A "Providence" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky
EXT. FOREST CLEARING – Dream Sequence
LYNDA (O.S.)
You're doing it wrong.
SYDNEY is attempting to set up a large tent by herself. The tent is half supported, half slumped on the ground. Sydney throws down a tent pole in frustration.
SYDNEY
Then why don't you help me, Mother?
LYNDA enters and stands next to Sydney with her arms crossed.
LYNDA
You know camping was never a favorite hobby of mine, dear.
(takes a drag on her cigarette)
SYDNEY
It's obviously not one of my strong suits either.
(blows a curl out of her eyes and retrieves the pole she threw down
earlier)
But I've never been one to give up easily.
(to Lynda)
Would it kill you to help me?
LYNDA
(sighs and puts out cigarette)
I guess not.
SYDNEY
Hold this.
(hands Lynda a corner of the tent)
I remember going on camping trips with my Girl Scout troop when I was
little. They weren't half-bad either. The nature hikes, the
campfires, the arts and crafts, the s'mores ...
LYNDA
... having one less child to deal with for a weekend.
Sydney turns around and glares at Lynda. Lynda gives her a weak smile and hands Sydney another tent pole. Sydney puts the last pole in place and stands back to admire her work.
SYDNEY
Not bad, if I do say so myself.
(brushes hands together and puts hands on hips)
Now that I think about it, I miss the outdoors and camping.
(thinking out loud)
I wonder if Joanie would want to go on a girl's only camping weekend.
We could invite Heather and Tina too. It'd be a great break from
work and I doubt anyone would mind the change of pace.
LYNDA
The thought of the four of you roughing it is absurd! No men,
surrounded by nothing but trees and wild animals, surviving in the elements
on your own. And you actually think you could get Joanie to spend
one night in a tent ... willingly? Ha!
(throws up hand)
Along with a pregnant lady, a total klutz and you, I'd give up my bridge
game this weekend to watch what happens.
Sydney begins carrying supplies, which are on the ground, into the tent.
SYDNEY
(poking her head out of the tent)
Camping is fun, Mother. Just because you don't appreciate it
for what it is doesn't mean Joanie won't.
(retreats into the tent and keeps talking)
In fact, I bet she agrees to it without a second thought ... same with
Tina and Heather.
LYNDA
Whatever you say, Syd. Let's just hope this excursion doesn't
turn out to be a disaster.
SYDNEY (O.S.)
Why do you say that?
Just as Sydney finishes talking, the tent shakes slightly and collapses on top of her. Sydney lets out a muffled scream.
LYNDA
(rolls eyes)
That's why.
INT. – SYDNEY'S BEDROOM – Morning
An alarm clock begins to buzz and SYDNEY is buried under her blankets. As she struggles to untangle herself, the same muffled scream from the DREAM SEQUENCE is heard. After a few seconds, her upper body emerges and she smacks the top of the alarm clock.
* * * * * * * * * *
EXT. HANSEN BACKYARD – Morning
SYDNEY exits her apartment and crosses the yard toward the main house, dressed for work and carrying her purse and briefcase. Halfway there, she stops and looks up at the sky.
SYDNEY
Yup, this is definitely the perfect weather for camping.
She continues on her way and opens the back door to the house.
INT. HANSEN KITCHEN – Continuous
HANNAH is sitting at the table pouring milk on her cereal while JOANIE stands next to her, dishrag in hand to clean up the unavoidable mess. JIM is getting a glass out of the cupboard.
SYDNEY
Morning.
(shuts door)
JIM
Hi Syd.
JOANIE
(to Hannah)
Go slow honey. Just a little at a time.
HANNAH
(brow furrowed in concentration as she gets more milk on the table
than in her bowl)
I know, Mommy.
Sydney chuckles at Hannah and sets her bags on a chair.
SYDNEY
Such concentration.
(crosses to counter, picks up a mug and pours coffee)
Joanie, do you have any plans for the weekend?
JOANIE
Unless playing Barbies and pre-school board games counts as plans,
no.
(cleans up Hannah's mess and returns the milk to the refrigerator)
Why do you ask?
SYDNEY
Well, the weather is supposed to be gorgeous, so I thought you and
I could set out on a girl's only camping trip. I figured we could
invite Heather and Tina too. The more the merrier.
Jim stands behind Sydney and starts laughing. Sydney turns around to face him.
SYDNEY
What's so funny?
JIM
You haven't been camping since elementary school. And even then
you weren't truly camping.
SYDNEY
(defensively)
I was so. We were in tents, made campfires ... the whole nine
yards.
JIM
It was Girl Scouts, Syd. The tents were already set up, the adults
made the campfires and you ate in a cafeteria disguised as a large cabin.
JOANIE
(slightly interrupting Jim)
I think it sounds like fun. We're all intelligent adults and
it seems as though four competent women should be able to survive a rustic
weekend together. What's the worst that could happen?
(nods head and smiles at Sydney)
SYDNEY
Exactly.
Jim continues smiling and shakes his head.
SYDNEY
(turns to Hannah)
What do you think, Hannah? Can you play Barbies with Grandpa
this weekend instead of with Mom?
HANNAH
(with a mouthful of cereal)
Can we have a tea party too?
JIM
I don't see why not. And please don't talk with your mouth full.
Hannah sets her spoon in her bowl, places a contemplative finger on her chin and thinks about Jim's answer for a moment.
HANNAH
Count me in.
Jim, Joanie and Sydney laugh.
EXT. BARKERY & INT. AUTO GARAGE – Same Morning
JOANIE walks down the sidewalk toward the Barkery, cell phone in hand. She's carrying on a conversation with TINA who is sitting at the front desk of the auto garage. Tina is rifling through papers, the phone cradled between her ear and shoulder. Attention is alternating between the two women as they talk.
JOANIE
... I know it sounds crazy but it should be a lot of fun. C'mon,
please say yes.
TINA
I don't know Joanie. This whole pregnancy thing isn't all that
conducive to sleeping on the ground in a tent.
JOANIE
Heather's already agreed to the trip. It'll be a blast.
Female bonding, gossiping about men and other such things.
(quickly trying to think of a clincher to get Tina to agree)
... And Syd, Heather and I will be at your every beck and call.
I bet that's something you can't say about Robbie and Pete.
Joanie reaches the Barkery and begins to unlock the door while waiting for Tina's response. Tina sets down the papers in her hand and switches the phone to her other ear, thinking.
JOANIE
(hearing only silence on the other end)
Tina? ...
TINA
... Okay, I'll go. But this better be one damn good camping trip,
Joanie.
(laughing)
JOANIE
Of course, Tina. Have I ever steered you wrong?
(pauses, holds up a hand)
Wait, you better not answer that. Anywho, I'll give Syd a ring-a-ling
later and let her know everyone's accounted for. Thanks Tina.
Both women hang up. Joanie enters the Barkery and Tina returns to her paperwork.
INT. ST. CLAIRE'S – Same Afternoon
PATRICE walks a few steps ahead of SYDNEY, briefing her about a patient.
PATRICE
... normal physical for summer sports. I did some of the basics
for you, but a doctor needs to sign off on it. Shouldn't be anything
too difficult.
Patrice slides open the curtain to the examination area and hands Sydney a clipboard with the patient's paperwork.
PATRICE
There ya go.
SYDNEY
Thanks, Patrice.
Patrice exits. Sydney steps into the examination area and closes the curtain behind her while glancing at the clipboard. A 17-year-old girl (ELLIE) sits on the examination table and freely swings her legs.
SYDNEY
Eleanor Cooper ...
(extends hand)
... I'm Dr. Hansen.
ELLIE
It's Ellie. Everyone calls me Ellie.
SYDNEY
(smiling)
Sorry. I'm the same way. My name's Sydney, but everyone
calls me Syd.
Sydney sets the clipboard down and puts her stethoscope in her ears. She breathes on the metal disk to warm it up before placing it on Ellie's back.
ELLIE
It's all right. I'm used to it by now. Cool name, by the
way.
SYDNEY
I like it. Deep breaths, Ellie.
(moves stethoscope to a different location and listens)
What sports do you play?
Ellie continues taking deep breaths, talking in between them.
ELLIE
Soccer ... I've played on a summer league ... ever since I was big
enough ... to kick a ball.
Sydney continues with the various aspects of the exam, occasionally writing on a form attached to the clipboard.
SYDNEY
You must be pretty good then, huh?
ELLIE
(starts to blush)
I don't like to brag, but yeah, I guess I am. I've been the leading
goalkeeper in the division for the last three years running. And
I've made the all-state team a handful of times, too.
SYDNEY
Impressive. I was never one for sports myself, but I always liked
watching a good game.
(picks up the clipboard)
A few questions and you're all set. Any medications you're taking
that I should know about?
ELLIE
Just the occasional Tylenol after a rough game.
SYDNEY
Nothing wrong with that.
(makes a checkmark on the physical form)
Any recent physical complaints?
ELLIE
(slight hesitation)
Nope.
Sydney cocks her head to the side and tries to read Ellie's expression. Ellie doesn't make eye contact.
SYDNEY
What's goin' on kiddo? I can't help you if you don't talk to
me.
Ellie sighs and looks at Sydney. It's obvious she doesn't want to tell Sydney what's going on for fear it would interfere with soccer.
ELLIE
My left wrist has been hurting a little more than usual. I fell on
it making a spectacular save in practice the other day.
Sydney sets down her pen and clipboard, picks up Ellie's wrist and slowly moves it back and forth.
ELLIE
Ow!
SYDNEY
Okay, that's definitely not supposed to happen. It feels like
it's just a sprain, but I'm going to have Patrice do a few X-rays just
to be sure. One of the hazards of being a goalie is actually getting
to use your hands.
ELLIE
Wonderful.
SYDNEY
If it's a sprain, it'll only set you back a few weeks, nothing major.
Patrice'll be here in a few minutes for the X-rays. Sit tight.
Sydney exits the area and pulls the curtain closed behind her. Ellie lets out a defeated sigh and cradles her sore wrist.
INT. ST. CLAIRE'S – Continuous
SYDNEY walks toward the front desk. The phone rings and PATRICE answers it.
PATRICE
... Here she comes right now.
(covers the phone with her hand)
It's your sister.
Patrice hands the phone to Sydney and picks up an ink pen from her desk.
SYDNEY
(to phone)
Hold on a sec, Joanie.
(to Patrice)
I need you to X-ray Ellie Cooper's left wrist. I think it's just
a sprain, but it's better to be safe then sorry.
Patrice nods in understanding and heads in the direction of the examination area. Sydney leans against the front desk and continues her conversation with Joanie.
SYDNEY
What's up?
... Both of them agreed? That's great!
... I figured Heather would agree right away. That's what I love
about her.
... How'd you talk Tina into going?
(shocked)
... You didn't?
... I just hope you realize you'll be her personal assistant more than
Heather and I will.
(laughing)
... Dad's going to help us get the gear around and maybe Tina can talk
Robbie into helping to. He's bound to know something about camping.
It is a guy thing.
... Talk to ya later, sweetie.
... Bye.
Sydney hangs up the phone and grabs a clipboard off the counter. She glances at the name on the form and heads toward the waiting area.
* * * * * * * * * *
EXT. HANSEN DRIVEWAY – Two Days Later
JIM is loading the last of the girls' camping gear into the back of Sydney's car. ROBBIE and TINA are standing on the front lawn kissing and saying their good-byes. JOANIE is holding HANNAH and talking with HEATHER. SYDNEY exits the front door of the house, purse in hand.
JIM
That's the last of it ladies.
(to Sydney)
The tent, sleeping bags and clothes are in Tina's car. The food,
firewood and other supplies are in yours. Be careful driving because
it's hard to see out the back
window.
SYDNEY
Thanks Dad.
(kisses him on the cheek)
We appreciate it.
HEATHER
This is so exciting! I've never been camping and what better
people to go with then some of my best friends.
JOANIE
Speaking of which ...
(yelling at Robbie and Tina)
Romeo! Juliet! Break it up! We've gotta hit the road.
ROBBIE
(to Tina)
Have fun. Try to take it easy.
Robbie and Tina walk toward the group standing near Sydney's car.
TINA
I will. Joanie's volunteered to be at my beck and call.
(to Joanie)
Didn't you, Joanie?
JOANIE
(smiling)
That I did.
Sydney moves to the driver side of her car and opens the door.
SYDNEY
Who want to ride with me and who wants to ride with Tina?
Tina holds up her car keys and jingles them.
HEATHER
I'll ride with Syd.
JOANIE
(handing Hannah to Jim)
Okey-dokey.
(she touches Hannah on the nose)
Be good for Grandpa, okay?
HANNAH
(smiling)
Yup.
JIM
We'll be just fine. I'm more concerned about the four of you.
HEATHER
Don't worry about us, Dr. Hansen.
(starts walking toward Sydney's car and trips after a few steps)
TINA
(with concern)
Heather?
HEATHER
(standing)
I'm all right.
ROBBIE
(whispers to Tina)
Keep an eye on her this weekend to make sure she doesn't severely injure
herself.
Tina elbows Robbie in the ribs. Robbie reacts with mock pain then kisses Tina before she gets into her car.
SYDNEY
Bye guys!
(shuts car door)
The women get into their respective cars and pull out of the driveway, Sydney's car leading. Jim, holding Hannah, and Robbie stand in the middle of the yard waving good-bye.
EXT. CAMPGROUND – Same Morning
The cars are parked alongside the camping area, with trunks and doors open. TINA is sitting at the picnic table while JOANIE and HEATHER are emptying the supplies from the car.
TINA
Are you sure I can't help, girls? I feel useless just sitting
here.
JOANIE
(holding a heavy crate of firewood and sounding slightly breathless)
Nah, don't worry about it Tina.
(drops crate on the ground next to the fire pit)
We wouldn't want you to over-do anything. Besides, we're almost
unloaded.
HEATHER
You could pull the tent stakes out of this bag if you want.
(thrusts the tent bag toward Tina)
TINA
Sure!
Tina stands up to accept the bag from Heather. Once she gets a hold of it, she bends to the ground under its weight. Heather gasps.
TINA
Whoa! It's a little heavier that I thought it'd be.
(stands back up)
HEATHER
(grimacing)
Sorry.
TINA
No biggie.
Tina unzips the bag and starts sorting through it. SYDNEY walks towards the other women carrying two vehicle passes and a camping permit.
SYDNEY
(huge smile)
We're officially registered for a weekend of fun!
(puts a parking permit on the dashboard of each car)
Let's get that tent set up!
Tina hands Joanie the rolled up tent and Heather a handful of folded up tent poles. Sydney and Joanie begin to unroll the tent on the ground.
INT. HANNAH'S BEDROOM – Same Afternoon
HANNAH and JIM are on the floor of the bedroom sitting in front of a dollhouse. Jim is holding a girl doll and Hannah is holding a boy doll.
JIM
(falsetto voice)
Would you like something to eat, Luke?
HANNAH
(deep voice)
Yes please. That would be wonderful.
Jim moves his doll into the kitchen area of the house.
HANNAH
(normal voice)
Grandpa, I'm tired of playing dolls.
(stands up and gets a game from her bookshelf)
Let's play Candyland!
JIM
Oh, Hannah, I think Grandpa needs a nap first. You've kept me
quite busy today.
HANNAH
But I'm not tired.
(sticks out bottom lip)
Please?
JIM
(sighs)
One game. One game, then it's time to rest. Deal?
HANNAH
Deal!
JIM
Let's play this downstairs at the table though.
Jim takes the game from Hannah and moves to the doorway. Hannah follows.
EXT. CAMPGROUND – Early Afternoon
The tent is standing – although somewhat lop-sided – in the middle of the campsite. TINA is inside the tent laying out the sleeping bags while JOANIE moves the clothing bags inside. HEATHER is standing next to SYDNEY, who's squatting next to the fire pit, adding more wood to the small blaze.
JOANIE
(speaking from inside tent)
This tent definitely looks bigger from the outside. There's barely
enough room for us to roll over.
Joanie and Tina exit the tent.
JOANIE
Syd, have you actually looked inside that thing? Are you sure
it's made for four people?
SYDNEY
(standing)
Actually, it's made for six.
TINA
(glancing back at the tent)
Yeah – six people to put the darn thing together. I'm sorry,
but an hour for four women to put a tent together is a bit ridiculous.
SYDNEY
Hey, Dad forgot the pack the directions, all right. At least
it's standing ...
(everyone looks at the lop-sided tent)
... kinda.
HEATHER
(laughing)
It is a pathetic site, isn't it?
TINA
I don't know about you guys, but I'm hungry.
SYDNEY
Let's eat. What's on the menu Joanie?
Joanie moves to the food box sitting on the picnic table. Heather and Tina sit on opposite sides of the table, Sydney sits on the tabletop.
JOANIE
(holding up each can or box in turn)
We have Spaghetti-Os, the childhood classic. Pork and beans,
a camping tradition. And rice, 'cause, well, you can't go wrong with
rice. All I need is a couple of pots, some water and about ten minutes.
HEATHER
I'll help you.
Joanie gets the grill stand from the trunk of Sydney's car while Heather digs around the utensil box, obviously looking for something. Tina and Sydney quietly talk with each other.
HEATHER
Um, where's the can opener?
SYDNEY
It should be in the box with the silverware.
HEATHER
(shaking her head)
Nope.
JOANIE
You're kidding, right?
Again, Heather shakes her head. Sydney crosses to Heather and rummages through the box herself, still not finding the can opener.
SYDNEY
She's right, it's not here.
TINA
onderful. What're we gonna do now?
The women look blankly at each other, each trying to think of a solution to the problem before them. Suddenly, Heather runs near the tent and picks up a hammer lying on the ground. She returns to the picnic table and pulls a knife from the utensil box.
JOANIE
(setting a pot of water on the grill to boil)
You do realize that hammer is for the tent stakes, don't you?
HEATHER
Yup. But I think it may be the solution to our can opener problem
as well.
Heather places the can of Spaghetti-Os on the table in front of her and places the knife on the edge of the lid. She quickly hits the knife with the hammer, puncturing the can.
TINA
That's brilliant Heather!
Heather moves the knife and makes three more swings. On the fourth, Spaghetti-O sauce splashes from the can, hitting Sydney, Tina and Heather.
SYDNEY
Careful!
HEATHER
(sheepish grin)
Sorry.
Heather continues pounding open the cans (which keep splashing sauce everywhere), while the other three women move out of the "spray range."
INT. HANSEN LIVING ROOM – Evening
JIM and HANNAH, wearing her pajamas, are sitting on the couch watching television. FEARLESS is lying at Jim's feet. Hannah yawns loudly.
JIM
I think it's time for you do go to bed, sleepy girl.
HANNAH
I'm not tired Grandpa.
(yawns again)
JIM
(quiet chuckle)
Oh, I think you are. Besides, we've had a busy day and you need
your rest since you decided not to talk a nap this afternoon.
Hearing no response, Jim looks in Hannah's direction – she's sound asleep with her head resting on the arm of the couch. Jim picks Hannah up and carries her out of the room. Fearless follows.
INT. HANNAH'S BEDROOM – Continuous
JIM places HANNAH in her bed and kisses her forehead. FEARLESS jumps onto the bed and snuggles next to Hannah, resting his head on her chest.
JIM
(whispering)
Good night you two.
Jim exits the room, turning off the light and leaving the door ajar.
INT. HANSEN KITCHEN – Continuous
JIM grabs a bottle of juice from the refrigerator and pours himself a glass. As he drinks, he notices a piece of paper on the counter and picks it up.
JIM
Tent directions. I hope the girls didn't need these.
EXT. CAMPGROUND – Nighttime
SYDNEY, JOANIE, HEATHER and TINA are sitting around the campfire roasting marshmallows and laughing. Tina is wrapped in a blanket, Sydney is wearing a stocking hat and jacket, Heather and Joanie are wearing sweatshirts.
TINA
Pass the marshmallows please.
JOANIE
(hands her the bag)
You're poor baby's going to be a sugar high before the night's through!
TINA
(sticking two marshmallows on her stick)
But how often does one have fire-roasted marshmallows.
SYDNEY
(pulling a marshmallow off her stick)
We should have just skipped dinner and gone straight to dessert!
It would have cut down on the mess ... that's for sure.
(winks and smiles at Heather)
HEATHER
(laughing)
I got the cans open, didn't I?
JOANIE
And we're all thankful for that. Oh my hell!
(pulls her stick from the fire, the marshmallow burning)
SYDNEY
Aside from the minor difficulties we've faced, this has been a pretty
awesome day. I don't know about the three of you, but this is a welcome
change of pace from everyday life. Sometimes I get so stressed out
between work at home ...
(looks at Joanie, who smiles back)
... that I forget about the simple things in life that make it special.
TINA
I know exactly what you're talking about. Some days I feel like
I'd be twenty times more productive staying at home with Robbie and Pete
doing nothing as opposed to going to work at the garage.
JOANIE
Family'll do that to you.
HEATHER
And since I don't live near mine, I consider you guys my family and
I couldn't ask for anyone better.
SYDNEY
That's so sweet Heather. I'm sure I can speak for Joanie and
Tina when I say you're our family too.
JOANIE
(standing)
Enough of this sentimental stuff. I think it's time to call it
a night and cozy up in that lovely tent of ours.
TINA
(chewing on a marshmallow)
No more marshmallows?
Everyone looks at Tina and laughs.
* * * * * * * * * *
INT. TENT – Dream Sequence
There are five sleeping bags side-by-side on the floor of the tent – TINA, SYDNEY, LYNDA, JOANIE and HEATHER. Lynda's sleeping bag is moving back and forth.
SYDNEY
(eyes closed)
Joanie, stop moving!
JOANIE
(sleepy moan)
I'm not moving. It's Mom.
SYDNEY
Mom? Mom's not here, Joanie. Go back to sleep.
LYDNA
(sitting up)
Oh yes I am!
Sydney groans and rolls over.
SYDNEY
There's not enough room in this tent for five people, Mother.
LYNDA
It is cozy in here, isn't it?
SYDNEY
It'd be a lot roomier if you left.
LYNDA
You four have really impressed me. The tent is still standing,
you didn't get lost on the drive up here, no one fell in the fire.
Aside from Heather's can opener mess, you haven't had any disasters.
HEATHER
(propping herself up)
Did I just hear my name?
SYDNEY
(leaning around Lynda to see Heather)
No.
Heather shrugs her shoulders and goes back to sleep.
SYDNEY
(to Lynda)
Get to the point Mother.
LYNDA
What? Can I not stop by for a friendly visit with my daughter?
SYDNEY
It's never that easy.
TINA
Please be quiet! I'm trying to sleep.
SYDNEY
(whispers)
It's never that easy.
LYNDA
Exactly. No matter how perfect or simple something seems, it's
never that easy. Take this camping trip for example. Everything
seems fine and dandy right now, but you never know what's going to happen
next.
SYDNEY
Are you hear to warn me of some impending doom? Is the tent going
to collapse? Is a bear going to destroy the camp? Are we going
to realize we forgot the toothpaste?
LYNDA
If I told you what was going to happen, I'd ruin the surprise.
SYDNEY
(sighs and throws hands in the air)
I give up.
Sydney flops back down on her pillow and closes her eyes.
INT. TENT – Following Morning
Four sleeping bags are lined up on the floor of the tent – TINA, SYDNEY, JOANIE and HEATHER. A rumble of thunder sounds, but the women continue sleeping. Sydney rolls over just as a flash of lightning appears followed by another clap of thunder. Her eyes snap open and she crawls to the door of the tent.
SYDNEY
(slight panic)
No, no, no. This cannot be happening.
TINA
(rubbing eyes)
What are you talking about, Syd?
SYDNEY
(still looking outside)
My mom said nothing was easy ... and she's right. I think we're
in for a thunderstorm.
TINA
Thunderstorm?
(crawls next to Syd)
This is literally going to put a damper on things. I guess we
should wake Heather and Joanie so we can get some stuff packed in the car
before it starts to rain.
Sydney reaches over and shakes Joanie's foot to wake her. Joanie rolls over and begins to snore. Sydney continues shaking her.
SYDNEY
Time to wake up girls! It's morning.
Heather jolts awake at the sound of thunder.
HEATHER
Is that what I think it is?
Sydney nods. Joanie continues to snore.
TINA
(rolls eyes)
This is ridiculous.
Tina leans forward and pinches Joanie's nose to wake her. Joanie swats Tina away and sits up.
JOANIE
I'm awake. I'm awake.
Sydney puts on her shoes and climbs out of the tent, followed by Tina.
SYDNEY (O.S.)
We need to get things packed before the rain. And we better move
fast 'cause those clouds are gettin' mighty dark.
Joanie and Heather look at each other. Heather exits the tent while Joanie lays back down and puts her pillow over her face.
INT. VET CLINIC – Same Morning
JIM is sitting behind the counter staring blankly at the computer screen.
JIM
This is why I miss Heather. Computer technology is way beyond
me.
Jim hits a few keys only to be rewarded with a loud beep. He hits a few more keys, which happen to stop the beeping, but don't open the file he wants.
JIM
I know Heather put an instruction sheet around here somewhere ...
Jim begins searching through desk drawers when ROBBIE walks in the clinic door.
ROBBIE
Hey Dad.
Robbie shakes the rain from his coat and runs a hand through his hair.
JIM
I take it it's still raining.
ROBBIE
Like cats and dogs. You haven't heard from the girls have you?
JIM
(still searching drawers)
No, I haven't. I hope they're not getting too wet. I know
how much they were looking forward to this trip.
ROBBIE
(leaning against counter and watching Jim)
Where's Hannah?
JIM
In back with Fievel.
ROBBIE
A cartoon mouse?
JIM
Mrs. Baxter's chocolate lab. Found it!
(pulls Heather's directions from the bottom drawer)
Now maybe I can open today's patient files.
Robbie laughs and moves toward the back of the clinic.
ROBBIE
Mind if I borrow Hannah for a while? I promised her I'd take
her to Mickey D's for a Happy Meal.
Jim glances from Heather's directions to the computer screen, concentration on his face.
JIM
Fine with me as long as you bring me back a strawberry shake.
ROBBIE (O.S.)
Will do!
EXT. CAMPGROUND – Few Hours Later
The rain is pouring down. The campsite is empty except for the tent. All of the supplies are packed into the cars. The women are divided between the two cars – TINA and HEATHER, SYDNEY and JOANIE. Sydney leans against the steering wheel of her car, staring up at the dark grey sky.
SYDNEY
I don't think it's going to stop or lighten up anytime soon.
JOANIE
Nope. I think our vacation is definitely over. I thought
you said the weather was supposed to be gorgeous this weekend?
INT. SYDNEY'S CAR – Continuous
SYDNEY
That's what Al Roker said.
JOANIE
Al Roker gives the national forecast. The national forecast in
an overview. Did you think to check the local news for a local forecast?
SYDNEY
Nope.
(changing the subject)
We need to get the tent down before we leave though. The quicker
the better. Tell ya what, I'm gonna get Heather and Tina so we can
do it now.
JOANIE
(turning to face Sydney)
You're crazy. I'm not standing out in that.
SYDNEY
Joanie, it's rain. Water never killed anyone except for the Wicked
Witch of the West. I don't think you're going to melt like her.
Look, we pulled the stakes out before the rain. All we have to do
is pull out the poles, collapse them and roll up the tent. It shouldn't
take more than five or six minutes if we work together.
JOANIE
Fine. But I'm not getting out until they do.
Sydney gets out of her car and runs back to Tina's. She quickly opens the back driver's door and climbs in.
EXT. CAMPGROUND – Continuous
The collapsed tent is lying on the ground. Frantically, the soaking wet women are doing their part to get it ready to put in Sydney's car – SYDNEY and JOANIE are folding the tent while TINA and HEATHER are taking care of the tent poles. They are talking over the sound of the rain.
SYDNEY
Fold it in half!
JOANIE
But it's all muddy!
Joanie reluctantly touches the dirty part of the tent, making as little contact with it as possible. Sydney, fed up with her sister, reaches over to grab the other end of the semi-folded tent, but loses her balance and falls face-first into the mud. Heather, Tina and Joanie start laughing uncontrollably. Sydney slowly raises her head and gives the women an evil glare.
TINA
Let me help you up, Syd.
Tina extends her hand and Sydney slowly stands up. Her entire front is covered in mud that is slowly washing off of her face because of the rain. The other women are trying to stifle their laughs.
JOANIE
(chuckling)
I hope you don't plan on getting in the car like that.
HEATHER
At least you can get some of the mud off with the rain.
Heather gives Sydney an encouraging smile before heading to Sydney's car to put some of the poles in the trunk. Sydney wipes the remaining mud from her face and picks up the now folded tent.
SYDNEY
I think it's time we head home.
TINA
(nodding head)
Yeah.
Joanie takes the tent from Sydney and puts it, along with the remaining poles into the trunk of Sydney's car. Heather and Tina get into Tina's car and Joanie begins to open the passenger door of Sydney's car when Sydney stops her.
SYDNEY
Can you drive?
JOANIE
(looking Sydney up and down)
I sure will.
INT. HANSEN KITCHEN – Same Afternoon
JOANIE and SYDNEY, still mud-streaked, enter the back door of the house. JIM enters the kitchen from the hallway.
JIM
I heard you two pull up so I thought I'd ...
(shocked)
What happened to you?!
JOANIE
Dad, I really wouldn't ask if I were you.
(moving toward Jim and talking quieter)
She's really not in the mood right now.
(whispering)
But I'll tell ya all about it later.
Joanie smiles as Jim nods his head in understanding. Sydney walks past them on her way out of the room.
SYDNEY (O.S.)
(grumbling)
I hate camping.
All characters (c) NBC, Providence and all other relevant parties. This story was written for the enjoyment of other Providence fans and is not meant to infringe upon the copyrights of any of the aforementioned individuals.