Okay, everybody ready for some fun in the sun?
Mike: As long as you don't start on me again.
Emma: Miiiiiiikkkkkkeeee...
Micky: Fun...yes, please!!!
Peter: (Sighs) Ready.
Davy: Ready 'ere, mates!
Lauren: *with a glance at Emma and Mike* Very ready!
Valerie: I could use a good day at the beach. I'm losing my tan.
Peter: Where? I'll help you look for it!
(Valerie chuckles and sighs.)
(We start at Micky and Lauren's little apartment, a few days after the incident at the Le Blanque mansion. It's morning. Lauren and Micky lay together on a small bed in the one-room building, boxes, cartons, and crates surrounding them.)
(The alarm clock sitting on an overturned box rings. Micky takes the clock and dumps it in a box next to it that's turned right-side up.)
Lauren: *mutters* Thanks...
Micky: Welcome... (He returns to snoring)
(A phone rings...and just keeps ringing.)
Micky: (Sleepily) Babe, phone's ringin'.
Lauren: *grumbles* I'll get it, if I can find it. *Rolls out of bed and fumbles around looking for it. She wades through a pile of clothes* Wait, I got it. *answers* Hello?
Emma: (On the other end. We see her at the pad. She's holding a spoon covered with brownish goo. Davy, Peter, and Mike are faintly visible behind her) Hi, Lauren! Did I wake you up?
Lauren: Yes. *pauses* Wha' time is it?
Emma: About ten or so. Look, I'm baking peach bread here (yells over her shoulder at the guys) OR WILL BE IF CERTAIN PEOPLE LEAVE ME ANY BATTER TO PUT IN THE OVEN! (normal voice, to Lauren) And we're going to go to the beach after that. We thought you two might want to join us. Tell Mick to bring his surfboard. Davy's dying for another surfing contest.
Lauren: Yeah, we'd love to hit the beach. *glances at Micky* No surfing, though, please.
Emma: (Over her shoulder again) Davy, get your fingers...DON'T MAKE ME USE THIS! (Faint male laughter) If you guys keep that up, you won't get any peach bread! I'll give it all to Micky and Lauren when they come!
*Lauren chuckles.*
Emma: (To Lauren) Sorry, Laur. They're worse than little kids or my stepdad. I can't turn my back on them for five minutes.
Lauren: Making me glad I'm here, and not there.
Emma: Yeah, you've only got one to handle.
Mike: (Faintly) I'm callin' a family meetin', too! We've got things we need to talk about!
Emma: And Mike wants to call a family meeting, probably to discuss new gigs and getting jobs.
Lauren: Oh, yeah... *Moves over to the bed and holds the phone closer to Micky* Hear that? Snorin' like a buzzsaw!
Emma: (Bursts out laughing) That's our Micky! Marriage hasn't changed him a bit! ;)
Lauren: After he just woke up enough to dump the alarm clock in a box. *snickers*
Mike: (Over Emma's shoulder) I still say you oughta record him sometime so he knows what he sounds like! ;)
Lauren: I'll rent a tape recorder some day!
Emma: (Laughs) I gotta agree with that one, honey. (More insistant) Well, get Micky up and moving around, if that's possible. Tell him he can eat when you gets here, if the guys leave any peach bread. (Yelling again) Mike, I told you...Hey! Stop scrapin' the bowl! Let me put it in the pan first! (Sighs) I gotta go, Lauren, or no one will be getting any breakfast besides bread batter. (Phone clicks)
Lauren: *blinks* Nice to know things haven't changed. *smirks, replaces the phone on the cradle* *moves over to the bed, shakes Micky's shoulder* Hey, Mick, wake up...
Micky: (Murmurs) Um, do'n wanna...feel nice here...
Lauren: C'mon, Mick, the others wanna spend a day at the beach. We can build sand castles. *grins*
Micky: (Opens one eye) Did I hear the word "beach?" :D
Lauren: Yes. But no surfing! *wags a finger in his face*
Micky: (Grins and swats the finger out of his face) Ok, babe, no surfing. Don't need to be witnessing anything else we shouldn't be. (Slowly gets up, yawning) Besides, we've got other things (waggles his eyebrows) we need to do! Today was the day we were going to...help...Em and Mike again. ;)
Lauren: *laughs* That's right. We hopefully won' blow up anything. *winks*
Micky: (Shrugs) Nahh, maybe just scare a few seagulls. We just gotta give Em a chance to mother Mike. She gets to play Mama Bear to everyone but her fiancee...and if those two are gonna get married, they've gotta learn to lean on each other, or at least compromise.
Lauren: Compromise is good. *smirks*
Micky: Sure works for us. I mean, things aren't perfect, but we've done ok. (Leans over and kisses her) So, what's for breakfast? ;)
Lauren: Em's making peach bread at the pad. We're eating over there, if there's any left by the time we arrive.
Micky: Oooh, peach bread! (Grins) There'd better be some left! You guys tease me about my stomach! The other three are almost as bad!
Lauren: No kiddin'! They were already snitching, and Em hadn't even put it in the oven!
Micky: Bet poor Em is wondering how she ended up with three kids. ;)
Lauren: *nods* I'm sure she is. ;-)
Micky: But we have work to do, Nurse Miller! Quick, to the chemistry set!
Lauren: *chuckles* Atleast you didn't say "batpoles." ;-)
Micky: (Grins) That reminds me. When are you going to give me the honor of seeing you in that black leather catsuit?
Lauren: *grins* Gee, and I thought you'd forgotten. Soon, Mick. *puts a hand on her stomach* It'll have to be soon if I wanna fit in it! ;-)
Micky: (Sighs) I can't believe I'm gonna be a daddy. (Leans over Lauren's stomach and whispers, rubbing it) Hey, little Dolenz, wanna help Mommy and Daddy with the chemistry set? Mommy and Daddy are gonna make a nice potion to help Uncle Mike and Aunt Emma! :)
*Lauren laughs.*
Micky: (Takes Lauren gently in his arms and kisses her) Hey, babe, did you ever find out what it's gonna be? I wanna know if I'm going to be telling Mom to buy little sailor suits or little ruffled dresses. ;)
Lauren: Not yet, but doc said he'll call any time now. He just has to get the results back.
Micky: (Sighs) We're gonna be parents, Lauren. I can't believe it.
Lauren: I know, I can't either! It still seems like a wonderful dream. *pauses* Thank you, Mick. *smiles*
Micky: (Grins) No, babe. Thank you. (Kisses her gently, then takes her hand and pulls her gently across the room, to where the chemistry set sits on several wooden crates that have been splintered noticeably in places. He starts taking out chemicals) We've got to come up with something to make Mike realize how much he needs Em. He's so used to being independent, and they've both got that stubborn pride that always gets in the way...
Lauren: *nods* Yeah...
Micky: (Sighs) They're in love. Even they realize that by now, so a love potion is out.
Lauren: Hmm...
Micky: And I don't think blowing things up will work twice. They'll both figure something's up.
Lauren: And they already know that was us. *grins*
Micky: Yeah. Can't be obvious this time.
*Lauren quirks an eyebrow.*
Micky: They know we fool around with this stuff.
Lauren: *sarcastic* No, really? ;-)
Micky: I think Mike figured it out after the incident with burying his favorite hat. (Grins, remembering) Boy, was he steamed!
Lauren: And rightfully so!
Micky: That's when he got the one with the buttons. Said it was easier to find if it was ever lost again.
Lauren: And now he's got, what, five different hats?
Micky: (Thinks) The dark green one, the bright green one I buried, the one with the buttons, the bright blue one, and the white one. (Sighs) He doesn't wear them as much as he used to, though. I think he got tired of people calling him "Wool Hat." (Mutters) Or just got tired of Rudy calling him that...
Lauren: *considers* Can't say as I blame him for that.
Micky: He started wearing the sunglasses after he took those flying lessons. I think he thinks they make him look cool. (Thoughtful) Maybe we could make Mike sick so Em could take care of him...
Lauren: *snaps her fingers* I think you've hit on something there!
Micky: He won't go to the hospital...but how could he protest if it's just his fiancee taking care of him? We'll just come up with something to upset his stomach a bit. (Grins) Got any cream of root beer soup? ;)
Lauren: *shakes her head, grinning* Fresh out. There is root beer in the fridge, though.
Micky: (Grins) Ehhh, Pete never told me how he made that stuff, anyway. Not that any of us were eager to ask. I mean, it almost killed a horse!
Lauren: I'll stick with root beer plain, or as a float.
Micky: Me, too. Yes, there are foods on this planet I will not eat. ;) :p
Lauren: But not too many. ;-)
Micky: (Shakes his head) Ok, enough with the cheap shots, babe. We've gotta get to work. (Sighs) We'll just make something a little fizzy, just enough to make him a bit green for an afternoon. (Starts pouring liquids together)
Lauren: *grins* Sorry, Mick, couldn't help myself. ;-)
Micky: That's why I love you. We get to help each other...not like certain bears and wolves! ;) (Leans over and gives her a quick kiss, then returns to his concoction) Hey, babe, hand me the green bubbling stuff by the window.
Lauren: *smiles* Sure. *reaches for it* This stuff isn't gonna bite me, is it? *picks it up and holds it out to him*
Micky: (Takes the potion) No (puts it down and nibbles lightly on her neck) but I might! ;)
Lauren: *laughs* That, I can live with!
(Micky returns to mixing this and that. The potion eventually turns into a light-brown, caramel-colored liquid that looks a lot like regular cola.)
Lauren: *raises her eyebrows* Wow...
Micky: (He and Lauren are dressed as a mad scientist and their assistant again) Ha ha, Nurse Miller! I've done it again! I've now made a potion that will make the victim...um, volunteer ill for a short time. It blends easily into any soda pop. Watch!
(Micky takes a bottle of soda, pours it in a glass, dumps a tiny bit in the soda - the concoction is indistinguishable from the soda.)
Lauren: Excellent job, doctor! ;-)
Micky: (Rubs his hands together) When we go to the beach today, we will feed this to Michael Nesmith. It will cause him to grow ill for a short time, allowing his fiancee, Emma Redmer, to assist him...and proving to both that they need each other's assistance! (Grins) I'm so brilliant, sometimes I can't stand it! ;)
Lauren: *rolls her eyes* And so humble, too. ;-)
Micky: Thank you, Nurse Miller. Aren't I? ;)
Lauren: You're welcome. *grins*
Micky: Come on, babe. (Grins) Let's go to the beach!
(The two arrive at the pad to see the other four, already in their beach outfits, eating slices of peach bread.)
Mike: (Looks up from his slice) Good, you're both here. We've got things to talk 'bout. (Gestures at two empty seats at the table)
Peter: (Through mouthfuls of bread) We saved you guys a few slices! ;)
*Micky and Lauren sit at the table.*
Micky: Only a few? ;-)
Emma: They're teasing you. I baked two loaves. I know damn well how much you folks eat. ;)
Micky: Whew!
Davy: Yeah, one for Micky, and one for the rest of us! ;)
Mike: I thought it was two for Mick, one for the rest of us. ;)
Micky: I'll take two! ;-)
Lauren: Mick! *grins*
Emma: (Smacks Mike's shoulder as she joins them with a second plate of bread) You had to encourage him, Mike! ;)
Mike: He encourages himself, darlin'. ;)
Lauren: *nods* I can vouch for that! ;-)
Mike: (As the group munches on their bread, he stands, with the gavel) Ok, I called this family meetin' because we have certain things to discuss now that there's a little Monkee on the way and Em and I are gettin' married.
Emma: (Nods) You guys have got to start looking for part-time jobs. Babbit may be in Bermuda now, but he won't be there forever.
Peter: What about the band?
Mike: We won't give up on the band, Pete. We'll take evenin' and night gigs and work durin' the daytime. Let's face it, guys, we can't keep livin' the way we are.
Davy: Why not?
Emma: How many months behind are we on the rent?
(There's various murmurs and mumbles around the tables.)
Peter: (Softly) I think we're...two or three months...
Emma: You guys were six or seven months before Lauren and I moved in.
Lauren: *glances at Micky* My paycheck can only go so far.
Emma: And mine can't even go that far.
Mike: As much as I've enjoyed the three or four years' worth of summer vacation we've had, it's time we all started taking more responsibility, includin' me.
Emma: (Nods) There's the matter of the Pad, too.
Mike: Em and I have talked this over (takes a deep breath), and we think it's high time we bought this place from Babbit.
Emma: Think about it, guys. We could do more than just fix up the basement. We could do the whole house the way we want it done, when it needs to be done.
Mike: No more Babbitt poundin' on the door or bein' behind on the rent.
Micky: *grins* I know the perfect architect!
*Lauren rolls her eyes, but grins.*
Peter: But...
Emma: You all love this place. I've seen it. I love it, too.
Davy: This place can't be easy to maintain, luv.
Micky: Who says?
Emma: Hense the jobs. We'll save the money to buy this place from Babbit, then keep saving money to fix it up. Micky, in particular, will be a big help here - he did take drafting in college.
Davy: But won't that take a long time, luv?
Micky: *nods* Oh, c'mon, Dave.
Mike: Yeah, Davy, it will take a while. But better waitin' then havin' to live with Babbit comin' after us every two days for the rest of our lives.
Peter: (Grins) We can plant poison ivy shrubs and stop trying to explain why Mr. Schnider isn't firewood! :D
Mike: Right. And there's gonna be kids here, too. Mick and Lauren've got a little one comin', and, well, (Emma blushes) maybe someday, there'll be more. Has anyone looked into getting a job?
Emma: I've got my job at the Acme. I've been begging and begging for more hours.
*Micky raises a hand slowly, looking around.*
Mike: Yes, Mick?
Micky: I found a fella, an architect who needed an apprentice, so... *grins*
Emma: When what, Laur?
Lauren: When the heck did he have time to find this guy?
Micky: Oh, I found time. *grins*
Davy: (Grins) Hey, Mick, that's great!
Peter: Micky, that's groovy!
Micky: *grins* Thanks, guys!
Mike: I'm lookin' into gettin' a job at one of the garages in downtown Malibu Beach.
Davy: Maybe I could take the jeep out to one of the 'orse farms in the valley...
Peter: I could get a job in a music shop, or I could teach kids music.
Emma: (Nods) That reminds me. You guys need a steady gig that's in the area. No more Embassy Balls or gigs in the middle of nowhere. (Turns to Peter) Peter, you should talk to Valerie. Maybe her father knows a record studio or movie studio that needs musicians, or of a club that could provide you guys with a steady gig.
Peter: That's a good idea. Valerie said something like the same thing.
Mike: So, all in favor of buyin' the Pad from Babbit when we earn enough money, raise your hand.
(Emma raises hers almost instantly.)
(Peter raises both of his.)
(Davy raises his.)
(Mike's is already raised.)
*Lauren and Micky raise theirs, too.*
Micky: *shrugs* We can try to help. *grins*
Mike: All the help we can get will be greatly appreciated.
Peter: Hey, while we're all here, when are you and Em going to get married?
(Emma and Mike exchange looks.)
Mike: (Shrugs) Sometime soon.
Emma: When we have the money and I can get my family out here.
Davy: Which is to say, no time in the near or likely distant future.
Mike: We will be gettin' married. We just ain't rushin' it.
Peter: We've got to get ready, you know!
Emma: We'll jump that hurdle when we come to it. (Smiles) Now, why don't we let me clear the breakfast dishes so we can get out and enjoy that beautiful, clear California day? ;)
*Micky whoops with joy.*
Emma: (Grins) Glad I'm not the only beach bum here. ;)
Micky: *grins* I've always been a beach bum. ;-)
Emma: (Gets up and starts collecting dishes) Me, too, Micky. The beach is in my blood, I guess. I've never lived more than 45 minutes from a beach.
Peter: I like the beach, too. It's fun to feel the sand between your toes. :D
Davy: And to see the (winks) scenery. ;)
Lauren: *smirks* I like building sand castles.
Mike: I like that it's so calm. You can just kick back and relax.
Emma: (Smirks) You've obviously never been to the Wildwood beaches during the height of the summer. ;)
Davy: Well, let's get goin'! (He grabs a towel) I don't want to miss all them birds in bikinis! (Runs outside)
Peter: Do you guys mind if I call Valerie and ask her if she wants to join us, too?
Emma: (grins) Sure, Pete! The more the merrier!
Lauren: Go ahead, Peter!
(Peter picks up the phone and dials Valerie's number. Once again, he has a dreamy expression on his face.)
Mike: (Sighs) Figures Davy would leave us with all the work. (He starts gathering buckets and towels and blankets and game boxes in his arms. Emma puts down her dishes and goes to help him)
Emma: (Concerned) Let me help you with that, honey...
Mike: (Shakes her off...and nearly knocks himself over doing so) Thanks anyway, darlin', but I'm a big boy. I can do it myself. (She reaches out to help him again, but he waves her hand away. He walks off, almost hidden by the load he's carrying. He almost falls back in the Pad as he tries to carry the load out)
Emma: (Throws up her soapy hands) OOOOOHHHH! (Stomps back over to her dishes) Why does he have to be so damn stubborn? :p
Lauren: Oh, boy...
Emma: (Mutters, to herself) He wouldn't accept help when those blasted gangsters got him drunk the other day, either. Damn him! It wouldn't kill him to accept other people's help once in a while. (Turns to Lauren and Micky) What's with him?
Lauren: He's a proud man. *shrugs*
Micky: He thinks he can do everything himself. *rolls his eyes*
Emma: (Shakes the water from her hands and wipes on her shorts) Well, he can't. There are things even he can't figure out.
Peter: (Nods; on the phone) Uh huh. We'll see you then. (City-Lighting Grin, to the others) Valerie should be around in about an hour. She was in the middle of breakfast when I called. (Chuckles) She says her little sister Chrissy hid her bathing suit. Her sister likes to tease her. ;)
Micky: *smirks* Little sisters are like that. ;-)
Peter: (Frowns at the angry Emma) Em, are you ok? Your aura is reddish...angry...and maybe a little frustrated.
Emma: (Sighs) It's just Mike, that's all.
Peter: (Grins again) Oh, it's just Mike. For a moment, I thought you were really mad at someone.
Emma: Mike wouldn't let me help him carry the beach stuff out of the pad.
Peter: (Sighs) You know how he is, Em. He's been alone for most of his life. He's not used to having people around doing things for him.
Emma: (Sighs) I know, Pete. I'm not, either. It's just...(looks out the window - Mike is clearly visible, setting up blankets and putting up a large, rather tatty umbrella)...I want to help him. I want to make things better for both of us, but he won't listen.
*Lauren glances at Micky, quirking an eyebrow.*
(Emma sighs and starts setting out things for a picnic lunch, including bottles of soda. She turns her back as Mike comes back in, dusting himself off.)
Mike: Anything else left, honey?
Emma: (Nods) I think the volleyball is in the garage, and there should be new jars of pickles on the shelf for the extra stuff in the garage, too.
Mike: (Kisses her quickly) I'll go get those. (Opens a bottle of Coke) Boy, do I need a drink. It's hotter than a Texas barbecue out there, and it's only 10:30! (Takes a long gulp and puts it on the counter, then goes out the door, followed by Peter. Emma turns her back, attending to her ham sandwiches and spice cookies, putting them carefully in the hamper, along with chips, pretzels, apples, and peaches.)
Micky: (Nods at the open Coke bottle and whispers to Lauren) Perfect opening, Babe! ;)
Lauren: Go for it!
*Micky sneaks over to the bottle and puts a few drops of the "concoction" into the soda. He sits back down again and looks around innocently.*
Lauren: *nudges him lightly* Too suspicious!
Micky: *grins* Sorry. ;-)
Emma: (Looks over her shoulder) What's going on over there, kiddies? You behaving?
*Micky and Lauren look up at the same time and nod.*
Emma: (Sighs) Ok, I won't ask. (Finally hands Micky the heavy basket) I feel like I'm giving the lamb to the wolf, but I need you guys to take this out to the picnic tables. (Glares at Micky) Don't eat a single morsel before the rest of us arrive!
Micky: *eyes light up* Wouldn't dream of it, Em! *grins*
Lauren: I'll supervise. *grins*
Emma: Please do, Lauren. I trust your stomach. I do not (points at Micky) trust his. ;) (Starts cleaning up around the kitchen as the pair walk outside)
(Mike and Peter join them at the colorful blankets set up near the picnic tables. Peter holds the volleyball; Mike has the open bottle of soda. Davy is already in the water, jumping over waves.)
Peter: I told you the volleyball was on the top shelf, Mike!
Mike: (Rubs his head) Yeah, Peter, I figured that out after the dang thing rolled off the shelf and bonked me in the bean. (Sighs) Should I ask how it ended up there in the first place?
Micky: *smirks* It saw you coming & thought it'd hide.
Mike: (Makes a face at Micky) Funny.
Peter: I put it up there...(thoughtful)...so I'd remember where it was the next time I needed it!
Mike: But the top shelf?
Peter: It might hit a nail or get run over by the motorcycles on the bottom!
Micky: You had to ask, Mike.
Mike: (Shakes his head) Yeah, I know Mick. (Flops down on the towels and starts stripping off his shirt as Emma and Valerie emerge. Valerie wears her black bathing suit again. Emma sports a bright floral bathing suit on a black background and still wears her jean shorts.)
Peter: (Grins) Oh, man, Val, you look so good like that!
Valerie: Thank you, Peter. (Looks over his bare chest and maroon shorts) You're nothing to complain about yourself. You really should go shirtless more often. You've got a chest that could pose in magazines. ;)
*Micky snickers.*
Peter: (Blushes) Aw, Vallll... (looks up with a shy smile) Wanna go in the water?
Valerie: (Puts down her jacket and the book she was carrying) Sure! (They walk, hand in hand, to the shore line, joining Davy in the waves.)
Micky: That's so sweet!
Lauren: *elbows Micky's leg* Oh, stop!
Emma: (Nods at Mike) Hey, honey, wanna join the party down there? (Nods at the trio splashing in the water)
Mike: (Shakes his head) I'll be down in a little while, darlin'. I just wanna enjoy the peace and quiet and total lack of villains, nasty people, and landlords beating our door down.
Micky: *sighs* Sounds good to me!
Emma: (Shrugs) Suit yourself. (Takes off her shorts. Mike watches her fairly trim lower legs move with interest - and scurries down to the water to join the others)
Lauren: Your eyes are gonna fall out, Mike. *grins*
Mike: Hmmm? (Looks up at the smirking Dolenzes) Oh, yeah, well, Em's got a nice bathing suit.
Micky: That wasn't what you were looking at. ;-)
Mike: Well, I was looking at her, and we'll keep it at that. (Leans back on the blanket and closes his eyes as Lauren and Micky start making a sand castle. He opens one eye and turns to the two) You seen my Coke bottle?
Lauren: *points* I think it's behind you a bit.
Mike: (Looks over his shoulder and sees the bottle on the table as Emma and Davy run out of the water. Valerie and Peter remain in the waves, tossing each other around and splashing) Oh, yeah. Thanks, Laur. (Grabs the bottle and takes a long, deep swallow.)
Lauren: *trying not to smirk* You're welcome.
Davy: (Sees Micky and Lauren's smirks) 'Ey, you two, what's goin' on? (Smacks Micky's arm) You been foolin' 'round with the chemistry set again, mate?
Micky: *holds his hands up innocently* Me?
Davy: No, Queen Elizabeth. (Makes a face) Yes, you, Mad Scientist! What you done to Em and Mike this time?
Lauren: Nothing too bad.
Emma: Hey, Mike, want me to get Black Beauty, and you two can play some music?
Mike: (Looks a tad queasy, but shakes his head) No, I can get her, darlin'. We'll do some practicin' for the locals. (Stands and goes back to the house. He looks a bit pale)
Peter: Gee, I wonder what's wrong with Michael?
Emma: He doesn't look too good.
Micky: *trying not to burst out laughing* Too much sun.
Emma: (Sighs) I told him he should have put on more sun tan lotion! (Peter quickly joins his friend. The pair emerge moments later with Black Beauty, Peter's bass, and the tambourine and maracas.)
Mike: (Sits on the blanket and strums his beloved guitar, despite growing more pale by the moment) Any requests, folks? (Peter takes out his bass)
Peter: How about something for all our happy couples? (Looks wistfully at Valerie) "We Were Made For Each Other."
(Valerie blushes)
Micky: Oh, Pete, you're so mushy! ;-)
Davy: (Grins) You're such a romantic, Petah!
Valerie: (Puts her arm around him) And I wouldn't have him any other way.
Emma: (Frowns; Mike is starting to sweat) Are you sure you're up for this, honey?
Mike: (Waves her away) Yeah, yeah, Em, I'm fine. I'm just fine. I need more Coke, that's all. (Takes another swig from the bottle)
*Micky turns away, grinning.*
(Peter counts off, and the group plays the ballad, cut with the happy expressions on the faces of the various couples and slow-motion scenes of the group playing in the water, making sand castles, chasing each other, cuddling each other, and just enjoying each other's company.)
Davy: (Grins as the romp ends) If I feel any more love, I think I'll go take Cupid's job. ;)
Valerie: That's such a sweet song.
Peter: How about another song? (Strums his guitar)
Emma: (Shakes her head and gently brushes the hair from Mike's face. He's looking more pale and shaky by the minute, but he still swats her hand away) Mike, are you sure you're ok?
Davy: Mike, you look terrible. You must 'ave been out in the sun too long.
Micky: *leans closer to Lauren, whispers* Wanna bet he stays out here until he passes out? *Lauren swats his arm*
Mike: (Shakes his head) I feel...fine. (Carefully and slowly takes Black Beauty off. His hands are shaking) I ain't passin' out. (Crosses his arms) I feel fine, so ya'll can stop fussin'. I don't need fuss.
Emma: (Sighs) Mike, you look worse than you did when the gangsters got you drunk the other day.
Mike: I'm not some kid. I'm a grown man, and I can take care of myself.
Emma: Even grown-ups need a little help, Mike.
Mike: Em, I'm ok. (Puts his hand on hers) I'm ok. So don't worry. (Squeezes her hand)
Emma: (Frowns) Mike, your hand is trembling. (Leans over his head) Honey, do you have a fever?
Mike: (Swats her away again) Darlin', you're startin' to sound like that little old lady who thought her husband was comin' back from the dead. I'm just fine.
Peter: Only she won't drown us with tea.
*Lauren swats Micky's arm again. He shrugs.*
Valerie: (Nods) She's right, Mike. You don't look quite right.
Davy: (Leans over and whispers to Micky) Where 'ave we 'eard this before? Em was actin' the same way to 'im when we were out west! :p
*Micky nods.*
Emma: Mike, we've got to get you inside.
Mike: (As forceful as he can make his voice) Will you quit worryin'? I'm just fine. I don't get sick.
Emma: Tell that to your face, because it's as white as a sheet.
Davy: (Elbows Micky and whispers) What did you give 'im, mate?
Micky: *grins sheepishly* Let's say it resembles magic Monkee dust. ;-)
*Lauren groans.*
Peter: Em's right, Mike. We need to get you some fluids. My mom taught me how to take care of my siblings when they got sick.
Emma: Mine did, too.
Mike: Will you two stop fussin'? I ain't sick! I'm just...(wobbles a little)...a little woozy from the liquor the other day, that's all.
Emma: Mike, cut it out. You got that out of your system the next day.
Micky: In more ways than one. *quirks an eyebrow*
Peter: Yeah, he spent most of the next day groaning and throwing up.
Mike: (Makes a face) Must you mention that, Pete? I don't even remember much of that day...
Micky: I do. *rolls his eyes*
Mike: I'll be ok. (Stands a bit arruptly, takes the volleyball and says with the brightest voice he can muster) Ok, who's for a game of volleyball?
Micky: Oh, good grief!
Emma: You aren't. Mike, stop being so damn stubborn! You are going inside!
Mike: Inside...(puts his hand to his head)...I feel so warm...
Peter: (Shrugs) Well, it is warm out here.
Emma: (Sees Mike's knees buckle) Oh god! Peter, help me! (They catch Mike)
Mike: (Breathing heavily) It's ok, Em. I'll be ok. Just...stomach feels funny...
Davy: Stomach?
Lauren: *swats Micky again* Good going, mad doctor. :-P
*Micky shrugs.*
Valerie: What did you have to eat, Mike?
Mike: Just Em's bread...and that bottle of Coke...
Emma: Mike, we've got to get you to a doctor.
Mike: (Shakes his head) No doctors, don't want doctors. Em...my stomach...Mama...(his legs go out from under him, and he collapses on the sand, almost taking Peter and Emma with him)
Peter: Michael!
Micky: *frowns* Oh, shit...
Emma: Mike! (Takes his wrist) His pulse seems ok, (puts her hand on his head) but his head is burning up.
Davy: (Glares at Micky) 'E said somethin' 'bout 'is stomach, too...
Micky: *worried* Eeep!
Emma: Peter, help me get him in the house. The rest of you should probably stay here. Peter and I will get him some cold cloths for his head and something for his stomach.
(Emma and Peter carry Mike as gingerly as they can into the house. The others watch.)
Valerie: That popped up suddenly. Poor thing! I wonder where it came from?
Davy: (Looks at Micky) Yeah, gee, I wondah...
Lauren: I know where.
Micky: Heh...
Davy: Micky...did you do this?
Valerie: What?
Micky: I didn't mean for it to make him that sick. Just nauseaus, that's all. *frowns*
Lauren: Remind me again why I went along with this?
Valerie: Why would you want to make him sick at all?
Micky: *shrugs* So he'd let Em help him for once.
Davy: (Sighs) I undahstand that. Mike is so darn self-sufficient and proud, 'e keeps refusin' Em's 'elp. She's done the same thing to 'im.
Lauren: We just want them compromise a little, help each other for a change.
Davy: She wants to be a mothah, but I think 'e's afraid. 'E's already got one...and 'e don't get along well with the one 'e's got.
Micky: I just wanted to help, that's all. *frowns* I goofed it up again.
Valerie: (Sighs and shakes her head) Not all together, Mick. Emma is helping Mike.
Micky: But he looks sicker than a dog!
Davy: Might not last, mate.
Valerie: It's probably just a 12-hour chemical-induced bug. ;)
Micky: I still feel bad, though.
(Peter emerges from the house, looking a little more cheerful.)
Peter: I think he'll be ok. Emma's in there now, getting some broth in his stomach. He threw up the peach bread and Coke. He doesn't look nearly as bad as he did before. (Sits down next to Micky and misinterprets his concern) Man, Micky, you look like a cat just died. Cheer up! Mike will be ok! The fever is already going down. Em's got cold cloths up there, and orange juice for his stomach when he wakes up.
Micky: But, Pete, I made Mike get sick! It was a stupid scheme to get him to let Emma help him for a change! He was only supposed to get nauseaus, not pass out!
Peter: Isn't there any way we could make you feel better, Micky?
Davy: Make Mike and Emma realize 'ow much they need each other.
Lauren: *nods* That'd be nice. *wary smile*
Peter: They're just so proud.
Micky: I just wish they'd put their pride aside every once in a while.
Davy: There's got to be a way to get those two to lower their guards. (Looks at the window of the upper floors) I wonder if Mike's up yet? I'd love to 'ear those two's conversation.
Micky: I don't want anything to do with it! *holds his hands up*
Valerie: If only we could rig a wire...
Davy: (Elbows Micky) That's somethin' you could do without hurtin' no one. Remembah the powah of the imagination! ;)
Micky: *small smile* That's true... *closes his eyes, holds a hand out; ear pieces appear out of the blue light; opens his eyes and grins* Hey, how 'bout that?
Peter: (Grins and punches Micky lightly in the shoulder) There you go, Mick!
Micky: At least it worked!
Valerie: Very well, I may add.
Micky: Here. *hands out the ear pieces*
(Everyone takes an ear piece.)
Peter: I don't hear anything...wait...
(Shuffling, then the sound of ragged breathing and someone walking in a room.)
Emma: (Sighs; to herself) More cloths...thank goodness he's not sweating nearly as much as he was.
Mike: (Faintly, weak) Em?
Emma: Mike? (Sound of chair dragging on floor) Mike, it's me!
Mike: Oh, Em...my stomach...
Emma: I know, you already emptied its contents into the bathroom sink.
Mike: I don't know what I ate...
Emma: (Sighs) It couldn't have been my bread. We all ate that. Did you have anything else today, honey?
Mike: (Shakes his head) Just the bottle of Coke.
Emma: (Sound of bed moving and something being ruffled) Oh, Mike. You...you scared me so much...
Mike: Didn't mean to. (Muttered) I hate bein' sick.
Emma: It happens, honey.
Mike: Means I can't take care of myself.
Emma: Then I'll do it for you.
Mike: I seem to recall someone who didn't want me to help her in a saddle...
Emma: (Sighs) Ok, so maybe I don't like needing help any more than you do. It makes me feel like a little kid again.
Mike: Me too. Like I was...
Emma: When I was in school...
Both: (In unison) Helpless.
Emma: Face it, baby, we both need the control.
Mike: Em, I had nothin' when I lived in Texas. I never had anyone lookin' over my shoulder. Mom was always at work. I just sorta learned that (softer) I had to look out for myself...
Emma: (Sighs) I guess I'm the opposite. I love my family, but I needed my own identity. I wanted my own life so badly. My parents had enough to worry about without worrying about me, too, so...(sighs)...I had to look out for myself.
(The others outside exchange looks.)
Emma: (Sighs) I can start a relationship when I can get past being shy, but I'm not good at mantaining it.
Mike: Yeah, I've never been much for close friendships. These guys and Aunt Kate and her kids are like my only family.
Emma: I have my family, but not much extended family, and very, very few close friends. (Sighs) I guess I never learned how to make friends...or keep them.
Mike: I just never bothered making friends. I didn't think anyone in Texas cared.
Emma: How could that be true? You're so gifted and kind and gentle...
Mike: ...And a hooligan who cut classes and spent most of his time alone or running around with bad kids he barely knew, only because they were wild and they didn't snub him.
Mike: What about you? You're a great writer, you cook like a dream, you'd make a great wife...
Emma: (Shakes her head) No, I wouldn't. I'm plain and boring.
Mike: (Faint chuckle) Hardly, darlin'. Plain only in your own mind. Borin' (chuckle again), never.
Emma: I'm just...my interests are so strange...I've been made fun of about them before. I guess, after that, I just kept them hidden...
Mike: Oh, come on, Em, I love old music and new cars. I'm a fan of country and rock. How normal is that? (Quieter) You gotta stop worryin' 'bout what everyone else thinks.
Emma: It's a habit.
*The others outside exchange smiles.*
Mike: (Sound of something moving on cotton) Habits can be broken, darlin'.
Emma: (Sigh) Oooh, Mike, that spot on my palm...that tickles!
Mike: Anything else that tickles? (She giggles)
Emma: You're not that sick if you're doing that! (Sighs) Mike, when you don't feel well, just tell one of us.
Mike: I don't like things bein' wrong.
Emma: Me either, but sometimes, things do go wrong, and you have to handle it. I don't like hospitals any more than you do. (Sighs) No, it's not religious. It's just how I feel. Hospitals give me the creeps. (Sound of head shaking) Mike, I want to help you. I want to make things good for you. That's all I've ever wanted, to make people happy.
Mike: (There's a smile in his voice) Now you sound like Pete.
(Peter beams.)
Emma: Well, I feel the same way he does. He wants you to be happy...and well. And so do I. And you can't always do that alone.
Mike: (Faint) Maybe you ought to go check on the kiddies. God only know what Micky and Davy have done to each other, and Lauren's eatin' for two now, you know.
Emma: (Sound of fingers brushing hair and a kiss) I'll be back up in a little while, baby. You get some rest. (Sound of soft breathing and another sigh from Emma) He looks so cute when he sleeps! ;)
(Sound of feet retreating from the room.)
Micky: Quick, gimme the ear pieces back before she gets back out here!
(Everyone gives Micky the ear pieces. He closes his eyes, and they vanish in the familiar flash of blue light.)
(Emma comes walking outside, shaking her head. The others try to look inconspicuous - Micky, Davy, and Lauren suddenly become very interested in making a sand castle, while Peter pulls out his bass for Valerie and plays a few notes.)
Emma: (Smiles at the group) Hi, guys.
Peter: Well? Is he all right?
Emma: (Nods) He's sleeping now. I think he'll be ok.
Lauren: *smiles* That's good.
Emma: (Shakes her head) I hope he'll let me help him like this more often. I guess...I guess I've avoided taking that kind of responsibility. Reminds me too much of my own mom. I admire her, but she never has time for herself. She's always cleaning up after other people's messes.
Lauren: *grins, glancing at Micky* I know that feeling. ;-)
Emma: But with Mike...I think he needs this...needs someone to help him clean up. He's used to cleaning up his own messes, too...but he can't always do that. (Nods at the Pad) He seemed to understand, though. He had such a hard time of it in Texas, but things are different now. He has people in his life who care about him, and whom he means something to.
Peter: Like us. (Beams)
Davy: And the neighbors. Millie loves 'im. Thinks 'e's "such a good boy," always comin' ovah to chat ovah cheesecake or fix Larry's truck.
Emma: I just hope he knows (plops on the blanket) that he's not alone anymore.
Lauren: I'll bet he does, Em. *smiles*
Davy: (Nods at the picnic basket) Now, who's for eatin' this wonderful lunch Em brought out? (Winks at Micky) Othah than Mick, of course. ;)
Lauren: *raises a hand* Me!
Emma: (Smiles) Both of them. Lauren's got another eatin' with her now. ;)
Micky: And thankfully she hasn't started on the weird food combinations yet. *winks*
Lauren: Hey?! *sticks her tongue out at him*
Valerie: (Laughs) Dad told me Mom craved watermelon when they had me...and I was born in May! ;)
Peter: I asked Mom. She said when she had me, she couldn't stop eating Twinkies. :)
Emma: I forget what Mom said it was with me, but with Keefe, it was Doritos, and ith Anny, mashed potaotes. ;)
Micky: Mom said she'd eat one of those jars of nuts a day when she had me.
Lauren: *grins* That explains a lot!
Davy: I was about to say the same thing, luv! ;)
Micky: I resemble that remark! *pauses, realizes* Oh...
(Everyone bursts out laughing as they dig into the picnic basket.)
Davy: (As he bites into a ham sandwich) Yeah, you two. What are you going to do once the baby comes?
*Micky and Lauren exchange looks.*
Peter: You're going to need lots of stuff for it, you know! Diapers, a crib, clothes, bottles, a bed, changing pads, washclothes, a bath...
Lauren: Oh, man...
Micky: And we still don't know what it is yet.
Emma: I might be able to get some of Skylar's leftovers sent over here from New Jersey...
Peter: But what if it's a girl?
Emma: I mean, cribs and things. By the time they have their kid, my new nephew will be almost a year old.
Micky: We'll take whatever we can get!
Valerie: I could see if Dad has any of our stuff left from when we were babies in the attic or garage.
Peter: My folks and my sister might have some stuff they'd be willing to give away, too.
Lauren: I think my parents still have some stuff in the attic.
Micky: *nods* I think Mom's still got some of that in storage.
Emma: Anny got most of her things from her friend Jenny. Maybe I could talk to her, too.
Peter: I'll bet some of the people in the neighborhood would be willing to help. Most of the elderly folks have kids and grandkids. They probably have some great stuff in their attics!
Lauren: This is great, guys, really! *smiles*
Peter: That's what family is for, Lauren! :D
Emma: And we're a family now. (She frowns) How do you guys feel about all this, anyway?
Lauren: Really happy...but still a little nervous.
Micky: *puts an arm around Lauren* Awe, babe! Everything'll be okay. We made it this far. *grins*
Lauren: *nods* That we did. :-)
Davy: Right! You'll 'ave 'alf the bloomin' neighborhood to 'elp you with your baby...not to mention Micky, Petah, Em, Val, and I all 'ave at least a little experience with kids.
Valerie: My sister is nine years old. I still watch her sometimes on her nanny's night off, and I used to help Matilda all the time.
Peter: My siblings and I used to watch each other. We moved into new neighborhoods so much, we were sometimes the only people we knew!
Micky: *grins* You already know about my sisters.
Lauren: *makes a face* Mick, that does not make me feel better. *winks*
Davy: Yes, I do. They remind me a lot of me sistahs at the same age. ;)
Emma: And my sisters were like that, too, rambunctious and looney. It's a wonder our poor mother is still sane. You ought to baby sit Mick's sisters sometime. It'll be great practice for having kids.
Davy: Or a great way to end up in the bloomin' nut house. ;)
Micky: Hey, watch it, Dave. *grins*
Davy: Oh, come on, remembah all the things those two did to you and me when I lived with your family? (Winks) I think they liked havin' anothah oldah brothah, though. ;)
Micky: And everything they did to me! *pauses, scoffs* Yeah, they thought you were cute.
Emma: (Laughs) It's little girls. They can't resist him. ;)
Peter: A lot of the big ones have no trouble, either. ;)
Davy: (Shakes his head) Now, don't start on me track record again! I seem to remember the time that movie was filmin' on the beach, you were ALL actin' pretty randy!
Micky: It was all in fun.
Peter: Yeah, we were trying to embarrass Frankie Catalina, remember?
Valerie: (Makes a face) Oh, god, him. A lot of my girlfriends think he's just (does a bad imitation of a swooning girl's voice) sooooooo dreamy.
Emma: Blecch. What do girls see in that guy? He isn't even a real blond! That hair is obviously fake!
Davy: (Mutters) That's not the only thing that's fake about that jerk, Em.
Micky: Are you kidding? "He's the perfect teenager!" ;-)
Peter: But he couldn't sing, he couldn't dance, he was scared of girls, he didn't like surfing, and he had to read his lines off a cue card!
Micky: And read the ones I gave him! *grins*
Emma: Ones...(grins)...you guys wouldn't have had anything to do with that fracas Catalina had with some B unit at Columbia Studios a while back, would you?
Valerie: (Nods) I read about that. Catalina walked off of some beach party movie he was making and out of his Columbia contract. Got a lot of people angry.
Micky: We might've had a little to do with it. *smirks*
Davy: 'E was actin' like a complete asshole to us!
Peter: We were extras, and he acted like he was better than us, just because he was a star!
Emma: I never understood what girls see in guys like that, anyway.
Valerie: (Nods) Yeah. Why take some plastic Ken doll (sweeps her arms to taken in the three grinning Monkees...and the one resting peacefully in the beach house) when you can have a flesh-and-blood man who can really sing, dance, surf, and act?
Micky: Darn right!
Emma: Amen!
Lauren: *lost in her thoughts* Yeah...
Davy: (Grins) Hey, Micky, I'll race you to the water!
Emma: Hey, guys, no swimming on full stomachs!
Valerie: Oh, Em, that's an old wives' tale!
Peter: But she's not even married yet!
Micky: He's got you there!
Valerie: (Sighs, then chuckles) Oh, Peter! (Settles down on the blanket together, wrapped in his arms)
Lauren: *thoughtful* Guys, you think I ought to give the doctor a call and see if he's got the results back yet?
Davy: Couldn't 'urt to check, luv. (Takes off for the water)
Emma: (Squeezes Lauren's hand) Want me to go with you?
Lauren: *nods* Yeah.
Micky: You ok, babe?
Davy: 'Ey, Mick, come on, the baby ain't goin' anywhere!
Lauren: Well, all this talk's got me curious. And he's supposed to call back anyway.
Emma: I'll take her inside. You guys have fun. :)
Micky: No way! I'm following! :-)
Emma: Come on, then. (The three walk up to the Pad together. Lauren picks up the red phone and dials. Micky stands behind her, bouncing on his heels nervously. Emma goes upstairs to check on Mike.)
Micky: Well?
Lauren: Hold on. *listens* Uh huh...what? *eyes widen* Yes, thank you. *hangs up*
Emma: (As she comes downstairs) He's ok, guys. He's not nearly as pale as he was before, but he's really out. (Goes to Lauren) Are you ok, baby?
Lauren: Yeah. *raises her eyebrows* I'm having twins. A boy and a girl.
Emma: You're what?
*Micky's eyes widen. He falls over backwards onto the psychiatrist's couch.*