Episode One: Jack and Kayla
Returns from their Honeymoon;
Kayla's Mysterious Illness Returns.

Ep001A


SCENE ONE: JACK ON PHONE FROM CARIBBEAN HONEYMOON WITH KAYLA.

 

STEVE: Hey junior, how're things goin'?

JACK: Steve, there goin' alright, there goin' just great We've got a really nice place down near the water.

STEVE: Oooh right down on the water eh? Nice for those moonlit strolls on the beach with Kayla eh?

JACK: Yeh, yeh, look the reason I called you is I forgot to sign those zoning requests for the housing project and with the trip it completely slipped my mind.

STEVE: Well you had a lot of things to think about.

JACK: Well look I don't want to hold up the show so if you don't mind what I'd like you to do those papers to my dad and have him sign for me. He has power of attorney. Then we can get this whole thing rolling.

STEVE: Sure no problem.

JACK: You know which one's I'm talking about don't you? The one's that Melissa....Yes Melissa has them that's right.

STEVE: Well Melissa's right here. I'll get 'em from her and run them over the old man right away. Do you want to talk to Melissa?

JACK: Ah....that's okay. Steve?

STEVE: Hmm?

JACK: Thanks, I really appreciate it.

STEVE: Hey man, people down on the riverfront are goin' to appreciate it and I'm gonna to make sure they know you interrupted your honeymoon to take care of this. That should get you a lotta new votes eh?

JACK: (Chuckling) Thanks for the vote of confidence. Look I better be going, I don't want to keep you.

STEVE: Oh man you're the one that shouldn't be kept. I mean you gotta a new wife waitin' for you.

JACK: That's right. I do.

STEVE: How's she doin? How's Kayla. Is she feelin' better?

JACK: Yeah lot's better. This time the rest seems to be doing wonders for her you know.

STEVE: Yeah well that's good because she dropped her bag, her little makeup bag in the limo. I tried to get it to you guys but the plane took off. It had her pills in it.

JACK: Oh I know. I know exactly what you're talking about but we were able to refill the prescription so everything's fine out here Steve and you don't have to worry.

STEVE: Good. How about you? How are you feelin'?

JACK: Better than ever! I think it was good for both of us to get away from things.

STEVE: Yeah well I guess that's all the two of you needed to get away from things for a while.

JACK: Yah. Well thanks for everything and taking care of those papers. Look Steve if you need anything else just call me.

STEVE: I don't think I'll need anything. Look you just have a good time and don't you worry about anything.

 

STEVE HANGS UP AND RETURNS TO TABLE WITH MELISSA.


SCENE TWO: JACK ON PHONE TO HARPER.

 

HARPER: It's great to talk to you too son. I just wanted to let you know that Steve Johnson was here and I sent him off with the signed papers, sealed and everything.

JACK: Thanks a lot. I can't believe I went out and forgot all about that.

HARPER: How's the trip going?

JACK: Great, great, the weather's terrific. We couldn't have picked a greater place to have a honeymoon.

HARPER: And Kayla, I understand she's feeling better.

JACK: It's amazing how fast she's bouncing back. It must have been a bug or something. I'd put her on now but she's out at the pool soakin' up some sun.

HARPER: Sounds like a miracle recovery.

JACK: No. No miracle, just a little R & R.

HARPER: But she hasn't stopped taking her medicine has she?

JACK: Oh no no no. She's been real good about that even though she probably doesn't need it anymore.

HARPER: Still it's best to take the whole prescription. You never know about these things. She wouldn't want it to come back you know.

JACK: Not to worry Dad. Being a nurse Kayla feels exactly the same way. She's not going to let her resistance down. You know I'm so relieved that she's recovering from whatever it was. I was really scared for a while.

HARPER: We all were.

JACK: I don't know what I'd do without her.

HARPER: Now don't talk like that.

JACK: Well it was Kayla that got me back on my feet again. I need her to keep me going.

HARPER: Before too long you'll be standing on your own two feet without help anyone.

JACK: I'm glad you've got so much confidence.

HARPER: You're my son. It runs in your blood. You can't keep a Deveraux down.

JACK: Kayla's a Deveraux now too so she's going to bounce back.

HARPER: Jack I better let you get back to your wife. Both of you take it easy. Don't either one of you overdo it.

JACK: I appreciate all your concern dad but don't worry. We're having a nice relaxing trip exactly what the doctor ordered.

HARPER: Well I'll see you soon. My love to Kayla.


Ep001B
SCENE THREE: JACK WALKS TOWARDS WINDOW WEARING PJ BOTTOM, NO TOP. HE OPENS THE FRENCH DOORS, SUCKS IN A BREATH OF AIR AND SIGHS.
Ep001C

JACK SITS ON THE BED AND LOOKS LOVINGILY AT KAY.
THEN WALKS BACK TO THE BED WHERE KAYLA IS PRETENDING TO BE ASLEEP. HE KISSES HER NECK.

JACK: What?

KAYLA: (Kayla wakes up) You know what. What time is it?

JACK: Time to get up. How do you feel?

KAYLA: Better actually.

JACK: Are you sure?

KAYLA: Yeah.

JACK: Because I feel better too.

KAYLA: Jack look if you're not strong enough we really don't have to do this.

 

THE PHONE RINGS AS JACK NUZZLES KAYLA'S NECK.

 

JACK: No don't....

KAYLA: Hello?

STEVE: Kayla?

KAYLA: Steve!

 

JACK GROWLS AS HE TRIES TO KISS KAYLA'S NECK.

 

KAYLA: Steve? Is that you?

STEVE: Yeah. Yeah baby, how're you doin'?

KAYLA: Me? I'm fine.

STEVE: What about Jack? How's he doin'?

KAYLA: Jack's great.

JACK: Jack would be doin' a lot better if Kayla would get off the phone.

STEVE: Is he around? I need to speak to him.

KAYLA: Umm. I'm sorry what was that? I don't think I heard with this connection.

STEVE: Is Jack there? I need to talk to him.

KAYLA: Uh he's right here. Just a minute.

STEVE: Kayla?

KAYLA: Yeah.

STEVE: Take care of yourself okay?

KAYLA: I will. I will. Hold on a minute. (To Jack) It's for you.

JACK: Hello Steve.

STEVE: Hey junior. Listen dude I know it's your honeymoon and everything. I wouldn't bother you if it wasn't important.

JACK: Well what is it?

STEVE: Well there's a problem with the grant for the housing project. Big problem.

JACK: What kind of problem?

STEVE: I don't know man. The bozos at the state capital, you know those guys won't give me a straight answer.

JACK: What about my dad? Can't he help?

STEVE: No he said he can't help at all. He said this is your baby and it wouldn't look good for the campaign.

JACK: Okay, I'll take care of it. I'll just make a couple of calls.

STEVE: Hey listen dude, that is not going to cut it.

JACK: What do you mean?

STEVE: Well I promised these people that this thing would be finished on time and when I give my word I like to keep my promise.

JACK: Are you saying you want me to come back to Salem just to straighten this thing out?

STEVE: Exactly what I'm sayin! Look dude I know you're on your honeymoon and everything but this is important.

JACK: I know that but other things are important too.

STEVE: Yah well, if that's the way you feel about it but remember if this thing gets screwed up you can forget my help on any of your future projects and that includes your campaign.

JACK: Alright, I'll remember that but Steve don't get crazy. I'll handle this from here.

STEVE: Alright, we'll see.

 

STEVE HANGS UP. RETURN TO JACK AND KAYLA IN BED.

 

KAYLA: What was that all about?

JACK: Nothing, he just wanted to tell me something about the housing project.

KAYLA: Oh, well he thinks you should come back home doesn't he?

JACK: That's okay, I can handle the whole thing from here. That's what a staff is for are isn't it? What are you doin' over here? Come on back over there.

KAYLA: What was it all about? He wouldn't have called if it wasn't important?

JACK: It is important but it's not worth cutting my honeymoon in half over specially when I can handle it over the phone.

KAYLA: Uh look Jack, we came here to get away and get some rest and feel better and I feel better I feel rested and if you need to go home....

JACK KISSES KAYLA.

 

JACK: Not yet. We can't go home yet.

KAYLA: Come on tell me the truth. We should go home shouldn't we?

JACK: Well maybe we should.

KAYLA: Well let's go.

JACK: You know it would be okay with me if you weren't so dedicated to my career.

KAYLA: Yeh....(half laughs)


SCENE ONE: JACK AND KAYLA COME IN DOOR OF THE DEVERAUX MANSION. HARPER IS WAITING.

 

HARPER: Well hello. Welcome home. Kayla you look good how are you feeling?

KAYLA: Fine thank you.

JACK: The tropical sun did the trick.

HARPER: Well that's great. You had us pretty worried for a while there young lady.

KAYLA: I know. I'm sorry.

HARPER: There's nothing to be sorry about. You're better now and that's what counts. Son, you seemed in such a hurry when you called from the airport you neglected to say what you came home early for.

JACK: Oh a little trouble with the funding for the housing project. Steve thinks it's important. The riverfront contingent is getting a little restless and I better get down there and unruffle a few feathers.

HARPER: I agree.

JACK: As a matter of fact, I was wondering if you have a couple minutes?

HARPER: Of course.

JACK: Kayla, you wouldn't mind if I disappeared with dad for a little while would you? You see I'm not exactly a local hero down there and I thought maybe you could give me a couple of pointers.

KAYLA: Sure, I have some unpacking to do.

JACK: See you in a few minutes.

KAYLA: Hurry back.


SCENE TWO: STEVE ARRIVES AND TALKS TO KAYLA. JACK WALKS BACK INTO THE ROOM WITH HARPER.

 

HARPER: Hello Steven.

STEVE: Hey Senator. Glad to see you too Jack.

JACK: We thought it best to come back.

HARPER: What was that about your medicine? Did you lose it?

KAYLA: No not exactly. I dropped it in the limo on the way to the airport.

HARPER: You should have let us know. We could have sent it on to you.

JACK: Oh it's okay. Jack found some connections there and managed to get me some new medication.

HARPER: Oh that's good. Obviously there was no harm done.

JACK: I suppose you're here to fill me in on what's going on?

STEVE: Yeh, that's right dude.

JACK: Kayla, we'll probably be here for a while so why don't you go upstairs. I need to talk to dad and Steve.

HARPER: Very good idea. We want to make sure that virus is gone for good.

KAYLA: Yes I am a little tired.

JACK: I'll be up in a little while.

KAYLA: Okay.

JACK: Let's get on with it.


SCENE THREE: DEVERAUX MANSION. MELISSA ARRIVES AND IS HAPPY TO SEE JACK.

 

JACK: So tell me what's going on.

 

MELISSA WALKS UP AND HUGS JACK.

 

JACK: Oh here's trouble.

MELISSA: Hi. It's good to have you back even if you did have to cut your vacation short.

JACK: Oh don't rub it in. In fact you two probably planned this all this weather. It was so foggy we almost couldn't land.

MELISSA: I'm glad you did. I was starting to miss you.

JACK: You mean you missed my bossy nature?

MELISSA: You're not that bad. You look great after your trip.

JACK: I think the time away was good for both of us. I think all we needed was to be alone.

STEVE: Hey dude, why don't you give us the travelogue later. We've got work to do.

JACK: Right, right. Otherwise there's no point in coming back early. We can over the work later, alright Melissa. That is if you can wait.

MELISSA: Yes I can wait.

STEVE: Alright let's do it.


SCENE FOUR: DEVERAUX MANSION.

 

STEVE: Well I guess that's about it eh dude?

JACK: Thanks for helping to put everything together so quickly.

STEVE: Well you know me and my riverfront connections.

JACK: Hmm, mmm.

MELISSA: Kayla? Hi.

KAYLA: Hi Melissa.

MELISSA: I was just about to bring this up to you.

KAYLA: There's no need to do that.

HARPER: I thought you were resting.

KAYLA: Well to tell you the truth I really wasn't very tired. I just went up there because I thought it was easier than fighting the two of you.

HARPER: I see. Wise girl you married.

JACK: I know.

KAYLA: Well I didn't mean to interrupt but I thought you'd be finished by now.

STEVE: We are finished baby. Matter of fact I was on my way out.

JACK: Thanks Steve.

KAYLA: Yeah, no problem. Anytime.

STEVE: You're looking good Kayla. You're looking much better. Keep it up.

KAYLA: I will.

HARPER: Drink your tea my dear. You don't want it to get cold.


SCENE ONE: SOME DAYS LATER. JACK AND KAYLA IN HIS BEDROOM AT THE DEVERAUX MANSION. NOW THAT SHE IS HOME KAYLA IS TAKING HARPER'S POISONED PILLS AND IS GETTING SICKER.

 

KAYLA: What's wrong with me?

JACK: Plane leaves in an hour. Are you ready?

KAYLA: Jack I just have to put these things in a suitcase. Are you ready?

JACK: Since eight o'clock this morning. What have you been up to?

KAYLA: Oh. I guess I've just been u....(She faints in Jack's arms.) Jack I can't. I can't make it.

JACK: What's wrong? Is it the same as before?

KAYLA: I think it's worse this time.

JACK: I knew it. I asked you. Why didn't you tell me?

KAYLA: I didn't want you to worry. I thought it would go away.

JACK: Kayla!

KAYLA: Great logic for a nurse eh?

JACK: You should have told me. You should have told somebody. So you want to lie down.

KAYLA: No. I can't even pack a stupid suitcase. How am I supposed to go to Greece.

JACK: Don't worry about Greece.

KAYLA: But I'm supposed to be in Adrienne's wedding.

JACK: Adrienne will understand if you can't make it to the wedding, alright. Here I want you to lie down....right here....just lie down and rest.

KAYLA: I'm sorry.

JACK: Shhh. I'm going to find out what's wrong here. I'm going to go get the doctor.


SCENE TWO: JACK AT THE DEVERAUX MANSION. ANJELICA WALKS IN.

 

JACK: Is Dr. Jorgens still up there with Kayla?

ANJELICA: I don't know why things like this have to happen right when we're ready to leave for Greece.

JACK: What you're trying to say is why couldn't Kayla find a more convenient time to get sick?

ANJELICA: I'm sorry sweetheart. Forgive my nerves. I hate when my plans get upset.

JACK: I don't give a damn about your plans.

ANJELICA: You're absolutely right. The only important thing here is Kayla. It seems strange to me that she'd get sick now. She looked wonderful when she came back from the honeymoon.

JACK: She's been hiding it all this time. She's been sick all along.

ANJELICA: Well why don't we have optimistic thoughts. Jorgens can give her something and then we can all leave for Greece.

JACK: Anjelica, Kayla is in no shape to travel. You don't need to be a doctor to see that and if Kayla doesn't go then I don't go.

ANJELICA: Great.


SCENE THREE: JACK AND HARPER IN THE BEDROOM WITH KAYLA IN BED.

 

JACK: How is she?

DOCTOR: I don't know what to tell you. We're going to have to run some more tests.

HARPER: You can't find anything?

DOCTOR: Well she's exhibiting the same symptoms as before she left on your vacation and I couldn't pinpoint the problem back then either.

JACK: Well you gave her medicine then. Why don't you try it again?

DOCTOR: But I'm not convinced it was the medication and not the rest and isolation that did her good. There is one more possibility I think we should consider.

JACK AND HARPER: What?

DOCTOR: Kayla's problems may be psychological.

JACK: Oh come on.

HARPER: Jack.

JACK: Dad look at her and you're telling me all this is coming from her head?

DOCTOR: It's not that uncommon.

JACK: No

DOCTOR: Jack I'm not saying Kayla is consciously making herself ill.

JACK: She can barely move doctor.

DOCTOR: I know it's hard to believe Jack but people can make themselves this sick. So sick Jack that sometimes they die. I have a couple of questions to ask you. Can we go outside?


SCENE FOUR: JACK WALKS DOWNSTAIRS WHERE MELISSA AND ANJELICA ARE WAITING.

 

JACK: Melissa. I didn't know you were here.

MELISSA: I told you I'd bring your briefing book by so you could take it on the plane and read it.

JACK: Well I'm in no hurry. I'm not going anywhere.

ANJELICA: Did Dr. Jorgens say you couldn't go?

JACK: No it's Kayla. Kayla can't go. She's in no condition to travel.

MELISSA: I don't understand. I thought she was getting better.

JACK: She must have been hiding it.

MELISSA: Did she have relapse.

JACK: I don't know.

MELISSA: Jack what's wrong with her?

JACK: I don't know.

MELISSA: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry.

JACK: You're not prying. Of course you care about her. You're her friend. I wish I knew what was wrong with her.

MELISSA: Sorry.

JACK: She's very sick. That's all I know.

ANJELICA: Did Jorgens say what she has.

JACK: No. He thinks maybe....he thinks it's in her mind.

ANJELICA: Oh sweetheart, that's great news. People don't die of psychosomatic illnesses.

JACK: Dr. Jorgens says it happens all the time. People actually will themselves to die.

ANJELICA: Oh Jack that's absolutely ridiculous. I don't believe in voodoo. There is something physical wrong with Kayla. If Jorgens can't fix and find then we'll take her to someone who can.

JACK: Don't you think I would have done that by now. Dad's got the best help for her that anyone can get. His own personal physician.

MELISSA: Jack are you saying Kayla might die!

JACK: No. No Kayla is not going to die. That's why I'm staying here to help her get better.

ANJELICA: Sweetheart. Don't you think the best thing to do is take her to the hospital where they pay people to take care of her. Did you ask Jorgens about that?

JACK: No.

ANJELICA: Well why don't I go mention it? Somebody has to do some thinking around here.

JACK: (To Melissa) I don't know if she's saying that just to get me to go to Greece with her. (To Anjelica as she leaves the room.) But it's not going to work.

MELISSA: It's shame you'll have to miss the trip.

JACK: I couldn't care less about the trip. I only care about Kayla.

 

JACK LEAVES THE ROOM.


SCENE FIVE: JACK ENTERS THE BEDROOM WHERE KAYLA IS READING A LETTER.

 

JACK: HI.

KAYLA: Hi.

JACK: So Anjelica's going to Greece. She's going to represent the whole family so dad and I can stay here and take care of you.

KAYLA: Jack?

JACK: No, no, no. Now I think you've been given Dr. Jorgens the run around.

KAYLA: Why? What did he say?

JACK: He doesn't know what's going on. He wants to run more tests. Kayla? He told me to ask you some questions. He wants to know if you've been under any unusual stress or strain lately.

KAYLA: Why?

JACK: The doctor thinks maybe this is all psychological.

KAYLA: No, Jack.

JACK: That's what I said too....at first. But then I started thinking about it. Now Kayla, Kayla I want you to listen to me. I know why you married me. I knew you didn't love me--at least not as much as I love you. But what I mean is maybe this is all because of me. Maybe it's because of the strain that I put you through. Maybe it was my telling you I could live, that I could get better if I had you to live for, to spend the rest of my life with. I just wasn't fair....I love you, Kayla and if letting you go is what makes you better, then that's what I'm going to do.

KAYLA: Jack, that's not it. It isn't you. It isn't you.

JACK: Just think about it and rest....

KAYLA: Jack, I need to speak to Melissa.

JACK: Melissa? You've got to rest honey.

KAYLA: I really need to talk to Melissa.

JACK: Why? You need to rest.

KAYLA: Will you just get her for me please?

JACK: Okay, you just rest okay.

 

JACK LEAVES THE ROOM


SCENE SCENE SIX: JACK IS SITTING BESIDE KAYLA AFTER KEEPING VIGIL ALL NIGHT. KAYLA STIRS IN HER SLEEP.

 

JACK: Kayla?

KAYLA: (In her sleep.) Steve.

 

JACK GETS UP TO LEAVE AND HARPER ENTERS THE ROOM.

 

HARPER: Where are you going?

JACK: I'm going to get Steve Johnson.

HARPER: Why are you going to get Steve Johnson?

JACK: Because she keeps asking for him. Keep an eye on her will you?

HARPER: Jack, wait a minute. Kayla is delirious. She doesn't know what she wants. She doesn't want Johnson. She needs you.

JACK: I haven't been able to do damn a thing for her.

HARPER: You have.

JACK: I haven't done a damn thing for her. Look I've stayed with her day and night. I've talked to her. I've held her, I've told her how much I love her. I don't know what else to do....Nothing can help. Look at her dad, look at her. She's getting worse, she's not getting better. I promise you that getting Steve here is the last thing I want to do, but if that's what it takes to get her better. That's what I'm going to do.

HARPER: No Jack, you can't do that?

JACK: Well tell me what am I supposed to do? She keeps asking for him. You tell me, what am I supposed to do about that.

HARPER: Forget Johnson. You be here for her. You be her strength.

JACK: (Snarkily, yet hurt) That's what I thought I was doing. But you know, it gets kinda hard on your confidence when she keeps asking for the other guy. It's something I can't understand. He breaks her heart and she keeps asking for him. He hurts her again and again and she can't seem to let him go.

HARPER: Jack. Listen to me. She needs rest and you just said it. He's the one that hurt her. If you bring Steve Johnson here to her he might do her more harm than good. Just think about that.

JACK: I'll let her rest and then I'll ask her. Then if she wants to see Steve. I'll get him.

 

[Transcribed by Carol Vaughan.]

  Episode Two

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