring Kris.

MAN (O.C.) I will not let a whore like you raise my daughter. Let me inbefore I bust down this door. God dammit . . . Nora

NORA: Go away before I call the cops.

MAN: You go right ahead . . . Call the God damn cops . . . I'll tell themwhat a friggin slut you are . . . I'll tell them about your little boyfriendfrom the office . ..

KRISTA: (still crying) Daddy . . . go away.

MAN: Honey, daddy loves you. Your mommy doesn't want me to see you.

NORA: Dammit Tim, what type of a man are you? (to Krista) Honey go to yourroom . . . mommy will be okay.

Krista slowly creeps back to her room and keeps looking back until shefinally disappears down the hall.

TIM: (still banging, but more calmly) Let me in. I need to talk to you.

NORA: Tim please, let's just end this. I told you I'll give you whateveryou want, but Krista stays with me.

TIM: Fine she stays with you. Let me in.

Nora gets up and unlocks the door and opens the still chained door. TIMpushes the door with a menacing expression on his face. Tim is about 30years old and very handsome with dark thick hair.

TIM: (pointing to chain) What is this?

NORA: I can't take this fighting anymore.

TIM: (calmly) No more fighting . . . I promise okay.

Nora cautiously unchains door. Tim quickly pushes the door open and pushesNora aside.

NORA: Where are you going?

TIM: I'm going to get my daughter.

Nora throws herself at Tim

NORA: Leave Kris alone.

Tim slams Nora against the wall.

TIM: You whore . . . you make me sick. . . look at yourself. My daughterwill NOT be raised by a woman like you. I want her to learn some values.

NORA: Values? Values? That's laughable . . . from a pathetic man who beatswomen!!

TIM: Nora . . . don't start with me.

NORA: (screaming) Don't you start with me. You told me we would talk.

TIM: Talk with you? (he laughs)

NORA: I will give you all the money you need. Just leave Krista alone.

TIM: (getting more angry) You'll give me all the money I want!!! You thinkyou are so God damned superior because of your mighty money.

NORA: I didn't mean it that way.

TIM: You don't mean anything do you . . . I suppose you didn't mean tosleep with that loser at work.

NORA: We were already separated.

Tim swings at Nora and she falls to the floor and screams in pain.

TIM: Shut up. Why do you have to overreact to everything? All you do isoverreact.

KRISTA: (O.C) Daddy.

TIM: What honey?

Krista is standing in the hall holding a phone.

KRISTA: The policeman wants to talk to you.

TIM (furiously to Nora): Good going Nora . . . see what you have done now?

INT. NORA'S KITCHEN -- LATER THAT NIGHT

NORA sits at the kitchen table in her robe finishing a cigarette and talkingwith a FEMALE POLICE OFFICER who jots down notes.

POLICE: Please if you have any more problems call us. Your ex-husband hasno right in this house . . . are you sure you don't want to press charges?

NORA: I'm sure.

POLICE: I would suggest that you not let him in the house unless he is hereto pick up the child for visitation. On those days, I would suggest you havea third party here with you.

NORA: Thank you.

POLICE: Are you sure you don't want to see a doctor about those bruises.They look pretty bad.

NORA: No, I'm fine . . . really.

POLICE: Okay.

The police officer gets up and Nora walks her to the door. Noracomes back tothe kitchen and opens the refrigerator. She pulls out a plate with a cake onit and gets a fork and starts eating the cake.

INT. NORA'S HALLWAY OUTSIDE BATHROOM -- LATER THAT NIGHT

KRISTA is knocking on the door. GAGGING sounds are coming from bathroom.

KRISTA: Mommy . . . are you okay?

NORA (O.C): Honey, I'm fine. Go to sleep.

KRISTA: Mommy?

More gagging comes from inside the bathroom

NORA: (O.C) You have school tomorrow. Please go to sleep.

Krista walks off.

INT. NORA'S BATHROOM -- A FEW MOMENTS LATER

NORA looks in the mirror. Her face is red and covered with a bit of sweat.She dabs a wet washclothe against the bruise on her cheek and the new bruiseon her eye. She takes a drink of water to wash out her mouth and wipes hermouth. She brushes her teeth and continues to look at herself in the mirror.She quietly cries.

TO BE CONTINUED

"Trying to Tie Up Loose Ends" (Episode 20)

INT. SPRINGFIELD TOWERS SUITE -- THE NEXT DAY

NOLA and QUINT enter the suite. J is crashed out on the couch with a walkmanon and he is reading a magazine. He jumps when the enter.

NOLA: What are you doing here?

J: Waiting for you.

NOLA: You didn't even know we were coming home today.

J: Bridget told me you left the place you were staying so I figured I'd seeyou today.

QUINT: You didn't stay here last night . . . did you?

J: (discouraged) No . . . you can ask Bridget.

QUINT: We believe you.

J: So did you have a good time? (thinking better of it) Or I mean dideverything go okay?

NOLA: Mostly . . . the place we stayed was really . . . weird.

J: Leave it to dad to pick a weird place.

QUINT: (teasing) I resent that.

NOLA: Did you spend anytime with your new . . . girlfriend while we wereaway?

J: Girlfriend? . . . Oh yeah . . . we went to some party at the university .. .

NOLA: When can we see this mystery girl . . .?

J: Mom chill . . . it's not like we're getting married or something . . . wejust hang out together . . .

NOLA: Does she have a name?

J: Yes, she has a name.

J gets off the couch and starts moving to his room.

QUINT: J . . . are you going to tell us what it is?

J: Sure . . . . it's Robin . . .I really have to change. I have a class inan hour.

J disappears into his room.

NOLA: Why is he being so mysterious?

QUINT: Probably just doesn't want us to scare her off.

NOLA: We wouldn't do that . . . would we? I just want to know a littlesomething about her . . . that's all . . . make sure she's not some axmurderer or something . . .

QUINT: He'll be fine . . . I'm sure he'll let us know as soon as he's ready. . .

NOLA: I guess so.

QUINT: I had better go over to the university too. I have a lot to dobefore the seminar tomorrow.

NOLA: (disappointed) You have to do that today?

QUINT: I'm sorry, but I do have to get back to the real world . . .

NOLA: Guess you're right. Maybe I'll start today on my search for Nora. Ialso have some studying to do.

QUINT: (surprised) Studying?

NOLA: I didn't tell you . . .It'll be a regular family affair over at theuniversity. I'll be working with a professor here in Springfield in like acorrespondence situation to finish my senior thesis.

QUINT: Nola, that's wonderful . . . why didn't you tell me.

NOLA: I didn't want to mention anything until everything was finalized.

QUINT: Which professor will you be working with here in Springfield?

NOLA: Professor . . . can't remember his name . . . oh yes ProfessorBerkeley.

QUINT: I haven't met him yet, but he has written some really interestingpapers on continental drift. He's relatively new to the professional world,but is apparently quite a prodigy and very accomplished.

NOLA: So I've heard. I'm really excited about working with him.

QUINT: Have you thought about how you will go about this Nora thing?

NOLA: I thought I might hire an investigator. Although I wish I had moreinformation about her . . .

INT. NORA'S SEATTLE CONDO -- THE SAME TIME

KRISTA is standing by the front door holding a small suitcase surrounded by afew larger suitcases NORA brings Krista her jacket and she puts it on. NORAcatches their BLACK LONGHAIRED CAT and puts it in the cat carrier. A KNOCKis heard at the door. Nora checks through the peep hole and opens the door. The CHAUFFEUR enters and takes out two of the largest suitcases. Nora grabsanother smaller bag and the cat carrier and directs Krista out the front door. Nora checks that they have everything and closes the door behind her.

INT. SPRINGFIELD DINER -- THAT AFTERNOON

NOLA is sitting with a PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR at a table. They are bothdrinking water as they await their lunch.

NOLA: I wish I had more information about her. Her name is Nora. She hadbeen married to a man named Herman Cates, but I don't know what last name shemay be using now. They lived together in Santa Barbara until about sevenyears ago. Nora should have a seven year old daughter.

PI: Do you know her age?

NOLA: Early 40's.

PI: Do you have any idea where she might have moved to after she left SantaBarbara?

NOLA: No unfortunately.

PI: Do you know the daughter's name?

NOLA: (frustrated) No.

PI: I thought this was going to be easy when you first told me about it. Itried to trace her social security number through Herman, but I couldn't finda Herman Cates in Santa Barbara, California. It's possible that Cates is analias.

NOLA: Maybe Cates was her last name?

PI: I checked that too, but no luck. Do you know anything else about her .. . height, physical characteristics, . . .

NOLA: I don't have a picture of her, but you probably won't need one . . .

PI: Why?

NOLA: She looks exactly like me.

PI: (confused) Are you related?

NOLA: I don't think so, but I saw a picture of her at Herman's and we havethe same face.

J and REVA enter the diner and sit at a table at the other side of the Diner. J and Reva do not see Nola, but Nola sees them. Nola looks at them inconfusion.

PI: Mrs. Chamberlain . . is something wrong?

NOLA: I'm not sure. Excuse me . . .

Nola gets up and moves to J's table. J still does not see her as he is indeep conversation with Reva.

NOLA: (clears throat) J

J : (shocked) Mom . . . what's up?

REVA: (surprised) Nola, good to see you again.

NOLA: Good to see you too . . . Reva. I didn't know you two knew eachother.

J: We met a few nights ago at . . . at Trixie's.

NOLA: (to Reva) You must go there a lot.

REVA: That place is a hoot. I go there whenever I can.

NOLA: (patronizing tone) It is fun . . . isn't it? So what are you doinghere now?

J: Just having lunch . . . what else?

NOLA: I don't know. I guess I'm just surprised to see you together.

REVA: (joking) Must be nice to get a baby-sitter and not even have to payfor it.

J does not appreciate that comment.

REVA: J is a great sweet kid . . . really funny too.

J: Mom, we really have to order lunch . . . I have another class in about 40minutes.

NOLA: Sorry . . . didn't mean to bother you . . . see you later . . . byeReva

REVA: Bye Nola

Nola walks away looking back at them suspiciously. She sits back at thetable with the PI, but is totally distracted.

PI: Who was that?

NOLA: My son and the . . . I mean Reva Shayne

PI: Are you okay?

NOLA: (looking at Reva and J) I'm not sure. My son's favorite movie hasalways been "The Graduate". He watched it over and over again when he wassmall. He said he thought Dustin Hoffman was a great actor, but I wondernow if he wasn't more interested in Mrs. Robinson.

PI: Mrs. Robinson?

Nola leans over the table.

NOLA: (whispers) Reva goes around town as if she's younger than me, but Iknow better. I heard she's got four months on me. . . Would you mindchecking that out for me as well?

INT. QUINT'S OFFICE AT THE UNIVERSITY -- THAT DAY

QUINT sits behind his desk. His desk is totally cluttered with books,papers, files. He talks into the phone.

QUINT: (excited) They accepted the offer! That's great. . . Great.

Quint hangs up the phone and sits back in his chair with a satisfiedexpression on his face. He hears a KNOCK and looks to the door. A very GOODLOOKING MAN in his middle thirties with red hair wearing a tweed jacket andkhaki trousers stands at Quint's door.

MAN: Professor Chamberlain?

QUINT: Yes, can I help you?

The man walks toward Quint's desk. Quint stands up and shakes his hand.

MAN: My name is Jeffrey Berkeley and I have looked forward to meeting youfor some time.

QUINT: Jeffrey Berkeley . . . of course . . . Pangea . . . continental drift. . . I have read all your papers.

JEFFREY: Believe me it is all my honor. I think I have read everything ofyours as well . . . Lost City of Tanquir, the temple of Gold . . .

QUINT: I'm impressed.

JEFFREY: I was so excited when I heard that you would be working here . . .I was surprised that such a famous archaeologist would work for such a smalluniversity . . . but I was quite pleased . . . they must have made you quitean offer.

QUINT: Not really . . . I have other reasons for being here in Springfield.

JEFFREY: I see. Well I don't want to take up too much of your time. I justwanted to introduce myself.

QUINT: Please don't worry about it. I was just talking about you earliertoday.

JEFFREY: You were?

QUINT: Yes, apparently my wife is going to be working with you to completeher senior thesis.

JEFFREY: (surprised) Really? What is her name?

QUINT: Nola . . . Nola Chamberlain

JEFFREY: Yes of course. I never would have made the connection. I haven'tmet Nola yet . . . only talked to her on the phone, but her credentials wereexcellent which is why I agreed to work with her.

QUINT: Please be sure and tell her that. Our son is also a student heremaybe he'll wind up in one of your classes too.

JEFFREY: (surprised) You and Nola have a college aged son.

QUINT: Oh yes, Nola and I have been married for quite some time.

JEFFREY: I'm sorry, I guess I made some assumptions that I shouldn't have.

QUINT: That's okay. (adoringly) Nola is definitely untraditional in mostsenses of the word. Maybe you could go out to dinner with us one night. Youcould bring your wife or girlfriend . . .

JEFFREY: I would love too, but at the moment I am completely unattached.

INT. SPRINGFIELD TOWERS SUITE -- THAT NIGHT

QUINT goes to the door to let in the ROOM SERVICE WAITER who rolls in a cartwith a chilled bottle of champagne. Quint signs the bill.

QUINT: Thank you.

WAITER: Thank you sir.

The waiter leaves and Quint has a very excited expression on his face. A fewmoments later NOLA comes through he door carrying a tower of books with aheavy sack swung over her shoulder. She gets through the door and drops thebooks on the floor. Quint runs toward her to help her with the bag.

QUINT: Let me get that for you.

NOLA: (breathless) Thanks

Quint takes the bag off her shoulder and responds to its weight.

QUINT: What have you got in here?

NOLA: Books and files . . . (Nola notices the champagne) What have youdone now?

QUINT: Just a little surprise that I think you will like very much.

Quint moves toward Nola who looks at him playfully. Quint kisses Nola.

QUINT: I bought a house for us.

NOLA: A house?

QUINT: I haven't actually bought it yet, but my offer has been accepted andI hope it will be ours by next month. . . . You donŐt mind that I called itour house do you? I mean you havenŐt officially agreed to live with me.

NOLA: (teasing) Guess I havenŐt . . . have I? But when was the last time Istayed at the boarding house? No . . .that's wonderful . . . but I haven'tseen it yet.

QUINT: You will love it. I have no doubt that you will love it.

NOLA: Where is it?

QUINT: I think I want it to be a surprise.

NOLA: (getting more excited) Tell me. You know I break out in hives whenyou keep things from me.

QUINT: Nola, I never bought the hives thing . . . not about our honeymoon .. . not about anything.

NOLA: Just tell me.

QUINT: Why don't you tell me how everything went with the privateinvestigator.

NOLA: (quickly) He's hopeful ,but not too hopeful . . . tell me about thehouse.

QUINT: All right, all right . . . it's the house on Thornway Road

NOLA: Quinton! Really! That's wonderful.

(Nola runs into his arms and hugs him)

QUINT: I'm glad you're happy.

NOLA: Happy? Quinton I love that house . . . it's where we fell in love.

QUINT: You don't mind if I keep the tusks in the study?

NOLA: Of course not . . . I love your tusks.

QUINT: You do? I thought you hated them.

NOLA: What did I know back then? I have big plans for that house .

QUINT: (lasciviously) Me too.

Nola kisses Quint

NOLA: Guess who I ran into today?

QUINT: Who?

NOLA: Our son and . . . Reva Shayne.

QUINT: Reva ? I didn't know they even knew each other.

NOLA: Me either.

QUINT: What were they doing?

NOLA: Having lunch.

QUINT: Guess there's nothing wrong with lunch.

NOLA: Don't you think it's weird?

QUINT: Not really, J grew up mostly around adults. He feels morecomfortable around them.

NOLA: That's what worries me.

QUINT: I don't think you should worry. Speaking of running into people . .. guess who I ran into?

NOLA: Who?

QUINT: Your Professor Berkeley.

NOLA: Where?

QUINT: He came to my office apparently he wanted to meet me and we startedtalking. He didn't realize that you were my wife.

NOLA: Well I don't exactly put that on my school resume . . . "wife ofreknowned archaelologist"

QUINT: I think he was surprised.

NOLA: Why? . . . (joking) because I'm such an old broad? (needling him) Ishe cute?

QUINT: Is he cute? What kind of question is that?

NOLA: Just wondering.

QUINT: I don't know if he's cute. He seems quite young though.

NOLA: A younger man?

QUINT: Nola!! You know you have a thing for old guys so don't play with me.

NOLA: You're right . . . I definitely have a thing for old guys.

Nola moves toward Quint and puts her arms around his waist.

QUINT: So when are you meeting with the P.I. again?

NOLA: Probably in a couple of days or as soon as he has more information onNora.

QUINT: Sounds good, but what sounds even better is that bottle ofchampagne.

Quint lightly kisses Nola and moves to the champagne.

INT. NORA'S SEATTLE CONDO -- AT THE SAME TIME

TIM is quickly stalking around the abandoned condominium. He is obviouslyangry.

TIM: (to himself) Dammit Nora . . . you are not getting away with this.

He pulls his cellular phone out of his pocket and starts to quickly andangrily hit the keys. He impatiently waits for the phone to be answered.

TIM (into phone): Find my bitch ex-wife. She has taken off again with mydaughter . . . . . Yes of course I can get you another picture . . . Justfind her and quick.

He grabs a picture of Nora with Kristen off a bookshelf. It is a picture ofNora with shorter auburn hair and a younger Kristen.

INT. SPRINGFIELD TOWERS SUITE -- SAME TIME

NOLA and QUINT are happily toasting with champagne and then they kiss.

TO BE CONTINUED

Go to next chapter of "Not So Forbidden Fruit"