Better Days
By Candie

Chapters 71-75

Chapter 71

Patrick (curiously): Robin?
(Patrick lets the music guide him then he stops suddenly in front of the spare bedroom which is next to the one he shares with Robin. He is completely speechless. Robin is dancing in the center of the room with several boxes surrounding her. Patrick finally snaps out of his thoughts and walks toward her. Robin smiles widely at the sight of Patrick and reaches toward him.)
Robin (laughs): Dance with me!
(Patrick ignores Robin and simply bends down next to her and lowers the blaring music.)
Patrick: What do you think you’re doing?
Robin (laughs): What does it look like?
(Robin gestures toward the dozens of boxes surrounding her.)
Robin: I’m cleaning!
(Patrick looks back at Robin as if she was crazy.)
Patrick: May I ask why?
Robin: Patrick, I am assuming this will eventually be our child’s room and I thought I should start straightening it up while I still can.
(Patrick takes a deep breath then places both of his hands firmly on his hips. Robin closes her eyes. She knew that stance. He was annoyed.)
Patrick: And it never occurred to you that perhaps you should wait until I came home? Or even better, that you tell me what to move around and I’d clean this all up?
(Robin looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: But why?
Patrick: Why? Robin, you’re pregnant! You do realize that means… no heavy lifting? No over exerting yourself?
Robin: Patrick, I am not an invalid! (simply) I took my time. I carried each box down slowly and carefully. I didn’t put myself in any sort of risk.
(Patrick runs his hand behind his neck.)
Patrick: According to you.
Robin: Yes, according to me! (snaps) You aren’t the only doctor here, Dr. Drake.
(Patrick shakes his head.)
Patrick: I am well aware of that, Dr. Scorpio. But, I do think I’m the only doctor that is clearly thinking at this moment.
(Robin’s mouth falls as she stares back at Patrick.)
Patrick: What? Look at that!
(Patrick points to a ladder in the corner of the room.)
Patrick: You were climbing on that thing alone, I’m assuming?
Robin: It’s a ladder, Patrick – not a death trap.
Patrick: And look at that!
(Patrick points to a race car sitting on the floor.)
Patrick: What if while you were dancing, you accidentally stepped on that?
Robin (exasperated): That is YOUR race car!
(Patrick bends down and picks up the race car. He throws it into one of the empty boxes.)
Patrick: This was stupid, Robin.
Robin (annoyed): Are you calling me stupid, Patrick?
(Robin shakes her head as she throws her hands up.)
Robin: I’m sorry, Patrick! Please forgive me for finally accepting this pregnancy and finally believing that it’s real! (emotionally) I was only trying to make some physical space for our child in our home since he already had one in my heart. I am so sorry if that offends you. Next time I want to do something for our child, I’ll be sure to get your permission first.
(And with that, Robin storms out of the spare bedroom and slams the door hard on its hinges. Patrick closes his eyes and with pure frustration kicks one of the boxes next to him. Within moments, Patrick can hear the sound of the shower blasting from the bathroom. He messed up. And he knew it. Patrick looks down at the spilled contents next to him and slowly bends down to pick them up. He stops when he notices a photo album opened to a picture of Robin and Jason. Patrick laughs slightly as he sits down.)
Patrick: Figures.
(Jason Morgan was there to mock him. He had just been at General Hospital asking Elizabeth if Patrick was “good enough” for Robin and here he was mere hours later yelling at her for making room for their child. Patrick’s eyes travel to the box he turned over. It simply read, “things to send to storage.” He takes a peek further in the box and notices a picture of Robin and Sonny Corinthos. It must’ve been taken years ago. It looked like it was taken at a wedding. She looked about eighteen and Sonny looked considerably younger than he does now. It still amazed Patrick that Robin lived an entire life before he had ever met her and she had lived through so much. He was certain that she was probably told dozens of times that she was wise beyond her years. Patrick throws the old photos back into the box Robin wanted sent to storage. It was ironic, actually. She was shipping her past away to make room for their future. Patrick had to fix this. He stands up slowly from the floor and walks out of their soon-to-be nursery. He takes a deep breath then opens the door to their bathroom. He can see Robin’s silhouette freeze slightly from behind their glass shower doors and walks further into the small bathroom after closing the door behind him. Patrick takes another deep breath then lowers the lid of the toilet bowl and sits on top of it. He stares down at his hands.)
Patrick: I’m sorry.
(Robin wipes the hot water from her face as she stands underneath the stream of water.)
Robin: Don’t apologize for something unless you mean it, Patrick.
(Patrick looks up in her direction.)
Patrick: I do mean it, Robin.
(Robin scoffs loudly as she smoothes back her wet hair still standing underneath the shower.)
Robin: Whatever…
Patrick: Robin, I am apologizing for yelling at you. I wouldn’t apologize unless I meant it.
(Robin abruptly turns off her shower and within seconds opens the doors of their shower. Patrick stands up quickly and extends his hand to her as she steps out of the shower. Robin takes it then quickly begins to dry herself off.)
Robin: This is my pregnancy too, Patrick. This is my body, you know.
Patrick (awkwardly): I know that, Robin.
(Robin wraps her towel around her body and looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: Do you? I mean, think about it… this whole pregnancy has been led by you.
Patrick (flatly): Where are you going with this, Robin?
Robin: YOU were the one that found out I was pregnant first.
Patrick: Do you think that was by choice? You were kidnapped!
(Robin points toward her heart.)
Robin: But, this is my pregnancy! I was supposed to be the one to find out! I was supposed to be the one to figure out how to tell you – not the other way around. (Emotionally) That was taken from me, Patrick. And let’s be honest – I’ll probably never get that chance again.
(Patrick looks down and shakes his head.)
Patrick: I don’t know what to say, Robin. (Looks at her) You weren’t here. Helena had kidnapped you. I can’t rewrite history. I’m sorry.
Robin (upset): It’s not just about that! You’re the one that always has to ground me. You don’t think I know that it’s supposed to be the other way around?
(Patrick takes another deep breath. He was starting to lose his patience with her now… and he didn’t want to do that.)
Patrick: Do you want an apology for that too, Robin?
Robin (snaps): NO! I want to have a normal pregnancy!
(Robin swings open the door to their bathroom and storms out of it. Patrick waits a moment then turns around and follows her.)
Patrick: HIV or not, Robin… I wouldn’t have been happy with you cleaning up a room on your own.
(Robin walks into their kitchen and pours herself a glass of water.)
Patrick: I know that you are independent, Robin. Believe me, I know that. (She glares at him) But, I also thought we were a team. I thought that you were supposed to lean on me… just like I’m supposed to lean on you. (Simply) There’s nothing wrong with asking for help.
Robin: Help? Patrick, I was only cleaning out a closet. I wasn’t redecorating our entire house!
(Patrick throws his hands in the air.)
Patrick (frustrated): And I apologized! I am sorry that I overreacted, Robin! Okay? You have my deepest, sincerest apologies.
(Robin lowers her glass of water and looks back at Patrick. That had to be the least sincere apology she had ever heard in her life.)
Robin: Don’t placate me, Patrick.
(Patrick closes his eyes.)
Robin: You’re not sorry.
Patrick (looks at her): And neither are you… oh wait! You never apologized! I’m the only one saying “sorry” here.
(Robin’s mouth falls as she stares back at Patrick.)
Robin: Because I don’t know what I should be apologizing for!
(Patrick extends his hand and starts counting on his fingers.)
Patrick: How about starting with yelling at me for worrying about you? (Touches his middle finger) And then how about getting angry at me for things out of my control? (Looks at her) Want me to go on?
(Robin looks down and shakes her head. Her eyes find a spot on her counter and her fingers start scrapping at it as she focuses on it.)
Robin (softly): I thought you’d be happy.
Patrick: What?
(Robin finally looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: I thought you would be happy to come home and find me thinking about our nursery. (Softly) You know, ever since we came back from New York, this pregnancy has felt real. My body is changing more and more every day, I can feel it. And last night, we were talking about what our child could look like. Patrick, this is suddenly very real for me… and I wanted to show you how happy I was. (Looks down) How happy you make me… and instead, you come home and you’re yelling at me. (Emotionally) I just feel like I can’t do anything right.
(Patrick closes his eyes then reaches across their kitchen counter and takes both of Robin’s hand in his.)
Patrick: You cannot be serious.
(Robin looks back at him – her eyes brimming over with tears.)
Robin: Patrick, ever since I found out I was pregnant, I’ve been terrified. And when I haven’t been scared, I’ve been running. (Looks down) And it’s not fair to you. (Looks at him) This morning I woke up in your arms… and I felt completely safe, completely happy and completely okay. I didn’t want to run, Patrick. I was happy with where I was for probably the first time in my life and I wanted to do something to show you… and all I did was make you mad.
(Patrick’s eyes soften as he runs his thumbs along her hands.)
Patrick: I am not mad, Robin. Look at me.
(Robin slowly raises her eyes and looks back at him.)
Patrick: Robin, you and our child are the most important things in my life. (Pauses) The most important. And this is new for me. I think of you before my career, before myself – Robin, it’s only about you and our child for me. (Softly) So, if I get a little over protective over the next five or so months… or next sixty or so years, you have to cut me some slack. (She looks at him) Robin, I almost lost you once when Helena took you… I can’t go through that again.
Robin (softly): I know.
Patrick: I just… I want you safe, I want you healthy and I want our child to be the same way.
(Robin nods slowly then removes her hands from Patrick’s to cup his face between them.)
Robin (softly): I know. And I’m sorry. I promise to be more careful next time.
(Patrick smirks as he raises an eyebrow and looks at her.)
Patrick: Next time?
(Robin makes a face and smiles.)
Robin: Okay… next time, I call you?
Patrick (smiles): Now, that’s more like it!
(Robin laughs as Patrick moves from around the counter and walks over to her. He easily wraps his arms around her waist as he looks down at her.)
Patrick: Well, you have me at your disposal. What do you want to do to our storage room?
(Patrick watches as Robin’s eyes completely light up.)
Robin: Really? You want to know?
Patrick: I want to know.
(With ease, Patrick lifts Robin up onto the counter and stares back at her as he rests his hands on her thighs.)
Robin: I was thinking of painting it light green.
Patrick (smirks): For our scrubs?
(Robin makes a face then hits Patrick lightly.)
Robin: No, because it’s a neutral color for a boy or girl.
Patrick (nodding): Oh.
Robin (excited): And then I was thinking of getting a rocking chair to place by the small window.
(Patrick sighs for a moment thinking.)
Patrick: You know, I don’t know how into this you’ll be… but a lot of my stuff from my childhood is probably still in storage back in New York.
(Robin’s eyes light up even more.)
Robin: Really?
Patrick (nonchalantly): Yeah, I know my mother had a rocking chair she would always sit in and I think there might be a few other things that you could look through that she kept…
(Before Patrick can finish his sentence, Robin throws her arms around him and hugs him tightly.)
Patrick: Not that I’m complaining, but what’s that for?
(Robin pulls away and looks at Patrick smiling widely.)
Robin: I was kind of bummed because I have hardly anything from my childhood. I mean, I have a few things from before I moved to Port Charles, but nothing that’s truly substantial. (Smiles) But you... you have things!
Patrick (smiling): I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.
Robin: It is, trust me! (smiles) Do you want to see the catalogs I picked up for some furniture ideas?
(Patrick smiles as he helps Robin down from the counter.)
Patrick: Lead the way, Dr. Scorpio.
Robin (excited): They’re in the bedroom. Wait until you see this crib I have my eye on… it’s gorgeous, Patrick!
(Patrick laughs as Robin walks toward their bedroom, still draped in her towel, hair still soaking wet. She looked amazing. She looked beautiful. And she still looked truly happy. Patrick’s eyes widen when he walks into their bedroom and sees about two dozen catalogs spread across their bed. Robin looks back at him smiling.)
Robin: You didn’t have any plans for us tonight, did you?
(Patrick smiles as he sits down on the bed next to her.)
Patrick: Nothing better than this. (looks through the catalogs) So, what do we have here?
(Patrick starts going through the catalogs until he sees three bridal magazines amongst the mix. He immediately smiles as he pulls one from the pile and falls back on the bed.)
Patrick: Why don’t we start with this one?
(Robin smiles as Patrick begins reading the table of contents.)
Patrick: Need help with seating arrangements? Six quick tips to avoid disaster. (looks at her) Drake solution – keep the exes separated.
(Robin rolls her eyes as Patrick continues.)
Patrick: What to expect on your honeymoon? (looks at her) You can definitely skip over that one.
Robin (smiling): Oh really? And why is that?
Patrick: There is no question as to what you should expect on our honeymoon.
(Robin smiles as she moves toward Patrick and looks at him.)
Robin: You have a one-track mind, Dr. Drake.
(Patrick smiles as he turns his head back toward her.)
Patrick: With you lying next to me in only a towel… yeah, my mind is on only one thing.
(Robin blushes brightly.)
Patrick: You know, you’re right.
(Patrick flings the magazine he was reading from his hands and quickly moves toward Robin.)
Patrick: Let’s feed my one-track mind.
(Robin squeals with laughter as Patrick pulls the towel from her body then gently falls on top of her. They were both happy... and that was all that mattered.)

Chapter 72

- Several Days Later
Setting: Robin & Patrick’s Apartment
(It’s a quiet Sunday afternoon. Robin and Patrick are sitting at their kitchen table. Patrick is reading the sports section of the New York Times while Robin makes an attempt at the crossword puzzle. From time to time, Patrick would glance toward Robin letting his eyes fall to her stomach and smile. She was so focused on her crossword puzzle that she wouldn’t even notice. Those were the moments he loved. She was completely comfortable in his presence that there were no longer any barriers or walls between them. Robin is about to fill in another answer when suddenly she hears Patrick’s voice.)

Patrick: Are you up for a Sunday drive?
(Robin looks back at Patrick curiously.)
Robin (smiles): Sunday drive?
Patrick: My father dropped off a few suggestions for our wedding ceremony. I thought maybe we could check them out.
Robin: Noah Drake is suggesting locations?
Patrick (shrugs his shoulders): What can I say? The man is excited.
(Robin lowers her crossword puzzle and leans in toward Patrick.)
Robin: Well, my curiosity is piqued. Where did he suggest?
Patrick: This one sounds interesting, actually.
(Patrick reaches toward a bunch of papers from the corner of their kitchen table and shows Robin a brochure. She looks down at it.)
Robin (reading): The Cloisters.
Patrick: It’s right near Fort Tryon Park. I’ve never been there, but my dad said that he use to take my mom there a lot when they were dating… something about her liking the flowers.
(Robin scans the brochure then points to a picture of a garden.)
Robin (reading): Here, look… located on four acres overlooking the Hudson River in northern Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park, three of the cloisters reconstructed at the branch museum feature gardens planted according to horticultural information found in medieval treatises and poetry, garden documents and herbals, and medieval works of art, such as tapestries, stained-glass windows, and column capitals.
(Patrick shrugs his shoulders then looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: Are you up for it?
(Robin leans in and kisses Patrick tenderly.)
Robin: I am definitely up for it.
(Robin leaps up excited from the table.)
Robin: I’ll go change!
(Patrick watches Robin fly into their bedroom and smiles. He reaches toward their cordless phone resting in the center of the table and quickly dials in some numbers.)
Patrick: Hey Epiphany, it’s Patrick. I was just wondering if you could clear mine and Robin’s schedules for tomorrow. We’re driving into the city and I don’t feel like rushing back.
(Patrick’s attention is suddenly diverted to the bathroom when he notices Robin’s finger beckoning him.)
Robin (sweetly): Oh, Patrick…
(Patrick clears his throat.)
Patrick: Epiphany, make that the next two days.
Robin (sweetly): I think I may need your help washing my back. There’s a spot I can never reach.
Patrick: Definitely two days, Epiphany! I might need three – I’ll let you know.

Setting: The Heather Garden at Fort Tryon Park
(It’s a beautiful late August afternoon. Robin and Patrick couldn’t have asked for a better day to walk through the gardens at Fort Tryon Park. The most brightest and beautiful flowers imaginable were in bloom. It was obvious why Mattie Drake loved these gardens. They’re tranquil; they’re serene; and they look over the Hudson River. It was absolutely breathtaking. Patrick instinctively reaches for Robin’s hand and smiles as he finds it with an unspoken ease. He turns toward her and smiles. She looked absolutely beautiful. Robin was wearing a simple red tank top with a long, white flowing skirt. And he could clearly see her small belly carrying their child… and smiles even wider. Robin turns toward Patrick.)

Robin: Patrick, this is perfect.
Patrick: You like it?
(Robin looks around at the bright magenta flowers and takes in the sweet scents surrounding them.)
Robin: What’s not to like? It’s amazing.
Patrick: Then, let’s book it.
(Patrick starts walking toward the main office.)
Patrick: Come on!
(Patrick stops walking when he realizes Robin hasn’t moved from her spot.)
Patrick: What is it? What’s wrong?
Robin: Patrick, we have to think. This garden won’t look like this in October. We can’t have a wedding outdoors.
(Patrick sighs obviously thinking. Robin was right.)
Patrick: I’m sorry.
(Robin turns toward Patrick with widened eyes.)
Robin: What? Why?
Patrick: I shouldn’t have even suggested this place. It’s just that my dad dropped off all these brochures and…
(Patrick suddenly stops in mid-thought and shakes his head.)
Patrick: Wow! He’s getting sneaky in his old age.
(Robin looks back at Patrick curiously.)
Robin: What are you talking about?
Patrick: He wants us to move up the wedding.
(Robin laughs loudly as she looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: What are you talking about? How does Noah think he’s doing that?
Patrick: Robin, it’s obvious! He knew you would love the gardens! And he knew that I would want give you whatever wanted. And he knew that you can’t have a garden wedding in October!
(Robin smiles tenderly then pulls Patrick toward one of the stone benches that overlooks the Hudson River.)
Robin (smiles): Wow! That, Noah, is horrible!
(Patrick leans back on the bench and sighs.)
Patrick: He is!
(Robin looks over at Patrick and smiles. She loved it when he pouts. It was actually kind of cute… and gave her a preview as to what their child will look like in a few years.)
Patrick: He is so transparent! I should’ve seen this a mile away! I can’t believe he did this! (looks at her) You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to call him and give him a piece of my mind.
(Patrick reaches into his jacket pocket for his cell phone then flips it open.)
Patrick: Just watch!
(Robin smiles as she leans in toward Patrick and gently takes the phone from his hands.)
Robin (calmly): Let me.
Patrick: You’ll yell at him?
(Robin nods.)
Robin: Patrick, you know my flare for putting Drake men in their place and giving them what they deserve – trust me.
(Patrick rubs his hands together in anticipation and turns fully toward her. Robin glances at Patrick and smiles then dials in Noah’s number.)
Robin: Hey Noah, it’s Robin.
Noah (smiles): Robin.
Robin: Is this a bad time?
(Noah smiles as walks into the locker room at General Hospital.)
Noah: Not at all. I’m just ending my shift.
Robin: Oh good.
Noah: Is everything okay?
(Robin glances at Patrick, who is eagerly waiting for his dad to get a taste of the Scorpio sting, and smiles.)
Robin: Yeah. (clears her throat) I called because… Noah, we have to talk about what you did.
(Patrick nods.)
Noah: Okay.
Robin: Noah, why did you give Patrick those brochures?
Noah (smiles): Did I ever tell you that I had a liking for garden weddings?
Robin: In October?
Noah (smirks): Don’t you like fall flowers?
Robin (lightly): No! What you did, Noah, was underhanded, sneaky, and blatantly transparent!
(Patrick pumps his fist in the air next to Robin.)
Robin: Do you think Patrick and I are so easily led by our noses? Dangle a bone in front of us and we’ll leap?
Noah: Well…
Robin: It was unfair, Noah! We can’t have this wedding in October! Well, we can… but not here!
(Robin glances again at Patrick.)
Noah (softly): So, what are you going to do?
(Robin takes a deep breath and looks straight ahead.)
Robin: Have a garden wedding.
(Noah smiles widely.)
Noah: I’ll call your mother and tell her that our plan worked.
Robin (sighs): Figured as much.
Noah: So, what are we looking at? Next week? Next month?
(Robin looks back at Patrick, who’s face is now one of complete bewilderment, and smiles.)
Robin: I’m thinking about three weeks.
Noah: You can do everything you need to in three weeks?
Robin: Are you underestimating me, Dr. Drake?
Noah: Not at all. (smiles) Give Patrick a big kiss for me.
(Robin bursts out laughing.)
Robin: Sure. Have a good day, Noah.
(Robin closes Patrick’s cell phone then turns toward him and simply places it back into his jacket pocket. She pats his chest smiling.)
Robin: It’s taken care of.
Patrick: So, that three weeks thing… that’s when we’ll talk to him again, right? Serves him SO right! He has to learn that he can’t meddle in our lives.
(Robin simply nods.)
Patrick: You give my dad an inch, he’ll take a mile – trust me.
Robin: You think so?
Patrick: Oh, I know so! (pauses) So, what do we do next?
(Robin holds up her finger.)
Robin: First! This is from Noah.
(Patrick’s eyes widen as Robin grabs his face and kisses him passionately. Instinctively, he lowers his hands and reaches for her waist and pulls her closer to him as Robin deepens the kiss causing Patrick to moan softly. After a few moments, Robin pulls away smiling as Patrick attempts to catch his breath.)
Patrick: Thanks, Dad! I can’t wait to see what we’re doing next.
Robin: This…
(Robin stands up and extends her hand toward Patrick.)
Patrick: We’re leaving?
Robin: We’re going to the main office.
(A confused Patrick pulls Robin back toward him and carefully places her on his lap.)
Patrick: What do you mean?
(Robin leans in and kisses Patrick’s neck tenderly.)
Robin: Marry me, Patrick. (looks at him) Let’s move our wedding date up.
Patrick: For real?
Robin (smiles): Do you want to?
Patrick: Yeah, but I didn’t think you would want to.
(Robin reaches for Patrick’s hands and gently kisses each one.)
Robin (softly): I want to.
Patrick: Are you sure?
(Robin lowers Patrick’s hands onto her stomach and smiles.)
Robin (genuinely): We’re sure.
(Robin leans in and kisses Patrick tenderly.)
Robin: We want to marry you… like now.
(Suddenly Patrick’s eyes widen as Robin pulls away from him.)
Patrick: Was that what I think that was?
Robin: It seems like your child wants some attention too.
(Patrick lowers his eyes to Robin’s stomach and his mouth falls somewhat in amazement.)
Patrick: That was a real kick.
Robin (laughs): I know! I felt it!
(Patrick looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: It didn’t hurt, right?
(Robin smiles as she tenderly caresses Patrick’s face.)
Robin: Not in the slightest.
(Patrick licks his bottom lip nervously as he lowers his eyes back to Robin’s stomach.)
Patrick: So, you want to marry me?
(Robin leans into Patrick’s neck.)
Robin: In this garden as soon as possible.
(Patrick looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: My dad is going to love this. I fell right into his plan.
Robin (laughs): Are you seriously going to let your pride get in the way of our wedding?
Patrick: Well, can’t we kind of lie and tell him we wanted to move it up on our own?
Robin: Patrick!
Patrick: It’s just that I hate letting him think he was right… again.
Robin: He wasn’t right… you’re just predictable.
(Patrick’s mouth falls as Robin stands up slowly.)
Patrick (lightly): I think I resent that.
Robin (laughs): Really?
(Patrick sighs as he stands up.)
Patrick (quickly): But, I’m over it.
(Patrick extends his hand to Robin and she quickly takes it.)
Patrick: Let’s go book our wedding.
(Robin leans into Patrick’s arm as they walk toward the main offices.)
Robin: Are you happy?
Patrick: Let’s see… I’m holding your hand and we just decided to make you my wife sooner than expected after feeling our child kick… so yes, I am happy. (looks at her) Predictably happy.

Chapter 73

Robin (softly): We don’t have to do this today, Patrick.
(Patrick shakes his head.)
Patrick: I can do this.
(Patrick releases a soft breath.)
Patrick: It’s just been a while. (Pauses) But, I can do this.
Robin: You’re sure?
(Patrick takes a deep breath then turns around in Robin’s arms.)
Patrick: You’re with me. (Kisses her forehead) I’ll be fine.
(Robin smiles as Patrick pulls back and looks directly at her.)
Patrick: I should warn you… I wasn’t exactly the neatest packer at eighteen.
(Robin laughs as she leans in toward Patrick.)
Robin: Hate to break it to you… you’re still not the neatest packer.
(Patrick smiles widely.)
Patrick: Are you knocking the way I packed our overnight bag?
(Robin hits Patrick laughing.)
Robin: Patrick, you rolled up all of our clothes in a ball.
Patrick: They’re T-shirts and jeans. And besides… rolling up our clothes left room for the more important stuff.
Robin: What’s more important than our clothes, Patrick?
(Patrick leans in and tenderly kisses Robin’s cheek.)
Patrick: I did tell you I was a boy scout, right?
(Robin laughs somewhat confused.)
Robin: And?
Patrick: Well, I still live by their motto.
(Robin rolls her eyes. She knew exactly where this was going.)
Robin: Be prepared.
(Patrick smiles confidently.)
Patrick: Exactly.
(Robin laughs as she reaches for Patrick’s hands. His idea of “being prepared” was clearly bringing several boxes of condoms with them, just in case there was a condom shortage throughout the tri-state area of New York City. She had to laugh – he was her Patrick. Robin reaches toward him and kisses him tenderly.)
Robin (pulling away): So, is your Boy Scout uniform in there?
Patrick: Why… Dr. Scorpio, what do you have in mind?
(Robin laughs as Patrick kisses her forehead again then turns around toward the door. He takes a deep breath, instinctively reaches for Robin’s hand then opens the door to his family’s storage space. It was exactly how he had left it all those years ago. Robin allows Patrick a few moments of silence to take it all in. She watches his eyes scan the entire room, stopping at certain parts then finding a whole other area to study. Robin takes a few seconds herself to soak in her surroundings. One corner of the room seemed dedicated to Patrick’s childhood items. There were several boxes that read “Patrick’s toys” and it was obvious that the handwriting on the boxes wasn’t his or Noah’s. Robin takes a deep breath – it was Mattie’s. She had beautiful cursive… if that meant anything. Actually, Robin’s nanny Olin once told her that a lot could be told by one’s handwriting. If Olin was right, then Mattie Drake was a very open person. Robin sighs softly and in that moment wishes with her entire heart that she could’ve known Mattie Drake. Patrick must’ve noticed the far away look in Robin’s eyes. He turns toward her.)
Patrick: My mother would’ve loved you.
Robin (softly laughs): Why?
(Patrick tenderly touches her chin.)
Patrick: Because I do.
(Robin’s eyes soften as she stares back at Patrick. She starts to say something, but before she gets the chance to, Patrick steps forward and wipes his hands on the back of his denim jeans.)
Patrick: Okay, let’s start.
(Patrick points toward one corner.)
Patrick: That is all the stuff my mom kept from my childhood.
(Robin bites her bottom lip nervously as she looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: Are you giving me carte blanche?
(Patrick laughs as he nods.)
Patrick: Go for it.
(Robin squeals happily as she flies toward the direction of Patrick’s stored childhood items. He would’ve never done this without her. She stops short at the sight of the rocking chair Patrick was telling her about then spins around to look at him.)
Robin: Is this the rocking chair?
Patrick: Uh… do you like it? If not, we could still buy a new one.
(Robin waves her hands.)
Robin: NO! It’s perfect!
(Robin plops down onto the chair and smiles widely.)
Robin: It’s perfect!
(Robin’s eyes lower to a box next to her feet and spots a small brown teddy bear peaking out of it. She smiles widely as she reaches for it.)
Robin: One of your friends, Patrick?
(Patrick smiles widely.)
Patrick: My man Wilbur!
(Robin looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: Wilbur?
(Patrick shrugs his shoulders.)
Patrick: I liked the name.
(Robin laughs as she leans back on the rocking chair and holds the teddy bear to her chest.)
Robin: Note to self – do not let Patrick name our child.
(Patrick laughs as he moves toward Robin and kneels down to open some of the boxes.)
Robin: Has your dad been back here ever?
(Patrick simply shakes his head as he holds up a baby blanket and quickly inspects it.)
Patrick: Not once.
(Robin lowers her eyes toward Patrick.)
Robin: Does that bother you?
(Patrick sighs as he lowers his body onto the floor. He looks up at Robin.)
Patrick: That’s like asking me if it bothers me that he doesn’t want to open up a vein. I get why being here is painful for him. I get why he would never want to step foot in here. (Sighs) It doesn’t bother me that he’s never been back here… but it bothers me that he wasn’t here when I needed him that first time.
(Patrick shrugs his shoulders.)
Patrick: But to be honest, in the end… I didn’t mind that he didn’t come. This became my place to be alone with my thoughts. These four walls became a shrine to the life we once had. (He looks down) Since my mom died, I went to the cemetery where she is maybe five times, tops. But here… this is where she is. She isn’t in the ground. I can’t smell or feel her there. I can’t close my eyes and imagine her there. (Looks away) But, give me one of her sweaters or open up one of her journals… and there she is.
(Robin leans down and moves closer toward Patrick.)
Robin: But, you haven’t been back here in ten years you said, right?
Patrick: I was spending too much time here. My dad was missing in action; I was getting ready for college. I didn’t even have a home to go home to. This became my home and it was only because I thought she was here.
Robin (softly): What changed things for you?
Patrick: One night, I was leaving here and I saw my father leaving one of his normal hangouts. He was drunk out of his mind and it just hit me – he was drowning himself in alcohol and I was drowning myself in inanimate objects. That’s when I decided to hold onto something more tangible.
Robin: So, was that when Patrick Drake, the womanizer, was born?
(Patrick laughs as he reaches toward Robin’s hands.)
Patrick: I focused on medicine. My mom wanted me to be a doctor… so I set out to be the best damn doctor in New York City.
Robin: She would be very proud of you.
(Patrick smirks as he looks down for a moment.)
Patrick: The women were just part of the package after that.
(Robin laughs as she scoots off of the rocking chair and moves next to Patrick on the floor. With a simple ease, she moves in between his legs and nestles into his arms.)
Robin: I think it’s amazing, you know…
(Robin finds Patrick’s hands and wraps his arms around her body.)
Robin: You took so much pain and loss… and made it into something amazing. You are a brilliant doctor, Patrick. The most brilliant I’ve ever seen.
(Robin raises her head slightly and looks up at Patrick.)
Robin: And that you’ve been able to rebuild a relationship with your father. (She touches his face) You’re an amazing man, Patrick Drake.
(Patrick shakes his head.)
Patrick: Robin, I would’ve never pursued a relationship with my father on my own. Please do not give me credit for that. (Looks at her) You gave me a family, Robin. And I’m not just talking about the one we’re building together. You brought my father back into my life. (Pauses) And you gave me the courage to come back here.
(Robin closes her eyes as Patrick pulls her toward him and she nestles further into his arms.)
Patrick: You gave me back my parents.
(Robin shakes her head.)
Robin: You would’ve found the courage on your own. (Looks up at him) That’s how much faith I have in you and who you are.
(Patrick looks back at Robin. He knew she was so incredibly wrong, but didn’t say anything. He would’ve never sought out a relationship with his father again on his own. He was done with him. He was done with him in this very room almost ten years ago. Patrick jumps from his thoughts when he feels Robin reaching toward a box next to them. She pulls out a sketch book. He lowers his eyes and watches her open it slowly. The first sketch is of a young boy.)
Robin (softly): Patrick…
Patrick: My mom… she had an amazing talent.
Robin: She drew this?
(Robin traces her fingers along the details of the page. This was Patrick as a boy. He looked exactly the same – same unruly hair, same gorgeous dimple. However, there was one difference – he was missing his front teeth. Robin can’t help but laugh as she stares at the toothless smile of the boy who grew into the man she loved.)
Robin: Patrick, this is amazing.
(Patrick nods.)
Patrick: She was really good.
(Robin continues to flip through the pages and watches in amazement as images of skylines, various people, flowers fly by her.)
Robin: You know, I always thought that you got your talent from your dad. (Looks at him) But, I think your mom had something to do with it too.
(Robin pauses when she reaches one particular page. It was a sketch of a pair of hands. Patrick sees what page she’s on and takes a deep breath.)
Robin: Your mom didn’t sketch this.
Patrick (softly): How do you know?
Robin: The edges, the curves… they’re different… a little bit harder.
(Robin turns the page and sees a sketch of the Manhattan skyline. She studies it for a moment then turns around and looks at Patrick.)
Robin: Are these yours?
(Patrick releases a soft breath.)
Patrick: I can’t ever get anything over on you, Dr. Scorpio.
Robin: Patrick, these are amazing! Why didn’t you tell me that you draw?
(Patrick reaches for the sketch book and takes it from her.)
Patrick: Because I don’t.
(Robin turns around in Patrick’s arms and looks at him.)
Robin: But, you did.
Patrick: When I was younger? Sure.
Robin: Why did you stop?
Patrick: I just… I didn’t have a reason to continue. I only drew because my mother liked sharing that with me.
(Patrick looks down at his sketches again.)
Patrick: And honestly, I wasn’t even that good.
(Robin leans in and kisses Patrick’s arm.)
Robin: Is that my overconfident fiancée admitting that he wasn’t good at something? (Smiles) Figures you would finally admit it when you’re absolutely wrong.
(Robin points toward one of the sketches.)
Robin: These are amazing. And it makes so much sense that you can draw. You have amazing hands. I don’t know why I didn’t see it earlier. (Looks at him) Your handwriting is the worst I’ve ever seen, but maybe there was always an artistic aspect to it.
(Patrick laughs.)
Patrick: Like abstract art?
Robin (smiles): Very abstract.
(Robin looks back down at the sketch.)
Robin: I’m serious, Patrick, these are good. Your mother was an amazing artist, but so were you.
Patrick (lightly): Maybe.
(Robin looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: You stopped when your mother died, didn’t you?
(Patrick just silently nods.)
Robin: But, you loved it. (Looks down at them) I can see it in your strokes.
(Patrick smiles as he leans in and kisses her neck.)
Patrick: You like my strokes?
Robin: Patrick! I’m being serious, here!
(Robin pulls away and looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: You were really good.
(Patrick closes the sketch book and places it next to them.)
Patrick: That was a lifetime ago. I probably can’t even draw a straight line now.
Robin: Patrick, you never lose a talent like that. (Looks at him) You should try again.
Patrick (softly): I don’t know.
(Robin smiles as she pushes back some of his hair.)
Robin: Just think about it. (Simply) Everyone needs a hobby.
Patrick: I already have a hobby. (Pulls her toward him) Loving you is my hobby.
Robin (simply): Then, love me with your hands.
(Patrick arches an eyebrow as Robin hits him.)
Robin: One day, when you’re ready, I want you to draw something for me.
(Patrick doesn’t respond. He simply watches her as she leaps to her feet.)
Robin: But until then… we should frame some of these. Maybe put them in the nursery.
(Patrick bites his bottom lip as he traces it simply watching her. He loved watching her, especially when she was enthusiastic about something… and her enthusiasm was contagious. Patrick stands up slowly and reaches for his stuffed bear that Robin left on the rocking chair. He turns toward Robin and extends it toward her.)
Patrick: Do you think we could give Wilbur a new home?
(Robin smiles widely then moves toward Patrick and hugs him tightly.)
Robin: Thank you for bringing me here and sharing this with me.
(Patrick takes a deep breath, inhaling the scent of Robin, and kisses the top of her head.)
Patrick (softly): You’re welcome.

Chapter 74

- Several Days Later
Setting: Robin & Patrick’s Apartment
(It’s early in the morning. Patrick Drake is sitting at their kitchen table flipping through the 2-page sports section of the Port Charles Gazette. It was Sunday mornings like these that he missed the New York Times. This backwater town covered all of two teams – and one being the peewee baseball team called the Port Charles Batters. Patrick sighs as he closes the paper and taps his fingers on the wooden table underneath him. He glances in the direction of their bedroom and leans back on his chair. Robin was still sleeping. They had come back from New York City a few days ago and most of the stuff they wanted to take out of his family’s storage facility had been shipped to their apartment. They had spent most of their evening last night going through the shipped items and deciding what to place where. It was amazing how Robin had most of the nursery mapped out in her head. She was only in her sixteenth (almost seventeenth) week of pregnancy and yet she could map out exactly how she wanted everything to be. And Patrick loved that about her. He would watch her eyes light up when they hit a certain part of the room and her smile would widen when she suddenly remembered something. He loved watching her be happy. And this morning he wanted to let her sleep in. She was more tired than she was letting on. Before they had left for New York, Kelly had changed her HIV protocol slightly to coincide better with her prenatal drugs. He knew that her somewhat new cocktail was making her more fatigue than usual. He had called his father from New York and asked him to look into how long the fatigue should last. Noah, being Noah, called Patrick back within ten minutes and gave him a whole run down of the side effects of her new cocktail. It was in that moment Patrick had realized how much his relationship had grown with his father. He trusted him with Robin… which was like trusting him with his heart – something he hadn’t done in years. And he actually took comfort from Noah and was relieved when he said that the fatigue should start wearing off as her body adjusted to the new protocol. And for the first time in years… he believed his father. Patrick looks up from his thoughts when he hears Robin’s footsteps from their bedroom. He smiles at the sight of her wearing his favorite T-shirt. She always looked a million times better in them than he did.)

Robin (groggily): Hey…
(Patrick opens his arms and extends them toward her. She walks into them with a simple ease and sits on his lap then kisses his cheek.)
Robin: Good morning.
(Patrick touches her stomach gently.)
Patrick: It is now.
(Robin rests her head on Patrick’s shoulder as she sighs softly.)
Robin: I missed you when I woke up.
Patrick: I got up early and I didn’t want to wake you with my tossing and turning.
Robin: Couldn’t sleep?
(Patrick looks down and shakes his head.)
Patrick: I just got up early.
(Robin raises her head slightly and rubs the back of his neck.)
Robin: If something’s on your mind, you can tell me… you know.
(Patrick raises his head and looks back at Robin. She looked so amazingly beautiful this morning. He gently strokes her cheek with his thumb.)
Patrick: Just thinking of you.
(Robin’s eyes soften as she looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: And what about me?
(Patrick tightens his grip on Robin and kisses her neck.)
Patrick: Just thoughts.
(She sighs softly as she rests her head on his shoulder again.)
Robin: You’re worried about me, aren’t you?
(Patrick locks his jaw slightly and looks down.)
Robin: You don’t have to be. I’ll be okay, Patrick.
(Patrick slowly turns his head and looks at Robin.)
Robin: We knew my body was going to take some adjusting to the new drugs.
(Patrick quietly nods.)
Robin: And I’ve been pretty lucky so far. I really haven’t had morning sickness and my last blood workups were good. I’m not complaining, Patrick.
Patrick: And neither am I. (Pushes a strand of her hair back) Believe me, I’m not. (kisses her shoulder) I just want to make sure you know that I am here for you… in case you want to complain.
(Robin sighs as she links her fingers with his.)
Robin: And the same goes for you.
(Patrick lifts his head and looks at Robin.)
Robin: You’re going through this just as much as I am. I mean, yeah… it’s my body that is changing and reacting to all these drugs, but you’re watching it all happen. (looks down) And I know that can’t be easy at times. I’m sure, it’s like you’re waiting for something to happen.
(Patrick kisses Robin’s neck as he runs his hand along her stomach.)
Patrick: I just… I want to put you in a bubble.
(Robin bursts out laughing as she buries her head in his shoulder.)
Patrick (laughs): Come on! Don’t laugh at me! I just want to keep you safe. (pushes back her hair) I want to protect you, Robin.
Robin: You do. (simply) You already do, Patrick – and I love you for that.
(Robin carefully stands up removing herself from Patrick’s lap while extending her hands toward him.)
Robin: Come with me.
(Patrick takes a deep breath then places his hands in Robin’s. He follows her toward their storage room which will soon be their child’s room. They walk into the center of the empty room. Robin takes a deep breath as she leans back on Patrick’s chest.)
Robin: Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed or get nervous, I come in here and take a deep breath. I breathe it all in. (closes her eyes) Breathe it, Patrick.
(Patrick inhales a deep breath as he links his fingers with Robin’s.)
Robin: All the fear… anything that comes with this – it will all be worth it. Patrick, I know that this all had to happen for a reason.
(Patrick leans down and kisses the top of Robin’s head.)
Robin: We’ll be okay, Patrick. (looks up at him) I’ll be okay.
(Patrick slowly pulls away from Robin and turns her around in his arms. He pushes back a strand of her hair back as he stares down at her.)
Patrick: How did you get so smart?
(Robin smiles widely.)
Robin: Well, I was valedictorian in my high school and then went to Yale and when that wasn’t prestigious enough, I went to the Sorbonne.
Patrick: Cute.
(Robin laughs as Patrick leans in and gently kisses her.)
Patrick: Really cute.

- Hours Later
Setting: Kelly’s Diner
(It’s an early September afternoon. Anna Devane is sitting at one of the corner tables with Felicia Jones flipping through various bridal magazines. She looks up at her oldest friend and sighs.)

Anna: How does my brilliant daughter think she is going to plan an entire wedding in three weeks?
Felicia: Robin was always an optimist.
(Felicia looks up as Noah Drake and Mac Scorpio sit at the two seats across from them holding their coffees.)
Noah: And my son was always the “over-estimator.”
Mac: Well, I want my niece to have the wedding she wants – no matter what.
Anna: Oh, there is no doubt in my mind that we’ll get it all done. Our children will have the wedding of their dreams.
(Anna sighs as she looks down at the pile of magazines in front of her.)
Anna: I just wish I knew where to begin. I never was really into planning weddings. (thinks) Robin was always much better at this than I was.
Felicia: Robin loves weddings. She was so helpful planning mine to Mac.
Mac: Both of them. (pauses) And she actually thought of food and menus… too bad she wasn’t around for any of Brenda’s weddings. (points toward Felicia) I always starved at Brenda’s weddings. Robin never would’ve left that happen.
(Felicia rolls her eyes as Noah reaches for his coffee.)
Noah: Well, Patrick always hated weddings. He hated everything about them. He hated getting dressed up in a suit. He hated sitting still at the church. He hated the awkwardness of the receptions. He hated dancing. He hated…
(Mac finally turns his head and looks at Noah.)
Mac: Is there anything your son likes?
(Noah smiles as he takes a quick gulp of his coffee.)
Noah: Your niece. (looks at him) My son swore at the age of twelve that he would never get married. It’s nice to know that someone was finally able to change his mind.
(Felicia leans in toward Noah eagerly with her notepad in hand.)
Felicia: Noah! This is helpful. Tell me – what exactly did Patrick hate about weddings? We need to know, so we don’t repeat history.
(Before Noah could respond, the door to Kelly’s Diner opens revealing Robert Scorpio.)
Robert: Sorry I’m late.
(Anna glares toward her ex-husband as does Mac.)
Mac: How did you know we’d be here?
(Felicia awkwardly smiles as she raises her hand.)
Felicia: I invited him.
Mac: And why would you do that?
Robert: Oh, I don’t know! Because I’m the bride’s father!
Felicia: And he loves her, Mac!
Robert: And I am not going anywhere. Robin is my daughter and she is carrying my grandchild.
(Robert looks directly at Anna.)
Robert: I wasn’t around for my daughter’s birth – not by choice, I’ll add. There is no way in Hades that I’m going to miss my grandchild’s entry into this world.
Anna (rolls her eyes): Oh, quit this father of the year act! (leans in toward him) I made mistakes, Robert, as have you, plenty of them… but you have had ample time to make up for them – we both have! The difference is that I've tried to make amends!
(Noah clears his throat.)
Noah: Would you like some advice?
Robert & Anna (in unison): NO!
(Noah leans in toward Robert and Anna.)
Noah: Look, it took me several years to get back on track with my own son. I made mistakes with Patrick, plenty of them, but if he’s able to get passed them… I have to as well.
(Anna stands up abruptly.)
Anna: Thank you, Dr. Drake… but my problems aren’t with my daughter – they’re with her father!

Setting: General Hospital Locker Room
(Robin Scorpio is standing in front of her locker changing into her scrubs. She looks up when Kelly Lee appears next to her.)

Kelly: Hey Robin.
(Robin turns fully toward Kelly as she ties the bottom of her scrubs.)
Kelly: I just wanted to remind you that your next sonogram is tomorrow morning.
Robin (smiles): Oh don’t worry… Patrick has the date ingrained in my mind.
(Kelly laughs as she sits down on the bench next to Robin’s locker.)
Kelly: So, tell me… has he been super-protective?
(Robin smiles as she turns around and slowly sits down next to Kelly.)
Robin: Patrick has been amazing.
Kelly: And how have you been feeling with the new meds?
Robin (softly): A little tired lately.
Kelly: But, you know that’s natural, right?
Robin: Yeah, I know… but I think it’s hard for Patrick to see. (sighs) I’ve been through protocol changes and dosage changes, but Patrick never has. Being pregnant is new to me, but all of this is new to him – the pregnancy, the HIV… the hormones.
(Kelly reaches toward Robin and gently takes her hand.)
Kelly: You are two of the smartest doctors I have ever worked with, but you’re both only human. You have to always remember that.
(Robin smiles.)
Robin: We try. (looks at Kelly) Thanks, Kelly.
Kelly (smiles): Anytime. (pauses) So, tell me… why don’t you two want to know the sex of your baby?
(Robin laughs as she turns toward Kelly and brings her knees up to her chest.)
Robin: I don’t know. A part of me wants to know… and a part of me already knows, but even more than what I think or feel, I just want a healthy baby.
Kelly: So, you think you already know?
(Robin blushes as she plays with the bottom of her scrubs.)
Robin: I have ideas.
Kelly (leans in): Really?
(Robin looks up and giggles as Kelly moves closer toward her.)
Robin: I’m not telling.
(Robin looks up suddenly when she sees Patrick Drake turns the corner of the lockers fresh from his latest surgery.)
Patrick: Telling what?
(Robin looks up with widened eyes as Kelly leaps to her feet.)
Kelly: All of your bedroom secrets, Dr. Drake.
(Patrick rolls his eyes as Kelly waves toward Robin then leaves. Once she’s gone, Patrick sits down next to Robin on her bench. He leans in toward her.)
Patrick: Are you kissing and telling, Dr. Scorpio?
(Robin leans in toward Patrick and gently kisses him.)
Robin: Have I told you lately how much I can’t wait to marry you?
(Patrick pulls away and gently caresses the side of her face.)
Patrick: Three weeks.
(Robin sighs softly as Patrick pulls her toward him and kisses the top of her head.)
Robin: Three long weeks.

Chapter 75

- The Next Day
Setting: The Nurses’ Station at General Hospital
(It’s an early September morning. Robin Scorpio and Patrick Drake walk off the elevators of General Hospital for the first time as patients – not doctors. Today was Robin’s sonogram with Dr. Lee. This was a new emotion for the both of them. They were so use to being the ones giving the answers, supplying the reassurance when needed… and now they were the ones that needed reassuring answers. This was a different feeling for the both of them. Robin Scorpio takes a deep breath as she approaches the Nurses’ Station with Patrick next to her. However, they both stop short when Dillon Hornsby leaps toward him with a wide-tooth smile.)

Dillon: Hello Robin and my future…
(Dillon pauses and thinks for a moment.)
Dillon: Brother-in-law? Step-brother-in-law? Cousin-in-law? What exactly are you?
(Patrick turns his attention toward Robin.)
Patrick: Maybe the question should be – who is he?
(Robin sighs as Dillon leans on the Nurses’ Station.)
Robin: Well, Dillon is married to Georgie who is sort of my stepsister, but not really… you could consider her my cousin, but not really… and her father, Frisco, was my godfather, so…
(Patrick shakes his head and covers Robin’s lips with his fingers then turns toward Dillon.)
Patrick: Call me Patrick.
(Dillon smiles widely as he looks back at Patrick.)
Dillon: Patrick, it is. (Looks at Robin) So, Robin… rumor has it that today is your sonogram.
(Robin looks at Patrick skeptically.)
Robin: Uh… yeah.
(Dillon smiles widely as he suddenly reveals a video camera. Patrick immediately shakes his head and holds up his hands.)
Patrick: Stop right there.
(Dillon turns toward Robin excited.)
Dillon: Robin, just hear me out… video diaries are amazing! Your kid will love this.
(Robin takes a deep breath and shuffles her feet uncomfortably.)
Patrick: I thought we told you about five times already that this was a bad idea.
(Dillon spins around and looks at Patrick.)
Dillon: Look, future brother-in… Patrick, you and Robin are about to embark on an amazing adventure together. Why wouldn’t you want to document it?
(Patrick takes a deep breath as he places both of his hands on his hips. Robin turns her head slowly and cringes slightly when she sees Patrick slowly raising his finger. She knew exactly what that meant… he was about to verbally destroy poor Dillon with a few smartly chosen stinging words. And she knew where Patrick was coming from. He was scared for her… and he didn’t want his fear documented for prosperity. She got it perfectly. Robin reaches toward Patrick and gently clasps his raised hand. She looks at him directly.)
Robin (calmly): Patrick, why don’t you check on Kelly and see if she’s ready for us? I’ll talk to Dillon.
(Patrick looks at Dillon again then shifts his attention back to Robin. He tenderly kisses her forehead then strokes the side of her face with his thumb.)
Patrick (softly): I’m going to find you in five minutes, tops.
(Robin smiles, as Patrick glances at Dillon again then walks in the direction of the exam rooms. Once they’re alone, Dillon moves toward Robin.)
Dillon: He doesn’t trust me, does he?
(Robin smiles politely as she reaches toward Dillon’s arm and leads him toward the waiting area. Robin smoothes back her skirt as she sits down across the young, well-meaning, wannabe film maker.)
Robin: Dillon, you know that I really like your quirkiness, right?
Dillon: But?
(Robin looks down at her hands and sighs softly.)
Robin: Patrick and I… (Looks at him) we’re going through something really unique right now.
Dillon (laughs): No offense, Robin… but you’re not the first woman to get pregnant.
(Robin laughs softly.)
Robin: Oh, thanks for putting things into perspective for me, Dillon.
(Robin turns fully toward Dillon.)
Robin: But, what I was referring to was my condition. Dillon, I’m HIV+.
(Dillon nods as he looks down at his hands.)
Dillon: I know that, Robin. (Pauses) I never meant…
(Dillon takes a deep breath. He felt like a complete jerk. He slowly raises his head and looks back at Robin.)
Dillon: Robin, I never meant that you should document an HIV+ pregnancy. (Simply) I thought you should document your pregnancy.
(Dillon turns fully toward Robin and leans in toward her.)
Dillon: Your family has been through so much. I mean, when’s the last time a baby was brought into your family? It’s going to be amazing, Robin. A baby brings such happiness into a home and on top of that, you’re getting married! It’s incredibly cool, Robin!
Robin: Why are you so into this, Dillon?
Dillon: Robin, my childhood blew. You’ve known for my family for how many years? I was shipped from boarding school to boarding school. My mom and dad… come on! They were jokes. My dad never loved my mom. He married Jenny as soon as he could get away from Tracy. (Simply) You and Patrick don’t have that. My parents never put me first.
(Dillon looks down at his hands.)
Dillon: You’re already doing that by shooting down my brilliant documentary idea. You don’t want to do anything that could hurt your child.
(Robin leans toward Dillon and takes his hand in his.)
Robin: Hey… I never said that your video idea could hurt my child. (He looks at her) Dillon, your video idea is great. It’s just… I’m the scared one. To put what I’m feeling down on tape… for it to be real, to say my fears out loud… (She looks down) I’m not that brave, Dillon.
(Dillon releases a soft breath.)
Dillon: It sounds like you don’t give yourself enough credit.
(Dillon reaches toward the camera bag resting by his feet.)
Dillon: But, if you should change your mind…
(Dillon hands Robin his camera bag.)
Robin: Dillon, I can’t take your camera.
Dillon: Oh, this is just my Handycam 2000.
(Robin looks back at Dillon confused.)
Dillon: I already have the new Handycam 8000, which is extremely amazing, but for your purposes completely unnecessary. (Looks at her) Robin, I’m not telling you to use it. I’m not even suggesting you videotape any part of your pregnancy. I’m just giving this to you… just in case you change your mind. (Pauses) Did Georgie ever tell you why I love film so much? It’s the power of capturing a moment. Sometimes life flies by us so fast that it can move by us in blurred images. Cameras add a little clarity.
(Robin shakes her head then hugs Dillon tightly.)
Robin: You’re an amazing brother-in-law.
Dillon (laughs): Do you mind telling Patrick that?
(Robin laughs as she pulls away from Dillon.)
Robin: I can try.
(Robin looks up when she suddenly notices Patrick walking toward her and Dillon. He kept his word – he was gone for exactly five minutes. Dillon follows Robin’s gaze and leaps to his feet.)
Dillon: Your fiancée still looks a little on edge. I’m disappearing.
(Robin smiles as she points toward the camera Dillon just left her.)
Robin: Should I capture this moment? (Laughs) Add a little clarity to it.
(Dillon walks backward toward the elevator, never taking his eyes off of Robin or Patrick.)
Dillon: No, thank you! Handycam 8000 was made for movement – 2000 is known for its still-shots. And, this is me, running away from an overly possessive father-to-be. Peace out.
(Robin laughs as Dillon disappears into the elevator. Patrick watches him leave then walks over to Robin.)
Patrick: Was he still hammering you?
(Patrick’s eyes lower to the small video camera in Robin’s hands.)
Patrick: Don’t tell me – he got to you.
(Robin simply smiles as she extends her hand toward Patrick and he sits next to her.)
Robin: He just means well.
Patrick: He’s intrusive.
Robin: He’s not saying that he has to videotape it himself.
(Patrick turns his head and looks at Robin.)
Patrick: He did get to you, didn’t he?
Robin: No… (takes his hand) you got to me.
(Robin looks down at Patrick’s hand in hers.)
Robin: You know that I love you, right?
(Patrick simply looks back at Robin.)
Robin: I want to be sure that no matter what happens a year from now or ten years from now… I need to know that our child knows that I love him or her just as much. I need them to know that I would do anything, be anything, to protect them and be with them.
(Patrick leans in toward Robin and simply kisses her forehead.)
Patrick: They’ll know that. (looks at her) Do you want to videotape your pregnancy?
(Robin laughs.)
Robin: Uh… not quite. (softly) But, maybe we could videotape some of the little milestones… like us getting the nursery ready, our wedding day...
(Patrick laughs as he runs his thumb along her cheek.)
Patrick: Oh yeah, those are all the little things.
(Robin laughs as she shakes her head.)
Robin: You know what I mean.
(Patrick nods.)
Patrick: I do. And I think it’s a good idea. (kisses her quickly) An amazing idea.
(Robin and Patrick look up when Kelly approaches them smiling.)
Kelly: You guys ready to say “hi” to Junior Drake.
(Robin scrunches her face as Patrick runs his hand along her stomach.)
Patrick: I like the sound of that, Kelly. (smiles) I hope this baby is JUST like me!
(Robin’s eyes widen as she looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: JUST like you?
(Patrick leans in smiling.)
Patrick: With hints of you.
(Robin’s mouth falls as Kelly watches them laughing.)
Robin: Hints of me?
(Robin leaps to her feet.)
Robin: A ‘mother’ knows and trust me… this baby is pure Scorpio.
(Kelly moves toward Patrick and Robin. She smiles as she stands between them.)
Kelly: Okay, quick way to solve this without bloodshed – once your bundle of joy is born, we’ll hold up a scalpel in one hand and a lock-picking set in the other… and we’ll see which one they reach for.
(Robin smiles as she looks at Patrick.)
Robin: Probably neither.
(Patrick laughs as he takes Robin’s hand in his.)
Patrick: They’ll probably be a musician.
Robin: Or a writer.
(Kelly sighs as she leans against the wall waiting for them.)
Kelly: Or a lawyer – given your penchant for banter.
(Robin and Patrick’s head spin toward Kelly.)
Kelly (laughs): What? Everyone knows how you two love to fight.
(Patrick points toward Robin.)
Patrick: We don’t fight.
Robin: We discuss things.
Kelly: In the form of an argument.
(Robin makes a face and looks at Patrick.)
Robin: So not true!
Patrick: No… we have intense, intelligent discussions where I am often right.
(Robin’s mouth falls as she hits Patrick’s chest.)
Robin: Shush!
Kelly: I rest my case. Come on, you two.
(Kelly walks past Robin and Patrick. Once she passes them, Robin turns toward Patrick and glares at him.)
Robin (in a hushed tone): You are not often right.
Patrick (smiling): You’re right. It’s not often – it’s more like always.
(Robin laughs as Patrick pulls her toward him and wraps his arm around her waist as they follow Kelly toward the examination room.)
Robin: More like never.
Patrick: I’d say most of the time.
Robin: More like rarely.
Patrick: Quite regularly.
Robin: I’d say it’s seldom and far between.
(Kelly stops in front of the exam room and smiles brightly at them.)
Kelly: We’re here! You’re ready?
(Robin smiles widely as she looks at Patrick.)
Patrick: We’re both extremely ready.
(Robin leans up and kisses Patrick’s cheek.)
Robin: Look at that… you’re finally right.
(Patrick laughs as he leans down and tenderly kisses Robin. Kelly watches them, shakes her head then goes into the examination room. Patrick and Robin follow her smiling widely. They were going to see their baby!)

to be continued...

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