AFTERMATH - PARTS 4 & 5

PART 4

Last time...

Bo and Nora were kissing in the doorway.

Bo suddenly realizes what is happening. He pulls away. They are looking at each other.

Bo: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I'm leaving.
Nora: Bo...No it's okay.

Bo says nothing. He turns and walks away.

Nora lets him go. She stands in the doorway watching him leave.

She closes the door behind her and heads for the couch. She sits down.

N: What just happened?

A few days later Bo is at the station house. He tries to concentrate on the messages on his desk, the files in his "in" box, and his work in general.

B: Focus Buchanan.

He pours himself a cup of coffee.

Yet the minute he sits down, he sees himself kissing Nora and he imagines more. He had blocked out how wonderful it felt to hold her, to touch her, to feel her against him. He missed her.

He jumps up....

B: Damn it! He spilled most of the coffee on him.

Nora walks in.

N: What happened?
B: Well instead of drinking the coffee, I poured most of it in my lap. My mind is just wandering.
N: Well join the club. Did you burn yourself?
B: No, I'm fine. Lousy coffee anyway. What can I do for you?
N: You're doing it again.
B (bewildered): What am I doing again?
N: You are acting like nothing happened between us.
B: You mean me kissing you? Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I don't know what came over me.
N: No, not that - we'll get to that later. Our talk - I think we made some progress. Don't shut me out again.
B: All I said was what can I do for you.
N: Yeah - you are treating me like your next appointment.
B: Well, you are. You see, if you look at my calender, I have it right here.

Nora takes a peek at his calender. He has scribbled "Nora will come by" on it.

N: OK...why did you think I would come over to see you today.
B: Because I know you. I knew you would want to talk some more.
N: And do you think that's wrong?
B: No. But, I don't know if I have more to add.
N: You don't? So you obviously didn't think about anything we discussed.
B: Not true. It's all I've been thinking about actually.
N: And did you come to any conclusion?
B. Yes.

Nora braces herself for the worst. Bo focuses his complete attention on her.

B: I can't stop thinking about you Nora. When I left you a year ago, I put up a wall around my heart. I was determined to keep any thoughts of you out. It was and continues to be the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

But after finding out about what Lindsay did and after seeing you and being with you - the wall started to cave a little bit.

Then when I kissed you - I think the wall all came down. I was flooded with overwhelming feelings for you. I just
missed you so much. And it wasn't just because of the physical aspect of it all. I miss you - all of you. I guess I miss "us."

Nora is wiping away her tears. Bo sits next to her on the couch and hands her a tissue.

B: So I guess what I'm saying, what I'm asking is - if you are able to forgive me for all that I've said and done, then I would like a chance at being with you again - being "us" again.
N: If you keep talking like that these tears are never going to stop. Bo, even though these are the words I've wished for, I'm still a little hesitant. I want to believe - I do believe you. It's just that we still each have a lot of feelings to deal with.
B (starting to get annoyed): So are you now taking back everything you said?
N: No - geeze - let me finish! I want you to know that if we reconcile, unfortunately, Sam is still part of my life because of Matthew. I need to know you can accept that and Matthew. I want us to talk to each other. Tell each other our feelings every day. If we don't deal with this, it is just going to build up again and explode. Can you handle that?
B: I like to think I can. I can accept Sam in your life. I don't have to like it. And Matthew, well he's a given. I'm already crazy about him. I'm sure that Sam won't be thrilled about me being in Matthew's life though. But he'll have to accept it.
N: Yes, he and I have a lot to discuss in terms of Matt.
B: Look Red, I really should get back to work. Why don't we have dinner tonight at the Palace and we can talk some more.
N: I'd like that, but Mary Ann might not be available tonight, so I might have to bring Matthew.
B: That's fine. As long as it's not too much trouble for you.
N: No, actually I think it would be fun.
B: Great, I'll pick you up.
N: It would be easier if I met you there. You know - car seat, all the necessities that I have to bring.
B: Oh, right. OK - so how about I meet you there around 7:00.
N: OK - see you there.

Bo walks her to the door and opens it for her. This time they hug and Nora leaves. Everyone in the station is staring at them.

B: Get back to work people!

PART 5 - FINAL CHAPTER

Setting: The Palace Restaurant

Renee greets Bo.

Renee: Hello Darlin', how are you holding up?
Bo: I'm doing pretty good Renee.
R: I'm glad to hear that. Are you here by yourself?
B: Actually Nora will be joining me. Oh and we'll need a highchair for Matthew.
R (excited): Bo! That's wonderful.
B: Don't get excited. We are just having dinner to talk about some things.
R: Well honey, it's a start. Follow me.

Renee leads Bo to the table near the fireplace.

Just then Nora arrives with Matthew in tow.

Bo looks at them across the room. It makes him feel great. He gets up to help her to the table.

B: Hi Nora. He kisses her and Matthew on the cheek.
N: Hi Bo. Sorry I'm a little late.
B: No problem. I just got here.

Renee comes over to greet Nora and Matthew.

R: It's wonderful to see you three together. What can I get you to start?
N: I'll just have a club soda Renee.
B: Same for me.
R: OK, I'll be right back.

Nora fusses with Matthew and settles in.

N: I'm a little nervous.
B: Really? Why?
N: I just am. Go figure.

Just then Sam and Lindsay walk in.

B: Don't look now, here come Sam and Lindsay.
N: Oh great!
Lindsay: Well, well, well, isn't this cozy?
B: Give it up Lindsay.
Sam: Nora, what's going on here? He kisses Matthew.
N: I'm having dinner with Bo, what's it look like I'm doing?
S: Why is Matthew here?
N: Mary Ann wasn't available, so I brought him with me. Do you have a problem with that?
S: No, I guess not. I'm just a little surprised to see him here.
N: Well, he's fine.
L: Yes Sam. I'm sure he's in good hands. Come on let's sit down and leave the happy family alone.
B: That's enough Lindsay. Please leave, we were having a nice time before you two got here.
S: Fine, we're going.

Sam and Lindsay sit down and right away order some drinks.

Bo and Nora continue their dinner - talking and laughing.

N: It's so good to see you smile again Bo. You have a beautiful smile.
B: It feels good to laugh and smile again. It's because of you.
S: Look at them. It really burns me to see Bo with Matthew.
L (gulping her drink): Why? Are you afraid Bo will take him away from you?
S: No, of course not! He's my son. Nora would never do that to me.
L: Yeah sure.
S: What do you mean by that?
L (gulping another drink): Nothing. Let's eat.

By this time, Lindsay has had 5 stiff drinks and she's very talkative.

L: They hate us so much Sam.
S: Lindsay, you've had too much to drink.
L: After what I've been through, I cannot have too much to drink.
S: Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
L: Oh shut up Sam! I'm going to talk and drink all I want.
S: Well I don't have to sit here and listen to you.
L: Sam, Matthew may be Bo's son after all.
S: WHAT!?!?! Lindsay, you're drunk.
L (laughs): Yes, but I speak the truth!
S: What are you talking about?
L: That's my alibi.
S: Lindsay, speak English - what alibi?
L: That's where I was the night of Jessica's accident.
S: Where? What are you talking about? I'm serious!!! Tell me the truth.
L: I was at the DNA lab bribing the lab technician to change Matthew's test to name you as the father. But, the next day I called him to tell him to leave the correct results. But, I never heard from him again so I don't know what really happened. Sam, you might not be his father.
S: Lindsay, you're drunk and crazy! You don't know what you are saying.
L: No Sam. It's true. I'm sorry. I've got to tell Bo too.

She gets up and heads to their table. Sam can't believe what he just heard. He tries to stop her.

S: Lindsay come back here!
N: Oh goody - she's back.
L: Bo, Nora - there is something I have to tell you.
S: Don't listen to her, she's drunk.
N: No, I'd love to hear her words of wisdom.
L: Well..... And she goes on to repeat what she told Sam.
B&N: WHAT???!!!???

Nora rises up from her chair. Bo tries to restrain her.

N (says very slowly): What are you talking about?
B: Lindsay you told me, you assured me, that you stopped the lab tech.
N: Bo, you knew this????????
B: No. Yes. I mean, she told me the test was correct. Sam was Matthew's father.
L: I left out one little detail. I didn't really know if I got through to the tech or not. I wanted to believe I did. But I honestly don't know. Sorry.
S: She's drunk. You can't believe her.
N: Oh my god. She clutches her head.
B: Nora, are you okay?
N: No. She faints.
B: Nora! Renee call an ambulance!

Bo picks her up and cradles her in his arms. He tries splashing water in her face and gently tapping her cheeks.

N: I'm OK, I'm OK.
B: Are you sure?
N: NO!!! Am I dreaming? Did Lindsay really say what she did?
B: Yes.

Nora slowly gets up off the floor.

She gathers up Matthew's things and stares at Lindsay.

N: YOU BITCH!!! You'd better get out of my face before I hurt you! Bo take me home now!

They leave. Sam and Lindsay are there with the whole restaurant looking at them.

S: I'm taking you home.
L: Oh goody!

Nora and Bo go back to Bo's place.

N: Bo, is what Lindsay said true?
B: Nora, she told me she tried to have the tests changed. She told me the tech didn't go through with the bribe.
N: And you believed her?
B: Yes. I had no reason to doubt her.
N: Oh yeah - you were in love. Why didn't you tell me this?
B: I didn't think it was important. It wouldn't change the situation. Nora, she was drunk as a bum. She's probably talking out of her head.
N: But we don't know for sure. I need to get another test done.

She starts to panic.

B: Nora, calm down!
N: Calm down! How can I calm down?!? That woman should be put away. And you - you didn't think it was
important?!? You didn't think it would change anything?!? The woman was willing to go to jail for a long time for a crime she didn't commit and you stayed with her?!? What is happening? I can't believe this!
B: I'm sorry. I really am sorry. I honestly believed her.

With that, Bo realizes the seriousness of the situation. He could be Matthew's father.

N: I've got to get out of here. I'm going home.
B: Nora, are you sure you are alright?
N: No. I'm not sure of anything.
B: Please don't let this effect how far we've come. I still want to work things out.
N: I have to go.

Nora leaves.

The next day she is on the phone with Dr. Conklin scheduling another DNA test.

Bo has called and left messages but she cannot bring herself to talk to him.

She is trying to comprehend what could happen to her life. Her child may have a new father. A man who has missed out on a year of his life. A new man to adjust to, a new man to love, but the man could be Bo.

She smiles at the thought, but the phone ringing shakes her back to reality.

N: Hello?
B: Nora, it's Bo. Are you alright?

Nora starts to cry.

N: No. I've scheduled a new test. Bo, can you come over?
B: I'm on my way.

Bo arrives and they embrace.

N: We have to get Sam and go to the hospital.
B: Do you want me to call him?
N: Would you? I can't speak to him right now.

Bo calls Sam and explains. They agree to meet at the hospital right away.

The test results are expected the next day after Dr. Conklin orders a rush test.

The next day Bo, Nora, and Sam arrive at Dr. Conklin's office.

N: I can't believe this is happening again.
S: Neither can I.

Dr. Conklin comes in. Bo, Nora, and Sam sit down.

Dr. Conklin: I want you all to know that I commissioned two labs to do the same test so we could be sure they are 100% correct. Also, I am truly sorry that you all have to go through this again.

So, now, here we go. Both test results confirm that Bo Buchanan is Matthew's father.

I'm so sorry Mr. Rappaport.

Dr. Conklin leaves them alone.

Bo's head sinks to his knees. Sam is just silent. Nora starts to cry. She goes over to Sam, but he walks out of the room.

N: Oh Bo.
B: A whole year! A whole year! That woman robbed me of a whole year with my son!!!!

He leaves.

N: Bo, where are you going?

Bo heads to the gallery to see Lindsay.

B: Lindsay!
L: Bo, what is it?
B: I am Matthew's father.
L: Congratulations. You got what you always wanted.
B: Yeah, I wanted it a year ago! Do you realize what you've done? How many lives you have ruined? You are a sick person. Nora is right. You are a bitch! You know what Lindsay, I never felt hate toward anyone in my life. Well, that's changed now. I can honestly say....I hate you.
L (crying hysterically): You don't mean that.
B: Oh yes I do. I can't believe I wasted my precious time with you when I could have been with my true love and my son!

He turns and walks away.

L: Bo, don't leave like this. Let me explain.
S: Save it - I don't want to see your face again. Stay away from me, Nora, and Matthew.

NORA, BO, & MATTHEW LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

On a side note,

Lindsay and Will move to Switzerland to be with Jen. They all take up skiing, where they proceed to go over a cliff never to be seen or heard from again.

Ben and Sam move to Chicago and open a bar/restaurant called "Dumb & Dumber". Ben is the bartender and Sam plays guitar and dances for tips!

THE END.......

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