Daily Updates

Port Charles Update for Thursday, 27-Jan-2000

Author:	MontanaKC
Posting date:	Thu, 27-Jan-2000 8:52:32 PM PST

Thursday, January 27th, 2000

The show opens at the hospital where Joe is checking on Neil.

Joe: (to a Nurse coming out of Neil’s room) How is he?

Nurse: You’re his Da… you’re close to him, maybe you can find out why he won’t eat.

Joe: He didn’t eat his lunch?

Nurse: Or breakfast. In fact he’s barely touched his food since regaining consciousness.

Joe: Okay – thanks. (Joe enters the room) How are ya sport? See the Nets and Supersonics last night? It was a great game. (No response from Neil) What do we have here – Harry Potter. Yeah I saw a kid reading this upstairs – how is it? Say, remember how we talked about playing Little League? You know spring training’s right around the corner; I thought I might coach the team!

Neil: Only Dads coach.

Joe: Oh come on you know that’s not true. Now if you don’t want me to coach the team, I can understand that. I won’t bother you; you just get some rest OK? I’ll check in with you later. (Joe leaves the room and calls Frank from his cell phone in the hallway)

Frank: Hello?

Joe: Frank it’s Joe, is Courtney there?

Frank: She’s headed back to GH.

Joe: Well you might want to come to.

Frank: What’s up?

Joe: Neil’s refusing to eat.

Frank: Okay I’m on my way.

The courthouse

Judge: Mr. Foreman – has the jury reached a verdict?

Foreman: Yes we have, your Honor.

Judge: Will the defendant please rise? Please read the verdict to the court.

Opening Credits

Courtney arrives at GH

Joe: Courtney, wait up.

Courtney: I’m just going in to see Neil.

Joe: I know but before you go in there’s something you need to know. He’s not eating. He’s refused breakfast and lunch. I’m hoping I can get him to drink this protein shake at least.

Courtney: Why isn’t he eating?

Joe: My guess, a reaction to everything’s that happened. Stress, kinda tuned out. I don’t blame him.

Courtney: Well you know what? Maybe I could try one of those tricks I used for his chemo treatment.

Joe: I don’t think any old tricks are gonna work at this point.

Courtney: Well we can’t do nothing Joe – he’s gotta eat.

Frank: (shows up holding a drink in a plastic bottle) Got it covered – Neil loves these things!

Back to the Courthouse

Foreman: As to the count of Murder in the First Degree, we the jury in the State of New York versus Julie Devlin Ramsey find the defendant Not Guilty. (Julie’s side of the courtroom erupts in laughter and hugs)

Julie: (to Scott) Oh my God he said Not Guilty! (To Chris) Did you hear it?

Chris: Loud and clear! (They hug)

Rachel: (to Scott) Nice work Counselor (she hugs him, in front of a disapproving Lucy)!

Julie: Oh Scott, Scott – thank you! No matter what you believe about me, this verdict wouldn’t have been possible without you!

Scott: I was just doing my job.

Julie: Well you did it brilliantly, and you’ll never know just how much that means to me.

Judge: Everyone please take your seats. Please. Mrs. Ramsey you are no longer under this court’s jurisdiction. You are however, still under the care and supervision of the staff at Ferncliff. You will return to Ferncliff until the doctors finalize your release. (Julie turns back to Rachel who mouths the words “It’s alright”)
Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, it’s never easy being a juror. However it forms the very basis of the true administration of justice in this country. Thank you for your time and your service. You are all excused. Court’s adjourned.

Julie: We did it – we really, really did it!

Rachel: YOU did it. You did it.

Julie: Oh I couldn’t have - I couldn’t have without you and Chris!

Rachel: It’s all over now.

Julie: Why do I have to go back to Ferncliff? It seems so unfair.

Rachel: It’s just a formality. You have to pass an exit examination and you’re gonna breeze right through it.

Chris: C’mere gorgeous – get over here.

Julie: It’s finally really over isn’t it?

Chris: Yes it is.

Julie: Now we can be a family – you, me and Christina. (They hug).

Commercial Break

Back to GH outside Neil’s room

Courtney: Well, great minds think alike, huh?

Joe: Please – Frank and I have nothing in common.

Frank: What is your problem?

Courtney: Frank! Joe! Come on…

Frank: You called me and told me that Neil wasn’t eating.

Joe: You had a right to know Frank.

Frank: You didn’t expect me to do something about it?

Joe: I don’t care what you do; you can do whatever you want. Just don’t assume that I’m taking backseat when it comes to Neil.

Courtney: Joe….

Frank: Listen you have to understand, Neil and I were close before he ever knew I was his father.

Joe: Oh boy - (laughs) you throw that word around like you know what it means!

Frank: I have gotten through to Neil at times when you and Courtney couldn’t.

Joe: I know but that was before he found out that his little Uncle Frank was a liar.

Frank: I don’t give a damn what the hell you think about me.

Joe: Okay.

Frank: But Neil is my son so get out of my way and let me work through this.

Joe: Why don’t you do your little bonding session some other time Frank, okay? We’ve got a little boy in here who’s not eating and I have the best chance of getting him to turn around.

Frank: You might be the one he’s least angry with, but I don’t think you’re the one who should be getting him to eat. (To Courtney) You should.

Courtney: Me?

Frank: You have seen Neil through more rough times then either of us. If anyone can get him through this, it’s you.

Courtney: You really think so?

Frank: You’re his Mother. That is the one solid thing he still knows.

Courtney: Okay. (She enters Neil’s room) Hey. So I heard the hospital food was particularly gross today. You know what? I don’t blame you for passing on it. I’ve had my share and it stinks. So I brought you something – it tastes a whole lot better than rubbery chicken and slimy Jell-O. (Neil turns to look at the bottle). Look, look it has all your favorites in it… (We see Frank & Joe watching through the door)

Rachel: The guard said we could have a few minutes before you go back to Ferncliff.

Julie: Not even the thought of going back to Ferncliff could make me feel bad today!

Rachel: Oh good (she hugs Julie)! I’ll be right back.

Julie: Okay. Matt!

Matt: Julie. Well I guess it wouldn’t be polite if I didn’t say congratulations.

Julie: Even if you didn’t mean it.

Matt: You won your freedom. I don’t have to like it – I have to accept it.

Julie: Thank you for coming to the trial. I know you still have your doubts about me but maybe one day you’ll believe what those twelve jurors do.

Matt: We’ll see.

Eve: Well I bet you two are ready to party!

Chris: A few martinis sounds like a plan…

Eve: Well don’t expect this martini bud to be joining you.

Chris: It’s your loss.

Eve: I just hope you don’t end up the big loser, Chris.

Kevin: (to Lucy) You must be very proud of Scott.

Lucy: Oh um, I guess today didn’t quite turn out the way you wanted it to, huh Doc?

Kevin: That’s putting it mildly.

Lucy: Okay, well this godforsaken trial is over - can’t we just let Julie get on with her life?

Kevin: I wish I could, but I can’t. Not as long as I feel something isn’t right.

Lucy: You know I always usually trust your wonderful, smart instincts.

Kevin: I wish you would now.

Lucy: I can’t – how can I do that because mine are going in completely the opposite direction!

Kevin: Just be careful Lucy. Keep Julie at a distance.

Lucy: Why are you so convinced she’s guilty?

Kevin: Why are you so convinced she’s not?

Lucy: Okay I tell you what - why don’t we just agree to disagree?

Kevin: Wouldn’t be the first time.

Lucy: No – see ya Doc. (Kevin leaves).

Lee: You did good son.

Gail: I second that.

Lee: I know how difficult that was for you. But you did your duty. You’re a fine lawyer.

Scott: What – do you say that to all your law partners?

Gail: Well I’m not a partner and I’m not a lawyer and I agree with Lee.

Scott: Lucy!

Lucy: Hey – there you are. Listen, this is over right? We’re done here so let’s concentrate now on the adoption please, huh?

Gail: Oh that’s right tomorrow’s the big day!

Scott: I want you two there!

Lee: Oh, wee wouldn’t miss it!

Lucy: Good.

Lee: We’ll see ya.

Lucy: Okay - See ya.

Scott: So long.

Lucy: Bye! (To Scott) Hey you know all that stuff they were saying over there – you deserve all that praise.

Scott: I gotta tell you something Lucy – I was hoping that when I heard the jury say not guilty, that I would believe.

Lucy: But you don’t.

Scott: I don’t.

Lucy: Ok – that’s ok because I believe justice was served today, and it’s done. Let’s just forget about it and concentrate on adopting Christina.

Scott: You’re right, you’re right let’s just move forward.

Lucy: Exactly we have so much to be happy about – do you realize Christina is going to be a Baldwin very, very soon.

Scott: She’s always been a Baldwin – it’s just, you know - making it legal.

Lucy: You’re right – thanks. I feel exactly the same way. But this is what I have in my head – okay you know how Serena always asks about the day she was born? Kids always wanna know “what happened the day I was born?” well now we have Christina we can’t do that – but we can explain to her how she was adopted. I wanna have everything special, who was there and write it down, maybe film it – I mean, I wanna make her memory absolutely beautiful.

Scott: I got a great idea.

Lucy: What?

Scott: I’ll call my friend Alvin at the lodge over there, see if we can get him to blow the cannon off ya know - when we sign the papers!

Lucy: Great idea…

Scott: It’s a good idea.

Lucy: of course we can get some earmuffs on Christina so we don’t deafen the poor child…

Back in the courtroom

Julie: Ok, what did you do – bribe the jury?

Chris: No cross my heart – you did this all by yourself.

Julie: I can’t believe how much faith you have in me.

Chris: You’re my wife, and Christina’s mother – why wouldn’t I?

Julie: Have you heard any more about Christina’s adoption?

Chris: Yeah, they sign the final papers tomorrow afternoon.

Julie: It’s so fast – why do I have to go back to Ferncliff at all? All I want is my baby girl!

Chris: You’ll have her soon enough. OK? Just breeze through the evaluation and we’ll run right over to Scott and Lucy’s and tell them that you are Christina’s mother?

Julie: Yeah but why is Rachel so convinced that my only chance of getting Christina back is to wait until I’m proven a fit mother?

Chris: Rachel is wrong. You need to claim Christina before Scott & Lucy finalize that adoption.

Julie: You’re right – I can’t believe Chris - soon I’m going to have my little girl back!

Guard: Mrs. Ramsey – it’s time to go.

Julie: (to Chris) I’ll meet you back at Ferncliff (they kiss).

Elsewhere in the courtroom

Kevin: How do you feel about trying to wipe that smile off Rachel Locke’s face?

Eve: Whaddya have in mind?

Kevin: That message we heard on her answering machine.

Eve: You mean the one for Livvy?

Kevin: Yeah – let’s see if it elicits any response from her.

Eve: Lead the way.

Kevin: Rachel – I have to say you must love winning.

Rachel: About as much as you hate losing. You know you gave it your best effort Kevin you just failed.

Kevin: And you gave it your best effort and you succeeded. Livvy.

Rachel: What did you call me?

Kevin: You mean no one ever said you seem like a Livvy before?

Rachel: No. I’ve never even heard the name. Excuse me. (Rachel leaves and looks visibly upset in the hallway.

Eve: Did you see the look on her face?

Kevin: I sure did. And it seems like we’re one step closer to finding out what makes Rachel run. I’m just sorry it has no bearing on Julie’s case.

Eve: Well Julie is soon to be among us once again.

Kevin: That doesn’t mean I’m going to back off.

Eve: You know I think I can almost hear the wheels spinning in that mind of yours.

Kevin: That’s because they are – trying to find a way to make sure Julie isn’t a danger to herself or anyone else.

Eve: But after the evaluation Julie is free to go - what more can you do? (Kevin smiles mysteriously) Why do I even ask?

Commercial break

Back to GH

Courtney: He was like a stranger.

Frank: He’s a kid Courtney – he doesn’t know how to show his feelings.

Courtney: What if he never lets me in again Frank?

Frank: He will - it’s just gonna take some time, you know?

Courtney: Yeah.

Frank: I fought so hard with you about not telling him I’m his Dad – maybe you were right all along.

Joe: Okay guys this is the situation. If he doesn’t eat I’m gonna have to put him on a feeding tube.

Frank: Whoa whoa – slow down, you don’t make all the decisions here.

Joe: Frank he can’t afford to get any weaker.

Frank: I’ll work on getting him to eat.

Joe: His own Mother couldn’t get him to eat what makes you think you can?

Frank: Well I’m sure as hell gonna try.

Courtney: Ok ok that’s enough. Do you think a feeding tube is necessary?

Joe: If he doesn’t eat he’s gonna die, yes.

Courtney: Then we should do it.

Frank: Courtney –

Courtney: Frank – Joe has been Neil’s doctor for a long time, I trust him.

Frank: And I think I should have something to say in what happens to my son.

Joe: Hmm.

Frank: Those tubes are awful. Look – let’s put the tube off for one day – that’s all I ask. One day – and let’s see if Neil eats on his own.

Joe: Ok one day, but that’s it, ok? He needs his strength if he wants any chance of getting back into that clinical trial.

Courtney: Have you heard anything at all from Karen?

Joe: She spoke to one doctor out in LA. He turned her down – but she’s gonna go over his head to his superior. But so far no luck. Guys – we still have the blood drive, OK? There’s always a chance a bone marrow donor could be found.

Frank: You never know – a miracle could happen.

The Firehouse

Scott: Listen no – it’s 42 not 33 now – homework finished.

Serena: Dad, Lucy said the trial ended. Who won?

Scott: Julie’s free – not guilty.

Serena: So Julie didn’t kill John?

Scott: That’s what the jury believes.

Serena: There’s this kid in my class – Sam, he got in trouble for taking Becky Wilson’s pokemon cards. He said he didn’t do it, but nobody believed him.

Scott: So what happened?

Serena: It turned out that Becky’s little sister took the cards, not Sam. We all felt really bad.

Scott: You see there’s a lesson there – we shouldn’t punish anyone unless we’re absolutely sure they deserve it.

Lucy: Well you know, on that note, I think we need to get excited about Christina’s adoption ceremony tomorrow! Who’s ready? She’s ready!

Serena: She’s ready and I am ready!

Lucy: You know I already put the card you made for her in her baby book – it looks great!

Serena: I am so psyched that you guys are allowing me to skip school!

Scott: Well of course, of course – you know I wanna have all of the family present at this adoption!

Lucy: Do you realize come tomorrow you are gonna be with us forever and ever, and ever and ever?

Ferncliff

Rachel: (toasting w/ paper water cups) To Julie!

Chris: Alright - Here here! And when we get out of this place we’ll celebrate with the real thing!

Julie: How soon can I have the exit evaluation?

Rachel: Today! Today – I already planned for it. (They hug)

Julie: Oh thank you – you keep coming through for me!

Rachel: And I always will.

Julie: Promise – promise this isn’t going to be hard.

Rachel: Just a couple of questions and you will be out of here.

Julie: I can’t believe this nightmare is finally over.

Kevin: Not quite yet.

Chris: Get out of here Collins, this is a private party.

Kevin: Julie you do know that you have to pass an exit evaluation before you can be released.

Rachel: Yes I’ve already arranged for that it’s gonna happen today, someone from Ferncliff is gonna examine her.

Kevin: I spoke to the head of the State Mental Health department. A psychiatrist disassociated from Ferncliff will conduct her exit evaluation tomorrow.

Chris: What is your problem?

Rachel: I’d say it’s that Kevin doesn’t know when to give up. Julie’s been given her life back there’s nothing you can do to stop that.

Kevin: Maybe not. But I can at least try to get her the treatment she needs before she’s released.

Rachel: She’s getting the treatment she needs right now from me.

Kevin: Then you wouldn’t have a problem with an unbiased therapist conducting her evaluation.

Julie: I won’t forget this Kevin. (Kevin leaves the visiting room)

Chris: This guy’s out for blood.

Rachel: Well he’s not gonna get away with it.

Julie: Rachel you have to do something.

Rachel: I’m gonna go ask some questions, I’ll be right back.

Julie: What are we gonna do? Tomorrow will be too late to stop the adoption!

Chris: You’ll get out of this place, whether Kevin Collins likes it or not.

Julie: If I don’t, I could lose Christina forever.

And the show is OVER.