Episode One-hundred-thirty-six: Jack
Has Something Special Planned for
Jennifer's Wedding; the Day Before
the Wedding Jack and Jennifer Share a
Special Moment Together in the Church.

 

SCENE ONE: JENNIFER IS AT THE LOFT HAVING HER WEDDING DRESS FITTED BY CALLIOPE. SHE IS COMPLAINING. CALLIOPE TELLS HER TO BE STILL, IT IS THE FIRST TIME SHE HAS MADE A WEDDING DRESS WHERE THE BRIDE HAD THE *RIGHT* TO WEAR WHITE. JENNIFER IS NOT AT ALL EXCITED, AND IS IN FACT RATHER MOROSE. CALLIOPE, PICKING UP ON THIS, TELLS HER THAT SHE IS ACTING LIKE IT IS A FUNERAL NOT A WEDDING. JENNIFER TRIES CONVINCE HER — AND HERSELF — THAT SHE IS EXCITED. THE DRESS IS MADE OF WHITE DUCHESS SATIN AND HAS A DRAPED NECKLINE GATHERED TOGETHER AT THE CENTER WITH A SELF-MADE ROSE. THE SKIRT IS WIDE WITH A TRAIN. SHE IS NOT WEARING A VEIL BUT SHE HAS A FLOWER IN HER HAIR. THERE IS A LOUD KNOCK ON THE DOOR CALLIOPE WONDERS WHAT IF IT IS EMILIO, IT IS BAD LUCK FOR THE FOR THE GROOM TO SEE THE BRIDE IN HER GOWN BEFORE THE WEDDING. JENNIFER TELLS HER TO ANSWER IT. IT IS IS NOT EMILIO, BUT JACK. JENNIFER HAS HER BACK TO THE DOOR AS JACK BURSTS IN.

 

JACK: Jennifer, I have to....

 

HE STOPS DEAD AS HE SEES HER STANDING THERE IN A WEDDING DRESS. HIS MOUTH FALLS OPEN AS HIS EYES WANDER OVER HER. HIS FACE CANNOT HIDE HIS FEELINGS FOR HER.

HE TAKES A COUPLE OF STEPS TOWARDS HER. SHE TURNS SLOWLY TOWARDS HIM WITH TEARS IN HER EYES.

 

JACK: ....talk.

 

HE IS STILL STUNNED. SHE IS STUNNED AS WELL, AND SEEING HIM IS PAINFUL FOR HER, SHE HAS TO FIGHT BACK TEARS.

 

JENNIFER: Hi Jack.

 

CALLIOPE IS NOT OBLIVIOUS TO THEIR FEELINGS FOR EACH OTHER.

 

CALLIOPE: That groom warning doesn't really apply here. Unless it's the right groom, wrong wedding.

 

JACK SUDDENLY BECOMES AWARE OF CALLIOPE. HE IS ALSO NOT TO HAPPY ABOUT HER LAST REMARK.

 

JACK: Excuse me!

CALLIOPE: You know I bet there's something I could be doing upstairs.

 

JENNIFER IS VERY EMOTIONAL, BUT TRYING TO HOLD BACK HER TEARS AND PAIN, AND LOVE FOR JACK.

 

JENNIFER: Calliope, you don't have to go.

CALLIOPE: (Not wanting to stick around because of the tension.) No, no. I think I'll take five. And if you need help with those buttons, ASK JACK!

 

CALLIOPE RUNS UP THE STAIRS.

 

JENNIFER: What do you want Jack?

JACK: ....You look.... (Very long pause, he is still transfixed by her.)....white!

JENNIFER: (Still fighting back the tears.) It's usually a theme color....for a wedding.

JACK: Right.

JENNIFER: So why are you here?

 

JACK IS UNABLE TO KEEP HIS EYES OFF HER AND HE IS COMPLETELY DISTRACTED DURING THE WHOLE CONVERSATION.

 

JACK: I....ah.....I....ah....wanted to see if you were going to help your room mate Isabella.

JENNIFER: Help her how?

JACK: Well I'm on the way down to the courthouse right now. Today's her arraignment you know and I wanted to see if you wanted to come with me.

JENNIFER: What for, moral support?

JACK: (Nervously) Heheheh. (He does not want show that he cares for Isabella, and that he wants an excuse to be with Jennifer.) You know me better than that. I'm going to disseminate some (Thinking of an excuse.) ....some positive media coverage. That's what I'm going to do.

JENNIFER: Oh I get it. You're going to cover the print angle and you want me to scope out a story for tonight's news.

JACK: Now you're thinking like an anchor woman. That's the idea. Yeah.

 

IT IS OBVIOUS THAT JENNIFER WANTS TO GO OFF WITH HIM.

JENNIFER: Well I'm supposed to meet Emilio. We're supposed to go pick out wedding rings.

JACK: (This bothers him.) Well I....well it's not going to take all that long. I've got plans myself. I really....I think you should....you should help your room mate Isabella.

 

JACK LOOKS AT HER PLEADINGLY AND SHE REALIZES THAT HE NEEDS HER.

 

JENNIFER: You're right, you're right. Come on, let's go.

 

SHE GATHERS UP THE SKIRT ON HER WEDDING DRESS AND HEADS FOR THE DOOR, FORGETTING THAT SHE IS WEARING THE WEDDING GOWN.

 

JACK: Don't forget to....change.

JENNIFER: Oh, oh thanks Jack. You're right. I'll be right down.

 

SHE HURRIES UPSTAIRS. JACK IS ALONE AND HE WALKS OVER TO THE SOFA AND PICKS UP HER VEIL WHICH IS LYING THERE. HE GENTLY CRADLES THE HEADPIECE IN HIS HANDS AND HOLDS IT CLOSE TO HIS HEART. CALLIOPE COMES DOWN AND SURPRISES HIM.

 

CALLIOPE: Do you want to see it?

JACK: (Embarrassed) No, no, of course not. Here, please, please.

CALLIOPE: I've got to keep moving, considering that wedding is only a couple of days away.

JACK: Oh the....yes of course, Friday. Yes.

CALLIOPE: Huh, uh.

 

JACK STARTS TO PUMP CALLIOPE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE WEDDING. IT SEEMS TO BE CONNECTED TO WHATEVER HE HAS PLANNED.

 

JACK: Yes it's a great day for a wedding.

CALLIOPE: Yes.

JACK: First thing in the morning.

CALLIOPE: Afternoon.

JACK: Afternoon! Oh yes of course, I knew that, I knew that.

CALLIOPE: Yeah.

JACK: Beautiful old church there on Pine Street.

CALLIOPE: Elmwood.

JACK: Elm....Elmwood, Pine. I get those streets and those trees mixed up all the time.

CALLIOPE: (On to Jack) Yeah, me too. Listen if you want to know about the wedding, just ask me.

JACK: No, no. That's nothing....I'm just....well I'm interested in getting....in getting my, you know, my gift to the church before the ceremony starts.

CALLIOPE: Oh. Well you better not get it there too early because you see I'm the only one with keys to the bride's room. Which reminds me. Jennifer wanted to get there before me and I have the key. Oh, if I give you the key, will you make sure she gets it?

JACK: I can do that, yes.

CALLIOPE: Okay, I appreciate it. I'm going to leave it right here. Now tell her it's here and tell her to put it on her key chain right away. Thank you very much.

 

SHE PUTS THE KEY ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER. THE KEY SEEMS TO BE JUST WHAT JACK WANTED.

 

JACK: No, no, thank you.

CALLIOPE: I forgot my bag. You're welcome. Goodbye.

JACK: Goodbye.

CALLIOPE: Thanks.

JACK: Oh thank you.

 

CALLIOPE LEAVES AND JACK PICKS UP THE KEY AND STUDIES IT.

 

JACK: Thank you.

 

HE DROPS THE KEY DOWN HIS SHIRT AND GRINS.

SCENE TWO: AT THE COURTHOUSE, JACK AND JENNIFER ARE WAITING FOR ISABELLA TO BE BROUGHT INTO COURT. SHE ARRIVES AND JACK WALKS OVER TO TALK TO HER.

 

ISABELLA: Jack.

 

JACK IS SOMEWHAT AWKWARD. HE DOES NOT SEEM TO KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO HER. HE OBVIOUSLY CARES, BUT AS USUAL IT IS DIFFICULT FOR HIM TO REVEAL HIS FEELINGS.

 

JACK: Hi. I...ah....just wanted you to let you know I'm here if you want anything. Teddy bear, toothbrush, you know.

ISABELLA: That means a lot to me. I always said you'd be my friend and you have been.

JACK: Well I think you've got enough to worry about. I got you out of Bayview, I'll get you out of this mess too.

 

ISABELLA GIVES JACK A HUG. HE IS EMBARRASSED, BUT HE RETURNS THE HUG. JENNIFER IS WATCHING, LOVINGLY AT JACK, SHE SEES WHAT SHE ALREADY KNEW, THAT DESPITE ALL JACK'S DENIALS HE IS A LOVING, AND CARING PERSON.

 

ISABELLA: Thanks.

JACK: Ah.....(Sigh)

ISABELLA: You know it means a lot having somebody I can count on. Who'll always do what he says.

 

SHE WAS REFERRING TO ROMAN, WHO AT THE POINT, WALKS IN. ISABELLA IS NOT HAPPY TO SEE HIM. THE COURT IS CALLED TO ORDER. JACK SITS DOWN NEXT TO JENNIFER.

SCENE THREE: MEANWHILE, EMILIO GOES TO THE JEWELER WITH MELISSA TO CHOOSE THE WEDDING RINGS. THE ONE HE CHOOSES IS EXACTLY WHAT MELISSA WOULD HAVE CHOSEN. SHE TELLS HIM THAT JENNIFER WOULD PREFER ANOTHER ONE. EMILIO TRIES THE RING ON MELISSA'S FINGER; SHE FEELS AWKWARD.

SCENE FOUR: BACK AT THE COURTHOUSE, ISABELLA PLEADS NOT GUILTY. VICTOR OFFERS TO POST BAIL. SHE SAYS SHE HAS ENOUGH FUNDS TO COVER HER OWN BAIL. SHE IS LED AWAY. JENNIFER APPROACHES ROMAN.

 

JENNIFER: Roman, is Isabella going to be alright?

ROMAN: Yeah, she will be if she beats this thing. Right now I can use some help from you two. The DA lost a lot of points with the public when he sent an innocent woman to prison and he's going to use this case here to try and win a few of those points back.

JACK: So you want to expose all this in the papers and the tv news.

ROMAN: Exactly. I want the folks to know that he's going to string up Isabella for his own political gain.

JACK: Well that's not as easy as it sounds.

ROMAN: Interview him, it'll come out.

JACK: I wouldn't talk to you if I was him.

ROMAN: Oh come on Jack, it's a shot man.

JENNIFER: No Roman, Jack's right. Moore would never agree to talk to the press. But you could.

ROMAN: I could?

JACK: Hmmm.

JENNIFER: Roman you're the commander of the Police Department. I mean you could say exactly what's going on. The people would believe you.

ROMAN: Ah, I don't know. I don't know if that would work or not.

JACK: I don't know about that. I think that Jennifer's on to something here. Interview the man in the white hat. I think people would eat it up.

ROMAN: Ah....what the hell. It's a shot.

JENNIFER: Great. All I have to do is call the tv station and get clearance to do it.

JACK: No, no, no. You don't worry about that. You focus on writing the story and getting all this together. I'll talk to your boss.

ROMAN: Look, you two, I really appreciate this. I do.

JENNIFER: It means a lot to us too Roman.

JACK: Well what are we waiting for? Let's go! Come on, come on.

SCENE FIVE: JENNIFER IS OUTSIDE THE COURTHOUSE, GETTING READY TO INTERVIEW ROMAN. JENNIFER TELLS ROMAN THAT SHE KNOWS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE PUSHED AWAY BY SOMEBODY YOU LOVE; BUT THAT YOU CANNOT GIVE UP ON THEM. AS SHE IS TALKING, JACK WALKS OVER.

 

JENNIFER: Well?

JACK: It's showtime!

JENNIFER: You did it?

JACK: Oh yeah. Piece of cake!

JENNIFER: Alright, that's great. Thanks Jack.

JACK: Sure. Let me know when you're ready.

JENNIFER: Um, I'm ready. Roman, are you ready?

 

ROMAN NODS.

 

THE INTERVIEW GOES AHEAD AND ROMAN SAYS THE MARINA WAS KILLED IN SELF DEFENSE.

ISABELLA HAS JUST GOT BACK TO THE LOFT ON BAIL AND IS WATCHIN THE INTERVIEW ON TELEVISION.

SCENE SIX: AFTER THE INTERVIEW JENNIFER CALLS THE STATION.

 

JACK: Well, what's the word?

JENNIFER: Well that was Arnie Leonard. Calls have been flooding in at the station.and they want Isabella released. They want the DA to release her. It worked.

JACK: Well I'll be!

JENNIFER: Heheheh.

JACK: Well don't forget to give Big Chief White-Hat in there some credit, where credit is due.

 

THEY BOTH SEEM TO BE ENJOYING WORKING TOGETHER.

 

JENNIFER: You know Jack, you deserve some credit too. I mean when it comes to Arnie, you know, he's not exactly Mr. Accommodation. What did you say to him to get me to go live?

JACK: Well I just told him that you were a top reporter and he'd better start paying attention to you and your suggestions for stories or he's going to lose you.

JENNIFER: (Sadly) Too bad you couldn't have listened to your own advice.

 

THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER FOR A FEW SECONDS.

 

JENNIFER: (Not too enthusiastically) Ah, I have to go. I have to meet Emilio.

JACK: I know. I know you've got to meet Emilio and take care of the rings and....

 

NEITHER OF THEM WANTS TO LEAVE.

 

JENNIFER: Right. Goodbye Jack.

JACK: See you later.

SCENE SEVEN: JENNIFER MEETS EMILIO AT THE JEWELER. EMILIO TRIES THE RING ON HER FINGER. EMILIO IS EXCITED, JENNIFER IS NOT; NEITHER IS MELISSA. JACK HAS FOLLOWED HER, AND WATCHES THROUGH THE WINDOW. THEN HE RUSHES BACK TO THE PUBLIC PHONE.

 

JACK: Vern, still there? Good, listen, we are definitely still on for Friday. Sheldon came through and so can you. Okay, don't worry about it. It will work out. Great, talk to you later. Bye.

 

JACK RUNS BACK AND SPIES THROUGH THE JEWELER'S WINDOW ONCE MORE, BUT THIS TIME HE HAS AN WICKED GRIN ON HIS FACE.

 

SCENE ONE: STEVE AND KAYLA ARE IN AUSTRALIA TO FIND STEPHANIE. ONE NIGHT IN A BAR, STEVE RUNS INTO BO WHO IS HIDING OUT FROM VICTOR. MEANWHILE HOPE HAS RETURNED TO SALEM AND IS STAYING WITH JULIE, HER HALF-SISTER/STEP-MOTHER.

SCENE TWO: THE WEDDING IS ONLY A DAY AWAY. JENNIFER AND EMILIO ARE AT THE COURTHOUSE. THEY HAVE THE RINGS, THE BLOOD TESTS AND THE LICENSE. JENNIFER SUGGESTS THAT THEY SHOULD INVITE JACK SO THAT HE UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS WEDDING IS FOR REAL.

 

JENNIFER: You know if it's alright with you, I want to invite Jack to the wedding.

 

EMILIO IS NOT TO SURE ABOUT THIS. JACK COMES OUT OF A DOOR AND OVERHEARS HER. GOES OVER TO THEM, HIS USUAL SNARKY SELF.

 

JACK: Jack! You want to invite Jack to the wedding! I'm flattered. I mean I will be flattered when I'm sure it's true. Come on, you guys really want me to be at your wedding?

 

EMILIO IS NOT HAPPY TO SEE JACK. JENNIFER IS SURPRISED.

 

EMILIO: No.

JENNIFER: Yes.

JACK: (Getting a kick out of their bickering.) Now that's what I like to see. Young couple united against the world! I tell you what, why don't you guys get your signals straight. Check with me later. You just talk it over amongst yourselves.

EMILIO: Well there's nothing to talk over about this because you ain't invited.

JENNIFER: Emilio, wait. Emilio wait.

EMILIO: Look he ain't invited.

JENNIFER: I wanted to talk to you about this but I had no idea he was going to come charging in at the wrong minute.

EMILIO: Look what....forget it! No, no, no!

JENNIFER: Emilio, I think it is important that Jack be here.

EMILIO: Oh yeah, why?

JENNIFER: I think that he should see us get married and that way nobody can have any allusions about anything. We'll all know where we stand. And it will be final and Jack will know it's final. But if you don't want him there, I understand. It's up to you. What do you say?

 

JACK IS STANDING ASIDE LISTENING CAREFULLY TO ALL OF THIS.

 

EMILIO: You really want this guy to come to our wedding?

JENNIFER: No, want is not the word. I think that he should be there.

EMILIO: Alright, maybe you're right. Maybe if he comes to the wedding he'll get it through is thick head that me and you, we're going to be together forever.

JENNIFER: Yeah.

 

JENNIFER IS PRETENDING THAT IS THE REASON SHE WANTS JACK TO ATTEND, BUT THE REAL REASON IS BECAUSE SHE HOPES THAT THIS WILL FINALLY FORCE JACK TO ADMIT HIS FEELINGS FOR HER.

 

EMILIO: Yeah, maybe he walks away from the church, he'll keep walking right out of our lives. How does that sound?

JENNIFER: That exactly what I was thinking. That's why I thought we should invite him.

EMILIO: (Not too convinced) Alright, I like that. Come on, let's do it.

JACK: (Sarcastically) Oh the happy couple! Have you reached an agreement.

EMILIO: Yeah, just shut up and listen, alright.

JENNIFER: Jack, Emilio and I would like you to come to our wedding.

JACK: Oh that's great. I'm very happy about that.

 

JACK'S REACTION THROWS HER. SHE HAD HOPED THIS WOULD GET HIM TO REACT; BUT IT HAS NOT. LITTLE DOES SHE KNOW THAT JACK SEEMS TO BE PLANNING SOMETHING.

 

JENNIFER: You are?

JACK: Yes. It's going to be great day.

JENNIFER: Yeah, it is.

JACK: (Facetiously, knowing that deep-down Jennifer does not want to marry Emilio.) I mean, I'm looking forward to it. I bet you are too.

JENNIFER: I have to meet my grandma and finish some last minute wedding plans.

EMILIO: I'll drop you off okay.

JENNIFER: Emilio don't forget to be at the church by four for the wedding rehearsal.

 

JACK OVERHEARS THE TIME, AND SEEMS TO BE MAKING A NOTE OF IT.

 

EMILIO: Oh I couldn't forget that, could I.

 

EMILIO GIVES JACK THE FLICK AND WALKS OFF. JACK CHECKS HIS WATCH AFTER THEY LEAVE.

 

JACK: Wedding rehearsal! I better be in and out by four!

SCENE THREE: JACK RUNS INTO ISABELLA AS HE IS LEAVING.

 

JACK: Isabella!

ISABELLA: Jack.

JACK: What are you doing here?

ISABELLA: Just trying to put a bad memory behind me.

JACK: Oh here's your chance.

 

VICTOR COMES TOWARDS THEM. HE TELLS ISABELLA THAT HE LOVES HER AND THAT HE LOVED HER MOTHER JUST THE SAME WAY HER MOTHER LOVED HIM. ISABELLA SAYS HE IS LYING AND VICTOR ASSURES HER THAT THE TRUTH IS IN THE TREASURE. JACK LISTENS CLOSELY TO VICTOR'S WORDS. ISABELLA TELLS VICTOR THAT SHE HAS READ THE DIARY ALREADY. HE TELLS HER TO BRING IT TO HIM AND END THE LIES. VICTOR WALKS AWAY AND JACK WHISPERS TO ISABELLA.

 

JACK: Isabella, you don't owe Victor anything.

ISABELLA: I know that. Thanks Jack.

SCENE FOUR: MEANWHILE, JENNIFER IS BACK AT THE LOFT WITH ALICE, GOING OVER THE FINAL >LIST OF THINGS TO DO. ALICE TELLS HER THAT SHE IS HANDLING THE WEDDING LIKE AN ASSIGNMENT FOR WORK. JENNIFER DEFENDS HERSELF AND SAYS SHE IS VERY HAPPY. ALICE SAYS SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE HER "EXCITED, ROMANTIC, AND PASSIONATE." ALICE KNOWS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, JENNIFER IS DEEPLY IN LOVE WITH JACK.

 

ALICE: Jennifer I'm going to ask you something and I don't want you to get mad with me. Is it possible that this solemn attitude has something to do with Jack Deveraux?

JENNIFER: (Upset because Alice hit on the truth.) Jack? I don't understand why you bring up Jack.

ALICE: (Trying to be diplomatic.) Well is your feeling for him getting in the way?

JENNIFER: I don't have feelings for Jack. He would never let me have feelings for him. The only thing I have with Jack is bickering and arguing. You know Grandma, it is possible that a guy doesn't want you.

ALICE: Yes, yes it is. But....

JENNIFER: So it doesn't matter because I'm marrying Emilio and you are going to see the happiest bride you ever saw.

ALICE: I hope so.

JENNIFER: Okay. Emilio is the best. He is considerate in a way that Jack would never even think of being. Emilio knows my favorite flowers, my favorite food, my favorite perfume. If you asked Jack any of that he couldn't tell you in a million years.

 

JENNIFER IS TRYING TO CONVINCE HERSELF, MORE THAN ALICE. JENNIFER IS ALMOST IN TEARS THROUGHOUT THEIR CONVERSATION.

 

ALICE: Darling I understand but.....

JENNIFER: (Interrupting) I'm lucky to be marrying Emilio. Jack couldn't make me happy. He'd make me miserable. I want to be happy, that's all.

ALICE: Jennifer, it's not too late to call off this wedding.

 

JENNIFER TURNS TO FACE ALICE WITH TEARS IN HER EYES.

 

JENNIFER: I am not canceling the wedding. There is no reason to do that.

ALICE: Jennifer, darling, it's better to be a little embarrassed now than to go ahead with it and later find out you've made a mistake.

JENNIFER: I'm not making a mistake.

ALICE: I want the best for you.

JENNIFER: This is what's best for me. Emilio is the right one for me.

ALICE: All I'm asking, is there someone else in your heart that will make it impossible for you to give Emilio, 100% of your love?

JENNIFER: Grandma, let me ask you something. Would you keep on loving someone if you knew for sure that they wouldn't love you back and that there was definitely not a future for the two of you?

ALICE: Well are you sure that that is exactly how things are with you and Jack?

JENNIFER: Alright Grandma, I will admit I was in love with Jack, okay. But I'm not anymore. That is all in the past.

ALICE: (Not convinced.) Alright dear, then look me in the eye. Tell me you are over Jack Deveraux.

JENNIFER: I am over Jack Deveraux! I am (Not convinced.) over Jack Deveraux that I invited him to the wedding. Does that tell you something?

ALICE: Maybe and maybe not.

 

ALICE IS MORE CONVINCED THAT JENNIFER DOES NOT LOVE EMILIO, BUT JACK; AND THAT THE ONLY REASON SHE ASKED JACK WAS TO FORCE HIM TO TAKE ACTION. SHE CONTINUES TO TRY AND CONVINCE JENNIFER THAT IT IS OKAY TO CALL OFF THE WEDDING. THE CONVERSATION IS TOO PAINFUL FOR JENNIFER.

 

JENNIFER: I have to go to the church. I'm going to be late for the rehearsal. Goodbye grandma.

ALICE: (Worried) Jennifer, please darling, did you invite Jack in the hope that you would force his hand?

 

JENNIFER IS FLUSTERED BY ALICE'S PERCEPTION. SHE CANNOT ADMIT IT TO HER, OR HERSELF.

 

JENNIFER: No Grandma I didn't.

ALICE: Well is it possible that you want him to declare himself once and for all?

JENNIFER: No, it's too late for that.

 

JENNIFER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PAUSES OUTSIDE TO CONFIRM HER DECISION, IN TEARS.

 

JENNIFER: I'm going to marry Emilio tomorrow.

SCENE FIVE: JACK IS IN THE CHURCH. HE IS CREEPING DOWN THE AISLE AND STOPPING TO MEASURE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE PEWS, AND TRYING TO MEASURE THE HEIGHT OF THE CHURCH WITH A TAPE MEASURE.

AS HE TURNS HIS BACK TO LOOK OUT THE DOOR, JENNIFER COMES IN BY THE ALTAR. SEEING JACK IS BITTERSWEET FOR HER. JACK DID NOT WANT TO RUN INTO HER BECAUSE HE IS PLOTTING SOMETHING FOR THE WEDDING.

 

JENNIFER: Jack!

JACK: (Shocked to see her. ) AAAAHHH!....Um....

JENNIFER: What are you doing here? What are you looking at?

 

JACK TRIES TO THINK UP AN EXCUSE FOR HIM BEING IN THE CHURCH.

 

JACK: Aaaah.....aaaah....I'm....(Finally thinking of an excuse.) ....just pursuing an old....an old hobby of mine....I'm visiting churches....you know....ah.....architecture, history.

 

HE RUNS OVER AND PATS ONE OF THE CHURCH COLUMNS.

 

JACK: You know I was wondering if they had a gift shop here. I'd like to get some postcards.

 

NOT CONVINCED. SHE BELIEVES, *HOPES*, THAT HE IS THERE TO STOP THE WEDDING.

 

JENNIFER: I know why you're here.

JACK: You know I've got an incredible scrap book at home. I really ought to show it to you sometime. I know, after the wedding, after the honeymoon. Maybe you and Emilio could come over and....

JENNIFER: (Interrupting) You may as well come out and admit it Jack because I know why you came here.

JACK: You know I saw this old church in New England once. You'll be....

JENNIFER: Stop it Jack. You don't care about any old church. You came here to try to talk me out of marrying Emilio but don't bother Jack because it's not going to work.

JACK: I won't!

JENNIFER: (Surprised, upset, and hurt.) What?

JACK: I said I won't. You said don't bother trying to talk you out of marrying Emilio and I said I won't.

JENNIFER: (In pain) I hate you Jack!

JACK: Now that's not what counts. What counts is how you feel about Emilio. Now I have to admit that I didn't think you marrying him was such a hot idea. But you said it was and you're the only one who knows. So I have to bow to your superior intellect in this matter.

JENNIFER: (In tears) I am going to marry Emilio.

JACK: I know that, you said you were.

 

SHE STANDS NEXT TO HIM AND THEY BOTH LOOK INTO EACH OTHER'S EYES, UNTIL JACK BEGINS TO FEEL AWKWARD.

 

JACK: You know tomorrow, you're going to be st.... as a matter of fact you're going to be standing right where you are. And that minister is going to turn to you and he's going to say, he's going to say, "do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife: and you're.... and he's going to say, "I do."

 

JENNIFER EYES ARE FULL OF TEARS. BEING SO CLOSE TO JACK IN A CHURCH SEEMS TO BE TOO MUCH FOR HER. IT SHOULD BE THEIR REHEARSAL.

 

JACK: And then he's going to turn to you and he's going to say, do you, "Jennifer Rose, take" (Hesitating, seeing Jennifer's pain, and his own pain.) "....take this man to be your lawful wedded husband and you'll...."

JENNIFER: (Interrupting) And I'll say, I do.

 

THEIR EYES ARE LOCKED ON EACH OTHER.

 

JACK: So....ah....what's the problem, what's wrong?

JENNIFER: I don't know. I guess I just....I guess I've always dreamed about my wedding day. And I just wanted it to be so perfect.

 

SHE WALKS AWAY, UNABLE TO FACE HIM.

JACK: You know you're wedding can be perfect.

JENNIFER: How Jack?

JACK: If.... all you have to do.... loo, you shouldn't settle for the wrong guy. You should wait for the right guy. The guy who's going to.... who's going to.... who's going to make.... who's going to make you happy.... who you want, who you want to be around. The one who's going to help you make your dreams come true.

JENNIFER: (Crying) Yes.

 

SHE TURNS TO FACE HIM AGAIN.

 

JACK: The one....the one who's going to love you and you're going to love back.

 

JENNIFER TRIES TO PROMPT HIM INTO ADMITTING HE IS "THE RIGHT GUY."

 

JENNIFER: Yes Jack.

JACK: (His voice cracking, he too is very emotional.) That's all I'm saying.

JENNIFER: What?

JACK: (As if trying to tell her something, to admit his feelings.) That's all I'm saying. I'm trying to make this clear. You shouldn't wait around. Go for the guy who's right. The one that's going to make you happy. That's all I've been saying. That's all I ever say to you.

JENNIFER: (Crying) I want the same for you too Jack. You don't realize it but you deserve it too. I hope that one day you're standing at an altar just like this one getting....

JACK: (Interrupting her, because he knows what she is about to say.) Jennifer.

JENNIFER: (Continuing) ....ready to marry the girl of your dreams. Somebody that loves you the way you should be loved.

 

JACK IS TRYING TO SPEAK TO HER BUT THE WORDS WILL NOT COME OUT. SHE IS SAD AND QUIETLY SOBBING. JUST THEN EMILIO IS HEARD.

 

EMILIO: Jennifer! You here yet?

JACK: (Giving her a slight pat) I'll see you tomorrow, okay.

 

JACK HURRIES OUT OF THE CHURCH, HE IS VERY EMOTIONAL AS WELL. HE LEAVES HER STANDING ALONE AT THE ALTAR, IN TEARS.

SCENE SIX: EMILIO COMES UP TO HER, OBLIVIOUS TO HER TEARS.

 

EMILIO: Jen, oh there you are. I've been looking all over for you. Would you believe this? One day. One day to the big day, huh!

JENNIFER: (Sobbing) I can hardly wait.

 

MELISSA ARRIVES. EMILIO WANTS TO START THE REHEARSAL NOW. JENNIFER TELLS HIM THE REST OF THE WEDDING PARTY HAS NOT ARRIVED. HOWEVER, IT IS JUST AN EXCUSE. EMILIO SAYS HE DOES NOT CARE, HE COULD MARRY HER A MILLION TIMES. JENNIFER TRIES TO HOLD BACK HER TEARS. JENNIFER PREPARES A PRACTICE WALK DOWN THE AISLE.

MEANWHILE, JACK IS HIDING IN THE FOYER, ON THE PHONE, WATCHING AND LISTENING TO THEM. HE HURRIES BACK TO THE PHONE.

 

JACK: Vern, you still there? Good, now listen, have you got everything? Double check it. All the equipment.... Good. Now the important thing is make sure that you've got it here at 12 noon. Make sure you've got the address. Salem Presbyterian Church, 12 noon. Got it?.... Good! Let's get busy.

JACK HAS A SELF-SATISFIED AND WICKED EXPRESSION ON HIS FACE.