Everyone ready to head to New York City? ;)

Lauren: You bet! :)

Davy: Ahh, my public on Broadway awaits! ;) :D

Mike: I can't wait to show those East coast producers and club owners our stuff. :D

Peter: I want to go back to Grenwich Village. :)

Mike: Hey, Mick? You ready? ;)

Micky: Always ready. ;)

(We begin with a long shot of a small plane in the air. The camera fades out on the small plane in the sky and fades in on the inside of the plane. Mike sits at the controls, with Emma next to him. Mike's smile is larger than we've seen in quite some time, and Emma looks equally pleased. Valerie and Peter are in the next seats. Peter looks excited and keeps peeking out the window. Valerie has a dreamy, content smile on her face.)

Emma: I'm glad you talked your friend into letting you fly us here. It's cheaper than the major airlines, faster than a bus, and we'd never be able to blue-light all seven of us and our luggage and instruments cross-country.

*Lauren is glancing over at Micky, who's curled up into as small a ball as humanly possible.* :P

Mike: (Wicked grin) Are all our passengers nice and comfortable back there? ;)

Lauren: Most of us are! ;)

Mike: How ya doin', Mick? Enjoyin' the ride? ;) >:)

Emma: Quit teasing him, honey. You know he doesn't like heights! :p

*Micky just groans.*

Peter: (Pulls back from the window and goes to the cockpit) Hey, Mike?

Mike: Yeah, Pete?

Peter: When are we going to arrive in New York?

Mike: We should be at my buddy's airfield in about ten minutes. I called Van, and he said he'd have somebody meet us here with a car.

Peter: (Smiles) I can't wait to get back to New York! I haven't been there in six years!

Valerie: I haven't been there in a long time, either. :)

Davy: I can't wait to be back on Broadway again! ;)

Lauren: I can't wait to visit again. :)

Emma: I hope the twins are being good for Janelle. That was really sweet of her to offer to take Shelly, Little Mick, and Katie for the week.

Lauren: I just hope they aren't running Janelle and the girls ragged. :P

Valerie: (Dreamily; rubs her stomach) Yeah... :)

Peter: (Goes to Valerie) Are you ok, honey? You've been acting weird for the last two or three days, since you went to the doctor's.

Valerie: (Sighs, smiling) I'm fine, Peter. Just fine. :X

Davy: Do you think we'll 'ave the time to see a show while we're in New York?

Lauren: I hope so! :)

Mike: Dunno, Dave. The theater ain't cheap.

Lauren: Maybe something off Broadway... ;)

Emma: I want to see Stephan Sondheim's "Company." I heard it was excellent. :)

Davy: I 'eard of 'im. 'E did "A Funny Thing 'Appened On the Way to the Fornum." That was one of the funniest shows I evah saw, and it 'ad GREAT music. :D

Lauren: *nods* They did that show at my high school. It was great! :D

Davy: We'll be meetin' Daph and the Abbies at the 'otel. They took the van, so they left a few days ago.

Micky: *mutters* Still dunno why I couldn't go with them. :P

Davy: You'd rathah ride in that ratty old van and listen to Maxine curse at the radiatah and smell everything that's evah been spilled on the up'olstry than ride in a perfectly decent plane with us? ;)

Micky: *looks up briefly* Yes, because the van is on the GROUND! :P

Lauren: Most of the time. ;)

Davy: When Maxine ain't drivin'. She's got the idea she's still in New York durin' rush houah. ;)

Valerie: (Sighs again) Yeah...

Peter: Valerie, are you ok?

Valerie: (Turns to him) Peter, I was going to wait for a better time, but...

Peter: Yes, Val?

Valerie: I'm...

Mike: (Over the intercom) Better hold off on that, Val. Ladies and gentlemen, we're in sight of Kenacken Air Field. Please put all trays to their upright positions and fasten your seat belts, 'cause we're comin' in for a landin' and I don't know how much joltin' this bucket of bolts can take. ;)

Emma: (Fainter over the intercom) Mike! ;) :p

Micky: I'll be the one with his head between his legs! :P

Davy: Need a doggie bag, Mick? ;)

Peter: There aren't any doggies here!

Lauren: Dave... :P

(A group of people stand at around a limo, watching the plane come in for a landing. There are a few small bumps, but the arrival is mostly smooth. Mike pops out first with his suitcase and Black Beauty in her case, then Emma with her turquoise suitcase and fringed purse. Davy has a soft, brown satchel. He waves to the crowd with a big grin. Peter and Valerie are hand-in-hand. Valerie carries a large, brown leather suitcase. Peter has his psychadelic tie-dye soft-sided case.)

*Lauren wears a purple backpack on her back. Micky has what looks like a mountain climbers pack on his back.*

Mike: Everybody got everything?

Davy: Mick, wot did you do, dump everythin' in your drawer in that sack? :p ;)

Peter: Micky, how are you feeling? Are you ok?

Micky: Still waiting for my stomach to catch up. :P *shrugs* Yeah, I did. ;)

Davy: (Takes Micky's other arm) Let me 'elp you before that sack knocks you flat on your back. ;)

Mike: I'm surprised it didn't make the tail of the plane heavy. ;)

Peter: Lay off Micky, guys! He's had enough for one day!

Micky: Thank you, Pete. :P

Valerie: Um-hm. (Sighs again :x)

Van: Hey, guys. How was the flight? :)

Peter: It was groovy! (Jaw drops at the limo) Wow, is that for US?

Van: I spare no expense on my new discoveries. ;) :)

Micky: *grins at the limo* That is nice! :D

Mike: Can I drive it?

Emma: Honey, let the chauffeur do that.

Mike: I just wanna take a look at the controls...

Emma: No, honey. For one thing, you don't know where we're going.

Mike: (Mutters) Van could give me directions. :p

Micky: I'd like to hang onto my stomach, thank you. :P ;)

Mike: I ain't a bad driver! :p

(The chauffeur is already loading the instruments and the bags into the car.)

Van: Why don't we take a ride into the city to let you guys get settled down?

Mike: Where are we stayin', anyway? You said you booked us a hotel, but you didn't say which one.

Van: (Grins) I got you guys rooms at the Plaza Hotel. ;)

Lauren: Alright! :D

Peter: (Jaw drops) THE Plaza? Home of Eloise and her Nanny and the turtle and the puppy? :D

Van: There's a picture of her in the hall near the gift shop. (Shrugs) An old friend of mine who works at the Plaza owed me a BIG favor. ;)

Mike: I gotta get to know your friends. ;)

Valerie: I haven't been to the Plaza since I was Eloise's age. It'll be nice to see it again, and it has such a lovely view of Central Park. :)

Van: (Looks at his watch) I've got to get you guys settled down. Your first show is tomorrow. The Abbies are playing tonight.

Mike: We'll need rehearsal time tonight and tomorrow morning.

Van: Take all the time you need, Mike. The morning would be good. The club opens at four, and the only people there beforehand would be me and the cleaning crew.

Mike: We could do some tourist stuff this evenin', eat out, all that shit.

Davy: I'll HAVE to take Daph to a nice nightspot aftah 'er introduction to East Coast audiences. :D

Micky: I just wanna wander around! :D

Van: (Nods at the limo) Looks like everything's loaded. (After Mike signs a few papers with a man in a flight jumpsuit carrying a clipboard.) Ok, folks, all aboard for Park Avenue and Central Park, Manhattan! :D

(The kids load into the limo with some of instruments that didn't fit in the trunk. The camera fades out as the limo pulls away from the air field and into a montage of the limo going past fields, then suburbs with nice homes and parks, then more city-like boroughs with older townhouses and storefronts, then over a bridge as the skyline of New York in 1970 looms large and into Manhattan. There's a quick cut of a montage of city sights as the limo maneuvers its way around throngs of people, bright yellow taxis, and skyscrapers everywhere. The montage ends with the limo pulling up in front of a huge, old, square building with palace-like turrets. People dressed in fashionable, fine clothing walk in and out and give the kids in their psychadelic and/or secondhand clothing odd stares as they climb out of the limo.)

Peter: Wow! This is amazing! I can't believe we're really staying here! :D

Micky: I love this! :D

Van: There will be four to a room, as the rooms are pretty big. Mr. and Mrs. Nesmith and Mr. and Mrs. Tork will be in room 16 B. Mr and Mrs. Dolenz and David Jones and Daphne Morgani will be in room 16 C.

*Micky grins at Davy.* ;)

Davy: (Puts an arm around Micky) Hey, Mick, we're roomies again! ;)

Micky: Lucky you. ;)

Lauren: Oh, brother.

Valerie: Don't worry, guys. The rooms at the Plaza are suite-sized, and the beds are HUGE. There'll be plenty of room for everyone. :)

Davy: I wondah if Daphne would...

Lauren: Kinda doubt it, Dave.

Mike: I wouldn't push her, boy, or you might find yourself campin' out in the lobby. :p

(Everyone walks into the Plaza, past more people in elaborate suits and dresses who give them strange or outright hostile stares.)

Van: Sorry, guys. Some of the people here can be a bit...conservative. :p

Peter: They keep looking at us like they never saw a bunch of muscians before!

Mike: Not outside of a chamber hall. :p

(Two bellboys in wine-colored unforms with brass braiding and buttons load the equipment and luggage on two racks. Mike carries Black Beauty's case. The group loads into a dark-pannelled wood elevator, complete with an elevator man.)

Elevator Man: What floor do you want, sir?

Van: The 16th please, Ralph.

Mike: Man, I've never seen an elevator this tricked out!

Peter: There's even velvet on the wall! :D

(Valerie just sighs and leans back into the elevator's plush sides with that dreamy grin again.)

Micky: *mutters to Lauren* Lobby, lobby, lobby... ;)

*Lauren smacks MIcky's arm, grinning.* ;)

(The elevator finally comes to a stop. It opens onto an attractive, simple hall. The lamps are elegant crystal. The walls are a soft, smooth pink, and the plush carpeting is mauve. Van leads the groups down the hall a bit to two doors on the opposite side of each other.)

Van: (Hands everyone keys) Don't lose those. It costs ten dollars to get more made. (Leads Mike, Emma, Peter, and Valerie to one room and Davy, Micky and Lauren to the other; as the groups go in) When all of you are settled in and have had the chance to rest a bit, I invite you to dinner and the first show at my new Atlantica Club. :)

Mike: Sure, Van.

Peter: Sounds fantastic! :D

Davy: I wanted to see Daph sing, anyway. :)

Micky: Thanks, man!

Lauren: Thank you. :)

Van: The other bands who aren't singing tonight will be there, too...and more importantly, so will several major music, art, and theater producers and critics. You'll get your first taste of the New York big-time. ;)

Emma: We’ll make a good impression on them for tomorrow. :)

Davy: And make sure the girls make a good impression TONIGHT. ;)

Van: (Looks at his watch) I've got to run. I'm meeting my partners to go over the last little details before the opening tonight. Leo will meet you with the limo at 7PM. Dress nice, but not formal. This is supposed to be a nightclub for hip, groovy young people and those "in-the-know," so you don't need the tux, tails, and chiffon gowns. (Waves) See you later, kids! And thanks for coming out! I owe YOU one! ;) :D (Heads quickly down the hall)

Mike: He ain't such a bad guy.

Micky: I like that guy.

Valerie: He told Peter and I on the limo ride that he inherited money from his father and wanted to invest it in something different from the usual stocks and bonds. Apparently, his father already owned a chain of restaurants with bars on the west coast, so he decided to expand the concept and have it play to people between the ages of 21 and 35. :)

Peter: He says he liked to party, and since he likes to party, he wanted to open his own place to party that's a lot bigger than his dad's house. :) ;)

Mike: Smart man. ;)

Emma: Well, come on, folks. Let's go rest and take a look at our rooms. :) (Both groups go into their new homes-away-from-homes. Davy, Micky, and Lauren enter their room first. It's actually a series of three or four small rooms, more like a small but lavish apartment. The living room has a very small refrigerator, a sink with brass fixtures, heavy, plush mauve furnature, a large TV and remote control, and a gorgeous view of New York in the late afternoon behind gauzy mauve curtains.)

Davy: (Jumps on the couch and settles back) This is the life, this is! I could get used to this! ;) :D

Lauren: This is nice! :D

Micky: Not bad. ;)

Davy: Lookit that view! You can see all of New York from there!

(The bellboy comes in with their luggage and Micky's drumset on a rack. Daphne's pink suitcase, guitar case, and tie-dye backpack are already in the living room.)

Bellboy: (Tall fellow with a long nose and long, black hair) Here you go, folks!

Davy: Thanks there, mate.

Micky: Thanks, man!

Davy: Oh, yeah. (Hands the bellboy a dollar. He nods and heads out.)

Davy: I wondah what else they're keepin' round 'ere?

(He opens the refrigerator...then makes a face.)

Lauren: Not the mini bar! :P

Davy: Oh, man, that's not faih! Everythin's be'ind glass! You 'ave to pay for it...and pay a LOT, too. :p

Micky: *shakes his head, grinning* I could've told you that, Dave. We'll probably have to pay just for you opening that thing! :P

(Davy shuts it and goes to the sink. He grins and holds out the soap.)

Davy: The soap is shaped like swans. That's too cute, man. ;)

Lauren: *goes over to look* Hey, those are cute! ;)

Davy: I wondah where they keep the stationary and the Bible? ;)

Lauren: Check the bureau drawers. ;)

Davy: Yeah, we 'aven't been in the bedrooms yet! Come on, Mick! :D

Micky: *drapes an arm around Lauren's shoulders* C'mon, babe, let's check out the bed. ;)

Lauren: *groans* Mick... :P

Davy: That's NOT wot I meant, Mick. Check out the bed latah. Let's see wot ELSE is in the bedrooms. ;) :p

Micky: Oh, alright. ;) :P

Davy: Anyway (picks up his satchel), we've got to put our clothes away before we figah out wot to do wit' our time before we go out to eat. :)

(Davy pushes into the first room. The room is white and soft mauve, from the gauzy floral curtains to the heavy furnature. The beds are queen-sized and covered with pearly satin sheets. The lamp on the bedside table is crystal and polished wood. There's two big dressers and a vanity in one corner. A closet takes up one whole wall.)

*Micky and Lauren follow, carrying their bags with them.*

Davy: Coo-EE! Beats the 'otels I stayed in when I was tourin' wit' "Olivah" by a mile and a 'ALF! :D

Lauren: *runs a hand over the bedspread* Wow! I'll bed if you belly-flopped on the bed, you'd slide right off the other end. *pauses* Mick, please don't try that.

*Micky sticks his tongue out at her.* :P

(Davy doubles over laughing. :)) ;) )

Davy: (Lays on one bed) Oooh, it's really nice, like sleepin' in cotton candy that ain't sticky! :D (He spreads out on the bed and kicks off his black shoes. He wiggles around and sighs.)

Micky: Man, I could go for some cotton candy. ;)

Davy: If you need me, I'll be 'ere for the rest of me life. ;)

Lauren: *chuckles* Oh, Dave! ;)

Davy: You folks can go sleep somewhere else. (Grins widely) This room is officially taken. ;) :D

(Davy burrows further into the soft comforter.)

Micky: *grins* Do as the man says, babe. Let’s check out the other room. *waggles his eyebrows*

Davy: Oooh, the things I could do wit' Daphne in a bed like this... ;) :X

(Grabs a pillow and hugs it happily.)

Lauren: Mick! Down, boy! :P ;)

Davy: Maybe you'll get lucky and your beds will be even biggah, mate. ;)

Micky: I KNOW I'm gonna get lucky! ;)

Lauren: MICK! :"> :P ;)

Micky: What? ;)

(Davy laughs so hard, he nearly falls off the bed. ;) =)) )

Micky: What? *grins* ;)

Lauren: *groans* Come ON, Mick. Let’s go look at our room.

(Micky and Lauren take their luggage over to the next room, which turns out to be identical to the other bedroom. Micky drops his backpack on the floor next to one of the beds and flops down, flinging his arms and legs wide in a snow angel-like manner.)

Micky: Oh, man, this is the softest thing I've ever felt in my entire life! It's like the fuzzy down on an Easter chick! :D

Lauren: *drops her backpack next to a bureau* Having fun, Mick? ;)

Mick: (Pats the area next to the bed) I'd have even more fun if you'd join me. We could find out if the shocks on the bed need adjusting. ;)

Lauren: *rolls her eyes* Not NOW, Mick. *motions to around the corner* Dave's right out there! :P ;)

Micky: So? I doubt he's listening. He's too busy trying to figure out what to do with with Daphne once he gets her...if she doesn't knock him halfway to Staten Island first. ;)

Lauren: Still, Mick, I do NOT feel like taking the chance we'll have an audience. *folds her arms* If we have time alone here, then fine, but otherwise, if you don't cool it in some way, I'm gonna throw you in the shower, turn on the cold water, and go camp out on the couch in the living room. :P

Micky: Aww, babe! (Pouts) :p

Lauren: Don't give me that look! I mean it!

Micky: What ya gonna do, spank me? ;)

Lauren: No, you'd enjoy it too much, and it would defeat the entire purpose of what I just said. :P

Micky: But baaaaabbe, it'll be torture! :p

Lauren: *grins* Sorry, Mick. *pauses* I will make it up to you soon, though. ;)

Micky: (Grins again) How soon? :D

Lauren: As soon as either we're alone here or we get back home. ;)

(Micky's face falls, and he pouts again. :p )

Lauren: Sorry, buddy. ;)

(Fade out on Micky pouting as Lauren goes to explore the rest of the suite. Fade in on Emma, Mike, Valerie, and Peter entering their room. The room is totally identical to the other one, right down to the refrigerator and the sink in the living room.)

Mike: (Drops Black Beauty's case on the couch) Not bad.

Emma: This is GORGEOUS! (Runs to the window) We have a great view of Central Park! :D

Peter: *smiles* This is so groovy! :D

Valerie: (Sits on the couch) It's very nice. The Plaza Hotel is one of New York's finest and most famous establishments. The powerful and privledged has stayed here for decades. :)

Mike: Wonder why they got a sink in the livin' room?

Emma: Maybe they want our hands to be extra-clean. :)

Peter: *nods* I only saw as far as the lobby when I was here several years ago. I'm glad I get to see the rooms this time! :)

Valerie: (Leans back on the couch) It's good to be back again. This is a lovely place for...well, for my announcement. (Smiles dreamily again. :X)

Mike: What IS your announcement, Val?

Peter: Yes, Valerie. *sits next to her* What is the announcement? :)

Valerie: (She looks right into his eyes) Peter, I'm pregnant.

*Peter's eyes widen. He smiles and gives Valerie a big, but gentle, hug.* :D :D :D

Emma: Valerie, that's great! :D

Mike: Hey, you two, nice work! ;)

Peter: *blushes* This is wonderful! :D

Valerie: (Nods) I don't know if it's a boy or a girl yet. Dr. Matthews said I'd have to come back for another test to determine it after we get back from New York. :)

Mike: That explains why you've been a space case the past couple of days. ;)

Emma: That's certainly a good reason! :D

Peter: *hugs her again* Oh, Valerie! :D

Valerie: (Returns the hug) Peter, I'm so excited! I can't wait to tell everyone! Dad and Chrissy know. I stopped by the mansion on the way back from the doctor's office. Dad's thrilled that he's finally going to be a grandfather, and Chrissy wants first dibs on babysitting. :D ;)

Mike: We gotta tell the others, too. If nothin' else, the twins will have another new friend. ;)

Peter: *beaming* I can't wait to tell the others, either!

Valerie: (Sighs) I'm going to be a mother...a REAL mother... :X

Peter: And I'm going to be a father! I am so happy! :D

Mike: I'm happy for you guys. :)

Valerie: (Dreamy again) Yeah...

Peter: *smiles* Thank you, Michael, Emma. :) *hugs Valerie* Thank you, Valerie. :)

Valerie: (Smiles and hugs him back again) Thank YOU, honey. I love you so much. (Rubs her stomach) And him or her. :) :X

Peter: *rubs Valerie's stomach* Hi, in there! You probably can't hear me yet, but this is your daddy. :)

Valerie: And this is your mommy. We love you very, very much.

Mike: We've gotta celebrate. Maybe we can walk around the area, do some shoppin', take in Central Park, check out some of the stuff goin' on.

Valerie: (Nods) That sounds great to me. I want to shout this to everyone in the world! :)

Peter: I'll help you. ;)

Mike: We've gotta tell the others. (Reaches for an old-fashioned white phone with brass trim and dials.) Hello, front desk? How can I reach room 16 C? (Pause) Ok. Thanks. (Dials numbers again.)

(Cut to Micky, still pouting and laying on the bed in his and Lauren's room. The phone on the bedstand rings, and he picks it up.)

Micky: Hello, coldest room in the hotel? :P ;)

Mike: (Split screen; Mike is on one side, Mick on the other) Hey, Mick? It's me, Mike. You guys gotta get over here right away. We've got great news, and we need to do some serious celebrating. ;)

Micky: *brightens a little* Serious celebrating? All right! I'll haul the others over immediately! :D

Mike: You do that, boy. The family is about to expand again. (Puts the phone back on the cradle; the screen returns to Mike and the others) Mick's gonna get the other two. ;)

Emma: Wonder how long it'll take for him to drag Davy and Lauren over here?

*There's a pounding knock at the door...already.* ;)

Mike: Offhand, I'd say 'bout that long. ;)

Micky: *calls out* Let us in!

Mike: (Ducks his head out) Let us out! ;) (Lets the others in. Davy's back in his shoes again, and Lauren has her purse.)

Emma: Well, Val, Peter, give 'em your big news! :D

Valerie: Guys, I'm pregnant. Peter and I are going to be parents. :)

Davy: (Grins) That's wonderful, mates! :D

Lauren: I knew it! *wide smile* :D

Micky: Alright, guys! *moves next to Peter; punches his arm* I knew ya had it in you, man. ;)

(Valerie leans on Peter's shoulder, smiling her dreamy smile again.)

Peter: *blushes* Awe... :">

Valerie: I've kept him busy. ;)

Micky: Guess so. *gives Lauren a pointed look; she rolls her eyes at him* ;)

Mike: I thought we'd have a little informal celebration in Central Park. Kinda like a party-in. ;)

Emma: Then we could go window shopping for souveniers in some of the stores near-by. :)

Davy: Sounds nice to me. It's too sunny to be sittin' in even this big hotel all day. :D

Lauren: And it'll help get certain people’s minds off of certain things. ;) *gives Micky a pointed look; he sticks his tongue out*

(Davy chuckles and grins. ;) )

Mike: Well, gang, let's get goin'. Not too long, since we're gonna wanna be back in time to get ready for our big debut in New York's society set. ;)

Emma: We may not need gowns and tuxes, but we WILL need to freshen up a bit and put on slightly nicer clothes than what we have on now. ;)

Micky: Darn! I left my fancy tennis shoes at home! *Lauren slugs his arm* Ow! :P

Mike: Just don't wear the ones with the holes in the toes, ok?

Micky: Rats! :P

Emma: (Nudges Mike) You need to polish your cowboy boots and dig out your second best tie.

Mike: I thought YOU packed my ties.

Emma: That's not MY responsibility!

Micky: *grins* Here we go.

Davy: (Opens the door) Why don't we head out, before some of us don't have heads to go out WITH? :p

Lauren: Good idea. :P

(Mike and Emma glare at each other as they leave.)

(Valerie still sits on the couch, her eyes closed and her head on Peter's shoulder, that smile on her lips.)

Davy: Mate, you're gonna 'ave to wake 'er up. She's been actin' awfuly flaky 'bout all this. Ain't like 'er at all. She's usually on the ball.

Valerie: (Doesn't open her eyes) Hmm? (Sighs) Oh, Peter, it's so wonderful... :X

Peter: *smiles* Do I HAVE to make her get up? :) ;)

Micky: *smiles* This is so sweet! :D ;)

Davy: Well, we are celebratin' her child.

Valerie: Um-hmm.

Peter: *smiles* But she's so beautiful like this. :)

(Valerie's head nods, and she falls against Peter's shoulder, sighing softly.)

Davy: Maybe you ought to put 'er all the way to sleep, mate. She's almost there, anyway.

Valerie: Oh, Peter... (sighs again)

Peter: *still smiling; kisses her forehead* We can all celebrate later. Just knowing is wonderful enough. :)

Valerie: I love you, Peter... (the last words draw off)

Davy: I'm gonna leave you two alone for a minute. Come on, guys. Mike and Emma are probably wonderin' wot's takin' us so long. ;)

Micky: Either that, or tearin' each other's heads off. *slings an arm around Lauren again and they head for the door*

(Peter sighs and gently lays Valerie on the couch. He draws his finger across her forehead and whispers a few words into her ear. Her eyes slowly close. He makes a satin comforter appear in a blue light and draws it over her, then joins the others.)

Emma: (As Peter comes out) Is she ok, Pete? She's not acting like herself.

Mike: She seemed kinda outta it.

Peter: *smiles* She'll be okay. She's excited. I helped her fall asleep so she can get some rest. We can ALL celebrate later when she's up to it. :)

Mike: 'Kay, then. Everyone else, let's move out. ;) (They make for the elevator. Cut to the steps outside the Plaza Hotel. Everyone waits patiently at the doorways. Peter and Micky finally emerge from the revolving doors, dizzy but happy.)

Mike: I told you not to fool around. That ain't a ride at Kiddieland! :p

Lauren: I can't believe you two did that! :P

Micky: *shrugs* It was fun! :D

Peter: (He's still a bit dizzy as he stumbles over to the others) Can we do that again? :D

Micky: Anytime you want, Pete. ;)

Lauren: *groans* Later, guys, okay? We promise. ;)

Peter: Ok! :D

Micky: I'm gonna hold you to that promise! ;)

Lauren: *unenthused* Yay. :P

Mike: I'm sure you will, shotgun. (Grins) Don't you wanna see Central Park and go shoppin'? Maybe we could find a big ol' music shop or somethin'. ;)

Emma: Let's go see what's going on in Central Park!

Peter: I wanna go to the zoo! :D

Micky: I wanna promenade! ;)

Lauren: *gives Micky an odd look* What? :P

Mike: I wanna see if there's any strollin' musicians.

Peter: Maybe we'll run into someone I used to know. :)

Micky: *shrugs* Promenade. I heard it somewhere. Fancy word for taking a walk. ;)

Lauren: *slaps her forehead* I supposed you'll want, oh, a Bloody Mary, too? :P ;)

Micky: That sounds pretty good, actually. ;)

Lauren: No, Mick! :P

Emma: No liquor for any of you. You have a big show tomorrow and were invited to dinner by the rich nightclub owner. We'll need you completely sober.

Mike: Em, we're adults. We know what we're doin'.

Emma: Not when you start drinking.

Micky: Well, Lauren suggested it!

Lauren: I was being sarcastic, Mick. :P

(The four walk across the street and into Central Park as "Looking For the Good Times" begins. The first thing Micky sees when they enter is a hot dog and snacks vendor. He drags Lauren over. ;) )

(Davy joins a group of lovely female hippies sitting together on a patch of grass. ;) )

*Micky walks away from the vendor with two hot dogs. Lauren stays long enough to pay. She scowls at Micky before finally following him.* :P

(Mike and Emma stop and listen to a group of musicians. Mike takes a guitar that one offers and starts to give them pointers. Emma rolls her eyes. :p )

(Peter joins another group of hippies with guitars. He tells them about Valerie, and they all slap him on the back, hug him, and gives him wreaths of flowers. :) )

(A swan follows Davy away from the lake and chases him around. ;) )

*Micky and Lauren continue down a path and have to duck from an oncoming frisbee. It lands, and Micky goes to retrieve it. He makes a face and flings the frisbee back, but he throws it too hard on purpose, sailing it over the kids’ heads.* :P ;)

(The frisbee goes past Emma, who retrives it and hands it to the grateful kids. ;) :) )

*Lauren smacks the back of Micky's head. He tries to argue it, but Lauren won't hear it.* :P ;)

(Peter returns with a veggie sandwich and wreaths of flowers around his neck and head. He's grinning widely. :D)

(The group passes an organ grinder and his monkey. Mike takes the organ from the organ grinder and plays it. We get a brief fantasy sequence with Mike in old-fashioned clothes playing the organ grinder...and Micky as the "monkey" with a little hat and shirt and shorts and tail. The crowd throws them coins. Mike hands Micky a banana. ;) )

*Micky flings the banana peel near where Mike stands.* ;)

(Davy passes, still being chased by the swan. He hides behind a tree and peeks out. The swan is nowhere to be found. He walks out...and the swan comes waddling out again, sending Davy off once more.)

(Mike bows for the crowd and steps back. He slips on the banana and lands in the lake as the fantasy reverts to real life. He glares at Micky, shaking water off of his jacket. X( :p )

*Micky whistles and walks away from Mike innocently.* ;)

(Mike chases Micky into the zoo.)

(Peter joins an anti-war demonstration. Everyone gives him a funny look when he marches the wrong way. :">)

*Micky ducks behind some bushes, makes a pair of roller skates appear, and puts them on.* ;)

(Mike grabs a bicycle from a surprised teenager and follows Micky through the zoo.)

(Emma and Lauren run into the zoo after their wayward husbands. :p)

*Micky rolls his way past several animals, moving closer to a set of steps. He heads straight for them and goes right up them on the skates!*

(Davy chases several young women into the zoo...and in turn is chased by the swan. ;) )

(Peter squeezes out of the demonstration and enters the zoo, happily strolling around. :) )

(Mike growls and rides up the steps, though he has a bumpier ride. :p)

*Micky continues on after getting off the steps, grinning.* ;)

(Mike stops the bike, frustrated. He looks around and grins when he sees an open, empty cage that's being cleaned. He goes back around to Micky and calls out to him.)

Mike: Hey, Mick, your mother has banana breath! ;)

Micky: *comes to a screaching halt* WHAT?! X-(

(Mike takes off, riding over to the cage as Lauren and Emma come running up. He stops dead in front of the cage. Micky's going too fast to stop suddenly, however...and skates right into the cage. Mike shuts the cage door as the music ends and Peter and Davy run up to the others.)

Mike: Got ya, Mick. I always KNEW you belonged in the zoo. ;)

Micky: *grabs hold of the bars with one hand and reaches his other arm out between the bars, trying to swipe at Mike* I'M GONNA GET YOU!!! X-(

Mike: (Pulls back) Down, Simba. ;)

Emma: Mike, let him out before one of the zookeepers sees him. :p

Lauren: Or at least before feeding time. :P ;)

Peter: What's going on?

*Micky growls, narrowing his eyes.* X-(

Davy: Where's that swan? :p

Mike: You sure I can't leave him for an hour or two? ;)

Lauren: No! :P

Emma: Miiiiiiiiiikkkkkkkkkkkeeeeeee... :p

Mike: Ok, ok. (Lets Micky out) I didn't lock it. Don't have the lock, anyway. Just a joke. :p

Emma: And it got out of hand, as usual. :p

Micky: *his fists are balled at his sides, his knuckles turning white* Why, I oughta... X-(

Lauren: Great, now we've gotta cool down the hot-head. :P

Peter: (Gets between Micky and Mike, who just leans back, unafraid) Stop it, you guys! We're supposed to be celebrating, not killing each other and playing mean pranks! :p

Emma: Why don't we go shopping? It might be safer out on the street. :p

Micky: As long as I'm not near HIM! :P X-(

Emma: (Glares at Mike) You are in BIG trouble!

Mike: He got me wet! :p

Emma: After you made fun of him in your fantasy sequence.

Mike: (Sighs) I guess we overdid it. :p

Micky: *snorts* You GUESS? X-(

Lauren: *pushes Micky away* DOWN, Mick! Cool it!

Emma: Micky, settle down, or we'll dunk YOU in the lake.

Davy: I could sic that psychotic swan on you. :p

*Micky folds his arms and scowls.* :P X-(

Peter: Why don't we find a place where we can cheer up? Our auras are really negative. (Beams) I know a GREAT little ice cream shop that's near here! It's been here for at least fifty years, and I doubt it went anywhere since then. It's called Eddie's Soda Shoppe. It's a real old-fashioned place, with a counter and phosphates and ice cream made right on the premises. :)

Davy: That's a nice idea, Pete. I could use some good ice cream.

Lauren: That's a great idea! :)

Peter: Let's go! :D (Everyone follows Peter out of the park. Cut to a small but somewhat crowded store. The shelves are lined with large glass jars of small candies, sweet sauces, mixes, and crushed cookie and cracker crumbs. A little old man fills tall glasses with milkshakes and root beer floats for a group of teenagers. The dark panneling and curling wire chairs and tables give the place the air of a soda shop from the turn of the 20th century. Even the cash register dates from the teens.)

(Peter enters with the others. Micky now appears to be in a less murderous mood.)

Peter: Here we are, everyone! (Smiles) It's just like I remember it!

Emma: (Looks around) Wow, I like this set-up!

Lauren: *blinks* You know, I could almost SWEAR I've seen this place before. ;)

Mike: Reminds me of the lunch counter at the drug store near Mom's place in Dallas. :)

Emma: Millie's isn't quite as dark as this. Hers is more 30s-40s. This is 1912. :)

Older Man: And proud of it, young lady! My family has worked here for three generations. My grandson and granddaughter will be around after they come back from school sports. :)

Peter: (Goes to the counter) Eddie, don't you remember me?

Eddie: (Squints) No, I don't, but the face is familiar... (Peter grins) Smiley, is that you?

Peter: It's me, Eddie. I'm back. :)

Micky: Smiley? How fitting. ;) *slight grin*

Eddie: (Gives Peter a hug over the counter) Well, well! How's everything going? Did you take California by storm?

Peter: Not exactly (turns his grin to the others), but I did make some wonderful friends. (Turns back to Eddie) I'm married now, Eddie. I married a really groovy girl named Valerie, and we're going to have a baby. :D

Eddie: Well, well, that IS a surprise! Who'd have thought it? (Grins at the others) I remember when he couldn't look at a girl without turning redder than a strawberry sundae! ;)

Peter: (Blushes said shade of red) Aww, Eddie... :">

Mike: Don't seem that long ago, does it? ;)

Eddie: Well, what'll ya have?

Peter: Do you still make your famous double-vanilla milkshakes? :D

Eddie: With our home-made ice cream and the finest beans this side of the Equator. ;)

Lauren: *to Micky* You say "one of everything," and I'll hurt you. :P

Mike: Just pick one thing, Mick. You don't wanna be too full when we go out to eat tonight. ;)

Peter: I'll have the double vanilla shake! :D

Emma: I'll have a chocolate egg cream. I love egg creams. :)

Mike: You're gonna drink eggs, darlin'? :p

Micky: *sticks his tongue out at Mike* How about a triple chocolate shake? ;)

Eddie: (Shakes his head) Son, an egg cream is made of cream, club soda, and flavoring. Eggs aren't involved. (To Micky) You got it! I like a man with a good appetite. ;)

Micky: Thank you! *shrugs* And I'm just going light. ;)

Peter: You've never seen Eddie's shakes. ;)

Micky: There is NO shake I can't handle. ;)

Davy: I'll 'ave a nice, simple strawberry milkshake. :)

Mike: Pete's double-vanilla shake sounds good. :)

Lauren: I think I'll have a regular chocolate shake.

Eddie: Ok, comin' up! (He goes back behind the counter, where he mixes ice, ice cream, and various flavorings, then stirs it up in an old-fashioned mixer)

Peter: How's things been in the Village, Eddie?

Eddie: (Sighs and shakes his head) It ain't like it was when you were here, Smiley. Prices are goin' up, up, up, and the music ain't what it used to be. It's mostly rock now. Folk's not really the thing anymore. Some black guys are tryin' this weird rhythmic stuff too. No real melody, but it has an interesting beat.

Peter: (Sighs) I miss it there sometimes.

Eddie: I missed seein' you around, Smiley. You always had a nice, friendly smile for everyone, and I don't ever remember ever hearing a nasty word come out of your mouth or your music. :)

Peter: Thanks, Eddie. I liked New York (looks at the others), but I'd miss my new friends if I moved back. :)

Eddie: (Brings over the shakes. All of the shakes come in two containers. Half is in a regular glass, while the other half remains in the shakers. Lauren's and Davy's are smaller than everyone else's. He brings over Emma's tall, fizzy, dark-tan drink last.)

Drink and be merry, my friends!

Micky: Gladly! :D

Mike: Man, there's enough here to fill Micky and Lauren's swimming pool. :p

Peter: But it's very good, Mike! (Starts slurping at his milkshake)

Eddie: How long are you in town, Smiley?

Peter: (As he slurps) Just a week. We're one of the acts for the opening of the Atlantica Club.

Eddie: (Raises his eyebrows) I heard about that. A lot of bands, both rock and pop, would have given their instruments to have gotten that gig! There's a huge ad in the New York Bulletin! (Pulls out a newspaper and shows them the ad. As the others look at the ad, Mike pulls out the front page.)

Peter: Wow, look at that! They even have our names in pretty big letters! :D

Mike: (Reads front page) "Jewel Robbery On Park Avenue Leaves Police Baffled."

Lauren: Jewel robbery?

Eddie: (Makes a face) There's been a string of major jewel robberies in the Tri-State Area in the past few months. All the cops know is they were committed by someone named Darwin.

Mike: Don't they know anythin' else about him?

Eddie: No one does! They say he's a master of disguise!

Emma: (Frowns) Didn't Tilly mention a "Darwin" a while back?

Micky: I'm sure she did. :P

Davy: "Master of disguise?" That's James Bond territory, man!

Eddie: He must be planning something big. He only grabs the largest, best-cut gems. :p

Mike: What, his own line of ladies' jewelry? :p

Eddie: You kids be careful out there. New York's a more dangerous place than it was when you lived here, Smiley. A lot of weirdos have moved in, and most of the middle-class people took off for the suburbs. :p

Peter: We'll be ok, Eddie. We've seen worse. ;)

Mike: After what we've been through in California, some disguise-happy jewel thief ain't nothin' to worry about. ;)

Emma: (Looks at her watch) It's getting late. We should be getting back. (Shrugs) I'm done with my egg cream, but I'll bet the others would like theirs to go. ;)

Davy: Yes, please. This is the best milkshake I've evah 'ad! :D

Micky: *slurps up the end of his* I'm all set. :D ;)

Mike: Done with mine, too. ;)

Peter: I'll take mine to go. :)

Lauren: *finishes hers without slurping* I'm done. :) ;)

(The kids walk out of the store and back towards the Plaza Hotel. Peter and Davy now carry their milkshakes in tall paper cups and continue slurping them.)

Davy: (Hands Micky his milkshake) You can have mine, Mick. I’m full.

Micky: I’ll guard it with my life, Dave. ;)

Peter: (Points to a vendor selling various souveniers) Hey, guys, look at all that neat stuff! :D

Mike: Pete, come on, we don't have all day! (Peter ignores him and goes over to the vendor, a wizened little Chinese man.)

Peter: Hi there! (Looks around) You have some really groovy things here. :)

Chinese Man: Thank you, young one. You may look around. Perhaps, you see something you like?

Mike: Pete, come ON! If you want a souvenir, we can get you one later.

Peter: But I like his selection! (Doesn't notice the trash can next to the vendor suddenly get up and move closer to the cart...but Micky does)

*Micky narrows his eyes at the can.* :-/

(The can suddenly sits back down again as Micky goes to take a closer look. Peter comes back to the group with a stone statue of a small, squat oriental man with green glass eyes and a red glass belly button. He proudly shows the others his new treasure.)

Peter: Isn't he cute? :D

Mike: He's ugly. You overpaid for that piece of junk. :p

Peter: Don't say that, Michael! You'll hurt his feelings! :(

Lauren: Awe, I think he's kinda cute. :)

Davy: 'E looks like 'e just ate ten lemons wit'out sugah. :p

*Micky is "examining" the trash can.*

(The trash can opens. A pair of eyes peek warily out. When they see Micky, they return inside again with a clang.)

Peter: Micky! Micky, look at what I bought! :D

Micky: Hey! *tries to pry it open*

Mike: Micky, stop playin' with the trash can!

Micky: *makes a face* But...

(A hand pops out of the trash can and grabs Micky's milkshake. There's the sound of slurping, and it pops the cup back out again. ;) )

Micky: *eyes the can again* Oh-kaaaay. :-O /:) *over his shoulder* What, Pete?

Peter: (Shows Micky the statue) Isn't he adorable, Mick? I just fell in love with him the moment I saw him. :X

Micky: *looks at the statue, still paying attention to the trash can* Yeah, he's adorable, Pete *looks at the can again* Hey, guys...

Mike: What, Mick?

(A hand pops out of the trash can and puts Micky's milkshake on the ground, then scurries away. ;) )

Peter: Micky, what's wrong? Your aura is confused, and a bit frustrated.

Davy: 'Ere's the shake, Mick. You've been out in the sun too long. :p

Micky: *scratches the back of his neck* Well, there was this trash can...

Mike: (Frowns; looks back where the trash can was) Ain't nothin' there now.

Micky: Uh, yeah. Nevermind. :P

Davy: Drink your shake, Mick. It might 'elp clear your mind.

Peter: Yeah, we've got a lot going on. :)

Micky: *eyes the shake* Maybe I've had enough. I've probably got brain freeze. :P

Mike: (Picks it up and throws it into a REAL trash can) It was empty anyway. :p

Emma: (Looks at her watch) It's getting late. Let's get home and get ready for our debut into New York society. ;)

Mike: Sounds good to me. :) (The others walk back towards the Plaza Hotel. Peter stops for a minute and hugs the statue, smiling.)

Peter: Me, a father... :D (He finally runs after the others, still hugging the statue.)