The
Diner of Love
3503 Angel Square Court
Llanview, PA
"Nothin' Could Be Finer Than Some
Lovin' In the Diner"
"There ain't no lovin' like some diner lovin', hey ho"
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"Nothin' Could Be Finer Than Some
Lovin' In the Diner" |
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What can I get you?
Coffee's a dollar
I hope you like whip cream.
I just love the Voice of the Night. We have this special connection. |
MARCAL SCENES PAGE 24
Scene 29 The Sum of All Fears
Thursday, September 11
Setup: Outside of Al’s hospital room, Max, Gabrielle, Bo and Marcie are waiting. Larry walks out. Max: Larry, what's going on? Larry: Well, we thought -- we thought Al's infection would've subsided. Marcie: It hasn't? Well, mine did. Larry: He seems to have developed a major complication. Gabrielle: Oh, God. Larry: It's his liver we're worried about. His drug addiction may have compromised it. Max: And? Larry: Well, there's a chance that his liver could fail completely. Marcie: But -- but he's going to be OK? I mean, you can do something about it, right? Larry: We've got him on a cocktail of antibiotics. We'll know in a few more hours. I'm sorry. Gabrielle: Max, we're not going to lose him, are we? Max: Gabrielle -- Marcie: We're not going to lose him. We can't let that happen. He saved my life. We're going to save his! Bo: Marcie, you're still recuperating yourself. Marcie: I'm fine. Bo: I know, but -- Marcie: No, we have to make sure that we keep his spirits up. Gabrielle: Right. Marcie: And that's just what I'm going to do. Marcie walks into Al’s room. Marcie: Hey, mister. Al: Hey.
Marcie: Look at you. You're just -- you're getting better and better every minute I see you. Al: Yeah? Marcie: Yeah. Al: Forgot what the doctor said. Marcie: Oh, he said something about no rollerblading down the halls. Al: Oh, I guess you're going to have to tell me a story. Marcie: Oh, I'm not -- I'm not good at stories, remember? Al: Then sing. She sit so on the edge of the bed and holds his hand and leans forward. Marcie: (sings) Angels watching all around thee all through the night
midnight slumber close around thee all through the night
Later, Marcie and Al are in his hospital room. Marcie: And some lady kept yelling, "Turn up the TV. I'm deaf. I can't hear." So the guy in the hall across the room said, "Yeah? Well, we can!" Al: That's so stupid. Joey walks into the room. Marcie: Al, look who's here. Joey: Hey, pal. Al: Hey. Marcie: It's amazing what some guys will do to spend the day in bed, huh? Jen: How are you? Al: This infection's got me a little -- my liver's kind of screwy. You know, that's why I look like a banana. Joey: One of the guys in the seminary had jaundice once. Marcie: Yeah. He just wants to be fussed over. You know, just like a guy, isn't he? Someone else fuss. I have to go to the ladies' room. Jen: I'll go with you. Marcie: I'll be right back, OK? Marcie and Jen leave the room. Out of sight Marcie collapses against the wall. Later in the hallway outside of Al’s room, Larry is talking to Marcie. Bo, Max and Jen are there as well. Larry: It's exhaustion, Marcie. You're weak, you need rest, and you should get something to eat. Bo’s cell phone rings. Bo: Buchanan. This isn't really a good time. Max: Marcie, you need to go home now and sleep. Marcie: No, I want to be near Al. My dorm room's on the other side of town. Jen: My house is a couple blocks away, so come home with me -- yes -- Marcie: No. Jen: And I'll take care of you. Marcie: No. Marcie: You're not going to be any good to Al if you get sick again. Marcie: I know, but -- Max: Please, no. Just let Jen take you home. Marcie: OK. But I'm only going to go for a little while. I'll be back. Max: OK. Marcie: Will you tell him I'm leaving? Max nods in agreement. Bo leaves to go to the station to meet with Antonio. At Jen & Joey’s house, Jen hands Marcie a cup of tea. Jen: Here you go. Marcie: Thank you. Jen: OK, first you're going to take a shower, then we're going to eat, and then you're going straight to bed. Marcie: No, I don’t want to stay away from Al for too long, OK? Jen: I know, Marcie, but can you say relapse? Marcie: OK. You're right. Jen: Yeah. Marcie: I have to stay strong for Al. Jen: Hey. He's going to be OK. Marcie: Yeah. Yeah, he is. Jen: You really love him, don’t you? Marcie: Oh, my God, more than anything. Jen: Yeah? Marcie: Yeah. You know, I'm not like you, Jen. You know, you've been in love a bunch of times, lots of -- I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. It's just that he means everything to me, you know, and this is all new to me. And this could be the one and only time for me. I don’t want to lose that.
In Al’s hospital room, Joey reads an article from the newspaper to Al. Joey: "Courage means doing what has to be done even though you are afraid. People do things sometimes that are so wrong, so inhuman. Courage is the only thing that can keep you strong -- courage and love." Al: Jessie write that about Marcie? Joey: Pretty great, huh? Al: She's the greatest woman I've ever met. Marcie Walsh is the best thing that ever happened to me.
Meanwhile at Jen and Joey’s house, Jen realizes that Marcie is still not really resting. Jen: You're supposed to be sleeping. Marcie: I know. I'm trying to think of a way to help Al. Jen: Joe's going to go by there again tonight, so he'll be OK. Marcie: Thank you. I'm really grateful. It’s important that Al knows that people care about him. Jen: Yeah, well, that's what Joe does. He cares about people -- Parishioners, kids at the shelter, homeless people. But, you know, this is different because Al is his friend. Marcie: Jen, you can't be jealous of all those other people. This is Joe's calling. Jen: I guess I just didn't think it would be so 24/7, you know? Marcie: Jen, why can't you just be happy? For the first time in your life, you have everything you ever wanted. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. I'm your guest. Jen: No, it's stupid. It's stupid for me to complain. I know that. You're right. I am so grateful that I have Joe. And I'm grateful that I have you, too, Marcie. Does Al know how lucky he is? Marcie: You know what? I just thought of a way that I can help Al.
Outside of Al’s hospital room, Gabrielle walks up to Max. Gabrielle: How's he doing? Max: Well, he must be better. He asked me to turn on the radio, and he's talking about being the Voice again. Larry walks up. Gabrielle: Hey, Larry, Max thinks that maybe he's perking up, he's getting better. Larry: Well, I'm afraid it's not going to be that simple. Joey returns home and Jen is especially grateful to see him. She kisses him. Joey: Hmm, what was that for? Not that I'm complaining. Jen: A good guy kiss for the guy that I married, the best guy ever. I don’t tell you that enough. Joey: Well, tell me again.
Meanwhile at the radio station, Marcie is making a broadcast. Marcie: I know this is when you all usually tune in for the Voice of the Night. The Voice has helped so many of you make it through lots of lonely nights. Well, he needs your help now. It's time for all of his friends to send him their thoughts and prayers. While you do that, here's a song for my boyfriend, Al Holden, the Voice of the Night.
Al listens to Marcie's broadcast as Larry looks on. Al: With a great girl like Marcie rooting for me, how could I not get better? Right, Doc? Larry: Try to rest now. Al: Thanks, Doc. Larry: OK. Outside of Al’s room, Larry meets with Max. Larry: All right. All the tests we've run and the physical I just gave him all indicate the same thing -- his liver is failing rapidly. Max: Larry, can you make him recover? Larry: Look, I'm sorry to tell you this, but Al's going to need a liver transplant to survive.
Monday, September 15
Marcie approaches Max, Bo and Gabrielle who are standing outside of Al’s hospital room Marcie: What happened? Al's OK, isn't he? Max: He's sleeping. Marcie: Yeah, but -- but he's getting better. Al is OK, isn't he? Max: Marcie -- Al -- Al needs a liver transplant. Marcie: No, but -- but he just had a staph infection and that virus thing. He is on antibiotics. He's going to be fine -- I am! Max: Marcie, he's fighting the infection, but his liver is in trouble. Marcie: I don’t understand. Bo: His drug use damaged his liver. Marcie: He never told me that. Max: He didn't know. No one knew, Marcie. The infection set off a reaction and -- Gabrielle: If he doesn't get a transplant, he's going to die. Marcie: Well, I’ll do it. They do that now, don’t they? I’ll -- I’ll donate part of my liver. Gabrielle: Marcie? You love Al very much, don’t you? Marcie: More than I can tell. I love him more than I ever thought I could love anybody. That's why I want to be the donor. Max: Marcie, even if you were a match -- Marcie: I will be a match. Gabrielle: His best chance right now is to have a healthy liver from a nonliving donor. That's his best chance. He's on the list. Marcie: Does he -- well, does he know? Max: Not yet. Marcie: Can I see him? I promise -- I promise I won't say anything! Please. Max: Sure. Sure, just -- just don’t stay long. He's pretty weak. Marcie: OK. Gabrielle: OK. You all right? Marcie: Yeah. Marcie walks into Al’s room. Al: Hey, beautiful. Marcie: Hi.
Al: I heard you on the radio. Marcie: Yeah? Al: You were great. Marcie: Oh, well. I’m no Voice of the Night. Al: Oh, I don’t know. I think you'll have your own radio show by the end of the week. Listen -- what you said really meant a lot to me. Why are you crying? What's wrong? Marcie doesn't answer him.
Al: Why are you crying, huh? You're crying for me? Don’t do that. The antibiotics are kicking in. I can feel it. I’m going to beat this thing. I’m going to be back on my feet in no time. Marcie: I just feel guilty because you're sick because of me. Al: No. Marcie: Yes, it's -- it's all my fault, Al. Al: Marcie.
Marcie: Come on. If I never -- if I just would've taken down that stupid peace banner, none of this would've happened! Al: That's crazy. Marcie: No, it's the truth. I never would've been thrown in that dumpster, I never would've gotten sick, and I never would've gotten you sick. Al: Never apologize for standing up for what you believe in. That's what I love the most about you. None of this is your fault. I love you, Marcie. Everything's going to be OK. Marcie: Yeah. Yeah, it will be. Why don’t you get you some rest, OK? I’ll be back in a little while.
Outside Al’s hospital room, Larry approaches Max, Gabrielle and Bo. Larry: So far, we haven't been able to find a suitable donor for Al. Bo: But he's at the top of the list, right? Larry: Well, there are a few critical cases ahead of him. Gabrielle: Oh, God. Max: I’ll do it. Use my liver. Larry: We'd have to make sure that you're healthy enough to donate and that everything matches. Max: Well, then do it. Take the test. Do whatever you have to do. Gabrielle: Yeah, test me, as well. Bo: No, we'll all be tested. Larry: Whoa, whoa, hold on. Max: No, no, there's not enough time. Larry: Look, as Al's doctor, I think we should wait a little longer, see if a suitable matching liver becomes available. Max: No, that is my son in there, and we're not going to wait around while he just slips away. Gabrielle: Larry, we'll do whatever we have to… to save him!
In the corridor of the hospital, Marcie and Bo are sitting on a bench near the elevator. Marcie: Al's parents have been gone a long time. Bo: Yeah, I guess it takes a while to get tested. Marcie: Do you think they'll be a match? Bo: We'll just have to wait and see. Marcie: Commissioner, I know you're my boss, and I know this might sound kind of weird. Bo: No, it's OK. Marcie: But -- um -- well, Al is the first man -- he's the only man I've ever loved. Bo: First loves are real special, aren't they? Marcie: Yes. I don’t know if I could lose him. I can’t. Bo: You're not going to. Dr. Wolek -- he is the best. And he's going to take good care of Al. The elevator doors open and Max steps out. Max: There was a match. Marcie: Is it you, Mr. Holden? Gabrielle appears behind Max. Gabrielle: No, Marcie. It's me.
Later, outside of Al’s room, Max and Gabrielle are talking. Max: It's about time we broke the news to Al. Gabrielle: I would like to do it alone. Max: I would rather be there. Gabrielle: No. Please. Max -- Max: OK.
Gabrielle goes into Al’s room. Al: Hey, Mom. Gabrielle: Al, there's something I need to tell you. Al: What's up? Gabrielle: Your condition -- it's serious. Al: What are you talking about? I got a little infection, that's all. Gabrielle: Your liver is shutting down. And if you don’t get a transplant, you could -- Al: No. Gabrielle: Your liver was in a weakened condition because -- well, because the infection caused complications. And it's shutting down. But everything's going to be all right because we've found a donor. Al: Who? Gabrielle: You're going to be absolutely fine. Al: Who's the donor? Gabrielle: I am. We're going to share my liver. What do you think of that? I’m a match. You and me, kid. Al: Sorry. I can’t let that happen.
Outside of Al’s room, Marcie, Max and Bo wait. Marcie: Al must be so scared. Max: We'll see him through it. Bo: He's got a lot of people in his corner. Marcie: I love him so much. He has to be OK.
Meanwhile, Al and Gabrielle continue to talk about the transplant. Al: Mom, no. Gabrielle: Al, don’t fight me on this. We don’t have the time. Al: I’m not going to let you do this. This is my fault. I’ll deal with it. Gabrielle: Stop it. Al: My liver is messed up because of the drugs that I took. Gabrielle: It doesn't matter. What matters is you getting well. Al: I’m sorry, I’m not going to let it happen. They're going to operate on you, they're going to cut a piece of your liver out. You could get sick, there could be complications -- no! Gabrielle: When I got out of prison, and you came and found me, I had nothing. No one would have anything to do with me. Do you know how I got through those times? Because you picked me up and you stood by me. Al: It was different. Gabrielle: I never would have got through those dark times -- weeks, months, years. You literally saved my life. Now let me return the favor. Al: You gave me life. That's plenty. Gabrielle: Mothers do that. Let me do it again. Please. Al: I love you, Mom.
Tuesday, September 16 In Al’s hospital room, Marcie standing next to Al’s bed with her hand touching his forehead lightly. Marcie: Al? Are you OK? Come on, it's going to be OK. Al: My mother has to go through this crazy surgery because of me. Marcie: No. No. It's for you. It's different. Al: No, it's because of me, Marcie. I cooked my liver with drugs. I thought that because I was young and healthy that I was immune to stuff like this. Marcie: Oh, no, listen to me. It was because of me. I gave you that infection. Al: I could have fought the virus off just like you did if I hadn't wrecked my body with drugs. And now my mother has to go through this horrible surgery, painful recovery. It's all because of me. Marcie: You look at me. Look at me. Your mother, she loves you. And so do I. And do you think me and your mother would love a screwup?
Outside of Al’s room, Max, Gabrielle and Bo are waiting. Bo: I’m proud of you, honey. Gabrielle: Hey, it's just my liver. Bo: Yeah, but what an amazing thing to be able to give. Gabrielle: Well, you know, I don't think there's a parent alive that wouldn't give any part of themselves, if not their whole life, to save their child, right? Bo: That's right. And you're lucky to have the chance. Gabrielle: I know. It's OK. We're going to be OK. Don't worry. Bo: Marry me, Gabrielle. Gabrielle: Wh-- what? Bo: Well, this isn't, you know, how I planned to ask you or anything. It sure isn't the place. I've been carrying this thing around for weeks now, and I was just waiting for the right time, and I figured, hell, there's no time like the present. So, what do you say? Do you want to get married? Gabrielle: Ye-- yes! Oh, God, yes! Bo presents Gabrielle with a ring. Gabrielle: Oh, Bo. It's beautiful. It's magnificent. This is going to be our good-luck charm. This is a promise of good things to come. I can feel it. Al is going to be all right, he's going to be fine, and we are going to recuperate together, and then I am going to -- well, I’m going to marry the man that I love so much. Bo: Oh -- Bo’s cell phone rings. Bo: Oh. I’m sorry. (answers the phone) Buchanan. You know what? This is a real bad time. Just have Grainger take care of whatever for me -- oh -- it -- no, wait, wait. Are you sure? All right. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Gabrielle: What was that? Bo: Something I got to handle myself. Gabrielle: It's all right. Listen, you go and take care of whatever you have to go and take care of. Bo: And I’m going to get back just as fast as I can, all right? Gabrielle: Yeah, yeah. Bo: You tell -- tell Al I’m thinking about him. Max, do me a favor. Would you watch out for her? Max: Sure thing. Gabrielle: I think this is going to bring good luck. I think everything is going to be just fine. Max: I hope so.
Meanwhile in Al’s hospital room, Marcie and Al continue their talk. Marcie: Come on. What if it were the other way around and your mom's liver shut down and you knew that you could save her by giving her part of yours? I know that you would do it. Al: Right. I definitely would. (sighs) My mom is making this huge sacrifice for me. I don't feel like I’m worth it. Marcie: No. Don't you say that. You know, I felt like that most of my life until I met you.
Gabrielle walks into the room followed by Max. Gabrielle: Hey. Al: They find another donor? Gabrielle: Why? What's wrong with your old mother's liver? Al: I was just hoping, you know. Gabrielle: Well, you're stuck with me, kid. I have something to show you, though. Gabrielle shows him her ring. Al: Wow. Congratulations, Mom. I really want you to be happy. Gabrielle: I am happy. I am going to give my handsome son a long, happy, healthy life, and I’m going to marry the man of my dreams. Al: That's great, Mom. Marcie: Can I see? Gabrielle: Yes. Max: Hey. What's wrong? Al: I’m scared.
Max: Al, it's OK. It's a scary thing. But I’m telling you, we've got the best specialists rounded up. You're going to be fine. Al: Good, because that's what I planned.
Later in Al’s hospital room, Gabrielle is sitting on the edge of Al’s bed, holding his hand. Marcie and Max are standing in the background. Nurse: Everything is in order. Do you have any more questions, Mr. Holden? Al: I just want to get it over with. Nurse: Get some sleep. Ms. Medina, be sure to follow the written instructions we gave you. Gabrielle: Oh, I will, I will. I’ll be here by 8:00 in the morning, well rested and unfed. Thank you.
Marcie: Do you think you can just overlook me? You know, Al shouldn't really be alone tonight. The nurse gives her a no way look. Marcie: Right. What was I thinking? Gabrielle: OK, so, tomorrow's our big day. Al: I don't know what to say. I love you, Mom. Whew. Well, I promise to take better care of your liver than I did of mine. Gabrielle: I am certain that you will wear it well. Al: You're the best, Mom. Gabrielle: So are you. So when this is all over -- and it will be soon and you're going to be strong and healthy -- would you do me the honors of walking me down the aisle? Al: I would love to. Nurse: Ahem. Gabrielle: We're going to both be OK. You know that. Gabrielle kisses Al on the cheek the moves back. Marcie walks next to the bed. Marcie: Hey. I’ll be here before your surgery tomorrow morning, OK? Al: OK. Marcie: All right. Marcie kisses Al then steps back as Max walks up. Max: It looks like you're all kissed out, so I’ll just say good night. Al: Right. (He smiles weakly, reaches out and gripes Max’s shoulder) Max: Sleep well. With everyone gone, Al looks scared and alone.
Later, Marcie tips into Al’s room.
Al: Hey. What are you doing here? How'd you get past Nurse Battle-Ratched? Marcie: Magic. I couldn't let you be alone tonight. I didn't want to be alone, either. Al: I’m glad you're here. The sleeping pill's not working. I figured I’d just stay awake till they put me under in the morning. Marcie: Well, maybe now you can sleep. Al: Come here. Marcie giggles then climbs into bed with Al. He wraps his arm around her.
Al: Now I can sleep. Marcie: Why couldn't you sleep? Al: I’m scared. Marcie: Me, too. But you're going to be fine. You are. Al: Have you ever been walking home, you know, late at night, and you hear a noise and you get scared? You know, it's nothing, but your adrenaline kicks in. You start to run, and you run faster and faster, and the faster you run, the faster you have to run. Marcie: You know what? You don't have to run. I’m going to carry you, and tomorrow you're going to get a brand-new liver. Al: Slightly used. Marcie: Just a little. But then you're going to live a long, wonderful life. Al: A long, wonderful life with you. Marcie: Yes, with me.
SCENES
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