"Not So Forbidden Fruit" 23
by Donna

"Plastic Surgery PSA and Stacey Tells Quint the Truth"

INT. CHICAGO DOCTOR'S OFFICE -- THE NEXT DAY

NOLA and REVAquietly sit in the waiting room looking over some pamphlets that arespread across several small tables scattered around the room. Theirluggage is neatly stacked beside them. Nola flips through a magazine.

NOLA :(stunned) This is disgusting.

REVA: It ain't pretty, but the results are worth it.

NOLA: (still grimacing at picture) If you say so.

REVA: You shouldn't wrinkle your face up like that. It creates extra lines you know.

Nolapromptly removes the disgusted expression from her face as her facegoes to repose. Nola continues to flip through the magazine.

NOLA: Oh my God. Now that is really gross.

REVA: (peaking at what Nola is reacting to) Oh yeah, that's what I am having done.

NOLA: Are you sure that's safe?

REVA: Please Dr. Carrington does this everyday. He is wonderful and it is totally safe.

NURSE (O.C): Mrs. Lewis . . . the doctor is ready to see you.

REVA: (getting up) Well here I go . . . off to the chopping block.

Nola shakes her head in amazement

INT. CHICAGO DOCTOR OFFICE -- A LITTLE WHILE LATER

NOLA is finally absorbed in an "Archeology Today" magazine that she brought along.

REVA: (O.C) Nola can you come in for a few minutes?

NOLA: Reva, I told you. I'm not doing this.

REVA: Come on . . . it can't hurt to inquire and besides you have got to see this computer that he's got. It's amazing.

NOLA: Okay, I'll look, but I won't change my mind.

Nola stuffs her magazine in her coat pocket and walks off with Reva.

INT. DR. CARRINGTON'S OFFICE -- A FEW MOMENTS LATER

DR. CARRINGTON sits behind his desk as NOLA and REVA enter he stands up and holds out his hand.

DR: Mrs. Chamberlain . . . How very nice to meet you.

NOLA: Nice to meet you too Dr. Carrington.

DR: Please sit down.

He indicates to one of the chairs before his desk. Nola sits down and Reva takes the chair next to her.

REVA: I wanted you to show her your computer where you can show her what she could look like.

DR:No problem at all. All I have to do is get a picture of you and thenscan it into the computer and then I can show you what the finalresults would look like.

NOLA: That's very interesting, but I really don't think I'm interested in this.

DR:A lot of women hesitate until they see what a difference even thesimplest of procedures can make. I can take as much as ten years offjust with some simple laser procedures or even a peel. You can become awhole new you. Women claim that their sex drives increase and they feela whole new confidence after just one quick and easy procedure.

NOLA: Well I'm not having a problem with any of those things.

DR:It also has a very positive affect on the significant other. It oftenincreases sex drive of partner and creates a renewed interest in therelationship.

NOLA: Just because you burn some skin off or suck some fat out or stick some plastic in?

DR:(laughing) That's not exactly how it works, but something like that.Let me get my assistant Nancy and she can get some photos of you.

Dr. Carrington gets up and leaves the office.

REVA: So what do you think?

NOLA: I think it sounds awful. I can't believe that man tries to sell this idea with those incentives. It offends me.

REVA: Well it might offend you, but my thighs and butt are going to be looking mighty fine and only for a few pretty pennies.

INT. CHICAGO MIDWAY AIRPORT -- LATER THAT DAY.

NOLA and REVA sit in the terminal waiting to board their flight.

NOLA: I can't believe you talked me into that.

REVA: I can't believe that you won't do it.

NOLA: I told you it just isn't for me.

REVA: But didn't those pictures look amazing?

NOLA: Yeah, but that wasn't me.

REVA: It would be a version of you. A new you!

NOLA: I'm just fine with the way I am. I wish we could just board. I'm anxious to get home.

REVA: I hope you had a good time.

NOLA: I did, but I really miss Quinton and he's fixing up our old house and I can't wait to see it.

Severalyards away a man sits with a copy of the "New York Times" opened infront of his face. He periodically peers over at Reva and Nola. It issoon revealed to be Tim. The boarding for the flight to Springfield iscalled and Nola and Reva board.

INT. THORNWAY ROAD STUDY -- THAT EVENING

Thestudy still has some signs of the renovations, but all the furniture isin place and is looking just about complete. QUINT is puttering aroundchecking on the progress of the renovations. He checks some of thehandiwork and seems quite pleased as he stops to think about all thehappy times spent in this room all those years ago. He remembers he andNola playing with Stacey on the floor and all the special romanticmoments that he and Nola shared within the walls of this house. Hismind continues to drift until it is interrupted by a familiar voice.

NOLA: (O.C) Quint . . . Quint

QUINT: Nola, in the Study.

Nolarushes in and drops her handbag on the floor and flies into Quint'sarms. Nola pulls Quint's mouth down to hers as they share a long kissand then they hold each other tightly.

NOLA: I missed you so much.

QUINT: I missed you too.

Nola pulls a bit away from Quint.

NOLA: This place looks great. I can't believe how fast things are coming along.

QUINT: I have another surprise.

NOLA: What?

QUINT:I talked to Stacey earlier and she is coming over for the weekend. Shewants to come here too and see if she remembers it.

NOLA: She was so young . . . how could she?

QUINT: She claims she remembers some things.

NOLA: (teasing) Yeah probably Fritz and those scary dogs.

QUINT: Now Lucifer and Damian just looked vicious. They were really just pussy cats.

NOLA: Yeah right! When will Stacey arrive?

QUINT: I think she said . . . tonight.

NOLA:(almost disappointed) Tonight? I thought we would have a quiet eveningalone. You know our first evening together in two nights.

QUINT: I am sure that Stacey will have no problem giving us our privacy. I think she's bringing someone special with her.

NOLA: You do?

QUINT: Yeah from the sounds of it, I think we might get our first look at "Mr. Right".

Nola reacts.

QUINT: Nola . . . is something wrong?

NOLA: No nothing . . . I was thinking . . . now Stacey won't be here for a few hours at least . . . right?

QUINT: (understanding) Right!

Nola moves closer to Quint as her voice quiets to a seductive tone.

NOLA:Well I thought maybe we should take advantage of these hours we have toourselves . . . and you know what this house does to me . . .

QUINT: Yes I do.

Nola runs her hands along Quint's chest.

NOLA: So what is the condition of my old room?

QUINT:Well it will now be a guest room, but actually the second floor iscompletely finished and almost completely decorated and furnished.

NOLA: Does it have a nice . . . soft . . . comfy . . . bed?

QUINT: Now Mrs. Chamberlain . . . since when do you require a bed?

NOLA:Well I feel like the young girl I used to be when I lived in this houseto begin with and THAT girl always imagined being taken by you in a bedin that room . . . very traditional I know . . . but that was thefantasy.

QUINT: Did you have that fantasy often?

Nola continues to seductively massage his chest and then moves her hands lower to massage his belly.

NOLA:Oh well you certainly don't think I fantasized about tap dancing onsome boat every night do you? . . .Uh . . . . just about every night.As a matter of fact . . . right now I am getting the urge to call youMr. McCord.

QUINT: You are?

NOLA: Yes, I am . . . Mr. McCord.

Sheagain pulls his mouth to hers for a deep seductive kiss and thenquickly pulls away and runs out of the Study and up the stairs laughingall the time.

QUINT: Nola . . . you come back here.

Quint takes off after Nola.

INT. THORNWAY ROAD NOLA'S OLD ROOM -- A FEW MOMENTS LATER

NOLA comes flying into the room laughing and QUINT enters seconds later with a purposeful expression on his face.

QUINT: Now Nola you are not getting away from me.

She turns to him quickly.

NOLA: I don't want to get away from you . . . Mr. McCord.

Quint grabs her around the waist and plunges at her mouth as he pushes her to the bed. Nola finally comes up for some air.

NOLA: (sighing) You sure know how to kiss a girl don't you . . . Mr. McCord?

QUINT: Now Miss Reardon . . . that is just the beginning.

NOLA: (laughing) I sure hope so.

Quint and Nola quickly begin to undress each other as their passions build.

INT. THORNWAY ROAD NOLA'S OLD BEDROOM -- QUITE A WHILE LATER

NOLAand QUINT lie under the one sheet that remains on the bed. Their feetstick out from the bottom wrapped around each other. Quint nuzzlesNola's neck as Nola sighs with delight.

NOLA: That was definitely worth the wait to finally live out that fantasy.

QUINT: Worth almost twenty years? The earth must have moved.

NOLA: You always make the earth move for me. You know that.

QUINT: (teasing) I think everyone is a twenty block radius knows it too.

NOLA: Stop it. That's not funny.

QUINT:You know I love it. I have to tell my doctor that I listen to classicalmusic real loud on my Walkman to account for my hearing loss. Icouldn't dare tell him it is my wife's exquisite cries of passion thathave caused my hearing to deteriorate.

NOLA: Well whatever.

They melt into another passionate kiss as the phone starts to RING.

QUINT: Always a phone . . .

QUINT rolls over to get the phone.

QUINT: Hello.

CUT TO STACEY ON AN AIRPORT PAY PHONE

STACEY: Daddy. I'm at the airport.

QUINT: Was your flight early?

STACEY: Just about twenty minutes.

QUINT: What time is it?

STACEY: Daddy . . . it's already 7.

QUINT: I'm sorry honey . . . I lost track of time.

STACEY: (suspiciously) Is mom there?

QUINT: Yes, she's right here.

STACEY: Should have figured . . . you and mom "losing track of time" a lot lately?

QUINT: What do you mean?

STACEY: I know how you two operate. AJ and I are used to getting picked up late for things because you "lost track of time".

QUINT: Well Fritz should be waiting for you by the baggage claim area.

STACEY: OK, I'll look for him. I hope I remember him. It has been years.

QUINT: It is pretty hard to miss him. I'll see you soon honey and Stacey . . .

STACEY: Yeah daddy ?

QUINT: I love you.

STACEY: I love you too.

STACEYhangs up the phone and it is revealed that she is with her friend LISAan attractive young woman with short dark hair. They both walk off tothe baggage claim.

CUT BACK TO THORNWAY ROAD

NOLA: Is she all right?

QUINT:She's fine. I guess her flight got in a little early. She should behere in like half an hour so as much as I hate to suggest it . . . Ithink we should get dressed.

NOLA: (teasing disappointment) I guess so.

QUINT: She knew exactly what was going on over here, but I still think it would be appropriate for us to get some clothes on.

Nola and Quint share a last little kiss and get out of bed and start to dress.

INT. THORNWAY ROAD FOYER -- AN HOUR LATER

Lightscome through the window as the limousine pulls up in front of ThornwayRoad. Quint notices the light and hears the car and moves from theStudy into the foyer.

QUINT: Nola . . . honey . . . Stacey is here.

Nola comes running down the stairs.

NOLA: Is AJ coming over too?

QUINT: He said he had a party to go to with Michelle so couldn't make it for dinner.

NOLA: (disappointed) I hoped we could all be together.

QUINT: That does get harder and harder as they get their own lives.

Nolapeeks out the window as Stacey walks up to the door and a shockedexpression crosses her face. Nola quickly moves to the door and opensit to STACEY and LISA.

NOLA: Stacey . . . it is so good to see you.

Nola hugs Stacey.

STACEY: It's good to see you too mom. You look great . . . and very happy.

NOLA: I am

Stacey moves toward Quint as a big grin spreads across her face.

STACEY: Daddy . . .

Stacey and Quint warmly embrace.

QUINT: Stacey you look beautiful. I am so glad you could come on such short notice.

Quint then looks toward Stacey's friend.

STACEY: Mom . . . daddy . . . this is my friend Lisa. Lisa this is my mom and dad . . . Quinton and Nola Chamberlain.

LISA: It is nice to finally meet you Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain.

Lisa holds out her hand to Nola

NOLA: (shaking Lisa's hand) Please call me Nola.

QUINT: (shaking Lisa's hand) And call me Quint.

LISA: Okay.

QUINT: It is always nice to meet one of Stacey's friends. Are you a student at Benton too?

LISA: Yes. I'm a graduate geology student.

NOLA:That's my area too. I'll be finishing up my undergraduate senior thesisthis semester. Maybe I could ask you for some help.

LISA: No problem. I love that stuff.

NOLA: Me too.

STACEY: See I l knew you two would hit it off right away.

LISA: It's nice to finally meet Stacey's parents. She has told me so much about you both.

QUINT: I hope not everything.

LISA: Just the good things.

QUINT:We are glad to have you in our home. It isn't quite finished yet, butthe whole second floor is complete and the Study is . . . well kind oflivable.

STACEY: I told Lisa about your prized lab and some of the artifacts you have and Lisa would love to see them.

QUINT: You have an interest in archeology too?

LISA: Well actually anthropology was my undergrad minor.

QUINT: Stacey knows how I love to show my lab off so I will be more than happy to show you around.

STACEY:Lisa actually you may not know what you are getting yourself into. Onceyou get daddy started with this stuff there is only one thing that canstop him.

Stacey eyes her parents.

LISA: (laughing) What is that?

Stacey starts to open her mouth.

NOLA: (cutting her off) Let's all go sit down in the Study.

Fritz finally makes his way through the front door with all the bags.

STACEY: Thank you Fritz.

FRITZ: You're welcome Miss Anastasia. Miss Anastasia and Miss Lisa may I take your coats.

STACEY: Yes thank you Fritz.

Fritz helps Lisa and Stacey out of their coats.

LISA: Thank you Fritz.

FRITZ: Mr. & Mrs. Chamberlain . . . can I get you anything?

NOLA: Could you just ask Edie to bring us some tea in the Study. That would be wonderful.

FRITZ: Yes. I will do that.

NOLA: And Fritz . . .

FRITZ: Yes, Mrs. Chamberlain

NOLA: It's Nola.

FRITZ: Yes Ms. Nola.

Fritz hobbles off with the coats. Stacey, Lisa, Nola and Quint move off to the Study.

INT. THORNWAY ROAD STUDY Ð A FEW MOMENTS LATER

QUINT and NOLA sit on the couch holding hands. STACEY and LISA sit across from them in the chairs.

LISA: I love the architecture of this old house. It almost seems gothic.

Edie a small elderly woman enters the room carrying a tray with an old tea set.

EDIE: (almost singing it) Good evening all.

NOLA: Good evening Edie.

Edie places the tray on a coffee table and starts to serve everyone tea.

QUINT: Edie have you met our daughter Anastasia yet?

Quint indicates to Stacey

EDIE: No I haven't. Nice to finally meet you Anastasia.

STACEY: (standing and holding out her hand) Nice to meet you too Edie. This is my friend from school Lisa.

Lisa stands up and shakes Edie's hand too.

Edie finishes serving the tea.

NOLA:Well I think dinner should be ready in an hour. Unfortunately yourbrother will not be able to make it tonight. Some big party.

STACEY: That sounds like my little brother.

LISA: Yes, J Chamberlain does have a reputation.

QUINT: I'm sure he does. I'm so glad you will be staying with us. I'll make sure that a room is made up for you.

Stacey quickly glances at Lisa. Nola notices the glance and is uncomfortable.

EDIE: I'll take care of that Mr. Chamberlain.

QUINT: Thank you Edie.

Edie finishes serving the tea and exits.

STACEY: So mom . . .how was your trip to Chicago?

NOLA: It was fun, but I missed home and I couldn't wait to see what your father was doing here at Thornway Road.

Quint gives Nola a loving glance.

STACEY:You know I thought I would remember more about this place, but I guessI really don't except for what I have seen in pictures.

NOLA: You weren't even two when we moved out of here.

STACEY:I do think though that I remember those Dobermans. (to Lisa) Daddy usedto have big Dobermans patrolling this place because there was this evilguy . . . Silas . . .

NOLA: Please Stacey . . . let's not talkabout him. I'm just glad that we don't have to have Dobermans anymore.I would like to get some of those cute Pugs though. Wouldn't that benice Quinton? And maybe a couple of cats? I love those beautifulPersian cats.

QUINT: We'll talk about it.

STACEY: Mom . . . tell Lisa that story about when you and daddy went to St. Croix.

NOLA:(excited to tell story) Quinton and I went on our first archeologicalexpedition together there. We were looking for the temple of gold.

LISA: Yes, I read about that. But it was destroyed in a volcano?

NOLA: (looking sadly at Quint) Yes

QUINT: Well at least I got one beautiful glimpse of it, but that was not the greatest find of that dig . . .

Quint looks lovingly at Nola.

NOLA: No it wasn't.

STACEY:They fell in love on that dig and that is where they first kissed and .. . where they first proclaimed their undying affection.

NOLA: That's right.

Quint squeezes Nola's hand.

QUINT: And if it is possible we are even happier and more in love today than we were back then.

NOLA: Well we have a lot less to worry about now so we have more time for that.

Suddenly they hear screeching tires outside the house.

NOLA: What is that?

STACEY: (joking) Must be someone making a fast get away.

NOLA: That's weird. This road is usually so quiet.

INT. TIM'S CAR-- AT THE SAME TIME

TIM looks like a man possessed as he speeds away.

TIM: Damn her. Damn her. She just picks up and acts as if she never had her life before.

The image of Quint and Nola making love flashes before his eyes as his eyes rage with anger.

TIM:Where the hell is my daughter? She just takes up with this new man andforgets even about her own daughter. I wonder who she dumped her on now?

INT. THORNWAY ROAD STUDY Ð AFTER DINNER

NOLA, QUINT, STACEY and LISA all look exhausted as they sit about the Study.

LISA: That was a delicious dinner.

NOLA: You should thank Edie. She is a wonderful cook. Actually she is a wonderful everything.

STACEY: Mom, I was going to ask you . . . have you found out anything more about this Nora woman?

NOLA: Not really. I have an investigator helping me, but so far not too much.

STACEY:(to Lisa) While mom and dad were staying at some old bed and breakfastin Santa Barbara mom found out that she had a dead ringer.

LISA: A dead ringer?

NOLA: Yes, she looks exactly like me and we are trying to find her. But so far no luck.

LISA: That is really interesting.

QUINT: This is just the kind of thing that fascinates Nola.

NOLA:Well you have to admit that knowing there is another person on thisearth that looks exactly like you and isn't related is pretty unusual.

LISA:Well you know after that huge dinner, I am totally exhausted. I think Iwill call it a night. Besides you would probably like some privatefamily time.

QUINT: Okay. Can you find your way upstairs or would you like some help?

LISA: No, I think I will find it all right.

They all say their good night's. Lisa makes her way out of the room.

QUINT: She seems like a very nice young woman.

STACEY: I'm glad you like her daddy.

Nola shoots a look at Stacey.

STACEY: Daddy, I really need to talk to you about something important.

Nola continues to hold Quint's hand

QUINT: What is it honey ? You sound so serious.

STACEY: It is serious. Remember that special person that I told you about on the phone?

QUINT: Yes, I remember. I actually thought we would meet him tonight. Did you have an argument or something?

Nola's expression is concerned.

STACEY: No daddy . . . we didn't have a fight.

QUINT: Then why didn't he come?

STACEY: Well he didn't come because he is not a he. The special person is . . . Lisa.

QUINT: I'm not sure what you are saying.

STACEY: Daddy, I don't want to disappoint you or anything, but Lisa and I are much more than just friends.

QUINT: (nervously) What are you saying?

NOLA: Maybe we should talk about this later.

QUINT: Nola did you know about this?

STACEY: I'm sorry daddy. I told mom, but I just couldn't tell you. I couldn't stand to see this look on your face.

QUINT: Maybe I'm confused. Just tell me exactly what you are saying.

STACEY:I'm trying to tell you that there is no special man in my life andnever has been and never will be. I'm a lesbian. Lisa and I are lovers.

QUINT: I can't believe I am hearing this. I just can't believe it, but what about Mark? What about . . .

STACEY: We were just friends daddy

QUINT: Nola? Why didn't you tell me this.

Nola starts to speak and Stacey stops her.

STACEY: I told mom that I wanted to tell you. I thought it was only right that you heard it from me.

QUINT: Do you have any idea what this is going to mean to your life?

STACEY:(almost crying) I know daddy. I didn't choose this. It is just who Iam. I know this isn't what you expected and I know that this will makesome things difficult for me.

QUINT: You are going to have tohide this from so many people that won't understand. I don't want thatfor you. I want you to be happy and I don't want you to have to live alie. I know what that is like and it is hell.

STACEY: I know daddy. I know. Like I said I didn't choose this. It is just something I will have to learn to live with.

Stacey really starts to break down and Nola goes over to comfort her.

NOLA: Honey it's all right. Your father and I just want you to be happy. Don't we Quint?

QUINT:Of course. I am just very concerned about your future. I know howpolitics work and this will make everything so much more difficult.

STACEY:If there are situations where my relationship will Lisa will be aproblem, I will keep it private. It is my private life after all.

QUINT:I just don't know what to say. I'm just so shocked. I never expectedthis. I can't believe all this time I had no idea.

STACEY: Daddy, I'm sorry.

QUINT:Don't be sorry. I just want you to have the kind of life that yourmother and I have. We're in love and never have to hide it. It won'talways be like that for you. If we want to show affection we do and itis okay.

STACEY: Daddy . . . just tell me you still love me.

QUINT: Of course I love you. I'm just in shock.

With that Stacey gets up and hugs her father, but his embrace is not his usual. Stacey reacts and runs off.

NOLA: Quint . . . why did you do that?

QUINT: What?

NOLA: She reached out to you and you held back.

QUINT:I told her that I love her. I'm just in shock Nola. I'm just in shock.I never in a million years would have believed this. I had such dreamsfor her. Dreams that any man would have for his only daughter. Watchingher fall in love and then giving her away at her wedding and thenholding his grandchild.

Nola moves toward Quint.

NOLA: I know. But she is still our daughter and she'll still make us proud.

QUINT: She never didn't make me proud. I hope she knows that.

Nola sits next to Quint and puts her arm around him.

NOLA: Right now I don't think she does. I think you should go talk to her.

Quint knows immediately what he must do and makes his way upstairs.

INT. STACEY'S ROOM AT THORNWAY ROAD Ð A FEW MOMENTS LATER

STACEY is crying on her bed when there is a knock at the door.

QUINT: (O.C) Stacey . . . honey . . .can I come in?

Stacey gets up and moves to the door and opens it. Tears are streaming down her cheeks.

QUINT:Honey . . .I'm sorry. This is all so new to me, but I want you to knowthat no matter what I will ALWAYS love you. You are my girl . . . mysweet sweet baby girl.

STACEY: Daddy . . .

Stacey falls in Quint's arms as they hold each other tightly

QUINT: Just give me some time. Can you do that for your old dad?

STACEY: (through tears) Of course I can. (trying to joke) Besides you're not so old.

QUINT: You have been such a good daughter and I want you to know that this doesn't change anything.

STACEY: I love you daddy.

QUINT: We just need to get through this, but everything will be fine. I promise you that.

Quint and Stacey continue to hug.

TO BE CONTINUED

Not So Firbidden Fruit -- Part 24

"Tim Rears His Head"

INT. THORNWAY ROAD DINING ROOM -- THE NEXT MORNING

STACEY, LISA, QUINT and NOLA sit uncomfortably quiet at the dining room tableeating pancakes. Stacey attempts to break the silence.

STACEY: Mom, these pancakes are delicious.

LISA: They are completely yummy Nola.

NOLA: I would love to take the credit, but actually I gave my recipe to Edieand she worked her magic on them.

STACEY: Well they're not quite as good as yours.

NOLA: I don't know about that.

STACEY: Did AJ make it some last night?

NOLA: He stayed at the boarding house. I don't think he sees the charm inthis old place that we do. I know he has been looking for an off campusapartment.

STACEY: That might be a good idea. He's a big boy and I'm sure you and dadcould use the privacy.

NOLA: (looking to Quint) We sure could.

STACEY: Daddy . . . aren't you going to say anything?

QUINT: I'm sorry. I was just thinking.

STACEY: Thinking about what?

QUINT: Mostly you and AJ being so grown up. AJ getting his own apartment.

NOLA: (teasing) I guess this will be our golden time "old man". So do yougirls have plans for the day?

STACEY: Well I was hoping to just hang around here. Maybe we could go up todaddy's lab and do some of the experiments that we used to do when we werekids.

LISA: What kind of experiments?

STACEY: Daddy tried to teach AJ and I all about science at a very early age. We did all these cool experiments to teach us the fundamentals of science. Daddy was a regular Beekman way before he ever made it big on TV.

NOLA: That sounds like a wonderful idea. Quinton maybe you could showStacey and Lisa those pottery pieces that were sent to you a few weeks ago.

QUINT: (perking up) I guess I could do that.

STACEY: Mom . . . why don't you join us? (to Lisa) Mom was the bestassistant daddy could ever ask for. Whenever he messed up one of theexperiments mom was quick to cover for him and make it look like that wassupposed to happen.

NOLA: How did you know that? I guess I wasn't covering as well as I thoughtI was.

LISA: It sounds like you all had a wonderful family life.

NOLA: Where is your family from?

LISA: I haven't seen my dad in over ten years and my mom lives in Tucson. Isee her a couple of times a year.

STACEY: (changing subject) So mom are you going to join us in the lab?

NOLA: I would love to, but the decorator is coming today and I wanted to goover some of the plans with him.

LISA: Where is the lab?

QUINT: It is up on the third floor.

NOLA: Every time I hear about that third floor I still get the creeps.

LISA: Why?

STACEY: It is a very long story and one that you definitely don't want tohear.

QUINT: I agree. But no need to fear anymore.

NOLA: (to Quint teasing) Lucky thing for you . . . . .Fritz is running Edieto the store this afternoon so everyone be sure to get in their specialrequests.

Stacey leans back in her chair.

STACEY: I am so full. I can't eat another bite.

NOLA: (laughing) Me either. Quinton do you want those last two pancakes?

QUINT: Of course I do.

STACEY: Daddy you are a bottomless pit of course lately . . . .

QUINT: What are you trying to say Anastasia?

STACEY: Oh nothing . . . nothing . . . I would never say anything.

QUINT: I think I have lost my appetite.

NOLA: Come on Quint . . . you know you want them . . . take them.

Nola tries to hand the plate of pancakes to Quint.

QUINT: My daughter just accused me of being fat. I couldn't.

STACEY: I never said that daddy.

LISA: So the perfect family does argue.

STACEY: (teasing and covering her head) But only about daddy's expandingwaistline.

Quint looks completely dejected.

NOLA: Honey . . . I told you I like it . . . and isn't that what mattersmost? So here . . . I want you to eat these pancakes. I want you to.

Nola leans over and kisses Quint gently on the lips. Quint obliges with asmile and starts to happily finish the last two pancakes.

INT. THORNWAY ROAD STUDY -- LATER THAT DAY

NOLA moves busily about the Study fixing the books on the shelves andarranging knick knacks and just generally busying herself with some smalldetails. Suddenly the door bell rings. She checks her watch.

NOLA : (to herself) That's weird. He's half an hour early.

The door bell rings again.

NOLA: (remembering to herself) Edie's at the store.

NOLA moves quickly to the door and opens it.

NOLA: Are you the decorator?

A man is revealed standing in the door. It is TIM.

TIM: (sarcastically) No, I'm not the decorator.

Tim moves to assualt her with a kiss. Nola pushes him away.

NOLA: I'm sorry. Can I help you?

TIM: You are some piece of work aren't you?

Tim steps into the foyer.

NOLA: (getting scared) Please who you are?

Tim slams the door behind him.

TIM: Don't give me your bullshit games!!

NOLA: Please get out of here now. My husband's upstairs and will be downany minute.

TIM: Your husband? You operate quick don't you? Where is my daughter?

He grabs Nola by the arm and backs her further into the foyer.

NOLA: Please there must be some mistake. I don't know what you're talkingabout.

Tim continues to twist her arm.

NOLA: Please let go of my arm. You're hurting me.

TIM: Don't make me mad. I want Krista and I want her now.

NOLA: (crying) I don't know what you are talking about. Who is Krista?

TIM: You find some new man to take to bed and you can't even remember yourown daughter. What kind of woman are you Nora?

NOLA: My name's not Nora. My name is Nola Chamberlain. And I don't have adaughter named Krista.

TIm moves his face very close to her and in a menacing tone . . .

TIM: You'll try anything won't you. So where'd you pick up this latestsugar daddy?

He violently attempts to assault her neck as Nola resists.

NOLA: Please let me go. You're hurting me.

QUINT comes down the stairs and reacts immediately.

QUINT: What the hell is going on here?

NOLA: (cries out) Quint.

Quint quickly moves toward Tim.

QUINT: Get your filthy hands off my wife.

Quint violently with eyes raging grabs Tim by the arm forcing him to releaseNola. Nola runs to the far end of the foyer.

NOLA: He thinks I'm Nora.

TIM: Get away from me old man. You can have the tired old bitch. I'vealready had her, but I want my daughter back.

Quint throws a punch at Tim, but he ducks. Tim goes to throw a punch atQuint, but he stops him and holds him back.

QUINT: (in his face) Did you hurt my wife? You touch my wife and I will killyou. (shouting) You hear me? I will kill you!!

TIM: Your wife?

QUINT: (reasoning) Look you have the wrong person so let's not embarrassanyone further . . . . (more threatening) and just get the hell out of herebefore things get really ugly.

TIM: (to Nola) Guess you failed to tell him about us.

NOLA: I have never seen you before in my life. This is all amisunderstanding.

STACEY comes down the stairs.

NOLA: Stacey go back upstairs.

STACEY: Mom what's going on?

NOLA: Anastasia . . . please go back upstairs.

QUINT: (reprimanding) Listen to your mother!!

Stacey runs back upstairs.

TIM: What the hell is going on here? Who was that?

NOLA: (getting calmer) That was my daughter. I told you I am not Nora,(pleading) but I think we can help each other out.

TIM: I don't know what kind of game you are trying to play.

QUINT: (angrily) We are not playing any game. You have the wrong person. Nola just looks like Nora.

TIM: What?

NOLA: I've been trying to find her, but haven't been able too.

TIM struggles and finally extricates himself from Quint's grip.

TIM: This is ridiculous. (shaking his fist at Nola) I don't care who youwant to shack up with, but I don't want my daughter living that kind of lifewith a woman like you.

Quint goes after Tim for his last comments and tehy struggle and fight. Nolacries out Quint's name. J comes through the front door and is confrontedwith this scene. Quint turns to see who came in as Tim takes a swing at himand hits him on the side of the face. Quint grabs for his jaw as he fallsback a few steps. J catches him.

J: Dad are you okay? What is going on here? Who the hell are you?

NOLA: (cries out) Honey, please be careful.

J: Mom are you okay? What have you done to my mother?

Quint gets back up as J violently goes after Tim. Tim is overwhelmed by J'sstrength.

TIM: Calm down kid. Look I obviously made a big mistake.

J: I'll say so . . . what have you done to my mother?

J gets more and more heated

J: Nobody hurts my mother.

J shakes him further agitating Tim's violence. Tim frees himself from J andknocks him over the head and then turns and grabs Nola.

NOLA: AJ!!!

TIM: Listen just tell me where Nora is and I will let the bitch go.

J slowly recovers from the bash on the head as Quint slowly moves toward Tim.

QUINT: Listen we all know this is a mistake. We don't know where Nora isand we don't know where your daughter is either. Just let her go and we canforget this whole thing.

TIM: I am not leaving until you tell me where Nora is.

NOLA: (crying again) We don't know!!!

Tim holds Nola around the neck.

TIM: Shut up. Look if I don't get some answers soon, I swear I will . . . .

QUINT: Calm down. Let's be rational about this. We can help each otherout. We want to find Nora too.

Two POLICE OFFICERS burst through the door with guns and Tim releases Nola and puts his hands in the air. The cops grab Tim. The police escort Timoutside the house for their routine. Stacey and Lisa come running down thestairs and Stacey embraces her mother. Quint tends to J and then Nola runsover to see if he is okay. Nola lovingly touches Quint's jaw and looks toher son who still lies on the floor.

NOLA: Sweetheart are you okay?

TO BE CONTINUED