The Magic Trampoline

Written July 20, 2003

Faison and Helena hover over a machine in candle lit darkness on the yacht. Faison looks at Helena. She nods to him. He presses the button on the machine. It talks. They listen.

The Machine: "Kristina, I want to be honest with you. I abhor your father. I blame him and people like him for the loss of your precious Aunt. You were safe from him until today. I know you love him, but you have to see him for the contemptible man that he is. He may have won today, but it was his last victory. I don't care who I have to side with, you will not be subjected to that refuse forever. I will watch him reel in his triumph now and laugh in his face when he loses you later."

They both listen closely conjuring up different formulas of torture in their devious heads. Faison stops the machine. Luiz walks in bringing a smile to Helena's face. She jumps up from the chair and greets Luiz with an overbearing kiss on his mouth. She invites him to sit at the table with her and Faison. He sits.

Helena: "I'm glad to see you come back to me."

Luiz: "I never left Helena."

Faison: "Did you get rid of the Tramp? According to Marcello, she was poison for you. This is all business. No pleasure. There must be ends to every means."

Luiz stares at Faison wanting to deck him square in the mouth. Faison realizes that he's hit a nerve.

Helena: "Faison, would you leave Luiz and me alone?"

Faison: "My pleasure."

Faison removes himself from the table and leaves the room.

Helena: "Are you back to play hardball with the rest of us? Don't pretend that you didn't become absent of mind."

Luiz: "My personal business is none of yours. I can play just as hard and fast as the rest. Marcello misled you. But don't worry. He nipped my personal life in the bud. It's over with her. I have nothing to live for anymore."

Helena: "Wonderful. I managed to bug Wyndemere. Kristina's nursery in particular."

Luiz: "How did you manage that?"

Helena: "One of the secret passageways. Also, I have Brenda's new bodyguard Greg working on the penthouse. He can't report to me as often as I would like."

Luiz: "Has he been able to report anything to you at all?"

Helena: "Actually, Sonny has been conducting business at his warehouse. But we've gathered bits and pieces of information."

Luiz: "Have you heard from the Top Dog?"

Helena: "Faison speaks to him on occasion."

Luiz: "I'm sick of not knowing who the hell I'm working for. I'm growing impatient Helena. I wanna see the big payoff soon."

Helena: "Don't worry your pretty little head Luiz. HB will reveal himself when the time is right. We will get our share of the spoils."


Brooke Lynn sits at the piano and tinkers with random keys. The doorbell rings. She opens the door to a deliveryman with a bouquet of a dozen white roses. The deliveryman places the roses on the table for her. She runs over to her father's wallet on the table, grabs some money out, and hands the man his tip. He accepts and leaves. Brooke searches the flowers for a card. Ned walks in.

Ned (pointing to the flowers): "What's this? Who are these for?"

Brooke Lynn searches the flowers for a card. She finds the card and rushes to open it.

Brooke Lynn (reading the card): "'Brooke Lynn, I'm sorry. Signed Anonymous.'"

Brooke Lynn looks at a nervous Ned. His eyes widen at her. She shrugs her shoulders to indicate her clueless ness.

Brooke Lynn: "I seriously don't know who sent these Dad."

Ned examines the flowers and finds nothing wrong or suspicious.

Brooke Lynn: "Can I keep them?"

Ned: "I guess, but this concerns me."

Brooke Lynn: "It's just flowers Dad. Maybe it was one of Mom's bands. They always used to give me gifts. They like to play pranks sometimes."

Ned: "Alright Little Lady. You can keep them."


Audrey stands over the stove preparing lunch. She pulls out her best linens and sets the table for her and Tommy. He runs downstairs and hands Audrey her credit card and receipt. He smiles at her as she looks over the receipt. A perplexed looked forms on her face.

Audrey: "Tommy, you said you were going to make a big investment. I don't think 200 is all that much."

A smile appears on Tommy's face. He can't wait to show his grandmother his purchase. He jumps up and down.

Tommy: "Gram! You've gotta see it. Come to the back. Allons-y Mamama!"

Tommy grabs Audrey's hand. In his excitement, he lets go and races ahead of her to the backyard. He pounds through the mud and stops at a big black rounded canvas platform with springs. Audrey falls into his happiness when she sees him jump onto the platform like a small boy. She becomes enthusiastic that Tommy can find enjoyment in the simple things. She watches her sixteen-year-old grandson jump on the trampoline. He falls onto his stomach mustering up innocent laughter.

Audrey: "Well Tommy, I love it. I hope it doesn't rain too much."

Tommy: "No worries. I'll put a tent over the top to cover."

Audrey: "Then how would you jump?"

Tommy: "Non, non Gram. The magic trampoline is not for jumping. It's for healing."

Audrey: "Oh. Well that's good too I guess. Whatever makes you happy. I need to go back and finish cooking your lunch."

Tommy: "Oui Mamama. I'll be in."

Audrey goes back into the house. Tommy lies back on his trampoline staring at the overcast sky daydreaming. JR walks down the street with a big stick running it across every fence he passes. JR makes it to Audrey's fence with the stick. He sees Tommy and beats on the fence to grabs his attention. Tommy sits up and looks at JR. JR hoists himself on the fence.

JR: "Can I jump over?"

Tommy: "Sure."

JR carefully hops over the fence with his backpack still attached to his back. He walks over to Tommy. Tommy makes room for JR on the trampoline. He plops himself down onto the canvas.

JR: "Nice toy. So you got any plans?"

Tommy (reaches out his hand to JR): "I'm Tommy Hardy."

JR: "I know Hilfinger. We met at the Nurses' Ball. I figured you were just as much a stranger to this place as I am, and we could raise hell together."

Tommy: "What do you have in mind?"

JR: "Well, my first plan of action is to find a job. I'm not allowed back home unless I have a 9-5. You dig it Brotha?"

Tommy: "Ok. I'd like a job. Let's go. I must tell my Gram."

Tommy and JR leap off the trampoline. They walk into the house and enter the kitchen. Audrey becomes delighted at the sight of JR. Her once empty house is starting to come alive again so any human sight pleases her.

Audrey: "Hello Young Man. I'm Audrey Hardy."

JR (shakes her hand): "Nice to meet you Mrs. Hardy. I'm Adam Chandler Jr. Or AJ. Or JR. It depends on your fancy."

Tommy: "Gram, we're going to find jobs."

Audrey: "Oh no. I've cooked your lunch."

Tommy: "Can we do it later?"

Audrey (slightly disappointed): "Ok. We can do dinner and I'll try to get Elizabeth to join us. Adam, you are more than invited to join us too."

JR: "Why thank you Mrs. Hardy. Hopefully we will come back gainfully employed."

Audrey claps her hands together and smiles in pride at the two boys. They walk out the door and go on their search.


Lois steps out of the limo in front of a large ocean front beach house. The driver grabs her bags and walks them up the stairs into the house. He comes back out, nods his goodbye to Lois, and drives off. She stands out front, pushes her sunglasses to the top of her head and looks over Miguel's party palace. The circular home on metal stilettos made of tempered glass constantly beams in the ubiquitous sunshine like a greenhouse with no plants. At night, the blue water reflects into the dwelling giving off a natural cozy aqua light. Miguel comes to the balcony from his bedroom with a cell phone planted on his ear. He waves to Lois.

Miguel: "Vendio en cuteness ascendente!"

Lois: "I'm coming!"

Lois walks up the stairs and enters the house unexpectedly spotless despite the soiree that landed its owner in jail. Miguel runs down the spiral staircase with the cell phone still attached to his ear. He hugs Lois and plants kisses all over her face. At the same time he attempts to hold a conversation on his phone. Lois gives Miguel a disapproving look at his bad manners. He doesn't notice.

Miguel (into the phone): "Necesito conseguir que va."

Lois: "Uh Miguel. You know I hate when you do that."

Miguel (to Lois with his phone still attached to his ear): "Do what?"

Lois: "Talk to me with a celli on your ear. It's rude!"

Miguel: "Sorry Lois. (into the phone) Bebe bye. Te amo."

Miguel makes a kissing sound into the phone. Lois shutters at his adolescent behavior. He hangs up the phone.

Lois: "When are you leaving?"

Miguel: "When the limo gets here. Mi casa es su casa."

The sound of a car horns beams through the glass. Miguel runs to the door and waves to the driver to wait up. He grabs his bags, drops them, and remembers to hug and kiss Lois goodbye. He grabs his bags again and heads out the door.

Lois (yelling after him): "Be good Miguel! I don't wanna hear about any baby mommas or anything!"

Miguel waves back to her and hops into the limo. The limo drives off. Lois closes the door and soaks in the house. She plans out her time alone, but constantly comes across thoughts of Brenda. She picks up her cell phone and dials the number to Deception.

Brenda: "Deception, Brenda speaking."

Lois: "Hey Baby. It's Lois."

Brenda: "Hey. What's up? Where are you?"

Lois: "I'm at Miguel's house. I have some business to take care of for him. Listen, we never got the chance to talk."

Brenda: "I don't want to discuss Luiz unless you feel you need to. You're smart Lois. I just know it's over."

Lois: "It never really started. I can assure you that whole thing was a bad mistake. What happened between you and Luiz when you were in Europe?"

Brenda: "It doesn't matter. Hey, I have to go. You know Lucy. Just get some R&R. I hear Miguel has a sweet house."

Lois (perplexed by Brenda's haste in getting off the phone): "Yes. I will. Watch my Sweet Pea and Ned for me. And Sonny my Snuggle Bunny. And especially my Little Robin."

Brenda: "I will. I'll give them your kisses. Bye."

Lois hangs up and plops down on the couch. She picks up a massive remote with tons of buttons. She props her feet on the table and presses a random button. A substantial flat screen slowly comes down before her from the ceiling. She presses power and is subjected to a very raw episode of Strip Club Divas. She quickly flips the channel to something more appropriate. She becomes tired and hypnotized by the ocean waves in her peripheral vision. She curls up on the couch and falls asleep.


Ric and Alexis walk into the living room of Wyndemere just as Stefan is coming down the stairs with Kristina. Alexis takes the baby and greets her with heaps of kisses.

Stefan: "I apologize Alexis. I realize you have a lot on your plate."

Alexis: "It's quite alright Stefan. I feel much better. Can Ms. Landsbury set the dinner table for seven?"

Stefan: "I will go and make that request."

Stefan kisses Alexis on the cheek and walks off to find Ms. Landsbury. Alexis stands Kristina on her feet and leads her to table by her hands. Ric places her Lamby-Pie on the table. Kristina practically jumps across the table for the stuffed lamb.

Alexis: "Looks like the bear might be put on the backburner for Lamby-Pie."

Ric: "If only toys could talk."

Alexis looks at her watch while Ric gets on his knees and plays with Kristina at the coffee table. Nik and Gia walk in.

Alexis: "Are you here for dinner?"

Nik: "Yes. What happened with the custody case?"

Alexis: "Did you give Judge Farmer a recommendation for Sonny?"

Ric looks up at Nik. Gia looks at him too. Nik remains silent.

Alexis: "Nik, be very careful. Stefan is not happy."

Nik: "What happened? All I said was, with supervision, he would be fine with Kristina."

Alexis: "He got visitation. Two days a week. I told him to call you to make arrangements."

Gia: "Is that a bad thing?"

Alexis: "No, it's not that bad. Just annoying."

Nik: "I'm sorry Alexis, but Judge Farmer asked my opinion."

The doorbell rings. Alexis runs to the door to find Justus and Dara on her doorstep. She lets them in while Stefan comes into the room.

Stefan: "Guests of the evening, the dinner table is set. Shall we entertain in there?"

Alexis (picking up Kristina): "That sounds perfect."

Everyone follows Alexis and Stefan to the dining room.


Skye shuffles around the penthouse covered with baby magazines and wallpaper prints. With her back to the door, she compares paint swatches to the wall. She can feel someone behind her. She turns to Luiz propped on the frame in her doorway. She drops the swatches to the floor thinking only of her children. Luiz walks in and closes the door behind him. He pulls back his suit coat to reveal his gun as a means to keep her quiet. He approaches her.

Luiz: "I thought we parted on good terms. I guess I was wrong. I've been having trouble trusting people lately. So I did a bit of a background check on you Antoinette Skye Chandler Quartermaine Cudahy Kinder Davidson Jax Cassadine. (he starts smiling) Forgive me. That last name was a slip. You might want to talk to your loving husband about his family tree."

Skye stares at Luiz not even noticing the words coming from his mouth. All she can think of is Skyler.

Luiz: "Anyway, did you honestly think I wouldn't find out about my precious Skyler Alcazar? What a stupid bitch you are."

Skye: "You will not go anywhere near Skyler. I will make sure of that."

Skye reaches for Luiz's gun, but he grabs her arm before she can get to it. They stare at each other. Skye wants to look away but she holds her own. She tries to jerk her arm away, but Luiz holds on tight. He starts to grin.

Luiz: "I failed with Zander. I'm glad that I will finally get a second chance to be a father."

Skye: "I don't think so. What court would allow you in the vicinity of a baby?"

Luiz (still holding on to Skye's arm): "Superfoetation and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome don't make you look very responsible either Mommy Dearest."

Skye can't believe the information that Luiz has about the baby. She becomes weaker at every word that he utters. Outside the apartment, the elevator opens. JR and Tommy step out singing and dancing.

JR (pointing to Tommy): "New Kids on The Block had a bunch of hits."

Tommy (points back to JR): "Chinese food makes me sick."

JR (walking towards Skye's apartment): "And I think it's fly when girls pass by for the summer for the summer."

Tommy: "I like girls that wear Abercrombie and Fitch. I'd take her if I had my wish."

JR: "But she's been gone since that summer. Since that summer."

JR twists the door handle and walks into Skye's apartment. Tommy follows him inside. Luiz looks back at JR as he still holds Skye's arm in his tight grip. Skye's facial expression quietly screams danger. JR's face turns red. He starts to breathe hard and bite his lip. He pulls off his backpack and fumbles through it to find a sharp knife. Tommy stands confused by the scene not knowing how to react. JR stands up and holds the knife in stabbing form. Tommy grabs JR preventing him for charging at Luiz with the knife.

Tommy: "No JR! Don't do it! It's not worth it!"

JR (holding the knife): "Get away from my sister!"

Skye: "Don't do it JR. He's leaving."

Luiz releases Skye and looks at JR still held back by Tommy. He holds the gun to Skye.

Luiz: "You little prick. Can't even gather the nerve to kill me. I'll spare your knife and leave on my own. (turns to Skye) This isn't the last time you'll see me. I'll be in the nursery watching my son detox from alcohol poisoning."

JR pulls from Tommy and lunges his knife into the Luiz's bicep as he trips to the ground. Skye steps back from the commotion and looks for the phone. Luiz pulls the knife from his arm and stands over JR holding the blade to the young boy's throat. Luiz points his gun to keep Skye and Tommy contained. JR, shaking in fear, grabs a hold to Luiz's gun contained hand, but Luiz proves to be stronger.

Luiz (looking into JR's frightened eyes): "You'll learn to not mess with the big boys. We're not afraid to die. I can smell your fear."

Luiz stands uprights and delivers numerous blows to JR's side with his foot, drops the knife, and leaves the apartment holding his injured arm. JR rolls onto this stomach writhing in pain in a fetal position. Skye and Tommy fall to the ground to help him.

Skye: "We need to get you to the hospital."

JR (lies on his back barely able to breathe): "No. I'm fine. Just leave me alone. Skye don't bother. No stress. Remember?"

JR starts to wheeze heavily. Tommy and Skye lift JR off of the ground. They walk him over to the couch. He starts to cough up blood. Skye runs to the phone.

Skye (in the phone): "Can I please get the paramedics here immediately. Thank you."

Skye sits on the couch next to JR. He passes out into her lap. Tommy grabs a blanket to cover him.


The Cassadine dinner table glistens in the dim light with silver and crystal. The white Apilco plates are lined up with silver for each dish and glasses for each type of wine. Alexis and Stefan take the head ends of the table, while Nik, Gia, Ric, Justus, Dara, and Kristina in her highchair surround it. Mrs. Landsbury walks around to make sure each guest feels welcome.

Alexis (lifts her wine glass): "Everyone let's do a toast."

They lift their glasses. Not wanting to be left out, Kristina lifts her sippy cup in the air.

Alexis: "Let's toast to bringing order and fairness to Port Charles. I am so excited to do this project with Justus, Dara, and Ric. So let's toast to Davis-Jensen-Lansing-Ward Attorney's-At-Law."

Everyone (clicking their glasses): "Attorney's-At-Law!"

Ric: "This should be good. In between teaching and defending criminals, I won't have time for my precious Alexis."

Alexis looks at Ric embarrassed.

Nik: "Ric, did you and Alexis date in college?"

Justus: "See Nik, we attorneys don't date. It's called boredom."

Ric: "And we know what boredom and being locked in a law library leads to."

Dara (blushing): "Please stop. You all are reminding me of my bar exam days. It's gettin' a little hot in here."

Stefan: "So Ric. You and my sister had relations?"

Gia: "Ok that was totally Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky."

Ric (looks at Alexis): "Alexis and I did date in law school. Like Justus said, when you're stuck as studying partners a bit of an attraction forms."

Justus: "It doesn't matter how hideous you are."

Dara: "But Ric and Alexis are beautiful people so I'm sure it wasn't a problem."

Alexis: "Is this pick on Alexis night cause I think we need to find Stefan a woman."

Everyone breaks out in laughter. Stefan pulls Kristina out of her highchair.

Stefan (cuddling Kristina): "I've found the woman for me. She's not as tall as I would like her to be, but she's getting there."

Justus: "So what's your kind of woman Stefan?"

Gia: "This is getting good."

Ric: "Stefan looks like he would go for the quiet, shy type."

Stefan: "Actually, I love a woman that is outspoken."

Nik: "Power puff Girls! Take your pick."

Stefan: "Can I have all three?"

Gia: "Stefan, the fact that you know there are three Power puff Girls is a sign that you've been spending too much time with Kristina."

Stefan: "She is the love my life."

Alexis: "Well I guess every little girl needs an Uncle Stuffy in her life, but the first order of business will be to find Stefan a woman. Actually, I think we should pay the PCPD a visit and rub it Scott's face that we stole his precious Dara."

Dara: "Actually you didn't steal me. It cost me quite a bit of money."

Justus: "Hell, Scott won't know the difference. I agree with Alexis. Scott needs a bit of a blow to his ego."


Sonny and Mike sit at the dinner table enjoying a quiet dinner.

Sonny: "So yes I slept with Alexis. I admit it happened a lot sooner than I expected."

Mike: "So you cheated on Carly?"

Sonny: "No Mike. It was a break. Do you watch Friends? Remember Ross and Rachel?"

Mike: "You have time for the Thursday night line-up?"

Sonny: "Alexis is a dear friend. She's just trying to mourn the loss of her sister. A year ago Mike, Kristina was blown up in my warehouse. I feel horrible about that. She reamed me out at the funeral. I didn't know the baby was mine. It's hard being a hypocrite."

Mike: "Why are you a hypocrite?"

Sonny: "Chloe's not safe with me. I know that. People pound it into my head on a daily basis. One thing I knew was that Carly would hurt Chloe."

Mike: "No Sonny."

Sonny: "Yes Mike. She would have if it meant keeping things the way they were. I finally saw what Robin was talking about. She ruined Jason and Robin. I didn't see it then Mike, but I see it now. My heart goes out to Michael. He's like a fish without water. Carly's never done anything for Michael on her own. First it was Tony then Jason then AJ then Jason again and then me."

Mike: "Carly will always have Jason."

Marco runs into the penthouse. Sonny hops up from his seat.

Sonny: "What's the trouble Marco?"

Marco: "Sonny, I was on my way upstairs. The paramedics were here to take Skye's little brother to the hospital. He was beaten up by Luiz Alcazar."

Sonny: "Was Skye hurt? You all didn't see Luiz show up?"

Marco: "No. We were spot-checking the new house. Greg is at Deception with Brenda. Skye is just scared for her brother."

Mike (walks over excited): "What? Who is Luiz Alcazar? Brenda is alive?!"

Sonny (grabbing his suit coat): "There's a lot I haven't told you Mike. Would you stay here while I go to the hospital? Brenda should be here soon. I'll keep Max at the door."

Mike (still in shock): "Sure."

Sonny and Marco leave the penthouse for the hospital.


Lois wakes up to darkness. All she can hear are the waves stirring outside. She sits up on the couch and picks up the remote to change the channel. The television shuts off. She tries to turn it back on, but can't get the remote to work. The screen slowly ascends back up into the ceiling. Her body starts to tremble from the spookiness of the situation. As the screen ascends, she notices a person's dapper figure form where the screen once stood. Once the screen positions itself back into the ceiling, Lois finds the nerve to look at the person that was hiding behind it. She bolts from the couch, hops over the table, and runs into the arms of Luiz.

Lois: "What are you doing here? You scared me shitless!"

Lois pulls from him and stares at him in disbelief.

Luiz: "Did you honestly think I would give up on my Doll? I really hate to lose. You are the end to every means."