*We open in the Pad. The bandstand is set up for rehearsal and everyone's pitching in, getting decorations up for the baby shower.*
(Emma is in the kitchen, working on frosting a big rectangular cake. Valerie helps Peter blow up balloons, occasionally stopping to have an improptu volley-balloon match.)
*Micky holds a large clump of balloons and streamers. He's trying to scale the wall to get them up.*
Lauren: *seated on the couch; slaps a hand to her forehead* Mick, would you PLEASE use a ladder?!
Micky: *latches onto the outer part of the bannister* But, babe, it's easier this way! I've done this before!
Davy: (Closes his eyes; there's a blue light, and a ladder appears in his hands) 'Ere you go, mate. Don't want you to knock yourself out before your tykes arrive!
Micky: Put it below me, it'll be easier to get down!
(Davy does so.)
Peter: (Laughs and bats a purple balloon at Valerie) I seem to recall the last time you tried scaling the wall, you almost killed yourself and you never DID get the streamers on the railings.
Micky: Ha ha. Well, this time *glances over his shoulder* I won't fall. I'm gonna get these decorations up! So there! :P
Valerie: (Chuckles) We'll see.
Lauren: Can't you just imagine them up?
Micky: What's the fun in that?
Peter: That's how we got them up for the chaperone party!
Davy: You might LIVE to see your children that way, Mick.
Micky: *glares, then jumps down lightly* Alright, fine. Party poopers! *a dark blue light appears around the balloons and streamers. They end up hung all across the ceiling*
Lauren: *sighs* That's much better.
Davy: It's probably nicer than if you'd try to do it yourself. You're an architect, Mick, not an interior decorator.
Micky: *quirks an eyebrow; shrugs* True. *pauses; slight grin* So, uh, what's on tap for the party, anyway? No one's really said anything.
(Mike walks in with two huge bags of groceries, & everyone takes the opportunity to ignore Micky's question.)
Mike: Hey, guys! Could I have a hand with these? There's more in the MonkeeMobile, too.
Emma: (Puts down the decorating bag she's been using to frost the cake) I'll help you with at least some of that, honey. (Takes a bag)
Micky: *sighs* I'll help, Mike.
Peter: (Gets up) I'll help, too. (Goes outside as Valerie starts to tie ribbon to some of the balloons)
(Mike hands Micky the other bag and goes outside to help Peter.)
Emma: (Groans under the bag's weight) Oh, man, honey, what did you buy, anvils?
Micky: *peeks inside* Oh man, not more pretzels! *puts the bag on the table*
Emma: (Takes the bag of pretzels) I will be opening THOSE.
Lauren: She'll use scissors!
(Mike and Peter each come back in carrying more bags of groceries.)
Peter: Man, you guys must have cleared out the whole Acme.
Mike: Just the snacks section.
Micky: I was just thinking that!
Peter: Wow, I always wanted to be a mind-reader! :D
Emma: Well, we're going to have how many people at this baby shower?
Lauren: You sure you wanna read HIS mind, Pete? ;)
Micky: Hey?!
Davy: It's probably X rated.
Mike: (Grins) Cheap-shot time.
Micky: Aw man!
Lauren: *grins* Sorry, Mick, but I couldn't pass that one up.
Mike: (Gives Micky a small slap on the back) Mick, you know we do it 'cause we love ya.
Micky: *grins* Yeah. In that case, you guys must REALLY love me.
Lauren: Goes without saying. :)
Emma: Well, come on! Are you gonna just leave the food in bags, or are you gonna put it away?
Mike: We're comin', honey. We've just got to get around your work of art. (Takes a swipe of icing as he opens a cabinet door)
Micky: It sure is a beaut! *whistles*
Emma: (Smacks Mike's hand) Honey, could you leave me some for the cake?
Mike: Darlin', you have plenty.
Emma: I won't if all of you keep taking samples!
Mike: Gotta check to see if it's fresh! ;)
Micky: *chuckles* I've used that excuse before! ;)
Emma: Davy AND Peter already checked for freshness. I just made it this afternoon!
Davy: (Grins) Yeah, as you can see, Mick, it's a very poplulah excuse.
Micky: Maybe I should've gotten it patented.
Emma: I'll get it engraved if you guys don't keep your fingers out!
Lauren: That's tellin' 'em, Em!
Micky: Eeep! *grabs a couple bags of snacks and puts them away.*
Mike: Aww, darlin'... (Starts towards the icing again, but Emma puts out her decorating bag like a weapon)
Emma: Stand back, Michael Nesmith. I got a decorating bag, and I know how to use it.
*Lauren laughs, shaking her head.*
Mike: (Rolls his eyes, but DOES step back) Oh, run away and cower in terror.
Valerie: Why don't you guys rehearse for the baby shower? It'll keep your minds and your fingers occupied while we work on the food.
Mike: (Grins) Sounds good to me, Val.
Micky: Yeah! Me too!
Peter: Oh boy! (Bounces over to his bass)
Davy: Think I could settle for a numbah or two. (Walks over to the bandstand and picks up his tambourine)
Mike: (As he slings Black Beauty over his shoulder and tunes her up) What should we rehearse first?
Peter: How about the new parents pick a song? :D
Davy: Yeah, it IS theih pahty.
Micky: *nods* Babe, any requests?
Lauren: Yeah, no more icing for you! (Grins) Hey Mick, did you ever show the others your new song?
Mike: New song?
Peter: Groovy!
Micky: *quirks an eyebrow* Uhhh...
Davy: You were tellin' me 'bout that, Mick.
Lauren: What was it? "Secret Heart"? ;)
Emma: Ahhhhh.
Peter: Hey, that sounds nice!
Micky: That new one?
Mike: We could try it. Preview it at the party for the Club Fairview crowd, since a lot of those kids are comin'. :)
Micky: *grins* Alright, because you requested it, babe.
*Micky digs out the sheet music that he just happens to have several copies of.* ;)
Micky: *shrugs* So I came prepared.
(Mike rolls his eyes. Everyone else chuckles. Valerie and Emma bustle around the kitchen, working on the cake and making snacks. Lauren sits on the psychiatrist's couch. The boys launch into a general performance video for "Secret Heart," occasionally cutting to Lauren happily watching the boys play and the other girls in the kitchen.)
Davy: (As the boys finish) See, Mick? I told you that song would work.
Peter: Yeah, it's groovy, man!
Mike: It has a different sound. Kinda interestin'. :)
Micky: *grins* So you did, Dave.
Micky: Thanks, fellas. I wasn't sure how it was gonna go over.
Emma: (From the kitchen) It's a very nice ballad, Mick.
Valerie: (Joins Lauren) And you sang it very well.
Lauren: I loved it, Mick! *smiles*
Micky: *waves it off* Awwww... *grins*
Mike: A nice present for your new kiddies and your wife.
(There's a banging on the door. Emma sighs and goes to the grille.)
Babbitt: IT'S RENT TIME!
Emma: (Rolls her eyes) How does that man always know when NOT to come around? (Opens the door. Babbitt storms in as usual.)
Babbitt: Ok, where is it?
Mike: Where's what?
Babbitt: Don't play cute with me, Nesmith. (Sees the cake and his expression softens slightly) What's going on around here? What's with that gorgeous-looking cake?
Davy: (Whispers to Micky) I think 'e's in love again, this time wit' flour and sugah.
Micky: *nods, grinning* I can live with that. ;)
Emma: (Makes a face) We're having a baby shower for Lauren tomorrow.
Babbitt: (Grins) Here's an idea. How about I waive the rent you owe me if you invite me to the party tomorrow and give me an extra-big slice of that heavenly-looking cake?
Mike: (Shrugs) Sure, why not?
Babbitt: (Looks around) The...the kiddies...aren't gonna be there, are they?
Micky: *tries not to grin* I don't know WHO you're talking about.
Emma: They won't be around long enough to cause any trouble, Babbitt. They're only going to be there for an hour or two.
Babbitt: Good. I lived through World War II once, and ONCE was more than enough!
Micky: They're perfect angels, I tell ya! *is now having a hard time keeping a straight face*
*Lauren rolls her eyes.*
(Emma CAN'T keep a straight face - she bursts out laughing. Mike, Davy, Valerie, and Peter all snicker. ;) )
Micky: What? *also cracks up*
Babbitt: (Nods outside - it's a clear evening, but there are dark clouds on the distant horizon) I'd better be getting home...and you kids should be careful. There's supposed to be a major storm coming in tomorrow. Really damaging.
Lauren: *eyebrows raise * Really?
Mike: Don't worry, Babbitt. We'll be careful. We know how to take care of each other and the Pad by now.
Babbitt: Yeah. Heard it on the news. (Takes a swipe of icing from the bowl next to the cake) That's good stuff. (Wipes his hands) Well, I'll be going. I'll see you at the party tomorrow! (Heads out)
Emma: (Groans) How do you tell your LANDLORD not to swipe the icing?
Mike: Carefully.
Lauren: Or not at all.
Micky: At least he'll keep the girls occupied tomorrow.
Peter: Yeah, they'll have someone to play with them!
Emma: If they can get him in the same room with them after last time.
Micky: They have ways. ;)
Valerie: So, who IS coming to this thing, anyway, besides the four guys, me, Lauren, and Emma?
Davy: The Abbies and Ambah are going to drop in early, before their gig.
Micky: Mom and the girls will be here bright and early, too.
Mike: Nyles is coming in early and leaving. Something about a gig at the Club Cassandra with the Martians.
Peter: The Parkers are going to bring Suzy over for an hour or two to play with the girls.
Peter: Mr. Bennett will be here early, too.
Lauren: Millie and Larry will be here.
Emma: So will Mrs. Filcheck. Mrs. Horner is out of town visiting reletives.
Micky: And Mrs. Purdy. *grins*
Mike: That makes sense. She IS your landlady, and a far more pleasant one than Babbitt. ;)
Lauren: *nods* Very much so.
Emma: The Jolly Green Giants have a gig, but Nyles said he'd bring their presents for Micky and the babies around, along with presents from the Three Agents, who are out of town but apparently left their stuff with the Four Martians.
Peter: Tilly said she was interested in coming in early and leaving, too. She loves free food, but she said something about going to visit her sister and wanting to miss the storm.
Davy: The girls said they're bringin' their gifts and donatin' food.
Lauren: *grins* More food! ;)
Emma: Bet Millie will bring along a couple of her famous cheesecakes to feed the hungry masses, too.
Mike: I could live with that.
Micky: *licks his lips* Me too!/P>
Mike: Knew I should have bought another bag of food just for Micky.
Micky: *grins* Well, why didn't you?
Lauren: Probably ran out of money. *smirks*
Micky: Baaaabe!
Mike: We barely have enough money for the regular stuff, much less party stuff.
(Everyone chuckles again.)
Davy: Lay off porh Mick. 'E's nervous enough 'bout bein' a da. (The phone rings) I'll get it. (Goes to the phone) 'Ullo? (Grins) Grandfathah? 'Ey! (Pause) Yeah, 'e got them. You'll 'ave to ask 'im 'bout that.
*Micky's eyes widen.*
Davy: I don't think 'e could 'ave gotten a bettah present. (Frowns) Wot 'ave we been up ta lately? (Eyes widen) Oh, nuthin' much. The usual. (Chuckles) Yeah, almost gettin' killed, defeatin' evil villains and such. Just normal, everyday stuff.
Micky: Monkees normal.
Davy: Yes, Grandfathah, I'm takin' care of myself. We're takin' care of each othah, you know that. (Pause) I'm sure 'e appreciates it, Grandfathah. He'll...well, you'll get them soon. (Smiles) Thanks, Grandfathah. (Sighs) YES, Grandfathah, I'm seein' one nice girl. YES, just ONE girl. You'll like 'er. Got a tempah on 'er, she does. She's a lot like Grandmothah was when she were youngah. I'll try to get 'er ovah to England to meet you soon. (Smiles) Yeah, I love you too, Grandfathah. I miss you. I 'ope you can visit us again soon, and I promise we'll 'old a concert in the livin' room of the Pad just for you and play all our greatest 'its. See you latah, Grandfathah. (Chuckles and puts the reciever down) That old man can talk when 'e wants to.
Mike: So, how's Grandfather? Ain't heard much from him since last summer.
Davy: Oh, 'e's all right. Been doin' some BBC work, thinkin' bout tryin' some directin'.
Micky: That's groovy!
Davy: (Nods at Micky and Lauren) 'E says congradulations to both of you on your children and that 'e wishes 'e could be here for the pahty. Says the pahties in Manchestah ain't been as fun as the ones last summah.
Lauren: That's nice of him!
Micky: *bad English accent* Those "pahties" must be terribly boring!
Davy: (Laughs) Said there ain't been any cake throwin' or rompin' since we left. That crowd 'e runs with is terribly sedate sometimes. ;)
Micky: We really oughtta do something about that.
Emma: We ought to go back to England when the kids are older.
Davy: Grandfathah wants to come back 'ere and 'ave us play all our greatest 'its just for 'im.
Micky: Greatest hits... wouldn't that constitute ALL of our songs? *grins*
Mike: Damn straight, boy!
*Lauren chuckles.*
Davy: Think 'e were rathah impressed wit' our playin' for 'is pahty when we were ovah theah last summah.
Emma: And speaking of songs...(grins) how about another rehearsal?
Micky: Oh yeah!
Mike: Sure, why not?
Peter: I'm ALWAYS up for music!
Valerie: Something happy and upbeat.
Mike: A special song for a special couple.
Micky: *twirls his sticks* Awww!
Valerie: (Smiles) Peter, "Lady's Baby" seems rather appropriate. You played that for me once and I really liked it.
Peter: (Blushes it) You did?
Valerie: (Nods) It's a very pretty song.
Micky: Hey, yeah! :)
Mike: (Shrugs) Yeah, it's a good song, buddy. Certainly right for a baby shower.
Peter: Well (city-lighting-grin), ok!
(The next video concentrates mostly on Peter as he plays and sings the lovely tune, and on Micky and Lauren as they watch each other happily and proudly.)
Valerie: (As the song ends and the girls clap, Emma from the kitchen, where she finishes the cake) Bravo, honey! Peter, that's such a pretty song.
Peter: (Smiles warmly) Thank you! I wrote it last year, before Lauren was pregnant, but it DOES fit.
Lauren: *smiles* Thank you anyway, Peter!
Micky: It was the vibes.
Peter: (Nods) Yeah!
(Mike rolls his eyes.)
*Micky pokes Mike with a drumstick, grinning.*
(Mike swats at Micky, but he's smiling.)
Lauren: *smiles* No roughhousing, boys.
Mike: We ain't roughhousin', Lauren! We're playin'.
Micky: Yeah!
Lauren: *rolls her eyes, then sighs* If you say so. *grins*
Mike: (Looks at the gathering twilight) I think it's time to break up the party, gang. (Frowns at the clouds on the horizon) Wonder if there's anything to what Babbitt said 'bout the storm.
Peter: (As he takes off his bass) Maybe we should check the news.
Micky: Would probably be a good idea. *takes a look out the windows*
(Valerie turns on the TV in the living room as the boys put away their instruments.)
Mike: (Makes a face as he gently places Black Beauty in her case) Just war talk. :p
Peter: No, here's the local news.
Announcer: ...Residents are advised to be on the lookout for Tropical Storm Elizabeth. Elizabeth has been sending gusts of up to a hundred miles per hour on the Mexican coast and is currently headed for the Southern and Baja California areas. It should make landfall here sometime tomorrow afternoon.
Peter: (Frowns) Oh man!
Mike: Maybe we should call off the party.
Micky: Aw geez!
Emma: (Shakes her head) We spent too much time setting up this party. Everything is already arranged.
Davy: If it looks like it'll get bad, we'll send everyone 'ome.
Peter: Everyone will be coming over and everything, and we have all these decorations set up and all that food! We CAN'T cancel now!
Micky: I may be hungry all the time, but even all this is a bit much. *small grin*
Emma: (From the kitchen) Even THESE guys couldn't eat all of this junk! It would kill their teeth!
Lauren: And their stomachs! :P
Mike: From someone who should know! You sneak your own damn stuff!
Emma: I do NOT!
Mike: Then what are you doin' up in the middle of the night, darlin', watching "Honeymooners" reruns?
Emma: Yes. (Comes in from the kitchen) Ok, ok, everyone. I'm almost done with the cake, and anything else that we need to do, we can do tomorrow.
Valerie: (Nods) I'll head out. I've got to take Chrissy to her friend Sarah's house, but I'll be around after that.
Mike: And I should hope the main guests will be at the party early, too.
Micky: Of course! *grins*
Lauren: Wouldn't miss it for the world!
Emma: (Takes Lauren aside) Do you think he has...well, that he knows the party is for him AND the kids? The cake will say "Happy Birthday, Micky and Kids," (grumbles) IF I have enough icing to write all the words with.
Lauren: *shakes her head* I don't think so. I haven't said a word about it. He'll probably start bugging me about it once we get back to the apartment.
Emma: And he'll be all over us tomorrow, I'm sure. The sooner you get him home and in bed, the better for BOTH your sanity.
Lauren: Gee, that's the first time I've heard any of you actually TELL us to get in bed. *chuckles* ;)
Emma: (Chuckles) Well, you'll have the kids in a week or two. You should be taking this time to enjoy each other's company.
Lauren: Definitely, every minute of it!
Mike: Ok, kiddies...folks. We'll see all of you tomorrow bright and early.
Valerie: (Gives Peter a kiss) See you tomorrow, honey!
Peter: (Nods) You bet!
Micky: *whines* Early? Oh man...
Emma: I'm sure Lauren will get you up, no problem. After all, there's free food here.
Lauren: Oh, Mick... *shakes her head, grinning*
Micky: The food will help.
Davy: (Yawns) I'm rathah tired meself. I'll see you all tomorrah. (Heads off to the upstairs bedroom, where he now sleeps)
Peter: (Touches his lips and smiles) I'm gonna have NICE dreams tonight! (Heads into the lower bedroom; over his shoulder as he does) Good night, everyone! See you tomorrow!
Micky: Guess that leaves us. *grins* Well, babe, shall we take the express route? ;)
Lauren: *nods* Sure!
Emma: Just let me clean up in the kitchen.
Mike: Let me help you, darlin'.
Emma: No, Mike, I don't need anyone else snitchin' my icing!
*Micky and Lauren chuckle as the dark blue light falls over them and they disappear.*
Mike: I had (puts his arms around her waist, drawing her close to him) sweeter ideas than snitchin' icin'. (Starts to nuzzle her neck)
Emma: (Giggles) Oh, Mike...
(We fade out on them kissing and nuzzling and on Lauren and Micky's apartment. There's a dark blue glow, and they appear in the bedroom.)
Micky: (Grins) Nothin' like the express route! :D
Lauren: You got THAT right! Haven't felt much like walking since I lost sight of my feet.
Micky: Don't worry, I know where your feet are. (Kisses her neck) And they're beautiful.
Lauren: At least one of us does!(Blushes) Aw, Mick...
Micky: (Grins) So, babe, what's going on with this party?
Lauren: What do you mean?
Micky: Well, this party is pretty important. There's got to be more going on than a baby shower. (Starts to kiss her again)
Lauren: *sighs* Nope, that's it. Just the shower. *chuckles* They are throwing it for both of us. We BOTH had a hand in these two. *rests a hand on her stomach* ;)
Micky: But...(smiles)...you DO know what tomorrow is, right?
Lauren: *smiles* Yeah, Saturday, & the day of the shower.
Micky: Something...else? For someone you love?
Lauren: *thinks for a moment* No, that's it.
Micky: (Frowns) Aw, come on, Lauren! You remember what day it is!
Lauren: *nods* The day after today.
Micky: (Kisses the side of her neck lightly) Come on, babe...
Lauren: *sighs again* Can't think too well when you do that... )
Micky: Just trying to...jump start your memory. ;) :D
Lauren: *grins* Sometimes I need all the help I can get. *pauses* Maybe we ought to hit the sack, though. The party's gonna be big, and I need rest.
Micky: (Pouts) Ok. It's easier to do this laying down, anyway. You want me to undress you? ;)
Lauren: *laughs; swats him lightly* You're evil, but a good evil! *grins* Sure! ;)
(Micky grins and stares at her. A dark blue light surrounds her, and she is now covered by a purple robe...and nothing else, though the robe covers all the important parts.)
Lauren: *grins* Thank you.
Micky: (Bows before her) That's me, Queen of my heart, your personal dresser. Now (grins) to do me. Any requests (winks), besides my birthday suit?
Lauren: *laughs* That's the most tempting one! I don't know... shorts, maybe? *elbows him lightly* Love your legs.
Micky: (Blushes) I'd only do this for you, you know, Queen of my Hearts. ;) (There's a dark blue light, and he's now clad only in the brown boxers from "Monkees Watch Their Feet." He bows theatrically before Lauren) Command me, my queen. I am yours tonight.
(Micky flops on the bed, grinning and patting the area next to him. ;) :D )
*Lauren grins and almost literally climbs on the bed next to him.*
Micky: (As they snuggle together) Are you SURE you don't remember what tomorrow is?
Lauren: Saturday, the day of the baby shower. That's it. *eyes widen* Am I forgetting a new moon?
Micky: (As we fade into darkness) Never mind, babe. :p