Passions Season 10, Episode 3:
On the Cusp
SCENE: We open at the Crane Mansion. Pilar is on the phone talking to a friend.
PILAR: Yes, yes, I did get the pictures you sent me by e-mail. I really can't believe how much Jeff and Lisa…(She is interrupted by the sound of construction equipment outside.)…have grown. (She tries to ignore the sound and continue her conversation.) You know we really must get together sometime soon. (The sound grows louder and she has to raise her voice.) You know, Kaylee, could I possibly call you back a little later today? No, no. It's nothing serious. Just a slight problem I need to deal with. Ok. Talk you then. Bye for now. (Pilar hangs up the phone and shakes her head, then turns around to go outside. When she does, she bumps right into Reggie.)
REGGIE: Oh, I'm terribly sorry Pilar. I was just hoping I might get something to drink real quick. (The noise is still going on in the background.)
PILAR: Of course, but if you're here, then what on earth is that?
REGGIE: Yeah, sorry about that. The equipment is just a tad temperamental. I'm afraid if I turn it off, I won't get it turned back on again.
PILAR: I see. You know, if you need something replaced, I'm sure Theresa would be ok with that. Just ask her.
REGGIE: Well, I sure could stand to replace a few of my tools, but I don't want to take advantage of anyone. I mean, I've always supplied my own tools, you know.
PILAR: I tell you what, just let me speak with her about it. (There's a weird loud sound in the background as if the equipment is really dying out there.) Actually, never mind. I'll just advance you a check right now and tell Theresa about it later.
REGGIE: Are you sure?
PILAR: Absolutely!
REGGIE: Well, I'll go turn it off, in that case.
PILAR: I'll have some fresh lemonade ready when you get back. (Reggie runs outside and the noise stops. Pilar sighs with relief as she pours some lemonade.)
REGGIE: Sorry about that, ma'am.
PILAR: No problem. Sounds like your tools are really on their last legs.
REGGIE: (He looks down and rubs his neck, slightly embarrassed.) Yes, I suppose they pretty much all are. I've been meaning to replace a lot of them for a long, long time. But then, the recession hit, and well…Most of us in the construction industry are just happy if we have jobs right now. There isn't much left over for new equipment at the moment, though.
PILAR: (Seeing that Reggie is kind of uncomfortable with admitting to this.) I've been through some tough times myself. You obviously have a lot of talent. I'm sure you'll pull through. (She hands him the lemonade and then sits down with a cup of coffee herself. An awkward silence ensues.) I tell you what. Why don't you take a break? I just made some homemade cinnamon coffee cake. Let me get you a slice.
REGGIE: I'd love some, but maybe I can take a rain check?
PILAR: Sure.
REGGIE: I mean, if we're going shopping for new equipment, we better get a move on.
PILAR: Excuse me, we?
REGGIE: Well, yeah. If you're fronting the costs, I want to make sure you see what I'm getting.
PILAR: (She laughs lightly.) Reggie, really, I can just give you a check, or even cash if you need it. If you like, you can always give me the receipts.
REGGIE: No ma'am. If it's all the same to you, I'd just as soon you were there when I bought everything. I'd like to explain to you just what everything is, why I need it, why I'm picking a certain model, things like that. If you don't approve each purchase, I won't make it!
PILAR: That's really not necessary…
REGGIE: Well, I could get by with my current equipment for a while, I guess. You know, until Theresa gets back, so that I can square things away directly with her.
PILAR: I tell you what. Why don't I go get my purse? (Reggie smiles.)
SCENE: Tabitha's house. We see Kay, Miguel, and Maria walk in the door with a few bags, dropping them on the floor.
KAY: Hello? Anyone here? We're home. Tabitha, Endora?
MIGUEL: So just which Endora are you calling for? (Kay and Miguel exchange a look.) I'm just glad you told me about Tabitha's odd behavior so I can be prepared. (Miguel's face changes as a look of shock comes over him.) I take it back. Nothing could've prepared me for that!
TABITHA: (Walking in the door, still sticking stubbornly to her newfound retro style from the 1950's.) Oh hello dears. I'm so happy to see you both. Here, let me help you with those bags. (Tabitha walks over and picks up Maria's baby bag.)
MIGUEL: Thanks, but really, I can handle it.
TABITHA: Oh? Well all right then. Perhaps little Maria would like some freshly baked brownies, hmm?
KAY: I'm sure she would. That's a great idea. (Kay hands Maria over to Tabitha.) If you will both excuse me, (Kay fakes a yawn) I think I am in terrible need of a short nap. It was quite a trip back home, you know.
TABITHA: Why of course, dear. Now you just go on and don't worry about a thing. I'm sure Maria and Endora will have a wonderful time catching up. I'll keep an eye on them while you rest.
KAY: Thank you so much Tabitha. (Tabitha walks back out with Maria in her arms.)
MIGUEL: I'm guessing you're off to see the *other* Endora?
KAY: Oh you betcha! Assuming I can find her. (Kay walks upstairs and then tries to be quiet as she searches for Teenage Endora. She opens a few doors and peeks her head in calling for Endora under her breath. Finally, she goes into her bedroom, closes the door, and resumes calling for her.) Endora? Endora, are you here? Can you hear me? (Kay turns around from facing the door to now face the bed and is startled to find T. Endora standing right in front of her. She jumps, putting her heart up to her chest.) Oh my God, you scared me half to death.
T. ENDORA: (In a normal voice.) I'm sorry, but Kay, you have no idea how glad I am to see you back here.
KAY: Shh. Keep your voice down. We don't want Tabitha to hear us.
T. ENDORA: Oh, it's ok. When I popped in here, I also put a spell on the room to make it sound proof. You could fire a cannon in here and no one would hear.
KAY: (Looking relieved and resuming a normal voice.) Good thinking. So tell me, what have you been able to find out so far?
T. ENDORA: Plenty. But something tells me you aren't going to like it.
KAY: Why? What is it?
T. ENDORA: I think it may be better if, well, if you heard it directly from the horse's mouth, so to speak.
KAY: And how will I do that?
T. ENDORA: By accompanying me and Tabitha.
KAY: Where?
T. ENDORA: To Hecuba's cave.
KAY: You can't be serious?! I've heard all about this Hecuba, and I have no intention of going anywhere near her cave. Ever.
T. ENDORA: I know. But you aren't going to believe what Hecuba told me. If what she said is true, it is absolutely vital that we get Tabitha there, a.s.a.p. (Kay and T. Endora exchange a serious look.)
SCENE: Outside of Sheridan's cottage. We see a pregnant Fancy who is starting to show walking up to Sheridan's door and carrying a platter of brownies covered in plastic wrap. She hesitates, and starts to turn back, but then changes her mind once again and walks towards the door.
FANCY: (Under her breath.) Remember what mother said, Fancy. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Sheridan used to be a friend, and she's certainly proven herself to be an enemy in recent times. Better to go through a little unpleasantness now than be taken by surprise by her in the future. (She walks up to the door and starts to knock on it, but then notices something through the window and hides in the bushes to peek in. The camera pans inside. We see Sheridan dressed in a sexy but classy peach negligee. She has something in her hands which we can't see. She places it in a box and smiles with delight.)
SHERIDAN: When Luis sees this, he just won't be able to resist! Oh I can't wait to see his face. He'll be so surprised.
FANCY: (Her face draws up as her eyes squint together in anger). I knew it! The little witch is back up to her old tricks yet again. Antonio is nothing more than a decoy. As if she hasn't ruined enough lives already, now she has to drag him into it and string him along. I think I'll just put a stop to this right now! (Fancy reaches for the doorknob, but as she does, Antonio appears behind Sheridan with a towel wrapped around his waist, clearly dripping wet from a recent shower.)
SHERIDAN: Oh, Antonio! Well that was quick. I was just about to wrap up a baby present for Luis and Fancy. Here, let me show you. (Sheridan reaches towards the box, but Antonio grabs her and spins her around into a tight embrace.)
ANTONIO: I'm sure it's quite lovely, but could we possibly forget about my brother, you know, just for a little while? (He kisses her very passionately.)
SHERIDAN: (Pulling back and looking a little dazed, as if she were under a spell.) You have a brother? Why didn't you tell me? (They both laugh. Antonio sweeps her into his arms and they continue to kiss as he carries her into the bedroom.)
FANCY: (She moves over to the window into the bedroom, as if she can't believe her eyes and she wants to make sure this is really happening. But as things heat up, she starts to feel uncomfortable.) I really shouldn't be watching this. (She starts to back away.) But then again, if I want to know how she really feels about Antonio, seeing how she makes love to him should give me a clue. I may never get another chance like this. (She moves back into position where she can watch them through the window. She's making a lot of surprised faces and holds a hand over her eyes, making a slit through her fingers and looking through. The camera pans in to focus on Sheridan and Antonio as things heat up and they begin to make love. The phone rings. They ignore it at first, but it keeps on ringing.)
ANTONIO: (Between kisses, and out of breath.) Should you get that? What if it is important?
SHERIDAN: (Equally out of breath.) They'll call back then. (But the phone continues to ring.)
ANTONIO: Are you sure?
SHERIDAN: (She rips the phone out of the socket violently and shoves it to the floor. We see the red light on the answering machine go out.) What do you think? (Antonio smiles and they continue on.)
SCENE: The Crane mansion. Pilar and Reggie arrive back home from their shopping trip. They are laughing and carrying in bag after bag of purchases.
PILAR: I can't believe how involved carpentry can be.
REGGIE: And I can't believe how much everyone tripped over themselves to help us out once you mentioned this would be on 'the Crane account.'
PILAR: Yes, well, there are some perks to Theresa's status, I must admit. Though believe me, she has suffered greatly for it.
REGGIE: (Looking more serious now.) I'm sure she has. You know, I haven't been in town for very long, but I've heard a few things. You know, about her past with Ethan. Him marrying that other high society woman, Gretchen or something…
PILAR: (Interrupting to correct him.) Gwen.
REGGIE: Right, Gwen. Then, all the entanglements with the Cranes to boot.
PILAR: Yes, my daughter has been through some very rough times, but luckily it looks as though she is finally getting what she deserves. (The two exchange a smile and fall silent for a moment.)
REGGIE: Well, I should really get back to work. Put all the tools we just bought to good use. Oh, and if Theresa would like, I can leave the bulk of them when my work here is finished. I'm not sure if I'd feel right taking them all with me anyway.
PILAR: Well, if I know my daughter, you'll be here for a really, really long time. I'm sure she has a list of projects a mile long. She's quite anxious to transform the place. To make it really feel like something of her own and Ethan's, rather than something she inherited from Alister Crane. And as for me, I'm a little anxious myself. I can't wait until you finish a project so I can see some of your work.
REGGIE: (His eyes lighting up.) Tell you what, give me about twenty minutes and I'll be back down to get you, all right?
PILAR: Reggie, what on earth do you have in mind?
REGGIE: (Backing away, heading for the door, but still looking at Pilar and holding his index finger out in front of him to get her attention.) Just twenty minutes, ok? And don't go anywhere either. Stay right here. Stay in the kitchen. No peeking now. Promise?
PILAR: Well, ok. Fine, fine. I'll be here. (Reggie disappears and Pilar just smiles, looking off into the distance.)
SCENE: A woodsy area, outside a large rock formation. T. Endora is waiting as Kay and Tabitha arrive. Tabitha is carrying an old fashioned bottle of milk and a small bowl. Tabitha seems distracted, as usual here lately, and is looking around for something. Kay walks up to T. Endora.
T. ENDORA: So how did you get mother to come out here?
KAY: It wasn't easy, but then I didn't think telling her she was a witch without her powers who used to be evil was the way to go. So I told her a friend of mine had been out here camping and lost a couple of kittens. She insisted on bringing the milk and saucer as a way to lure them in.
T. ENDORA: Good thinking.
KAY: (Looking around.) I thought I was going to meet you at the entrance to the cave, but I don't see it around here anywhere. How far away are we?
T. ENDORA: Not far at all. (She reaches her arm backwards and it slides through the rock formation behind her.)
KAY: Neat. But isn't that dangerous? I mean, couldn't just anyone stumble upon it at any time? I mean, I know they can't see it, but they could fall in or something.
T. ENDORA: No. The entrance only works if you have magical powers yourself. Those who are entirely mortal can't cross through.
KAY: Can Tabitha get through then? I mean, in her current condition?
T. ENDORA: Ordinarily no, but Hecuba put a spell on the entrance which will let Tabitha in. Come now, she's expecting us. (T. Endora walks through the rock.)
KAY: (To herself.) Oh I so want to get this all over with. Say Tabitha! (She calls out to her. Could you come here a minute? I have something I want to show you.
TABITHA: (Complies.) Of course dear, but I'm afraid I haven't found the little kittens yet. Shouldn't we keep trying?
KAY: Yes, of course. We'll get back to that in just a second. But first, I need you to close your eyes and follow me.
TABITHA: Well, if you insist. (Kay takes her by the hand and starts to walk through the wall.) But we really shouldn't waste any time. I mean, the… (Tabitha is now on the other side of the wall. She opens up her eyes.) Bloody hell! Hecuba!
HECUBA: So lovely to see you again, Tabitha. You're looking…well. (Hecuba is clearly shocked by Tabitha's attire.)
KAY: (To T. Endora.) I don't understand. Was that all there was to it? Just bringing her here? Does she remember who she is now?
T. ENDORA: Not exactly. I mean, she remembers who she was, but that doesn't fix who she is. You see…
HECUBA: (Interrupting.) You see, Tabitha was never meant to be mortal. Her little sacrifice to save your pitiful little town has upset the entire balance of the magical world. Surely you've noticed some rather strange consequences yourself recently?
KAY: Not personally, but I think maybe my daughter has. I originally thought they were just growing pains, but now, I don't know. (As they are talking Tabitha wonders over to a mirror and is shocked to see how she has dressed.)
HECUBA: They weren't just growing pains, I assure you.
KAY: So how do we fix it?
HECUBA: Simple. Tabitha has to become a witch once more.
KAY: Well that's fantastic news. I don't think she was really happy as a mortal anyway. And this should kill two birds with one stone. Tabitha returns to normal and the magical world regains its balance.
T. ENDORA: Actually, there is a bit of a catch.
KAY: Catch? What catch?
HECUBA: You see, when Tabitha relinquished her powers and became…ugh, baptized… in order to save Harmony, she gave up her right to be the witch she once was forever. She can never return to doing the deliciously evil work she once did. The universe will simply not allow it any more. I can restore her powers, but she will have learn to use them in an entirely different way. I'm afraid she'll have to be a…(Hecuba gulps and swallows before continuing) good witch!
KAY: Well that's fantastic news!
T. ENDORA: Is it Kay? (She turns Kay around to look at Tabitha who is still gawking at her goody two shoes clothes in the mirror.) You see, mother will remember everything she is, everything she once was. All her original instincts and desires will remain intact, including the ones which tempted her to perform evil deeds in the first place. Only now, she'll not only have to resist the temptation to be bad, she'll have to actively use her magic to help people, selflessly, in order to restore order in both the magical and mortal realms. She'll have to help undo a lot of the disorder she herself caused.
KAY: Oh. (Kay's face darkens as the gravity of the situation sinks in.) So who's going to tell her? And more importantly, what do you think she's going to say?
SCENE: Sheridan's cottage. Sheridan and Antonio are lying in bed, basking in the afterglow of having recently made love.
SHERIDAN: I can't believe how long it has been since I was last in your arms. Or how peaceful and content I feel now that I'm in them once more.
ANTONIO: (Smiling reflectively.) I know what you mean. All that time, locked away in one of Alister's prisons, all I could think of was returning to you. (His face darkens slightly.) Of course, I wasn't sure if I'd find you with my brother or not.
SHERIDAN: (She turns from being in his arms staring at the ceiling to now looking him in the face.) Please don't be jealous. Your brother is a good man, yes, but I don't believe my feelings for him could ever compare to my feelings for you. Antonio, everyone in Harmony thought you were dead. And I don't know, I mean, I tried to move on, to get back with Luis. But now that you are here, well, I have come to realize that Luis and I just weren't meant to be. You're the only man for me. The only man I'll ever truly love. (They kiss.)
FANCY: (The camera pulls back to reveal she is still spying outside the window. She now talks to herself under her breath.) I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen and heard it all for myself! But she seems quite sincere. Could it be? Could Sheridan finally have given up on Luis? (She's beaming. But a ringing cell phone in her purse interrupts her joy. She quickly backs away from the house, hoping Sheridan and Antonio didn't hear the phone.) Hello. (She answers in a hushed tone.)
LUIS: (On the other end of the line.) Oh Fancy. Thank God I got a hold of you.
FANCY: What's wrong, Luis? You sound worried. Is everything ok?
LUIS: Well, yes, it looks like it is going to be. Listen, have you seen Sheridan recently?
FANCY: (Looking puzzled and hurt.) Sheridan? No, no, not recently. (She lies.) Why?
LUIS: Look, I'm at the hospital with Marty.
FANCY: Hospital? What happened? Is Marty all right?
LUIS: Yes, yes, he's fine. Eve was originally a little worried, but it looks like it was a bit of a false alarm. Still, well, I do need to get a hold of Sheridan as soon as possible. So please, if you see her, have her call me right away.
FANCY: Of course. But you're sure Marty is going to be just fine?
LUIS: Eve is running a few more tests just to make sure, but yes, it looks as though all he needs is some simple medication and a little bed rest for a few days.
FANCY: Well that's a relief. I'll tell Sheridan as soon as…I mean if, if I see her.
LUIS: Oh and Fancy, if you see Antonio and he isn't with Sheridan, have him call me too. I think there might be something he needs to know as well.
FANCY: Sure. I'll see you soon, ok? And listen, if you need anything, just let me know. I mean, I know how scared you must've been. After all, until our baby is born, Marty is your only child after all.
LUIS: Yeah. Yeah. Thanks. I'll see you at home.
FANCY: (After hanging up.) That's strange. Why would Luis want to talk to Antonio right now without Sheridan? It isn't even like the two are married yet or anything. Maybe he just needs some brotherly advice, or maybe he thinks Antonio will help keep Sheridan calm when she learns her son is sick. (She nods her head slowly and puts her cell back in her purse.) Yeah, that must be it. Well, since I am here after all, I suppose I'd best get this over with. Pretend I was just in the area, got a call from Luis with the bad news, and thought I'd pop by to see if Sheridan was at home. (She dusts herself off and tries to smooth the wrinkles out of her clothes.) Well, here goes nothing…(She walks up to the front door and knocks).
Coming up in Episode 4:
Reggie has a pleasant surprise for Pilar.
Sheridan, Antonio, and Fancy all rush to the hospital to check on Marty.
Tabitha must choose between life as a blissfully ignorant mortal and life as a self-sacrificing good witch.