Bridget's Bell : A hopeful look into the future of Jake and Vicky.

Background: This is in May after Vicky has been cleared of Grant's murder. At the trial, the real killer is revealed to be Gary and he is now no longer in Bay City (why, I don't know but Gary was going to leave eventually so I figured I'd make use of it). Steven and Kirkland understand that Vicky hit Grant in the head but didn't kill him, the McKinnon clan has put the incident behind them and are moving on with their lives. Marley and Vicky have bonded again and Vicky and Jake persuaded the D.A. to drop the charges. Marley was released from Willowdale and is living in Vince and Mary's old house again. She has taken a job at the hospital and is working her way back into the community.

Scene 1
Setting: Carlino's
Characters: Vicky, Paulina, Toni, Chris & extras

Vicky walks in and sits at the counter. Paulina is handing a customer their change. She turns to Vicky, who looks a little faint.

Paulina: What's the matter, honey? You don't look so good.

Vicky: ( sarcastically)Thanks, nice to see you too.

Paulina: Come on Vicky, I'm serious. Are you feeling OK?

Vicky: Oh fine, considering I haven't been able to keep my breakfast down for a week.

Paulina: You probably have the flu, here let me see (reaches over and places her hand on Vicky's forehead.) Well, you're not warm. I don't know what to tell you. Maybe it's the food. Why don't I make you some breakfast. (Paulina turns and goes into the kitchen. Vicky sighs deeply and rests her head on her left hand. Chris and Toni enter. Toni sits down at a booth, while Chris walks over to Vicky.)

Chris: Hey girlfriend, what's up? (pauses and looks closely, with a concerned look on his face, at Vicky, while she looks at him like he's got three eyes.) Are you feeling OK? You don't look so hot.

Vicky: (snappy and annoyed) Why does everyone keep asking me that, can't I feel a little under the weather with out getting the third degree from half the city. You really know how to give a girl a complex!

Chris: OK, ok. You don't have to bite my head off! (Chris turns and walks to the booth where Toni is seated. Vicky turns back towards the counter and lays her head down) (to Toni): Somebody's a little touchy this morning. (gesturing towards Vicky behind them at the counter)

Vicky: I heard that! (raising her head and turning to face the couple in their booth) You just watch your step. My husband still signs your paychecks.

Toni: Why don't you leave her alone. She looks sick.

(Vicky throws her hands up as if in defeat. Paulina backs out of the kitchen and turns around placing a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast in front of Vicky. Vicky looks at it and swallows hard. She gets a disgusted look on her face and races into the bathroom holding her hands over her mouth)

Paulina: (smiling) She's not sick!

END SCENE

Scene 2
Setting: Paulina's house (1 hour later)
Characters: Vicky and Paulina

Paulina is anxiously pacing in her living room looking at her watch. Vicky is sitting on the couch nervously twiddling her thumbs. An egg timer on the coffee table dings. Paulina turns as Vicky jumps up.

Vicky: I can't do it. You look. (Paulina goes through the door way at the back of the living room)

(Paulina walks back through the doorway into the living room she takes a deep breath and looks down at a little stick she's holding in her hands.)

Paulina: (screaming) It's pink! That's a positive!

Vicky: (screaming) Yes, I knew it! (in a serious tone) Wait, you know you can't always trust over the counter pregnancy tests. Remember the last time I thought I was pregnant?

Paulina: That's true, but lets review the facts. A) You got faint this morning in the restaurant. B) You've been awfully moody lately. C) You've been puking your guts up, day and night for the last week. D) You're a week and a half late. E) You're five for five in those " unreliable pregnancy tests". Yep, I think it's safe to say that you have come down with a case of Baby-itis, otherwise known as pregnancy! (Vicky and Paulina are jumping up and down hugging each other screaming and crying)

END SCENE

Scene 3
Setting: Vicky's cottage (a few hours later)
Characters: Vicky, Paulina, Donna, & Etta Mae

Etta Mae and Donna are discussing the boys going to camp this summer after school lets out.

Etta Mae: No! Those boys missed their momma for months and now that they finally have her back you want to ship them off to camp? I don't think so! Uh uh, no way sister.

Donna: I don't want to ship them off. I just think that a few weeks at camp will do them good. They spend all their time worrying about their mother and this would give them an opportunity to be little boys again. (Vicky and Paulina enter, obviously giddy)

Vicky: (happily smiling with a dreamy look on her face) Hi Mom, Hi Etta Mae. Mom, where are the boys?

Donna: They're at the Gellar's, dear. I wanted to talk to you about the boys attending camp this summer.

Vicky: Oh, they're not going to camp this summer.

Etta Mae: (clearing her throat) I don't want to say I told you so, but....

Vicky: We've got way too much to do, (raising a bag with wall paper and fabric samples sticking out) starting with redecorating.

Etta Mae: Oh, maybe I can give you some suggestions, what room are you going to do?

Vicky: (smiling with the dreamy look returning to her face) The nursery.

Donna: (puzzled) What nursery? (Etta Mae and Donna exchange looks and realize what Vicky meant) Oh darling, I'm so happy for you and Jake.

(Etta Mae runs over and hugs Vicky)

Paulina: Oh, now I have to get in on this

(She joins in the hug and the three start crying. Vicky ducks under Etta Mae and Paulina and crosses over to hug Donna, who is wiping away her own tears.)

END SCENE

Scene 4
Setting: The cottage (later that night)
Characters: Jake, Vicky, Stephen, & Kirkland

Vicky is in her pajamas sitting on the couch watching TV. She's eating popcorn, crying at a commercial. Jake enters and quietly closes the door, Vicky doesn't notice. Jake comes up behind her and kisses her gently on the neck. Vicky screams and jumps up spilling her popcorn. She runs and sees Jake, she then proceeds to smack him in the arm.

Jake: (grimacing and rubbing his arm) What was that for?

Vicky: You scared the daylights out of me, that's what.

Jake: Jeez Vic, what is wrong with you lately? You're so moody and emotional. The last time you were like this was when you were pre.....(trails off suddenly realizing why)

Vicky: (beginning to cry again) I was pregnant.

(Jake begins to cry and jumps over the couch and lifts Vicky up with her legs around his waist. As he kisses Vicky, she puts head on his shoulder still crying.)

Jake: (wiping his tears away) Hey beautiful, what's the matter? (Vicky raises her head to look in his eyes) Come on we're having a baby. You should be happy, no esthetic! So why are you crying?

Vicky: (sniffling) That Hallmark commercial was really touching. (They kiss but start to laugh as they sit in the pile of spilled popcorn. They begin laughing uncontrollably while throwing popcorn at each other. The boys come running down the stairs)

Steven: What's going on? We heard Mom scream before.

Kirkland: Why are you guys laughing?

Vicky: Sorry, honey, hope we didn't scare you. Jake snuck up on me and frightened me.

(Steven comes and sits between Jake and Vicky, while Jake picks Kirkland up and places him on Vicky's lap.)

Steven: Who made this mess?

(Jake and Vicky look at each other and laugh. The boys laugh as well and they all start throwing popcorn at each other. Vicky has her head back laughing with her arms up as a shield against the barrage of popcorn. Kirkland is about to dive head first across the couch at Vicky. A terrified Jake grabs Kirkland to stop him.)

Kirkland: (startled) Hey!

Jake: (a bit calmer) Don't do that, you could hurt the baby!

Kirkland: (confused) What baby?

(Steven's eyes light up as he realizes what Jake means.)

Vicky: Well boys, your going to have a little brother or sister.

Kirkland: (excited) Really?

Steven: I know what you can name the baby.

Vicky: Really, sweetie? What do you suggest?

Steven: If it's a girl, Bridget, if it's boy, Michael.

Jake: I think that's a great idea!

Vicky: (with tears in her eyes) I love it!

(They all embrace and we hear Bridget's bell.)

END SCENE

Scene 5
Setting: Jake and Vicky's bedroom (the following night)
Characters: Jake and Vicky

Vicky is sitting in bed. Jake comes in carrying a tray with a bowl of ice cream and a glass of milk.

Jake: (setting tray on Vicky's lap) Here we are. Rocky road and milk for the most beautiful mommy in the world.

Vicky: Oh, Jake your spoiling me! (smiling) I love it! (placing her hand on her stomach and rubbing gently back and forth) She is going to be the most spoiled little girl.

(Jake crosses the room and gets in the bed. He props his head on hand and turns to Vicky who is eating her ice cream.)

Jake: Her, it, the baby. We have to decide on a name for this baby. Now, you're sure it's a girl? The doctor didn't tell you that this afternoon, did he?

Vicky: (gulping down her mouthful of ice cream) Ok, why do we need a name so soon, I'm not due til December?

Jake: So I can tell the baby stories while you're asleep. So did he tell you it was a girl? I don't think they can tell this early anyway, can they?

Vicky: Whoa! Slow down, there partner. The doctor only told me I was officially pregnant and that I'm due December 28, that's all. No, they can't tell you the sex of the baby yet, but I know it's a girl.

Jake: How do you know it's a girl?

Vicky: (looking up and smiling) Bridget. Yesterday, Paulina and I were looking at baby clothes. (with a tear in her eye) I saw the most precious little pink booties and I asked Bridget if the baby was a girl and I heard a bell.

Jake: Ok. So what are we going to call our little girl?

Vicky: (wiping her tears away, smiling) Bridget Michaela McKinnon

Jake: Perfect! (Jake sits up and puts the tray on the floor. As he pulls Vicky in to a kiss, we hear Bridget's bell again.)

END SCENE

Scene 6
Setting: Jake and Vicky's bedroom (one week later, Mother's Day)
Characters: Jake, Vicky, Steven, and Kirkland.

Vicky is sleeping in bed. Jake comes in with a rose and a little pink rattle with the name Bridget Michaela inscribed in gold on it. The boys follow Jake in the room carrying a tray with scrambled eggs and sausage on a plate and a glass of milk and a glass of orange juice. Jake sits on bed next to Vicky and gently kisses her to wake her. Vicky opens her eyes and smiles as she sits up.

Vicky: (pleasantly surprised) Well, what's all this?

Steven: We made you breakfast in bed.

Kirkland: Yeah, we made it ourselves!

(Jake hands Vicky the rose and kisses her as the boys place the tray on Vicky's lap. She looks down at the eggs and gets the same disgusted look she had the previous week at Carlinos. Jake picks up the tray as Vicky races to bathroom.)

Steven: (disappointed) I know we're not great cooks, but I didn't think our breakfast would make mom sick just by looking at it.

Jake: (placing the tray on the floor, looking at the boys) Oh no, you didn't make mom sick. She has something called morning sickness. You get it when your pregnant. It makes you sick to your stomach and you throw up.

(We hear the toilet flush and Vicky enters the room looking a little pale. She comes and sits at the edge bed and pulls Kirkland into a hug.)

Kirkland: Are you OK, mom? Jake said you were sick. Isn't that bad for the baby?

Vicky: Oh, sweetie, I'm fine. I just have a little nausea. It's perfectly normal for this far along.

Steven: (picking the rattle off the bed) Mom, look what Jake had made for you for Mothers Day!

(Vicky takes the rattle from Stephen and reads the name. She begins to cry as Jake kisses her.)

Vicky: (sniffling and wiping away tears) Oh, you guys! This is just the best Mother's Day I've ever had. I've got my three favourite guys and I'm having a baby with the love of my life! (beginning to cry again.) I don't think I've ever been happier!

END SCENE

Scene 7
Setting: The Harbour Club (later that day)
Characters: Jake, Vicky, Steven, Kirkland, Donna, Marley, Nick, Tyrone, Toni, Chris, Etta Mae, Felicia, Lorna, Lila, Cass, Jasmine, Charlie, Paulina, Joe, Dante, Rachel, Cory, Elizabeth, Amanda, Cameron, Ali, Matt.

Donna is hosting a Mothers Day Brunch at the Harbour Club. Everyone is sitting around a long table in the following order: (a diagram below) [Steven / Jake] [Kirkland / Vicky] [Nick / Donna] [Tyrone / Marley] [Chris / Toni] [Felicia / Etta Mae] [Charlie / Cass] [Joe / Lila] [Dante / Jasmine] [Paulina / Matt] [Remy / Amanda] [Rachel / Elizabeth] [Cory / Ali]

Everyone is eating and talking and carrying on. Women are being handed presents and fussy baby's are being comforted. The table is buzzing with action. Donna looks at Vicky who nods. Donna taps her butter knife against her glass of water to get everyone's attention. After a minute everyone has stopped what they were doing and settled giving Donna their full attention as she begins to speak.

Donna: (turning to face the rest of the table) Victoria has an announcement she and Jake would like to share with all of you.

(Donna sits down and looks at Vicky as she stands to address the table. Jasmine coos and Elizabeth and Cory laugh. Vicky smiles serenely.)

Vicky: Jake and I would like to announce that we are expecting a baby in December!

(Everyone claps and gives congratulations. When they quiet down Vicky picks up the pink rattle and Jake stands up as well.)

Jake: She has been named Bridget Michaela McKinnon.

(Vicky hands Jake the rattle and he holds it in plain view for all to see)

END SCENE

Scene 8
Setting: Vicky's OB/GYN'S office (one month later)
Character's: Vicky, Jake & Dr. O'Hara

Jake and Vicky have come in for an examination. This is their first sonogram, the doctor enters and first lets Jake and Vicky hear Bridget's heartbeat. She now is just about to start the sonogram.

Dr. O'Hara: Ok, let's see this baby.

Vicky: Oh I can't wait, I just know it's girl. (turning to address the doctor) We've already named her Bridget Michaela McKinnon!

Jake: So, is that the baby? (looking at the monitor)

Dr. O'Hara: (smiling) O,k see that gray blob there (pointing to the screen) that's your baby's head and there's the spine, and if you look there (pointing with her pen to point it out) that's the heart, a good strong one, I might add. (smiling, pleasantly surprised) Well, looks like your intuition was right on the money, Vicky, you are carrying a healthy baby girl!

(Vicky and Jake smile and kiss. The doctor hands them a picture of baby Bridget and as they gaze lovingly at their daughter, we hear Bridget's bell.)

END SCENE

Scene 9
Setting: Jake and Vicky's bedroom (later that night)
Characters: Jake and Vicky

Vicky is asleep and Jake is awake and gently stroking Vicky's belly.

Jake: Oh gosh there are so many things I want to tell you. I'm your daddy. Wow, I can't believe it, I'm a daddy. Oh your mommy, you're gonna love your mommy. She's funny and pretty and smart. She already loves you so much just like I do, but beware she's not a great cook. You already have two big brothers, Steven and Kirk. They're great although you're probably going to be a little over protected by me and the boys.  Don't worry mommy will keep us in line. I just can't wait until your here! (Jake leans over and kisses Vicky's stomach and she wakes up.)

Vicky: Mmm Hey sweetie, what are you doing?

Jake: Talking to Bridget, it was a private conversation if you don't mind?

Vicky: Oh well excuse me! I wouldn't want to interupt I mean it is only my body. (Vicky and Jake smile and kiss.)

END SCENE

Scene 10
Setting: Vicky's cottage (two and a half months later, mid August)
Characters: Vicky, Donna, Marley, Toni, Etta Mae, Felicia, Paulina, Remy, Amanda, and Ali.

Paulina and Etta Mae have thrown Vicky a baby shower. There is wrapping paper and boxes strewn all over the floor. The collection of gifts next to the couch include: Baby monitor set, mobile, teddy bears and other stuffed animals, blankets and booties, a package of onesies. Vicky, who is five months pregnant with a fair size tummy, is seated on the couch and is opening the last gift which is from Marley, a soft pink baby quilt with: To my niece, Bridget Michaela McKinnon, Love your Aunt Marley 8/13/99 embroidered in a square on the bottom.

Donna: Oh, that's beautiful, darling.

Vicky: Thank you, Marley, it's gorgeous.

Etta Mae: Did you make it?

Marley: Yes, it took a while, but, Paulina helped me a lot.

Paulina: Well, you did all the work I just showed you how to do the cross stitching.

Amanda: All right, time for shower games! (Vicky rolls her eyes while Amanda laughs.)

Vicky: I don't think so!

Amanda: Calm down I was only teasing you. Actually it's time for lunch.

Donna: Thank goodness, I'm starving! I could eat anything, I'm so hungry! (pauses) Victoria didn't cook, did she?

Vicky: Oh, very funny, mother, I'm not that bad of a cook. Besides Paulina and Etta Mae did the cooking, they threw the shower.

Donna: (overly dramatic) Thank God! (Everyone starts laughing)

END SCENE

Scene 11
Setting: Baby Bridget's new nursery (the next afternoon)
Characters: Jake, Vicky, Steven, and Kirkland.

Jake and the boys have been in the nursery all morning while Vicky was at the doctors. When she comes in Jake blindfolds her and leads her upstairs to the nursery. He opens the door and takes off the blindfold. The nursery is all set up with a crib in one corner and a rocking chair next to a bassinet. The walls are a freshly painted pale pink. Steven is setting the mobile over the crib while Kirkland is setting stuffed animals in a toy chest by the changing table. Vicky walks over to a stack of folded sleepers on a dresser next to the crib and picks one up and holds it over her belly. She puts it down and walks to the rocking chair. She breaks down to tears as she sits down. Jake comes over and hugs her.

Jake: Hey, sweetie, the boys and I didn't do that bad of a job, did we?

Vicky: (struggling with the words as she cries) No you..you..did a won..derful job. That's ju..ju..just it, it's beau...beau..tiful.

Jake: Come here beautiful, you don't have to cry. Hey, come on, it's just hormones, right?

Vicky: (still crying a little) It's not hormones! (Jake leads Vicky out of the room, still crying. Before he leaves he turns around to address Steven and Kirk.)

Jake: It's hormones.

END SCENE

Scene 12
Setting: Paulina's house (two and a half months later, Halloween)
Characters: Paulina, Joe, Jake, & Vicky

Paulina and Joe threw a Halloween party. Jake and Vicky are helping them clean up while waiting for Remy to return from trick-or-treating with Dante, Steven and Kirk. Vicky and Jake are dressed as Bonnie and Clyde. Joe and Paulina are dressed as Fred and Wilma Flintstone. Vicky, who seven months pregnant now, turns to Jake and pretends to shoot him with her fake machine gun. Jake smiles and falls pretending to die but hits his head. Vicky goes to see if Jake is really hurt. She squats down to see his head.

Vicky: Oh, sweetie, did you hurt yourself?

Jake: No, just a little boo-boo, (smiling) kiss it and make it better?

Vicky: Oh, poor baby, (putting her arm down on the ground behind for balance as she sits down on the floor next to him, and kisses Jake's brusied head) there all better.

Jake: What would I do without you?

Vicky: (smiling) You want the truth? Oh! (eyes widening as she places her hand on her swollen stomach)

Jake: (a bit freaked out) What! Is it a contraction?

Paulina: (turning around a little stunned at what Jake says) What, are you in labor, Vicky? (Vicky rolls her eyes and places Jake's hand on her stomach)

Vicky: I'm fine! Bridget kicked, really hard. I think she wants to join in on the fun. She was moving a lot earlier, I think she was dancing!

(Remy comes back with the kids from trick-or-treating. Remy is dressed a gypsy. Steven is dressed as a pirate and Kirk is dressed as SuperMan. Dante has a Batman costume on. The kids sit down and start going through their candy. Vicky starts to giggle uncontrollably as Jake tickles her. Vicky stops him and puts his hand on her stomach again.)

Jake: What? (smiles as he feels the baby kick) Oh!

Steven & Kirk: What?

Vicky: Come here, Bridget's kicking! (Steven and Kirkland come and feel the baby kicking, Remy walks over as well. She leans down to feel the baby kick.)

Jake: So, Miss Psychic, what do you see in my daughter's future?

(Remy places her hand on Vicky's stomach and sees a vision of a happy little girl running around the swings at Lassiter, being chased by Steven and Kirkland.)

Remy: Your little girl is going to be happy and healthy. Oh, and she's absolutely gorgeous! (As everyone gathers to feel Bridget kick we hear Bridget's bell.)

END SCENE

Scene 13
Setting: The cottage (almost a month later, November 25th: Jake and Vicky's second wedding anniversary)
Characters: Jake and Vicky

Jake is coming down the stairs in a suit while Vick is sitting on the couch in a t-shirt and overalls with a sweater.

Jake: Hey honey, why aren't you dressed?

Vicky: I really don't feel like going out tonight. I'm sorry, I know you wanted to go out for our anniversary this year because we weren't together last year but, the only thing I own that fits I'm wearing, and I can't see my feet and I'm huge and....(begins to cry)

Jake: (walking over to sit next to Vicky) Hey sweetheart, it's OK. We don't have to go out, whatever we do as long as I'm with you I'm the happiest guy in the world! You are not fat, you are the most beautiful woman in the whole world and you are especially beautiful because you are pregnant and I couldn't ask for anything more in the whole world! (Jake outs his arms around Vicky as she puts her head on his shoulder. They kiss. Jake stands up and helps Vicky to her feet and they begin to dance slowly as " Everything I do I do it for you" by Bryan Adams)

END SCENE

Scene 14
Setting: The Cory living room (two months later, Christmas Day)
Characters: Jake, Vicky, Steven, Kirkland, Nick, Remy, Amanda, Cameron, Ali, Rachel, Cory, Elizabeth, Paulina, Joe, Dante, Etta Mae, Toni, Chris, Tyrone, Marley, Matt, Jasmine, Lila, Cass, Charlie, Felicia, & Donna

(Everyone has gathered at the Cory's for a big Christmas Party. Vicky is standing talking to Etta Mae who has just arrived and is still wearing her coat.)

Etta Mae: So honey, when are you due?

Vicky: Tuesday.

Etta Mae: (a bit concerned) Oh, sweetie, you're due in three days and you're out gallivanting around at a party. You should be home resting!

Vicky: (rolling her eyes with her hands adamantly on her hips) Jake gave me the same speech, so save it. I'm pregnant, not terminally ill! God, the way Jake fusses over me you'd think I was a porcelain doll being dangled off the Empire State Building!

(Vicky grabs Etta Mae's arm and gives her a serious look.)

Etta Mae: Oh, do I get a speech now?

Vicky: (her eyes widening as she places a hand on her stomach) Go find Jake and the boys, we have to go!

Etta Mae: Oh come on, you can't leave, I just got here!

Vicky: Oh, yes I can! My water just broke!

Etta Mae: (helping Vicky to sit down) Jake, Jake get over here! You're about to be a Daddy.

Jake: (running over a bit confused) What are you talking about? (He look's down and sees Vicky sitting there, it hits him.) Oh my God, your in labor, Vic? (loud enough that everyone hears him and they all rush over) Come on, let's go! (helping Vicky to the door as everyone follows them out)

(Vicky screams as she is led out bending over during a contraction.)

END SCENE

Scene 15
Setting: Hospital
Characters: The Christmas party gang.

(Everyone has come to the hospital. Jake is rubbing Vicky's back when she screams. Everyone in the waiting room hears it and turns. Back in the delivery room the doctor gets ready to deliver the baby.)

Jake: Come sweetie, only a little bit longer and Bridget will be here. (Vicky groans and gives Jake a dirty look.)

Vicky: (panting between every few words) Easy for...you to....say.....Next time....you can do (begins to groan as she speaks) this part!

Dr. O'Hara: Ok Vicky, I need one more good push!

(Vicky bears down and screams. We then hear a baby's cry. Vicky and Jake are crying themselves as Dr. O'Hara hands them a beautiful baby with a wisp of blonde hair.)

Jake: Oh Vic, she's beautiful. She looks just like you! (he leans over and gently kisses the baby on the forehead)

Vicky: I can't believe she's finally here! Welcome to the world, Bridget Michaela McKinnon!

(Paulina leads Steven and Kirkland into meet their baby sister.)

Kirkland: Ohmygosh, she's so small!

Steven: She's so pretty! Hello Bridget, I'm your brother, Steven and this is your brother, Kirkland. Don't you worry we're gonna to take care of you and we won't let anyone ever hurt you.

(Paulina has slipped out to allow them a private moment. She goes to the waiting room.)

Paulina: It's a girl! She's beautiful, looks just like Vicky, blonde hair and everything! (Everyone cheers and as the scene ends we hear Bridget's bell.)

END SCENE

Scene 16
Setting: The hospital, just outside the nursery
Characters: Everyone in the previous scene

Jake, Vicky, Steven, and Kirkland are in the nursery looking over Bridget's crib/bassinet thingy (don't know what it's called) while everyone else is outside the glass looking in on the happy family. The scene fades out and we see Bridget standing behind the McKinnon's smiling while her bell is ringing.

END SCENE