EXT. ALICE CARTER'S HOUSE-DAY
Jack walks up to the front door and rings the doorbell.
ALICE CARTER opens the door. She looks surprised.
ALICE
Hello, Dad.
JACK
Hi.
ALICE
We weren't expecting you.
JACK
I know.
ALICE
(calling inside)
Steven, come say hello to your Uncle Jack!
Steven, happily bouncing and full of life, runs out from behind his mum.
STEVEN
Hi, Uncle Jack!
Jack bends down and gives him a big, long hug.
JACK
(struggling to hold back his emotions)
Hey Steven.
STEVEN
Are you here to stay with us for Christmas?
JACK
I'm sorry Steven, I can't stay long.
ALICE
Why am I not surprised.
JACK
I just wanted to come by and see you. To wish you a Happy Christmas. (to Alice) I know I don't visit nearly enough.
ALICE
Quite right. (beat) Did you want to come inside for a while? I know you're busy, but just for an hour or two?
JACK
I'd love to, but I really can't.
ALICE
(disappointed)
Same as ever. Always rushing off. Here one moment, gone the next.
Jack pauses for a moment, thinking hard.
JACK
You know what? I'll stay.
ALICE
(skeptical)
Really?
JACK
Really.
ALICE
You're serious?
JACK
Yea.
Alice smiles. Jack grins back.
ALICE
Well all right, come inside then.
Jack steps inside.
FADE TO: Semi-cheesy montage of Jack enjoying Christmas with Alice and Steven. They laugh, they eat, Jack tosses Steven up in the air, they play games.
FADE TO: Jack on the porch again, saying goodbye. Steven is not present.
JACK
Well, goodnight then.
ALICE
You should come by more often, Dad.
JACK
I know.
Steven runs up.
STEVEN
Are you leaving now, Uncle Jack?
JACK
Yea Steven. I have to go.
Jack bends down and hugs Steven goodbye, then Alice.
JACK
(voice wavering slightly)
Goodbye.
Jack turns quickly and leaves. He can't hold back the tears any longer, and he doesn't want them to see him break. Alice is left standing in the doorway, looking slightly puzzled. Steven waves brightly.
STEVEN
Bye Uncle Jack!
Jack rounds the corner and disappears again.