(It's springtime and it's also the twins ninth birthday and they were having a sleepover. Mariska and Kelli were in the kitchen making the food and snacks for the girls.)

Kelli: So have they asked about their father again?

Mariska: No, thank god because I literally had a panic attack the first time.

Kelli: Where do you think he could be?

Mariska: I don't know.

Kelli: Do you still think about him?

Mariska: (looks at her) What's with the twenty questions?

Kelli: Just asking.

Mariska: I mean I do think about him and wonder if he's ok.

Kelli: You think he's still in Kenya?

Mariska: It has been 9 years Kels probably not. Look can we not talk about this please I don't want the girls to over hear anything.

Kelli: (holds up hands) Ok leaving it alone.

Mariska: Thank you.

(They go back to setting up when there's a knock on the door.)

Kelli: I'll get it.

Mariska: Thanks.

(Mariska was putting the cheese and crackers on a grey when she heard her mother's voice.)

Shelley: Hello Kelli dear.

Kelli: Hey Mrs. Hargitay.

Shelley: Hi Marsha.

Mariska: Hey mom.

(She turns around and smiles as she runs into her mom's arms as she hugs her tight.)

Shelley: Look at you.

Mariska: I'm finally losing the baby weight after two years.

Shelley: Oh you look great honey.

Mariska: Thank you for coming, the kids are going to be so excited you're here.

Shelley: Speaking of Kids where are my grandchildren?

Mariska: The girls are getting ready for later and Jason is taking a nap.

Shelley: Oh well I'll surprise them in a minute. Where is Jesse?

(Kelli gives her a look.)

Mariska: Oh he's working out of town.

Shelley: Again? It seems he's out of town a lot.

Mariska: Mother don't start.

Shelley: I didn't say anything.

Kelli: So how's Mike?

Shelley: You know Mike, can't get him from in front of the television for anything.

(A knock on the door.)

Mariska: I'll get it.

(She walks to the door and opens it as her mouth falls open.)

Mike: Close your mouth Marsh or something is going to fly in it.

Mariska: (jumps on him) Daddy.

Mike: Hey sweetheart.

Mariska: Mom said you were at home glued to the TV.

Mike: Don't listen to your mother.

Shelley: What I love is surprises.

Mariska: Come in.

(She pulls him inside and calls the kids. They hear a door open and two similar voices.)

Maeve: Mom we're doing our hair and makeup.

Imogen: Yeah and I was getting dressed we have to look bomb for our party.

(They walk in the kitchen and freeze seeing their grandparents.)

Them: Oh my god!

Shelley: Hey girls.

(They run up and slam into them hugging them tight.)

Them: We've missed you guys so much.

Kelli: That is so creepy.

Mariska: Hush their twins.

Kelli: Still doesn't make it less creepy.

(Then they hear Jason crying over the monitor.)

Jason: Mommy.

Mariska: That's my cue. Mommy is coming baby.

Maeve: Gram how long will you and Gramp be here?

Shelley: Two days.

Imogen: Yeaaaa, did you bring us some gifts.

Mariska: Girls you do not ask if someone brought you gifts its inappropriate.

Shelley: Yes we got you gifts there by the front door.

Jason: Grammy.

(He reaches out for his grandmother.)

Shelley: Hey sweet baby.

Mike: Great I must be chopped liver.

Mariska: It's ok Daddy, we are in the same boat now Mom's here.

(She hands her Jason while she finishes the food trays for tonight. She is happy that her family is here so she won't have to be running behind Jason and tending to the girls.)

Mike: So how's Jesse?

Mariska: Jesse is great. He's out of town on business for the new potential location in Las Vegas.

Mike: All the way across the country huh?

Mariska: It's work dad, it's a family business.

Mike: I'm just saying he's gone more than he's home. You are raising these kids on your own and I know its hard with your job.

Mariska: We make it work dad ok.

Mike: OK, but if you need help call me. I wouldn't mind coming to stay in this nice penthouse your husband owns.

Mariska: (roll her eyes) Of course dad.

(The rest of the day goes on without the twenty questions and the girls are really enjoying themselves. By ten everyone was full as ticks and ready for bed. Maeve and Imogen was in there mom room putting on their PJs.)

Maeve: Mama?

Mariska: Yes sweets.

Maeve: Do you think daddy thinks of us on our birthday.

Mariska: Yes baby I'm sure he does. Do you want to call it's still early in Las Vegas.

Maeve: No not dad, I'm talking about our daddy.

Imogen: Yeah, do you know where he is?

(Mariska had to sit down before she fell down as she took in what they were asking her.)

Mariska: Well umm.

Maeve: We're not babies anymore Mom.

Mariska: No, but you're still too young to understand.

Imogen: But we want to know why he's not here.

Mariska: OK, how about we talk more about your father after the sleepover?

Maeve: Are you trying to avoid the subject?

(Mariska has to hold her chest because she's now realizing how big they are and how much they understand.)

Mariska: No baby I would never do that. Let's wait until tomorrow and I promise to tell you what I know ok?

Imogen: OK, I want to know everything.

Maeve: Yeah like if we look like him. It's obvious we have his eyes because your eyes are brown.

Mariska: That's right.

Imogen: Tomorrow can we have anything we want to eat when you tell us about our dad?

Mariska: Yes, but nothing too over the top.

Maeve: Great, come on Mo we have a slumber party waiting.

Mariska: I'll bring popcorn for the movie.

Imogen: Thanks, mom.

(They walk out holding hands as Mariska sits there in shock at the turns of events. She knew she would have to tell them one day about their father but to be bombarded with questions has her nerves on edge.)