CHAPTER 18
GROWING PAINS PART 2
THE SCENE OPENS AS David rides in the ambulance with Aidan who is now conscious, but not totally coherent; the medics have his arm stabilized. Maddie and the kids follow in the car behind the ambulance to the nearest hospital. When Maddie, with three kids in tow, finally finds David in the emergency room he is standing just inside a curtain, which is pulled around the team of people working on Aidan. When he sees Maddie he meets her outside the curtain to let her know what's going on. The babies both start crying and reaching for David when they see him and Lily wants his attention too.
David: (to Maddie) He's awake…but he's got water on his lungs and, you know, the arm is broken.
David picks Stella up from the stroller and hugs Lily to his leg.
Maddie: Do they know how bad yet?
David: They'll move him up to x-rays in a few minutes. They're putting him on a breathing machine now to make sure no liquid settled in his lungs…guess that could be pretty bad.
Maddie nods, concerned. David rubs his face.
David: I don't know how this happened…one second he was there, and the next he was just swept away. (Angry outburst.) Damnit!
Lily jumps.
Lily: What's wrong Daddy!?
David: (Rubs her back.) Nothing sweetie, everything's gonna be ok, I'm just a little upset that Aidan got pulled away from us so fast.
Lily: Is he going to be ok Dad?
David: Yeah…yes Lil. He's going to be ok. Don't worry.
David looks at Maddie's worried face and gives her the same sentiment.
Maddie: Stay with them for a minute David, let me go in there and talk to the doctor.
Maddie moves behind the curtain to talk to the doctor and sees Aidan lying there looking helpless with a mask over his face and tears spring to her eyes and she covers her mouth with her hand.
Doctor: You must be his mother…
Maddie: (weakly) Yes…Maddie Addison…
Doctor: Right now things look worse than they are…he's lucky your husband got to him quickly, but he took a lot of water into his lungs…this machine is just going to make sure none of that water settles in there and causes problems later.
Maddie: I see. So…he'll be ok?
Just then David approaches and listens in and hands Maddie one of the twins.
Doctor: We're going to see to it. We'll keep him here for 30 minutes or so and then we'll take him to x-ray and take care of that arm – he must have gotten tossed into something pretty hard under that ocean wave, a boulder or something…but who knows, that could have been what stopped him from going out any further.
Maddie: Yes, it all happened so fast…my husband (puts her hand on David's chest.) was right there with him and he was just swept out in an instant.
Doctor: The ocean, particularly where you were, has a strong undercurrent, this is not the first time we've seen this in here…but some people aren't so lucky.
Maddie: I can imagine…well, thank you, doctor, for all your doing.
David: (Pats him on the shoulder.) Yes, thank you, doctor. We'll let you get back to it.
The doctor looks down at the kids.
Doctor: Well, you two have quite a brood here. If one of you wants to stay with Aidan, my nurse can show you to the waiting room where the kids can play with some toys.
Maddie: That would be wonderful…and is there a payphone nearby?
David stays with Aidan while Maddie and the kids go to the playroom. Maddie calls Patrice and explains what happened, she rushes right down and is there within the hour – when she finds Maddie in the waiting room they embrace in a big hug.
Patrice: What's the latest?
Maddie: Both bones broken in his left arm…he'll need surgery tomorrow morning.
Patrice: Oh Maddie…poor Aidan!
They hug again.
Patrice: Is David with him?
Maddie: Yes, they are getting him into a room now.
Patrice: So, how do you want to handle this? What do you need me to do?
Maddie: Would you mind taking the twins for the night? I can call Roberta and have her bring a bag over for them to your house.
Patrice: Of course! I was thinking the same thing. What about Lily?
Maddie: Lily can stay with me…she and I will go home and sleep later and David will stay here with Aidan.
Patrice: Ok, if you're sure…she's welcome to come too.
Maddie: (Calls to Lily who is playing with Alex.) Lily, you want to go with aunt Patrice or stay with us?
Lily: Stay with you.
Maddie: Yeah, she'll stay here…I think she's worried about Aidan too and he'll probably like all of us being with him once he's settled. The babies have been surprisingly good, but I fear a meltdown is coming, they've been living on Ritz crackers and apple juice all afternoon.
Patrice: Don't worry, I'll get them fed and settled for the night. I still have Lamar's crib in the garage, I'll have Troy bring it in and they can sleep there tonight…I'll put it in our room.
Maddie: Thank you so much, Patrice, I know it's a lot to ask. David or I will come pick them up after the surgery tomorrow.
Patrice: Of course Maddie…whatever we can do to help. Just focus on Aidan, get him through his surgery, and don't worry about a thing.
Maddie and Patrice and the kids walk over to Aidan's room and David walks the kids and Patrice down to her car to transfer the twins' car seats. Maddie, Lily, and David spend the evening in the room…no one feels much like eating. Maddie and Lily go home just after 8pm, but Maddie just tosses and turns all night and heads back to the hospital at 6am, leaving Lily at home with Roberta. Maddie and David are nervous wrecks the whole morning watching their baby be prepped for surgery and talking at length to the doctor about the fragile state of his lungs and being put under today. The doctor assures them everything will be fine, but they pace and pace for the two-hour surgery and barely speak.
Just after 11am, Aidan is wheeled into his room after surgery in a groggy state…Maddie and David overwhelm him with questions, love, and attention until he falls back to sleep for a few hours. They sit watching him sleep.
David: I feel like this is all my fault.
Maddie looks at him sideways.
Maddie: Don't…don't do that.
David: Don't do what? I was standing right there next to him…if anything worse had happened to him Mad…
Maddie: But it didn't…he's here, and he's going to be fine. Accidents happen…
David: Well, that's one accident I'd never get over…if I couldn't…
David's voice cracks and tears well in his eyes. He puts his fingers to the bridge of his nose. Maddie puts her arm around him and rubs his back…
David's shoulders shake a little bit and a few tears fall from his eyes. Maddie cries too and they just comfort each other and watch Aidan knowing how lucky they are that he's right there in front of them.
CUT TO: The next day they are able to bring Aidan home, but Maddie and David are still worried about his lungs and his arm after the surgery. They decide it's best if one of them sleeps in with him for the next couple nights. After that night, the Addison house goes into in a bit of chaos as everyone plays a game of musical beds each night, taking over David or Maddie's side of the bed when they're not in it or crowding all around them when they are. After coming so close to losing Aidan, Maddie and David feel the need to keep the kids close, it comforts them, but the stress and disorder is making them very cranky. With one to three kids a night sleeping in-between them, around them, strewn across them, they've had absolutely no alone time…and they've started bickering…a lot.
CUT TO: Blue Moon, an angry Maddie follows David across the main office holding papers.
Maddie: Addison! I'm not done itemizing these expenses…a new poker table doesn't make the cut as a company write-off!
David: (Yells back) Yeah, well, I'm done giving them…itemize this!
David slams the door in Maddie's face. Her momentum is stopped abruptly, she snarls, opens his door and slams in…the fighting continues.
CUT TO: Another day in the car…
Maddie: Am not…
David: Are too…
Maddie: Am not…
David: Are too, are too, are too…
Maddie: (Screams) Am not, am not, am not!
CUT TO: Another day at home…
David: No…I will not skip boys night…you make sure you go to your girls night out every time…so why should I cancel mine!?
Maddie: I go out once a month David…you meet the boys every…single…week…and you've gotten home past 9pm three other nights…
David: …the hours I put in for work shouldn't be counted against me…you want the bills paid, the lights on…
Maddie: Oh yes, I forgot…you're the only one who works…I need help around here with the kids…you can't just figure Roberta's here so she'll pick up the slack!
David: Don't ever say I don't do my part with the kids!
Overlapping:
Maddie: I'm not saying you don't do your part David, but when you've already gotten home past nine three other nights this week…a responsible person would make it a priority to stay home the one night they had free, they wouldn't just dump all the work onto their wife without a care to go carousing with the boys…
David: …Excuse me Madolyn, I don't need a hall monitor… I'm the most hands-on dad I know…I've busted my hump all week on these cases, plus made time for the kids every afternoon that I was responsible for them…meanwhile, you've had your evenings free…
Maddie: …free!?
David: …now I'm going out to enjoy a few cold ones with the boys…and blow off some much-needed steam… and I don't need your permission to do it.
David storms up the stairs and slams the door to the bedroom while Maddie watches from the Foyer below…
CUT TO: A few days later on the phone; Maddie at work with a client waiting in her office, David at home in the afternoon with the kids.
David: …well, it would have been nice to know that we were out of Alex and Stella's supplement, now I'm here with two crying kids and nothing to feed them…communication Maddie…isn't that what you're always telling me?
Maddie: (fuming but acting kind in front of the client.) Yes…yes, I understand, though I'm positive a memo was left for you regarding this matter asking you to pick some up on the way…
David: I didn't see no memo…
Maddie: Look again tomorrow and I'm sure you'll find…
David: Yeah, a lotta good that's gonna do me…
Maddie: (Curt.) So, tell me…how can I change this situation now David…?
Pause.
David: Don't sweat it, you can't do a thing to change… this...
Maddie: (cold.) Right. Well, sounds like a problem you need to solve yourself.
David: Yep, I've been doing that a lot lately.
Silence.
Maddie: You're not the only one. (Catches the clients eyes and shifts.) Anyway David…I am in the middle of a meeting, can we hash this out later perhaps?
David: Fine.
Maddie: Fine.
David: Good.
Maddie: Good.
They both hang up at the same time. Maddie smiles at the client.
Maddie: Husbands.
Client: Oh, I understand...that's why I got rid of mine a long time ago...
Maddie: (Half-smiles) Please...please go on about your case Ms. Samules, I'm sorry for the interruption...
CUT TO: David slams around the kitchen and opens cupboards, the twins sit in their high-chairs and cry and Roberta comes into the kitchen from dusting the living room…she couldn't help hearing his fight with Maddie.
Roberta: Everything ok Mr. Addison?
David: No…no, it's not Roberta – Must have slipped Maddie's mind to tell me about the kids needing more supplement, and now there isn't much to feed them.
Roberta: I'd be happy to pick some up after I get Aidan and Stella, I'm leaving in five minutes or so.
David rubs his hair and pounds his fist on his forehead.
David: I know what I'll do…we've got some smashed peas and bananas, that'll hold 'em over. But that would be great, thank you Roberta…(irritated.) and I'll let Maddie know you're picking up her slack this time.
Roberta: Don't worry about it Mr. Addison…and don't be so hard on Mrs. Addison…you both are so busy these days and have had some extra stress with Aidan's accident…
David nods half-heartedly and smashes bananas.
Roberta: You two just need to spend a little time together, that's all.
David: (Scoffs.) Ha! Time together…if I had to spend any more time with her you'd have to check me into the loony bin.
Roberta: Oh…well, I mean…obviously, you see each other all the time, but there are a lot of distractions here with the kids, and at the office with employees and cases 'n such…but I haven't seen you really spend a lot of time together, just the two of you, lately.
David:(Dismisses) Yeah? Well, that might be by choice Roberta…I mean, listen…don't worry about it…we're different people and always have been…
Roberta doesn't know what else to say…
Roberta: I understand Mr. Addison, I just think…
Just then, David gets distracted by one of the twins having a meltdown and she lets him tend to them while she heads out to get Lily and Aidan from school.
CUT TO: Later that night. Maddie's home from work chatting with Roberta as they clean up from dinner and then she needs to work on some ledgers she brought home from the office. David is swimming with the Lily and the twins in the back yard. Aidan's watching a movie.
Maddie: You know everything about ER Roberta…what would I do without you to catch me up, have you ever missed an episode?
Roberta: Never, Doug and Carol are my favorite TV couple of all time.
Maddie: They are pretty sexy.
Roberta: That show's got it all.
Maddie: (smiles.) Yeah…
Roberta: Do you have a favorite TV couple?
Maddie thinks.
Maddie: No..no, can't say that I do…I mean, besides maybe this sexy spitfire of a couple from a show that was on in the 80s, but that was before your time.
Roberta shrugs and nods.
Maddie: I'm sorry you had to pick up Alex and Stella's supplement today Roberta…it totally slipped my mind and I left a message for David to pick it up on his way home but I guess he never saw the message.
Roberta: No problem Mrs. Addison, it happens.
Maddie: And I'm sorry things have been a little volatile around here lately, David and I just don't seem to be able to get along right now.
Roberta: Oh…well, every relationship has its ups and downs, it's really none of my business, I just work here.
Maddie: Well, you work here and live here, and I don't want this to be a hostile environment...David and I we…well, we just have a really hard time seeing things the same way sometimes…err…most of the time.
Roberta: Well…it does seem like lately, you've been more at each other's throats than usual, but don't you think that's due to all the other circumstances that have been going on?
Maddie: Circumstances?
Roberta: With Aidan, the stress of what's happened and just being busy in general. I haven't seen you spend much time together.
Maddie: (Scoffs) Not much time together!? I wake up, there he is…I go to work, there he is…I come home…there he is…if I have to see his face any other time…in any other place…you'll have to commit me! I'd be as nuts as he's always claiming I am.
Roberta: Yes, yes…I see what you're saying…it must be tough to work and live together, but it just seems like before you did things together…outside of work and outside of the kids and things were…different.
Maddie: (Thinks.) Yeah?
Roberta: Yeah…but like I said, it's none of my business…I just work here.
Maddie: Sure…yeah, right…well, thanks Roberta anyway for the concern.
But things don't improve for Maddie and David. At work, they barely speak and work on separate cases with other employees and at home they talk around each other through the kids or directly to each other if it's about the kids, other than they just fight about anything and everything…who used the last of the toothpaste, where to park the car, which cases to take…and if ketchup or mustard is the better condiment.
CUT TO: David Sr. and Stephanie arrive for a long weekend in Los Angeles to attend a wedding on Stephanie's side of the family. They are staying in a hotel downtown, but they come over for dinner one night, it's the first time they've met the twins – David and his father stand in the living room and watch them play while Stephanie and Maddie prepare coffee and dessert in the kitchen.
David Sr.: Would you look at that, huh? Two of em…Two of em at once…how'd you manage that?
David: I don't know Dad, we just got lucky I guess.
David Sr.: You got lucky while you were getting lucky. Huh?
He laughs and throws his arm over David's neck…David resists.
David: (low key) Yeah, something like that.
David Sr.: Somethin' the matter with you?
David: What?
David Sr.: Is something wrong with you?
David: (Defensive) Why would you think somethin's the matter? I'm just standing here, showing you my kids.
David Sr.: Nahh, no…somethin's different. Somethin's off. Something wrong with you and Maddie? You two seem distant tonight…usually, it's this and that with the banter and the innuendos and tonight at dinner you barely interacted. What's goin' on?
David puts one hand in his pocket and ruffles his hair with the other.
David: Nothing is going on with me and Maddie…or at least nothing I care to discuss.
David Sr.: (Stern.) You got a good girl in there…
David: (Overlaps.) I know I got a good girl…
David Sr.: So don't mess it up. Remember the vows you took.
David gives him a harsh look.
David: Yeah, well…I think the one thing people forget to tell you when you sign up "for better or worse…" is that the "worse" can be almost unbearable.
David Sr.: Come on, son, you're kiddin' me, right? You're not gonna mess it up. Four kids, a business, this house? You gotta lot to lose.
David: Yeah, well, someone needs to remind her of that too.
David Sr.: Whatever it is…whatever is going on…it's nothing that can't be fixed. You gotta work it out…I mean, just look at these kids. What do you want for them? Certainly a lot better than what you had. (Looks around.) Hell, you're already giving them a lot better than what you had…but it takes a mother and a father to raise 'em.
They hear Stephanie and Maddie coming…
David Sr.: Remember that son…these kids are counting on you two…you don't wanna mess it up. Remember what it took to get her.
David's clenches his jaw and doesn't say anything else. Over dessert, they have a nice time and Maddie and David try to act as normal as possible, but both Stephanie and David Sr. notice and leave that evening feeling a bit concerned. After they're gone Maddie and David clean up the kitchen together in silence, turn off the lights and then climb up the stairs to their bed where Lily and Aidan are already asleep after watching a movie. They squeeze in on their respective sides and eventually sleep.
CUT TO: A few days later Maddie comes home to find an invitation to the Governor's Ball in the mail. She leaves it on the table for David to look at when he gets home. Later that night…
David: (Holding the invitation.) Governor's Ball, huh? Bet that'd be quite a shindig.
Maddie: Yeah? What do you think? Might be fun.
David: Yeah, if I were Prince Charming…(looks at Maddie.) If you were Cinderella.
Maddie: So what does that mean?
David: Mean?
Maddie: What does that mean? You want to go? You don't? I'm having trouble reading your cryptic messages lately David.
David: (Studies Maddie. Puckers his lips.) It means…I guess we can play the roles for the night, but remember, everything turns back to a pumpkin at midnight.
Maddie: I'm still not getting you.
David: No surprise there.
Maddie: Let's make it simple, Yay or Nay?
David: Yay…why not. I've been told lately that we need to spend some time together…whether we like it or not…so why not do it in style in a penguin suit and some glittery getup and hob nob with L.A.'s finest.
Maddie: So…I'll buy a dress…
David: (Hands her the invitation and heads towards the stairs.) I won't make any comments about the gazillion dresses you got up in that closet.
Maddie sighs, looks at the invitation and shifts her eyes sideways.
Cut to: The night of the Governor's Ball, David's in the shower and Maddie is sitting at her vanity applying make-up when Aidan comes in.
Aidan: Mom, Roberta needs you.
Maddie: Yeah?
Aidan: Yeah, she said to get you.
Maddie goes to Roberta's room and finds her lying in bed with a blinding headache.
Maddie: Roberta…what's going on? Are you ok?
Roberta: I'm sorry Mrs. Addison, I've been hit with an awful headache and my stomach is upset.
Maddie feels her head and she's feverish. Maddie checks her watch, they leave for the Governor's Ball in 30 minutes. She gets Roberta some medicine, dims the lights in her room and shuts the door. When she heads back upstairs to the bedroom David is in a white tuxedo looking in the mirror tying his bowtie, his hair is ruffled on top and slicked on the sides – he looks handsome as hell.
Maddie: Roberta's sick.
David: Sick?
Maddie: She's got a fever and is in bed with a headache.
David looks at his watch and puckers his lips.
David: So? Whadda we do now? Tickets bought, dress bought, tux …(he looks in the mirror) still fits like a glove. (he pulls at his shirt sleeve and slicks the sides of his hair.)
Maddie: (Maddie straightens his bowtie from behind and catches his eyes in the mirror.) You do look very handsome.
David looks in her eyes and they smolder for a split second and then both look away and walk to opposite sides of the room.
David: You go…I'll stay here.
Maddie: No, no…you go, you're all dressed…I'm not even ready yet.
David: You've been looking forward to this…
Maddie: You'll have more fun…you're better at these things…
David: You know just as many people as I do…go, have a night out…all those things you were saying, have a good time.
Maddie: Really David, I'm tired, I don't mind staying in.
David: You're not tired…you should go…
Maddie: (Getting agitated.) You go…there are people there you want to see…
David: (Getting irritated.) No, you go…
Maddie: You go, David…
David: Maddie…
Maddie: David…
David: Why won't you just…!
Maddie: Just go David!
David: Ugh! Bang…zoom
Sending fiery looks at each other.
Maddie: Yeah, I'll send you to the moon…pal
David: (Yells.) Fine…I'm going…
Maddie: (Screams.) Go!
David: (Yells.) I'm gone!
David slams out of the house and heads to the ball.
Cut to: David at the Governor's Ball, he works the room chatting up acquaintances he knows from around town, colleagues he and Maddie know in law enforcement and the courts and meets new people from various fields around L.A. For dinner, he is seated at a table with the commissioner and his wife and various other L.A. officials and their spouses. Maddie's seat next to him is empty with her name tag in place. A woman named Rachel, who works at Anderson Accounting, the firm Blue Moon has used for years comes and sits next to David during dessert to say hi. She sits down, glancing at Maddie's name tag...
Rachel: Hi David, where's Maddie?
David: Hi Rachel (he places his hand on her shoulder and greets her with a kiss on the cheek. Gestures to Maddie's name) oh, unfortunately, our babysitter became ill at the last minute and she had to stay home.
Rachel: Oh, that's too bad...I'm sure she could have used a night out, I heard you guys had twins a few months ago.
David: Smiles, we did, yes. Alex and Stella...they're 9 months now.
Rachel: So, you've got four kids just like that...
David: Just like that...funny how they multiply.
Rachel laughs and they chat for ten minutes or so about this and that when suddenly David gets a tap on the shoulder, it's his ex-girlfriend, Jackie. He's surprised to see her.
David: (stunned.) Jackie? (Stands.) hi Jackie, (he greets her the same way he greeted Rachel, hand on the shoulder, kiss on the cheek.)
Jackie: Hi David.
David: Jackie…uh, whadda you doing here?
Jackie: Oh, I came as the date of Congressmen Rooney... (she gestures in some vague direction. David nods.)
He introduces Jackie to Rachel and Rachel excuses herself.
David: Great...great, that's great. Well, it's been awhile. How is everything?
Jackie: (Looks around.) Where's Maddie?
David: Oh, she couldn't make it tonight.
Jackie: Oh…I thought maybe…I mean, well, can I talk to you for a minute?
David looks around uncomfortable.
David: Ok, shoot.
Jackie: No, not here in front of everyone, can we talk in the lobby?
David hesitates but follows Jackie into the lobby. By the time they get there, Jackie turns around and has tears in her eyes.
Jackie: Thanks for giving me a minute.
David has his hands in his pockets, uncomfortable.
David: What's this about Jackie?
Jackie: It's really hard seeing you tonight David even though it's been a really long time. I told myself I wasn't going to approach you…but, I couldn't it. I still think about what we had all the time…I still miss you.
David: (Scratches the side of his head with one finger.) Jackie, look…I don't know what to say…
Just then David feels a tap on his shoulder, it's Rachel.
Rachel: Excuse me, sorry David. The chief of police is looking for you, he's leaving soon, can you talk to him for a minute?
David: Oh, right…thanks, I was looking for him earlier, (looks at Jackie.) he helped us on a big case this year, I'm sorry, will you excuse me, Jackie?
Jackie wipes her eye and nods.
David turns around and starts through the lobby back to the ballroom with Rachel.
David: Thank you for that…
Rachel: I thought you might have needed saving…married men talking to crying women in the lobby of the Governor's Ball…not a good look.
David laughs and nods.
David: Definitely….
Then, just before they enter the ballroom Rachel grabs David by the arm and pulls him out a door that leads outside to the side of the building.
David: (Finishing his thought) Nottttttt. (realizing.) Whoa! Easy, where's the fire!?
Rachel: (Laughs.) Sorry David, I just wanted a minute with you.
David: (Smooths his hair back on one side.) Seems to be going around tonight.
Rachel looks around, they are the only two out there. She puts her hand on David's chest. He glances down at it, licks his lips, and looks back at her curiously.
Rachel: Look, David, I know this isn't appropriate, you've got a family and all that, but…well, I've always found you very attractive.
David takes her hand, moves it off his chest and looks around.
David: Look, Rachel, that's very flattering, but…
Rachel: (Interrupts.) I know, I know…you're taken, trust me, I know Maddie and she's great…but I always promised myself that if I had a chance with you – even just for a night, I'd take it.
David puts his hands in his pockets, leans back and takes in her petite, brunette form.
David: You did, huh?
Rachel: I did, and look, (she raises her hands and looks around.) It's just us out here. No one would ever know…I mean, it would just be our little secret if we slip out of here now and find a hotel?
David smirks.
David: Rachel look, you are a beautiful woman…and your timing…? Well, it's impeccable. But…
Rachel: (Puts her hand up.) Look, David…trust me, you won't be disappointed, it'll be amazing…I'll make sure of that. I'm mean…I've heard about you, you've been known to pull an all-nighter here and there. Your wife won't suspect a thing…and she'll never hear a thing from me…next time I see her in the office it'll be just like every other time.
David: It will, huh?
Rachel: It will…and just think, won't it be kind of exciting to have that secret between us, while the three of us sit there crunching boring old numbers? (She smiles flirtatiously) I mean, look, I'll be honest, I'm not looking to take on a man with kids…I'm not looking for…anyway, what I'm trying to say is…no strings attached David…(She reaches out and tugs at his bowtie.) Just a little distraction from the mundane…?
David looks down, kicks at pebble and sighs. He takes Rachel's hand and kisses it.
David: Rachel, like I said, I am extremely flattered, and believe me, in another time…another place I'd take you up on it in a second…but, I can't …can't do that. I was warned recently not to mess up what I've got at home – and I'm going to heed that advice before this goes any further.
Rachel's shoulders slunk disappointed, but she nods, understanding.
Rachel: Faithfulness, an admirable quality in a husband.
David: Husband…right, well. (looks at his watch, it's midnight.) In fact, speaking of, I've gotta get back to that. Have a good night, Rachel.
He throws her a two-fingered kiss, opens the door and walks back inside the ballroom to grab his jacket and head out, and hopefully avoid Jackie.
Just as he's making his way out of the ballroom, pulling on his jacket, someone grabs him by the arm. It's the chief of police.
Chief: Addison!
David: Chief!
Chief: You heartbreaker you…
David: (Nervous.) Wha…what?
Throws him a few jabs.
Chief: Lookin' good in that tux.
David: Oh…thanks…you lookin' good yourself babe.
David throws a jab back.
Chief: (Looks around.) Where's Madolyn?
David: Popular questions…Ah, she couldn't make it tonight.
Chief: And the ladies are crawling all over you…who was that woman you made cry in the lobby?
David: (Ruffles his hair. Hoping nobody had seen that.) Her? An ex from years ago.
Chief: That why you heading out of here so quick?
David: Yeah…something like that…heading home to my wife before I get myself in any trouble here.
The chief slaps him on the back.
Chief: Good man.
David: Tonight, I might agree with you, Sir…speaking of…I wanted to thank you again for all your help with that case earlier this year….
The Chief and David chat for a few minutes while David sweats and itches to get out of there before he is approached, interrogated or propositioned by any more women.
CUT TO: Home. David enters the bedroom, which is bathed in blue. Maddie is curled up with Stella and Lily is sprawled over the other half of the bed taking over David's side. David gently shakes Maddie awake…she's extremely groggy and opens one eye to see David leaning over her in his tux pants and shirt, suspenders and undone bowtie, still looking handsome as hell.
Maddie: David…(annoyed.) what!?
David: Whadda we doing?
Maddie: Isn't it obvious, David...we're sleeping…What time is it?
David: It's late...I just got home. Had a wild night...
Maddie: (Yawns, closing her eyes.) So, what else is new?
David: Not like that...come on, get up, we need to talk.
Maddie: (opens one eye.) Yes, we do, but not at this hour...go to sleep David...you're gonna wake the kids.
David: Come on Maddie...are you happy? Cause I'm pretty miserable right now. And tonight was miserable without you and that's saying a lot since I had women crying and offering themselves up to me…
Maddie: (this gets her attention.) Sits up on her elbow... women!?
David: Women. Plural. Like I said. Crazy night...
Maddie: …and just what happened with these women!?
David: That's what I'm trying to tell you…nothing, obviously…
Maddie: …and what is the point of you telling me all this?
Stella turns over and starts to cry a bit. David leans over and slaps Maddie's ass as a gesture to get up and points towards downstairs.
David: (Whispers.) We gotta talk.
Maddie gets up slowly so as not to wake the kids and meets David downstairs. Her arms are folded in front of her.
Maddie: So?
David: So?
Maddie: I'm up David, so what is that is important that we can't talk about it once the sun's over the yardarm?
David: I don't like you very much right now.
Maddie: (Turns to head upstairs.) Goodnight…
David grabs her arm and turns her around.
David: Maddie.
Maddie: David. If this is what you woke me up to tell me it'll keep 'til the morning…I'm sure you'll feel the same…
David: Well…be honest, do you like me?
Maddie: No, I hate you.
David: Well…there, ya see? Now we're getting somewhere.
TOGETHER:
Maddie: It's the same old thing David, you don't listen to me…you just react, you you just…act…do things and don't consider how it affects me…at home, at work. Just when I think we've made progress, started a new chapter…maybe on the same page even, it all falls apart – one day we're on the same team, the next mortal enemies. It's exhausting…I'm exhausted.
David: We're back to square one Maddie…you talk at me, you don't have a conversation, I feel like I'm your underling at work and at home. Just when I think we've moved forward, that you understand the way am…and I understand the way you are, ba-bing, it blows up in my face! It's exhausting, I'm exhausted!
Both: WHAT!?
Maddie seethes, David paces, wanting to pull his hair out.
David: Look, what I'm trying to say is…Why are we fighting all the time?
Everything stops and Maddie looks at him, shocked at the clarity of the question.
Maddie: I don't know.
David: Ok…look…look, I've been thinking about this…everything was good after the babies were born, I thought that might send us into a rough patch, but it didn't, they fit right into our lives perfectly and we were happy…trust me, I remember, it wasn't that long ago Maddie...
Maddie: Yeah…ok, so what changed?
David: I don't know, but something changed…
Maddie: Roberta says we started fighting after Aidan's accident.
David thinks.
David: Are you mad at me about that?
Maddie: No…no, David, of course not.
David: Then, what?
Maddie: Nothing…nothing more than what there usually is between us…we have our ups and downs.
David: Yeah, well, while we're on the subject…there haven't been many ups 'n down lately...I mean…you and I used to do it…a lot more than us, is doing it now…
Throws her a look, she catches it.
Maddie: Is that what this is about? Sex?
David: Well...no...no...not just...
Maddie: We've had the kids with us so much…since the accident, we've been focusing on the kids…
David thinks.
David: That's it!
Maddie: What's it…
David: We haven't had a moment to ourselves because we've had those kids in bed with us every night.
Maddie: Yeah, they're taking over everything…
Together: Well, you're the one that wanted them…
Together: Didn't you?
Together: Well, yes…but.
They stop and laugh at themselves.
David: (Ruffles his hair.) We've got to get those kids out of that bed…
Maddie: You're right, you're right…I know you're right, (thinks) even though it is so nice having them there, knowing everyone is ok…
David: That was always our rule. (Thinks.) Even though I will miss Stella's little feet kicking me in the face as I wake up in the morning…
Maddie: But, I agree…they've got to get back in their own beds.
David: (Sarcastic, throws his hands up.) Great! Look at that, we agree on something…
Maddie: But what about the other stuff…the frustration we cause each other? David, I've been so mad at you lately…
David: Well, I've been just as mad at you…
Maddie: So, what are we going to do about it?
David: We're gonna…change it…grow out of it…take a left turn…hell, take a right turn, I don't know, we've been here before, we always come out of it.
Maddie: But what if one of these times, we don't?
David: What if we don't? We have to Maddie…commitments have been made…plants bought, babies had.
Maddie: It scares me David, when we go through times like this I'm not so sure that we're…that we can…
David: (Places his hands on her elbows.) Well, I hate to break it to you honey, but that's just not an option...
Maddie: (Sighs) So whadda we do now?
Maddie and David talk a little bit longer and agree to keep the kids in their own beds and have a date night each week to keep their connection alive as a couple outside of work and home. Eventually David puts his arm around Maddie's waist and they walk up the spiral staircase together.
Maddie: So…tell me about these women…who do I owe the ole Hayes right hook?
David: You remember Jackie…?
Maddie: Jackie…six years ago Jackie?
David: Seven years ago Jackie…
David tells her what went on with Jackie, but downplays the situation with Rachel so Maddie doesn't punch her the next time she goes to balance the books. They move Stella and Lily into their own beds and get in their bed together, alone, for the first time in weeks and spoon together until they fall asleep. Sometime around dawn, Maddie wakes up with a strong urge to be with David…she feels her way up and over his muscular form and wakes him up the way he'd prefer to be woken up every morning. As she moves on top of him…his green eyes meet her blue ones and they reconnect in a way they haven't for a while. He moves his hands up into her hair and pulls her face close to his…and tucks his nose into her neck, and breathes her in…happy to be in her arms…thankful to have weathered another storm…elated that she's his wife.
THE END
This is the end of Maddie and David: Married With Children. First of all, THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has left a review or sent me a comment about the fanfic. I do this because I love it, it fulfills a creative itch…and also heals the wounds of what could have been on Moonlighting (my favorite show for 30+ years) and between our favorite couple… But it's great to hear that other people are enjoying it too…it really "spurs me on" so to speak.
Second of all - This doesn't mean I'm done writing Maddie and David, I've just taken this story as far as I can. I will be posting other stories soon. In the meantime, please read the Moonlighting FanFic I've got posted if you haven't already.
Thanks again for following along with this story and keep those cards and letters coming folks. ;)