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Scene 118
written by Lilpeste
Slight rollback to scene 117... Robbie and Rita are continuing their conversation at the Bar...
Robbie: I overheard you before you left California. I know Ron Malone isn't my father.
Rita: (shocked, confused) You overheard? Overheard what? Who?
Robbie: You were talking with Aunt Evie...
Rita: (remembers; sighs) Oh, Robbie... I'm so sorry you had to find out that way.
Robbie: I'm upset, but not for the reasons you think. I could care less about Dad, I mean Ron... We were never close, but what I can't believe is that you lied to me my entire life.
Rita: (torn and distracted; wants to settle this, but knows Alan will be there any moment) I don't know what to say except... I'm sorry.
Robbie: 'Sorry' falls pretty flat. If you really want to make it up to me, you can tell me who my father is...
Rita: It's not that simple, darling.
Robbie: Sure it is. Just say, 'Robbie, your father is...' and then fill in the blank.
Rita: (wanting to end the conversation) Please, Robbie.
Robbie: (exasperated) Dammit Mom!
"Mom?"
Rita: (doesn't need to turn around to see who it is...) Alan, this is my daughter Robbie. Robbie, I'd like for you to meet the man in my life, Alan Spaulding.
Robbie savors the moment, realizing she might be shaking hands with her father for the first time; off her... overwhelmed, we cut to Follybend; Michelle is baby-sitting MJ...
Michelle: (looks at the framed picture of Fletcher, Holly and Ben that's on the dresser near the crib) Must feel nice to have a picture of your parents near by... (allows MJ to wrap her fingers around one of hers) You're so lucky... (Ben has arrived home and watches Michelle talk with MJ) You've got a great dad and thanks to me, a pretty hip mom... (Ben laughs to himself) and that brother of yours... (Ben listens intently) well... he's gonna come in handy. I bet if anyone dares to pick on you at school, and trust me -- someone always does -- (MJ gurgles) I think your big brother will probably beat them up for you. (Ben smiles) He's a good guy. He might seem like a doof sometimes, but...
Ben: (coughs) Ahem...
Michelle: (turns around) How much did you hear?
Ben: I heard that doof part.
Michelle: (smiles) Sorry.
Ben: It's ok. (drops his backpack on the floor and walks over to the crib) Hey MJ... how's it going?
Michelle: She should be asleep soon. She's such a good baby.
Ben: Yeah, she's not half bad... for a girl.
Michelle: Oh please! What's that supposed to mean?
Ben: I'm just teasing you.
Michelle: I know.
Ben: So, like, have you found out what the deal is?
Michelle: (motions to Ben that they should leave so MJ can sleep) Which deal?
Ben: The one where all the adults are acting weirded out around you...
Michelle: Not yet. But I know something's up.
Ben: (looks around) Speaking of the adults, where's Holly?
As Michelle explains, we return to the Country Club to Holly, Tangie and Roger; Tangie is about to leave on her trip with Patrick to Canada and isn't sure she's going to be allowed to return. She's saying good-bye to two of the most important people in her life....
Tangie: Roger, I know we've had our ups and downs, but I want you to know that I do love you.
Roger: Tangie, what is going on here? You sound like you're saying good-bye forever.
Tangie: (smiles) Nothing quite so dire. But one thing I have realized is that you shouldn't waste time cause it slips away so easily. I'm trying to let you know how much I appreciate you and how much you mean to me.
Holly: Roger, just say thank you, give her a hug and tell her how much she means to you. (smiles)
Tangie: Thank you, Holly.
Roger: I couldn't love you more if you were my own daughter. (takes her by the shoulders) You know, if you are in any kind of trouble, if you need me for absolutely anything... you can come to me. Anytime. Day or night. Right?
Tangie: (touched) Yes... (hugs him) I love you.
Roger: I love you, too. (looks at Holly, confused)
Holly: (gives Roger a "be supportive" look) Is it my turn yet?
Tangie: (turns to face Holly) We might have started off on the wrong foot...
Holly: (smiles) Let's not go there...
Tangie: (smiles) But you've come to mean so much to me. I'm so happy for you, for Fletcher and for MJ.
Holly: Thanks. I'm counting on you to help me teach her how to be a good reporter in this (looks at Roger) male dominated business that we're in...
Tangie: (smiles) I'd like that. Thanks Holly... for all the time you took in helping me develop my writing and reporting skills... and for all the advice with Nick...
Holly: Well, he's a special guy. You both mean a great deal to Fletcher and me. We need you. So you'd better come back. (hugs her)
Tangie: I plan on it. (hopes this to be true)
On Roger, not sure what to make of this, we fade to black...
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Guiding Light, all related characters and elements are (c) and TM 1996 Procter and Gamble. All rights reserved. FollyWorld is (c) 1996 Lilpeste. All rights reserved. No attempt has been made to supersede the copyrights or trademarks held by Procter and Gamble.