EPISODE #34 (SEASON 1 FINALE)

EPISODE 34

Created By: Casey Hutchison

Executive Producer: Mike Larry

Written By: Casey Hutchison & Mike Larry

NEW DAY. MORNING.

PREVIOUSLY ON THERE’S ALWAYS TOMORROW

--Ava was worried that Keith has discovered she and Judith’s secret.

--Joshua and Jennifer came clean to their significant others about Veronica.

--Stuart paid Michael back and warned him to stay away from the Whitmore family, or else there would be consequences.

--And, Carter and Cynthia kissed one another. As they did, JJ, Michael’s private investigator, snapped pictures of them.

THOMAS’ APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM

Thomas enters the living room. He has just finished getting dressed for the day. As he buttons up his shirt, there’s a knock at the door. He walks over to the door.

THOMAS: (opening the door) Dad. Come in.

Thomas moves out of the way and Michael enters the apartment. Thomas shuts the door and turns around. Michael takes off his scarf.

THOMAS: Sure is cold outside this morning.

MICHAEL: Well, winter in Illinois is always odd, son. You never know if there’s going to be a blizzard, rain, or even a tornado.

THOMAS: I see you’ve got jokes this morning.

MICHAEL: I always do.

THOMAS: So, what brings you by this morning? I was about to put my coat on, grab my briefcase, and head into the office.

MICHAEL: Sorry to interrupt your morning routine. However, I felt the need to deliver this personally. I didn’t want anyone else getting involved.

Michael hands Thomas a manila envelope.

THOMAS: What’s this?

MICHAEL: What you asked for of course. JJ came back with some information on that girl Becky. Remember, you asked me for a favor in doing a background check on her.

THOMAS: Yeah, that’s right. Sorry. I’ve just been flustered.

Thomas begins to open the envelope.

MICHAEL: Wait.

THOMAS: What?

MICHAEL: Before you open that envelop, I want to know something. Why is this so important to you, son? It just seems off for someone to ask for a background check on their ex-girlfriend who works as a police detective. Come on. Tell me the truth.

JACKSON FAMILY HOME - KITCHEN

A timer goes off and Jennifer opens up the oven. She pulls out a tray of turkey bacon. She takes a sniff of the cooked meat.

JENNIFER: (sighs) That smells amazing.

Her thoughts are interrupted upon Joshua entering the room. She puts the tray of bacon down and turns around.

JENNIFER: Morning.

JOSHUA: Morning. Sure does smell good in here.

JENNIFER: Yes, it does.

JOSHUA: It was nice of you to make breakfast.

JENNIFER: My pleasure. Mom and dad always believed that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. Not just for the nutrition, but…

JOSHUA: But, for the family conversation.

JENNIFER: Exactly. Besides, we need some good brain food to come to terms with what’s been going on lately. First, we found that beautiful diamond bracelet at the crash scene. And, our long lost sister has blown into town and wrecked shop.

JOSHUA: I agree with you there. It’s just so crazy how this Veronica thing happened. Dad had an affair behind mom’s back. It’s insane to say that and think about it.

JENNIFER: You know, I do wonder if this is a sign from God or our parents. Our new sister just pops into our lives out of the blue. It has to be a sign.

JOSHUA: You’ve got a good point. Well, having said that, maybe this diamond bracelet thing is a sign as well.

JENNIFER: I know it is. (smiling) I know it is.

AMY & MIMI’S APARTMENT - KITCHEN

Amy is staring out the window and washing the dishes. Mimi walks into the kitchen and notices Amy daydreaming. Mimi walks up behind her and wraps her arms around Amy’s waist.

MIMI: Good morning.

AMY: Morning.

MIMI: Where were you just now?

AMY: (turns around) I was just thinking.

MIMI: That can be scary.

AMY: It can be. But, I think that depends on what I was thinking about.

MIMI: And, what exactly were you thinking about?

AMY: I was wondering about that woman you were with before me. Veronica. I was just wondering what she was like and why you two didn’t work out.

MIMI: Really? Why were you thinking about her?

AMY: It just popped up in my mind. We’re possibly going to make some big life choices. And, I just…

MIMI: Say no more. I get it. (sighs) Veronica had a lot of trust and commitment issues. And, I just couldn’t live my life like that.

AMY: Why didn’t you trust her?

Before Mimi can answer, Amy’s phone makes a buzzing noise.

AMY: Saved by the bell. I better check that. It could be about my dad.

MIMI: Go right ahead. I get it. I do.

Amy picks up her phone from the counter.

MIMI: Everything okay?

AMY: I’m not sure. It is my dad. But, he wants me to meet him at the mansion. I didn’t even know he was home yet. I better go.

MIMI: Of course. Do you want me to come with you?

AMY: No, I’m good.

Amy grabs her purse and keys.

AMY: I’ll talk to you later. Love you.

Amy and Mimi kiss.

MIMI: I love you too.

Amy walks off. Mimi stares on at her.

WHITMORE MANSION - FOYER

Judith comes down from the stairs. As she does, she sees Stuart (standing with the support of a cane) and a couple of suitcases at the end of the stairs.

JUDITH: Stuart, what’s going on?

STUART: What does it look like? I’m throwing you out.

JUDITH: You can’t be serious. This is the first thing you do when you return home from a major heart operation? No...wait...they must’ve taken your heart out.

STUART: Very funny. And, don’t act as though you’re worried about my health all of the sudden. You practically put me in the hospital by being a lying whore.

JUDITH: Stuart, what I did was a huge mistake. I am sorry for that. We all make mistakes though. You know, I did sign the papers. However, they haven’t been filed yet. There’s still time to fix this. Come to your senses, darling. Let’s not throw away what we’ve built up for all these years.

STUART: Don’t. Don’t do that. You did this, Judith. You broke our marriage vows. You had an affair. Now, it’s time to move on. So, get the hell out.

JUDITH: (sighs) The last thing I want to do is upset you.

Stuart lets out a little laugh.

JUDITH: I really do love you.

STUART: If you really did, that love would have stopped you from crawling into Michael Anderson’s bed. Or, better yet, it would’ve brought you home that night.

Then, there conversation is interrupted by the doorbell.

JUDITH: Who could that be?

STUART: Oh, that’s the kids. I called them to tell them about the end of our marriage. Better yet, you’re going to break the news.

Stuart smiles at Judith. She is in disbelief.

Back at the Jackson Family Home, in the Kitchen, Joshua and Jennifer are sitting at the table, drinking coffee, and examining the bracelet.

JENNIFER: It’s so beautiful. I can’t get over the style.

JOSHUA: Do you think there’s a slim chance it could’ve been mom’s?

JENNIFER: I never saw anything like this in her jewelry box. And, there’s a better chance of it just belonging to someone else around town who lost it. Maybe it was too loose on said person.

JOSHUA: Yeah. Maybe.

JENNIFER: What do you think we should do now?

JOSHUA: We need to hunt for the person who it belongs to. Whoever bought this has good money. That’s a clue to start with.

JENNIFER: We can also ask around town. Check out all the jewelry stores and even the pawn shops. We can even google the bracelet to get a good description.

JOSHUA: Good idea. Knowledge is power, as dad used to say.

JENNIFER: Right. So, let’s learn what we can.

Jennifer gets up from the table and grabs her laptop.

MIMI’S CAFE

Mimi is refilling the sugar and other spices at a small counter. Then, Veronica enters the establishment. She walks up to Mimi. She’s shocked to see no one around.

VERONICA: Wow. Is business slow these days?

MIMI: (turning around) Actually, we’re still closed. Didn’t you see the sign on the front door? We don’t open for another hour.

VERONICA: Oh, I didn’t even notice.

MIMI: Okay.

VERONICA: I can leave if…

MIMI: No, that’s fine. I actually need to talk with you.

VERONICA: Okay. About…?

MIMI: Our history.

Back at Thomas’ Apartment, in the Living Room, Thomas sets the envelope down on the coffee table. He turns back around.

THOMAS: I assumed you already look through the file.

MICHAEL: I respect your privacy, son. I knew this was important to you and I wanted to keep out of your business. So, if you don’t want to give me any straight answers, then I won’t stand in your way.

THOMAS: Thanks, dad. I just need to do this on my own.

MICHAEL: I trust you. And, I know you’ll be okay. But, if you need anything else, you can come to me. I hope you know that.

THOMAS: I appreciate that. Well, I don’t mean to be rude…

MICHAEL: But, you need to get to the office?

THOMAS: Exactly.

MICHAEL: No problem. I can take a hint. Have a good day.

THOMAS: You too, dad.

Thomas and Michael walk to the door. Thomas opens the door.

MICHAEL: I love you, son.

THOMAS: Love you too.

Michael exits. Thomas walks back over to the couch after shutting the door. He picks up the envelope and takes out the packet that contains the background check. As he begins to read through it, there’s a knock at the door. He sets the background check packet down on the coffee table.

THOMAS: (calling out) Did you forget something, dad?

Thomas answers the door.

THOMAS: Oh. It’s you.

BECKY: Hello, Thomas.

THOMAS: What are you doing here?

BECKY: I came to say goodbye.

THOMAS: What are you talking about?

BECKY: I’m leaving Thorne Hill. For good.

Back at the Whitmore Mansion, in the Foyer, Judith and Stuart are now standing closer by the front door of the home.

JUDITH: You want me to tell our children the truth?

STUART: Oh, yes, I do.

JUDITH: How can you be this cruel? Why are you rushing all of this?

STUART: I want you out of my life, Judith. I will not spend one more night with someone I do not trust. Now, open the damn door. Don’t keep the kids waiting.

Judith moves past Stuart and opens the door.

AMY: It’s about time one of you opens the door.

Amy and Philip enter. Judith shuts the door and turns around.

PHILIP: So, what’s going on? Amy and I both got text messages from dad telling us to meet the two of you here.

AMY: Is everything okay, dad? Has something already gone wrong with your post-op recovery? Is there anything I can do for you?

STUART: I’m fine, darling. And, no, nothing’s wrong post-op.

PHILIP: (noticing the luggage) I assume the reason you texted us has to do with the suitcases by the stairs? Who’s going on a trip?

STUART: Your mother is.

AMY: I don’t understand. What do you mean? Mom?

STUART: Go on, Judith. Tell them.

PHILIP: What is it? What’s going on?

JUDITH: (sighs) It’s official.

AMY: What is?

JUDITH: (choking up) Your father and I are over.

The camera cuts to all of them.

***FADE OUT***
***END OF EP. 34***

EPISODE #33

EPISODE 33

Created By: Casey Hutchison

Executive Producer: Mike Larry

Written By: Casey Hutchison & Mike Larry

SAME DAY. NIGHT.

PREVIOUSLY ON THERE’S ALWAYS TOMORROW

--Ava received an unexpected call from Keith and thought about a horrible memory in which he had hit and spat on her.

--Jennifer and Joshua were shocked to learn that Veronica was in fact telling the truth about being their sister.

--Cynthia was glad that Carter turned Lindsay’s offer down and decided to stick with Anderson Manufacturing. Then, she decided to treat him to dinner.

--And, Judith finally signed her divorce papers.

JACKSON FAMILY HOME - LIVING ROOM

Joshua and Andrea are laying down on the couch together. Joshua is rubbing her shoulders. Andrea is moving her neck around to loosen up her nerves.

ANDREA: That feels so good. Thank you for doing this.

JOSHUA: Of course, baby. How was your day?

ANDREA: Busy. And, that’s all I care to share about it. If I go into too much detail, I might get a splitting headache.

JOSHUA: Fair enough.

ANDREA: What about you? Nurse Sheila told me that you even came into the hospital today. Now, why would you do that on your day off?

JOSHUA: That’s a very good question. And, you deserve an answer.

Andrea looks up at Joshua. She’s suspicious of what he has to say.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - STUART’S HOSPITAL ROOM

Stuart is standing over by the window in his room. He is drinking a glass of water and he is propped up by a cane. As he takes a sip, he hears the door to his room open.

MICHAEL: I’m glad to see you up and moving on this beautiful night.

Stuart sets down his glass of water and turns around.

STUART: It’s about time you got here.

MICHAEL: Sorry. There was a board meeting upstairs. Stuart, what exactly did you call me over here for? We’re not friends anymore.

STUART: We were never friends. And, I called you here to pay you back for the money you loaned my family during our financial hardship. I also called you here to speak with you about the affair you had with my wife.

THE PALACE HOTEL - AVA’S SUITE

Ava comes out from the bathroom. She is in her pajamas. She lets out a yawn. Then, there’s a knock at the door. Ava walks over to the door and opens it.

AVA: Hey, it’s about time you got here.

JUDITH: This better be good. You pulled me out of bed.

Judith brushes passed Ava and enters the room. Ava shuts the door, turns around, and walks over to Judith. Judith sets her purse down.

JUDITH: And, today is so not my day.

AVA: Sorry to hear that. Anyway, I thought you should know that my heart is beating out of my chest right now.

JUDITH: What’s going on?

AVA: I got a call from Keith.

JUDITH: Are you serious?

AVA: Yes. (sighs) I tried to go to sleep. Clearly, I couldn’t. I’m sorry that I pulled you out of bed. I am. But, I think he knows that I came here. And, I think he knows the secret.

JUDITH: There’s no way he could know the secret. It has been 33 years. Ava, we’ve kept what we did buried this long.

AVA: Well, if he doesn’t know, then why do I get the feeling that he does? Judith, we are not safe from facing Keith’s wrath. That much I know to be true.

THE GRAND PIANO - DINING AREA

Cynthia and Carter are sitting across from one another at a table. Each of them is having a chicken salad and a glass of red wine.

CYNTHIA: You know, the craziest part of Lindsay trying to poach you is that it wasn’t for the practice of everyday business. If she had done it because of that, then I’d look into forgiving her. However, (laughs) she did it because she’s jealous. J-E-A-L-O-U-S…

CARTER: Jealous.

CYNTHIA: Exactly. She is still so…

CARTER: Jealous?

CYNTHIA: Thank you. That’s the word I was looking for. Anyway, she is still that way because I replaced her as CEO. Even though, with her in that position, the company was on a ventilator. Sales were down 25 percent because racecar drivers were backing out of deals and ending their contracts. Kevin Harvick in January. Kurt Busch in March. And, the real blow to the company’s portfolio, was losing Kyle Larson.

CARTER: Lindsay lost all of those clients?

CYNTHIA: Yeah. She was counting on the Austin Dillon deal to save her ass. But, I swooped in last minute. She has yet to forgive me for that.

CARTER: As much as I like learning about the company’s history, I think that it’s time I take you home. It would appear that you’ve had a little too much to drink.

CYNTHIA: Oh, I have not.

CARTER: That’s your fourth glass of wine.

CYNTHIA: I didn’t know you were counting.

CARTER: Look, if you let me take you home, I’ll pay.

CYNTHIA: This was supposed to be my treat. And, I can call a car. I can have a private driver here in 10 minutes. I’m rich. I can have anything I want (snaps fingers), just like that.

CARTER: What you need right now is a friend that cares enough to make sure you make it to bed and that you have a bottle of Advil on your nightstand.

CYNTHIA: You would do that for me?

CARTER: In a heartbeat.

Carter and Cynthia smile at one another.

MARTIN’S BAR

Jennifer is sitting at the bar. In front of her are three shot glasses. She is doing one shot after another. Philip enters, spots her, and walks up to her.

PHILIP: You better slow down there. (sitting) You were always kind of a lightweight when it came to alcohol. Remember that night we spent together in Atlantic City?

JENNIFER: I could never forget that night. It’s good to see you.

PHILIP: Good to see you too. So, what has you slamming all these shots? Does it have to do with the investigation?

JENNIFER: (sighs) Sadly, no. I actually have other problems to deal with.

PHILIP: Jenn, what is it? What’s going on?

JENNIFER: I need to tell you something.

PHILIP: You’re starting to worry me.

JENNIFER: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. Philip, a couple of days ago, a woman by the name of Veronica came to my home and claimed to be my sister. Apparently, my dad had an affair. Anyway, Joshua and I brought her to the hospital to have a DNA test done.

PHILIP: And…?

JENNIFER: And, it looks like I have one more person to add to my Christmas card list. The test was positive. She’s my sister.

PHILIP: Damn. Sorry. Well, the next shot is on me.

Philip waves over at the Bartender. The Bartender walks over to him.

PHILIP: Two tequila shots.

BARTENDER: You got it.

Back at the Jackson Family Home, in the Living Room, Andrea and Joshua are now sitting up and next to one another.

JOSHUA: I honestly don’t know how to tell you this.

ANDREA: Joshua, whatever it is, we can work through it.

JOSHUA: I know. I know we can. It just may come as a shock.

ANDREA: What’s going on? What have you been hiding from me?

JOSHUA: (sighs) Years and years ago, my dad went on a business trip, met this woman by the name of Doreen, and he had a one night stand with her.

ANDREA: Oh my god. Are you serious right now?

JOSHUA: Yeah. Anyway, that one night stand produced a child. And, the child, now all grown up of course, has come to Thorne Hill. Her name is Veronica.

ANDREA: So, that’s why you went to the hospital. You wanted to see if she was biologically your father’s child.

JOSHUA: Exactly.

ANDREA: How come you kept this from me?

JOSHUA: I didn’t keep it from you to hurt you. I just wanted to make sure that she was who she said she is. I didn’t want you to get involved in the business of a gold digger.

ANDREA: Honey, just because she’s your sister doesn’t mean she isn’t here in town to get some money from this family’s fortune. Now, granted, we aren’t as rich as the Whitmores. But, this family has certainly done okay for itself.

JOSHUA: Baby, to tell you the truth, I don’t think she’s here for money. No, I think Veronica really wants to connect with Jennifer and I.

ANDREA: If you think that’s the case, then I have one question for you.

JOSHUA: What’s that?

ANDREA: Are you going to let her into your life?

JOSHUA: That remains to be seen.

Back at Martin’s Bar, Jennifer takes another shot of tequila.

PHILIP: So, this whole time, your father was actually sending money to Veronica and her mother? And, he was making trips to see them?

JENNIFER: You got it.

PHILIP: Did your mom know about this?

JENNIFER: To my knowledge, no. And, I don’t think she did anyway. My mom never put up with any crap. Least of all the crap a man would’ve given her.

PHILIP: You have that trait from her, by the way.

JENNIFER: What trait?

PHILIP: Her strength.

JENNIFER: Thanks. I like to think I have her strength in me as well. But, as of right now, I don’t feel very strong. Not in the least.

PHILIP: Things will get better.

JENNIFER: I know that no one is ever promised a good life. I just wish I could have a life filled with good moments though. Just one good moment. One bright spot before the year ends. That’s all I need.

PHILIP: I know you’ll find it.

JENNIFER: How can you be so sure?

PHILIP: Because, I’m going to take the journey with you.

JENNIFER: I love you, Philip.

PHILIP: I love you too, Jennifer.

Jennifer and Philip kiss one another.

Back at Memorial Hospital, in Stuart’s Hospital Room, Stuart walks over to Michael and hands him a check.

MICHAEL: Stuart, you don’t have to pay me back.

STUART: I made a promise to you the day you handed me this money, that I would. And, I don’t want your pity. After all, you did bang my wife while your’s was on her deathbed.

MICHAEL: I’m well aware of my mistakes.

STUART: That may be true. But, I don’t think you are aware of the destruction you have caused because of it. You ripped apart the bond my children have with their mother. You also ripped apart the bond you share with your children. You are trash, Michael Anderson. Just because you own up to your mistakes, doesn’t make you any less of a piece of trash that sits out by the dumpster waiting to be picked up on a Tuesday afternoon. Now, get the hell out of my hospital room.

Michael and Stuart stare one another down.

Back at The Palace Hotel, in Ava’s Suite, Judith puts her hands on Ava’s shoulders. Judith is trying to calm Ava.

JUDITH: Honey, you have got to calm down and take a breath.

AVA: I can’t. This whole thing scares the hell out of me.

Judith takes her hands off of Ava’s shoulders.

JUDITH: It doesn’t phase me.

AVA: Why not?

JUDITH: Because, like I said, it has been 33 years. We have kept this secret for literally decades. Keith is not going to figure it out, out of the blue. That’s just not how things work.

Judith grabs her purse and walks over to the door.

JUDITH: Now, I have to go. Okay? I’m very tired. I’ll call you tomorrow.

AVA: Okay.

JUDITH: Try to get some sleep. Will you do that for me?

AVA: I guess.

JUDITH: I love you, sis.

AVA: (opening the door) I love you too.

Judith exits the room. Ava shuts the door.

AVA: (sighs) What the hell am I gonna do?

THE GRAND PIANO - STREET PARKING AREA

Cynthia and Carter walk out of the restaurant. Carter is trying to hold Cynthia up. Both of them walk to Cynthia’s car.

CYNTHIA: Thank you so much for walking me to my car.

CARTER: No problem. But, I’m gonna do more than that. I’m gonna drive you on home. Just like I promised.

CYNTHIA: Carter, that...that...that’s very kind of you. Thank you.

CARTER: Anything for you, boss.

CYNTHIA: There it is. (laughs) Someone is trying to get a raise.

CARTER: (laughs) You know me so well. Excuse me.

Carter begins to reach around Cynthia to open her door. But, the two end up pausing and staring into one another’s eyes.

CYNTHIA: I had fun tonight.

CARTER: Me too.

A long pause falls upon the two. Then, they slowly move closer to one another. Then, they kiss! As Carter and Cynthia kiss, a camera is heard clicking and a picture of Cynthia and Carter is taken. The camera pans across the street and reveals JJ tucked behind a tree. He takes multiple photos of Cynthia and Carter kissing. The camera zooms in on JJ.

***FADE OUT***
***END OF EP. 33***