Daily Updates

Port Charles Update for Wednesday, 10-Sep-2003

September 10, 2003

[Open with Chris [yippee!] and Elizabeth at Chez Ramsey]

Chris comes out of his back room just as a woman garment worker heads in with her arms full of cloth and nearly runs into him. She excuses herself and goes past him.

Chris declares [to Elizabeth, who is fiddling with some papers on the desk] that “this has GOT to stop! Elizabeth!” [To get her attention]

E: Just the man I needed to see [holds up paper and pen to him] I just need to get George’s signature - -

C: What?!

E: S’il vous plait…

C; Look, when is this going to end? I feel like I’m running a geriatric sweatshop here - -

E; Ssssh! [She smiles at him] Smile. Smile. Just sign it – time is money and we both hate losing money [this is cute and makes me smile, but Chris is [apparently] a tough nut to crack and he still looks glum]

[he gives her a ‘ok, I’ll sign’ kind of shrug – she turns and places the paper down on the desk, he reaches past her to sign – he is close behind her and as she turns and looks at him and he turns and looks at her their faces are inches apart and it has an intimate feeling to it]

[This nice moment is interrupted by at loud fast knocking at the door]

C; [still looking at Liz for a long moment] I should get that [he leaves her and goes to the door. It’s Ian who rushes in past Chris]

I: good. I’m glad you’re here!

C: what’s up?

E: I’ll just get back to work [she takes the papers with a cute little gesture and goes into the back room]

C: if this is about the serum, I warned you it wasn’t ready.

I: ‘Not ready’ is an understatement – it didn’t do anything!

C: I know, Ian - --

I: [interrupting] you promised me it would take care of my vampire symptoms! That I’d get back to normal!

C: I didn’t promise you anything. I’m still working on it. The one good thing that came out of this failed experiment is that I’ve had time to make some adjustments. [No, there were two good things – more air time for Chris ]

I: [interrupts again] good! Let’s try it again! [VERY impatient here]

C: no no - this time we test it!

I: You will test it – on me!

C; it’s NOT READY!

I: I don’t have time to argue with you! Let’s do it NOW! I want my life back!

[Cut to [Wow!] Kevin, in the hall at GH] [Chris, Ian and Kevin all in one day – circle the date in red on the calendar, I’m saving THIS tape for sure!]

[Kevin sits in his chair near a table where he’s using his ‘good’ hand to thumb through a magazine][In the background, we see Lucy see him]

Lucy stops – and seems to have to take a moment and decide whether to greet him [his back is to her] [She finally joins him]

L: So, did Dr Light have anything to say? Any good news?

K: um – yeah – she said I’m making progress.

L: well, good that’s … wonderful [she lacks any enthusiasm here, and is fidgety and nervous, looking around]

K: Well, it’s just a little bit at a time – I’m getting some feeling in my arm – my leg.

L: great.

K: sit down [she says no] no, really - sit down [she gives in and sits]

L: well, that physical therapy – it works wonders when it works, doesn’t it?

K: It’s not really just the therapy – it started with you. [She looks even more uncomfortable when he says this] Well, it did, Lucy. You letting me come and stay with you and Ian – but mainly – being near Christina, that really helped [he looks so cute during this and she is actively avoiding looking at him [and he is noticing that?]]

L: Good. Well, I’m really glad that … we … could help.

K: I know it was hard on you and Ian.

L: [looks down and away – no answer]

K: ok, Lucy – out with it [he knows her so well]

L: what?

K: It’s Ian, isn’t it?

L: no – no, it’s not. [Still not quite meeting his gaze as she answers]

K: Did he hurt you?

L; no! He didn’t, he would nev…. He would never hurt me. He’s - he’s …um.. Just having a little difficulty dealing with all of this – you know.

K: well, I’m sorry. I was afraid that would happen.

L: [eyes narrowing] don’t do that! You aren’t. You aren’t sorry

[Another reminder of why I LOVE K&L together so much – the small and wonderful interactions between LH and JRL are just so fascinating. It’s too hard for me to put into words the great nonverbal signals they accompany these words with]

[Cut to Alison, [dressed in pretty white shirt – thank you for finally changing] now as she thumbs through HER magazine babbling on about all the things she needs to do for the wedding]

Even Rafe must think she’s babbling as he comes her and hugs her from behind, telling her to ‘whoa’ and that she can slow down – they don’t have to get married right that minute – she should take her time.

Alison disagrees – she thinks they waited long enough – she loves him so much and just doesn’t want to wait any longer and he does believe her, doesn’t he?

He agrees that he believes her and then gives her a little smooch – and tells her that he thinks it’s AMAZING that she can’t wait. [Me, too, but for other reasons]

She grabs her magazine stuff and tells him that she has a lot to do and must get to work. He goes off to take a quick run and promises to come back and help her – he goes out the door and says [to no one in particular] “I’m on my way!’

Back inside, Alison is telling herself - in particular - that she and Rafe are going to be happy. And they are going to get married. And nothing is going to change. Just like Caleb said. And since her saying it is NEVER enough, we now get a flashback of the conversation that she and Caleb had in the barn where he said what she just said he said – PLUS –and extra bonus flashback of the sex scenes where Alison said she didn’t know why she couldn’t stop and he said neither could he – then Caleb licking her hand – then more sex – then her flashback is interrupted by a hard knocking at the door]

Alison answers – it’s Livvie, who enters [without being asked to] announcing that Alison “finally got what she wanted!”

A: [gack!] what are you talking about?!

L: He threw me out!

A: [gack, again] what?!

L: I took his ring –

A; [no surprise gacking here] wait - what were you trying to accomplish when ….

L: I wanted to make him happy, Alison – so I made a wish – I wished that he would have the most passionate night of his life! But the problem is, he wasn’t with me!

Alison just looks at her [tears in her eyes] and we leave to join Rafe [in the woods] who stops running and yells:

R: All right! You called me! Here I am! [Ollie Ollie Oxen-free!]

[We see Caleb materialize over near some bushes]

C: welcome back, Slayer.

[Credits]

[Girl Talk with Alison and Livvie]

A: Surely you don’t; think that he was ….
L: …that he was with you?! Yeah, that’s what he told me [and don’t call me Shirley!]
A: [GACK]
L: He wasn’t -Alison! – Don’t you think I know that!? He was trying to get even with me for taking his ring – what better way than to tell me that his night of passion was with you?!
A; [gack] Right, but he did tell you that ….?

L: But I can’t [she is missing all the clues that Alison is sending – she is so intent on her own thoughts and emotions] get that image out of my head – the two of together …!

A: I don’t even know why you’re here – why don’t you stop torturing yourself – why don’t you just get out of here? [GOOD question]

L: as soon as you stop pretending that you’re not happy!
A: Happy about what?!
L: to hear that he’s left me! [Technically, he tossed you, not left you]

A: what are you talking about?
L: come on, Alison, all you ever wanted was to turn him against me – to make him yours!
A: Why don’t you get it through your head! I don’t want Caleb! I have never wanted Caleb! The only person I want is Rafe! And anyone with eyes can see that! You are so paranoid about your own relationship that you can’t see that –well, now, look what you’ve done!

L: shut up!

Alison basically tells her that if she has anyone to blame – it is herself – she tried to manipulate Caleb like she tries to manipulate everyone – and Livvie agrees with Alison that it is all Livvie’s fault and she is totally responsible and that Livvie drove Caleb away and how did I get out of PC and into the Twilight Zone without hearing that dee dee dee dee theme music at all….

But, before I can figure that out, we go to the Park, Caleb and Rafe ….]

Caleb apologizes for tearing Rafe away from Alison so soon after Rafe just got back from Hell – Rafe cheerfully tells Caleb that’s OK – he and Alison have the rest of their lives to spend together – one without Caleb. Caleb is surprised to hear that Rafe wants him out of his life, after Rafe broke into his apartment and read his book and - Rafe interrupts to rave about how great a read the book is - a great summer read, the kind you bring to the beach with you [or is that to the Sun of a Beach with you?] And complete with a road map to Hell! [He should send it to Oprah’s Club]

Caleb is NOT impressed: “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING ABOUT?!” He asks.

Rafe doesn’t give a really straight answer, he just informs Caleb that going to Hell wasn’t all bad – and though Caleb reports that he heard Rafe’s trip to Hell was a nightmare, Rafe tells him that on the contrary, it was the best thing that could ever have happened to him and Caleb.

He’s got Caleb’s attention now, and Caleb even tells him that he does – Rafe goes on to explain that he learned in Hell that Caleb gets to keep his ring, Rafe gets his freedom from Caleb and BTW, he feels cleansed – like he is steping out of the darkness into the light – like he is getting his first breath of fresh air in God-know how long – before he can list any other tired analogies, Caleb cuts him off – telling him that he gets the idea, OK?

But wait – he realizes he doesn’t.
C: I don’t know what you’re saying!

[Sigh]

Rafe puts it in the simplest term he can: the war between them is over: Caleb gets his ring, his eternal life, and Rafe gets to keep out of Caleb’s way. But apparently Rafe has only 2 out of 3 right: Caleb has the ring, his eternal life – but Rafe is not getting to keep out of the way – Caleb stops him [grabs his arms and everything] and informs him that the war is over ONLY when Caleb says it’s over. And the scene is over and we go to commercials ……

Back with Kevin and Lucy ….

K: well, I don’t know what to say, Lucy. For you to think I have a hidden agenda when I’ve never been anything but honest with you ….!

L: Honest?! Yep – you’re right –you’ve been very honest. So honest that you just felt the NEED to admit that you want me back. Let’s try that now – you be honest – you’re glad all this is happening to Ian, aren’t you? You’re very glad that he has this – problem – as you call it – and you’re making his problem worse by pointing it out to him. Every. Single. Chance you get! You need to admit that you will USE IT to get exactly what you want!

K: [angry] when have I ever tried to come between you and Ian? Never! That’s when. Would I be happy if you two parted ways? Yes, I would. But not because I still love you – which I do – but because Ian. Is. A vampire! And believe it or not – that concerns me! And if the Universe were trying to send anyone a message – and if I were I were to try to decipher that message – I would wager that it has nothing to do with ME. You - of all people, Lucy – should know that the Universe is trying to tell you to stay away from Ian.

[Ooooooh what a good scene – the looks that flashed between them!]

[Back at Chez Ramsey]

C: I learned my lesson a long time ago [see: The Flu from Heck, Chris lies on the floor sick] using humans as guinea pigs …

I: I’m NOT human. [Chris looks at him, lots of compassion in that look] I’m not. Just do what you have to do. Double the dose, triple it. Whatever you have to do.

C; that’s real scientific, doctor! I know you’re frustrated, but we are dealing with uncharted territory here. That’s why you have to be patient, and you KNOW that.

I: well, I’m - - -

[Elizabeth enters, excusing the interruption, but she has to get one more signature – she takes Chris to one side while he wonders aloud what is he even signing now and they fuss with it]

Ian uses the distraction to slip over to the chemistry set on the other side of the room and steal the vials of serum. He tells [the still-occupied-with-signing-papers] Chris that he realizes he should just relax and wait for Chris to give him the serum and he probably ought to be leaving now …Chris says “Hang in there; we’ll get it" while Ian toddles away, theft undetected.

Chris asks Elisabeth if they are finished now – she apologizes and says she didn’t realize it needed two signatures and – their eyes meet – how sometimes you don’t even see what is right in front of you –

C; [still gazing at her] I – I know how that can be sometimes … you know you really ought not to wear that perfume if you are going to be working here all the time

E: [smile] really? Why?

C; [a bit embarrassed, as if the prior words slipped out before he was aware he was even saying them [looks away]] [pinches the bridge of his nose] um … it kind of gives me a head ache [Liar!]

E; really? You know – you don’t know what a headache is! [Affronted] A headache is having to listen to YOU incessantly complaining!

C: what?! ME?! How about you - you never shut up – I mean if it’s not one thing – it’s the other! You want one more of this – one more of that - I’ll tell you one thing: I wish I’d never gotten involved in ANY of this!

The sewing woman comes out of the back room: Why don’t the two of you just do it already – and get it over with?!

Chris and Elizabeth’s eyes meet and then slide away from each other as we slide away back to the cat fight – I mean Girl Talk at Alison’s ……

Livvie is now bending Alison’s ear telling her now she loves Caleb and she always pushes away the people she loves and how she hates it when Alison is really nice to her – and Rafe and Alison are the perfect couple and Rafe trust her completely and Alison would never lie to or betray Rafe and ….

A: stop it! Stop saying that!

[In The Park, Rafe is busy trying to explain to Caleb that TODAY is his lucky day [no, he got lucky last night, as I remember] and that if Caleb is smart he will accept Rafe’s little peace offering and forget everything else.

But Caleb is not [apparently] smart, and besides, there is that one little thing that he can’t forget – he lives with it every day, you see – it’s what Rafe did to him – what he took from him – when Rafe pushed Caleb into the Spring and Made Caleb into a mortal. For even though he got his fangs back, it will never be the same, because Caleb has now had a taste of what it’s like to be human [instead of just tasting what humans are like]

Rafe finds it incredible that Caleb is grieving that he might have some semblance of a conscience – but assures Caleb that from Rafe’s view, Caleb’s soul is still pretty dark.

And it is darker than even Rafe can see, as Caleb assures him that he has no idea how dark it is ….

Caleb steps past Rafe, and puts his back to him – while Rafe tells Caleb to hold onto his grudge – but – Rafe is moving on and that he and Alison are getting married – THIS gets a reaction from Caleb- but Rafe is behind him and misses the look that hits Caleb’s face upon hearing of the upcoming nuptials.

While Rafe insists that there is no place for ancient stupid war, Caleb comes back at him saying that maybe he’ll decide to get back at Rafe – but then he laughs and says he was only joshing with Rafe and putting him on – he’ll be happy to accept the truce and – about Alison – he realizes that she is “all right” - as he has come to learn lately – and Rafe can accept Caleb’s giving in to a truce as an early wedding present.

Rafe seems to take Caleb at his word [why is everyone but Livvie doing that lately?] and when Caleb tells him to “get out of here, Slayer – your happily ever after is waiting for you”, Rafe turns to go.

Caleb: “and I’ll be watching for that wedding invitation in the mail.”

R: funny guy! [Leaves]

C; yeah, funny guy [smiles his most evil smile]

[Commercials]

[Chez Ramsey]

C: Iris [NOW I know the name of the sewing lady!] If you think Elizabeth and I - - !
E; there’s no way that ---

Iris: Oh Bull! [LOL, in this case, the same as “oh brother! ] she’s hot for you –n and you’re hot for her!

[Iris leaves the room]

E: she’s a great seamstress, just a little - -
C; a little?
E: I don’t know what kind of vibes she’s getting off of you - because I certainly would never –

C: whadja think, me? No! No.

[LMAO – this is really cute]

E: Let’s drop this, shall we?
C; yes – I think I have some work to do
E; nothing but – [grabs her papers and returns to the other room]

Chris steps over to his chemistry set – realizes the serum is gone: “Dammit!”

[Cut to Ian, shooting up with the serum, praying that this works]
[Cut to Kevin and Lucy]

K: Ian is a vampire [quietly, but insistent] you can only deny that for so long – but that won’t make it go away.

L: [big sigh] don’t you think I know that? [She’s quieter too, now] I love him with everything that is in me, and I can’t help him. I want - just to help him - - [her voice breaks, she cries a little]

K: come on [he reaches out with his good arm and places his hand on her clasped hands on the table] don’t cry – it’s going to be ok …

[Aha! Behind them, we see Ian peeking around the corner and he is NOT a happy camper at finding them holding hands – we can see from the look of hatred he’s giving Kevin]

[Back at the Girl Talk, Alison’s smooth handling of her reactions has FINALLY penetrated past Livvie’s habitual incredible self-absorption. Livvie now wonders if Alison HAS ever lied to Rafe?

But, speak of the Devil, um, Slayer – here is the former Mr. Livvie and future Mr. Alison now – back from his fun in the Park.

Rafe checks first to see if Alison is all right [there was no sign of blood, but you just can’t be too sure with these two, you know] and then asks them what is going on? They both explain: Girl Talk and Livvie adds [with significant emphasis] how out of character it would be for Alison to LIE to someone she loves.

Livvie leaves.

Alison and Rafe hug – Rafe asks what was the deal with the talk about lying and Alison explains it was because Caleb left Livvie [ yeah – he left her in the hall] and now Rafe decides THAT is why Caleb was acting oddly in the Park and any doubt he has had about accepting Caleb’s word has fled –

But the biggest Liar in PC [and that’s saying something, with Livvie in town] is now musing aloud on a Park bench how just because he can’t kill Rafe [nor Rafe him] it doesn’t mean the war is over!

C: there are some things worse than death [he looks at his ring] some things you can’t wish away.

And the show is over]