Author's Note- Sorry that it has taken me so long to write the next chapter. This chapter may be a little on the dull side but I promise near the end and the next few will really be picking up speed! Thanks for reading!

OPENING SCENE

(It's the next day after Ruthie and Hannah were being followed by the man. Ruthie got home late so she didn't tell anyone. Now it is around 12:00 p.m. and the Camdens are arriving home from Church. Henry did not go with them. The door swings open)

SAM- It's good to be home!

DAVID- Yeah! Church is so boring.

ANNIE- Ohh now don't say that.

DAVID- But it is.

ANNIE- I know when you're younger it doesn't mean that much to you but when you grow up and start to-

(She looks down and both Sam and David have left)

ANNIE- Figures!

RUTHIE- Mom can Hannah and I go meet some friends at the Promenade.

ANNIE- Ohh you should have left with Mary and Lucy. They went there straight from Church.

RUTHIE- Oh well. I don't care. Hannah's mom is going to drive us and she woudn't have been ready if I left with Mary and Lucy.

ANNIE- Well fine go ahead, but remember to check in! Unlike last night!!

RUTHIE- I'm really sorry about that but I lost track of time because.... Hannah's house lost power.

ANNIE- Ours didn't.

RUTHIE- Hmm must have been that neighborhood only then.

(She goes upstairs to change and Annie rolls her eyes)

(Simon comes walking down)

SIMON- Is it alright if my friend stops by for awhile?

ANNIE- Who is it?

SIMON- Just some girl from school.

ANNIE- Oh does she live around here?

SIMON- Sort of.

ANNIE- What's her name?

SIMON- Kaylie.

ANNIE- Sure.

SIMON- Thanks. (hurries back upstairs)

(Eric walks in the door)

ERIC- There's some girl out in the driveway. Says she's waiting for Simon.

ANNIE- Oh that must be Kaylie.

ERIC- Who's Kaylie?

ANNIE- Simon's friend from school.

ERIC- And how do you know this?

ANNIE- Simon told me she would be stopping by for awhile.

ERIC- Oh.

(Annie yells up to Simon)

ANNIE- Simon!!!! Kaylie is here!!!!

SIMON- (from upstairs) OK!

ERIC- Where is Henry?

ANNIE- Ohh. I don't know. Was he even here when we left?

ERIC- I don't know. Do you think he left for good?

ANNIE- I have no clue.

ERIC- Well I certainly hope so.

ANNIE- Eric! (hits him in the side0

ERIC- I'm just kidding... kind of.

(Ruthie comes down in these dark jeans and a baby blue poncho.

ANNIE- Ohh that looks soo nice! I don't remember buying you that?

RUTHIE- That's cause you didn't.

ERIC- Well who did?

RUTHIE- I did!

ANNIE- With what money?

RUTHIE- MINE OK!

ANNIE- Ruthie calm down I was just asking a question.

RUTHIE- I think it was more than just one.

ANNIE- Well then fine. I won't ask anymore.

RUTHIE- Thank-you.

ERIC- Where are you off to?

RUTHIE- The promenade.

ERIC- Oh. How are you getting there?

RUTHIE- Martin's driving me.

ANNIE- Just remember please to find some way you can call us and be home before midnight this time.

RUTHIE- Yeahhh.

(Martin comes down the stairs with the keys in his hand)

MARTIN- Ruthie are you ready.

RUTHIE- Yep!

ERIC- It's awful nice of you Martin.

MARTIN- I was going out anyways so it's no nig deal!

ERIC- Well still thanks!

MARTIN- Sure thing!

(They both leave)

ERIC- Where did Henry go?

ANNIE- I have no idea.

ERIC- I really want him out... by tonight!

ANNIE- ERIC!

ERIC- I'm serious Annie! I don't want him here for the holidays.

ANNIE- Well maybe you already scared him off.

ERIC- Good. What time's Matt and Sarah arriving?

ANNIE- They should be here tomorrow morning.

ERIC- If their flights aren't delayed.

ANNIE- Why would they be?

ERIC- I just heard on the Weather Channel that it's snowing in New York.

ANNIE- Ohhhh no! It can't be delayed, it just can't!

ERIC- I'm sure it won't.

PROMENADE

(Mary and Lucy are sitting on a bench near Pete's Pizza. The Promenade is varnished in all different kinds of Garlands and it is all decorated for the Holidays. Behind them there are many people coming an going but you can see a man in a black coat and jeans just standing in the middle of the shopper's path staring at Mary and Lucy. No one seems to notice or care)

MARY- I can't believe I missed so much while I was gone.

LUCY- Well you were gone for quite some time.

(They both laugh)

MARY- How are you and Kevin doing?

LUCY- We're excellent! With the baby on the way it seems like we've gotten closer, you know.

MARY- Yeah (in a more quite tone)

LUCY- Well how about you an Carlos eh? Any-

MARY- We're getting a divorce!

LUCY- Wha- what?

MARY- We're at eachother's throat constantly! We decided it wasn't good for Charlie so we decided to have a divorce after the Holidays are over.

LUCY- But you two seemed so close in the kitchen yesterday.

MARY- It's an act. I don't want to worry mom or dad, or anyone else for that matter. You're the only one I have told. You can't, can't tell anyone else, promise!

LUCY- I-I promise.

MARY- Sorry to bring this burden upon you so close to Christmas and all but I feel if I don't tell anyone, i'm going to explode!
LUCY- It's alright. Well let me rephrase that. I don't mind. It's just a surprise ya know. I mean I always thought you an Carlos were so close.

MARY- Yeah me too.

(She starts to cry and Lucy comforts her)

(The hooded man steps a few feet closer and then starts walking towards the two)

LUCY- It's going to be alright Mary. It is.

(Henry shows up)

HENRY- Good day!

(She looks up and sees Henry standing above them)

LUCY- What are you doing here?

HENRY- (takes off his hood) Ohh... nothing really.

LUCY- Well do you mind we're having a private conversation.

HENRY- Ohh sorry.

(He looks around carefully. Then puts his hood back on and walks away)

GARAGE APARTMENT

(Kevin and Carlos are talking at the table drinking a Miller Light. Charlie is back in the house playing with the twins and Annie)

CARLOS- I mean, it's just not working out you know.

KEVIN- Wow! This is really a shock to me. You two were so close and now this.

CARLOS- I know. It shocks me too.

KEVIN- How will you break it to Mom and Dad?

CARLOS- Mary and I decided to tell them after the Holidays are over. That way they don't have to worry about it. It would just ruin their hoildays.

KEVIN- Yeah that's probably the best way to go about doing it.

CARLOS- Yes.

8 HOURS LATER

(It's now 9:00 p.m. and Ruthie, Simon, and Martin have all arrived home. Ruthie went to bed straight after she got home. Simon, Monty and Martin are in the kitchen playing cards. The twins have gone to sleep as did Charlie. Mary and Carlos were quitely arguing in Martin's room and Annie and Eric could hear)

ANNIE- What are they arguing about?

ERIC- I don't know.

ANNIE- Do you think its serious?

ERIC- Of course not!

ANNIE- You're probably right.

ERIC- Of course I am.

(Annie rolls over and Eric turns the other way)

GARAGE APARTMENT

(Kevin is lying in bed and is looking at Lucy. Lucy turns around and Kevin looks away. She stares at him for moments and when he looks at her she turns back around)

TOGETHER- What's the matter?

(They laugh)

LUCY- Nothing.

KEVIN- Something is.

LUCY- Well something's bothering you too.

KEVIN- Yes it is.

LUCY- I'll tell you if you tell me.

KEVIN- There's no easy way to tell you this...

LUCY- Yeah it may shock you.

TOGETHER- Mary and Carlos are getting a divorce.

TOGETHER- What? How'd you know?

TOGETHER- Carlos told me- Mary told me.

LUCY- Wait. When did he tell you this?

KEVIN- Today. When did Mary tell you this?

LUCY- Today!

KEVIN- I can't believe it.

LUCY- Me neither. I"m scared.

KEVIN- For Mary?

LUCY- Well yes. I mean what's going to happen to Charlie? But i'm also scared about us.

KEVIN- Lucy we're not getting a divorce.

LUCY- You don't know that!

KEVIN- I know that our love is too strong and that our bond can't be broken.

LUCY- I'm still scared though.

KEVIN- I know baby. I know.

(He comforts Lucy and holds her while she cries.)

FADE TO BLACK

THE END