NURSE- (Entering Angelica’s room…) “Hi there.” (She walks up to Angelica…) “Well Ms. Angelica, I see you’re giving these ladies something to smile about.” (Angelica seems to pay attention to the nurse and makes some sounds with her voice.) “Oh yes.” (Looking at Bette…) “Dr. Sushee will be around in a bit.”

KIT- “Sushee? Where’s the other doctor?”

NURSE- “Dr. Sushee is a specialist who is now part of the case but Dr. Newman is still in charge. Dr. Sushee is commonly asked to consult, so not to worry. He’s very good.”

BETTE- “What kind of specialist?”

NURSE- “Oncologist. But, like I said, he’s consulted as a matter of course in many cases, including borderline ones and complicated ones.”

(Bette looks distressed as Kit and Alice look at one another and then at Bette.)

KIT- (Looking at Bette…) “I’m sure it’s just precautionary.”

NURSE- “It may very well be just that, so please…don’t assume it’s anything else until you speak with the doctor. I’ll be back.” (She leaves.)

ALICE- “Let’s just do what she says…they’re just being extra careful…Helena and Peggy made sure she’d be looked after as best as possible, so I’m sure they’re pulling out all stops on this.”

BETTE- (She looks at Angelica and asks aloud…) “Where’s Tina?”

(In New York, Justin and Lily are sitting on either side of Julie in Miranda’s room. Justin’s arm is resting on the back of Julie’s chair and Lily is holding Julie’s hand in both of her’s. Justin’s Blackberry vibrates. He turns to Julie and whispers that he’ll be back. He walks outside to the corridor and reads his e-mail. He calls an assistant at the Whitney.)

JUSTIN- “It’s Justin.”

ASSISTANT- “I have the phone number you requested, and I understand she is still in Los Angeles at her offices there.”

JUSTIN- “Thanks. Is the number you gave me the cell or her office.”

ASSISTANT- “No sir, it’s her office.”

JUSTIN- “Thanks. I’ll call if I need anything else.” (He hangs up and dials another number.) “Good morning Peggy, it’s Justin.”

PEGGY- (In her LA office…) “Good morning Justin. It’s good to hear from you. How are things in New York?”

JUSTIN- “Peggy…”

PEGGY- “Yes?” (There’s a delayed response.) “Justin? What’s wrong?”

JUSTIN- “She…Miranda…it’s about Miranda, Bette’s colleague…my friend and colleague…” (He’s not managing to keep his voice steady…)

PEGGY- (She can tell from his voice that it’s not good news…) “Oh Justin is she…”

JUSTIN- “She passed away a short time ago.”

PEGGY- “I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

JUSTIN- “I don’t know…I was thinking about Bette and how to…”

PEGGY- “Don’t say another word. I’ll take care of it. Please contact me with the arrangements when you can. I don’t know how she’s going to react and, given her daughter’s condition, I don’t know what her ability will be, but I’ll keep in contact with you. Justin, I’m so sorry.”

JUSTIN- “Peggy…I think I need to tell her or one of us here needs to tell her in person.”

PEGGY- “Oh…well, how can I help?”

JUSTIN- “I don’t know. They had been working closely together and I don’t think Julie, that’s Miranda’s partner, will want Bette to learn of this from anyone other than us and certainly not over the telephone.”

PEGGY- “Her daughter’s situation is precarious right now. I can’t see her leaving. What do you have in mind?”

JUSTIN- “I don’t know…I just don’t know. I’m sorry Peggy, I’m not thinking clearly.”

PEGGY- “You’re doing just fine. I understand. Is one of you capable of leaving your friends and flying out here? I’d be happy to make our private jet available if you can’t make arrangements otherwise in a way that works.”

JUSTIN- “I’ll discuss it with them and get back to you. I’m not sure how this will work, especially if the funeral is soon…I…I don’t even want to think about that right now.”

PEGGY- “I’ll look into things on this end and you get back to me when you can on how you think you might like to approach this. We’ll find a way. We’ll make this work. Justin, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of this young woman. I wish you and your family, her colleagues and friends much strength and peace in this terrible time.” (She ends the conversation and calls her assistant.) “Maggie, get the limo right away.” (She then calls another number.) “George? Yes hello, it’s Peggy. Yes fine thanks. How’s our Angelica doing? Did your team figure things out yet? Uh huh…yes…oh that’s good…was she alert? Sushee? Why? George I don’t need to tell you that I expect everything possible to be done. It’s kind of frustrating for us laypeople to be constantly told that the brains in the white coats ‘are looking into it’ or that ‘they’re not sure…’ My goodness this is frustrating and it must be nerve wrecking for her family, as I’m sure you can imagine. White cells? Yes well fine…yes I know Sushee is “the Dr. Sushee”…I know him, he’s a fine fellow, but let’s solve this enigma soon George. Yes alright. Thanks, I appreciate your assistance on this. Good bye.” (Her phone buzzes.) “Yes? I’ll be out momentarily.” (She gathers her things and heads for the limousine.)

(In Angela’s room, Shane and Helena gathered. Bette was waiting for Tina to come upstairs. She had gone to the gift shop to pick up some things before heading up to the room. Bette paces a bit nervously. She feels unsettled. She thinks of Angelica and has thoughts of New York that seem to pop into her mind. Tina exits off the elevator and immediately sees Bette. Worried, she quickly approaches. Bette doesn’t notice her. Tina walks right up to her as Bette is holding her forehead and rubbing it intermittently.)

TINA- “Bette what’s wrong?”

BETTE- “T…? Tina…Nothing. I just wanted to talk to you.”

TINA- “You left her alone?”

BETTE- (Looks bewildered at Tina…) “Everyone is in there with her. I just came out for a moment…I was waiting for you.”

TINA- (She motions to go to Angelica’s room…) “Is she ok? Alice said she was seeming more alert.”

BETTE- (Stops her…) “I’m sorry…look can I just speak to you for a moment?” (Tina looks Bette in the eyes and looks away and heads for the chair near the wall where they were standing. She sits as Bette follows and sits. Bette faces her.) “I just wanted to…”

TINA- “Bette…let’s just focus on Angelica. Forget everything else for now. You’ve been through hell and back and I’ve been on my own rollercoaster ride with Angelica and news of you and …”

BETTE- “I know…I just want to talk to you about her…”

TINA- “She loves you, there’s no denying that, but you left and now…I mean…I don’t know.”

BETTE- “Tina…she’s going to be examined by an oncologist today.”
TINA- “What?”

BETTE- “I just wanted to talk to you about it before anyone else did, so you’re prepared. They’re just doing this as a precaution. I just want to make sure you’re ok.” (Tina looks a bit ruffled.)

TINA- “Thanks.” (She pats Bette quickly on the arm, gets up and heads for the room. Bette sits there watching her walk away. She feels wounded. She recalls the night that she went back to Miranda and Julie’s house after having left abruptly and then Julie staying up late with her and comforting her. She whispers to herself, “Julie, I could really use you right now.” Bette looks down, lost in a concentrated gaze. The elevator doors open. Peggy steps out and immediately sees Bette. She freezes. She walks out of site, towards the right and into a corridor area. She makes a phone call. A few moments later, Kit comes out of Angelica’s room. As she passes Bette she speaks to her…)

KIT- “Hey, get back in there. I’ll be right back. I’ve got to get some things.” (Bette smiles and nods. Kit keeps walking and heads to where Peggy is awaiting her.) “Hi. What’s going on?”

PEGGY- “I didn’t want Bette to see me. I thought I was prepared to pretend I didn’t know anything, but I suddenly find myself shaken by the idea of what I know that Bette doesn’t and it’s unexpectedly affected my usual skills at these things.”

KIT- “What are you talking about Peggy?”

PEGGY- “Kit dear…the woman who was on the plane with Bette…her colleague…I just found out that she died of her injuries today.”

KIT- “Oh no…”

PEGGY- “Justin, whom I understand you’ve spoken to, asked that Bette be told in person by one of them. I think they’re going to pick someone to come out here and tell her.”

KIT- “Oh my God. I feel terribly.”

PEGGY- “As do I.”

KIT- “That poor woman’s family.”

PEGGY- “She had a partner named Julie. I understand Bette had become friends with them and Justin.”

KIT- “Peggy what are we going to do? They’ve been through so much in the past couple of days. Bette has finally made it back to us and now…I don’t know how this is going to hit her. And we don’t really know what’s happening with Angelica.”

PEGGY- “I spoke to a key contact who’s involved with her team. He doesn’t seem to think she’s out of the woods yet but they think she’s improving.”

KIT- “This is awful. She won’t be able to go to her friend’s funeral.”

PEGGY- “Well, let’s see what the doctors say. I don’t think, given what she went through with her colleague that she could possibly miss saying goodbye.”

KIT- “I don’t know Peggy, it’s a difficult situation.”

PEGGY- “We have to figure something out. I needed to come here and talk to you about this. I thought I was going to be visiting Angelica too but I took one look at Bette just now and…well, my poker face has managed to escape me. Anyway, I want to come by in a bit, after I check in with my people here.”

KIT- “Ok. Peggy, thank you for everything.”

PEGGY- “No need Kit…I’m happy to be in a position to help.” (They smile at one another and Peggy goes off. Kit wanders to one of the chairs in the hallway and sits down. Bette had gone back into Angelica’s room.)

(In New York, the nurse comes into Miranda’s room with Justin following. She examines the monitors, which had been turned off, and disconnects them. Lily looks at Julie who is staring off into the distance.)

LILY- (To Justin…) “I’m going to go to LA.”

JUSTIN- (He looks at Julie, assuming they discussed it…) “Are you sure Julie? If you need Lily here I can go instead.”

JULIE- “Lily…I’ll go.”

JUSTIN- “What? No Julie, you need to stay here.”

LILY- “Julie you’re in no condition to…”

JULIE- “Then come with me. I don’t care. But I’m going to see Bette.”

JUSTIN- “Julie maybe it’s better if I have Peggy tell Bette. She’s with her ill daughter now and…”

JULIE- “NO. That’s not right. I have to do it.”

LILY- “Please let me do it Julie, you need to stay here.”

JULIE- “And do what?”

JUSTIN- “You need to be with…well, you need to be here and make arrangements.”

JULIE- “You and Lily can do that. I’ll leave you a list of names to contact.” (Justin and Lily look at one another.)

JUSTIN- “Julie…I understand but in your state right now…”

JULIE- “I know Justin, I know you understand, perhaps more than most…I remember what it was like when you lost Linda. But it’s different. This is very different. And Bette was with her…I need to know what they shared in those moments. She was tightlipped when she was here at the hospital about the moments before the crash.”

LILY- “Her last moments were with YOU, it doesn’t matter what happened on the plane Julie…I mean…”

JULIE- “Look, I need to go see Bette. I can’t imagine her finding out over the phone or…”

LILY- “She won’t…I’ll go in person.”

JULIE- “No. Miranda would want me to go.” (Lily looks at Justin.)

LILY- “No, Miranda is here and you need to be here. Julie what if you leave and you regret it. Right now you’re not in a condition to…”

JULIE- “Miranda is NOT here. She’s gone. And don’t tell me about my condition. You have NO idea. Justin, please see about delaying the funeral arrangements. I don’t know how these things work.”

JUSTIN- “I will. But Julie, Lily is going with you. The Museum can’t foot the bill for this, but Peggy Peabody can make the arrangements. You’ll be taking her private jet.”

LILY- (She reaches out and puts her hand on Julie’s…) “Justin and I are going to go outside and make some arrangements. We’ll be back.” (Julie nods and Justin and Lily walk out.) “This isn’t right.”

JUSTIN- “It’s unusual and I’m worried about her, but Julie has always been our steady keel…I think this is just her way.”

LILY- “Justin what if she falls apart while we’re on our way there or while we’re there when she realizes she’s left Miranda and you’re here on your own making arrangements for the funeral?”

JUSTIN- “Lily…Miranda is gone. Whatever comfort she’ll derive in spending moments with Miranda’s lifeless body will happen in the next few hours and at the funeral. She was with her in those last hours and that’s the only source of comfort in this whole disaster. I think she also feels she owes it to Miranda to go to Bette and break the news herself.”

LILY- “She’s in a sensitive state nonetheless. To have her, on top of that, fly 6,000 miles there and back…I don’t know.”

JUSTIN- “Well, I sort of do…just be there for her. And be there for both her and Bette. I don’t know if Bette is going to make it for the funeral. Actually, if that’s the case, perhaps it’s the best thing that you and Julie be with her to share this devastating news. At least then, if she can’t come to the funeral, she will have had the moments with you both, and especially Julie.”

LILY- “This is awful.”

JUSTIN- (His eyes are red…) “Sis…you tell Bette my thoughts are with her…ok?”

LILY- “I will. I will.”

JUSTIN- “I’ll go and see what I can do about the arrangements.”

LILY- (She wipes her tears…) “Ok.”


(In the hallway, Kit is contemplating things. Tina comes out.)

TINA- “Hey.”

KIT- “Hey. What’s going on? How is she?”

TINA- “Pretty much the same.” (She sits next to Kit.) “This feels so weird. I feel like I’m waiting for the axe to fall…and find out what’s wrong with her.”

KIT- “It’ll be ok Tina. She hasn’t gotten worse, and if anything, she’s more alert now…not like a couple of days ago.”

TINA- “Kit…”

KIT- “Yes ma’am…”

TINA- “It’s so weird…”

KIT- “Not knowing?”

TINA- “No, I mean…Bette…”

KIT- “It’s difficult. You had two catastrophes to deal with at once…Bette found alive and Angelica going through this illness. It’s like there’s no time or energy to deal with just one of those things…you’re torn in two different directions…going through was most people experience one at a time.”

TINA- “I don’t even know what to think, what to feel. And you…you’re not that much better off. I know you’ve always loved Angelica and you almost lost your sister and then got her back. I’m not the only one dealing with a lot.”

KIT- “Correction…WE are not the only ones…don’t forget Shane and good old earth mother Alice in there…” (Tina smiles.)

TINA- “It’s weird on another level…Bette being here. It feels like the past few weeks never happened and we’ve just been having a rift or something and our daughter needs us. It’s like I can’t fathom what’s actually been going on all these weeks and…well…I just don’t know. It’s like I don’t feel anything, like I have no more emotions to expend, and yet I feel something…just don’t know if it’s anger or everything put together and I want to just smack her.”

KIT- “You’re not going to punch her too are you?”

TINA- (Laughing…) “I heard about that…Angelica isn’t holding back I see.”

KIT- (Smiling…) “Damn straight.”

TINA- “It’s like her being alive and making it back changes things somehow.”

KIT- “Things?”

TINA- “So much had happened. I don’t think we would have been seen in the same room before Angelica got sick. Now, suddenly everything is different. It changed things.”

KIT- “Tina, I think you’re forgetting that maybe things had already started changing. Don’t tell me you felt the same way just before Angelica got sick that you felt around the time Bette left.”

TINA- (She looks at Kit and then looks ahead.) “I don’t know.”

(Dr. Sushee arrives and heads towards Angelica’s room. Kit calls out to him.)

KIT- “Doctor? Are you looking for Angelica?”

DR. SUSHEE- “Ya, I am.”

TINA- “I’m her mother.” (Both Tina and Kit stand. Dr. Sushee, a bit of an odd looking fellow with an indistinguishable accent, walks over and greets the women.)

DR. SUSHEE- “Hallo. I am Dr. SUSHEE. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Please sit down and I shall explain.” (They sit.) “Angelica has high…very HIGHeeee white blood cell count…going up…too far up…not good. BUT…we are fine.”

KIT- “We are fine?”

DR. SUSHEE- “I believe blood infection is the culprit.”

TINA- “Blood infection? From what?”

DR. SUSHEE- “Could be ANYthing. Could be FOOOOD poisoning, just for example. I have confirmed MRI results with Dr. Newman. I see no oncology issues. But hematology is issue. Very mysterious.”

KIT- “But you’ve done so many tests Doctor.”

DR. SUSHEE- “Medicine is a science, we must do tests to reveal the biochemical elements in play in a given case. Diagnosis is mix of science and art.” (He looks at Tina…) “Don’t worry Ms. Kennard. We will fix the little one.” (He pats her on the arm…) “We will do additional series this afternoon to check the key levels. I will report back to you with the results. Right now, I wish to see Angelica. So, with your permission please…” (Tina nods and he goes to the room.)

KIT- “Helena told me he’s famous in medical circles.”

TINA- “Famous for what?”

KIT- (She looks at Tina…) “He sounds pretty confident and assured of things. He strikes me as someone who would know if there’s something seriously wrong with her. He doesn’t look like the type to mince words. If he says he can fix her, I doubt he’d say it unless he thought he could…as weird as he sounded.”

TINA- “I hope you’re right.”

KIT- (She puts her hand on Tina’s shoulder and smiles…) “Let’s go see if Angelica punches him…” (Tina smiles and they go to the room. Upon entering it, they find everyone standing away from the bed and looking on as Dr. Sushee is standing in front of his new patient with his arms outstretched. Alice looks like a deer in headlights, Shane’s eyebrows have come together, and Bette is looking at Angelica and smiling. Kit turns to look at Tina, who doesn’t know what to think.)

DR. SUSHEE- (To Angelica…) “Yes! You are beautiful…sooooo beautiful Ms. Angelica!” (Angelica moves her arms and engages in babytalk…) “Oh yes, I know!” (He moves in closer.) “Dr. Sushee, at your service.” (He extends his hand and grasps her’s gently.) “So, tell me little one, why are you so unhappy? Let’s see the pulse.” (He picks up his stethoscope and examines her. Just then, the door opens.)

PEGGY- “Herbert!”

DR. SUSHEE- (Looks up…) “Peggy? Howdy Peggy.”

PEGGY- “How’s my girl?”

DR. SUSHEE- “Peggy, medicine is a science…”

PEGGY- “Herbert…I don’t want a lecture…how’s my girl?”

DR. SUSHEE- “We are going to fix her.” (He looks at Angelica…) “I better fix you or she’s going to punish me…” (Angelica gurgles…)

PEGGY- (Walking toward Angelica pats Tina on the arm and looks at Bette…) “Easy Herbert, I’m not so harsh am I?” (He chuckles. Peggy pats Angelica.) “So, madame, is Herbert here driving you crazy?” (Angelica just stares at Peggy.) “Well, Dr. Sushee, how is she looking?”

DR. SUSHEE- “Heartbeat interesting, but blood I think is issue. I need more tests.”

PEGGY- “What the hell does THAT mean?”

DR. SUSHEE- (Feigning formality…) “Mrs. Peabody, please, I need to examine things further.”

PEGGY- (Wiping Angelica’s face and talking to her…) “Don’t listen to him…he’s world renowned but a little unorthodox.”

BETTE- “She seems more awake lately.”

PEGGY- “Those eyes…look at those eyes. She’s going to break hearts.”

TINA- “Peggy, thank you for everything.”

PEGGY- “It’s a pleasure my dear. And it’s true, Dr. Sushee here is the best, so give him some time.” (She glances at Bette.) “You hear that Herbert, I’m speaking highly of you.”

DR. SHUSHEE- “Mhmmm…wonders never cease!” (They chuckle.) “Okay Angelica, Dr. Sushee done now. I go. Ms. Kennard, I return with the test results after I get them. Peggy…” (He nods to her and she smiles back. He leaves.)

SHANE- “Interesting doctor, but Angie seems to like him.”

ALICE- “Yeah, no punching.”

KIT- “Well, not so far…we’ll see how he holds up…”

SHANE- “Do you guys need anything? I’m going to go downstairs?”

ALICE- “I’ll go with you.”

HELENA- “Yes, I think I’ll go as well. Tina, Bette, Mother…are you sure you wouldn’t like anything?” (They decline.)

PEGGY- “Why don’t I stay with her and you two go with the others? You need to spend some time with them I think. And it’s just downstairs.” (Bette and Tina look at Peggy, each other, and then back at Peggy. They nod.)

TINA- “Are you sure you’re ok alone with her? I mean, you must be busy…”

PEGGY- (Smiling and jokingly…) “She won’t dare punch me…we understand each other…” (Tina chuckles.)

BETTE- “Thanks Peggy.” (They go off with the others.)

PEGGY- (To Angelica…who is still lying on her back…) “Well, little lady, are you going to get better so we can ditch this joint and have some fun? You know I hate hospitals.” (She over dramatizes the next line…) “Mamma B is back…you can drop the helpless child routine now.” (She smiles…) “Goodness Angelica, I hope it all works out. She needs you, they both do, and they need each other…just don’t know if they can put up with each other. They’re stubborn you know. Bette’s heart is going to break again in a short while. That poor woman from New York…she was far too young to go. So, little lady, get better, because you’re Bette’s strength and her life…second only to your Mamma T. Mamma T and Mamma B…still can’t get used to those names. Anyway, don’t worry, we’ll figure out their ‘situation’…your two mothers. Maybe I can galvanize the others, what are their names again? Shane? And that earth mother of yours…Alice? The whole lot of them…crazy lesbians…they’re a hoot but they’ve been a handful. How do I get into these situations? Oh yes…Helena. Now there’s a fine specimen. She can be such a petulant child, but she’s got a good heart deep down and they’ve been bringing it out a lot more…your mothers and their friends. I’m very proud of her you know. And you…you’re very lucky…they’re all a part of your life and you a part of theirs.”

(The group is having coffee in the cafeteria but Bette is still wandering through the dessert area. Shane approaches.)

SHANE- “Hey, you’re actually going to pick something out of this decadent variety?”

BETTE- (Distracted…) “Hmmm? Oh, yeah…I guess I’m sort of window shopping. I think I’ll just get some tea.”

SHANE- “Are you ok?”

BETTE- “Yes, yeah…I think so. Just tired. I feel kind of restless, unsettled. I’m worried.”

SHANE- “About Angelica? That’s only natural. And you’ve just been through so much.”

BETTE- “I guess. I don’t know. It’s weird, I feel like I’m in an alternate reality. Things aren’t ‘back to normal’…things seem in transition and just up in the air. I don’t know what’s going to happen next. I feel like I can’t calm down.”

SHANE- “You must be exhausted, emotionally and otherwise. Maybe you should get examined, to make sure everything is ok. I mean maybe there’s some medication they can give you…just to relax.”

BETTE- “No, it’s ok. I’ll be fine. When Angelica turns a corner for the better, I’ll be fine.”

SHANE- “Ok. I’m heading over there. You want anything else?”

BETTE- “No I’ll just get my tea and join you.” (Shane joins the group. Bette looks at the tea selection and notices a quaint little cup and saucer set on the counter. She looks at it and smiles. Julie and Miranda have one of these in their kitchen. Bette reaches for her cell phone…she realizes she doesn’t have it anymore and it’s probably with her luggage. She gets her tea and heads to the group.) “Hey Kit, can I borrow your cell?”

KIT- “Sure. Everything ok?”

BETTE- “Yeah, fine. I just want to check and see how Miranda is doing.” (Kit freezes.) “What? You don’t have your phone?”

ALICE- “You can use mine…”

KIT- “No, no…I…I have it here, I just…”

BETTE- “What?”

KIT- “Nothing…uhm, here, here you go…”

(Bette walks off with the phone. She dials Miranda’s house and gets the machine. She leaves a message… “Hi Julie, it’s Bette. I hope you’re well. I’m calling to check in on Miranda. You must still be at the hospital. Maybe I’ll try calling there if I don’t hear back. Anyway, I miss you…I miss you guys. Please give her my best. You can call my sister’s cell phone when you get the chance. Justin has it. Please say hi to him for me. Maybe I’ll call him tomorrow at the office. Bye guys.”)