Everyone ready for more party?
Lauren: Yes!
Mike: I am. Don't know about (glares at those in question) CERTAIN people...
Peter: (Whimpers) Micky and Davy, please be good...
Micky: *glares at Davy, then Mike* Yeah...
Davy: (Glares at Micky, then Mike) I'm ready.
Micky: *points at Davy* He started it!
Davy: (Points at Micky) 'E's just jealous because 'e got Oriental and I got Boardwalk! (Sticks his tongue out at Micky)
Micky: I'm not jealous! I never said I was jealous!
Mike: (Grabs both boys by the shoulders and pulls them up) That's ENOUGH, you two! You're behavin' like five year olds over a GAME! (Nods at Davy's bedroom) Davy, you go up in your room and calm down. (Nods at Peter's room) Micky, you go in Pete's room. You've been competin' against each other all afternoon, and it's starting to get out of hand.
Millie: I agree with Mike. You're both acting ridiculous.
Emma: (Sighs) And maybe we ought to find another game to play besides Monopoly.
Micky: Fine! It isn't like I'm even HERE, anyway! *stomps his way to Peter's room*
Lauren: *groans* Mick...
Davy: Damn it! (Stomps off to his room)
Daphne: Davy!
Emma: Ok, who wants to talk to Mick, and who wants to talk to Dave?
Daphne: I'll talk to Davy. (Goes into his bedroom)
Mike: (Sighs) Lauren, you wanna talk some sense into Mick, or should I?
Lauren: Maybe you can, Mike.
Mike: I'll do what I can, but SOMETHIN' is botherin' that boy. (Frowns) You don't think it's all this surprise business?
Peter: (Quietly) Maybe we overdid it...
Lauren: *sighs* More than likely.
Emma: We should have told him earlier.
Mike: (Sighs) You want I should tell him now, or just let him figure it out?
Lauren: He'll figure it out. Telling him now will just make him feel worse.
Millie: I'm afraid she has a point, Mike.
Mike: (Sighs) Well, here I go. (Walks over to the door to Peter's bedroom and knocks on it as Emma and Peter gather up the Monopoly pieces and the board)
Mike: Hey, Mick? You ok in there?
Micky: *pause* Fine.
Mike: Mind if I come in?
Micky: It's your house.
Mike: (Shakes his head and walks in) Mick, look, I know you're upset over not getting attention, but you and Davy really have been behaving like children all afternoon.
Micky: So? *turns to glare out the window*
Mike: So, as you may remember, we have GUESTS here,not to mention your pregnant wife. Could you at least behave for their sake?
Micky: *sighs* Don't you think I WANT to behave? *turns to Mike* But ALL of you... *pauses; turns back to the window*
Mike: (Joins Micky by the window) Mick, we know you're here. We ain't ignorin' you.
Micky: It's been kinda hard to tell that I'm here, other than everyone picking on me.
Mike: Oh, come on, Mick, that ain't true! You've been playin' games, and you went outside and played with the kids earlier, right? (Quietly) I know you're here, Mick.
Micky: Yeah. *frowns* But, Mike... *pauses, glances around the room* I don't know... *leaves the window*
Mike: Lauren notices you. She ALWAYS notices you. And Davy...you know how he is.
Micky: One minute he's my friend, the next he's aiming for the jugular. *holds a hand out, making a dark blue ball appear. He stares at it until it explodes like fireworks; he smirks momentarily*
Mike: He can be like that, Mick. You think you guys are bad? You've heard him and ME go at it.
Micky: Yeah, I have. *pauses* Mike, I showed him the house earlier, for Pete's sake! *makes another ball appear and explode, this one a little larger*
Mike: I think he just got carried away. He shouldn't have egged you on. (Grins) Daphne's up there, very likely chewing him out as we speak, if it makes you feel better.
Micky: Good. *sighs; runs a hand over his face* I don't know. I should be happy, but... *shakes his head*
Mike: Mick, what's wrong, other than Davy actin' like a kid?
Micky: It's all of you, even Lauren. *pauses, frowns* Man, I wanna say something, but I can't.
Mike: Aw, come on, Mick. You can tell me. You know I worry about you guys, all of you.
Micky: Yeah, I know. (Sighs) I know the party is for me and Lauren for the kids. Just not for ALL the reasons.
Mike: (looks at bit torn and turns away from Micky briefly; sighs) It'll be ok, Mick. When we get downstairs, why don't you play a song YOU sing, or even one of your own songs?
Micky: *slight grin* I'd like that.
Mike: (Puts his arms around Mick) You can sing the next two or three songs, how about that? This IS your party. :)
Micky: NOW, it's my party. ;)
(Mike chuckles and leads Micky out to the rest of the crowd. The little girls are shaking presents in the pile while Lauren and Janelle watch them. Jenny, Maxine, Amber, and Kimberly gossip in another corner, while Peter and Valerie chat in another and Millie and Larry eat cheesecake together near the bandstand. Mrs. Purdy, Mrs. Filcheck, Mr. Babbitt, and Mr. Bennett remain in the kitchen. Emma sits next to Lauren.)
Mike: Hey, you guys up for some more music?
Lauren: Yeah. *smiles, trying to get Micky to return it; he does, but it's rather half-hearted*
Peter: (Grins) I'm ALWAYS up for music, Michael! :D
(There's a burst of noise from upstairs, and the door to Davy's room flings open.)
Daphne: ....And you apologize to your best friend this minute, David Jones, or our date for next Saturday is CANCELED!
Davy: (As he comes out to the landing) But, luv...
Daphne: (Joins him as they go downstairs) But NOTHING! You both acted like babies during the Monopoly game! GO!
Davy: (Finally hits the main floor and goes up to Micky, not looking him in the face) Mick, I'm...I'm sorry I acted like a big jerk all aftahnoon.
Micky: *looks away also* Yeah, *sighs* I did, too. Sorry, man. *turns to look at him*
Davy: (Also looks at Micky) I shouldn't 'ave gotten so darn competative durin' that Monopoly game. It does that to people sometimes, I guess.
Micky: Yeah. *small grin* I'm not usually the best person to play that game with anyway.
Davy: Me eithah.
Peter: (Smiles) There. That wasn't so hard, guys! Now, shake hands and be friends again! :)
Mike: Don't push 'em, Pete. ;) :p
Lauren: They might give each other a death-grip hand shake. *grins*
Millie: Now, enough of that boys!
Mrs. Filcheck: Didn't someone say somethin' 'bout music?
Janelle: I'd love to hear you boys play again. :)
Mike: (Picks up Black Beauty) And this time, Mick's pickin' the song. :D
Micky: I've got one in mind, too. *gets behind the drumkit*
Peter: (Smiles) Of course. It IS his party...(Mike glares at him)...and Lauren and the kids', of course.
Davy: (Takes his tambourine) Wot you got percolatin' in there, Mick?
Mike: That won't blow anyone to smithereens.
Micky: *grins* Funny, Mike. (To the crowd) How about "Dyin' Of A Broken Heart?"
Mike: Another one you've been workin' on on the sly, Mick?
Davy: 'E sang it for me once. It's a good song!
Micky: Yeah. *small shrug; nods* Thanks, Dave.
(The boys launch into Micky's song, playing happily together while Micky beams at Lauren, who beams back. The roar of the wind outside all but drowns out the last part of the song. The boys all look out the window as they finish. It's pouring rain; the wind is blowing hard against the palms and bushes visible.)
Mike: Man, it's really comin' down now!
Mrs. Purdy: Maybe we ought to all go home.
Millie: In THAT mess?
Mr. Bennett: Marge, we're probably safer here, together.
Micky: *makes a face* I can practically FEEL the wind just sitting HERE.
Mike: (Nods) That reminds me, if it IS gonna stay bad, maybe we ought to move the instruments from in front of the window. Pile them up next to the door to Pete's room.
Larry: Let me help, then.
Kimberly: Me, too! (Helps Larry pick up an amp)
Micky: *nods* Yeah, I'd feel better not sitting directly in front of them!
(Davy gathers his tambourine and maracas. Maxine and Jenny get the other amp. Mike puts Black Beauty against the wall next to Peter's room and helps Micky with the drum set.)
Micky: *moves the cymbals; mutters* This is gonna take forever. *mutters so only Mike can hear* It'd be easier if we could just blue-light it.
Mike: (also muttered so only Micky can hear) In front of all these people, including your mother? Bennett is the only one who knows anything about our powers, remember, and even HE doesn't know the whole story.
Micky: *mutters* Just a PAIN knowing how easy this COULD be.
Mike: Things worth doin' ain't always easy, Mick.
Micky: *slight smirk* You ain't kiddin'.
(Valerie and Peter move the keyboard, bass, and banjo, and with Kimberly and Larry's help, move the piano away from the window as much as possible.)
Emma: Oh, let me help with that, too! (Grabs a tom-tom and heads across the room with it)
Micky: Thanks, Em. *elbows Mike lightly* You too.
Mike: (Grins) Anytime, shotgun. (Picks up the bass drum)
(Daphne and Amber move the microphones and the other guitars.)
Larry: (Nods at the windows) Do you boys have any boards or tape? We should really get those windows covered before this storm gets any worse.
Mike: We probably have some stuff out in the garage, but I don't know it if would cover the whole window.
Mr. Bennett: We'll have to do what we can.
Micky: *looks at the windows* I think making X's with tape would work well enough.
Mike: (Nods) Yeah, I have tons of duct tape in the garage.
Larry: Someone will have to go get it.
Mike: It's my duct tape. I'll get it. (Grabs a jacket out of the closet and goes outside)
(Mike comes back in, soaked to the skin but grinning, as he has the duct tape.)
Mike: Found it.
Micky: *grinning* You nut! ;)
Mrs. Purdy: Oh Michael, you're dripping everywhere!
Mr. Bennett: You need some coffee, young man.
Mike: Don't need to tell ME twice! (Mrs. Filcheck fills a coffee cup for him as he strips off his coat and hangs it on the back of a chair) Man, it's INSANE out there! The palms are bent over so far, they look like they could snap any minute, the water is half-way up the beach, and there's debris and stuff EVERYWHERE!
Babbitt: I KNEW it! This is a HURRICANE!
Millie: Oh stuff it, Henry. Don't scare the kids!
Micky: As long as animals don't start getting blown past the window.
(That gets a chuckle from most of the group. ;) )
Larry: Micky, Davy, Peter, give me a hand. Let Mike warm up a bit. (There's two rolls - hands one to Emma) Take one of the ladies and go upstairs and do the bedroom and bathroom.
Emma: Right. Who's gonna come with me?
Kimberly: I'll do it. I can reach high windows. (They go upstairs together.)
Micky: I can get the higher windows down here.
Millie: I'm going to make a fresh pot of coffee and boil some hot water for tea drinkers. I know Peter at the very least likes his tea.
Peter: I'll help you Mick. (Smiles at Millie) Thanks, Millie, you remembered! :)
Millie: (Grins) Same thing every morning. Green tea for Peter, regular tea for me, coffee for the rest of them.
Larry: Davy and I will take the lower windows.
Davy: Story of my life. :p
Micky: Sorry, Dave.
Mike: (Shrugs) Coffee gets me goin' in the mornin'.
Millie: (Winks) It takes a lot more than coffee to get all of you but Peter moving in the morning! ;)
Larry: Don't feel bad. She's literally had to drag me out of bed a few times. ;)
Lauren: For Mick, it takes coffee and then some!
Janelle: *grins* Should've seen me trying to get the boy up BEFORE he started drinking coffee.
(The guys chuckle.)
*Micky just shakes his head and continues with taping.*
Millie: How about you little ladies? What do you want to warm you up on a nasty day like this? :)
Mrs. Filcheck: Will you be taking coffee, Janelle, Larry?
Coco: Hot chocolate! *Gina and Debbie nod*
Janelle: *smiles* Hot chocolate sounds good, actually.
Lauren: Oooh, I'll have hot chocolate, too!
Davy: (As he secures the bottom windows) I think we 'ave whipped cream, too, and I know Em has nutmeg up there somewhere.
(Emma and Kimberly come back downstairs at that point.)
Emma: (Grins) Did I hear the words "hot chocolate?"
Millie: Yeah, I was just going to make everyone some hot drinks.
Emma: Let ME make the hot chocolate! I'll show you how Al, the bartender at the Ugly Mug in Cape May, made it for my sisters and I when we were (indicates the little girls) their ages! :D
(Emma pours hot water into six mugs, then fills them with great heaps of cocoa and sugar. She stirs the mix, then tops them with whipped cream and nutmeg.)
Emma: Here you go, everyone. Chocolate a la Al! (Brings the hot chocolate, coffee, and tea out to the living room. Everyone grabs their cups)
Maxine: (Settles on the psychiatrist's couch) Ahhhhh. Coffee. Just what I needed.
Jenny: Oooh, I feel warm all over!
Millie: (Laughs) That's the idea!
Micky: *slurps his coffee* Mmmm, CAFFEINE! *laughs* ;)
Babbitt: You said it, Dolenz!
Lauren: Oh, yeah, that's what he needs. *rolls her eyes, grinning*
Millie: I'll take personal responsibility in getting him off the ceiling.;)
Lauren: Thanks, Millie. I'm not exactly in shape to do that myself.
*Micky just grins and slurps again.*
(That's when there's another blast from outside. The lights flicker a few times, then die completely.)
Emma: Whoa!
Mike: Uh oh.
Peter: Who turned on the dark?
Lauren: Oh, good Lord!
Micky: *groans* Pete...
Valerie: Anyone got matches or something?
Larry: Here... (we hear the sound of someone shuffling against the black screen)
Emma: Is everyone ok?
Mike: Yeah, little girls, you alright?
Coco: Debbie, Gina... *her sisters tug on her* We're okay.
Lauren: Figures this would happen.
Babbitt: Do you have any flashlights or something?
Peter: I have candles in my room, if I can FIND my room.
(There's a hissing sound, and a single flame flickers in Larry's hand.)
Jenny: Well, that's a little better.
Peter: (Nods) At least can see to get to my room now. :)
Mike: (He and Peter get up at the same time) The flashlights are in the kitchen.
(Mike gets up and carefully moves past the crowd in the kitchen. We hear him rummaging through a drawer. When he returns, he's carrying four flashlights and a pack of batteries.)
Mike: Don't need these to suddenly go out on us. (Hands one flashlight to Micky, one to Emma, one to Maxine, and keeps one for himself)
(Peter emerges with an armful of candles of different shapes and sizes.)
Peter: Here we go! Now we'll have plenty of light! :)
Micky: *turns to his sisters; holds the flashlight under his chin and flicks it on* BOO! *the girls scream*
Millie: Micky, be nice to the kids. This is spooky enough as it is.
Mike: (To Emma) BOO! (She jumps)
Micky: Fun, ain't it? *grins*
Emma: (Whines) HOOONNNEEEYYY!
Mike: (Grins at Micky) Yeah, it IS fun!
Janelle: Boys...
Micky: *chuckles* Sorry Mom.
Mrs. Purdy: Now, now, boys, that's enough.
(Peter puts a group of candles in the living room for the people there, then sets up the rest on various tables in the living room.)
Lauren: Just don't do that to me, Mick!
Daphne: Why DO you have so many candles, Peter?
*Micky grins.*
Peter: (Smiles) My meditation.
Bennett: Helps a bit to lower the lights.
Mike: Normally, I'd point out that he's almost burnt the house down a couple of times with all those things, but they're actually coming in HANDY for once!
Peter: I TOLD you so, Michael!
Emma: How about another game to keep our minds off this storm?
Peter: But not Monopoly. :p
Millie: We need something the kids can play.
Micky: How about "Go Fish?"
Kimberly: That sounds safe.
Emma: Yeah. We can't exactly play poker around this crowd.
Lauren: That would NOT be a good idea.
Emma: I'll get the cards. (Emma gets up with the flashlight and goes into the kitchen. She hands Mrs. Filcheck the flashlight) You guys are going to need one of these, too. You're handling the food, after all!
Mrs. Filcheck: Thank you, dearie. :)
(There's the sound of Emma rummaging a bit more. She finally emerges with several packs of cards.)
Emma: Ok, who's playing this time?
Micky: Me!
Lauren: I'll play.
Emma: Me, too. I miss playing Go Fish. I used to play with my brother all the time.
Mike: What the heck, I'm in.
Millie: Think I'll sit this one out. That Monopoly game was enough.
Larry: Same here.
Peter: I'll play!
Valerie: I'm in! I used to play with Chrissy and Matilda.
Janelle: I'm playing. Girls?
*The girls answer with different versions of "yes."* :)
Kimberly: How about we just watch this one?
Jenny: Yeah, safer that way.
Maxine: And less confusing.
Amber: Think I'll just watch, too.
(Davy and Daphne are already on the other side of the room, chatting together by a circle of candles.)
(Emma deals cards out to everyone who's playing. Everyone else just sits back, sipping coffee or tea or hot chocolate. Babbitt, Bennett, Mrs. Purdy, and Mrs. Filcheck chat in the kitchen.)
Mike: (Grins and winks at Micky) Why don't we let Mick go first?
Micky: Ooooh, okay. *grins* Pete, got any nines?
Peter: Awww! I was gonna ask YOU for that! (Hands over a nine)
Micky: Alright! *puts his nines down*
Mike: I'll go next. (To Coco) Miss Coco Dolenz, do you have any jacks?
Coco: *grins* Go Fish!
Mike: Awwww! (Picks a card from the pile) Lauren's turn.
Lauren: Okay. Mick, got any twos?
Micky: Man... *hands over a two*
Emma: (Chuckles) Hey, Lauren, got any queens? :D
Lauren: Darn! *hands over a queen*
Peter: (As Emma grins) Hey, Mike, any aces?
Mike: Nope, don't got cards or Snoopys.
Peter: Darn!(Picks from the pile)
Coco: Curls, you have any sevens?
Micky: *grins* Go fish!
Debbie: Mom, do you have any tens?
Janelle: *hands one over* Good pick, sweetie.
*Debbie beams.*
Valerie: Emma, do you have any fives?
Emma: (Shakes her head) Nopers! Go fish.
Valerie: Not on a day like this! (Picks a card anyway ;) )
Gina: Curls, do you got any threes?
Micky: Sorry, Gina, go fish!
Gina: Aw! *picks a card*
Mike: Ya tried, kid. That just leaves your mother. Pick your victim, Janelle.
Janelle: Micky, any fours?
Micky: Rats! *hands over a four*
Micky: Hmm. Mike, any eights?
Mike: (Grins) "Curls" is on a roll! (Hands him an eight)
*Micky sticks his tongue out as he puts the pair down.*
Mike: Ok, let's see. Lauren, any Kings? (Grins) Other than the king of your heart. ;)
Lauren: *grins, then makes a bit of a face* Sorry Mike, go fish.
Mike: Awww, nuts! (Picks a card)
Emma: (Frowns) Lauren, honey, are you ok?
Lauren: *waves it off* Just a little uncomfortable. *smiles tightly* The kiddies are moving around again.
Kimberly: They're just letting off energy.
Millie: Like their father. ;)
Valerie: Lauren, you're up.
Lauren: Hmm. *makes another face* Em, any sevens?
Emma: (Rolls her eyes) Must be Dolenz day... (hands Lauren a seven)
Micky: *quirks an eyebrow at Lauren* You sure you're okay, babe? You're making faces, and they aren't at me.
(That gets a chuckle from everyone but Emma, who puts down her cards and goes to her friend's side.)
Emma: Sweetie, are you really ok?
Lauren: I think oughtta go lie down for a bit. Maybe they'll settle down. Probably too much excitement.
(Emma and Peter help Lauren onto the psychiatrist's couch.)
Millie: (Frowns) Lauren, honey, get some rest. You really don't look good.
Lauren: *nods* I will. *closes her eyes*
*Micky looks over at her, concerned.*
(Emma leans over her, also concerned. Peter puts his hand on her shoulder.)
Peter: (Frowns) Lauren, you're hurting. The kids must be kicking REALLY hard!
*Lauren nods without opening her eyes.*
Mrs. Purdy: Is everything ok in there?
Micky: *puts his cards down* Babe... *joins the others with Lauren*
Bennett: What's wrong?
Peter: (Gulps; looks up and says quietly) The babies want out. I can...I can feel them, too.
Mike: (Gets up, eyes wide) Oh, god...
(Davy and Daphne trot over to join the group.)
Lauren: *eyes open abruptly; glances at Peter* How... *groans* Good Lord!
Davy: Wot's wrong?
Peter: I...they're really excited, Lauren....
Millie: (Joins them, trying to move the kids away) Well, give the girl some air, for heaven's sake!
Lauren: I think my water just broke.
Micky: *eyes widen* What?
Emma: Her...WHAT?????!!!
Mike: Oh God!
Micky: Now?!
(The Abbies stand, too.)
Kimberly: Oh, God, she's in labor!
Micky: *repeats* NOW!?
Bennett: I'll call the hospital.
Babbitt: (Eyes are also wide; echoes Micky) NOW???!!
Mrs. Filcheck: Oh, Henry, calm down! (To Mr. Bennett) Well, Johnny?
*Lauren has tears coming down her cheeks.*
Mr. Bennett: (Shakes his head) Nothing. The phone is dead.
Micky: NOW!?
Davy: Mick... (puts his hand on his friend's shoulder)
*Micky whimpers.*
Babbitt: (He's pale) NOW?!
Millie: (Rolls her eyes at the landlord) Oh, good grief, he's not going to be much use. :p
Lauren: *groans* I don't really have any CHOICE!
Emma: Who knows anything about babies?
Kimberly: Maybe we should get hot water?
Maxine: Why?
Kimberly: I don't know. That's what they always do in the movies.
Micky: Now!?
Davy: (Rubs his friend's back) Shhh, Micky, shhh. It'll be all right.
Peter: (Goes to Coco) Maybe Valerie and I had better take you young ladies upstairs. This could get messy, and it's getting late.
Valerie: That's a good idea. We'll take you in Peter's room, and bring the banjo and the cards.
Peter: We'll take good care of them, Janelle.
Coco: *nods* Okay. *she and the other girls go with Peter and Valerie*
Janelle: Thank you.
Peter: You're welcome, Janelle. (Smiles sheepishly) I don't handle the messy stuff any better than they do, and neither Valerie nor I are very good nurses.
(The pair take the three girls into the downstairs bedroom, Peter stopping to pick up his banjo and bass, and the tambourine on the way in.)
Emma: What about the rest of us?
Mike: Someone's got to get her comfortable.
Davy: Bettah covah the psychiatrist's couch, too.
Lauren: *closes her eyes again; groans* God...
Bennett: (Sighs) I'm afraid I haven't handled a baby since my last child was born almost thirty years ago.
Micky: *quietly* ...Now?
(Emma and Mike help Lauren to her feet as Davy and Daphne retrieve old sheets and towels and spread them over the couch, then gently help her back down again. Jenny and Maxine gather couch pillows for Lauren's head.)
Davy: Micky, are you ok? Or is that a dumb question?
*Micky shakes his head.*
Mike: (Nods) Yeah, man. Someone's gotta stay with Lauren and someone's gotta stay with Mick.
(Mrs. Filcheck comes out with the hot water.)
Davy: (Frowns and rubs Micky's back again) 'E's NOT ok.
Lauren: *moans* Mick!
Mike: (Also rubs Micky's back) Come on, Mick. It'll be ok.
Bennett: I'll keep trying the phone.
Micky: *gulps* ...Need to sit... *thumps himself on the floor next to the couch*
Mrs. Purdy: (Shakes her head) Does ANYONE here know ANYTHING about babies?
Babbitt: Oh God!
Bennett: He's useless.
Janelle: Only how to raise them. *frowns*
Millie: I'm childless.
Larry: I'm afraid I am, too.
Mrs. Purdy: All of my children are grown!
Mrs. Filcheck: Mine, too.
Emma: (Takes Lauren's hand) Don't worry, honey, we'll figure SOMETHING out!
Lauren: Oh, man! *groans loudly*
Maxine: Where's the phone book?
Daphne: But the phone's out!
Maxine: I was wondering if maybe we could walk out and get a doctor who lives in the area.
Kimberly: (Nods at the storm that's blowing full-force and then some outside) In THAT mess?
Maxine: THEY know more about how to help Lauren than we do!
Mrs. Purdy: I really don't think it's a good idea for anyone to be out in that. Who knows what debris is laying out there?
Millie: Don't forget flooding.
Amber: But there has to be something we can do!
*Lauren whimpers, tears coming down her cheeks again.*
Emma: Lauren, keep breathing! (Her eyes are also filled with tears) SOMEONE do SOMETHING!
Maxine: We'll go out. (Nods at Kimberly and Jenny) Someone has to stay with Lauren and Micky.
Jenny: US?
Mrs. Filcheck: But what if you don't get to the doctor in time?
Kimberly: At least he'll be able to check on the kids and make sure they're safe.
Daphne: You mean WE'RE gonna have to deliver the kids?
Mr. Bennett: Maybe.
Babbitt: D...d...dd...DELIVER?????
*Lauren groans loudly again.*
Bennett: (Makes a face) I'll stay with (nods at Babbitt, who is turning four shades of pale) HIM. He looks like he could pass out any minute.
Maxine: (Looks at the book; slams it shut) There's a doctor's office on Main Street. It's pretty big. There might be someone there.
Kimberly: We'll do it! (Reaches for her coat)
Maxine: Daphne, Amber, stay here and help out.
Daphne: But girls...
Jenny: Three of us is more than enough to do this!
Amber: *nods* Go!
(Emma strokes Lauren's hair and murmurs comfortingly to her as the girls all head out, Maxine ripping the page with the address of the doctor's office out of the phone book and tucking it into her coat pocket.)
Emma: (Though she's crying herself) It'll be ok, honey.
Lauren: *sobs* Hurts like hell! *tries to reach for Micky, but ends up swatting his shoulder*
Micky: *blinks & shakes himself; finally sits up on his knees and takes one of Lauren's hands* Babe... you can do it! *gulps* Please...!?
Emma: I think the only thing we can really do for her right now is to have her keep breathing. (To Lauren) Did you take any Lamaze classes, baby?
Lauren: A couple... *groans* the third one...Mick passed out...
Micky: *blushes; wide eyed* I was breathing with her. *shrugs*
(Mike and Davy chuckle despite the situation.)
Mike: Ok, Lauren, you do the Lamaze breathin'. (Grins) Micky, DON'T do the Lamaze breathin'.
*Laurens nods.*
Micky: Right! Come on, babe. *makes a face* Nooo, don't crush my hand!
Emma: Owwww, Lauren...
Lauren: I gotta push!
Mike: (Whispers, to Micky) Mick, can you...feel her?
Micky: *nods* Someone grab something to throw over her legs!
Daphne: Where do you keep your extra blankets?
Emma: In the closet, on the bottom shelf.
(Daphne rushes to the closet and returns with a fuzzy blanket covered with bright checks.)
*Micky pries his hand from Lauren's grip and pulls off her shoes.*
Daphne: Here you go! (Places it over Lauren's legs)
Micky: Thanks. *blushes slightly; after several seconds he pulls her pants off* Now you can push, babe! *goes back to her side*
(Emma shoves her pants under the psychiatrist's couch and holds her friend's other hand)
Mrs. Purdy: How close are the contractions?
Babbitt: CONTRACTIONS!!??
*Lauren groans again.*
Bennett: (Sighs) Just hide your eyes, Henry.
Mike: Oh, THAT close.
Daphne: Can you give us an exact measurement?
Micky: Keep breathing, babe. You can do it... *gets his hand crushed again* Yiiii...I'd say a minute!
Emma: Oh, man! (Squeezes Lauren's hand gently) Come on, honey!
Lauren: *moans* Gotta... *scrunches her eyes closed*
Micky: *makes a face* I've lost the feeling in my hand.
Emma: Tell me about it, Mick.
Mike: Maybe someone ought to be takin' notes.
Emma: Come on, Laur! Keep pushing! We're all here to help you have these kids! :)
Lauren: *sobs* I'm tryin'! *groans again*
Mrs. Purdy: Think of how wonderful it'll be when this is all over and you're carrying two perfect little children in your arms. :)
Micky: Babe, push, you can do it!
*Lauren nods, tears still rolling down her cheeks, and pushes again.*
(Emma gulps and tries to calm her sobs; Davy keeps rubbing Micky's back.)
Micky: *makes another face* Yoooowww!
Emma: Ahhhhhhhh! (Also makes a face)
Mike: Damn, Mick... (whispers to him) How close are the kids? Can you...feel them, too?
Micky: *whispers* Very close. Mike, take her hand for me. *gulps* I'm gonna deliver 'em.
(Mike just nods and takes Lauren's hand. Davy, Daphne, and Larry join Micky at the end of the couch.)
Babbitt: D...d...ddd...dddddddd...(Bennett slaps him on the back) DELIVER!!!!
Mrs. Purdy: Micky, I don't know...
Millie: If he's gotta, he's gotta.
Micky: *rolls his eyes at Babbitt; shakes his head* Okay, babe, another push like that last one...
Mike: (Grits his teeth) Owwww...
Emma: Oooh...Lauren...
*Lauren's crying outright, but she pushes again.*
Daphne: Come on, Lauren!
Davy: That's right!
Micky: *eyes widen* There's one! I can see a head!
Daphne: Here it comes... (she and Davy stand on either side of Micky, Larry a little behind. Everyone in the kitchen runs into the living room.)
Micky: Babe, one more for the first baby, come on!
Emma: You can do it!
Mike: Come on, darlin'!
*Lauren takes in a deep breath and pushes again, groaning loudly.*
(Emma gulps and turns her head away from the other end of the couch. Mike gives Emma a sympathetic look. He knows how she feels about blood.)
Micky: *eyes couldn't get any wider* God... *comes back with the boy* Babe, that's the first one!
Davy: (He and Daphne are also wide-eyed) It...it's the boy...
(Daphne takes the crying infant in a blanket.)
Micky: Alright, babe, you're doing great! Another push! You can do it!
(Babbitt babbles uncontrollably. Bennett elbows him. Millie crosses to Larry and they hold hands.)
*Lauren's face is red. She groans, but takes in another breath, pushing once again.*
Micky: There's the head! One more, babe!
Mike: The little lady's comin', Lauren!
Emma: (Eyes on Lauren, not the other half of the couch) You can do it, honey! I know you can!
Millie: Come on, girl!
Mrs. Purdy: Oh, my...
*Lauren pauses and takes another breath, then pushes again.*
Mrs. Filcheck: Here comes the other one!
Micky: Yes! *holds the baby girl* Lauren, you did it!
(Emma opens her eyes and turns them to the crying infant...then closes them and turns back to Lauren, hugging her friend.)
Emma: Honey, you did it!
Mike: Nice work, Lauren.
Lauren: *quietly* I did it. *smiles shakily*
Daphne: He's beautiful, Lauren.
Micky: So is she. *grins*
(Daphne hands the boy to Lauren.)
Emma: Oh Lauren, they're WONDERFUL.
Lauren: My... *smiles, tears of joy forming this time* Lookit all the hair! ;)
Mike: Man, look at them little critters!
Millie: Already got the Dolenz curls! ;)
Babbitt: B...b...b...b...b... (passes out)
Bennett: (Grins and leans over the other man) Guess the miracle of birth was a little much for ol' Henry. ;)
Micky: *rolls his eyes at Babbitt; moves right next to Lauren* Thank you, babe. :)
Lauren: *smiles* Thank you, Mick. Happy birthday.
Mike: Yeah. Happy birthday, Micky.
Davy: Right, mate.
Micky *eyes widen* Aw, man... :D
Mrs. Purdy: It's the best birthday present of all!
Mrs. Filcheck: MORE birthdays!
Micky: I thought...I thought everyone forgot!
Mike: We didn't forget, Micky.
Millie: We'd never forget something like that!
Lauren: It was a surprise party, Mick.
Larry: And you don't know how hard it was to keep that secret from you!
Micky: I guess so!
(At that moment, the door flings open. Kimberly, Jenny, and Maxine, all dripping wet, arrive with a man in a wet overcoat, carrying a doctor's black bag.)
Kimberly: We found him!
Jenny: Or someone!
Doctor: (Takes off his coat - he's a middle-aged man with thick black hair peppered with silver at the temples and twinkling brown eyes) You're lucky I was working late and the wife and kids went up to Sacramento to visit her mother!
Maxine: This is Dr. O'Rourke.
Dr. O'Rourke: (Nods) I'm a pediatrician. Kids' doctor, for those of you who don't know medical terms.
Mike: Are the kids ok, Doc?
Dr. O'Rourke: (Frowns) You mean...
Kimberly: (Frowns on seeing the kids) And we missed it?
Maxine: Awwww!
Lauren: *slight smirk* Sorry.
Jenny: They're so cute! :D
Micky: Of course they're cute! *grins*
Dr. O'Rourke: (Goes gently to Lauren's side) How are you feeling, young lady?
Lauren: Very tired. *small smile*
Dr. O'Rourke: (Places a small stephascope on her heart and each of the children's hearts) All three of your hearts seem to be beating just fine. (Pushes gently on the children's limbs and stomachs) And their muscle coordination and reactions seem to be right, too. (Grins at Lauren) I'll have to get the three of you to a hospital after this storm blows over, but I'd say you have two lovely, healthy children there, miss. :)
Mike: (Grins) See, Lauren? Everything's fine.
Emma: What are you going to name them?
Lauren: *smiles* Mick...
Micky: *grins* Michelle Leigh and George Michael III.
Millie: Those are nice names.
Mike: Particularly the latter.
Davy: Decided to continue the tradition, huh Mick?
Micky: *still smiling* Lauren did, actually.
Abbies and Amber: (In unison) AWWWWWWWWW!!!! :D
*Lauren chuckles lightly.* :)
(Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Filcheck are leaning over Babbitt, who is finally getting to his feet.)
Babbitt: B...bbb...babies?
Dr. O'Rourke: What's wrong with him? (Nods at him) He looks terrible.
Mrs. Filcheck: (Grins) The miracle of birth didn't agree with him. ;)
(Babbitt groans.)
Peter: (Peers out) We heard something going on out here...(eyes widen when he sees the crowd and the babies) I was right! The babies are here! :D
Valerie: (Also pokes her head out) What?
Micky: *grins* Come and meet 'em! :D
Peter: (To the girls) It's ok, ladies. You're aunts now!
Valerie: Come meet your niece and nephew!
*The girls exchange looks and cheer, then follow Valerie and Peter over to the crowd.*
Peter: Here they are!
Micky: *kneels down so the girls can see* Say hi. *grins*
*All three girls say say "hi."*
Emma: (Smiles) They're so LITTLE! They're almost as little as my nephew when he was born! He was so little, all the nurses at Burdette Tomlin Memorial called him "Peanut," because that's what he looked like in the hospital blankets!
Mike: (Grins) I can see their hair curlin' already.
Micky: Runs in the family! ;) :D
Lauren: Oh, Mick.
Davy: Oooh, I think they got Lauren's nose!
Millie: They're so precious!
Lauren: If they've got my nose, then hopefully they won't snore! ;)
Micky: *chuckles* Babe!
Dr. O'Rourke: (Nods out the taped-out windows as the group laughs) Looks like the storm's finally passing.
(It's still raining, but lightly, and the clouds are already less dark.)
Mrs. Purdy: Thank goodness! Those children AND their father deserve a nice, dry birthday!
Lauren: That they do.
Dr. O'Rourke: I'll notorize the exact details when we get to the hospital.
Millie: I'll write them down. I've got a great memory.
Larry: I'll help her. Sometimes she forgets where her great memory is.
Millie: Lar! (She elbows him, but he's chuckling as they go into the kitchen)
(Bennett and Babbitt are in the kitchen. Dr. O'Rourke is giving Mr. Babbitt something from a brown bottle.)
Micky: *shakes his head* I can't believe I really thought all of you forgot.
Mike: That's ok, Mick.
Kimberly: We were doing an AWFULLY good job of convincing you!
Peter: Maybe TOO good!
Lauren: *nods lightly* We should have sprung it sooner.
Micky: No, I should've figured that's what you were up to. I just jumped to the wrong conclusion.
Davy: You were takin' it 'ard there for a while, Mick.
Maxine: (Shakes her head) We ALL botched that one up good!
Micky: I felt so bad. I asked Lauren last night and she didn't know, then Dave did the same thing... *shrugs*
Davy: (Elbows Micky) Don't you 'ave a...ahem...SURPRISE...for your new family, Papa Dolenz?
Mike: (Nods) Spring that one and I'm sure all will be forgiven.
Micky: *eyes widen* Oh! Geez, I nearly forgot THAT!
Lauren: What surprise?
Emma: Oooh, I think I know what THIS is!
Peter: Huh? (Scratches his head)
Valerie: (Sighs) Don't hurt yourself, honey.
Micky: You remember what I've been hiding from you for months now?
Lauren: *nods* Yeah.
Mrs. Purdy: I think I know, too.
Micky: Well, it's a rather long story, but we're moving out of the apartment and into our own house! :D
Emma: I KNEW it!
Peter: (Eyes widen) W...what?
Lauren: *eyes widen* Oh, my Lord! *smiles widely* Oh, Mick! That's wonderful!
Davy: And it's a beaut, Lauren.
Lauren: You saw it?
Davy: Got the grand tour this mornin'.
Mike: We'll ALL be seein' it soon.
Micky: *grins* As soon as you're up to it.
Lauren: I...I don't know what to say! Thank you, Mick! :D
Micky: Aw, you're welcome, babe!
Mrs. Purdy: Oh, I'm so happy! (She dabs at her eyes with a handkerchief)
Kimberly: Wow! Your own place!
Jenny: That's so cool!
Maxine: No more little apartment!
Davy: No way! This place could fit the bloomin' Ringlin' Brothahs Barnum 'n Bailey Circus AND 'ave enough room left for the cast of "Lawrence of Arabia!"
Amber: That is so groovy!
Mike: (Grins at Micky) Em and I guessed a LONG time ago what you were up to.
Davy: I've known for months.
Micky: *grins* I had to share with someone.
Peter: I didn't know!
Valerie: Me, either. This is a wonderful surprise!
Micky: Sometimes I'm good at keeping surprises, sometimes I'm not.
Mrs. Purdy: I think it depends on the person you're keeping it from.
Micky: And how pushy *grins at Davy* someone is. ;)
Davy: I weren't 'bout to let you spoil THIS surprise, Mick!
Micky: Not me! *grins*
Peter: Oh, this is too cool! Where's the house? Can we all visit?
Millie: I'll have to bring you my Easter cheesecake for a housewarming present. :)
Micky: Of course! It isn't far from here, either. Dave and I walked there when I took him on that morning tour.
Mike: Gotta keep the family nearby.
Lauren: This is so wonderful!
Emma: I think things have worked out JUST nicely.
(The babies suddenly make little cooing noises at that moment. )
Micky: Hey, they're trying to talk already! *grins*
Lauren: Oh, goodness...
Davy: Yup, full-out Dolenzes, all right!
Mike: Soon they'll be goin' a mile a minute!
Daphne: Like their dad.
Janelle: *puts an arm around Micky's shoulders* Keep them quiet as long as possible. Once they start talking, they WON'T stop! ;)
(Everyone laughs again.)
*Micky grins.*
Mike: (More quietly) And, as you all may know, Em and I are hopin' to buy this place off of Babbitt.
Emma: Keep IT in the family.
Davy: We'll be able to fix it up as WE want to (nods at Babbitt) and not wait for 'im to do it or 'ave 'im bangin' on our door all the time, barkin' for the rent.
Babbitt: (From the kitchen) I hear my name being taken in vain out there!
Mrs. Filcheck: Oh, keep your shirt on, Henry. They're not saying anything damaging!
Mrs. Purdy: (Leans over the children) And we ALL get to babysit, of course.
Kimberly: We want to be aunties!
Lauren and Micky: Of course! *both laugh*
Millie: (As everyone laughs) There's twins all over!
Mike and Emma: You bet! (They laugh, too)
Davy: (Elbows Mike) So, you two gonna be the next parents?
Mike: (Blushes) We'll see, Dave.
Emma: Some day.
Millie: Honey, they've only been MARRIED a few weeks!
Micky: You mean you don't wanna go through THIS yet? *grins*
Emma: (Shakes her head) It was rewarding, but I'm not quite ready.
Mike: Wait a few months. We'll see.
Emma: (Gets up) Who's up for cake?
Micky: ME!
Mike: Rephrase. Who ISN'T up for cake?
Emma: (Laughs) You'll get the first piece, Mick.
Micky: Alright!
Davy: And 'e'll 'ave to 'ave a second and third piece for 'is new kids.
Peter: He'd have them anyway.
Kimberly: Now he's got a cause.
Micky: Darn right! :D
*Lauren chuckles.* :)
(Emma goes into the kitchen to slice the cake and retrieve ice cream. Mike and Maxine help her cut the cake and scoop ice cream onto the slices. The three deliver them to the crowd in the kitchen.)
Millie: Thanks, honey.
Emma: Everyone enjoy! There's a little more left if you want it.
Mike: Mick will eat that.
Micky: Just save it for me! *carries his and Lauren's pieces back to the couch* Here you go, babe. :)
Lauren: Thanks, Mick. I'm so hungry!
Mrs. Filcheck: I'll take Little Micky. (Takes the boy in her arms)
Jenny: I'll take Miss Michelle. (Takes the girl)
Mike: (As he eats his piece) Lots of Mikes and Micks around here.
Emma: (Grins at HER Mike) Nothing wrong with that!
Micky: Just make sure you point at the one you're talking to! *grins*
*Lauren punches his arm lightly, grinning.*
Millie: I'm sure we'll be able to tell you apart.
Mike: (Grins) You know what? I think this new mother needs some music!
Lauren: That would be wonderful! :D
Peter: Yeah! (Hastily swallows his cake)
Davy: Sounds right to me! Introduce those kiddies to the good stuff!
Micky: *stuffs his down* Yeah! :D
Mike: And it only seems appropriate that the new mom and dad choose for their little-uns, since they can't talk yet.
Peter: And Micky should choose 'cause it's his birthday! :D
Micky: I got one! How about "Don't Bring Me Down?"
Lauren: *grins* I love that one!
Davy: Micky's finally outin' 'is 'idden song stash.
Micky: Yeah, yeah. *swats at Davy jokingly as he moves past him*)
(Davy laughs as the boys help set up the instruments by the wall. The boys play the song as Lauren beams at her two new children and her husband, the little girls run around, Babbitt babbles to Bennett, and everyone else coos over the new babies. As the boys finish, the lights come back on. Dr. O'Rourke goes to the phone and lifts the receiver.)
Dr. O'Rourke: The phone's back on. I'm gonna call the hospital and get them to come as fast as they can. They're probably contending with accidents caused by this storm, too.
Millie: (nods at the moonlight breaking through the clouds) Maybe the rest of us ought to be heading along, since the rain's stopped.
Mr. Bennett: (Nods at Babbitt) I'll take Henry home. (Grins) He says "Congratulations," kids.
Babbitt: Yeah...
Micky: *laughs* Thank you!
*Lauren grins.*
Millie: We'll drive Marge and Alice.
Mrs. Purdy: Why, thank you, Millie!
Mrs. Filcheck: You sure we can all fit?
Millie: We could always wedge you in the back with the sofas and chairs.
Larry: You'll be very comfortable there.
Maxine: I'm gonna call the Fairview and see if we still have a gig tonight.
Mike: Good thing this ain't our night.
Micky: Yeah!
Millie: (Leans over and pats Lauren's shoudler) Congratulations, Lauren. You and Mick did a wonderful job. The kids are gorgeous. :D
Mrs. Filcheck: Happy birthday to ALL of you!
Lauren: *smiles* Thank you! :D
Micky: Thanks!
Larry: (Puts his hand on Micky's shoulder) Yeah, especially to you, Micky. You did great. :)
Micky: Aw, I'm just glad I didn't pass out. *grins*
Jenny: No, Babbitt had that job.
Millie: Come on, ladies. We'll see you guys later. Bring the kids around to my place when you get out of the hospital, Lauren.
(Larry ushers the other women out.)
Bennett: (Nods at Lauren; Babbitt is already out) Cherish those little ones...(nods at Micky) and the big one, too. They're worth more than all the gold and all the houses in the world. :)
Mike: Yeah, man. We're family. :D
Lauren: *nods* I will, thank you. :)
Mr. Bennett: Peter, I'll need you for guitar and piano lessons bright and early tomorrow (smiles) before you all go and visit Lauren in the hospital. :)
Peter: Ok, Mr. Bennett! Thanks for coming!
Mr. Bennett: I wouldn't miss a miracle for the world. (Takes his jacket and leaves)
(The little and big girls are gathered around Lauren and the babies.)
Maxine: (Sighs) The Fairview is open. Alexandra says we don't have to come if we don't want to.
Daphne: (Sighs) I know, Maxie. We need the money.
Amber: *nods* So do I.
Kimberly: Call us when you get in from the hospital!
Lauren: I will!
Jenny: And we have babysitting rights!
Micky: You have first dibs. ;)
Dr. O'Rourke: (Gets off the phone; nods at the remaining guests) She can go to the hospital in an ordinary car. We just want to notorize the paperwork, get them cleaned up, and make sure they're all ok.
Mike: We'll take her in the MonkeeMobile.
Peter: Micky, you drive.
Micky: You got it!
Davy: I think we still 'ave that old wheelchair in the closet.
Dr. O'Rourke: Good idea. Keep her and the kids as calm as possible.
Micky: Here. *picks up her pants from under the couch* These might help.
Lauren: *grins* I think you liked that a little too much.
Micky: Maybe. ;)
Mike: It's not like you don't have your clothes off half the time when you're together anyway! ;)
Davy: Yeah, you didn't make them kiddies layin' down dressed! ;)
Lauren: Yeah, well, we don't usually have an audience.
Emma: Ok, guys, enough. Let's get her to the hospital. (To Janelle) Do you want to come with us?
Janelle: As much as I'd like to, I should be getting the girls home. They've had enough excitement for the day. We'll be back to visit, though.
Kimberly: As will we.
Jenny: Often.
Micky: Everyone's welcome to visit, just let us know, first!
Mike: Ok, someone take the kiddies, and we'll help Lauren into the chair. :)
Valerie: I'm free. I'll go to the hospital with you.
Peter: Why not? You're my soulmate! You're family now! :D
Valerie: (Blushes) Oh, Peter!
*Lauren hands both babies off to Micky, who grins at each one. She pulls her pants back on from underneath the blanket, still blushing slightly.*
Lauren: *pushes the blanket off* Okay, NOW we can go.
(Peter and Dr. O'Rourke gently help Lauren into the wheelchair. Emma drapes another blanket over her legs.)
(Valerie and Davy clean up the messy sheets and blanket on the psychiatrist's couch.)
Mike: Ok, Lauren, ready to head out?
Lauren: Yeah.
Micky: *to the babies* Oooh, your first ride in the MonkeeMobile!
Mike: A VERY important event!
Micky: You better believe it!
Dr. O'Rourke: I'll join you. My car is back on Main Street.
Emma: (Opens the door) Ok, family and doctor, everyone out!
*Micky heads out, still grinning at the babies.*
(Mike pushes Lauren out, followed by Dr. O'Rourke with his black bag and the others as the moon sheds light through the taped-up back windows of the living room.)