Libby: Dad! Dad, wake up!
(Archibald opens his eyes then sees Libby standing by the bed then puts on his monocle then sits up then looks over at the clock then over at Libby)
Archibald: Libby, dear, what are you doing out of bed? It's 2:00 in the morning.
Libby: (Panicked) I...I know that, Dad, but...but something's wrong with Junior!
Archibald: (Concerned) Junior? What happened?
Libby: (Panicked) I...I don't know! He was asleep but then he began making noises like...like he was in pain. When I opened my eyes, he...he was sitting on his bed, yelling and...and crying. He was...he was leaning over like his tummy was hurting. And...and he won't stop doing that! He just won't stop! I'm scared, Dad!
(Archibald quickly gets off the bed then goes over to Libby)
Archibald: It's alright, dear, it's alright. Let's go check on him.
(Archibald and Libby leave the bedroom then go down the hallway over to Libby and Junior's bedroom door then Libby looks up at Archibald)
Libby: (Concerned) I don't think he can open the door, Daddy.
(Archibald leans against the door)
Archibald: Junior? Junior?
Junior: (Crying) D-Dad? Help me!
(Archibald quickly opens the door then he and Libby move inside the bedroom then look over and see Junior sitting on his bed crying and doubling over, both his face and eyes look reddened)
Archibald: (Panicked) Junior!
(Junior looks over at Archibald and Libby)
Junior: (Sniffling) D-Dad, my-my stomach hurts...really bad.
(Archibald quickly goes over to Junior's bed then sits down then picks up Junior then places him on his lap)
Archibald: (Soothingly) Shh, shh. It's alright now. Everything's going to be alright.
(Junior looks up at Archibald tears flowing in his eyes)
Junior: (Whimpering) Dad, what's wrong with me?
Archibald: (Concerned) I don't know yet. But I'm going to find out.
(Archibald turns to Libby)
Archibald: Libby, dear, can you go into the bathroom and get the thermometer for me?
(Libby nods then quickly leaves the room then Archibald looks down at Junior whimpering and scrunching his face in pain)
Archibald: (Concerned) I know it hurts, Junior.
Junior: (Tearfully) Daddy, make it stop. Please make it stop.
(Archibald shakes his head)
Archibald: (Concerned) I want to, sweetheart, I want to. But I can't.
Junior: (Crying) But it hurts!
Archibald: I know, I know.
(Archibald holds Junior close against his chest then begins slowly rocking back and forth)
Archibald: Does that help?
(Junior looks up)
Junior: (Sniffling) A little.
(Junior grimaces then snuggles closer to Archibald while he continues hugging him and rocking him then Libby comes back into the bedroom with the thermometer)
Libby: I've got it, Dad.
(Libby gives the thermometer to Archibald then Archibald looks down at Junior)
Archibald: Junior, I need to place this under your tongue.
(Junior whimpers then shakes his head)
Archibald: It's just for a few seconds, dear.
(Junior nods then Archibald places the thermometer into Junior's mouth causing him to cough and shut his eyes tight)
Archibald: We're almost done.
(The thermometer beeps then Archibald removes it from Junior's mouth then looks at the thermometer that reads '105')
Archibald: (Concerned) Junior, you're burning up!
Junior: (Whimpering) I've got a fever?
Archibald: Yes, you do.
(Archibald looks over at Libby)
Archibald: Libby, can you fetch an ice pack for me next?
Libby: (Concerned) Is...Is Junior gonna be okay, Dad?
(Archibald tries to smile)
Archibald: He's...he's gonna be fine, dear.
(Libby nods then leaves the room then Junior looks up at Archibald)
Junior: D...Dad?
Archibald: Hmm?
Junior: (Whimpering) Am...am I really gonna be okay?
Archibald: Of course you are. We're gonna fix this.
Junior: (Tearfully) I...I don't wanna die, Dad.
(Archibald holds Junior close)
Archibald: I won't let that happen, Junior.
Junior: You...you won't?
(Archibald kisses Junior's forehead)
Archibald: I won't.
(Junior smiles a little)
Junior: O...okay.
(Libby comes back into the room holding the ice pack)
Libby: Here it is.
(Libby gives the ice pack to Archibald then Archibald looks over at Junior)
Archibald: I'm gonna place this against your forehead, Junior. It's going to feel cold.
(Archibald gently places the ice pack against Junior's forehead causing him to shiver)
Archibald: You're doing great.
(Archibald continues gently dabbing the ice pack against Junior's forehead while Libby watches in concern then Archibald sets the pack aside then looks over at Libby)
Archibald: We need to call the hospital.
(Archibald grabs the blanket then bundles Junior up then stands up holding onto him while he continues shaking and whimpering)
Junior: (Crying) D-Dad?
Archibald: (Soothingly) I've still got you.
(Junior's face scrunches in pain then Archibald holds him against his chest, the sound of his steady breathing lulling Junior to relax against him then Archibald leaves the room followed by Libby then they go into his bedroom then Archibald sits on the bed still holding the whimpering Junior close then picks up his phone while it begins ringing)
Archibald: (Panicked) Hello? 9-1-1? Yes, it's an emergency. My son is having terrible stomach pains and running a fever! It's what?! Are you certain?! Well, how soon can you get here? What?! (Angrily) I don't care about traffic, just get over here NOW!
(Archibald hangs up then looks down at Junior struggling against him with tears running down his face)
Junior: (Crying) Dad! It's getting worse! I'm scared!
(Archibald holds Junior closer while he groans and whimpers then kisses his forehead)
Archibald: (Soothingly) I'm here, Daddy's here.
(Junior whimpers then snuggles closer to Archibald)
END OF SNIPPET 1
Ellen: Hi, Emma.
(Emma who's at the desk reading a chart looks over at Ellen)
Emma (Ma Grape): Oh, hello, Ellen. You look great. How many months has it been?
Ellen: 6. Only 3 more to go.
Emma (Ma Grape): That's fantastic news!
Ellen: I know. Both me and Jimmy are making more plans already.
Emma (Ma Grape): Every time Jimmy comes into work, he can't stop smiling.
Ellen: (Giggles) He's the same way at home too. Is he around?
Emma (Ma Grape): He's assisting with an operation. He should be out any time now.
(Emma hops off the chair then moves away from the desk then goes over to Ellen)
Emm (Ma Grape): Why don't you sit and wait?
Ellen: (Sighs heavily) Good idea. It's getting harder to sit up and jump off my bed or a chair lately. Jimmy usually helps me. (Giggles) You should've seen me trying to get out of the cab earlier.
Emma (Ma Grape): (Giggles) But it's always worth it.
Ellen: Agreed.
(Ellen with some effort hops onto the chair across the desk)
Ellen: It makes me wonder if this little one is gonna be not so little. (Looks down at her belly) But it's also not important. We wanted to have a baby for so long...and now it's finally happening. Our baby will be perfect to us no matter what.
Emma (Ma Grape): And considering how much Jimmy goes on about being a future Dad, it's also clear you two couldn't be more ready. And you're gonna be such terrific parents.
Ellen: Thanks, Emma.
Emma (Ma Grape): Aren't you actually due for an ultrasound next week?
Ellen: Uh-huh. We're also gonna find out if we're having a boy or a girl.
Emma (Ma Grape): What would you like it to be?
Ellen: It doesn't matter to me as long as it's healthy.
Emma (Ma Grape): Well said.
(The elevator dings then the doors open then Jimmy and other veggies move out of elevator then Jimmy notices Ellen)
Jimmy: Ellen?
(Ellen turns to Jimmy)
Ellen: Oh. There you are, honey.
(Jimmy goes over to Ellen)
Jimmy: (Concerned) Babe, what are you doing here?
Ellen: Oh. Right. You forgot your lunch. I had one of the nurses put it on the desk there.
Jimmy: (Concerned) Did you drive?
Ellen: (Giggles) No. Definitely not. I took a cab.
(Ellen moves to hop off the chair then Jimmy carefully helps her down)
Jimmy: (Concerned) Sweetie, you didn't need to do that. I was alright with just getting something from the vending machine. Now's not the time for you to be on the go so much. What if something happened along the way?
(Ellen kisses Jimmy)
Ellen: We're okay, Jimmy.
(Jimmy kisses Ellen's forehead)
Jimmy: Just please call me next time.
(Ellen kisses Jimmy's cheek)
Ellen: Deal.
Emma (Ma Grape): I think I'll leave you two lovebirds alone and check on some patients.
(Emma hops off then Jimmy turns back to Ellen then kisses her)
Ellen: How did the operation go?
Jimmy: It went great. It was only a small brain surgery, nothing too major.
(Jimmy invisibly brushes away Ellen's hair)
Jimmy: How are you feeling?
Ellen: Like I said before, I'm alright.
(Jimmy looks down at Ellen's belly then faces it)
Jimmy: (To Ellen's belly, cooing) And how's my princess doing?
Ellen: (Giggles) Our little princess or prince is doing great too.
(Jimmy kisses Ellen's belly in the middle)
Jimmy: (To Ellen's belly, cooing) Daddy still thinks you're gonna be a girl. But if you turn out to be a boy, I'll still love you a whole lot. Yes, I will.
Ellen: They know you'll love them, sweetie.
(Jimmy kisses Ellen's cheek)
Jimmy: And I love you.
Ellen: (Giggles) The feeling's mutual.
Jimmy: How about you and I share that lunch together?
Ellen: I'd like that.
END OF SNIPPET 2
Bob: (Sighs) Laura's been tucked in.
Katrina: You sound pretty tired yourself.
Bob: Guess I am. Between having two jobs, one during the morning and then later in the afternoon, it's enough to make anyone sleepy.
(Bob goes over to the bed then hops onto it then Katrina turns to Bob)
Katrina: You do great breaks though, sugar.
Bob: Only during my afternoon job at the theatre and that's because Mr. Nezzer's understanding of my work-stress. Him balancing his own job and taking care of Esther.
(Katrina frowns)
Katrina: You mean you don't want to spend your time off taking care of me during the pregnancy?
Bob: (Softly) Oh, sweetheart, no.
(Bob reaches up and kisses Katrina)
Bob: I'm not frustrated about that. I'm frustrated because I want more time to stay with you and help you out.
Katrina: But I don't help by being so demanding when you do take your breaks.
Bob: Sweetie, really, I'm telling the truth, there's nowhere else I'd rather be, being here every day to make sure you (looks down at Katrina's belly) and our baby are getting everything you need.
(Katrina smiles then pecks Bob on the forehead)
Katrina: Can't you just keep your job at the theatre to make things easier?
Bob: (Sighs) I would but my boss has got me 'under his thumb', so to speak. None of my co-workers even bother standing up to him.
Katrina: We'll find a way out of this situation, sugar.
Bob: But how?
Katrina: By doing this together, just as we'd always done.
(Bob smiles then reaches up and pecks Katrina on the cheek)
Bob: Together.
Katrina: And besides, you're here now.
Bob: (Chuckles) That's right. Just the two of us.
Katrina: The three of us.
(Bob looks down at Katrina's belly)
Bob: How could I forget?
(Bob kisses Katrina's belly then leans against it)
Bob: (To Katrina's belly, cooing) Hello, baby. Are you comfortable in there?
Katrina: They're safe and sound, honey.
(Bob looks up at Katrina then frowns)
Bob: (Concerned) How about you? Are you feeling alright?
Katrina: Mmm-hmm.
(Bob smiles then focuses back on Katrina's belly)
Bob: Just think, in 2 more months, we're gonna be meeting our baby.
(Bob kisses Katrina's belly)
Bob: Our little gift.
Katrina: They love hearing the sound of your voice, you know.
Bob: And I love it when they respond to it. Every little kick and turn, it's...incredible.
(Bob leans against Katrina's belly)
Bob: (To Katrina's belly, softly) But for now, Daddy needs you to settle down so Mommy can get some sleep. It's okay. Mommy and Daddy are right here with you. Try to calm down, baby. Shh. Relax. Shh, shh.
Katrina: They're calming down already. Looks like you had lessons.
Bob: I have our Laura to thank for that.
Katrina: She's gonna be a terrific big sister.
Bob: She is. (Looks up at Katrina) And you're gonna be a terrific Mom.
Katrina: Can this terrific Mom get a kiss from their terrific Dad before she goes to sleep?
Bob: (Chuckles) You don't need to ask that.
(Bob moves back to Katrina then reaches up and kisses her romantically then they pull apart then Bob invisibly brushes away Katrina's hair)
Katrina: We'd better go to bed before our little nugget decides to wake up.
(Bob chuckles then reaches up then pecks Katrina on the cheek)
Bob: Goodnight, dear.
Katrina: Goodnight, sweetie.
(The two lay down and fall asleep close together)
END OF SNIPPET 3
Esther: Welcome back.
(Mr. Nezzer goes over to Esther then kisses her)
Mr. Nezzer: It's good to be back.
Esther: How was work?
Mr. Nezzer: It was same as usual, I was just looking forward to coming home and being with you and our baby.
Esther: I figured as much, especially after those videos I sent to your smartphone of the baby kicking.
Mr. Nezzer: So, I wasn't imagining it, was I?
(Mr. Nezzer looks down at Esther's belly then looks up at her)
Mr. Nezzer: (Hopeful) Is the baby really starting to move?
Esther: (Giggles) Go ahead and feel.
(Mr. Nezzer leans over and presses close to Esther's belly)
Esther: (To her belly, softly) Go on sweetie. Kick. Can you kick for Daddy?
(They wait then Mr. Nezzer nuzzles Esther's belly lovingly then gently kisses it)
Mr. Nezzer: (To Esther's belly, softly) Come on. You can do it.
(Mr. Nezzer presses close to Esther's belly then waits then suddenly feels it jolt then Mr. Nezzer looks up at Esther)
Mr. Nezzer: (Hopeful) Was that a...?
Esther: (Giggles) It was. A kick.
(Mr. Nezzer focuses back on Esther's belly then feels three more jolts then he chuckles then kisses Esther's belly gently)
Mr. Nezzer: (To Esther's belly, cooing) Daddy's so proud of you.
(Mr. Nezzer stands up then kisses Esther's forehead)
Mr. Nezzer: It won't be long before we're holding our new son or daughter. And I can't wait.
Esther: Actually, there's something I want to talk to you about.
Mr. Nezzer: Really? What is it?
Esther: Did you notice what I'm wearing?
(Mr. Nezzer steps back then notices Esther wearing a red dress that shows off her bump beautifully)
Mr. Nezzer: It's the same outfit you wore when you told me you were pregnant.
Esther: That's right. And I thought it was only fitting to wear it again when I told you this.
Mr. Nezzer: Tell me what?
(Esther moves close to Mr. Nezzer)
Esther: We're not having a baby, Nebby.
Mr. Nezzer: (Concerned) What? We're not?
Esther: No.
(Esther goes over to the counter then picks up two photos then goes back over to Mr. Nezzer then smiles at him warmly)
Esther: We're having two.
Mr. Nezzer: (Surprised) What?
(Esther turns the photos around to reveal their ultrasound photos)
Esther: It's twins, Nebby.
Mr. Nezzer: Twins?
Esther: Surprise.
(Esther gives the two ultrasound photos to Mr. Nezzer)
Mr. Nezzer: Essie, I...I don't know what to say.
(Mr. Nezzer's eyes fill with tears while he continues staring at the ultrasound photos)
Mr. Nezzer: They're...they're so small.
(Esther continues smiling at Mr. Nezzer then frowns)
Esther: I know we weren't expecting this and I know it's gonna be a lot to handle. I wasn't even sure if you were gonna be happy about this.
(Mr. Nezzer looks up at Esther)
Mr. Nezzer: Not...not be happy?
(Mr. Nezzer goes over to Esther then kisses her romantically then they press their foreheads together)
Mr. Nezzer: (Voice trembling) How could you think I was not gonna be happy about this, sweetheart?
Esther: (Hopeful) You mean you are?
Mr. Nezzer: (Tearfully) Yes, I am. More than anything. Essie, we're gonna have twins!
(Mr. Nezzer kisses Esther then hugs her)
Mr. Nezzer: This is the best news ever.
Esther: It's really not a problem?
(Mr. Nezzer nuzzles his nose against Esther's hair)
Mr. Nezzer: (Softly) Essie, our twins could never be a problem.
(Mr. Nezzer kisses Esther's forehead)
Mr. Nezzer: I've never been more excited.
(Mr. Nezzer leans over towards Esther's belly then kisses it in the middle twice)
Mr. Nezzer: (Softly) Our precious babies.
END OF SNIPPET 4
Mr. Nezzer: What are you reading?
Esther: Oh. This expectant parents book your Mama recommended to me.
(Mr. Nezzer kisses Esther's cheek)
Mr. Nezzer: Any tips?
Esther: (Sighs) Just basically the same things she'd been telling us, 'The husband isn't allowed to have contact with the mother', 'let the mother do work around the house for exercise', 'the mother shouldn't eat what she craves since it could be hazardous to the baby'.
(Mr. Nezzer frowns then rolls his eyes)
Mr. Nezzer: It's unbelievable this can be the only time where she's not in our way.
Esther: Can't argue about that.
(Esther puts the book aside then Mr. Nezzer leans his head against Esther's)
Mr. Nezzer: I gotta admit, things were a whole lot better when it was just us and our twins.
Esther: It's no telling what she'll do next.
Mr. Nezzer: (Concerned) I can't stand seeing the amount of stress she's starting to put on you.
(Esther turns to Mr. Nezzer)
Esther: Oh, Nebby.
(Mr. Nezzer kisses Esther's forehead)
Mr. Nezzer: (Concerned) I don't want anything bad to happen to you or the babies, Essie. I can't let Mama keep controlling you. I just can't take it anymore.
Esther: I know. I think we need to finally talk to her about it.
Mr. Nezzer: And we will. Tomorrow.
(Esther nods then kisses Mr. Nezzer)
Mr. Nezzer: And I don't care what she says about it, you and the twins matter more to me.
Esther: (Chuckles) I never doubted that.
(Mr. Nezzer looks down at Esther's belly then gently kisses it then presses close to it)
Mr. Nezzer: (To Esther's belly, softly) Hello. Are my little angels kicking?
Esther: Guess they know what we're going through.
Mr. Nezzer: (To Esther's belly, softly) And we're gonna make things better, sweeties.
Esther: I hope we do. I'm beginning to think it really cause your Mama doesn't like me very much.
(Mr. Nezzer looks up at Esther smiling lovingly still at her belly)
Mr. Nezzer: I like you.
Esther: (Giggles) Well, at least there's that.
(Mr. Nezzer moves back up to Esther then invisibly removes a strand of hair away from her face)
Mr. Nezzer: We'll make this right, Essie. I'm not gonna let her keep treating you like this.
(Esther presses her forehead to Mr. Nezzer's)
Esther: You do realize what you'll be losing.
Mr. Nezzer: And like I said before, I don't care. I'd rather lose my relationship with my Mama than keep watching her put you and our twins in danger.
(Mr. Nezzer looks down frowning)
Mr. Nezzer: (Sadly) I feel so bad that I couldn't stand up to her before.
(Esther kisses Mr. Nezzer's cheek)
Esther: But we can do that now.
(Mr. Nezzer looks up then kisses Esther)
Mr. Nezzer: For us.
(Mr. Nezzer looks down at Esther's belly between them)
Mr. Nezzer: And our babies.
(Esther nods)
Esther: For us and our babies.
END OF SNIPPET 5