EXT: SAN DIEGO UNIVERSITY CAMPUS - NIGHT

It was late in the evening, and Ethan figured he would take a stroll around the campus. It was always nice to walk around after the sun set, and the heat wasn't as extreme.

As he made his way around the main loop of the campus, for the second time in a row, he noticed the all too familiar thumping of the bass, coming from the frat house down the road.

He knew that was what Kathy and her boyfriend were talking about earlier that day in the mess hall.

She was there, probably doing things she shouldn't be, and even though he wasn't much of a parting kind of guy, he really wished he could be there… just to make sure Kathy was okay.

But he couldn't do that anymore, she made it perfectly clear that she wanted to move on.

How could she be okay with that? After all we've been through, he thought to himself, but quickly shut that switch back off. He needed to stop obsessing over it, and just enjoy the beauty of the night as he finished his stroll.

As he made his way back over towards the dorms, he heard someone call out to him from behind.

He turned around to find Shane, one of the few friends he met since he started school in San Diego.

Shane wasn't from California at all, he actually was from Texas, and he carried a deep southern accent that Ethan found extremely funny at times.

Shane was very tall, about six foot two; short dark hair; medium build. He looked intimidating at first glance, but he was actually a real down to earth guy, and Ethan liked him. He found him to be pretty cool, and probably hung out with him the most since coming to school there.

Shane: Hey what are doing strollin' out here?

Ethan: Nothing really, just decided to take a walk, clear my head.

Shane: You still tryna get over that girl huh? Kathy?

Ethan: Yes, her name is Kathy, and no that's not why I'm out here… and besides I am over her.

Shane pressed his lips together, he knew Ethan was lying.

Shane: Yeah, yeah, I don' believe you for two seconds brother.

Ethan laughed, not at his comment, but at his choice of words.

Ethan: Brother? Really? What are you Hulk Hogan?

Shane laughed, but quickly returned the sarcasm.

Shane: Oh, I'm sorry, does "dudee" sound more like the kind of lingo ya'll use out here.

Ethan laughed again.

As they kept walking, Shane heard the same sounds coming from the frat house.

Shane: Sounds like a good time down there.

Ethan looked towards the road, and rolled his eyes.

Ethan: Yeah, I doubt it.

Shane creased his eyebrows.

Shane: You don' like them or somethin'?

Ethan: Not that I don't like them, per say.. I just… that's not my kind of crowd that's all.

Shane: Is she there?

Ethan nodded, and Shane quickly realized why Ethan responded in that way.

Shane: C'mon, why don't we check it out… maybe she will see you and ya'll can get to talking.

Ethan: Forget it, I'm not going to some stupid frat house… and besides, they probably won't let us in anyway.

Shane: Says who? They are all probably too drunk to even realize who is comin' in and outta that place. C'mon, let's just pop in, check it out, and see what the big deal is, and then we'll leave.

Ethan really didn't want to go in there, but then again, it gave him a chance to see Kathy, and make sure she was okay… he gave in.

Ethan: Aright, in and out though… I don't want to stay in there with those idiots for long.

Shane: Got it.

They both turned and began walking down the grungy paved road to the left of them, and towards the frat house.

TRANSITION TO:

INT: ADRIAN AND OMAR'S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Adrian was sitting at the stool next to the counter in her kitchen, when Omar walked over to her and kissed her on her cheek.

He was dressed in a black suit, and had a large suitcase in his hand.

Adrian: I really wish you didn't have to go.

She made a puppy dog face, and Omar smiled.

Omar: I know me either, but this meeting is really important babe, I can't miss it. It will only be two days, I'll be back before you know it.

Adrian pouted.

Adrian: You know, I am eight months pregnant and you have been away so much lately.

Omar tilted his head.

Omar: Come on Adrian, don't do that to me. Don't make me feel guilty, I have to take care of things at my job too baby, you know that.

Adrian gave in a little, but inside she really was getting annoyed with all these business trips.

Adrian: Fine, I'll see you when you get back.

Omar kissed her forehead, and then leaned down and kissed her belly.

Omar: I love you.

Adrian: I love you too.

As Omar left, Adrian made her way over towards the cabinet, pulled out a package of microwavable popcorn, and placed it in the microwave.

As she waited for it to finish, she leaned up against the counter and rubbed her stomach.

Adrian: I guess its movie night, for just the two of us Nina.

Once the microwave went off, she grabbed a big bowl and poured it into it, picking at a couple also.

She made her way over to the couch and grabbed the remote and started flickering through the demand channels trying to find a movie to watch. As she scrolled, she came across the movie "The Notebook".

Now she had seen this a hundred times already, but hey, why not? She could go for a sappy romance, and not only that but this was pure drugs for her emotional hormones right now. A reason to make her cry and get all mushy, it was perfect.

As she hit play, and squiggled her way into a nice comfy position on the couch, he cell phone buzzed on the coffee table.

"Go figure" she thought to herself, as she now tried to pull her pregnant-self back up to reach her phone.

As soon as she looked at her phone she swung her head back in annoyance. It was a text message… from Ben.

To: Adrian

From: Ben

Hey. Can we talk? I'm downstairs.

"Ugh, right now?" she thought to herself, but instead she gritted her teeth and responded…

To: Ben

From: Adrian

Yeah, I mean I guess so if you're already here than come up… we have to make it quick though, I am about to watch a movie.

She placed her phone back on the table, and slowly and carefully tried to maneuver herself onto her feet, to go and unlock the door.

By the time she waddled herself to the door and opened it, Ben was already standing there.

Ben: Hey.

Adrian looked at him, cold faced. She then turned to walk back over to her couch, leaving Ben to close the door behind him.

Adrian: Yeah, hi.

Ben felt the annoyance coming from Adrian, but he smirked without her seeing him.

He followed her over to the couch, and sat down as well, on the other end of the couch.

Adrian: I'm surprised you haven't pulled some kind of gourmet meal out of your hat yet.

Adrian was being sarcastic; however, she kind of wished he would have… she was starving, and this popcorn was not doing it for her.

Ben: Very funny.

Adrian twitched her head a little in response.

Ben: Where is Omar?

Adrian looked away; she was clearly still annoyed with Omar's frequent business trips lately.

Adrian: On his way to California, business meeting, or whatever.

Ben noticed her annoyance, but decided not to press on it.

Ben: So a movie huh? What are you watching?

Adrian looked at Ben confused.

Adrian: Ben come on.

Ben: What?

Adrian: Why are you here? You said you wanted to talk, but you are just making small talk… what is it?

Ben: Aright, alright. I just… Adrian we need talk about things, about the baby… about the whole situation… we really, really need to figure out what the plan is.

Adrian looked saddened by Ben's question. He was right… but she needed a little more time to think things over, and really come to a conclusion before she could answer his question.

Adrian: Ben… listen, I know I haven't been openly communicating with you about everything, and I'm sorry. I know you want answers okay, and I will give them to you, I just don't have them this second. Can you please just give me a couple of days, to really think things through… figure out what to do… I promise we will talk about it okay?

She sounded really sincere, and almost pleading to Ben to let it go for tonight.

Ben noticed, and even though he told himself that he would make Adrian talk to him tonight, he couldn't pressure her… not when he could see the sincerity on her face.

Ben: Okay.

Adrian shot her head up. "Did he just say okay?" She thought to herself. She was surprised, but felt a sense of gratitude as well.

Adrian: Thank you.

Ben smiled in response.

Adrian realized she had been chomping away at the popcorn in her hand, rudely never offering him any.

She extended the bowl to Ben.

Adrian: Popcorn?

Ben shook his head no, and smiled. Adrian shrugged, and grabbed another handful for herself.

Ben: So what are you watching?

Adrian: The Notebook.

Ben looked shocked.

Ben: The Notebook? You?

Adrian got a little defensive.

Adrian: Why is that such a shock to you?

Ben chuckled a little.

Ben: I don't know, I just never thought you were the sappy, romantic type…

Adrian softened.

Adrian: Well I am. I like to cry every now and then.

Adrian looked up at Ben out of the corner of her eye and laughed.

Adrian: Okay, okay! I'm not usually… but this pregnancy has had me acting all kinds of crazy lately.

Ben laughed.

Ben: Yeah, you're a bit extra moody too.

He smiled as Adrian folded her arms playfully.

Adrian: Hey watch it! You never know how moody I could get right now!

Ben chuckled.

Ben: It's aright your cute when you mad.

Adrian stiffened, and Ben practically choked after those words left his mouth.

It got very silent, and all Ben could think to himself was "Why the hell did I just say that?"

Adrian cleared her throat, obviously trying to think of something to break the awkwardness.

Adrian: Uh, so how's Grace?

Ben cleared his throat also.

Ben: She's uh… good, yeah she's great.

Adrian: Good, good. I mean I just spoke to her the other day and all, but I just figured I'd ask anyway.

Ben: Oh yeah, sure.

Adrian could still feel the strangeness in the air, so even though she didn't plan on it, she decided to ask Ben if he would like to watch the movie with her… just to take the focus off of conversation.

Adrian: Do you want to stay and watch the movie with me?

Ben: Oh I don't want to be an annoyance to-

Adrian cut him off.

Adrian: Ben you're not an annoyance to me, you're never an annoyance to me I promise.

She gave him a reassuring smile.

He cracked a smile back at her.

Ben: Okay then, let's watch The Notebook.

Adrian smiled as she turned the small table lamp off beside her, and pressed play.

TRANSITION TO:

INT: LAURENS APARTMENT/ LOS ANGELES – NIGHT

Madison is over Laurens place, Jack agreed to give her a couple of hours tonight to hang out with her best friend, and have some time to herself. The two aren't doing anything spectacular; however, just the peacefulness of hanging out with her best friend, talking about nonsense, and ordering in pizza was a perfect night for Madison.

She needed this. Ever since Destiny was born, her life has been on overdrive, and even though she loved her with all her heart, she was in desperate need of some alone time.

Lauren: So, how is the little princess? I wish I could come around and see her more often, but with the chemo, it's dangerous for me to be around her.

Madison: She is wonderful. No, trust me I know, it's okay. Don't worry I tell her all about you! And soon you will be able to see her all the time.

Lauren smiled.

Lauren: How's things with Jack? Thinking about a wedding date anytime soon?

Madison shook her head no.

Lauren: Is everything okay between you guys?

Madison: Yeah, I mean I guess so… it's just different for us now that we have a child I guess. We were so used to a simple life, and now with Destiny, things have been a little harder to get used to.

Lauren: Well, you guys are doing a great job. You'll get there.

Madison looked doubtful.

Madison: Yeah, see that's the thing… what if we don't "get there"? You know? I mean to be honest, Jack and I, we haven't exactly been too fond of each other lately, partially due to stress and lack of sleep. I just worry sometimes, like maybe we moved too fast, maybe we rushed into this life, and now we are stuck, with no way out, and all we can do is put on a brave face for our daughter, when inside we are screaming.

Lauren: Do you feel stuck?

Madison: I don't know… I mean, yeah, sometimes… ugh I feel so guilty for even saying this.

Lauren sympathizes with Madison.

Lauren: Don't feel guilty… it is okay to be afraid Madison, really it is perfectly normal.

Madison smiles at her friend.

Madison: You're not going to get all psychologist on me now are you?

Lauren looks at Madison confused, but then starts laughing as she nudges Madison on the shoulder.

TRANSITION TO:

INT: ADRIAN AND OMAR'S APARTMENT/ NYC – NIGHT

Ben and Adrian have been watching the movie for a while now, and at certain points, real sentimental parts, he has noticed Adrian tearing up. He had been stealing glances over at her since the movie began, and he didn't know why, but for some reason he was really enjoying being there with Adrian.

Even if they weren't conversing, it was still nice.

As he focused his eyes on the movie, he is sent on a world wind of thoughts after hearing two separate parts of the dialog…

"They didn't agree on much. In fact, they didn't agree on anything. They fought all the time and challenged each other every day. But despite their differences, they had one important thing in common. They were crazy about each other."

… &…

"So, it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day. Will you do something for me, please? Just picture your life for me? Thirty years from now, forty years from now? What's it look like? If it's with him- go. Go! I lost you once; I think I can do it again, if I thought that's what you really wanted. But don't you take the easy way out."

When Ben heard the actor saying these lines, it was like a flash of lightening ran through his body. "Is it possible that this baby is leading me back to Adrian, forming a connection between us both, as a statement, as a wakeup call, that we are meant to be with each other?" he thought to himself.

He adored Adrian, and he truly loved her, especially since everything that happened with Mercy, but was he still in love with her? After all this time had passed, was it possible that he had shoved these feeling deep inside him, and locked the key?

Ben took a deep breath and glanced over at Adrian, still sitting there, wrapped up in a blanket, focused on the screen in front of her, with tears in her eyes. "She really is beautiful" he thought to himself and smiled.

Adrian sat up, almost startling Ben a little, and paused the movie.

Ben stiffened; did she just catch him looking at her?

Adrian: Sorry, I need a bathroom break; this baby is squishing my bladder.

She smiled as she made her way to the hallway, where the bathroom was.

Ben exhaled deeply. That scared him senseless.

When Adrian returned she pulled up the blanket again, and looked over at Ben who was still sitting in the same spot since he arrived.

Adrian: If you are cold, you can move closer, I'll share the blanket.

Ben looked nervous.

Adrian: Oh come' on Ben, I don't bite. Just come here.

Ben slowly shifted over, leaving only inches between them, and placed the blanket over him.

His heart was racing, and in that moment, he felt as if he was just fifteen years old again.

FADE OUT