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+Episode 3.18, The Child, Part 1
+-------------------------------
+
+At the Lin Residence
+
+Cee-Cee’shouse is larger than Joan’s, situated on a wooded lot in an
+upscale suburb of town. As she walks from the bus stop, Joan notices
+it is a quiet neighborhood, except for a man using a leaf blower
+across the street. She rings the bell, and China Faye answers the
+door. She invites her in, “Hello Joan, it’s nice to see you again.”
+
+Joan – “It’s nice to see you, too.”
+
+China Faye – “Cee-Cee is in her studio above the garage. Follow me.”
+
+As they walk through the house, Joan observes the furnishings. It is
+a mixture of American and Chinese decor. Although Joan’s house is
+clean, this house is spotless. You could probably eat off any surface
+without getting sick. Joan decides to comment, “You have a lovely
+home, and it’s so clean.”
+
+China Faye – “We share the chores, but with all of us working or
+going to school, we just couldn’t keep it up. My parents hired a
+house cleaning service. They do a very nice job.”
+
+A boy rushes toward them, “Do you have the keys? We’re going to be
+late.”
+
+China Faye – “I’m driving today. I’ll be there in a minute.” She
+looks at Joan, “This is my brother Hui Charles.” She looks back at
+her brother, “Hui, this is Joan, a friend of Cee-Cee’s.”
+
+HuiCharles – “Hi, it’s nice to meet you. Cee-Cee is in her studio.”
+
+China Faye – “You’re not wearing your name tag. Go find it.”
+
+HuiCharles goes off in a huff to find his nametag.
+
+China Faye sighs, “Boys!”
+
+Joan smiles and asks, “Do all of you work at the restaurant?”
+
+China Faye – “Yes, except for the little ones. It’s our family’s
+business. We all work, and we all reap the rewards. Besides, my
+father pays us very well.”
+
+Joan – “What about those in school, like Cee-Cee?”
+
+China Faye – “School comes first. Those of us in school only work
+once or twice a week.”
+
+China Faye stops at the stairs leading up to the studio, “Cee-Cee is
+expecting you. Have fun.”
+
+China Faye leaves and Joan walks up the stairs. She knocks and
+enters, “Cee-Cee?”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Right on time. Have a seat.” Joan sits, and Cee-Cee
+continues, “Let me show you the routine that I did so you’ll have an
+idea of what they are expecting.”
+
+When the music starts, Cee-Cee begins to float around the room. Her
+routine is a blend of many dances, some reminiscent of those done in
+the movie *Flashdance*. Cee-Cee finishes as Joan sits in awe of what
+she has just seen. “I… I could never do something like that! It was
+so beautiful!”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Sarah seems to think you can. Oh, sorry, I should say
+Sister Sarah. Joan, have faith in yourself. I do, and so does Sister
+Sarah.”
+
+Joan – “You know Sister Sarah?”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Sure, we met in class at Dawson State. Of course, she was
+just Sarah McCauley then. She dropped out in her second year to
+become a nun, but we’ve kept in touch.”
+
+Joan – “Have you two been talking about me?”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Of course, and we have a plan. Now, show me some of the
+dances that you know.”
+
+Joan – “Wait a minute. What kind of plan? This is still my life. I
+may not want to become a dancer. I have actually been thinking a lot
+about nursing lately.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “And nursing requires college, right?”
+
+Joan – “Yes?”
+
+Cee-Cee– “So, we use dancing to get you into college, and then you
+take nursing, too.The point is to get you in. You can thank Roger for
+this idea. ‘There’s always a way to work the system.’”
+
+Joan ponders the scheme for a moment, ‘\ The Dancing Nurse, that
+would be an interesting twist!’ She responds, “I want to hear more
+about this plan, but okay for now.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Dance for me.”
+
+At the Park
+
+Luke – “Which college do you think we should go to next year, Arcadia
+or Dawson State?”
+
+Grace – “It doesn't matter to me; I'm not going to college.”
+
+Luke – “Come on, you have to go. Think of how much better you could
+be as an educated free radical.”
+
+Grace – “I've already had enough drivel shoved down my throat from
+the thought police. I'm doing just fine educating myself.” Luke tries
+to respond, but Grace is now on a rant, “And now we have the fat
+police. You heard Brian the other day, no more junk food in school
+vending machines. When did the school board become my parents? If I
+want to eat a candy bar, I'll eat one, and it's nobody's business but
+my own.”
+
+Luke – “But they say that kids are getting too fat. It's for our own
+good.”
+
+Grace – “Yeah, yeah, it's for the children. Like I said, when did
+they become my parents? It's none of their business what I eat. They
+are supposed to educate, period, not run my life. I'm sick of these
+high and mighty do-gooders interfering with everyone else's lives. I
+didn't hear him mention removing the coffee machine from the
+teacher’s lounge. Did I miss that? A lot of our teachers seem to be
+pretty wired by the end of the day. I think they should stop drinking
+coffee – for the children.”
+
+Luke – “Grace! You don't eat that much candy anyway. Why do you
+care?”
+
+Grace – “It's incrementalism. You lose a little freedom here, a
+little there, and soon, you have none at all. And don't get me
+started on politics. The hypocrisy is rampant! How come if I have a
+headache and want an aspirin, the school nurse has to get permission,
+but if I want to have an abortion, sure, no problem, parental consent
+isn't required. They'll even find me a doctor and provide
+transportation. What's wrong with this picture?”
+
+Luke – “I've never actually thought about it. Tell me what's really
+bothering you.”
+
+Grace – “Did you know that life is a four letter word?”
+
+Luke – “Grace, tell me.”
+
+Grace – “I'm late.”
+
+Luke – “Late for what?”
+
+Grace – “No, I'm late, late.”
+
+Luke – “Oh geese! You mean…?”
+
+Grace – “Yeah, that kind. I don't know what to do.”
+
+At Home
+
+Helen – “I’ve been thinking about the story you told me of how
+Richard and Trenna first met. It’s really sweet, but why didn’t
+Richard tell Trenna about how he paid off the other doctors?”
+
+Will – “Richard told me that Trenna was happy believing that she
+seduced him, and that’s why he kept it a secret.”
+
+Helen – “Yeah, but don’t you think that Trenna would love him even
+more, knowing that he did such a thing?”
+
+Will – “Maybe, but she might become angry at him for deceiving her.”
+
+Helen becomes frustrated, realizing that this conversation is going
+nowhere, “Yeah, maybe you’re right. I’m going to get a shower.”
+
+Helen sprays her face repeatedly, trying to clear her head. She
+thinks to herself, ‘That went well! I still have no idea of what to
+do about Joan. A special connection to the universe? God almost flat
+out told her that it was true, but what does it mean? How does it
+manifest? Does Joan realize it? The dreams, they must be part of it,
+or are they all of it? Should she talk to Joan or just observe?’
+Since yesterday, she has been caught in this endless loop of
+questions. She wants to do what’s best, but she’s not sure what that
+is. ‘If there's a right thing to do, a right way to be, why isn't it
+obvious?’
+
+At the Lin Residence
+
+Cee-Cee– “That was really good! You know a nice variety of dances,
+but unfortunately, most of them require a partner. What we need to do
+is mix it up, modify them into just a series of moves. I think there
+are a couple more dances that you could also incorporate. I can show
+them to you. Then we need to make everything flow together. Does that
+sound like a good plan?”
+
+Joan – “The plan is great, but implementing it will be a problem.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Well, of course it will be hard work, but I know you can do
+it. We’ll get the basic routine down today, and then Sister Sarah
+will take over during your dance class on Monday and Wednesday. She
+is going to have another Sister take over the class and just work
+with you. I can work with you again on Thursday and Friday, and then
+you’ll be ready for your audition on Saturday.”
+
+Joan – “The audition is in one week? I don’t think I can be ready by
+then!”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Sure you can. You will blow their socks off.” She pauses,
+“Roger uses that expression. I think it means to impress them. Is
+that right?”
+
+Joan – “Yes, that’s what it means. You really think I can do it?”
+
+Cee-Cee– “I know it. The greatest factor in achieving success is
+motivation. This is what you want, to go to college?”
+
+Joan – “Yes, I really want to.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Then let’s do it. Now, let me show you some other dances
+that I think would blend in well, and then I’ll show you the routine
+I have in mind.”
+
+At the Park
+
+Luke – “How could this happen? We used a condom.”
+
+Grace – “Well, brain boy, whatever made you think that you needed
+extra girth?”
+
+Luke – “I didn’t know. I’ve never bought them before. It only slipped
+off that one time. The statistical odds of you getting pregnant from
+that are astronomical.”
+
+Grace – “Well, apparently the little spermazoids didn’t get the
+memo.”
+
+Luke thinks for a moment, “What about the RU-486 abortion pill?”
+
+Grace – “I’m not sure if that’s what I want to do, and besides, have
+you read some of the possible side effects? Cardiovascular disease,
+high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke are just a
+few. I’m not going to take the chance.”
+
+Luke – “Then, do you plan to keep it?”
+
+Grace – “I said, I don’t know. How do you feel about becoming a
+father?”
+
+Luke – “Scared to death! It’s something that I planned to do someday,
+but now? This really changes everything!”
+
+Grace – “Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other
+plans.”
+
+At Home
+
+Helen – “It’s too bad that Richard had to go home last night.”
+
+Will – “Yes, it would have been nice if they could have stayed
+another two days. He tried to get out of having to work this weekend,
+but he couldn’t find anyone who would trade with him. Joan and Emily
+seemed to have really hit it off.”
+
+Helen – “Yeah, she’s so sweet.” She smiles and laughs, “Do you
+remember Joan’s third birthday?”
+
+Will – “That was the balloons, right?”
+
+Helen – “We made her cover her eyes as we took her into the den. When
+she opened them, she saw all the balloons that we’d blown up for her.
+She was fascinated by them. She ignored all of her presents, and she
+and YaYa played with the balloons all day long. It was so cute.”
+
+Will – “I miss when they were young. I can’t wait to have
+grandchildren.”
+
+Helen – “Well, I’m looking forward to it too, but I can wait.”
+
+Will – “Well, me too. I’m just looking forward to having little ones
+again.”
+
+Helen – “I know what you mean. When did Joan stop talking to YaYa?”
+
+Will – “I’m not sure, but I think it was when she was four or five.”
+
+Helen – “That sounds about right. Are you ready for lunch?”
+
+At the Lin Residence
+
+Cee-Cee– “You’re doing well. I like some of the moves you’ve added.
+That was clever adding a herkie. What made you think of that?”
+
+Joan – “Oh, in my sophomore year I tried out for cheerleading. I
+couldn’t do it then. I just felt like putting it in.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Well, I think it works well there, but what were those
+moves you did after that?”
+
+Joan – “Oh, that’s part of an exercise routine I do with Ms. Keady. I
+think it's Karate or something.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Well, I like that, too. It makes that part of the routine
+very powerful, but you need to work on your facial expressions. I
+know you are concentrating, but you always need to keep a smile on
+your face. You have to appear to be doing your routine effortlessly.”
+
+Joan – “Got it, I’ll try. Are you ready for lunch?”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Sure, I’m ready for a break. We have plenty of food in the
+kitchen.”
+
+Joan – “I brought sandwiches. My dad made them for us. His sandwiches
+are always so good!”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Okay, let’s go to the kitchen, and I’ll get us something to
+drink.”
+
+After Cee-Cee runs through the selections she has to offer, Joan
+chooses sweet green tea. They sit down and begin enjoying their
+sandwiches. Cee-Cee asks, “How long can you stay today?”
+
+Joan – “I told my parents I didn’t know how long I would be. They’re
+fine with me staying, as long as I keep my cell phone on.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “How tired are you?”
+
+Joan – “A little, but I feel like I have this energy that just wants
+to burst out.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “I know that feeling. You’re really are doing well. I’m
+thrilled that we have the routine pretty much done. Now you need to
+work on the transitions between the dance moves. They need to flow
+from one into the next. That takes practice.”
+
+Joan – “This is going to be a busy week. I feel bad for Adam. I won’t
+have very much time to be with him. We were supposed to go together
+to the Allan apple orchard today. He’s drawing sketches for work.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “I saw
+that\ `portrait <http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a361/mshaffer2/JoA_Portrait_Painting2.jpg>`__\ of
+you in your room. Did he do that?”
+
+Joan – “Yeah, I love it. I asked him if I could watch him while he
+works, but now I’m too busy to do it.”
+
+Cee-Cee–“I’m sure he’ll be fine. He seems like an understanding boy.
+After this week, things will calm down, and you can make it up to
+him.”
+
+At the Thrift Shop
+
+Kevin – “Hey, are we about done? I’m getting hungry.”
+
+Lilly – “Just a little while longer. I need to look at everything.”
+
+Kevin – “First the yard sales, and now the thrift shop, you know that
+shopping is a man’s least favorite thing to do.”
+
+Lilly – “Then be thankful that you get to do it with me. It’s only a
+month until Christmas, and I don’t have a thing for anyone.”
+
+Kevin – “After we get some lunch, we could go to the mall.”
+
+Lilly – “You know I don’t have much money. I can’t afford to shop
+there.”
+
+Kevin – “I have some extra money this week. I’ll pay for it.”
+
+Lilly – “No!After we’re married, the money will be ours, but not
+until.”
+
+Kevin – “You haven’t said yet when you want to get married. Have you
+decided?”
+
+Lilly – “June, I would like a June wedding.”
+
+Kevin – “Great, that’s fine with me.”
+
+Lilly spots an item, “Oh, look! This is a beautiful scarf. Joan
+always wears scarves. I’ll bet she’ll like this one.”
+
+Kevin – “Yeah, it’s really nice.” Kevin continues to think to
+himself, ‘Come on, I’m starving!’
+
+Lilly can read his mind from the expression on his face, “Okay, just
+let me look at the jewelry.”
+
+Lilly paws through the items. Most of it is costume jewelry, but she
+finds a necklace. “Look at this, a\ `Fleur-de-lis
+Necklace <http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a361/mshaffer2/FleurdeLisNecklace.jpg>`__\ .
+Do you think Joan would like it?”
+
+Kevin – “Yeah, she used to have one like it, but she lost it
+somewhere.”
+
+Lilly – “Well, Joan’s done. Let’s eat.”
+
+Walking Home
+
+Grace – “So what do you think I should do, brain boy?”
+
+Luke – “Well, the logical thing for you to do would be to have an
+abortion. It would allow both of us to continue with our plans.”
+
+Grace – “Why does my decision have to be logical?”
+
+Luke – “Because I don’t believe that God endowed us with sense,
+reason, and intellect, just to forgo their use.”
+
+Grace – “Is that what you want me to do?”
+
+Luke – “I don’t know. I’m just saying that would be the easiest
+solution.”
+
+Grace – “Yeah, but when have I ever done what’s easy? I’m going to do
+what I decide to do. I just don’t know what that is yet.”
+
+Luke – “You know we have to tell our parents. They’ll find out
+eventually.”
+
+Grace – “You’re not telling anyone! I’ve only told you because it’s
+your fault.”
+
+Luke – “Wait a minute, we both decided to have sex!”
+
+Grace – “Listen horndog, I was never thrilled with the idea. The only
+reason I decided to let you put your pizzle in my vizzle was to find
+out what all the hoopla was about. Pregnancy was never part of the
+plan. Anyway, I’ll decide who to tell and when. I need time to
+think.”
+
+Luke – “Have you told Joan?”
+
+Grace – “Tomorrow. It’s my day and I’ll tell her then.”
+
+At the Lin Residence
+
+Cee-Cee– “Come with me. I need you to try something on.” Joan wants
+to ask what, but she decides just to follow. Cee-Cee takes her into a
+bedroom and pulls a dress out of the closet, “Try this on. I think it
+will fit.”
+
+Joan – “Whose is it?”
+
+Cee-Cee– “China Faye’s. She already said I could borrow it.”
+
+Joan – “Then why do you want me to try it on?”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Because it’s for you. Put it on and I’ll explain.” While
+Joan puts on the dress, Cee-Cee continues, “Every one of the other
+girls there will be wearing tights. You are going to be wearing a
+dress. We want you to stand out. When the auditions are finished, and
+judges begin to make their decisions, I want the lady in red to be
+stuck in their minds.”
+
+Joan – “But this is so beautiful! What if I fall or something?”
+
+Cee-Cee– “That is not going to happen. Don’t even think it.”
+
+While Joan admires herself in the mirror, Cee-Cee starts rummaging
+through the dresser. Joan becomes concerned when she realizes, “What
+about when I do the herkie?”
+
+As soon as the words leave her lips, Cee-Cee holds up a pair of black
+short-shorts, “Got you covered.”
+
+At Home
+
+Grace and Luke arrive, and Helen asks, “Would you two like some
+lunch?”
+
+Luke asks sarcastically, “What kind of turkey surprise do we have
+today?”
+
+Helen smiles and sings, “Flaming turkey wings!”All get a laugh, and
+Helen continues, “We also have some ham and lots of sides. There’s
+pie if you eat something else first.”
+
+Luke – “Never mind, I’m not really hungry.”
+
+Grace – “Thank you, Mrs. Girardi. I’ll fix it.” She looks at Luke,
+“Come on, you’re eating too.”
+
+Grace fixes turkey for herself and ham for Luke, with the same sides
+for each. They sit down, and Helen asks, “Are you two having a
+problem?”
+
+Grace – “Luke and I have started a biology experiment. Now that it’s
+started, we’ve been debating whether we would be more satisfied with
+the outcome if we worked with biology or against it”
+
+Helen – “Joan and Adam are in your class. Maybe they can help.”
+
+Grace – “I plan to ask Joan what she thinks about it tomorrow.”
+
+Luke picks at his food for a while then decides he has had enough,
+“I’m going to get online and do some research on our biology project.
+I’ll be back down in a little while.”
+
+Luke leaves, and Helen comments, “I’m actually kind of glad that Luke
+left. I have a question to ask you. Has Joan ever talked to you about
+her dreams, other than that night at Lake Nashman?”
+
+Grace – “Mrs. Girardi, Joan has talked about them, but it was in
+confidence. I don’t know if I should be talking to you about them.”
+
+Helen – “Is she still having them?”
+
+Grace – “Yeah, I think so, but she usually doesn’t tell me the
+specifics. She doesn’t feel she should talk about them.”
+
+Helen – “What I really want to know is if there is more than just
+dreams and talking to spirits.”
+
+Grace really feels uncomfortable talking to Helen about this, but she
+decides to answer this question. She remembers Joan’s ‘half a red
+pill’ comment and responds, “Yeah, there’s more, a lot more. I’ve
+already said more than I should have. You need to talk to Joan.”
+
+At the Lin Residence
+
+Cee-Cee– “Okay, that is enough for today. I don’t want you to strain
+anything before your audition.”
+
+Joan – “I’m doing fine. I’m still working on the transitions.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “No, that is enough for now. I would like for you to
+practice some tomorrow, but not too much.” She retrieves a paper from
+a folder, “These are the courses in which I would like for you to
+enroll. All are required courses, except for ‘Modern Dance Techniques
+II.’ You don’t need to take the first course. I think the instructor
+will agree after she sees your performance. All you need to do is
+decide on the nursing class that you want to take. You need to be
+enrolled before the audition, so do it soon.”
+
+Joan – “Thanks, I already knew about the required courses, but I
+wasn’t sure of which dance class to take. I plan to ask Susan Jordan
+about the nursing class at the job fair on Wednesday. Then I’ll go
+online and register.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Would you like something to drink while I take you home?”
+
+Joan – “Oh, you don’t have to, I can take the bus.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “No, I’ll take you. We don’t want anything to happen to your
+dress. You do need to find a pair of shoes to wear. Anything you feel
+comfortable dancing in will be fine, but definitely no high heels.”
+
+Joan – “I have a pair of sneakers with flowers on them. Some of the
+flowers are red.”
+
+Cee-Cee– “Those sound like they will be perfect.”
+
+At the Flea Market
+
+Lilly – “Come on, this will be the last stop. Just think about your
+cousin Emily.”
+
+Kevin – “What does she have to do with this?”
+
+Lilly laughs and sings,
+
+“\ Rollin', rollin', rollin'
+*Though* the streams are swollen
+Keep them doggies rollin'
+Rawhide!\ ”
+
+Kevin gets a laugh, “She did enjoy the ride. If we hadn’t stopped for
+dinner, I think she would have ridden on my lap for the rest of the
+day.”
+
+Lilly – “Well, just imagine Emily is on your lap singing and
+chattering away. We’ll be done soon.” They continue looking at the
+variety of items on display. Lilly takes an interest in some of them,
+but passes them by. When they finish looking through all the items,
+Lilly asks, “There are a few things I think I will buy, but I want
+them to be a surprise. Wait here, and then meet me at the car in ten
+minutes.”
+
+At Home
+
+Grace walks upstairs and calls up to Luke’s attic bedroom, “You’re
+still taking me to see Rent. Get a move on it.”
+
+Joan arrives and meets Grace in the foyer, “Look at the dress I have
+to wear for my audition.”
+
+Grace – “That’s really nice. Where’d you get it?”
+
+Joan – “Cee-Cee let me borrow it. It’s actually her sister’s.”
+
+Grace – “Hey, Luke and I are going to see Rent. You wanna come?”
+
+Joan – “Sure, can I ask Adam?”
+
+Grace – “Make it quick. We don’t have much time.”
+
+Joan puts the dress in her closet and calls Adam. Adam is returning
+from the Allan apple orchard, and is only a few minutes away. She
+takes a quick shower, changes clothes, and is back downstairs by the
+time Adam arrives. As they walk out to the car, Joan decides she’s
+more afraid to ride with Luke than to drive herself. She asks, “Luke,
+would it be all right if I drive?”
+
+Luke agrees, partly because this is the first time she has asked, and
+partly because he knows that if he says no, she will be mad at him.
+He doesn’t say anything, just hands her the keys.
+
+On the way, Adam asks Joan, “How is your dance routine coming along?”
+
+Joan – “Great! We have it all figured out. I just need to practice.
+I'm so excited. This is my chance to go to college, so I'm going to
+grab it with both hands, and hold on tight!”
+
+Adam – “I'm really happy for you. Can I come and watch your
+audition?”
+
+Joan – “You can come if you want, but you won't be able to watch. The
+only ones allowed in the room are me and the judges. Cee-Cee says
+they will videotape it. I can ask for a copy.”
+
+Adam – “I would like to see it.”
+
+Joan – “Oh, this week I'm really going to be busy. I have dance or
+work every night. I won't be able to see you, except for at school.
+Will you be okay with that?”
+
+Adam whines, “No, I'll miss you.” Joan becomes concerned, but before
+she can say anything, Adam smiles and continues, “But I'll survive. I
+know this is important to you.”
+
+Joan – “After this week, I promise I'll make it up to you.”
+
+Grace – “Okay, now that's settled, do any of you know what this movie
+is about?” They all answer no, so Grace continues, “Well…”
+
+At Home
+
+Grace – “Did you sleep well?”
+
+Joan – “I always sleep good after a day of exercise. How about you?”
+
+Grace – “Not too bad. What are your plans for today?”
+
+Joan – “To spend the day with you, until I have to go to work. I do
+have to practice my routine, but that won't take long. Would you like
+to stay here or go somewhere?”
+
+Grace – “I would like just to stay here.”
+
+Joan – “Are you hungry?”
+
+Grace – “Starved!”
+
+Joan – “Me, too.”
+
+They proceed to the kitchen and find Will drinking coffee, “Can I
+make you some breakfast?”
+
+Grace – “I thought I would make it this morning. What would you
+like?”
+
+Will – “Well, I thawed a rib eye overnight. I was going to make
+steak, eggs, and grits.”
+
+Joan – “That sounds good. I haven't had that in awhile.”
+
+Grace – “I can fix it.”
+
+While Grace prepares breakfast, Will asks, “Did you enjoy your movie
+last night?”
+
+Joan – “It was okay. I really enjoyed just spending time with Grace
+and Adam, and even Luke was nice to me last night.”
+
+Grace – “The movie was just okay? It was fantastic! It was a message
+of friendship, tolerance, and living every day to the fullest. Lines
+of gender, education, talent, sexual orientation, and all-around
+stereotypes were totally erased. It exemplifies what life should
+really be about – love.”
+
+Joan – “Yeah, you told me that before we went, and love is always
+good, but for once, I agree with Luke. They were all unhappy about
+their lives; the lifestyle they promoted was pointless, yet they
+whined instead of doing something about it. People need to take
+personal responsibility for their lives. They would have been better
+off had they gotten jobs, paid their rent, pooled their remaining
+money, and hired a real songwriter.”
+
+Grace – “You didn’t like the music, either?”
+
+Joan – “I liked the first song.”
+
+Will – “Did you two watch the same movie?”
+
+At Lilly’s Apartment
+
+Ginger mumbles, “Can ar gapt sojwn?”
+
+Lilly – “Yeah, Extra-strength Tylenol, please.”
+
+Ginger mumbles, “Og. Krimwelat indefor.”
+
+Lilly – “Okay, send him in.”
+
+Ginger leaves and Kevin comes in, “Playing hookie from church today?
+That’s a first.”
+
+Lilly – “I don’t play hookie from church! God will always be first in
+my life and you know that.”
+
+Kevin – “Whoa!I was just trying to make a joke, trying to cheer you
+up, sorry.”
+
+Lilly begins to cough and doesn’t respond for a few moments, “Sorry,
+I just feel like Joan looked last summer. I must have the first US
+case of bird flu.”
+
+Usually, Kevin can tell what Lilly means by the expression on her
+face, but today, she just looks miserable, “Do you really think so?
+Do you want me to take you to the hospital?”
+
+Lilly – “No, I don’t really have bird flu. I do have something, but I
+just need to get some more sleep. Ginger is getting some medicine.”
+
+Kevin – “Are you hungry? Can I make you something? You should eat.”
+
+Lilly – “Not unless you want to clean the carpet.”
+
+Kevin – “Can I stay while you sleep? I’ll be quiet.”
+
+Lilly – “I’d like that.”
+
+Ginger returns with the medicine and a thermometer, “Pukem on meiat.”
+
+Lilly – “I don’t need a thermometer to tell me that I have a fever.”
+
+Kevin – “But we do. When I take your temperature later, I’ll need to
+know if you are getting better or worse.”
+
+Lilly relents and puts the thermometer under her tongue. When it
+beeps, Kevin reads the display, “102.3. Let’s see what the Tylenol
+does for you.”
+
+At Home
+
+Joan – “Are you mad at me?”
+
+Grace – “No, just surprised. I thought you would like the movie.”
+
+Joan – “Maybe I should have, because I’ve been digging through the
+garbage, too. But I finally have found something that matters.”
+
+Grace – “Dancing?”
+
+Joan – “No, nursing. I want to help children.”
+
+Grace – “Then why are you dancing?”
+
+Joan – “To get into college. Once I’m in, I’ll take nursing, too.
+It’s a great plan. Roger thought of it.”
+
+Grace – “How do you know you want to be a nurse? Do your dreams have
+something to do with it?”
+
+Joan – “Partly, but there have been other things. I can’t explain,
+but I really feel this is the right thing for me.”
+
+Grace just sits for a moment, thinking about what Joan has told her.
+“It’s nice to have a plan for your future. I wish I was so sure about
+mine. I’m happy for you.”
+
+Joan – “Let me show you my routine.” She retrieves the CD from of her
+purse, grabs the boom box, and leads Grace out to the back yard. She
+puts the CD in the player and says, “When I’m ready, select track
+eight. This is a great dancing song. It starts off slow and ends
+fast.”
+
+Joan gets ready, but then she notices that Pallas Athena is still
+lying on her side. She motions to Grace, “Come help me with this.”
+Together, they lift the urn and place it back on its pedestal. Joan
+then rotates it until Athena is facing the yard, “Now you can watch
+me too!”
+
+After Joan prepares, Grace selects track eight. Joan runs through her
+routine. She does it almost flawlessly. When she finishes, she asks,
+“What do you think?”
+
+Grace – “It was great! Who was that singing?”
+
+Joan – “Someone named Donna Summer. I’ve never heard of her, but
+she’s good.”
+
+Grace – “Me neither. Are you done?”
+
+Joan – “No, I want to run through it two more times.”
+
+Joan repeats her routine, then they go up to the bedroom. This is the
+moment Grace has been dreading, but she needs to tell Joan. She
+closes the door, “I have something important to tell you.” Grace
+doesn’t continue right away, wondering if Joan will be mad at her, or
+worse, be ashamed of her.
+
+Joan – “Okay, what is it?”
+
+Grace – “I’m pregnant.”
+
+Joan’s jaw drops in disbelief, “Pregnant?” Grace’s revelation causes
+Joan to leap into her ‘fighting place.’ She becomes filled with rage,
+“Why that little frack!” She gets up, and as she passes through the
+door, she yells, “Luke!”
+
+Grace follows her, tugging on her arm, trying to stop her, “No, wait,
+let me explain.”
+
+Joan ignores her and yells again, “Luke, get your butt down here!”
+
+Luke comes down and Will comes running up the stairs at the same
+time, “What’s wrong?”
+
+At the last moment, Joan curbs what she really wants to say, “Your
+son is an idiot!”
+
+Grace doesn’t want to involve parents yet. She tries to defuse the
+situation by saying, “We’re just having an argument. It’ll be okay.
+I’ll take care of it.” She drags Joan back into the bedroom and
+closes the door.
+
+Will stands looking at Luke, “Would you like to talk about it?”
+
+Luke stands there, knowing the reason for Joan’s anger, but he
+doesn’t want to tell his father the reason either, “Maybe later.” He
+goes back up to his room, and Will returns downstairs.
+
+Joan is still furious, “How could he do that?”
+
+Grace – “But it wasn't his fault.”
+
+Joan – “Then who's the father?”
+
+Grace – “Okay, it's partly his fault, but I let him.”
+
+Joan – “He seduced you?”
+
+Grace – “Come on, think of what you're saying. You're talking about
+Luke. Besides, no one seduces me unless I want to be seduced. Please
+just calm down and let me explain.”
+
+Joan paces around the room a bit, and then she sits and does the
+exercise that Ms. Keady taught her. After a few minutes, she is able
+to continue, “Okay, tell me why I shouldn't blame Luke.”
+
+Grace – “Because I wanted it, too. Remember what Lilly told you?”
+
+Joan – “Yes, but you're not stupid. Why didn't you use a condom?”
+
+Grace – “We did, but something went wrong.”
+
+Joan – “I guess so. What…?”
+
+Grace interrupts her, “I wanted it, okay. All of that stuff that Luke
+has been saying about us having a relationship, well it's true. And
+you know what? He actually loves me and I love him. How weird is
+that? Anyway, it's a fluke and it's not something that is going to
+happen again. I just wanted at least once in my life to know what it
+was like, how it felt, to have someone who actually loves me, make
+love to me. Is that so bad?”
+
+Joan – “I have those same feelings, but I don't think God wants me to
+follow through with them, at least not yet.”
+
+Grace – “Well, you could have it if you wanted it, and if you and
+Adam don't work out, there will be a hundred boys standing in line to
+fall in love with you. I have Luke.”
+
+Joan – “No, that's not true. I'm sure there are lots of other boys
+for you.”
+
+Grace – “No, you know I'm right. Who else other than a science geek
+like Luke could fall in love with a free radical like me? And if it
+doesn't work out, there won't be another. That's why I decided to do
+it.”
+
+Joan – “Does he know you love him?”
+
+Grace – “I don't know, but the important thing is that he loves me. I
+don't think that is ever going to happen again. That's why it means
+so much to me.”
+
+Joan – “You saw what happened to Adam and me when we didn't share our
+feelings. You have to tell Luke how you feel.”
+
+Grace – “Okay, he knows, I just can’t say the words.”
+
+Joan – “What are you going to do?”
+
+Grace – “I don’t know.”
+
+At Lilly’s Apartment
+
+Ginger – “Eeid eht weasd.”
+
+Kevin – “Yeah, I know. I’m worried, too.”
+
+Lilly – “Are you talking about me?”
+
+Kevin – “Yeah, it’s time to take your temperature again.”
+
+Lilly – “Just let me sleep.”
+
+Kevin forces the thermometer under Lilly’s tongue, and she
+begrudgingly doesn’t resist. It beeps and he reads the display,
+“103.6, she’s getting worse.” Kevin looks at Ginger, and then back to
+Lilly, “I’m taking you to the hospital.”
+
+Lilly – “No, I’ll be fine. I don’t have the money to pay for the
+hospital. Just give it a while longer.”
+
+Kevin – “Okay.” Kevin and Ginger leave the room, “If I wasn’t in this
+wheelchair, I would drag her to the hospital, whether she liked it or
+not.”
+
+Ginger – “Teiee wimem que.”
+
+Kevin – “All right, I’ll check her temperature again in a little
+while.”
+
+At Home
+
+Helen – “Hi hon, where is everybody?”
+
+Will – “They’re upstairs. Joan is mad at Luke, and Grace is trying to
+calm her down.”
+
+Helen – “Do you know what it’s about?”
+
+Will – “No, but Joan is really upset about something. I can’t
+remember seeing her this mad since we wouldn’t let her go to that
+concert with Adam.”
+
+Helen – “Maybe I should have a talk with her.”
+
+Will – “No, I think we should just let them work it out for now.”
+
+Helen – “Can I fix you something to eat?”
+
+Will – “No, I had a late breakfast.”
+
+Grace – “Are you calmed down enough to talk to Luke?”
+
+Joan – “Now?”
+
+Grace – “Yes, I want the three of us to talk about it. I want to hear
+your ideas.”
+
+Joan – “I don’t know. For a genius, he sure is stupid!”
+
+Grace – “Well, I won’t argue that. Can I go get him?”
+
+Joan doesn’t answer, but just gives her a nod and a manufactured
+smile. Grace goes out to the attic stairs, “Luke, come down. We need
+to talk.”
+
+Luke comes down with a handful of papers, and they join Joan back in
+the bedroom. Grace asks, “What are the papers?”
+
+Luke – “I’ve been doing research. I’ve printed out a lot of
+information on pregnancy and I have more about child rearing if you
+want it. There’s some good information here.”
+
+Grace – “Okay, educate us.”
+
+Luke – “Well first, an embryo is what they call the first eight weeks
+of life. Here’s a picture of
+an\ `embryo <http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a361/mshaffer2/Embryo.jpg>`__\ .
+It looks the same as any other mammal. It’s pretty much just a blob
+of meat.
+
+Then, starting with the third month, they call it a fetus. This is
+when it begins to take human form. This is also when the brain begins
+to develop, between the eighth and fourteenth week. Here’s a picture
+of
+a\ `fetus <http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a361/mshaffer2/Fetus.jpg>`__\ .
+
+The answer to if or when a fetus can feel pain appears to depend upon
+the agenda of the author. Logically, if something has a brain, then
+it must be able to feel pain. So, if you do decide to have an
+abortion, it would be best if you did it before the eighth week.”
+
+Grace – “Do you still want me to get an abortion?”
+
+Luke – “I never said that. I only said that it would be the easiest
+solution.”
+
+Grace looks at Joan, “What do you think?”
+
+Joan – “I can’t tell you what to do, but whatever you decide to do,
+you’re going to call it what it is. It’s not an embryo, a blob of
+meat, or a fetus, and it’s definitely not an it. It’s a child.”
+
+There is a long silence as Joan’s words resonate with Luke and Grace.
+Grace asks, “Will you stand by me no matter what I decide?”
+
+Joan – “Of course, I’ll always be your friend.”
+
+Luke doesn’t say anything, so Grace begins to glare at him. “Of
+course, I’ll always be here, too. You really didn’t have to ask.”
+After a few moments, he continues with his presentation, “Also during
+the eighth week, fingers and toes begin to develop…”
+
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+The phone rings, and Helen picks it up. Kevin’s voice is filled with
+despair. “Mom, how high can a fever get before it’s dangerous? Lilly
+is really sick, and she won’t let me take her to the hospital.”
+
+Helen – “What is her temperature?”
+
+Kevin – “It’s 104.1. I can’t get her to wake up. I don’t know what to
+do!”
+
+Helen tries, but fails to keep the alarm from her voice, “I’ll be
+there in a few minutes.”
+
+Will – “Were you talking about Lilly?”
+
+Helen – “Yeah, she’s really sick. We need to get her temperature
+down. Joan and I will have to get her into the shower.”
+
+Will – “I can carry her. Let’s go.”
+
+Helen – “No, but thank you. We’re going to have to remove her
+clothes, and I may need help while she’s in the shower. We want to
+help her, not embarrass her. This is a job for women.”
+
+Helen knocks on Joan’s bedroom door, “Joan.” She doesn’t wait for an
+answer and enters the room, “Lilly is sick. She needs our help.”
+
+Joan – “Ah yeah, sure.” Joan begins to leave with Helen, but
+remembers, “Oh, I’m supposed to be at work in a couple of hours.”
+
+Helen looks at Luke, “You’re working at the bookstore tonight.” Helen
+bags several cans from the pantry, and they leave for Lilly’s
+apartment.
+
+At Lilly’s Apartment
+
+Kevin has started placing a cool towel on Lilly’s forehead. She’s
+awake, but delirious.
+
+Helen – “Can you walk?”
+
+Lilly – “I don’t know.”
+
+Joan and Helen lift Lilly out of bed. Fortunately, Lilly is able to
+walk with their help. They remove her clothes and sit her on Kevin’s
+seat in the bathtub. Helen starts the water, and when it is lukewarm,
+she turns on the shower.
+
+Lilly screeches, “Oww, that’s freezing!”
+
+Helen – “No, it’s warm. It only feels freezing to you.”
+
+Lilly shivers, but slowly becomes accustomed to the temperature. Joan
+and Helen also sponge her with the warm water. She remains under the
+shower until the water actually does begin to cool. Then Joan and
+Helen dry her, help her back into her pajamas, and get her back into
+bed. Helen, Kevin, and Ginger go to the kitchen, but Joan remains
+with Lilly.
+
+Lilly – “That was so mean.”
+
+Joan – “Mom thinks it’s what you needed, and she knows about such
+things.”
+
+Lilly – “Yeah, I know.” Lilly’s eyes become heavy, “Do you mind if I
+sleep for a little while?”
+
+Joan takes her hand in hers, “Go ahead. I’ll just stay with her and
+be quiet.”
+
+With that, Lilly dozes off, and Joan begins to pray. She prays
+silently until the others return.
+
+Helen – “Lilly, wake up. I have some broth for you.”
+
+Lilly – “I don’t know if I can eat anything.”
+
+Helen – “You’re dehydrated. You need liquids.” Lilly relents and sits
+up a little. Helen continues, “First, we need to take your
+temperature.” She places the thermometer under Lilly’s tongue. When
+it beeps, she reads the display, “99.1. Good, it looks like your
+fever has broken.” Helen puts the bowl near Lilly’s mouth, and begins
+to spoon-feed her the broth.
+
+At Home
+
+Luke is preparing to leave, “Are you sure you don’t want to come with
+me?”
+
+Grace – “Yeah, I’m going to go home for awhile. I have something I
+need to do.”
+
+Luke kisses her goodbye, and is pleased that she doesn’t resist.
+“I’ll be home about eight-thirty.”
+
+After Luke leaves, Grace walks into the kitchen where Will has been
+quietly paying bills. Will looks up and asks, “Hey, it’s just you and
+me kid. I don’t think we’ve ever had just the two of us. Would you
+like to talk?”
+
+Grace – “What do you want to talk about?”
+
+Will – “Anything you like.”
+
+This is too tempting for Grace. She thinks for a moment, and then
+begins, “Okay, the first amendment says that Congress shall make no
+law… abridging the freedom of speech. They are talking about
+political speech, so how could the Supreme Court decide that
+McCain-Feingold’s campaign finance reform doesn’t violate the first
+amendment?”
+
+Will is flabbergasted, “I don’t know. They must have had their
+reasons. They are the Supreme Court.”
+
+Grace – “Well, they need learn to read what the Constitution says,
+not what they would like it to say. I have some reading to do, too.
+Would it be okay with you if I went home for a while?”
+
+Will – “Sure. It might be just you and me for dinner tonight. Would
+you like anything special?”
+
+Grace – “Anything but turkey.”
+
+Will – “Sure, I’ll think of something.”
+
+Grace smiles as she leaves, pleased that she could razzle Mr.
+Girardi.
+
+At Lilly’s Apartment
+
+Lilly is able to finish the bowl of broth. Everyone is pleased when
+she keeps it down. Helen gives her another dose of Tylenol and says,
+“I’ll give you a little while, and then I’ll make you some chicken
+noodle soup.”
+
+Lilly – “That sounds good, but I need to get some sleep.”
+
+Helen – “We’ll leave you alone.”
+
+They all go out to the living room and Helen calls Will, “Hi hon,
+Lilly’s doing better, but we are going to stay here for a while. How
+is everything there?”
+
+Will – “Luke went to work and Grace went to her house. I assume you
+won’t be home for dinner?”
+
+Helen – “No, I’ll have Joan and Kevin pick up something. Will you be
+okay?”
+
+Will – “Grace and I will be fine. I’m just going to run to the store
+and pick up some hamburger and buns. It’s not turkey.”
+
+Helen – “Well, I think we are going to have subs. I love you.”
+
+Will – “I love you, too.”
+
+At the Polonsky Residence
+
+In addition to wanting time alone to think, Joan’s comment caused
+Grace to want to review her notes from Hebrew class. Yes, she
+actually did take notes, even though she made it a practice of
+constantly giving her instructor grief. She often made smart-aleck
+comments, and on one occasion, she asked her instructor, “Why do I
+have to learn Hebrew, anyway? All of this stuff is already translated
+into English.”
+
+She had hoped to irritate her instructor, but instead he answered,
+“Because the true meanings of some passages are sometimes
+misunderstood after being translated from Hebrew into English.”
+
+Rabbi Gellman – “Grace, please open your Tanakh and read Shemot 21:22
+– 25.”
+
+Grace complies, “\ And if men strive together, and hurt a woman with
+child, so that her fruit depart, and yet no harm follow, he shall be
+surely fined, according as the woman's husband shall lay upon him;
+and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if any harm follow,
+then thou shalt give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth,
+hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound,
+stripe for stripe.\ ”
+
+Rabbi Gellman – “Who can tell me what this passage means?”
+
+Leah – “Well, ‘her fruit depart’ sounds like a miscarriage. So, if a
+man causes a woman to have a miscarriage, he should be fined.”
+
+Rabbi Gellman – “Some texts do translate this as a miscarriage or
+premature birth. Go to your Hebrew text and tell me what word or
+words this phrase derives from.”
+
+Leah looks it up, “\ v’-yats-u y’-la-dey-ha, which is a combination
+of the Hebrew noun *yeled* (yeh'-led, Strong 3206) and a verb
+*yatsa*\ ’ (yaw-tsaw', Strong 3318).”
+
+Rabbi Gellman – “Jeremy, look up those words in your dictionary.”
+
+Jeremy looks them up, “\ *Yatsa*\ ’ means ‘to come out’ and *yeled*
+means child.”
+
+Rabbi Gellman – “Good, now look up the word *nephel* (neh'-fel,
+Strong 5309).”
+
+Jeremy looks it up, “\ *Nephel* means miscarriage.”
+
+Rabbi Gellman – “Leah, *yatsa*\ ’ is used 1,061 times in the Tanakh
+and is never translated as miscarriage. Why should it mean that here?
+If Moses actually meant miscarriage, then why did he not use the word
+*nephel* instead of the words *yatsa*\ *’* and *yeled*?”
+
+Leah – “I don’t know.”
+
+Rabbi Gellman – “Let’s go back to the English translation. The phase
+‘yet no harm follow’, to whom does this refer?”
+
+Leah – “It sounds like it is referring to the mother.”
+
+Rabbi Gellman – “Does it? Read the whole passage again.”
+
+Leah reads it again, “Well, it really doesn’t specify whether it is
+referring to the mother, her unborn child, or both.”
+
+Rabbi Gellman – “Grace, please find Amos 1:13 - 14 and read it for
+us.”
+
+Grace finds the passage and reads, “\ Thus saith the Lord: For three
+transgressions of the children of Ammon, yea, for four, I will not
+reverse it: because they have ripped up the women with child of
+Gilead, that they might enlarge their border. So will I kindle a fire
+in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with
+shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the
+whirlwind.\ ”
+
+Rabbi Gellman – “Here, the killing of unborn children is done on
+purpose, but we can see God’s view of it. Let’s go back to Shemot
+21:22 – 25. Grace, if either the child or the mother dies, which law
+would apply?”
+
+Grace says this aloud in the present as she remembers her answer, “A
+life for a life.”
+
+Rabbi Gellman – “This passage means the very opposite of what some
+who support abortion profess. In this case, the woman is accidentally
+struck, but if she or the child dies as a result, then the guilty
+party could be sentenced to death. This is the only instance in the
+Torah where involuntary manslaughter calls for the death penalty.” He
+pauses and looks directly at Grace, “Do you understand now why you
+are learning Hebrew?”
+
+Grace begrudgingly answers, “Yes.”
+
+Grace has made a career of besmirching the dogma of her Jewish
+religion, but this has been mostly because of her resentment of
+authority. Only to Joan and her father has she confessed that she
+does believe in the God of Abraham and the major tenets of her
+religion. She ponders this discussion and makes her decision.
+
+At Home
+
+When Grace returns, Will makes hamburgers, and they quietly enjoy the
+meal. Although fearful after Grace’s last rant, Will once again asks
+if Grace would like to talk about anything.
+
+Grace – “How did you and Mrs. Girardi become parents?”
+
+Will – “Ah… Ah… hasn’t your mother talked to you about this?”
+
+Grace – “No, I don’t mean the plumbing. What I mean is, what did you
+do to get ready? How do people prepare to become parents?”
+
+Will – “Well, I think everyone learns from the experience with their
+parents. They embrace what they feel was good, and they try to avoid
+what they feel was bad. Helen also did a lot of reading. She read
+everything she could find about raising children, and then we talked
+about it. She also talked a lot to her parents, but it soon became
+clear that for every suggestion of what to do, there was someone else
+who suggested doing the opposite. When issues would arise, we would
+talk about them, but Helen seemed to have a better instinct of what
+to do. I usually ended up agreeing with her. You should probably ask
+her these questions.” Will pauses for a moment, “Why are you
+interested in parenting?”
+
+Grace – “It's just that, well, since I've been here, I've seen that
+you and Mrs. Girardi do things differently than my parents. I kind of
+wish some things were different at home.”
+
+Will – “Your parents are good people, and some things are not right
+or wrong, just different. You should talk to them about what's
+bothering you when they come home.”
+
+Grace – “I wish it didn't take so long. Most rehabs are only 28
+days.”
+
+Will – “I talked briefly to your father about that. There is a lot
+more spiritual training involved in her program than other programs
+like it. They are both hoping that with this program, she will not
+relapse again, and that's why they are in Baltimore instead of here.”
+
+Grace – “I miss them.”
+
+Will – “I know it's hard for you, and we are not here to replace your
+parents, but while they are away, you are part of our family. Is
+there something specific you would like to talk about?”
+
+Grace – “Maybe later. Thanks, Mr. Girardi.”
+
+At the Bookstore
+
+It is a quiet night, with few customers and little restocking to do.
+Luke is left with plenty of time to consider his predicament. Before
+he left home, he borrowed Joan's iPod and copied his favorite songs
+from CD. The music calms his fears, and he begins to accept his
+situation. He sings along with Norah Jones and thinks about Grace,
+how much she means to him, and what he must do.
+
+At Home
+
+When Luke arrives home, Grace is sitting on the couch watching TV.
+She turns it off as soon as he walks in. He sits beside her and they
+both speak at once, “I have something to tell you.” He lets Grace
+continue, “I've decided to have the baby.”
+
+Grace was expecting him to say anything but, “That's wonderful!” He
+continues, “I have our new song. I want you to listen to it.” He
+gives her the earphones, and once they are in place, “Come Away With
+Me” begins to play. When the song finishes, Luke slides off the couch
+onto one knee and asks, “Will you marry me?”
+
+Grace – “What, are you nuts?”
+
+Luke – “No, I looked it up this morning. Marriage without parental
+consent in Maryland is age 18. However, since you're pregnant, that
+age requirement may be waived for you. All we have to do is convince
+my parents to let me.”
+
+Grace – “Luke, use your logic. Neither of us is ready for marriage.
+And besides, if we ever do get married, it's not going to be due to a
+prenatal shotgun.”
+
+Luke – “Grace, I love you.”
+
+Grace – “And I love you, okay, there, I said it, but just forget the
+marriage idea.”
+
+Luke is disheartened by Grace’s rejection, but it is the answer that
+he expected. What was a surprise is that she finally did tell him
+that she loves him. He takes one of the earpieces, and they both
+listen to
+another\ `song <http://dc19.4shared.com/download/12740791/41c098e0/Norah_Jones_-_The_Long_Day_Is_Over.mp3>`__\ .
+They cuddle for a while, and when the evening fades, they each go to
+bed.
+
+At the Crime Scene
+
+Will knows he should get some sleep, but he just can’t until Helen
+and Joan are home. They all got a late start this morning.
+
+On the way to work, Will hears of the police investigating a
+shooting. The address is nearby, so he decides to stop. When he
+arrives, he finds Lt. Daghlian talking to a neighbor.
+
+Will waits for Mike to finish and then asks, “What do we have here?”
+
+Lt. Daghlian – “The victim is a Mrs. Carolyn Mitchell, gunshot wound.
+She’s at UMC in critical condition.”
+Will – “Why does that name sound familiar?”
+
+Lt. Daghlian – “We investigated her daughter’s murder a couple of
+years ago.”
+
+Will – “Oh yeah, I remember, her daughter went to AHS.”
+
+Lt. Daghlian – “Apparently she surprised a burglar, a black male age
+18 to 25. A neighbor saw him speeding away in a white sedan. Not much
+to go on, yet. We’re checking for prints near the back window.”
+
+Will – “Where’s her husband?”
+
+Lt. Daghlian – “Out of town on business.Toni’s trying to locate him.
+Social services is making arrangements to pick up their children at
+school.”
+
+Will – “Well, good work so far. Keep me informed.”
+
+At School
+
+Helen and Joan arrive at school at about ten. Kevin took the day off
+to tend to Lilly, who is now able to have a small breakfast of solid
+food.
+
+After lunch, Grace asks Joan and Luke to join her privately. Once
+they are alone, she informs Joan of her decision, “I’ve decided to
+have the baby. I know it’s probably not the logical thing to do, but
+I feel it is the right thing to do.”
+
+Joan – “Well, we’ll be here for you.”
+
+Luke – “You didn’t say last night, do you plan to keep it?”
+
+Grace – “I haven’t decided that yet. I’ve just decided that I can’t
+kill it.” Grace thinks about what she has just said, and decides to
+clarify for Joan, “I mean, I can’t kill a child.”
+
+Luke – “When do you want us to tell our parents?”
+
+Grace – “I need some time to think about what I’m going to say. I’ll
+tell my dad next Sunday morning, and we can tell your parents after
+your mother comes home from church.”
+
+Adam walks up, “Hey, are you guys mad at me? What’s with all the
+secrecy?”
+
+Grace – “We just had some things to talk about. Have a seat, I’ll
+fill you in.” Joan and Luke leave, and Grace tells Adam about her
+pregnancy and her decision to have the baby.
+
+At the Police Station
+
+Lt. Daghlian – “We found some prints. Carlisle is running them now.
+Mrs. Mitchell is out of surgery. She lost her baby.”
+
+Will – “She was pregnant?”
+
+Lt. Daghlian – “Yeah, about five months. She still in critical
+condition and hasn’t regained consciousness.”
+
+Will – “Five months, that’s a shame. Let me know if we find a match
+to the prints.”
+
+At St. Mary’s Convent
+
+Lilly’s illness and her need for help comes at a bad time for Joan.
+This week Joan needs to keep in top physical condition, but what
+could she do? She had to try to help Lilly.
+
+Before going to bed, Joan applies a liberal portion of Cee-Cee’s
+sports cream everywhere she can reach. In the morning, she only has
+one small bruise on her hip. Only time will tell if proactive
+treatment actually works.
+
+As expected, Sister Sarah takes Joan into a separate room to practice
+her routine. Before they begin, Sister Sarah asks, “Please sign this
+for me.” She hands Joan a clipboard, “Sign here and also at the
+bottom of the second page.”
+
+Joan – “What is it?”
+
+Sister Sarah – “Applications for Dance at Dawson State. You still
+need to apply online, but you also need these forms submitted. I’ll
+take care of submitting them. There is a registration fee of $40. Can
+you afford it?”
+
+Joan – “Yeah, I can ask my dad. I’m sure he will give it to me.”
+
+Sister Sarah – “Good, bring it with you on Wednesday. Now, let’s see
+what you and Cee-Cee have come up with.”
+
+Joan runs through her routine while Sister Sarah watches. When she
+finishes, Sister Sarah doesn’t say anything. She appears to be
+thinking.
+
+Joan – “What do you think? Is it that bad?”
+
+Sister Sarah – “No, it’s actually very good, but there’s something
+wrong after your Karate moves.”
+
+Joan – “I know, I’ve been working on the transition, but it’s hard.”
+
+Sister Sarah – “It’s not you, it’s the routine. We need something
+different in there.” Again, Sister Sarah pauses to think, “Do you
+know how to square dance?”
+
+Joan – “No, I’ve never done that.”
+
+Sister Sarah – “I think that’s what we need. Let me show you.” She
+starts with the Karate moves, twirls, and does several square dance
+moves before continuing with the routine, “See, it works much
+better.”
+
+Joan – “Yeah, I like that, but you need to help me with those moves.”
+
+Sister Sarah – “Sure, it won’t take long. Square dancing is easy, and
+the judges will love it. It is the Maryland state folk dance.”
+
+At the Police Station
+
+Lt. Daghlian – “We found a match for the prints. It's a Leroy
+Johnson. He has a juvenile rap sheet a mile long, but nothing since
+he turned eighteen.”
+
+Will – “Well, he might get off as a first offender on the burglary
+charge, but we still have attempted murder. Do we have an address?”
+
+Lt. Daghlian – “Carlisle and Toni are on the way there now. He also
+drives a white Pontiac Bonneville. I've put his plates out on the
+wire.”
+
+Will – “Find him.”
+
+At the Herald
+
+Rebecca – “Hey, I have a story for you if you want it. How would you
+like to go to the Anderson Clinic and report on the demonstration?”
+
+Kevin – “The anti-abortion demonstration?”
+
+Rebecca – “Yeah, you can try to interview the protesters and
+patients, and get both points of view.”
+
+Kevin – “Sure, I'd love to get out of here for a while.”
+
+Rebecca – “I'll want the story by the end of the day. Can you do it?”
+
+Kevin – “Yeah, I'll have it ready.”
+
+At School
+
+Joan – “I think I blew my calculus quiz today.”
+
+Luke – “What are you studying?”
+
+Joan – ”Lines, intersecting lines, and skew.”
+
+Grace – “Bless you.”
+
+Joan – “Ha ha, but I really do need help. Luke, can you help me after
+school?”
+
+Luke – “When?Don't you have to work tonight?”
+
+Joan – “Well, ah, maybe you could come with me. Did you see Sammy's
+new geek-a-palooza section?”
+
+Grace – “Never mind, Luke. In study hall, we do calculus, and at
+work, you teach me something. Deal?”
+
+Joan – “What do you want me to teach you?”
+
+Grace – “That you won't find out until tonight. Do we have a deal?”
+
+Joan – “Yeah, I guess so.”
+
+Glynis– “I love calculus. What is the first derivative of a cow?”
+
+Friedman – “Prime rib.”
+
+Joan – “Huh?”
+
+Glynisslaps Friedman, “Hey, you weren't supposed to give the answer.”
+
+Luke – “Shouldn't it be a porterhouse steak?”
+
+Adam – “No, T-bones would be the first derivative.”
+
+Glynis– “It's a joke, guys.”
+
+Joan – “Oh, I get it.”
+
+Adam – “What are we supposed to learn in government today?”
+
+Grace – “Creative reading.”
+
+Luke – “I thought we were still doing the Supreme Court.”
+
+Grace – “We are.”
+
+At the Anderson Clinic
+
+Kevin is pleased to see the protest is civil. He interviews the
+protesters, and learns their views are pretty much as stated on their
+signs, “Abortion is Murder,” “Adoption is a better choice,” “No
+RU-486.”
+
+He tries to get a patient to talk to him as she was going in, but she
+ignored his advance. When she leaves, one of the protesters taunts
+her, “Abortion is Murder!”
+
+Woman – “Frack you!”
+
+Kevin tries again, “Can I ask you a few questions? I'm from the
+Arcadia Herald.”
+
+Woman – “I don't have anything to say to you.”
+
+Kevin – “Please! I have already talked to the protesters. I would
+like to get a patient’s point of view.”
+
+Women – “I'm a murderer. Can't you read the sign?”
+
+Kevin – “Do you really believe that?”
+
+The woman continues walking, but then she turns around and decides to
+talk, “My baby has Downs syndrome. Do you know what that is?”
+
+Kevin – “Yes, I've heard of it.”
+
+Woman – “But have you lived it? My brother has it. I love him dearly,
+but I can't knowingly bring a child into the world with that
+disorder. This pregnancy will be terminated tomorrow. My husband and
+I will try again, and when the test comes out negative, we will have
+our baby. Now leave me alone.”
+
+The woman leaves and Kevin considers getting lunch. Then he spots a
+woman he recognizes coming out of the clinic. A man is pushing her in
+a wheelchair.
+
+Kevin calls, “Teresa!” He rolls toward her and she recognizes him.
+She motions to the man pushing her to continue. Kevin forces his
+wheelchair in the way, “Teresa, I need to talk to you.”
+
+Teresa – “We don't have anything to say to each other. It's over.”
+
+Kevin – “That's what I want to talk about. Please, just give me a
+couple of minutes.”
+
+Teresa thinks for a moment, and then asks the man to leave. He asks,
+“Who is this guy?”
+
+Teresa – “An ex-boyfriend.It's ancient history. Don't worry about it.
+I'll meet you at the car.”
+
+The protesters become annoyingly loud with their chanting. Teresa
+says, “Okay, but let's get away from these maggots.” They roll up the
+sidewalk a ways and stop, “You know, I haven't thought about you in
+years, and I've been quite happy with that.”
+
+Kevin – “I know, you have every right to be mad at me.”
+
+Teresa – “You don't know the half of it. Why are you here, anyway?”
+
+Kevin – “I'm working. I work for the Arcadia Herald. Why are you
+here?”
+
+Teresa – “Why do you think?”
+
+Kevin – “No, I mean why are you in Arcadia?”
+
+Teresa – “I'll graduate from Dawson State in the spring.”
+
+Kevin – “I've been trying to find you, but all anyone knew is that
+you got married and disappeared. Is that your husband?”
+
+Teresa – “Fiancé. My marriage only lasted a year. What do you want
+with me? Haven't you done enough?”
+
+Kevin – “That's what I want to talk about. I'm really sorry about the
+way I treated you.”
+
+Teresa – “You think that makes it all better? What makes you think
+you can date someone until you have your way with her and then just
+dump her?”
+
+Kevin – “I know I did wrong. I just want you to know that I'm sorry.”
+
+Teresa – “Well, you can be sorry about this. This was my second
+abortion. The first one was during our junior year.”
+
+With that, she rolls herself toward the car, leaving Kevin with the
+realization of what she has just told him.
+
+At the Police Station
+
+Jeannie – “Will, Brother Jimi is on line two.”
+
+Will – “Thanks.” He picks up the phone, “Brother Jimi, I haven't
+forgotten, three o'clock Thursday afternoon.”
+
+Brother Jimi – “Good, we are really looking forward to being able to
+tell you about some of our ideas. Have you considered our invitation
+to the fundraiser this Saturday?”
+
+Will – “Yes, it has actually turned into a family affair. Our
+children will be there for most of the evening, but Helen and I have
+decided we would rather only attend for a few hours. Will that be all
+right?”
+
+Brother Jimi – “That will be fine. We are just happy you will be able
+to come.”
+
+Will – “Great, then I'll see you on Thursday”
+
+Brother Jimi – “There is one more thing. I understand you are looking
+for a young man named Leroy Johnson.”
+
+Will – “Yes, he is wanted for burglary and attempted murder.”
+
+Brother Jimi – “Well, I know where he is. He would like to turn
+himself in, but he's afraid. The reports have been saying 'armed and
+dangerous' and he is neither. Can you assist?”
+
+Will – “Where is he?”
+
+Brother Jimi – “At my house.Would you come and supervise his
+surrender? I've told him that you can be trusted.”
+
+Will – “All right, I'll be there with a couple uniformed officers
+shortly.”
+
+Brother Jimi – “Thank you.”
+
+At School
+
+Luke – “Wow, that was quite a compelling argument you made, but I'm
+surprised you are even interested in the issue.”
+
+Grace – “I'm not really, it's hypocrisy I abhor. Limiting political
+ads prior to an election is obviously abridging the freedom of
+speech. A moron can see that.”
+
+Joan – “But isn't it a good thing that they are doing it?”
+
+Grace – “That's not the point. The Supreme Court is supposed to
+decide what is legal or illegal, based on the Constitution. If the
+people would rather the Constitution say something different, there
+is a process for amending it.”
+
+At the Herald
+
+Rebecca – “This is wonderful. You've managed to present most of the
+arguments for and against the issue. I especially like that part
+about the high school athlete who got his cheerleader girlfriend
+pregnant and then dumped her. I think everyone knows someone like
+him.”
+
+Kevin – “Yeah, I knew someone like him, too.”
+
+Rebecca – “But you misspelled 'arrogant'.”
+
+Kevin looks at his article, “Oh yeah, 'errorgant'. I guess I was
+thinking of something else.”
+
+Rebecca – “Well, fix that and you'll have another Girardi byline
+tomorrow.You deserve it.”
+
+Kevin – “Thanks.”
+
+At the Bookstore
+
+With Joan taking care of the customers, and Grace restocking, they
+have free time in short order. When Joan and Grace return to the
+counter, Joan asks, “Are you going to show me what you have in that
+bag now?”
+
+Grace – “There's something I need to tell you first. I've decided I'm
+going to keep the baby.”
+
+Joan is surprised, “You are? That's great, but it's really going to
+change your life!”
+
+Grace – “I know. I'm sure they would find good parents to adopt her…
+ah, him, but I don't think I could deal with never knowing my own
+child. I can take care of it… sorry, him or her, and I have your
+parents and mine to help.”
+
+Joan – “Don't forget me, Luke, and Adam, but you can have all the
+poopy diapers.”
+
+Grace – “Yeah, I've been practicing barfing the last few mornings.”
+
+Joan – “Are they going to let you stay in school when you start
+showing?”
+
+Grace – “Mr. Dingle is an idiot, but he does have access to a lot of
+information. They can't kick me out. I'm going to finish high school.
+I'll need that since I plan to home school.”
+
+Joan – “You really have this all planned out!”
+
+Grace – “No, not really, but I've decided that if I'm going to do
+this, I'm going to do it right.”
+
+Joan gets up and hugs her, “You will be a wonderful mother.”
+
+Grace – “I want you to teach me how to knit. I have everything we
+need in the bag.”
+
+Joan looks through the contents of the bag, “Wow, you sure do.
+Booties, great choice! Your baby's going to be born in the summer, so
+I'm glad you didn't pick a sweater. Babies can always use booties.
+This says it's a half-hour project, but forget that. Who knows how
+long it will take us to make them?”
+
+Grace – “I never thought I would be doing this.”
+
+Joan laughs, “And you're not even a hundred. Well, things change,
+they always do. This is actually fun, once you get the hang of it.
+It's relaxing.”
+
+Grace – “Relaxing I can use. This has been a stressful past few days.
+Hey, I need to use the restroom before we start, do you have one
+here?”
+
+Joan retrieves a key from under the counter, “It's in the back, just
+past Sammy's office.”
+
+After Grace leaves, Joan hears a noise. She calls out, “Is somebody
+there?”
+
+God – “I'm always here, Joan.”
+
+Joan peers around the bookshelf to see God with his mussed hair,
+black eye shadow and lipstick, and assortment of protruding hardware.
+“Oh, it's you. I haven't seen you in awhile.”
+
+God – “You see me as you want to see me.” He holds up a book,
+“Interesting reading, Whose View of Life?\ ”
+
+Joan – “Hey, you're a little late, Grace has already made her
+decision.”
+
+God – “And how do you feel about that?”
+
+Joan – “I think she made the right choice, but there are a lot of
+people who would disagree. What do you think?”
+
+God – “People make choices every day, good choices, bad choices,
+small consequences, big consequences. It's all a part of life.”
+
+Joan – “Oh, and life is the crux of the debate. When does it begin?”
+
+God – “When do you think life begins?”
+
+Joan – “That's just it, there doesn't seem to be an agreement.”
+
+God – “Do you remember when we first met at your school?”
+
+Joan – “How can I forget that? I thought you were a pervert!”
+
+God – “I told you a lot of things about yourself. What else did I
+say?”
+
+Joan thinks for a while, trying to remember the details of what he
+told her. After a few moments she remembers, “I've known you since
+before you were born?”
+
+God – “Hey, I love your dance routine.” With that, he smiles and
+walks toward the door.
+
+Joan – “Wait! What about nursing? Is that what you want me to do?”
+
+God doesn't answer. He just waves and continues walking.
+
+Grace – “Do you know him?”
+
+Joan – “Nobody really knows him. Hey, let's get to our knitting.”
+
+At School
+
+It's finally the day for the long-awaited job fair. Joan is one of
+the few students who are actually excited about it. Mr. Price is
+quizzing students as they enter the room.
+
+Mr. Price – “Mr. Friedman, what career field interests you?”
+
+Friedman – “I thought I would check out medicine, since Joan invited
+a rep. Maybe I'll become a doctor… Doctor Friedman, gynecologist and
+obstetrician, that has a ring to it.”
+
+Grace – “Well, now we know that Glynis isn't putting out.”
+
+Joan – “Friedman, you are determined, I'll give you that. This may be
+the only way you ever get into a woman's pants.”
+
+Everyone laughs, even Glynis, but excluding Friedman and Mr. Price of
+course. Mr. Price next queries Adam, “And how about you Mr. Rove?
+Mrs. Girardi has prepared a presentation.”
+
+Adam – “Yeah, I know, and I plan to talk to her, but Grace has
+invited people from the union and trades. I'm been thinking about
+brick laying. I thought I would follow in Rodin's footsteps.”
+
+Mr. Price misses the allusion and comments, “Well, I'm sure you would
+do well in that trade.” Mr. Price then directs himself to Luke, “And
+Mr. Girardi, what is your interest?”
+
+Luke – “I think I'll just browse.”
+
+Mr. Price – “Ms. Girardi?”
+
+Joan – “Nursing.I want to become a nurse.”
+
+Joan is pleased when Mr. Price responds, apparently sincerely,
+“That's a good choice. You would make a fine nurse.”
+
+Mr. Price – “Ms. Figliola?”
+
+Glynis– “I don't know. I guess I'll just browse, too.”
+
+Joan enters the job fair and finds that Friedman is already talking
+to Ms. Jordan. She decides not to join him, because she would rather
+talk to her privately. She begins to browse and spots Flight
+Attendant God.
+
+Joan – “Still flying the friendly skies?”
+
+God – “The most common reason why people choose a career is because
+they want to feel useful. Flight attendants are useful, especially
+when something goes wrong.”
+
+Joan – “I suppose, but wouldn't I be more useful as a nurse,
+especially with…” she looks around, “ah, you know what.”
+
+God – “Did you know your grandmother was a nurse?”
+
+Joan – “Grandma Alma?”
+
+God – “No, Agnes.She was very good, until she became ill.”
+
+Joan – “So, you do want me to become a nurse?”
+
+God – “The choice is yours. Oh look, Ms. Jordan is free. You better
+hurry.”
+
+At the Police Station
+
+Carlisle – “Mrs. Mitchell has regained consciousness, but her husband
+is refusing to let us talk to her.”
+
+Will – “We really need to know if she can identify her attacker.”
+
+Carlisle – “He says she can, but he doesn't want her to have to do it
+yet.”
+
+Will – “Well, it can wait for a while. We have the prints.”
+
+Carlisle – “Hey, tell Kevin I liked his article this morning. He's a
+good writer.”
+
+Will – “I'll tell him. He doesn't get to write his own stories often,
+but they are always good when he does.”
+
+Carlisle – “I just heard there's been an incident at the Anderson
+Clinic. There's a unit on the scene investigating.”
+
+Will – “Do you know what happened?”
+
+Carlisle – “Some kind of fight.”
+
+Will – “I'll have a unit stay there for the rest of the day.”
+
+At School
+
+Joan – “So, the programs are the same. If I go for two years, I can
+become an LPN, and if I complete all four years, I can become a RN.”
+
+Ms. Jordan – “Yes, the course is designed to allow you to achieve
+whichever goal you are seeking. Some choose to complete the four-year
+degree. Others choose the two-year degree, begin working as a LPN,
+and then complete their RN training part-time. Which is best depends
+upon your situation and your goals.”
+
+Joan – “This is going to be harder than I thought it would be,
+chemistry, biology, psychology, philosophy, public speaking, all in
+the first year!”
+
+Ms. Jordan – “It is hard work, but I'm sure you can handle it. It
+does seem to be what you want, and motivation can overcome many
+obstacles. There are also tutor's available for most subjects.”
+
+Joan – “Yeah, I already have one in mind. Thank you so much for
+explaining this to me.”
+
+Ms. Jordan – “It's been a pleasure.” She gives Joan her business
+card, “Call me if you have any other questions.”
+
+Joan – “There is one other thing. Do you know anyone at the
+Children's Hospital? I was wondering if there might be a job there
+for me.”
+
+Ms. Jordan – “I do know some people. I can make some calls.”
+
+Joan – “Thank you. I do have a good job at the bookstore, but I've
+been thinking that it might be a good experience for me to work
+there. I can start to learn how things work.”
+
+Ms. Jordan – “I'll let you know if I hear of anything.”
+
+At the Police Station
+
+Will – “Are these the people from the Anderson Clinic?”
+
+Officer Gibson – “Yes Sir, Mr. and Mrs. Jamison, and Mr. and Mrs.
+Oglesbee.”
+
+Will – “Do we know what happened?”
+
+Officer Gibson – “I believe so, sir. I found two witnesses who tell
+the same story. Mr. Jamison was leaving the clinic, pushing his wife
+in a wheelchair. When they reached the protesters, Mrs. Jamison and
+Mrs. Oglesbee got into an argument. Mrs. Oglesbee threw some kind of
+red liquid onto Mrs. Jamison. Then Mr. Jamison hit Mrs. Oglesbee.
+Then, Mr. Oglesbee and Mr. Jamison began fighting. That is when we
+arrived to break it up.”
+
+Will – “Okay, who is charging what?”
+
+Officer Gibson – “Each is charging the other with assault and
+battery. Mrs. Jamison is charging Mrs. Oglesbee, and Mrs. Oglesbee is
+charging Mr. Jamison.”
+
+Will – “Do they want lawyers?”
+
+Officer Gibson – “The Oglesbee's lawyer is already here. The
+Jamison's is on the way.”
+
+Will – “Good, call me after each of them has had time to talk to
+their lawyers.”
+
+At School
+
+After Joan finishes talking with Ms. Jordan, she wanders over to be
+with Adam, Grace, and Luke. She begins to listen to the conversation.
+
+Luke – “How does someone learn to become a brick layer? Is there a
+trade school?”
+
+Tradesman – “There is technical training followed by apprenticeship
+training, which is typically about three years.”
+
+Adam – “Is there any way to accelerate it?”
+
+Tradesman – “There are courses offered online, and they can be
+completed at whatever pace you choose, but the on-the-job training
+must be on-the-job. That length of time is determined by the hours
+that you work and your proficiency.”
+
+Grace – “Okay, I assumed you were joking. Luke, you can't be
+serious!”
+
+Joan – “Adam, you don't need to follow exactly in Rodin's footsteps.”
+
+Luke – “I'm going to need to earn a good wage.”
+
+Adam – “I'm not going to be able to go to the North Carolina School
+of the Arts.”
+
+Joan and Grace drag Adam and Luke outside. Joan talks to Adam, and
+Grace talks to Luke, but each is listening to the other's
+conversation.
+
+Grace – “Listen brain boy, you are not becoming a bricklayer. You are
+going to college, and someday, you are going to figure out that those
+little string thingies are actually rubber bands.”
+
+Joan – “You were so excited about going to NCSA. What happened?”
+
+Luke – “But I'm going to need to support you and our child.”
+
+Adam – “I was accepted, but I won't get the scholarships I had hoped,
+and my college fund is not as large as I believed. I can't afford it,
+at least not until I can save up some more money. If I go to NCSA,
+I'll run out of money by the end of my second year.”
+
+Grace – “I don't need your support. My parents will take care of me
+and our child.”
+
+Joan – “Duh, haven't you heard of student loans?”
+
+Luke – “I need to do the right thing.”
+
+Adam – “I have this thing about going into debt. I won't do it.”
+
+Grace – “This is not up for discussion! If you don't go to college,
+we are through.”
+
+Joan - Okay, I know you're disappointed, but there are other options
+than bricklaying. You know that Dawson State has an art program. It's
+not NCSA, but it can't be that bad.”
+
+Adam – “I really didn't like the instructor there. I already know a
+lot more than he does.”
+
+Luke resigns to Grace's demand, and they stop their conversation.
+Joan and Adam continue.
+
+Joan – “But didn't you say they offered you a scholarship? With the
+scholarship, maybe you could go there for a few years and then finish
+at NCSA.”
+
+Adam – “Well, maybe. My dad and I will have to look at the numbers
+again.”
+
+Joan – “I really didn't like Mr. Dreisbach, but I learned that I
+didn't have to. All I had to do was allow him to teach me. Sure, it's
+nicer if you like your teacher, but you don't have to like him to
+learn from him. And you know what the best part would be?” She
+doesn't wait for Adam to answer, “Maybe we can go to college
+together!”
+
+Adam – “I have definitely been considering that, but that would be
+the only reason I would go there. Wasn't it you who said that I
+shouldn't pick a college just to be with you?”
+
+Joan – “Yeah, but now you wouldn't be. You'd be going to Dawson State
+because that is what you can afford. Having me there too would just
+be a great perk!”
+
+Adam – “When do you find out if you're getting in?”
+
+Joan – “I'm not sure. I'll have to ask.”
+
+Adam – “Okay, I'll apply after school and we'll see what happens.”
+
+At the Police Station
+
+Will – “What do they have to say?”
+
+Lt. Daghlian – “They both correctly detail the assault against them,
+but ignore the one they perpetrated.”
+
+Will – “Okay, let me speak to their lawyers.”
+
+After a few moments, Will and the lawyers meet in a conference room.
+
+Will – “Catherine, it's good to see you maintaining a high standard
+of clientele. Mr. Snyder, it's nice to meet you, too. Now, I have
+heard both accounts, but what you don't know is that I have two
+witnesses who tell the complete story.”
+
+Catherine – “Who are these witnesses?”
+
+Will – “We'll get to that. Anyway, no charges have been filed yet.
+We've only taken statements. It looks like both of you have good
+cases for assault and battery. So, you and your clients have a
+decision to make. You can both decide not file charges and go home,
+or we'll arrange for bail hearings. Let Lt. Daghlian know of your
+decision. Thank you for your time.”
+
+At School
+
+Joan is sitting at a library computer, logged on to the Dawson State
+web site. As she pecks away, she talks to herself, “And last but not
+least, Modern Dance Techniques II.” She pauses for a moment and then
+hits the enter key. A message appears, “Your application has been
+submitted to the registrar and copied to the email address provided.”
+
+She decides to check her email to verify that she did receive a copy
+of the application. She begins to read the subject lines and comments
+as she goes through deleting the spam, “‘Your PayPal account has been
+violated', no, you want to violate me, ‘Important Notice: SECURITY
+MEASURES', no thanks, I don't have an account with Wainwright Bank.
+Oh, there's one from the IRS, ‘You have a refund coming', fat chance
+of that, ‘From the desk of Mrs. Ali Musa', yeah, Nigerian scam, ‘Hi
+its me', who cares.” She begins to delete the message, but then she
+notices the return e-mail address, egirardi@jhmi.edu. She opens the
+message and reads:
+
+‘\ Hi Joan, I sure miss you. Good news! Dad let me have e male. Let
+me know if you get this. Heheeheh, let me know if you don't get it
+to. Dad says I can use the computer for school too – blah – and to
+talk to you and few friends. Hey, can you find out if Zoe has e male?
+He showed me Google and a cyclopedia. There really kind of neat. I
+think Google has a problem with it though. Every time I search for
+something, a place called eBay always says they have it. Strange. Not
+a lot else has happened. School is okay. My friend Lauren likes
+poetry, so I told her you liked Emily Dickenson. It's so cool that
+she has my name. Sorry, it doesn't take much to get me excited.
+Anyway, she got her book and has been reading her. We had her over
+for dinner and it was so funny. Mom asked her to say the prayer and
+this is what she said:
+
+*In the name of the bee
+And of the butterfly
+And of the breeze, amen*
+
+*After dinner, she showed me the poem. Isn't that awesome! Oh! I've
+been warring the scarf you gave me to school. Everyone likes it, but
+they think I'm wired. It's really not that cold yet, but I like to
+wear it anyway. It smells like you. What was that perfume again,
+leopards breath and which hazel? I get to go to singing lessons twice
+a week. Ms. Thatcher is great! She's been playing different songs for
+me, and having me try to sing them. She says that learning different
+kinds of songs is good, but I still like country western the
+best.\ *\ `Only
+Hope <http://dc19.4shared.com/download/12732264/a8d0a6d0/Mandy_Moore_-_Only_Hope.mp3>`__\ *\ is
+the song she had me learn yesterday. When I sing it, I can feel it.
+It's so cool! Your going to have to tell me how your dancing went
+with CC. Well, dad says its time for me to get off the computer. He
+just showed me how to use the spell checker and put the music clip
+in. Right me. Emily*\ .