Episode 1.18 [Thanksgiving]

Hallow Hills—Adel and Doug’s bedroom

The morning light was breaking through the blinds in the master bedroom of the grand mansion. The sun was slowly edging its way towards the eyes of Adel Davis as she enjoyed what was probably her last few minutes of sleep for the day, and probably the season. Doug on the other hand was already out of bed, and just then returning to the bedroom from the bathroom suite next to it. His body wrapped in a fluffy clean white towel as he walked to his closet, softly humming “Over the Bridge” to himself. He dressed in very casual clothing, something not normally seen on the man who had been attempting to tame Adel for the past 25 years of his and her life. Today wasn’t any normal day though. It was Thanksgiving and Doug was hoping his wife would remember that it would be 25 years ago this very week he proposed to her.

Day Before Thanksgiving 1978

A small studio apartment in New York City, its colorful with a purple couch and pink chair, with a yellow beanbag. The door opens and a young woman comes in carrying several brown paper bags. Her face is covered as she tries to walk around towards the kitchen area, only to walk right into the couch.

“Damn it!” She cursed as her groceries flew out of the bag and all over the living room area. She scurries to pick everything up, including the ten-pound turkey.

As she tossed the turkey into the sink someone knocked on the door. She rushed around to get everything off the floor and into the kitchen. The knocking started again and the frazzled female opened the door to come face to face with her boyfriend.

Her face immediately changed and the frazzled look changed to that of complete delight, “Doug!”

“Hey baby.” He said as he entered the small apartment and looked around, “So what are the chances that I can take you to watch the balloons get inflated tonight?”

She smiled, “I would love to, but I have pies to make for tomorrow.”

He rolled his eyes, “Adel! You’ll still have time to make the pies, besides your sister Charlene can help.”

“Doug Davis, you know Charlene doesn’t know how to cook at all. She can’t even follow a recipe.” Adel explained.

“Its only going to be the three of us for dinner anyways.”

Adel looked away, “More like five, your brother and sister are coming as well. I called your mother to ask if there was anything you just had to have at dinner, well she mentioned that Laura and Jeff were in the city, and well I just couldn’t let them eat room service.”

Doug nodded, “I understand, and I still think Charlene can handle the pies. Please Adel, I really want you to see the balloons get inflated.”

Adel sighed, “Okay, I’ll ask her to make the pies when she gets here in a little bit.”

Doug began to beam with joy, “Wonderful!” he said as the door swung open and a young blond came in, “Delly! I need your help.” She sees Doug and stops, “Oh, evening Doug.”

“Charlene, I hope it can wait. I need you to make the pies for tomorrow, well like tonight. Doug and I are going to watch the balloons get inflated.” Adel said as she took out the ingredients for the pie. “We’ll be back in a little bit, just follow the recipe, don’t get extravagant.”

“Yeah it can wait.” Charlene said as her sister and Doug left. When the door closed she looked at the ingredients, “I’ll just tell you I’m pregnant some other time.”

City Street

“Wow, this is amazing Doug.” Adel said as she watched the balloons grow larger in front of her.

“Good.” Doug said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a Tiffany’s box. “So I thought about waiting until tomorrow, but then I knew I couldn’t. Adel, I love you so much, at times it hurts to breathe. The nights without you drive me insane. I don’t want to live without you. So I’m hoping you’ll say yes and, well Adel,” he said as her attention turned from the growing cartoon characters and towards her boyfriend, “Will you marry me?”

She looked at him stunned for a few moments and then began to nod, “Yes! Of course I’ll marry you. I love you so much Doug.”

He took the ring out and placed it on her finger, “I love you Adel.”

Day before Thanksgiving 1989

A ten year old Chad and eight year old Kip were glued to the television as they watched the Wizard of Oz. Doug was standing in the doorway looking at his sons, both of whom are dressed in their pajamas as Kip begins to grow tired.

“Not yet Skipper!” Chad says as he shakes his brother, “It’s not over yet. You’ll miss the best part.”

“I’m trying Chad.” A sleepy Kip says as he holds on tightly to a teddy bear, “Where’s Mommy?”

“Hey kids, Mommy’s working late at the office, she should be home soon.” Doug explained as he came into the living room and picked up Kip and then sat down with his son in his lap. “What part of the movie are we at?”

“They just met the Lion Daddy!” Chad exclaimed as he jumped onto the couch next to his father.

Thanksgiving Day 2002

The dinning room table was elaborately set, with name tags and everything. The candles were lit and sparkling against the autumn colored decorations. Adel walked in dressed in a vintage brown dress and a moment later Kip came in.

“Mom, why are we doing this?” he asked as he adjusted his tie.

“It’s Thanksgiving Kipland, that’s why.” She told him as she waked around inspecting the table.

“Madame, your guests are here.” Said a maid as she stood in the doorway.

“Wonderful! Kip, go get Chad from his room.” Adel said before scurrying out of the dinning room.

Kip sighed and went upstairs, passing his father, “Hey Dad.”

“Have they arrived?” he asked.

“You mean Uncle Jeff and Aunt Laura? Yeah, I got to go get the golden boy.” Kip said before walking down the hall and knocking on the door to Chad’s room.

After not getting an answer he opened the door and found a neat and tidy room with the bed made and an envelope sitting on the pillows.

Picking it up, he opened it and began reading it as he sat down on the bed, “Dear Family, I’m sorry but I’ve been called away on business. Sorry I’ll miss the holiday’s and the big bash at the mall. I’ll be home when I can. Love Chad.”

Kip shook his head, “Mom’s gonna flip.” He said to himself as he took the note down stairs with him.

As he walked into the living room he saw his Uncle Jeff with his wife Margaret and his Aunt Laura with her third husband Paul.

“Adel things sure have changed since that Thanksgiving in New York. The one where you and Doug got engaged.” Laura said as she looked around the living room and then up at the stairs, “Kipland! Come and give your auntie a hug!”

Kip put on a smile and came down the stairs hugging each family member, “Mom, this was on Chad’s bed.” He said handing her the note.

Adel snatched it from him and read it, “Chad’s gone!” she cried out in agony.

Doug took the letter, “Adel, calm down it says here that he’ll be back. I’m sure he will be.” He said before taking her in his arms.

Doug and Adel’s bedroom

Adel sat up in bed and looked over at Doug as he finished dressing. “Morning Doug.” She said as she got out of bed and went to the closet and stood behind her husband. She looked at their reflections in the mirror for a minute before wrapping her arms around him. “I know I can be a shrew sometimes Doug, but I want you to know I still love you.”

Doug turned around, “I know, and I still love you too.” He said before leaning down and kissing her.

Hallow Hills—Living Room

Kip sat on the couch watching the Macy’s parade when his brother Chad came in. “What the hell happened to you?” asked Kip as he studied the appearance of his brother.

“I drank too much last night.” He said as he sat down, “So are the relatives from hell coming tonight?”

Kip nodded, “Yeah they are, But I found an out, Pam’s making dinner tonight.”

“Lucky bastard.” Chad said as he thought about how Bethany hadn’t called him back yet.

“Yeah well I got stuck with them last year when you ran off. Besides I plan on asking Pam a very important question tonight.”

“No way, are you serious?” Chad asked.

Kip looked up at Chad for a moment and then back at the TV, “Very serious.”

Pam’s apartment

The parade was on the TV as Pam ran around the apartment cleaning. She really wondered why she had invited not just Kip, but Sam, Dan, Abby, and Siobhan for dinner. “Look here comes Clay Aiken.” Pam stopped and sat down on the couch staring at the TV as he sang. About the middle of the performance someone knocked on the door, “Come in.” Pam yelled as she kept her eyes on Clay.

The door opened and Sam came in, “Pam what the--?”

“Shh!!! It’s Clay!” she declared as she watched the screen.

Sam closed the door and sat down on the couch and watched Pam as she was practically drooling over the singer. When the performance ended she looked over at Sam with an embarrassed smile, “Sorry, he’s my favorite.” She said as she pulled away from the TV.

“It’s alright, Dan’s the same way when Britney Spears comes on TV, then you should see Abby when Justin Timberlake comes on.” Sam explained, “Anyways, I just came by to see what I could help you out with before later.”

Pam leaned back in the couch, “Remind me why I started dating Kip Davis?” she asked.

Sam blinked as he realized that Pam was curling up to him, “Because you thought that he was your secret admirer, but I don’t think he was. I think it was someone else, someone that’s been right under your nose the entire time.”

Pam looked up at him for a moment, looking into his blue eyes. She brushed her fingers against his blond hair as she leaned up and brushed her lips against Sam’s.

He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss as his hands supported her back and neck. Her body moved to be on top of his and her hands racked through his hair.

Ring, Ring, the phone broke the moment and the pair broke apart. Pam picked up the phone, “Hello, . . . Hey Kip, yeah just bring the dessert.” She realized she was still on Sam’s lap and stood-up. “Yeah, I’ll see you tonight, bye Sweetie.” When Pam hung up the phone she saw that Sam was gone. She looked at her door and then went to the kitchen to start the turkey.

Maggie’s Apartment

With the parade over Maggie turned off the television and put her coffee mug in the sink. She looked out her window at the falling snow. She then turned on the water and saw the diamond ring from Kevin.

“Maggie Lane, Maggie Williams-Lane, Kevin and Maggie Lane.” She said and then looked down, “Maggie McKay, Maggie Williams-McKay, Conner and Maggie McKay.”

Sighing she turned the water off and went into her bedroom. She pulled up the blinds and then went to her closet and took out her suitcase. Placing it on the bed she started packing.

“Maggie!” called out Kevin as he entered the bedroom.

“Hi sweetie, I just need to get dressed.” She told him as she zipped the suitcase closed.

“Okay, I’ll be in the living room, waiting.” Kevin told her before retreating to the living room.

As he sat down on the couch his cell phone rang, “Lane here, no Betty. I’ll be back in Nashville after New Years. Just tell the company I’ll be back at work then. I still can’t write anything unless its about that night.” He said before being silent for a few minutes, “Don’t worry I’ll be able to write again soon.” He then turned off his cell phone.

Maggie came out dressed in tall boots, flare jeans, and a creamy white sweater and light pink Sneed. “Well Cowboy, lets go. Lets get to Vegas and get married.”

“Great Cowgirl, lets get moving.” He said as he took her suitcase and they left the apartment.

Conner’s Apartment

Lysa was enthralled in a Charlie Brown video as Conner worked on dinner. Bethany’s cell phone sat on the table and began to ring. Conner put down the potato masher and went to the table to answer it, “Hello?” he said, “No, um, Bethany’s in the Pinõn Hallow Hospital, who is this?” Conner was then met with a click and no idea who had called.

Pool House

Chad hung up his phone and grabbed his coat and ran out of his home and to his car in the falling snow. He turned on the car and drove off to the hospital.

Pinõn Hallow Hospital

Chad quickly parked the car before running on the icy blacktop and into the hospital. He ran to the nurses station, “Excuse me but what room is Bethany McKay in?”

The nurse looked up the room number and gave it to him. He rushed off down the hall and went into see her lying unconscious.

He pulled up the chair next to her bed and took her hand, “Bethy, I love you. When you get better and the divorce goes through with Conner, we can move to New York and get married. Just please forgive me, I love you.”

There he sat holding her hand in silence.

Several hours later Conner came in and looked at Chad, “Who the hell are you?” he asked.

Chad stood up, “I’m Chad Davis, Bethany’s boyfriend. You must be Conner.”

“Her boyfriend?” Conner asked.

“Yeah, I knew her brother Brighton.” Chad explained.

Conner nodded, “That explains why she’s pregnant. You’ll need to talk to Dr. Silversky, chances are Bethany doesn’t know yet and with this disease she has, chances are high for a miscarriage.”

Las Vegas Wedding Chapel

Maggie wore a simple white dress as she walked down the aisle towards Kevin. He took her hands when she reached him, and the efficient began the ceremony.

“Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to unite Maggie and Kevin in holy matrimony. Before we begin if there is any reason why these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold their peace.”

Silence filled the room as Maggie’s heart raced and the efficient began again, “Do you Maggie take Kevin to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and cherish, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer until death do you part?”

Maggie took a deep breath, “I do.” She said.

“Do you Kevin take Maggie to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer until death do you part?”

Kevin smiled brightly and then said, “I do.”

“The ring is a symbol of undying commitment to each other.” The efficient said as he took out two gold rings, “Maggie place this ring on Kevin’s finger and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”

Maggie took the ring and Kevin’s hand, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“Kevin, place this ring on Maggie’s finger and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”

As Kevin placed the ring on Maggie’s he said, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“By the power invested in me by the great state of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The efficient said as he looked at the happy couple, “You may now kiss the bride.” Kevin looked at Maggie for a moment, “I love you cowgirl.” He said before leaning down and kissing her.

Pam’s Apartment

The dinner was done, and everyone was finishing up their pie when Kip took a hold of Pam’s hand. She looked down and then smiled at her boyfriend as her mind flashed on the kiss she shared with Sam earlier that day.

“Pammy?” Kip asked as he stood up, “I have a very important question to ask you.” He then got down on one knee and took out a ring box.

Sam watched as anger boiled up inside of him. He had been in love with Pam for, well forever. He was not going to let Kip Davis get his hands on her forever.

“Pam, will you marry me?” Kip asked as he released her hand and opened the ring box, allowing her and everyone to see the elaborate platinum and diamond ring.

Pam looked at Kip for a moment and then over at Sam. She could see the hurt in his eyes, and the pleading for her to say no. She then looked back at Kip and smiled, “Yes, Kip.”

Sam stood up, “This is bull! You know it Pam, I know you know it!” Everyone stared at him and Dan tried to get him to sit down, “No Dan, I won’t and do you want to know why? Because Kip Davis wasn’t Pam’s secret admirer, I was and hell still was until just this very second.” He threw down his napkin and then stormed out.

Siobhan looked around, “This is one for the scrapbooks. Congratulations Pam and Kip.” She said as she raised her wine glass towards them.

“Thank you Siobhan, I think I better go check on Sam though.” Pam said before running out after him.

Sam stood in front of his apartment door kicking it and muttering to himself.

“Sam.” Pam said as she walked closer to him, “I had no idea you felt like that towards me.”

He looked at her, “How could you not Pam, I gave you hint after hint, after hint! I did everything but tell you how I felt. I mean my God, this morning in your apartment on your couch, we kissed. Not just any old kiss a real, powerful kiss.”

Pam looked down, “I know and it—it was a mistake Sam. I’m sorry, I love Kip.”

“Then why did you ask me why you started dating him?” Sam asked as he looked away from her. “Because I wanted my best friends opinion.”

“Yeah well now you know what your best friend thinks.” Sam said before shaking his head and walking into his apartment and slamming the door shut in Pam’s face.

Las Vegas

Kevin carried Maggie into the hotel room and gently placed her on the bed. He shook her head, “Poor thing, I guess she wasn’t paying attention to how much she was drinking.” He said to himself before covering her with the blankets and then going and grabbing an extra sheet and sleeping on the floor.