Episode Thirty-six:
Jack Refuses to Accept
the Johnsons as his Family.

SCENE ONE: A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, JACK ARRIVES AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER TO MEET MARCUS.

 

JACK: I've got a lot to do today.

MARCUS: Alright. Well I think I've hit on a great idea to help deserving people in this area.

JACK: I thought that's what the Community Center was supposed to do.

MARCUS: Well will you just listen to me Jack, please? I want to tell you about a woman named Charlene who happened to be on welfare and she happened to be an excellent cook. So we saw the opportunity to utilize that skill. We also saw an opportunity for me to invest in some venture capital. The response has been excellent Jack. The result is a thriving catering service.

JACK: So you think I should have her cater my next party?

MARCUS: No Jack. We feel we can help others if we get some Federal funding from the government.

JACK: It's not going to work.

MARCUS: What are you talking about? This is a proven way to get people off welfare and back working and paying taxes where they belong.

JACK: You give me one example. That's not enough to go on Marcus.

MARCUS: I can't believe you Jack. You know for a while there, like for a split second, I thought you actually cared about the people down here. You reopened the center, didn't you?

JACK: I reopened the center for Kayla.

MARCUS: No, no, no. I think you reopened the center because you come from a family of compassionate people. The Johnsons have a heritage of helping other people.

JACK: I think you're a little off there, Tiger.

MARCUS: No it's true. The Johnsons care about people.

JACK: Look maybe I share a few genes with the Johnsons not to mention a kidney. But overall I'm a dyed in the wool Deveraux. The only reason I reopened the center was for Kayla. Now you....come on, we both know that.

MARCUS: No. So everyone else who benefits from your assistance can just go to hell. Is that it?

JACK: You said that. Not me.

 

MELISSA WALKS IN BEHIND JACK.

 

MARCUS: I can't believe you.

JACK: What do you mean you can't believe me? The only reason anybody is working here now is because I cared enough about Kayla to reopen the center and keep it running. I did it for her. So before you go handing out any Nobel Peace Prizes for my kind actions please re-examine my motives.

 

MELISSA WALKS OUT WITHOUT HEARING THE REST.

 

MARCUS: I don't care about your motives, Jack. I don't care. What I care about is that these people get a chance to put some dignity back into their lives, that's all.

JACK: I appreciate your civic consciousness, I do.

MARCUS: Would you just think about it, please? We need your help to get this project off the ground.

JACK: Look, we're talking about miles and miles of red tape here Marcus.

MARCUS: Yeah, red tape that you could easily slice through no problem, Jack.

JACK: Okay, look, I'll think about it.

MARCUS: Thank you, thank you. I appreciate it.

JACK: I gotta go. No harm in thinking.

 

JACK LEAVES AND MELISSA HIDES OUTSIDE BECAUSE SHE IS HURT.

SCENE TWO: LATER ON JACK ARRIVES AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER WHERE MELISSA IS WORKING. SHE HAS HAD HER HAIR CUT SHORT.

 

JACK: Melissa?

MELISSA: Hi.

JACK: Look at your hair! That's wonderful. That's why you wanted me to come down here, to look at your new haircut.

MELISSA: No, not exactly.

JACK: Well what is it?

MELISSA: I know you turned down Marcus and Vanessa's request for help.

JACK: I didn't turn it down. I said I'd think about it.

MELISSA: No lies Jack. I want you to be honest with me.

JACK: Melissa, wait a minute, what is this?

MELISSA: I want us to tell the truth to each other.

JACK: Of course I tell the truth. I was telling you the truth about my conversation with Marcus.

MELISSA: Then tell me the truth about why you reopened the center Jack.

JACK: What do you mean?

MELISSA: Come on. You reopened the center because of your feelings for Kayla. You did it for her.

JACK: Did Marcus tell you I said that?

MELISSA: He didn't have to. I was standing in the doorway when you said it.

JACK: Melissa, I've never lied to you.

MELISSA: You still have feelings for Kayla, don't you?

JACK: Well she was my wife.

MELISSA: I'm not talking about the past Jack. I'm talking about your feelings for her now. I'm talking about us. You haven't gotten over Kayla.

JACK: I'm trying.

MELISSA: Are you?

JACK: Yes I am. I'm trying very hard to put her in the past. Haven't I proved that to you by now? Haven't we shared any kind of....any kind of moments in the past couple of days that might give you that kind of indication?

MELISSA: Yes, we have.

JACK: I care about you Melissa. I care about you a lot.

MELISSA: Look I know you care about me.

JACK: I....made love to you. We made love. Doesn't that prove anything to you about the way that I feel? (Hug) Look I am not good with my words right now. That's my way of showing you that I want us to be together.

MELISSA: Jack, did the other night mean anything to you?

JACK: Of course it did. The more that we share, the more that it....the more....the more it confirms to me that I want to share my future with you.

MELISSA: I can't believe you're saying this.

JACK: What, that surprises you?

MELISSA: Yes.I guess it shouldn't. You're just saying what I've been wanting to hear for a long time.

JACK: It's the truth, Melissa. I want to rebuild....I want to build us a relationship together. With your help I can forget all that....all that unhappiness in my past.

MELISSA: Jack I want to help you forget the unhappiness. But on one condition.

JACK: Well what is that?

MELISSA: You have to prove to me that you're willing to change.

JACK: Well tell me what can I do to prove it to you?

MELISSA: Help Vanessa with her project.

JACK: Oh Melissa!

MELISSA: Jack you have everything to gain.

JACK: Look you....you don't understand the system here.

MELISSA: I understand that people are hurting and you can do something wonderful to help them.

JACK: It's not that simple.

MELISSA: And you're just being stubborn Jack. You're over-reacting. You want to make sure that you don't help Steve or any of his friends. That's ridiculous. Look it doesn't matter if you are a Deveraux or a Johnson. The main thing is that you are an Assemblyman with responsibilities to the people you represent and in this case you can start with Vanessa. Help her to help others. Is that so difficult Jack? I want you to help Vanessa, please.

JACK: Is that what you want?

MELISSA: Yes, that's what I want.

JACK: Okay.

MELISSA: Okay? You'll do it?

JACK: If that's what you want.

MELISSA: Jack I knew you would. Thank you. You don't know what this means to me.

SCENE THREE: JACK AND MELISSA ARE WORKING IN SHENANIGAN'S WHEN ADRIENNE COMES OVER.

 

JACK: I think it's important that we disassociate ourselves here from....

ADRIENNE: Jack, could I have a word with you?

JACK: Actually I'm a little busy right now Adrienne.

ADRIENNE: It would just take a minute of your time please.

JACK: Okay, go ahead, speak your mind.

ADRIENNE: Thank you. I know why you've been keeping your distance from the family and I can understand that it's going to take a while for you to get used to everything. But Steve and Kayla are coming back from their honeymoon today and I was wondering....no I was hoping that maybe we could get the whole family together, you know. Start fresh. It would mean so much to everyone.

JACK: Look Adrienne, let me tell you something. I mean, nothing personal between us, you know, and I (Clears his throat) know that you never meant me any harm and you're probably as innocent in this whole thing as I am. But I want you to understand something right now. Although I'm not a Deveraux by blood, I'm a Deveraux in my heart. I am not a Johnson, nor will I ever be a part of the Johnson family. (Beat) Adrienne, you've got to be kidding, right? I mean me, a Deveraux! You're kidding right? You are joking?

 

JO WALKS UP.

 

MELISSA: Jack, don't you think you've said enough?

JACK: No! I don't think I've said enough. I don't think we need to shield Mrs. Johnson from the truth. She needs to hear the truth. Last thing I want to do is let her go on with some false hopes.

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MELISSA: Jack.

JO: No please Melissa, it's alright. Jack has the right to say what he feels.

JACK: That's right. I should say what I feel and that's exactly what I'm going to do.

MELISSA: Jack stop it. You're hurting their feelings.

JACK: What a lamentable pity! That's a big word isn't it. Lamentable. What would the Johnson's equivalent of lamentable be? Downright shame! You know it seems to me nobody took hurt feelings into account when they got into this whole sordid ordeal. Melissa, do you think this woman really cared about me when she barged back into my life and turned it all upside down? No I don't think anybody in this room could talk about hurt feelings! Especially this maid here who did her best to destroy my life years ago. Then when she found out that everything was just going fine she couldn't stop. She had to come back and finish the job off! (Jo is crying) Why couldn't you have just stuck to your cleaning and left me alone?

ADRIENNE: That's enough Jack. You can't talk to my mother like that.

JACK: That's right. Your mother, not mine. Now if you'd be so kind as to tell this pedestrian little char woman to stay out of my life, I'd really appreciate it. Perhaps you need some help with all these polysyllabic words. Or better yet, get yourself a dictionary.

 

JACK WALKS OUT.

SCENE FOUR: MELISSA FOLLOWS JACK TO THE PARK.

 

MELISSA: Jack would you wait for me please?

JACK: Melissa, I'm sorry. I did not realize you were following me.

MELISSA: Why did you say all those terrible things back there?

JACK: Careful! You're starting to sound like a mother. And the last thing I need is another mother!

MELISSA: I'm sorry Jack but I don't see why you have to go on hurting your family. Do you enjoy causing them pain?

JACK: I don't know. Do they enjoy hurting me? Do you have any idea what it feels like to have your life going on just fine and dandy one day and the next day find out you're not the person you thought you were? It's a tad disorientating. Not to mention the fact that I hate the idea of being related to that family.

MELISSA: Believe me Jack. I know what it's like to be ashamed of where you come from. But you have no reason to. The Johnson's are good people. They care about you. They're not trying to cause you pain.

JACK: But they do. Every time I run into a member of that clan, I just cringe.

MELISSA: I'm sure you do Jack. But it has nothing to do with your so called pain. You're a snob. You hate the idea of being a Johnson because you don't think they're on a social par with you.

JACK: Don't be absurd Melissa. That has nothing to do with it.

MELISSA: No Jack, I'm right. There's no point in turning away from me. The truth is, you look down on the Johnsons.

JACK: Alright Melissa. I'll admit it. I like the way I am. I like the idea of having the culture and the style that other people only aspire to. Now maybe they can take away my pedigree but they can't take away what I am. And what I am is not a Johnson.

MELISSA: Jack, I'm sorry you feel that way but I hate seeing you in so much pain. Sooner or later you're going to have to accept the fact that you really are Billy Johnson.

JACK: Wrong Melissa! Dead wrong! I'm never going to accept that.

MELISSA: Jack you're not going to change just because you're a Johnson.

JACK: I'm not a Johnson. I'm a Deveraux. Don't you understand that by now? I mean that's all I have left is that name. They've taken everything else away from me. All I have left is this link to my identity, which is Deveraux.

MELISSA: Jack, think about it. After everything that's happened, what does the Deveraux name mean anymore? What does it stand for?

JACK: Alright, yes, a lot of things have happened but it doesn't make any kind of difference. Nothing can destroy the name of Deveraux. Yes Harper was sick and it caused him to do some very deranged things. But that in no way detracts from the....from the....the aura....the aura that surrounds the Deveraux heritage. Now why would I want to give up on all....on all that that name signifies and take up on the Johnson appellation. I mean one denotes power and graceful living, the other calls to mind drinking beer and....and....pool and blue collars. Now I don't need to toss a coin to decide which one I'd rather have.

MELISSA: Jack I really thought you were bigger than this. When is the day going to come when you'll be able to stop defining yourself by your name and start living your life as your own person? Do you think that day will ever come Jack?

JACK: There's never been any pretense between us Melissa. You always knew what you were getting yourself in for when you got involved with me. I never lied to you about the kind of man that I am. Power and position are very important to me and if you're going to wait around for me to change, you're making a big mistake because I'm not going to change. This is way I am. Love it or leave it and any other colloquial saying that you wish.

MELISSA: Well if it's a choice between taking you and leaving you Jack, I don't have a choice. I love you. I would love you if you were a Deveraux or a Johnson.

JACK: Well then love me as a Deveraux. Leave it at that. Will you do that?

MELISSA: Of course I will. I just hate seeing you like this. I hope somehow that I can help you get rid of all this resentment so you can be truly happy again. So that both of us can be happy.

 

JACK WALKS TOWARDS MELISSA AND WRAPS HIS ARMS AROUND HER.

 

JACK: Let's not talk about this anymore.

SCENE FIVE: JACK IS SITTING IN THE DEVERAUX LIVING ROOM WITH HIS SHIRT UNDONE. ANJELICA COMES DOWN TO TALK TO HIM.

 

ANJELICA: Sweetheart, you better get a move on.

JACK: I know....I know.

ANJELICA: Honey, are you okay?

JACK: Okay?....Yeah, sure, why?

ANJELICA: Are you nervous?

JACK: No. I'm not nervous. Why?

ANJELICA: Well this is your first social appearance since your father was put in jail.

JACK: It doesn't bother me. I'm just going to go on with my life and go on with my career as if nothing's happened.

ANJELICA: I like your attitude. Now let's get a move on. We'll both gonna be late.

JACK: Alright....Anjelica, wait a minute, wait a minute, look at this.

 

THEY BOTH WATCH THE TV WHERE HARPER IS GIVING A PRESS CONFERENCE.

 

HARPER: Thank you for coming. My actions of the past several months prove that I have been very ill. Now thank god I am in a state of recovery. But because of the harm I inflicted on many families in this community, I am making a charitable gift. A gesture of my deep....deep remorse. I am announcing today that my attorneys will be handling the disbursement of my entire fortune which will go directly to victims' rights organizations as a gesture of my heartfelt regret.

JACK: Wha....what the hell does he think he's doing?

ANJELICA: I know exactly what he's doing.

JACK: Why would he want to give away all of his money?

ANJELICA: Simple. He doesn't want my baby to get a dime.

JACK: You think that's his real motive?

ANJELICA: Oh you bet I do. And I am not going to sit back and watch what's coming to me get given away to a bunch of strangers. I worked very hard for my share. I gave many stellar performances as the happy devoted Mrs. Deveraux.

JACK: How are you going to contest the decision? I mean....I mean....I'm sure he's got all the bases covered to protect his charity.

ANJELICA: Well....this is one ball game he's going to lose.

JACK: I don't know how you're going to be able to do anything.

ANJELICA: Watch me!

SCENE SIX: LATER THAT NIGHT MELISSA ARRIVES AT THE DEVERAUX MANSION ALL DRESSED UP FOR A DATE.

 

JACK: Just a minute. I'll get it. I'll be right there....Melissa!

MELISSA: Hi.

JACK: Look at you. You look beautiful.

MELISSA: Thank you. I was hoping you'd like it.

JACK: But....wait a minute. I thought I was supposed to come pick you up?

MELISSA: Well I wanted to come by early and see how you were doing after your father's announcement today. I saw it on the news.

JACK: (Beat) Yeah....yeah. It was kind of a surprise wasn't it?

MELISSA: Yes.

JACK: Well he's giving all of his money to a good charity. That's the important thing.

MELISSA: Yeah. I suppose.

JACK: Well look I better get dressed then we can go. Look....er....you....you keep yourself entertained. I'll be right back.

 

JACK TURNS ON THE TV AND HANDS MELISSA THE REMOTE CONTROL. MICKEY'S VOICE BLARES OUT OF THE TV AS HE DENOUNCES HARPER'S DONATION AS DESIGNED TO MISLEAD THE PUBLIC. HE SAYS THAT HARPER IS A CONVICTED KILLER AND IT IS POISON MONEY THAT MAKES A MOCKERY OF THE WORD CHARITY.

 

JACK: Damn. DAMN HIM!

 

SCENE ONE: JACK AND MELISSA COME HOME TO FIND MICKEY MEETING WITH ANJELICA.

 

JACK: Anjelica would tell me what's going on here?

ANJELICA: Hi Jack, Melissa. How was your dinner?

JACK: Fine. Just fine.

MELISSA: Hi dad.

MICKEY: Hi Melissa, Jack.

JACK: Anjelica. Why don't you tell me what the DAs doing here in my house?

ANJELICA: Jack, it's our house and I invited him here. We have to discuss a matter concerning your father.

JACK: I don't know what you think you're doing but this man is trying to put Harper away for good and you're inviting him over for tea.

MELISSA: Jack. You're talking about my father.

JACK: Melissa, I know precisely what I'm talking about and who I'm talking to.

ANJELICA: Jack. Please calm down. Get hold of yourself.

JACK: No! I will not get a hold of myself. I don't care why he's here. I want him out! (Beat) Did you hear me? I want you out of here.

ANJELICA: Jack, knock it off.

MICKEY: Mr. Deveraux, your tone is very offensive. Don't talk to me that way. You understand?

JACK: I'll talk to you anyway I want as long as you're in my house. Now get out of here Mr. DA's before I call the police.

MELISSA: Jack please. Dad I'm sorry. Jack doesn't mean that.

JACK: I most certainly do mean it Melissa.

ANJELICA: Listen here Jack. I invited Mickey here....

MICKEY: It's alright Anjelica. We've finished with what we were discussing but I'm going to need some evidence if we're going to locate Harper's private funds which he took out of the country to keep away from you. I'm going to need some cold hard facts.

ANJELICA: If I come across any evidence I will call you immediately and thank you again so much for (To Mickey) stopping by!

MICKEY: It's no problem but I must warn you that even if we do locate the funds there is no guarantee they'll go to you.

ANJELICA: I understand that Mickey but I'm willing to take that risk. You see I'm entitled to that money and that's the only chance I've got to give my baby a good life, the life my baby deserves.

MICKEY: I'll do what I can but....

JACK: ALRIGHT I....THAT'S IT....I'VE STOOD HERE LONG ENOUGH LISTENING TO YOU TWO PLOTTING AGAINST HARPER BEHIND HIS BACK. NOW GET OUT!

 

MICKEY WALKS OUT AND MELISSA GOES AFTER HIM.

 

JACK: Anjelica, what do you think you're doing? This is consorting with the enemy. You know that.

ANJELICA: Mickey Horton is not the enemy and what I'm trying to do is protect my future and the future of my unborn child. In order to do that I need to get the money Harper is hiding. I'm entitled to my share of that money and I intend to get it.

JACK: I just don't understand how you can act this way? I don't understand how you can just turn your back on Harper after all the years that....you....that you have been together with him.

ANJELICA: Jack I don't understand you. You keep vacillating back and forth between hatred and loyalty to this man that you once thought was your father. You've got to stop. You've got to face facts. Your father is a murderer. The sooner you accept that fact, wash your hands of him, the sooner you can get on with your life and be happy.

JACK: I don't know whether I can do that Anjelica. If I stop thinking of myself as a Deveraux then all I've got left is to be a....a Johnson. (Crying) I don't think I can live with that.

SCENE TWO: MELISSA FOLLOWS MICKEY AND EXPLAINS WHY JACK WAS SO UPSET. MICKEY SAYS HE IS SICK OF MELISSA MAKING EXCUSES FOR JACK AND SAYS HE HAS A COMPLETE LACK OF CHARACTER. SHE SAYS SHE LOVES JACK NO MATTER WHAT.

SCENE THREE: MEANWHILE, EVE RUSHED TO HOSPITAL AFTER ATTEMPTING SUICIDE. JENNIFER IS VERY DISTRESSED AND THINKS THAT IF SHE HAD BEEN A BETTER FRIEND TO EVE SHE MIGHT NOT HAVE DONE THIS. FRANKIE COMES TO THE HOSPITAL TO BE THERE FOR JENNIFER AND EVE.

SCENE FOUR: MELISSA RETURNS TO TALK TO JACK.

 

MELISSA: Jack.

JACK: Melissa. I didn't think you'd be coming back here.

MELISSA: You were way out of line Jack.

JACK: What do you mean?

MELISSA: What do I mean? The rude and unfair way you talked to my mother. You had no right to talk to him like that.

JACK: Your father's the enemy Melissa. I'm just protecting my father. Standing up for him. Protecting him. Fighting for him

MELISSA: Jack, when are you going to open your eyes? Harper is guilty of murder. My father is only doing his job. I can't believe you. Do you really want Harper free, so he can roam the streets and kill again? Sorry Jack I don't want to hurt you but I think it's time you realized that Senator Deveraux is a very dangerous and disturbed man. He's a killer and sooner or later you're going to have to accept the truth Jack. The man you admire so much is a murderer.

JACK: You know I'm very sick and tired of everyone telling me to face the facts about Harper Deveraux. Here's a fact for you Melissa. He's the only father I've ever known.

MELISSA: But he isn't really your father Jack. All things considered I think you'd be relieved to know that your natural father isn't a murderer.

JACK: No. He was too busy committing incest with his daughter. Take a look at the Johnson heritage Melissa. Is it supposed to comfort me? I don't think so. No. I don't want to be a Johnson. I can't be.