Ok, gang, ready to find out what's making noise at the Montgomery House...besides us? ;)
Mike: Yup.
Micky: Sure!
(Peter just nods)
Davy: (Hiccups) Let's go!
Lauren: Why not? :)
(The camera turns to the rain-spattered window outside. When it returns, it rests briefly on the clock, showing that several hours have passed. All of the boys, Maxine, Kimberly, and Daphne are playing poker on a large table in the corner. Tilly, Lauren, Jenny, and Valerie are eating and talking - or listening to Tilly talk - at the breakfast "island.")
(Emma walks in, yawning and stretching. She smiles tiredly when she sees the others.)
Emma: Oh, hi, everyone. Geez, that was one heck of a nap I took!
Lauren: Hey, Em. :)
Mike: Looks like it did you some good, darlin'. You're in a good mood again. :)
Emma: (Frowns) Again?
Mike: Oh, well, um...
*Micky slaps his forehead.* :P ;)
Davy: Mike, you put your foot in your mouth. Take it out before your wife kills you.
Lauren: Don't mind him, Em. They've been playing poker. ;)
Emma: (Eyes the keg and the glasses of beer and champagne sitting all over the room) And doing a few other things, if what I'm seeing is any indication. :p
John: Mike's winnin'!
Mike: (Grins) What else would I be doin'? ;)
Micky: He's gotta be cheating! :P
Peter: (Hiccups) Michael doesn't cheat! (Frowns) Do you, Michael?
Nyles: Why don't you let someone else win...like me!
Mike: (Rolls his eyes) Of course not, Pete! I don't cheat! (Puts up a hand) Cowboy's honor.
Micky: Yeah, riiiiight... :P
Davy: I seem to 'ave read somewheres that cowboys were nasty, illiterate, drunken rascals everywhere but in the movies. :p
(Mike mutters nasty Spanish phrases under his breath. :p)
Micky: That sounds more familiar than THAT, Dave.
Daphne: (Swats Mike) Watch your mouth! You're not the only one who can speak Spanish around here! :p
(There's a huge blast of thunder. Lighting streaks across the sky visible behind the trees and big windows in the back of the kitchen. The lights flicker.)
Lauren: Well, THAT was a close one.
Emma: (Jumps) Oh, boy. Why is it that every party we have ends up getting rained on? :p
Jenny: Could you tell your kid not to come out now, Em?
Emma: It won't come out anyway. :p
Tilly: Maybe it's shy. :)
Lauren: I don't think that's likely. ;) :)
Mike: (Puts out his hand) Royal flush! :D
Valerie: (Puts her hand on Peter's shoulder) Peter, honey, are you ok?
*Micky groans, throwing his cards down.* :P
Peter: (Slightly slurred) Yeah, Val, I'm fine. (Takes her hand and squeezes it with a big smile)
Davy: (Makes a face) I'm out.
Kimberly: (Throws her cards) Me too. :p
Marcus: And me.
Nyles: He did it again. *throws his* :P
Emma: Maybe we should lose the keg. Some of you seem sort of bright-eyed, and the last time a couple of you got drunk, I spent the rest of the night cleaning up the mess. :p
John: (Slurred) No way! You know how much that cost? :p
Lauren: No, and we don't care. Some of you are getting too sloshed. :P
Valerie: And Micky Dolenz, if you blow up a single thing in or around this house, I will personally see that you're shut up in a very small box without food or water and dumped in the middle of the Antartic Ocean! :p
Peter: (Hiccups again) And she means it, too.
Micky: *holds both hands up* I won't! I won't! :-O
Lauren: Good answer. ;)
Danny: Guess that means we can't blow anything up, either. ;)
Marcus: Darn! (Snaps his fingers)
Valerie: (Makes a face) Guys! :p
Mike: (Starts to shuffle the cards) Who's up for another round? ;)
John: You'll just win again! :p
Nyles: Yeah, man. :P
Peter: Maybe someone else should shuffle.
Maxine: Let me do it. (Grabs the cards from Mike and starts shuffling them)
Mike: Hey!
(There's another round of thunder and lighting. The lights flicker again, but this time, they don't go back on.)
Daphne: (Grabs Davy) Yikes!
Lauren: Oh, man...
(Davy just grins widely. ;))
John: Hey, it got dark in here!
Micky: Who turned on the dark?! :P
Peter: (Whimpers) Can we make it go away?
Emma: Maybe someone'd better check on the kids.
Valerie: I'm going to see if the phone works.
Lauren: Good idea. *leaves the room to check on the kids*
(Peter stumbles over to a drawer under the counter. He pulls out three flashlights and two books of matches. He goes out of the room with one flashlight and comes back in with a bunch of candles.)
Peter: Here you go, guys! (Trips over his own feet. The candles go flying, but Jenny catches them)
Tilly: The aliens are here! :o
John: Tilly, would you drop that shit?
Tilly: Oh, I suppose YOU have a better explaination?
Micky: Could ya do that again, Pete? ;)
Peter: (Shakes his head) No! It hurt my toe! :p
Valerie: Serves you right for getting sloshed. :p
*Micky snaps his fingers.*
Peter: Is that why my head feels funny?
Micky: AND your toe hurts, too? Wow...
Mike: What, it don't always feel that way? ;)
Kimberly: (Waves her arms around) Um, where's Davy and Daphne?
Micky: They're GONE! :P
Maxine: (Picks up a flashlight and turns it on) Probably went somewhere to make out. :p
Nyles: Man, & they didn't tell us where? :P
Marcus: You ever heard of privacy, man? :p
Nyles: What's that? :P
Danny: Oh come on, Marc! This is a Victorian house! It's built like a tank! :p
(Valerie comes back in with a large flashlight, shaking her head.)
Valerie: (Hands the smaller flashlight to Mike) I got this on my way back from checking the phones. Yes, they're all out. :p
Tilly: The aliens are invading! This is the first step! They're knocking out all communication! :o
Danny: Tilly, could you keep quiet about aliens for five damn minutes? :p
Lauren: *returns* Oh, Tilly, knock it off. The kids slept right through everything. ;)
Mike: They're Mick's kids, all right. ;)
Micky: Yes, they are! :D
Lauren: Anyone got some coffee for him? :P
(That's when there's a very large groan and the sound of scraping.)
Tilly: Oh, god!
Marcus: What in the hell was that?
(Peter whimpers and grabs Valerie.)
Emma: Probably just branches against the house.
Lauren: Yeah.
(There's more creaking and groaning as everyone remains silent.)
Danny: This is REALLY freaky...
Lauren: It's just the house...I think...
Marcus: This is usually when everyone starts telling ghost stories. :p
Kimberly: No need to do that in this house, man!
John: Hey, does anyone know how this house got haunted in the first place?
Nyles: I thought it was cuz that devil chick lived here?
Tilly: I do! Mr. Babbitt told me! The original owner and builder of the house committed suicide here, after his wife died under (her loud stage whisper) mysterious circumstances. The ghosts of Cornelius Montgomery and his wife still roam the halls, looking to outst anyone who dares enter their sacred relm.
Mike: Well, that's nice to know.
John: Til, Mr. Babbitt is hardly the world's most belieable authority. :p
Micky: Oughta prepare for company, then.
Peter: (Whimpers again) No wonder Shelia and Zero wanted to live here! I've always felt bad vibes here, but not recently...
(There's the sound of thunder again, and more strange, whispery moans.)
Maxine: This is getting REALLY freaky. :p
Mike: Maybe we should find Daphne and Davy.
Tilly: Maybe the ghosts got them!
Micky: Maybe Dave & Daph are the ones making those noises. ;)
Kimberly: No, we know the kind of noises they make.
Jenny: Let's just say our apartment ISN'T built like a tank. :p
*Micky shrugs.*
John: What happened to aliens? :p
Tilly: The ghosts scared the aliens away!
Lauren: *groans* Till... :P
Marcus: Could we leave, before I strangle her? :p
Micky: *wanders over to the doorway* I don't hear anything now-- Huh?
Mike: (Joins him) What is it, Mick?
Tilly: (In a sing-song voice) They're HEEEERRREEEE! :o
Peter: (Whimpers) WHAT'S here? :o
Micky: *points out the door* It was a shadow...and it didn't look like mine. *checks himself over*
(Valerie takes Peter’s shoulder and squeezes it.)
Maxine: Maybe it was Davy or Daphne?
Lauren: There has to be a reasonable explanantion.
Emma: Maybe a tall plant?
Micky: I wanna chase the shadow!
Tilly: Micky, I don't think that's a good idea. That could be the ghost of Cornelius Montgomery trying to kill us!
Kimberly: Ghosts can't kill people. :p
Micky: Awe, I wanna go after it! *pouts* :(
Mike: Oh, good grief. :p
Lauren: *shakes her head* Mick, you've had too much alcohol. You'll end up chasing your own shadow. :P
Micky: *still pouting* No, I won't! :(
Mike: Maybe we could try. It couldn't hurt. :)
Peter: (Whines) What if whatever it is tries to hurt Daphne, Davy, or the babies? :o :(
Lauren: I'm telling you guys, there's nothing here! :P
Emma: I'm on Lauren's side. This is ridiculous.
Mike: Why don't we make this democratic and take a vote?
Maxine: Why not? All in favor of chasing after shadows, raise your hand. :p
Micky: *raises both hands* ME!
(Mike, Kimberly, the Martians, Nyles, and Jenny raise their hands.)
Maxine: (Glares at her roommates) Traitors! :p
Kimberly: Hey, it beats the hell out of poker. :p
Jenny: And stuffing our faces.
(More thunder crashes in the background - everyone jumps.)
Micky: I think that was the signal to start ghost chasing!
Emma: If we're going to go on a fool's errand, we might as well be organized about it. Let's split up.
Mike: (Puts his arm around Em) She's with me. :D
Emma: (Pulls away from him) Honey, how much beer did you have? You smell like you're ready to fry fish. :p
Micky: *puts an arm around Lauren, who rolls her eyes* And she's with ME! :D
Lauren: Mick, get some coffee already. :P
Maxine: (Makes a face) Lauren, I think these guys are BEYOND coffee. :p
Lauren: Can't hurt to try. :P
Marcus: Well, who's goin' with who?
Mike: Pete'll come with me. He knows the house. Val can go with another team.
Peter: (Whines) No, I wanna stay with Valerie! :(
Valerie: (Rubs Peter's back) It'll be ok, honey. (Whispers) If things get really bad, use your communicator and call me.
(Peter nods)
Micky: Can we go now?!
Mike: Yeah, let's go.
Emma: Before no one's cohesive enough to do anything. :p
Lauren: Too late, in some cases. :P
(Emma chuckles. ;) )
(The group steps out into the main hall.)
Mike: Ok, my group will stay on the main floor. Em don't need to be climbin' those steep steps.
Micky: I wanna go upstairs! :D
Valerie: There shouldn't be anyone in the attic. It's locked.
Tilly: Ghosts could be in the basement, too, though!
Mike: (Nods) Mick, you take Lauren upstairs. The kids are there, anyway. Might as well have their parents close by.
Micky: All right! C'mon, babe! *grabs Lauren's hand & starts pulling her*
Lauren: Why me? :P
Mike: (Hands Nyles the big flashlight) Nyles, you take the rest of the Abbies to the basement.
Nyles: *salutes* Yes sir! *smacks his head accidentally* Oww.
Tilly: (Follows Micky and Lauren) Hey, you guys, wait up!
Maxine: Don't hurt yourself, big guy. :p
Nyles: Nahhh, that didn't hurt. :P
Micky: Don't lag, Till!
(Tilly sees a shadow, screams, and runs. The camera follows her.)
Tilly: WAIT UP, I SAW A GHOST! WAAAAHHHHH! :(( :o
Micky: *looks around* WHERE?!
Tilly: On the steps! It was Cornelius Montgomery and he was gonna kill me! :o
Micky: *lets Lauren go* Groovy! Hey, Corn, wait up!
Lauren: Good Lord. :P
Tilly: (Points to a shadow moving closer to them) There's another one! Oh, my god, it's his wife! :o
Micky: *waves at the shadows* Hi! :D
(The second shadow turns out to be Marcus, who carries a small pocket flashlight.)
Marcus: Since when was I someone's wife? :p
Lauren: Uh huh. Since Tilly thought you were a ghost. :P
Marcus: I'm a GHOST? (Checks himself over) Oh, mannnnn.....
Tilly: It's not a ghost?
Micky: Awe! I'm so disillusioned. :(
Lauren: That's Marcus, Tilly! *motions wildly at him*
Tilly: (Squints) Oh. Kind of hard to tell in this light...
Marcus: At least, I was when I left the kitchen.
*Lauren groans, exasperated.*
Micky: Let’s keep looking for the real ghosts!
Tilly: Before they kill us or someone else!
Marcus: Ain't Dave and Daphne around here somewheres, too?
Tilly: I'll bet they were the first victims! :o
Micky: *shrugs* Yeah, but I'm lookin' for ghosts.
Lauren: There are no victims, Till. :P
Tilly: Ok, then where are Daphne and Davy?
Lauren: They probably looked themselves in a room somewhere to make out. I dunno!
*Micky is wandering farther down the hall.*
(Another roll of thunder - Tilly and Marcus jump into each other's arms.)
Lauren: Oh, that's lovely. :P
Tilly: We're gonna die! :((
Marcus: Man, I never got to see Paris!
Lauren: I think I'm gonna die from ridiculousness. :P
*Micky has disappeared into one of the rooms down the hall.*
Tilly: Hey, where's Micky?
Marcus: Maybe he went to check on the babies?
Lauren: He was just... *looks down the hall* Uh, no, they're back that way. *jerks her thumb behind them*
Tilly: I hope the ghosts haven't got THEM, too! Poor innocent things! They never had a chance! :((
Lauren: Tilly, trust me, I'll KNOW if anything happens to my kids, okay?! :P
Marcus: This is really psycho-jello. (Steps back against the wall) John was right. I've gotta stop reading ghost stories before I go... (he turns and sees his shadow against the wall and screams, which causes Tilly to jump a mile and scream, and then there's another bolt of lighting and roll of thunder that makes BOTH of them scream)
Tilly: We gotta stop meeting like this. I don't think my heart can take it. :p
Marcus: I don't think my vocal chords can take it. :p
Lauren: *claps her hands over her ears* Mick, where'd ya go? *starts down the hall* :P
Tilly: Wait! (Follows her)
John: Don't leave us alone in here! (Follows Tilly)
Lauren: Mick! Where the heck did he go to?
Tilly: The ghosts got him! He's dead! We'll find his corpse any minute! :o :((
Marcus: We're next! :o
Lauren: *spins around to meet Tilly face to face* Listen, there's no such thing as ghosts! No one is DEAD! Got it!? :P
(Tilly is so scared, she and Marcus can only nod their heads as another bolt of lighting and roll of thunder are heard.)
Lauren: *makes a face at the ceiling; to the weather* Oh, knock it off! :P
Micky: *runs towards them* I saw them! I saw them!!!
(Tilly and Marcus jump and scream; Tilly leaps into Marcus' arms again.)
Lauren: You saw WHAT, Mick?
Micky: *grinning widely* I saw the ghosts, babe! *points down the hall* They're down there! C'mon!
Tilly: R...really?
Marcus: Is it Cornelius Montgomery and his wife?
Micky: *nods wildly* Yeah! Both of 'em!
Lauren: Yeah, sure. :P
(There's dark as Lauren turns the flashlight away for a moment, and we hear a slap. Tilly flounces back into the light, followed by Marcus, who now has a red hand print on his face.)
Marcus: What? WHAT?
(Tilly just rolls her eyes and follows Micky. As Marcus follows the others, we cut to downstairs, where Mike, Emma, Peter, and the remaining three Martians have returned to the kitchen.)
Mike: Ok. This is where this all began.
John: If you want to be technical, Mikey boy, it started in the foyer when we all came in and this big ass storm rolled through. :p
Mike: Maybe I don't want to be technical. :p
Chris: But he's right, Mike. ;) :P
Emma: Oh, come on guys, don't start! Let's just find Dave and Daphne. :p
Danny: I thought we were looking for ghosts!
Mike: Ain't no such thing.
Peter: *shakes his head* No ghosts...
Chris: I'm gonna find a ghost. *grins proudly*
Emma: I'm with Mike. There's no such thing as ghosts. :p
Peter: I don't believe in ghosts, either.
Danny: What if Tilly's story was true, and the ghost of Cornelius Montgomery and his wife are really wandering around looking to kick us out?
John: Oh, please, Dan. This is TILLY we're talking about here.
Chris: We'll just have to ask the ghosts nicely if we can stay.
Emma: (Sighs and looks around) Nothing here. (There's a roll of thunder and lighting - everyone jumps somewhat)
*Peter whimpers.* :(
Mike: (Pulls Emma closer to him) Come on, guys. Let's go somewhere else.
John: Preferably without a view of nature's pyrotechnics. :p
Chris: I like the special effects! :P
Emma: (As they move into the hallway) This is so creepy, like an old ghost movie. :p
Mike: Ok, guys. If you were Daphne and Davy, where would you go to make out?
Emma: Is that a safe question? :p
Chris: Anywhere, man! ;)
Danny: Well, inside on a night like this, I should hope. ;)
John: Well, Dave DOES like livin' dangerously. ;)
Emma: Even Dave isn't foolish enough to make love on the roof tonight. They'd be lighting rods out there!
Chris: *shakes his head* And he'd get his hair wet. :P ;)
Mike: (Chuckles) In which case, he'd be in the bathroom fixin' it. ;)
Chris: *smirks* Might as well check the bathroom, then. ;)
Emma: Um, speaking of...(turns to Peter sheepishly) um, Pete, where's the downstairs bathroom? :p :">
Peter: *points somewhat shakily down a hall to the left* Down that way. Second door on the right.
Emma: Thanks. (Goes down the hall. The four boys follow)
Mike: Why don't we split up? I'll stay with Em. Pete, you and John go that way (points towards the ballroom), and Dan, you and Chris go that way. (Points towards the kitchen and hands the guys candles.)
Chris: All right, we get the kitchen! ;) :D
Mike: Do somethin' OTHER than clear out the rest of the food and drink please, you two. :p
Chris: You're no fun! :P
John: Yeah, guys, don't eat poor Pete and Val out of house and home. :p
Mike: We'll meet at oh one hundred hours. (Checks his watch)
Chris: Huh? When's that?
Mike: We'll meet in a half-hour. That's army talk, guys. :p
Chris: Ohhh...
John: Officer, this ain't the army. :p
Mike: (Peers into the stairwell leading to the basement) I wonder how the others are doing?
John: Nyles is probably out under a table somewhere. :p
Mike: (Calls downstairs) Hey, ya'll ok down there?
Nyles: Yeah, man! *there's a crashing noise* I'm okay!
Mike: (Looks up at John) He's ok.
John: Groovy. Let's go. (They head down the hall, and the camera leaves them and follows the black hole that is the stairwell into the flickering light of Maxine's flashlight.)
(Valerie, Nyles, and the remaining Abbies are downstairs in what was once the basement and is now a game room and playroom for Valerie's sister Chrissy. We see outlines of a ping-pong table, shelves full of books and games, a TV set and couch, and baskets overflowing with sports equipment.)
*Nyles is picking up some of the sports equipment that he tripped over.*
Kimberly: Man, Ny, be careful! You could have scared the ghosts away!
Maxine: Kim, there's no such thing as ghosts!
Nyles: Sorry!
Valerie: I agree. This is just a wild goose-chase.
Maxine: Or a wild GHOST chase. I say we go back upstairs.
Jenny: Why? It's just as dark down here! :p
Nyles: Yeah, if there were ghosts down here we would've found them already. :P
Kimberly: But what if Tilly's story about the original owner of this house is real?
Nyles: What's is matter who the ghosts are? They're GHOSTS, which groovy as is! ;)
Valerie: Isn't this the woman who claims aliens are taking over our society and the government is using our tax dollars to finance total anhilation?
Kimberly: Even a broken clock is right once or twice!
Jenny: Hey! I hear noises! (Puts her ear to a door at the end of the room)
(The sounds of moaning and groaning and things being knocked over are heard clearly.)
Nyles: Is it the ghosts?
Kimberly: (Eyes widen) Might be! (Joins Jenny)
Valerie: Oh, please. That's our laundry room.
Nyles: Even ghosts have to do their laundry. :P
Maxine: (Rolls her eyes) Not likely, Nyles.
Kimberly: Shhh! I hear voices!
British-Accented Voice: Umm, um...luv, what's that lip gloss you're wearin'?
Daphne: Cherry Chap Stick.
British Accented-Voice: Tastes nice...(groans and moans return)
Maxine: (Makes a face) Those aren't ghosts. :p
Valerie: Not in the slightest. (Flings the door open as another roll of thunder and crash of lightning is heard. Davy and Daphne come tumbling out, along with a basket of laundry.)
Nyles: Man, it's only them. :P
Davy: (Tries to grin) Um, hi, mates.
Nyles: Awe, man, I had laundry you guys could've done for me! :P
Maxine: Daphne Carlotta Morgani, you scared the living daylights out of us! :P
Valerie: What are you two doing down here? :p
Davy: (Tries for an innocent smile) Would you believe our laundry? ;) O:-)
Maxine: Not really, no.
Nyles: Even I wouldn't believe that. ;)
(There's another roll of thunder and crash of lightning.)
Daphne: What are YOU guys doing down here?
Kimberly: Ghost hunting. ;)
Davy: Wot?
Valerie: Looking for you two.
Nyles: Yeah, man!
Davy: We ain't seen any ghosts.
Nyles: Mick said he thought he saw a shadow, so we're ghost chasing. *grins*
Daphne: I didn't think you could SEE ghosts!
Maxine: (She and Nyles help Davy and Daphne to their feet as Valerie rights the laundry basket) Come on. Everyone was worried about you guys!
Davy: Well, when the lights went off, we decided we needed some privacy. ;)
Daphne: REALLY private. ;)
Nyles: We figured that out. ;)
Valerie: Just tell us the next time you go wandering off, ok? We were worried!
Davy: Sorry 'bout that, luv.
Nyles: Didn't want the ghosts to get you.
Daphne: We figured everyone was so drunk anyway they wouldn't notice if King Kong walked in and asked for Fay Wray and a banana. :p
Jenny: King Kong's here, too?
Maxine: Now you sound like Tilly. :p
Nyles: Fay Wray? ;)
Davy: The chick in King Kong's palm. ;)
Nyles: Yeah, man! ;)
Davy: Where's everyone else?
Valerie: Upstairs, looking for ghosts and you guys. :p
Davy: Well, they're more likely to find ghosts, since we're down here. ;)
Daphne: Why don't we go back upstairs? I doubt there's much down here besides toys and laundry.
Nyles: Since we found out it was only you two making the ghosty noises. :P ;)
Valerie: Besides, I shudder to think of what the others are doing to our house. :p
Davy: Well, it's still standin', luv. That's somethin'.
Maxine: And Lauren went with Mick. She'll keep an eye on him. ;)
Nyles: I dunno about that. ;)
Valerie: (Eyes widen) Oh, great. Come on, guys. Let's get upstairs, before the stairs get blown out from under us. :p
(The others follow Valerie and Maxine and the flashlight upstairs. We cut back to Lauren, Tilly, and Marcus looking for Micky upstairs.)
Tilly: Micky?
Lauren: This is insane.
Marcus: Mick!
Tilly: The ghosts got him! They're holding him captive and are using him to get to the rest of us!
Marcus: Wow, just like on "Batman!" :o
Lauren: Micky! He's here one minute, gone the next, then he's back, & then gone again. You two need to cut down on the sci-fi. :P
(The three finally come to the last door in the hall.)
Lauren: Who'd like to open it?
Tilly: (Gulps) Not me!
Marcus: Ladies first.
Tilly: You're a Martian! Make it levitate or something!
Marcus: I ain't that kinda Martian, Till. :p
Lauren: *sighs* I'LL open it!
*Lauren rolls her eyes, then slowly opens the door, just enough to peek inside.*
Lauren: It's even darker in there than out here, if that's even possible.
Tilly: (Runs behind Marcus) Great. I'm DEFINATELY not going in there!
Marcus: Oh, man...
*As Lauren opens the door wider, two black shadows float over their heads. Then Lauren is nearly bowled over by something solid, with a black sheet covering them.*
Lauren: The HECK...
(Tilly and Marcus scream and turn down the hallway, running at top speed. Mike, John, and Emma come up the stairs at the same time.)
Mike: What was all the commotion up there?
Emma: (Puffing) It sounded like Tilly and Marcus!
Lauren: *calls after them* CHICKENS!
John: He probably needs his nightlight. ;)
*The "solid something" under the sheet grabs hold of Lauren & drags her into the room, closing the door after.* ;)
Tilly: (Turns around and screams as a flash of light illuminates Lauren's disappearance and the closing door) IT'S THE GHOST OF CORNELIUS MONTGOMERY AND HE'S GOT LAUREN AND HE'S GONNA KILL US ALL!!!!! :o
Mike: (As he, John, and Emma make it upstairs) What?
*The two black shadows return & slip through the door.* ;)
(Tilly turns and runs into Marcus, and they take off down the hall, which initiates our first romp, "Kicks.")
(Tilly and Marcus run into Mike and John. Emma just barely gets out of the way as the four tumble to the hall carpet. Emma merely looks annoyed.)
(Emma helps the others to their feet. Tilly explains what happened, pointing down the hall.)
(Everyone else comes running into the downstairs hallway, looking confused.)
*The door opens again & two figures under black sheets walk out. The taller ones laughs, while the short one just sighs.* ;)
(Everyone upstairs takes one look at the moving black sheets, scream, and run downstairs.)
(Davy and Daphne back into each other. They scream and grab each other. Davy pulls Daphne into a kiss, and they fall to the floor and out of the camera's view.)
*The two black shadows follow the two figures wearing sheets as they head for the stairs.*
(Tilly takes one look at the shadows and faints dead away.)
*Nyles sneaks back into the kitchen, headed for the keg.* ;)
(Chris chases Jenny and Maxine upstairs.)
(Emma sits on a chair and reads a book, clearly bored.)
*The two black cloaked figures walk down ths stairs. The shadows float behind them.*
(Mike scouts around a room and shines his flashlight into a mirror...and screams and runs when he sees his own reflection.)
*A loud burp erupts from the kitchen.* ;)
(John sticks his head in the kitchen, but pulls it out again, holding his nose and making a face. :p )
(Peter clutches Valerie's arm as they walk down the hallway, stepping over Tilly on their way.)
(Peter points at the black figures, his face turning pale. Valerie finally turns to where he's pointing. Her eyes widen. Both turn and run in the opposite direction.)
*The taller black figure hiccups. The shorter one pats their back.* ;)
(Jenny and Maxine come back downstairs, now chasing Chris. Maxine shakes her flashlight at him. They all step over Tilly.)
(Daphne and Davy are now playing tic-tac-toe on a table by candlelight.)
(Mike, John, Marcus, and Danny all run into each other, scream, and run off in the opposite directions. Emma just shakes her head and returns to her book.)
(The romp ends as everyone but Tilly, Nyles, Lauren, and Micky end up back in the main hall, all scared out of their wits.)
Emma: This is crazy!
Peter: We saw ghosts!
Tilly: (Stands) Uhhh...they got me...I'm gonna die...
Marcus: Til, no one got you. You passed out. :p
Valerie: (Takes a head count) We're missing people.
*The taller black figure makes eerie sounds. The shorter one sighs.*
Davy: 'Ey, where's Lauren and Micky?
(Everyone screams and jumps. Tilly just faints again.)
Mike: G..gh...g...
Emma: (Sighs) Oh, please.
Daphne: That's an awfully short ghost.
Lauren's Voice: Hey! :P
Davy: (frowns) And an awfully TALL ghost. :p
Peter: Hey, that ghost has Lauren's voice!
Valerie: (Rolls her eyes) It IS Lauren. :p
Lauren: *pulls the sheet up* I'm not a ghost *folds the sheets in her arms; she nudges the other "ghost"* Come on, take that thing off & explain to everyone, before I hurt you. :P
Micky's Voice: Do I HAVE to? :P
Mike: Mick!
Lauren: Yes! Now, get that sheet off.
Emma: George Michael Dolenz, you scared the bejeezes out of us! :p
John: That WASN'T funny, man!
Micky: *pulls the sheet off; his curls are even more unruly* It wasn't supposed to be funny.
Lauren: Mick...
Valerie: Then what was it supposed to be?
Micky: *points up at the two black shadows still floating above them* Those're the REAL ghosts.
(Everyone looks up...and everyone's jaws drop open. Tilly starts to get to her feet again, groaning.)
Mike: No...they can't be...
Emma: Holy shit...
Lauren: *nudges him* Mick...
John: They look like shadows to me!
Micky: But, babe...
Lauren: Explain!
Tilly: Hey, guys, what's going...(looks up)...on? (Her eyes widen) CORNELIUS MONTGOMERY IS HERE, AND HE'S GONNA KILL US! (she passes out again)
Mike: That's gettin' real old. (He and Danny drag her over to a chair across from the door)
Micky: *sighs; hiccups again; grins sheepishly* They're really ghosts... except I, uh... kinda created them.
John: You...CREATED...them?
Maxine: How...
Mike: (Narrows his eyes) And why? :p
Danny: See what you did to Tilly? (Indicates the unconcious woman on the chair)
Daphne: (Shakes her head) Tilly's overactive imagination did that to her. :p
Micky: Well, there was the ghost movie, a dark & stormy night, too much alcohol...and my powers.
Lauren: Thank you, Mick.
Emma: It was ALL just in our imaginations!
Davy: You must be joking!
Peter: In our imaginations?
Valerie: You mean, all this time...
Lauren: So, Mick, you can make the shadows go bye bye now.
John: Powers?
Micky: Awe... :(
Maxine: What's going on?
Mike: Micky, WHAT ghost movie?
Micky: *shrugs* I was watchin' one last night on the late, late, late, late show...
Davy: (Arches an eyebrow) One?
Micky: *scratches his head* I dunno, they all kinda blurred into one...
Kimberly: What, the ghost movie marathon that was on last night? Maxie and I were up watchin' that, too!
Maxine: (Crosses her arms) Don't tell me you watched the WHOLE thing, Mick! That was nine hours worth of ghost flicks! :p
Mike: Oh, that explains a lot. :p
Micky: I... might have. :-/
Lauren: *rolls her eyes* He was still on the couch this morning. The TV had a test pattern on it. :P
John: And what's all this about powers?
(Mike smacks Micky over the head.)
Micky: Owww! *rubs his head*
Lauren: Overactive imagination powers. Power of suggestion, that sort of thing. :P
Chris: His IMAGINATION made those things?
Danny: And made all of us see them, too?
Lauren: That's where the power of suggestion comes in.
*The shadows have disappeared.* ;)
John: Daaaaammm!
Kimberly: What was IN that keg? :p
John: Just beer! Don't blame us for Micky's TV viewin' habits! :p
Lauren: Only Mick's to blame for THAT. :P
*Micky pouts.* :(
Valerie: It's not just Micky. If you all hadn't had so much to drink, you wouldn't have been so willing to follow him.
Maxine: Had a fun time, though. ;)
Peter: It's sort of fun to be scared...sometimes. :)
Davy: As long as it turns out to be fake in the end.
Micky: See, babe? They liked it! :D
Lauren: Oh, brother. :P
Daphne: This is starting to sound like a long episode of "Scooby Doo." ;)
Mike: Well, now what?
(Even as Mike asks that question, the lights turn back on.)
Peter: I guess the lights got tired of chasing ghosts, too.
Micky: My eyes... *groans; shielding his face from the light*
Lauren: Oh-kay, Mick, I think it's past your bedtime. ;)
Emma: (As almost everyone rubs their eyes) You know, guys, I think there's someone missing.
Peter: Who? Everyone's here, and Tilly's asleep.
*A loud snore comes from the kitchen.* ;)
Mike: Ok, who let Nyles out of their sight?
John: There goes the keg. :p
Valerie: Oh, god. (Everyone runs to the back of the house and into the kitchen, including Tilly, who has shakily gotten to her feet)
*Nyles is snoring away loudly, curled up on the kitchen table.* ;)
Lauren: *motions to the dripping keg* I think it's empty now... :P
Mike: Oh, man. Wasn't SOMEONE watching him?
Maxine: What do we look like, his keeper?
Valerie: We'll NEVER get him out of here.
Tilly: Did the ghosts get him?
Danny: No, just the keg. :p
Chris: Just pick him up & toss him in a car & take him home. He won't remember any of this, anyway.
Emma: Tilly, there ARE NO GHOSTS! It was just our rampagious imaginations, overindulgence of alcohol, and (glares at Micky) Micky watching too much late-night TV.
Tilly: Are you sure?
Micky: *shrinks away* Don't hurt me...
Valerie: Yes, we're sure. (Smiles) There really are no such things as ghosts.
Peter: But whether there are or there aren’t, (big grin) it's fun to BELIEVE that there are! :)
John: Made for a hell of a party, anyway. ;)
Lauren: It was a lot better than giving birth. ;)
Maxine: Yeah, we didn't have to go out in the middle of the storm lookin' for the doctor. ;)
John: Giving birth?
Mike: Oh, right, you guys weren't here when Lauren gave birth to the twins. ;)
Danny: We had a gig. :p
Emma: It was kind of the same deal as this, only no one got drunk, and instead of chasing ghosts, we helped Lauren have her kids.
Marcus: Man, we miss ALL the good parties! :p
Lauren: Sorry, guys. ;) :P
Mike: (Rubs his wife's stomach) Darlin'....
Emma: (Sighs and shakes her head) No, honey, I'm fine. (Makes a face) Unfortuantly. :p
(There's a soft purr of thunder, nothing like the huge blasts that came through earlier.)
*There's also now dueling snores coming from the kitchen table. Micky is now sprawled out under it.* ;)
Valerie: (Groans) Oh, good lord.
Lauren: Oh, look, they're having a contest. :P
Peter: Think I'll do that, too. (Lays down next to Micky under the table) Night-night. (He passes out next to Micky)
Valerie: PETER! :p
*Lauren chuckles.* ;)
Emma: (Squeezes Mike's arm) Don't you even think about it.
Mike: Ain't no fun without you, darlin'. Besides, I couldn't sleep with Micky snorin' down there. ;)
Valerie: (Makes a face) I think this would be a nice time to break up the party. :p
Lauren: *nods* It's probably for the best. :P
John: Come on, big fella. (John, Marcus, and Danny reach for Nyles. The weight of the drunk man almost knocks the three of them over)
Marcus: Whoa, boy!
Danny: Ny, don't kill us!
Chris: Lemme in there, too. *joins the other three*
John: (Turns away from Nyles’ face) You really wanna get killed? Get a whiff of his breath. :p
Danny: I think I can live without the pleasure. :p
Chris: I'll pass on that, thanks. :P
Danny: I kinda LIKE livin'. :p
John: (Over his shoulder) We'll take Ny home. I'll come back for the keg tomorrow.
Tilly: Wait! You're driving me home, too! (Runs after as they drag Nyles out of the room) Hey, guys, I think the aliens have finally landed!
Four Martians: (In Unison) SHUT UP, TILLY!
Mike: (Shakes his head) Em and I are gonna head out, too.
Emma: (Nods) We want some (grins) private time before the baby comes. ;)
Lauren: *grins* You deserve it. ;)
Mike and Emma: (In unison) Thanks! :D :X
(They blush as everyone else laughs.)
Lauren: More twins. ;)
Davy: I was just gonna say that, luv. ;)
Valerie: Speaking of twins, I wouldn't be surprised if yours are awake and trying to escape the crib by now. ;)
Lauren: Oh, man, I'd better go check on them! I'll be back down! *heads out toward the stairs*
Davy: (Links his arm with Daphne's) Hey, luv, it's too messy for the drive-in, but maybe we could catch a late movie at the new two-screen theater at the mall?
Daphne: Sounds like fun to me! :)
Davy: (Winks as they leave) Don't wait up. ;)
Kimberly: We'd better go, too. That floor is starting to look REEELLLY good.
Jenny: I'll drive. You two are drunk.
Kimberly: We are not!
Jenny: You both had almost as much to drink as the guys did!
Maxine: Not THAT much!
Jenny: A good quarter of those drinks HAVE to be yours!
Kimberly: I'll have you know, Jennifer Elizabeth Silverston, that I can drive through rush hour traffic in LA at five o'clock!
Maxine: And I can drive in New York at ANY time, beat that! (Sticks her tongue out)
Jenny: Not while drunk. :p (She grabs all their purses) Ok, girls, let's go.
Valerie: Call us the next time you get a gig. We'll go see you. :)
Maxine: Sure! Call US the next time you go ghost hunting! ;)
Valerie: Any time. :) (The three head out, Maxine and Kimberly stumbling a bit)
Maxine: (From in the hall) Ow! Who put that rug there?
Kimberly: Maybe the ghosts did.
Jenny: Guys! (Their voices fade as the door opens and closes)
Lauren: *returns with the twins, one in each arm; chuckling* Well, THAT was fun. ;) :P
Valerie: (Takes Shelly) Were they good? :)
Lauren: Shell was good. She was only watching her brother trying to escape the crib. *shakes her head* I can't believe they're gonna be walking within the next month or two. :)
Valerie: Then they'll be trying to escape the HOUSE. ;)
Lauren: Oh, joy. ;) They probably will. *tickles little Micky* Well, this little guy will, I'm sure.
Valerie: (Cuddles Shelly) This little lady has more sense than that! ;) :)
Lauren: She got my good sense, apparently. ;)
Valerie: Smart girl. ;)
(Peter groans under the table and puts his arms around Micky, muttering into his ear.)
Valerie: Oh, this is cute. I wonder if we should try to break it up or just leave them like that? ;)
Lauren: Oh, what I'd GIVE to have a camera. *Light bulb* Here, Val, hold little Mick for a moment!
Valerie: (Grins and takes little Micky) Get a good one for me. ;)
Lauren: *hold her hands out & makes a camera appear; grins* You bet I will! I'll take as many as I can! *aims the camera & shoots picture after picture* This'll be GREAT for blackmail! ;)
Valerie: Make sure you get copies. ;)
Lauren: *nods* Of course. *takes the last picture* Awe, the roll's finished. Oh, well, I must've gotten 20 or so. ;)
(Valerie can't help herself. She bursts into laughter.)
*Lauren shakes her head & also bursts out laughing.* :))
(Peter and Micky stir at that moment and turn groggy faces to the direction of the laughter.)
Peter: (Mumbles) Val...(frowns) hey, what's so funny?
Micky: *groans* What the... *eyes widen, seeing Peter; screams* Ahhhhh!!! Man, Pete, this was MY spot for sleeping... :P
Peter: Ahhhhhh!! (Jumps; bumps his head on the table) Hey, you're not Valerie!
Valerie: No kidding. ;)
Micky: Oh, man, not so loud! *holds his head*
Peter: (Shrugs) I thought the floor looked comfy, and you seemed to like it! (Cringes and holds his head) Owww....
Valerie: Looks like some boys need to go to bed more than their children do. ;)
Micky: Yeah, but I'll sleep just about anywhere. :P
Laurne: No kidding. ;)
Peter: I wanna sleep in my own bed. :p
Micky: Me, too. :P
Lauren: I’ll take the kiddies back, Val, thanks. All right, Mick, up & at 'em. ;)
Valerie: (Hands Lauren the babies) Here you go, Laur. (Helps Peter to his feet) Come on, honey. Let's get you upstairs and into bed. :)
Peter: (Grins wearily) That sounds nice. :)
Micky: *pulls himself off the floor* Hope I'm lucid enough to blue light us to the house. :P
Valerie: Have a nice night, guys. :)
Lauren: *sighs* Just rest, Mick, I'll take care of it. *winks; to Peter & Valerie* Have a good night, too. :)
Peter: Thanks for coming! I had a great time! :)
Valerie: (Mutters) Even if he won't remember most of it in the morning. :p
Micky: I'm gonna be told I had a great time, I know it. :-/
Lauren: But you won't remember it, either, Mick. :P
Valerie: Might be better for society as a whole. ;)
Micky: *grins wearily* Okay. :)
Lauren: Lets go, Mick. *waves to the others* Bye, guys. :)
Valerie: Bye! (Waves)
Peter: (Yawns) Bye-bye! :)
*A shaky dark blue light surrounds Micky & Lauren, Lauren ragging on Micky for using his powers to send them home.* ;)
Valerie: (Sighs and puts her arm around Peter) Come on, honey. Let's get you into bed. We've all had a long day. :)
Peter: (Nods) Ok, Val. (Valerie puts her arm around Peter and they head out of the kitchen. As they leave, we hear Peter say) Um, Valerie?
Valerie: Yes, Peter?
Peter: I don't feel so good.
(Valerie just groans as the camera turns to the still-raging storm outside and the shadows playing on the kitchen window, fading out.)