INT. BED & BREAKFAST - NEXT DAY
Tina and Syd are in the kitchen. Tina, dressed in an O'Neill's uniform, rinses the last of the breakfast dishes as Syd sits at the table finishing her morning coffee.
TINA
I can't tell you how much I appreciate you and Owen watching Nick for me today while I'm at work. I really want Robbie to get some rest.
SYDNEY
Oh, it's no problem. We love spending time with him.
TINA
Owen is so good with him too.
SYDNEY
Well, Owen absolutely adores Nick.
TINA
(smiling)
Yes, well Nick absolutely adores him too. He's usually not so comfortable with strangers.
(catching herself)
Not that you guys are strangers but... you know what I mean. Anyway, Owen is going to make a great dad someday
SYDNEY
Yeah, he is.
Tina dries her hands on a dish towel and takes a seat at the table beside Syd.
TINA
So, do you two have any plans to start your own little family soon?
SYDNEY
Well, we haven't really discussed it lately. We've both been so busy and with the stress of the move and everything...
Tina senses that Syd is uncomfortable with the subject.
TINA
Well, you've got plenty of time.
SYDNEY
Yeah.
(changing the subject)
So, how do you like working at O'Neill's?
TINA
It's actually not that bad. In fact, it's kinda fun. I'm just grateful to Mr. O'Neill for letting me pick up these extra shifts while Robbie is recovering. We really need the money.
PETE walks in and takes a seat at the table between Syd and Tina. He doesn't say anything but looks upset.
TINA
Hey cutie. What's up?
Pete pulls a crumpled up sheet of paper out of his pocket and places it on the table in front of his mother.
PETE
Were you going to tell me about this?
Tina picks up the paper and instantly recognizes it as the letter she had discarded a few days earlier.
TINA
Where did you get this?
PETE
You know where I got it. When were you going to tell me? Where you even going to tell me? Or were you just going to let me find out in August when they kicked me off the bus?
Syd looks confused as Tina continues...
TINA
Of course I was going to tell you. I was just waiting until things calmed down a bit. That's all.
(beat)
Sweety, I know you're disappointed...
PETE
I just don't get it. We've known about this for almost a year now. You never said it was a problem before? And Robbie bought us that expensive air hockey table and that fancy bracelet for your birthday?
TINA
I know...
PETE
It certainly didn't seem like we were short of money. If I had known, I could have gotten a part time job mowing lawns or something and saved some of the money myself.
TINA
I know honey. You're right and I am so sorry. I just...I didn't know either. I thought we would have it! Look, maybe we could ask your dad...
PETE
(getting up)
No way. The last thing I need is to give him another excuse to trash talk Robbie around me. Just forget it.
He walks out.
Tina holds the crumpled letter in her shaking hand. She is upset, but tries to hide it. Looking up at Syd she informs her...
TINA
It's the final registration and payment notice for hockey camp. An overnight camp the last 2 weeks in August. All the incoming freshman who are going out for the JV team usually go. It's kind of a tradition for the incoming players. Pete's had his heart set on going since last year. He'll be at a real disadvantage if he can't attend but...it's $2500! We just don't have it now.
SYDNEY
Tina, if you guys need the money, Owen and I would be happy to loan it to you.
TINA
Thanks. But we already owe your father so much for when he helped out when we bought this place. Robbie would flip if we borrowed money from you now.
She stands up and crosses the room. Folding the crumpled letter neatly, she places it into a nearby drawer that is filled with miscellaneous junk.
TINA
(continuing)
Pete will get over it. Besides, Robbie can take him to the rink and work with him one on one. I'm sure he will be just as good as the other kids when it comes time for try outs.
SYDNEY
Well OK. But if you change your mind, the offer still stands.
TINA
(smiling)
Thanks. I should really get going.
Tina grabs her purse and exits out the back door.
When she is gone, Syd gets up and retrieves the registration notice from the drawer. She looks at it a moment and then walks out of the room, taking the registration with her.
EXT. HANSEN BACKYARD.
JOANIE and HEATHER are sitting on lawn chairs in the back yard, chatting and enjoying the afternoon sun.
HEATHER
I'm so excited about school. I can hardly wait until the end of August. Where you this excited when you went back?
JOANIE
Nervous was more like it! You should have seen me. I must have tried on ten different outfits because I wanted to fit in with the younger students. Speaking of which, I'll have to introduce you to Brittney. She's a friend of mine. She'll be a junior this year. The girl is a total trip. So sweet. I think you two would get along great.
SYDNEY enters the yard through the back gate.
JOANIE
Hey, look who's here. Aren't you supposed to be watching Nick today?
SYDNEY
He's with Uncle Owen. I wanted to talk you again about Robbie.
Joanie opens her mouth to say something but Syd cuts her off...
SYDNEY
But I promise, no yelling this time.
JOANIE
In that case, pull up a lawn chair and join us.
Heather starts to get up...
HEATHER
I'll leave you two alone.
SYDNEY
No, please stay. You know Robbie so well. I'd like to get your input on this too.
Heather slides back into her chair.
HEATHER
OK.
Syd pauses a moment and then turns to Joanie.
SYDNEY
I think you are right about Robbie gambling again.
JOANIE
What made you change your mind.
Syd reaches into her purse and pulls out Pete's camp registration form and hands it to Joanie.
Joanie looks at it briefly before responding...
JOANIE
It's Pete's camp registration. So what?
SYDNEY
Pete found it in the trash! He's not going. Tina said they can't afford it.
JOANIE
But that's impossible. Tina's been saving for this for over a year. She had a special account set up where she was keeping the money so they wouldn't spend it.
SYDNEY
I know. I remember her making a deposit into it the last time we all hung out together. And that was back in November! She said that no matter what happened with the B&B she wanted to make sure that he could go because it was so important to him. She wouldn't have spent that money on anything else.
HEATHER
So what happened to it?
Joanie and Syd turn to Heather. They can tell by the look in her eyes that she already knows the answer.
JOANIE
I can't believe that Robbie is stealing from his own children now!
HEATHER
That must have been what Tina was crying about when I saw her the other day?
Joanie and Syd both look at Heather-waiting for her to explain.
HEATHER
When I was over there the day Robbie came home, Tina got something in the mail that really upset her. I asked her what was wrong and she said nothing. She just threw it away!
SYNDEY
I can't believe this.
HEATHER
Robbie is out of control. I knew something was wrong. I could feel it! I should have told Dr. Hansen.
Looking down, Heather starts picking nervously at her fingers. Without looking up she continues...
HEATHER
I should have said something a long time ago...after Vegas.
SYDNEY
You know, I had no idea you guys went there to get married.
HEATHER
(looking up)
Yeah, well, we didn't. Robbie was out of control then too. I was so scared for him. I had never seen him act like that before. I knew that night that there was something very wrong with him and I told him that too but he just got angry with me. He said I needed to have a little faith in him.
JOANIE
Well, you were right.
SYDNEY
(to Joanie)
And you were right.
(reaching out and taking her sisters hand)
I'm sorry.
Joanie smiles, letting Syd know that all is forgiven before adding...
JOANIE
The question is now...what are we going to do about it?
INT. BED & BREAKFAST
Owen comes down the steps having just put Nick down for a nap. He heads toward the kitchen but stops when he hears Robbie talking on the phone. He steps a little closer and listens. Robbie sounds frantic as he pleads with the person on the other end of the line.
ROBBIE
Vincent, please just set up this one bet up for me.
(he listens)
Yeah, I know I'm in big trouble already! That's why I need you to do this for me. So I can get back some of what I owe!
Robbie paces back and forth nervously as he listens to Vincent on the other end.
ROBBIE
Look, I appreciate the concern but I don't need another damn person to be concerned for me right now! OK! I need you to HELP ME!
(he listens again)
Don't worry about it! I'll get the money to put down. So are you going to help me out or not!
Owens eyes grow wide as he waits anxiously to hear what Robbie will say next.
ROBBIE
(angry)
Fine! Don't help me! I don't care! You know, you aren't the only bookie in Providence!
He slams the phone down before adding...
ROBBIE
You're just the only one I know.
Robbie sighs and then grabs his jacket from the kitchen chair and heads toward the hallway where he bumps into Owen who is standing there waiting for him. Robbie can tell by the look on Owen's face that he has heard everything. But he tries to act as though nothing has happened.
ROBBIE
Owen, what's up?
OWEN
(sternly)
Robbie, what's going on?
ROBBIE
I don't know what you're talking about?
He tries to walk by Owen, but Owen reaches out and grabs his arm.
OWEN
I heard you on the phone just now Robbie.
ROBBIE
You were spying on me?
OWEN
You are gambling again. That's what this is all about. Isn't it? Those guys weren't there to rob O'Neill's. They were there to collect their money. Money that YOU didn't have!
ROBBIE
I don't know what you're talking about.
Robbie starts to head toward the front door but Owen runs ahead and steps in front of him.
OWEN
And when you didn't have the money to give them, they beat you nearly to death and then took the money from O'Neill's.
As Owen speaks, Robbie has a distant look in his eyes. As if he is reliving the nightmare in his head as Owen describes it.
OWEN
That's what happened. Isn't it?
ROBBIE
(pushing past him)
Get out of my way. I'm leaving.
Owen reaches out ahead of him and slams the front door just as Robbie open it, causing Robbie to jump.
OWEN
(angrily)
You aren't going anywhere!
Owen's action and the tone of his voice causes a flood of horrific memories to rush through Robbie's head. He steps back with a horrified look on his face. His breathing becomes quicker-almost as if he is hyperventilating.
Owen immediately realizes that he has made a mistake and tries to calm Robbie.
OWEN
Rob, I am sorry! Are you alright?
Robbie doesn't answer but stares straight ahead-still reliving his horrific ordeal in his head.
Owen reaches out and puts a hand on Robbie's shoulder.
OWEN
Rob, it's OK.
Robbie jerks away from him.
ROBBIE
Don't touch me! Just leave me alone!
He storms out of house leaving Owen standing there feeling guilty and unsure of what to do next...
Tina and Syd are in the kitchen. Tina, dressed in an O'Neill's uniform, rinses the last of the breakfast dishes as Syd sits at the table finishing her morning coffee.
TINA
I can't tell you how much I appreciate you and Owen watching Nick for me today while I'm at work. I really want Robbie to get some rest.
SYDNEY
Oh, it's no problem. We love spending time with him.
TINA
Owen is so good with him too.
SYDNEY
Well, Owen absolutely adores Nick.
TINA
(smiling)
Yes, well Nick absolutely adores him too. He's usually not so comfortable with strangers.
(catching herself)
Not that you guys are strangers but... you know what I mean. Anyway, Owen is going to make a great dad someday
SYDNEY
Yeah, he is.
Tina dries her hands on a dish towel and takes a seat at the table beside Syd.
TINA
So, do you two have any plans to start your own little family soon?
SYDNEY
Well, we haven't really discussed it lately. We've both been so busy and with the stress of the move and everything...
Tina senses that Syd is uncomfortable with the subject.
TINA
Well, you've got plenty of time.
SYDNEY
Yeah.
(changing the subject)
So, how do you like working at O'Neill's?
TINA
It's actually not that bad. In fact, it's kinda fun. I'm just grateful to Mr. O'Neill for letting me pick up these extra shifts while Robbie is recovering. We really need the money.
PETE walks in and takes a seat at the table between Syd and Tina. He doesn't say anything but looks upset.
TINA
Hey cutie. What's up?
Pete pulls a crumpled up sheet of paper out of his pocket and places it on the table in front of his mother.
PETE
Were you going to tell me about this?
Tina picks up the paper and instantly recognizes it as the letter she had discarded a few days earlier.
TINA
Where did you get this?
PETE
You know where I got it. When were you going to tell me? Where you even going to tell me? Or were you just going to let me find out in August when they kicked me off the bus?
Syd looks confused as Tina continues...
TINA
Of course I was going to tell you. I was just waiting until things calmed down a bit. That's all.
(beat)
Sweety, I know you're disappointed...
PETE
I just don't get it. We've known about this for almost a year now. You never said it was a problem before? And Robbie bought us that expensive air hockey table and that fancy bracelet for your birthday?
TINA
I know...
PETE
It certainly didn't seem like we were short of money. If I had known, I could have gotten a part time job mowing lawns or something and saved some of the money myself.
TINA
I know honey. You're right and I am so sorry. I just...I didn't know either. I thought we would have it! Look, maybe we could ask your dad...
PETE
(getting up)
No way. The last thing I need is to give him another excuse to trash talk Robbie around me. Just forget it.
He walks out.
Tina holds the crumpled letter in her shaking hand. She is upset, but tries to hide it. Looking up at Syd she informs her...
TINA
It's the final registration and payment notice for hockey camp. An overnight camp the last 2 weeks in August. All the incoming freshman who are going out for the JV team usually go. It's kind of a tradition for the incoming players. Pete's had his heart set on going since last year. He'll be at a real disadvantage if he can't attend but...it's $2500! We just don't have it now.
SYDNEY
Tina, if you guys need the money, Owen and I would be happy to loan it to you.
TINA
Thanks. But we already owe your father so much for when he helped out when we bought this place. Robbie would flip if we borrowed money from you now.
She stands up and crosses the room. Folding the crumpled letter neatly, she places it into a nearby drawer that is filled with miscellaneous junk.
TINA
(continuing)
Pete will get over it. Besides, Robbie can take him to the rink and work with him one on one. I'm sure he will be just as good as the other kids when it comes time for try outs.
SYDNEY
Well OK. But if you change your mind, the offer still stands.
TINA
(smiling)
Thanks. I should really get going.
Tina grabs her purse and exits out the back door.
When she is gone, Syd gets up and retrieves the registration notice from the drawer. She looks at it a moment and then walks out of the room, taking the registration with her.
EXT. HANSEN BACKYARD.
JOANIE and HEATHER are sitting on lawn chairs in the back yard, chatting and enjoying the afternoon sun.
HEATHER
I'm so excited about school. I can hardly wait until the end of August. Where you this excited when you went back?
JOANIE
Nervous was more like it! You should have seen me. I must have tried on ten different outfits because I wanted to fit in with the younger students. Speaking of which, I'll have to introduce you to Brittney. She's a friend of mine. She'll be a junior this year. The girl is a total trip. So sweet. I think you two would get along great.
SYDNEY enters the yard through the back gate.
JOANIE
Hey, look who's here. Aren't you supposed to be watching Nick today?
SYDNEY
He's with Uncle Owen. I wanted to talk you again about Robbie.
Joanie opens her mouth to say something but Syd cuts her off...
SYDNEY
But I promise, no yelling this time.
JOANIE
In that case, pull up a lawn chair and join us.
Heather starts to get up...
HEATHER
I'll leave you two alone.
SYDNEY
No, please stay. You know Robbie so well. I'd like to get your input on this too.
Heather slides back into her chair.
HEATHER
OK.
Syd pauses a moment and then turns to Joanie.
SYDNEY
I think you are right about Robbie gambling again.
JOANIE
What made you change your mind.
Syd reaches into her purse and pulls out Pete's camp registration form and hands it to Joanie.
Joanie looks at it briefly before responding...
JOANIE
It's Pete's camp registration. So what?
SYDNEY
Pete found it in the trash! He's not going. Tina said they can't afford it.
JOANIE
But that's impossible. Tina's been saving for this for over a year. She had a special account set up where she was keeping the money so they wouldn't spend it.
SYDNEY
I know. I remember her making a deposit into it the last time we all hung out together. And that was back in November! She said that no matter what happened with the B&B she wanted to make sure that he could go because it was so important to him. She wouldn't have spent that money on anything else.
HEATHER
So what happened to it?
Joanie and Syd turn to Heather. They can tell by the look in her eyes that she already knows the answer.
JOANIE
I can't believe that Robbie is stealing from his own children now!
HEATHER
That must have been what Tina was crying about when I saw her the other day?
Joanie and Syd both look at Heather-waiting for her to explain.
HEATHER
When I was over there the day Robbie came home, Tina got something in the mail that really upset her. I asked her what was wrong and she said nothing. She just threw it away!
SYNDEY
I can't believe this.
HEATHER
Robbie is out of control. I knew something was wrong. I could feel it! I should have told Dr. Hansen.
Looking down, Heather starts picking nervously at her fingers. Without looking up she continues...
HEATHER
I should have said something a long time ago...after Vegas.
SYDNEY
You know, I had no idea you guys went there to get married.
HEATHER
(looking up)
Yeah, well, we didn't. Robbie was out of control then too. I was so scared for him. I had never seen him act like that before. I knew that night that there was something very wrong with him and I told him that too but he just got angry with me. He said I needed to have a little faith in him.
JOANIE
Well, you were right.
SYDNEY
(to Joanie)
And you were right.
(reaching out and taking her sisters hand)
I'm sorry.
Joanie smiles, letting Syd know that all is forgiven before adding...
JOANIE
The question is now...what are we going to do about it?
INT. BED & BREAKFAST
Owen comes down the steps having just put Nick down for a nap. He heads toward the kitchen but stops when he hears Robbie talking on the phone. He steps a little closer and listens. Robbie sounds frantic as he pleads with the person on the other end of the line.
ROBBIE
Vincent, please just set up this one bet up for me.
(he listens)
Yeah, I know I'm in big trouble already! That's why I need you to do this for me. So I can get back some of what I owe!
Robbie paces back and forth nervously as he listens to Vincent on the other end.
ROBBIE
Look, I appreciate the concern but I don't need another damn person to be concerned for me right now! OK! I need you to HELP ME!
(he listens again)
Don't worry about it! I'll get the money to put down. So are you going to help me out or not!
Owens eyes grow wide as he waits anxiously to hear what Robbie will say next.
ROBBIE
(angry)
Fine! Don't help me! I don't care! You know, you aren't the only bookie in Providence!
He slams the phone down before adding...
ROBBIE
You're just the only one I know.
Robbie sighs and then grabs his jacket from the kitchen chair and heads toward the hallway where he bumps into Owen who is standing there waiting for him. Robbie can tell by the look on Owen's face that he has heard everything. But he tries to act as though nothing has happened.
ROBBIE
Owen, what's up?
OWEN
(sternly)
Robbie, what's going on?
ROBBIE
I don't know what you're talking about?
He tries to walk by Owen, but Owen reaches out and grabs his arm.
OWEN
I heard you on the phone just now Robbie.
ROBBIE
You were spying on me?
OWEN
You are gambling again. That's what this is all about. Isn't it? Those guys weren't there to rob O'Neill's. They were there to collect their money. Money that YOU didn't have!
ROBBIE
I don't know what you're talking about.
Robbie starts to head toward the front door but Owen runs ahead and steps in front of him.
OWEN
And when you didn't have the money to give them, they beat you nearly to death and then took the money from O'Neill's.
As Owen speaks, Robbie has a distant look in his eyes. As if he is reliving the nightmare in his head as Owen describes it.
OWEN
That's what happened. Isn't it?
ROBBIE
(pushing past him)
Get out of my way. I'm leaving.
Owen reaches out ahead of him and slams the front door just as Robbie open it, causing Robbie to jump.
OWEN
(angrily)
You aren't going anywhere!
Owen's action and the tone of his voice causes a flood of horrific memories to rush through Robbie's head. He steps back with a horrified look on his face. His breathing becomes quicker-almost as if he is hyperventilating.
Owen immediately realizes that he has made a mistake and tries to calm Robbie.
OWEN
Rob, I am sorry! Are you alright?
Robbie doesn't answer but stares straight ahead-still reliving his horrific ordeal in his head.
Owen reaches out and puts a hand on Robbie's shoulder.
OWEN
Rob, it's OK.
Robbie jerks away from him.
ROBBIE
Don't touch me! Just leave me alone!
He storms out of house leaving Owen standing there feeling guilty and unsure of what to do next...
