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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—night
Employees gather around the coffee station while Lulu conducts a meeting before they all leave for the day.
Lulu: Okay, so… you'll need to put in five dollars a month… if you drink coffee. Uh… let's see… Oh, as you know, Adoption Day's Saturday. And, uh… Burton Fallin has been good enough to donate his attorneys and his offices so we can make the whole thing happen. But, you need to remember that you'll be working with lawyers that aren't familiar with the adoption process… (Nick stands nearby—sighs, squirms) …so… oversee their work, definitely, but don't offend anyone. (Little chuckle) Huh. Okay? Uh… that's it. Your case assignments are in the meeting room. See ya tomorrow. (The group disperses)
Lulu: (Calls out—beckons to Nick) Nick. Nick. (He walks over) Your probation officer just called.
Nick: Why?
Lulu: There was an incident over at the Hazel Park playground. A three-year-old kid stepped on a discarded needle and got hepatitis.
Nick: What has that got to do with me?
Lulu: Well, the City wants to clean up the park now, like a photo-op kinda thing, and they wanna use community service probationers to do it.
Nick: I'm gonna be on a clean-up crew? (Incredulous)
Lulu: Yeah. It credits against your hours and… you know… it's for the kids.
Nick bobs his head and smiles then turns and walks to the elevator.
Scene: Hazel Park—morning
Nick drives up and parks. He steps out of the car wearing a hooded sweatshirt, carrying a large coffee. He pulls the hood up over his head, so as not to be recognized, and sets his car alarm. He walks onto the playground, passing a man.
Man: Hey, man. Spare some change?
Nick walks by without a comment and over to a group of probationers awaiting their instructions.
Chuck Banaszak: Okay, probationers. My name is Chuck. Listen the hell up. There's rules here today, gentlemen.
Lonnie Grandy: (Standing next to Nick) Mr. Fallin.
Nick looks at Lonnie without a clue.
Chuck: No cell phones and no pagers.
Lonnie: Hey.
Chuck: I catch you talking on a cell phone…
Nick: (Still trying to place him) Hey.
Lonnie: Lonnie. Lonnie Grandy? Yeah, what're you doin' here?
Chuck: …each hour.
Nick: Just… you know… helping out.
Lonnie: Uh… I thought this was just for, uh…
Nick: Right.
Lonnie: …you know.
Chuck: Make sure you sign in so I know you're here. Awright, just pick up your rubber gloves over here at the picnic benches. Discard all drug paraphernalia, condoms and beer bottles into the medical waste bags.
Lonnie: I was worried about you, man. I thought you, like, died or somethin'.
Nick: (Shakes his head) No.
Lonnie: (Chuckles) Yeah, I thought like something had happened… but, uh… I mean, I guess… You don't remember me, do you?
Nick: (Smiles) I'm sorry.
Lonnie: You represented me a couple years ago. I stole credit cards from my foster parents. They kicked me out.
Nick: (Still doesn't remember) Right. Right.
Lonnie: You know, I tried calling you a couple times… like, a few months ago. Did you get my messages or…?
Nick: No. No messages.
Lonnie: Huh, well… Yeah, I tried calling you a bunch of times.
Chuck: All right. We'll start working from the outside of the park, in. (Nick picks up a pair of rubber gloves) And remember tomorrow we start paintin' so… wear old shoes.
Scene: An old car on an adjacent street to Hazel Park--daytime
Laura Donnellon sits in the car. Her baby, Virginia, is in a carseat. The baby fusses.
Laura: Ssh. It's okay, Virginia.
Laura sees a car pull up to the curb a car length ahead of her. She quickly gets out of her car and walks to the passenger side of the car that just pulled up, cautiously looking around. Baby cries.
Laura: You got money?
Man: Yeah, right here.
Laura quickly gets in the car, removes her gum, and proceeds to give the guy a blow-job.
Scene: Hazel Park playground—later
Nick piles two bags of debris onto a pile of other bags and walks to his car. He sees baby Virginia alone in the car, crying.
Nick: (To the baby) Hello. (He looks around—sees a woman sitting on a nearby bench) Is… is this your kid? (Woman shakes her head)
He looks around and doesn't see anyone. Reaches for his cell phone and dials Social Services.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—reception area
Nick walks in, still dressed in his sweatshirt, carrying his suit in a bag. He sees that Adoption Day preparations have taken over the office. Lulu steps up to greet him.
Lulu: Hi.
Nick: Hey.
Lulu: How was the clean-up crew?
Nick: Oh, it was fine, I guess. Uh… you don't need any help around here, do you?
Lulu: Uh… well… how about changing a diaper?
Nick: I'll be in my office. (Walks off)
Lulu: Okay. (Laughs and walks towards the conference room)
Lulu: (To a little boy—marking on the counter) No-no-no. Come with me.
Burton: (Steps out of his office with a couple carrying a baby) Ileana. Raphael. See you on Saturday then. Okay? (They shake hands)
Raphael Hendrickson: Thank you so much, Mr. Fallin.
Burton: Good luck.
Burton opens the file in his hands and, standing at the door to the conference room, he calls out the name.
Burton: Okay, uh… Hal and Ria Lewinski.
Hal Lewicki: (Steps up and extends his hand) Lewicki.
Burton: Oh, I'm sorry. Burton Fallin.
Hal: Hi, I'm Hal. This is Ria. And this is Terence. (Six-month-old African-American baby)
Burton: Hi. (Shakes hands with Ria) How are you? (To Terence) Hey. (To the Lewickis) Go right on in.
Hal: Thanks.
Burton ushers them into his office.
Burton's office
Ria: This is such a blessing.
Hal: Yeah.
Ria: We've been through so much to make it to this day.
Burton: I'm sure.
Ria: Before this we, uh… It was, uh…
Hal: Well, we were, uh… Well, this was before we met Roz, Terence's birth mother. We were scammed. We tried to adopt over the internet. They told us the baby had died during childbirth.
Burton: Oh…
Hal: Ria was… Ria was devastated.
Ria: Hal talked me into trying to adopt again. I didn't want to but…
Burton: Hum, well…
Ria: (Notices Roz in the lobby through Burton's office window) Oh, there she is. Roz! Roz! In here. (Waves as she gets her attention—Roz waves back) Roz is a cleaning lady at the Ft. Pitt Hotel.
Burton: Oh… (Stands as Roz appears in the doorway) Hi.
Roz: Sorry, yuns guys. Sorry.
Burton: That's all right. Come on in. Come on in.
Ria: Roz, this is Burton Fallin. He's handling Terence's adoption.
Burton: How are ya?
Roz: (They shake) Hey.
Burton: Good to see you. Sit down there. Filling out this last form for the Lewickis, here.
Ria: Do you wanna hold Terence?
Roz: No-no-no. I think… I think I'd better not do that. 'Cause I'll just bawl so…
Ria: Roz has two other children. They're teenagers. And… she's had a hard time supporting them. And… well, the older one's been in a few foster homes. And, Terence, here, was unexpected.
Roz: That's why I'm doing this. 'Cause I can't afford to keep Terence.
Burton: Oh… I'm sure it was a… very difficult decision for you to make.
Roz: It was. And, signing those papers was, like… (Near tears—touches her chest. Ria reaches out to her. They hold hands) (Sighs) Can I hold him now, please?
Ria: (Hands Terence to Roz) Here.
Roz holds Terence for a second, then tearfully hands him back.
Roz: Okay. I'm gonna go back to work 'cause I told my manager that I… I was gonna go to the bathroom so… Thank you. God bless. (Quickly exits)
Roz passes Nick (now dressed in his suit) in the hallway. She is disoriented and looking for the elevator.
Lulu: (To Nick) Where ya going?
Nick: Well, I can't find my wallet. I think I might've dropped it in the park.
Lulu: Oh. D'you need money or anything?
Nick: No. No. You know, it's probably in my car. (Turns and walks out)
Lulu: Okay.
Roz comes back into the reception area, clearly upset.
Roz: Where's the elevator?
Lulu: Are you okay?
Roz: I'm fine. I'm just… Where's the elevator?
Lulu: (Points) It's over there. Could I help you with something?
Roz: (Turns to answer—walking backwards) No, I'm fine. I just wanted to know where the elevator was? (Trips over a box of files and falls hard to the floor—screaming in pain)
Lulu: Oh, my God. (Rushes to her) Oh… no.
Everyone looks up. Burton comes out of his office.
Lulu: Call… call an ambulance.
Scene: Hazel Park playground
Nick walks through the playground looking for his wallet. He sees Social Services has arrived to take Virginia. Suzanne Pell stands with Laura Donnellon as she talks to a police officer.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—reception area
Nick walks in. Lulu meets him.
Lulu: Hey, did you find your wallet?
Nick: No. You remember a kid named Lonnie Grandy?
Lulu: Who?
Nick: Lonnie Grandy. Says we represented him about eighteen months ago.
Lulu: No. Why?
Nick: Uh… no reason. (Glances through the window into Burton's office—Burton beckons)
Lulu: Okay. Well, um… (Kisses him on the cheek—Nick glances at Burton—pulls away from the kiss) I'm gonna bring dinner home tonight. I'll see you at seven.
Nick: All right.
Nick enters Burton's office and shuts the door.
Burton: You and Lulu living together now, or…?
Nick: (Reluctantly) Yeeeah.
Burton: Oh. She tell ya about the accident?
Nick: What accident?
Burton: Well, this woman fell over a box of files in the lobby and… broke her arm in a couple places and…
Nick: Any witnesses?
Burton: About a dozen.
Nick: Well, great. So if she wants to sue us she won't have any problem proving negligence.
Burton: Yeah. I already called Alan Berkowitz over at Northeastern.
Nick: All right. Good.
Burton: Yeah… okay.
Nick turns to walk out.
Burton: Well, hey, um… 'bout Lulu… (Nick turns back and frowns) …I'm, uh… I'm happy as hell for ya.
Nick: Thank you.
Burton: I was thinking about… getting you guys a gift or something. Is there anything you… you need or…?
Nick: A gift?
Burton: Yeah.
Nick: No. Uh… thank you, uh… but we're fine.
Burton: Well, I'm… I'm just very pleased about the way everything's turning out and… all the way around. I'm just… very pleased.
Nick: Right. (Exits)
Scene: Burton's house—kitchen--night
Burton: There ya go. (Hands Shannon a bowl of soup) Well, it's gonna be exciting… all these kids being… having their adoptions finalized on one day. (Ladles another bowl)
Shannon: In court?
Burton: Yeah. I mean, they're already living with their families but it takes a judge to make it legal so…
Shannon: Kinda like getting married.
Burton: Yeah. (Chuckles) Maybe… maybe even better. (They sit down to eat) (Long pause) Shannon…
Shannon: Yeah?
Burton: How would you feel… about uh… I mean, what would you think about my, uh… adopting you?
Scene: Hazel Park—another day
Laura Donnellon sits on a park bench.
Laura: (To a man passing by) You got a light? Excuse me. (He ignores her and walks on past)
Nick walks by.
Laura: Hey, you got a light?
Nick: No.
Laura: Where you from?
Nick: Shadyside.
Laura: Shadyside? Not a lotta laborers from Shadyside.
Nick: Well, I'm not a laborer.
Laura: 'The doer alone learneth,' Shadyside.
Nick: What's that?
Laura: You wanna date? Twenty bucks.
Nick gives her a look and walks off.
Playground—moments later
Nick paints a park bench bright red. Lonnie stands nearby painting another bench.
Chuck: (Walks up to Nick) What's your name, son?
Nick: What's that?
Chuck: Your name.
Nick: Nick Fallin.
Chuck: Get your back into it, Franklin. We can't spend a month out here.
Nick gives him a look as he walks off. He continues to paint the bench. Lonnie walks over to him.
Lonnie: Chuck supervised me last month—highway clean-up. He just picks on the new guys.
Nick: Cancelled my cards.
Lonnie: What're you talking about?
Nick: My wallet.
Lonnie: (Pause) You know, when you represented me I really looked up to you, man. After you helped me out, I thought what you did… thought you were, like, the greatest guy.
Nick: So you did steal my wallet.
Lonnie: You don't get it. Uh, once you're eighteen… just disappear. I mean, one day I had all this help. Social workers acting like that you gave a crap about me and then the next day… Well, the next day, I was on my own, you know? (Chuckles) Yeah, I was totally lost. So, then this guy, you see, he tells me if I invest my school loan money with him he can, like, double it in a week or a month or something, yeah? So I give it to him.
Nick: That was smart.
Lonnie: This guy, he said he, uh… he said he lost it all on some biotech stock, but… So, then I called you to see if you might help and you never called me back.
Nick: Lonnie. I just want me wallet back.
Lonnie: And the college, right? See, they're wanting paid. And I can't come up with the money, right? So… So sometimes I hang around Carnegie Mellon. I ripped off this rich kid's credit card and I got caught.
Nick: You not hearing me? I want my wallet back.
Lonnie: (Angrily) See I'm not in college! I'm on probation! All because you never bothered to call me back.
They glare at each other for a moment. Lonnie finally walks away.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Nick, Burton and Alan Berkowitz listen to a presentation by Ron Halpern, a personal injury lawyer for Roz Kempf. A portable x-ray machine shows Roz' fractured arm.
Halpern: The upper humerus was shattered. Displaced fracture of the radius. Compound fracture of the ulna. It's gonna take several surgeries and a long rehabilitation period.
Burton: All right.
Halpern: We've run some numbers. Medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering. (Slides the paper across the table)
Berkowitz: (Looks over the demand) Five hundred thousand dollars?
Halpern: Mr. Fallin's premises. Mr. Fallin's hazard. Mr. Fallin's liability.
Berkowitz: We'll never go to five hundred thousand.
Halpern: Ms. Kempf may not regain full use of her wrist. A jury might give her seven figures.
Berkowitz: Fifty.
Halpern: Light.
Burton: Ron, you've been working on this case one day. I mean, you're walking away with twenty thousand dollars for one meeting. (Chuckles)
Halpern: All right. The fair number… is three hundred.
Berkowitz: It's gonna take a lot of work on your part to get to the fair number.
Halpern: One fifty.
Berkowitz: One thirty seven.
Halpern: Done. (Nick smiles) I'll call you later today. (Shakes hands with Berkowitz and Burton)
Burton: Okay, Ron. Thanks.
Halpern: Sure.
Burton: Good to see you.
Halpern: Nice seeing you, too.
Berkowitz: Your deductible is fifty thousand, Burton. I'll have our rep call you with your new premium.
Burton: Yeah, thanks, Alan. Thanks. (Berkowitz exits)
Nick: You know, uh, Lulu, she feels… she feels terrible about this.
Burton: Oh, no. Tell her not to worry about that. But, uh… I did wanna talk to you about something, Nicholas. Uhm… I'm, uh… I've been seriously considering adopting Shannon.
Nick: (Pause) Oh… (Nods)
Burton: Asked her consent last night and, uh… she said, 'yes', so…
Nick: Right. Well, you need my help with anything?
Burton: No. But, thanks. Matter of fact, Lulu's helping me out.
Nick: Lulu. Great. Well, she knows what she's doing.
Burton: Good.
Nick: All right. (Abruptly heads for the door)
Burton: Okay, take are. Oh, by the way, did you ask her about that housewarming gift?
Nick: No. Forgot.
Burton: Well, ask her. (Nick gives him a look and exits, closing the door behind him)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office
Lulu comes to the door with a file in her hands.
Lulu: Laura Donnellon?
Laura: What? Oh, that's me. (Enters the office)
Moments later
Lulu: So, Miss Donnellon, there will be a shelter hearing later this afternoon.
Laura: Right.
Lulu: And, uh… given your situation there's no way that the judge will grant you custody of your child.
Laura: Got it.
Lulu: Do you, uh… have any family in the region that might be willing to take Virginia?
Laura: Yeah. My family. I've got a son. My, uh… parents took him and won't let me see him, if that's what you're talking about.
Lulu: Do your parents know about your daughter?
Laura: Guess they're about to find out, huh?
Lulu: Yeah, well, uh… do they live in Pittsburgh?
Laura: Yeah. Uh… in Fox Chapel. My dad has that construction company by the airport.
Lulu: Donnellon Construction?
Laura: My dad… that's his company.
Lulu: Huh. Okay. Uh… well… the best thing for you to do is to… is to go to the hearing this afternoon and, uh… just be open to taking parenting classes and finding a job and definitely a drug treatment program.
Laura: Been there.
Lulu: Laura, you're coming here tells me that… that you want help.
Laura: 'Ever desiring, one sees the manifestation. Ever desireless, one sees the mystery.'
Lulu: What?
Laura: The Tao. It means wanting things makes you blind.
Lulu: So then you don't want help?
Laura: I am not a problem to be fixed.
Lulu: Okay, uhm… Well, we'll just tell the judge that you're, uh… willing to start making some changes and we'll go from there. (Laura gazes out the window—unhearing) Laura?
Laura: What?
Lulu: (Pause) Nothing.
Scene: Lonnie's apartment building—hallway
Nick knocks at apartment 504. Lonnie answers.
Nick: I called the community college. They've agreed to set up a new payment plan for you so you can re-enroll.
Lonnie: Oh, man. (Chuckles) You just, like, totally fixed my life.
Nick: I just made a call.
Lonnie: You… uh… I… I can't even believe it. I don't… I don't know what to say.
Nick: (Hands him a card) Call this number. Use my name and they'll work it out with you.
Lonnie: I just tell them my attorney, Nick Fallin, told me to call and then they'll help?
Nick: Yeah. (Cocks his head—waiting)
Lonnie goes into the apartment, retrieves the wallet and hands it to him. Nick checks and the money is gone.
Lonnie: Uh… uh… I'll pay you back. The cash I took.
Nick: Right.
Lonnie: Yeah, so… You wanna come in or something… for… for a beer? (Nick turns and walks away) Hey, Nick…
Nick looks over his shoulder but keeps on walking.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—Judge Lutz's courtroom
Suzanne Pell: Virginia Donnellon was found unattended in the front seat of an old car. Her mother, Laura Donnellon, is believed to be a drug addict. She has been arrested twice for prostitution since her return to Pittsburgh in the last six months.
Judge Lutz: Your recommendation?
Suzanne: Well, Virginia cannot be returned to a car. Her maternal grandparents, Richard and Mary Donnellon, have agreed to provide a home for the child.
Judge: They're prepared to raise an infant?
Suzanne: Richard and Mary are already raising Laura's first child—a fourteen-year-old boy named Thomas. But, they do, however, have one condition.
Judge: A condition?
Suzanne: They request that, uh… their daughter, Laura, not have access to Virginia until she completes a drug rehabilitation program.
Judge: Ms. Archer, is your client coming?
Lulu: Uh… (Clears her throat) I think that she's on her way, Your Honor.
Judge: You think? (Pause) I'm not prepared to enter a ruling until I meet the mother. We'll reconvene tomorrow morning at eleven o'clock. (Gavel down)
Scene: Hazel Park—adjacent street
Lulu approaches Laura's car, parked at the curb, and knocks on the window. Laura lowers the glass.
Lulu: You missed your hearing.
Laura: My dad was there.
Lulu: Yeah, he was. And…
Laura: No! I mean, my dad was there.
Lulu: I don't understand.
Laura: I don't talk to my dad.
Lulu: (Pause) Your parents have taken temporary custody of Virginia.
Laura: You think this is about drugs?
Lulu: Well, Laura…
Laura: You know, I graduated second in my class at Fox Chapel High School. I went to Brown for three semesters.
Lulu: Okay.
Laura: My dad, Dick… drives up to Providence in his Mercedes. I was pregnant with Thomas. He walks into my dorm room and he tells me to pack. He tells me that we're going home. All the way back, Dick doesn't say a word… until we pull up in front of Mercyhurst Rehab Clinic then Dick finally talks. He says, 'get out.'
Lulu: What do you want me to do, Laura?
Laura: 'You are free, therefore choose.' (Emotional)
Lulu: I'm gonna tell the court that you are amenable to your baby being placed with your parents.
Laura: Yeah.
Lulu: And I'll tell the court to support your rehabilitation and to give you all of the services the County has to offer so that you can go back home. Your hearing is tomorrow morning at eleven. Tomorrow morning. I'll see ya there.
Scene: Burton's house—kitchen—night
Burton: Well, I appreciate you coming by, Roy.
Roy: Sure.
Burton: Here ya go. (Hands him a beer) So, how was, uh… how was Florida?
Roy: You know that lady I introduced you to, uh… Cheryl Ann?
Burton: Yeah.
Roy: Took my money and dumped me.
Burton: Really.
Roy: Uh-huh.
Burton: Well, I'm sorry to hear that.
Roy: Yeah, well, I'm sure you don't have those kind of problems. Not with your success.
Burton: (Chuckles) I don't know about that. But, uh… Roy, I… I just wanted to talk to you a little bit about Shannon's future.
Roy: Okay.
Burton: Well, you can imagine, you know, the best high schools, college, and graduate degree. A solid job.
Roy: And you're saying I can't provide those things.
Burton: I'm not so sure you can, Roy. See Shannon could be… whatever she wants to be. Have the opportunities to make choices that, uh… well, you and I never had when we were growing up.
Roy: Yeah?
Burton: That's what this is all about. Having options for Shannon, but…
Roy: So that, uh… lawyer lady that called said something about, should I choose to do this, that I'd be terminating my parental responsibilities.
Burton: You would be.
Roy: I have time to think about it?
Burton: Absolutely. Oh, and if you do sign, there will be a forty day revocation period, so…
Roy: Okay.
Burton: Okay?
Roy: Uh-huh.
Shannon comes in from school.
Shannon: (Exuberant) Burton, I'm home.
Burton: Hey, honey. Hey.
Shannon sees her father. Exuberance fades.
Shannon: Hey, Roy.
Roy: Hey, sweetheart.
Scene: Hazel Park—another day
Nick is on a scaffold, painting over graffiti on a brick wall.
Lonnie: (Walks up the ladder carrying a paint roller on a pole and a large travel coffee mug) Hey.
Nick: (Nick looks at him) Hey.
Lonnie: (Holds out the coffee mug) This is for you.
Nick: (Takes the mug) Thanks.
Lonnie: So, uh… So, I called that guy at the community college bursar's office… and, uh… he's willing to set up a payment schedule with me. And, if I, uh, keep up my first three payments, they'll re-issue my loan.
Nick: There ya go.
Lonnie: Yeah. See the thing is, though… I don't have a job. I mean, thanks and that, but… you know, I can't really afford to pay anything right now.
Nick: Oh…kay.
Lonnie: Uh… can you help me get a job?
Nick: Well, I don't know. (Takes a sip of coffee)
Lonnie: Oh, come on. You must know somebody at the clinic who can help me get a job.
Chuck: (Walks by) Franklin, I hope you brought enough coffee for everyone.
Lonnie: Ask you something?
Nick: Sure.
Lonnie: I got this girlfriend. Her name's Cindy. She's from Fox Chapel. She's a… she's a drama major at Carnegie Mellon. She wants to be a movie star. So I've been telling Cindy that, you know, that I go to CMU. That I'm working with computers.
Nick: Oh.
Lonnie: You know, if I told her I was an orphan or… who doesn't even go to community college… You know, who's on probation for stealing credit cards, and… That's not exactly what a girl like that wants to hear.
Nick: No.
Lonnie: Right. So… maybe, like, if you can help me get a job and that and I re-enroll in school… then she'll think I'm a guy with a future.
Nick: Yeah, she might.
Lonnie: Well…? (Nick ignores him) Thanks for helping me. (Nick gives him a look and keeps on painting)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Meeting between the Lewickis and Roz Kempf.
Ria: How are you, Roz?
Roz: I'm… It hurts a lot.
Ria: I'm so sorry.
Roz: Listen, I… I just… (Long pause) I want Terence back now.
Ria: What?
Roz: The only reason I gave him up was because I couldn't afford another kid. So… if we could just tear everything up.
Ria: But, you signed the papers.
Roz: The form said I could change my mind.
Ria: But, you had a time period… that's run out. Right, Mr. Fallin?
Burton: Well… well, this is not my area of expertise but, yeah, your revocation period has come and gone, but…
Roz: But the adoption hasn't gone through yet.
Ria: No. This is… No. He's ours now. We've been through the process. Tomorrow is just supposed to be a formality!
Roz: Please, give Terence back to me! Give him back! Please.
Ria looks at her husband.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—Judge Lutz's courtroom
Lulu: Your Honor, my client requests two hours of supervised visitation per week as well as one Sunday a month.
Kate Shaw: If any visitations are scheduled my clients would like them to be contingent upon Laura's successful completion of a drug rehabilitation program.
Lulu: Well, Your Honor, Laura Donnellon is willing to enter a drug treatment program but she would like immediate access to her child.
Kate: Again, my clients are only willing to take the child if their daughter is not allowed access until after her rehabilitation. Otherwise, as much as this pains them, they will not take the child.
Laura: Your Honor, may I speak?
Judge Lutz: Go ahead.
Laura: (Stands) Um… Nietzsche wrote that family love is messy—of an annoying and repetitive pattern. Like bad wallpaper. And… I've been kinda like that to my parents. I mean… repetitive in my actions and probably more than annoying. What I mean to say is… that I would like to go home… too. If, um… if this is an appropriate time to say so.
Judge: We are here only to discuss the placement of your daughter.
Laura: Right. I'm sorry. (Sits down)
Judge: If Laura Donnellon wishes to visit Virginia, she must give twenty-four hours' notice and she must be sober.
Kate: (Whispers to her clients) My clients accept the terms.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Hal Lewicki: This is a done deal, right? I mean, they can't make us give Terence back.
Burton: Um… I'm not sure, but, uh…
Ria: She already walked away from Terence. She signed the forms. She waited through the revocation period. It's done.
Hal: Fine, let's just move on with the adoption proceedings.
Burton: I think you're right.
Ria: (Pause) Roz did say that she only gave up the baby because she couldn't afford him.
Hal: Right.
Ria: And now she has the money to take care of him.
Hal: Right.
Ria: (Pause) So, I don't know if I can take this baby from her, if she doesn't wanna give him to us.
Hal: Ria. (She hands the baby to him)
Ria: I can't do it. (Breaks down in tears) I can't take this baby if she doesn't wanna give him to us.
Burton: Look, let's just meet with the judge first before you decide anything. Okay? (Clearly moved)
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—corridor
Laura: I was so stupid. I made a fool of myself.
Lulu: No. You didn't. You were great. I, uh… I talked to your parents. We scheduled a meeting tomorrow morning. Ten o'clock. My office.
Laura: Tomorrow morning.
Lulu: Right. Now, if you can make the meeting… I mean, if you can be straight…
Laura: Right.
Lulu: …then, uh… they'll discuss the possibility of you going home.
Laura: Okay.
Lulu: So, this is great news. It's a great start.
Laura: They seemed into it?
Lulu: Yeah, they did. They did. Uh… so… you know, if you're gonna have trouble getting to the meeting, uh… there's a shelter on Stanwix. You can stay there tonight.
Laura: No. I'd rather not. Tomorrow morning. Ten o'clock. (Lulu nods and turns away) I'll be there… this time.
Lulu: (Turns back) You better.
Scene: Judge Damsen's chambers
Judge Damsen: Mr. and Mrs. Lewicki, are you saying you will not finalize the adoption tomorrow?
Ria: Yes, Your Honor.
Judge Damsen: Okay. The child will remain under the jurisdiction of this court. Mrs. Kempf, there will be a shelter hearing on Monday, regarding your becoming a foster parent to your own child.
Roz: Thank you. (To Ria) Thank you.
Judge Damsen: You understand, all of you, this is a highly unusual situation.
Roz: But, the Lewickis said they'll give him back. And I have some money now. So… (She exits)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Nick's office
Nick walks in to find Shannon. He shuts the door.
Nick: Hello, Shannon.
Shannon: Hi. (He takes a seat) I thought maybe we should talk.
Nick: Why?
Shannon: Your dad wants to adopt me.
Nick: Uh… I heard.
Shannon: And, I want him to and my dad agreed, so… it's gonna happen.
Nick: Oh… kay.
Shannon: And I'm real excited. (Long pause) But… then I started thinking about you.
Nick: 'Bout me? (Points to himself)
Shannon: And I started to think you might be feeling kind of… jealous.
Nick: Right. (Nods with a little smile) Well, uh… I'm not jealous.
Shannon: I just wanna know if you're okay with all of this? Are you?
Nick: (Pause) I'm fine. (Phone rings—he answers) Yeah, this is Nick.
Scene: The Incline—daytime
Roy: (To waiter) Beer, please.
Burton: I'll have the same. Thanks. (Spreads out a form and passes it to Roy along with a pen)
Roy: (Looks over the form) Love… in this world that is a hard thing for a man like me to find.
Burton: (Chuckles) Well… I think we all struggle with that particular little deal.
Roy: So I thought about what you said. And at first I thought you were right. Opportunities are what my little girl should have. Then, you know, I started thinking, I love my girl. And she loves me. And that love deserves an opportunity, as well. So, what I decided to do is establish myself here in town and I'm gonna do my best to see if I can set up some kinda life here.
Burton: I'm, uh… not real sure what… what you're saying.
Roy: Mr. Fallin, don't think of this as a competition, please. It's not that. (Shoves the form back across the table)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—lobby--night
Nick walks down the corridor on his way to the elevator and encounters Lonnie in the lobby. He tries to reverse course but it's too late—he's been spotted.
Lonnie: Hey, Nick. Hey.
Nick: Hey.
Lonnie: Wh… I hope you don't mind I'm up here.
Nick: No, it's…
Lonnie: Got a job. (Points at a greasy bag of fast food) Henry's, uh… Burger Haus.
Nick: Great.
Lonnie: Start next week. Minimum wage plus tips.
Nick: Congratulations.
Lonnie: I just wanted to, you know… thank you.
Nick: Yeah, well, you could've waited till tomorrow.
Lonnie: I was thinking… now that I got this job and the whole school thing's working out…
Nick: Right.
Lonnie: …I was thinking maybe I'd, uh… tell Cindy the truth… about who I am. D'you think I should do that?
Nick: Yeah, I guess. Whatever.
Lonnie: Okay. Then, uh… I'm gonna do that. (Pause) Wish me luck?
Nick: Good luck. (Walks towards the door)
Lonnie: You going out this way? (Nick just gives him a look) I'll… I'll come. (Lonnie follows)
Scene: Burton's house—kitchen—night
Burton sits reading a document when Shannon enters and goes to the refrigerator for a drink.
Burton: Hey, honey.
Shannon: Hey. Want something to drink? (Shows her his drink)
Burton: Sweetheart, about the adoption.
Shannon: Yeah?
Burton: Your father changed his mind. He's, uh… he's not willing to give his consent.
Shannon: What's that mean?
Burton: Well, you'll… you'd still be living here.
Shannon: You said you were going to adopt me.
Burton: I know. I… I want to, honey.
Shannon: You said it. I already told my friends.
Burton: Shannon.
Shannon: Tell my dad that he's not my dad anymore. You tell him that.
Burton: It's not that simple, okay? That would… have to play itself out in court and I, uh…
Shannon: But, that's good 'cause… you're, like, this great lawyer, so you could win.
Burton: Yeah. (Turns away—downcast)
Shannon: You can win, Burton.
Scene: Hazel Park—another day
Nick and Lonnie continue to paint out the graffiti on the wall.
Lonnie: I called Cindy. Told her the truth. Took her out to dinner. And like you seemed to think I should do, I told her. Yeah. About not really going to CMU. The fact that, in reality, I know crap about computers in general.
Nick: Okay.
Lonnie: And she dumped me.
Nick: You'll find another girl.
Lonnie: I don't wanna meet another girl. I want Cindy. Now she hates me, so thank you. Uh, what if I bought a really expensive ring or something?
Nick: Oh, Lonnie.
Lonnie: No-no-no. If I bought her something that no one had ever gotten her before so she'd think I was somebody who could provide for her.
Nick: Don't… don't do that.
Lonnie: Hey, maybe later, the Penguins are on… We could hang out.
Nick: Hey, you know what? I… I got… I gotta go to the bathroom. (Starts down the ladder)
Lonnie: What about… what about tomorrow?
Nick: No, I gotta work.
Lonnie: Oh, yeah? Well, what about next week?
Nick: Well, I'm sorry.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Laura Donnellon sits waiting.
Lulu: (Enters) Hey, they're ready to come in.
Laura: I've been in this situation before.
Lulu: Right.
Laura: Many times before.
Lulu: Okay.
Laura: I think it's best not to go through the whole charade. It always plays out the same way. So, let's just skip the hopeful part of it and get on with the way that it is.
Lulu: Get on with what?
Laura: You know… life.
Lulu: Life? Life being what? You smoking crack in the park and having sex with strange men for money?
Laura: Yeah… in one iteration. Yes.
Lulu: In one iteration? These problems with your dad, are they worth dying over?
Laura: That's melodramatic.
Lulu: People like you don't survive very long…
Laura: Like me?
Lulu: (Raises her voice) Yeah, like you!
Laura: (Loudly) This is my choice!
Lulu: Why did you come back to Pittsburgh in the first place, huh? If you… if you hate your parents so much, why are you here?
Laura: I just want them to take care of my kids.
Lulu: (Yells) What happened, huh?! You said you wanted to live with your parents!
Laura: (Yells) No, you did! (They glare at each other—Laura in tears) So, you… Just tell them, okay? Tell them, thank you very much.
Lulu walks out pulling the door closed behind her. Laura tearfully watches through the window into Lulu's office where she sees Lulu explaining to her parents and her kids.
Scene: Duquesne Union Bank—daytime
Bank official walks Nick down a corridor.
Bank Official: Mr. Fallin, we detained a young man who attempted to withdraw five thousand dollars from your checking account. He had all of your information. Now, we were going to call the police but he insisted that you knew he was here and had given your permission.
Official knocks on a door. Security guard opens it. Nick sees Lonnie sitting there.
Bank Official: Would you like us to call the police?
Moments later… Nick exits the bank with Lonnie right behind him.
Lonnie: Hey. Hey, you know I would… I would've paid you back. I… I just… I wanted to get that ring for Cindy, you know? (Nick gives him a look) I really appreciate you not taking this badly, Mr. Fallin. I mean, uh… I really appreciate it. (Lonnie stops walking)
Nick walks off without a word.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse
Lulu walks through the courthouse corridor, smiling at the people who are gathered to finalize their adoptions on this Adoption Day. Burton can be heard, off camera, from Judge Damsen's courtroom.
Judge Damsen's courtroom
Burton stands with Ileana and Raphael Hendrickson and their African-American baby.
Burton: D'you understand that if this adoption decree is granted, Henry will be the same as a natural child?
Raphael & Ileana: Yes.
Burton: That you will have the duty to educate, support and provide moral guidance and upbringing?
Raphael & Ileana: Yes.
Burton: That you have a duty of love and affection towards this child?
Raphael & Ileana: Yes.
Burton: That he may inherit from you and you from him?
Raphael & Ileana: Yes.
Lulu enters courtroom. Sits in the gallery.
Burton: That there can be no discrimination between this child and any natural or adopted child you may have now or in the future?
Raphael & Ileana: Yes.
Burton: Understanding these responsibilities, do you wish to adopt Henry?
Raphael & Ileana: Yes.
Burton: Your Honor, I move the adoption decree be… be entered. (Hands the document to Judge Damsen)
Judge Damsen: (Smiles and signs the document)
Burton: (Extends his hand) Congratulations.
Raphael: Thank you, Mr. Fallin.
They comfort Henry as he fusses. Burton looks on and smiles. Lulu smiles from the gallery.
Scene: Burton's house—kitchen—morning
Burton sips coffee and reads the newspaper. Shannon pours a bowl of cereal.
Scene: Hazel Park—last day
Nick and Lonnie finish painting the wall.
Lonnie: So, I tried to call Cindy last night. She still won't talk to me. Yeah, so… I'm over her, man. Hey, and you're right. You know that? There are a lot of hot girls at community college. Not so, uh… stuck up.
They step back to admire their work.
Lonnie: That looks good, huh?
Chuck: (Walks up) Franklin, you missed a spot.
Miffed, Nick returns to the wall. Chuck starts to walk away.
Lonnie: Hey, my friend's name is Nick Fallin. (Chuck turns to look at him) Not Franklin. Fallin.
Chuck: Well, he missed a spot. (Walks off)
Nick walks back to Lonnie.
Lonnie: You know… you didn't miss a spot. You know that, right? (Nick looks at him and smiles then walks away)
Moments later… Nick walks out of the park.
Laura: (Lies on a bench, half covered by a blanket—coughs) Hey, Shadyside.
Nick: (Stops) Hey. (She shivers—he covers her with the blanket)
Laura: Mmm. It's getting cold. (Coughs)
Nick looks at her a second then walks away.
END OF EPISODE
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