DISCLAIMER: The pre-existing characters mentioned in this submission are from the brilliant mind of Aaron Sorkin, the creative genius behind the West Wing. The original characters are of my own creation.

(This and subsequent submissions are written in script format. When you read this, you will need to read it as though you are watching it on TV. Anything that is not in "quotation marks" is considered to be stage direction, or info to help out your creativity in visioning things. By all means, use your imagination to picture things, but above all, enjoy!)

Synopsis: A continuation of the "Hanging By A Thread" series.

Comments: I thrive on them! Please – send me emails and tell me what you think!

Notes: A big thanks to Donna for her proof-reading skills! Part 1 of this story has some weird timelines to it. In order to follow the story line, you have to pay close attention to the time and dates of the different scenes. (Think 17 people and how at the beginning of different scenes the time and date would pop up on the screen.)

Rating: PG – 13, possibly R, I don't know. I'm really not good at rating these things.

11:02 p.m. Wednesday, November 21.

We hear the sounds of "I Try" by Macy Gray playing before we see any movement or action. We see,

from the direction of the White House, the Washington Monument, standing tall and well lit against the

night sky. It is cold outside, as we see people walking across Pennsylvania Avenue, bundled up in their coats,

scarves and hats. As the chorus of the song plays for the first time, we get to the small park that is in front

of the Monument. The second verse begins, and we see Melody from behind, standing in front of the monument,

staring up at its immensity. We are expecting, at this time, to see Sam standing beside her, but this is not so.

We see a small tear coming down her cheek, and we can tell that she is holding back her tears – there are too

many people around, too many people who know who she is, who she's with and who she works for. A homeless

lady comes up beside her and hands her a flower, which is obviously wilted and on the verge of death. Melody

seems very touched by this gesture, as it is obvious that this lady has just given her something that is special to her.

Lady – "Happy Thanksgiving Miss."

Melody – turning to the lady, forcing a smile "Thank you. The same to you." The lady walks away, off into

the distance. To herself "Happy Thanksgiving Sam."

10:43 p.m. Wednesday, November 21. Sam and Melody's House.

The music carries over from the first scene, then gradually fades out as the dialogue progresses. We see

Sam, Donna and Josh getting out of Josh's car. Donna gets out of the back seat, and walks to the front

passenger door, helping Sam get out of the car. She places her hand under his arm, and helps him walk to

the front door. Sam walks in the front door of the house, with Josh and Donna now behind him.

Sam – "Melody? Where are you?" There is no answer. "I know you're here; I can smell the turkey in

the oven!" Still no answer. "I wonder where she is?"

Josh – "Maybe she forgot something at the store. Stuff happens you know."

Donna – taking Sam's coat "Here Sam. Let me get that for you." She takes his coat and puts it in the

closet.

Sam – "Thanks. I'll go see what's up in the kitchen, maybe get us some coffee. How's that sound?"

Josh – to Donna "See Donna, people do get other people coffee." She swats him on the arm. "Sounds

good Sam. Do you need any help?"

Sam – heading slowly into the kitchen "After your fiasco in September with the learning to cook thing, I

don't think you should go anywhere near a kitchen. How are those spoon welts healing by the

way?"

Josh – "They're ok..." To Donna, with that 'give me a kiss' look "...and well worth the pain and

suffering too. Happy Thanksgiving Miss Moss."

Donna – "Happy Thanksgiving Mr. Lyman." They lean towards each other for a kiss. As they exchange a

lengthy, passionate kiss in the front hall of the house, they hear Sam in the kitchen, and their kiss

ends abruptly.

Sam – from the kitchen "Oh My God."

Josh – with he and Donna running into the kitchen. "What's wrong?"

Sam – looking at them "She's gone."

Donna – "What do you mean she's gone. She wouldn't just up and leave, especially after all this work in

making all this food for us. That's not like her."

Sam – who is visibly upset "Read this and tell me what you make of it then." He hands Donna a note, in

Melody's handwriting, on their personal stationary.

Donna – reading the letter out loud. "My dearest Samuel. I know that you will never understand why I

have to do this, and I know that this is the worst of all days to do what I am in need of doing. The

turkey is in the oven, and it is cooked. It is staying warm for you. I am assuming that Josh and

Donna are going to be there with you, so please tell them that I will miss them dearly. There is

enough food there for you for a while – you'll be eating turkey for a month, then at Christmas,

well, I'm afraid you'll be on your own for that one Sam. You have one month to learn how to

cook a turkey – but it's not that difficult. Maybe for Josh, but not for you. Anyway, some things

have come to my attention today, and I wish it didn't come down to this. Oh God, this is so

difficult for me." Donna is tearing up at this point, and as she continues to read, her tears come

freely. Josh and Sam are standing by the table in the kitchen as she reads, and Sam feels the need

to sit down – he looks pale and he thinks he may faint. "Sam, I can't stay here and be the cause of

your professional demise. People in this world can be so cruel, and if it were that you were "just"

a lawyer in New York, or L.A., or anywhere else, then I could handle this. But, we work for the

most powerful man in the free world. The man that is loved by many, and hated by many. There

are those who would do anything for him. They, case in point Josh, would take a bullet for him.

Then there are those who would enjoy nothing more than for him or his staff to become key

players in a personal or professional scandal. Sam, I'm pretty sure there is going to be a story

coming out in the paper tomorrow, something that I wanted you to be aware of. I'm giving you,

and I know Donna and Josh will be there, so they are getting a heads up on this one too, so you

can all be prepared when the pre-verbial crap hits the fan. There were some people, I am not

going to say whom, but they were talking inside the White House, in the Mess. I happened to

overhear the conversation, and so did a reporter. You may also want to tell CJ of this, if she

doesn't already know. Anyway, they were saying some pretty awful things about me, about you,

about us, and I had to defend you and I had to defend us, and the only way for me to do that was to

very passionately cut them down to size. God knows I didn't want to, but I had to. Anyway, with

the scandal that is going to erupt like an active volcano tomorrow, and the wringer that the press

corps is going to put both you and C.J. through, I felt it best that I leave. I don't know when, or

even if I will be back. All I know is that I made a promise to you. A promise that I would never

hide anything from you again. Well Sam, I broke that promise, and I don't know how you could

ever forgive me for that. Please know that I love you Sam. I always have, and I always will. If

this boils over and goes away quietly, which I highly doubt, then if you will have me back, I will

run to you with open arms. If you choose not to have me back, I will completely understand, and I

will not hold anything against you. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me in my

entire life, and I will cherish the time that we have spent together forever. Please remember I will

always love you with everything I am. Melody." She walks over to Sam and puts her arms

around him, giving him a hug. She is crying, and Sam has a couple of tears coming down his

cheek.

Josh – getting out his phone and dialing on speed dial "Yes, this is Josh Lyman. I need to speak to the

Director please." (pause) He raises his voice "I don't care if he's in a meeting, get him out of it!

Now!" (pause) "Hey this is Josh. I need you to do a favor for me. There is a lady, she's probably

still in Washington right?" Sam nods. "I need you to find her for me. The Secret Service has

given her the code name of Mrs. Princeton. If you contact them, then they will probably be able

to tell you where she was last seen. Her name is Melody Burns. She's about 5 feet 6 inches tall,

long curly brown/red hair, she's very beautiful. You would know her if you saw her. She is

dating Sam." (pause) "Ya. That's her. I need her collected." (pause) "No, she's not in any

trouble, but she has to...just find her and bring her home ok?" (pause) "Good. Thanks. Bye." To

Sam "She'll be home soon. Don't you worry about that. The FBI is on it now."

Sam – "She must be devastated." His tone changes from sad to angry "I swear to God, if I ever find out

who was talking and who made her this upset by what they were saying..."

Donna – "Let me try calling her." Donna picks up her phone and dials Melody's cell. "It's ringing, but

she's not picking up."

Sam – "Leave a message on her voice mail. But sound happy, it might make her feel a little better."

Donna – "You got it." She puts on her happy voice while speaking "Hey Mel, it's Donna. Just wondering

what's up for dinner tomorrow – Josh and I were wondering if you and Sam wanted to pop by for

some turkey and stuff tomorrow. Don't worry, he won't be cooking. Like I said I wasn't sure

what you two had planned for Thanksgiving, and if you have other plans, that's cool – just let me know

so I know how many potatoes to peel, ok? Talk to you soon!" She clicks the power button on her phone.

"What do you think happened Sam?"

Sam – sitting in a chair in the kitchen and looking very despondent "Well, everything seemed to be okay

this morning. I don't know what happened. God, maybe I did something or said something..."

Donna – "Sam, you read what her note said. It was nothing you did. I'll tell you what. I am going

back to the office. If she happens to stop by, I will make sure that I call you the first available

opportunity, ok?"

Sam - "You are such a good friend to me, and to Melody. Thanks Donna." Sam gives her a kiss on the

forehead. Josh doesn't mind this one.

Donna – "It is my pleasure. Don't you worry. We'll have her back to her before you can alphabetically

recite all the members of Congress."

Sam – smiling "Thanks Donna."

Josh – to Donna "I'll stay here with Sam. Let me walk you out."

Donna – "Thanks. Take it easy Sam. She'll be home soon." Donna and Josh leave the kitchen, walk to the

front door of the house, and Josh goes to the closet and takes her coat out for her. "I've never seen

him like this Josh. You've known him longer than I; how do you think he's doing?"

Josh – helping her coat over her shoulders "I don't know, it's hard to tell. He doesn't like to worry

anyone with his problems, you know that. There. Here's your scarf, I want you to stay bundled

up young lady."

Donna – "You take care of me so well."

Josh – "Hardly, it's the other way around my dear." He has his hands around her waist, and she has her

arms around his neck, and they share a warm embrace. "Promise me you'll call when you get to

the office."

Donna – "I promise. I'd better get going. I'll call you as soon as I get there." She leans toward him and

gives him a sweet, simple kiss on the lips, then touches her finger to his nose. "Hold that thought

for later, ok?"

Josh – still with his hands on her waist, but getting an evil grin "That's for sure. Be careful." He gives

her a little swat on the tush as she turns around to head out the door. She turns her head around

and looks at him.

Donna – "What was that for?"

Josh – with an evil grin. "Because I'm allowed. Go."

7:43 a.m. Monday, November 19.

Sam and Melody are seen walking through the halls of the White House, and are greeting everyone with the

usually Good Mornings that they usually do. Sam appears to be doing much better, and his limp is not as noticeable

as it used to be. He still, much to his chagrin, is using his cane. They round the corner to his office, and she takes

off his coat, and helps him to his desk.

Melody – "There you go babe. Do you need anything before I head off?"

Sam – slowly sitting down in his chair "There is one thing, can you shut the door for a sec?"

Melody – "Sure. Do you need your sweater?" She reaches for it, hanging behind the door as she asks the

question facing Sam.

Sam – "No, I don't need a sweater. This office has Central Air and Heating. Come here for a second."

She comes over to his desk, cautiously. "Have a seat." He taps the top of his desk, and she leans

against it, then boosts herself on the desk while looking at him sitting in his chair.

Melody – with a tender voice she asks "What?"

Sam – putting his head on her lap "I just needed to have a pillow so I could have a nap, that's all."

Melody – rolling her eyes, she looks down at him with a smile. He has his head on her lap, his eyes closed,

and a smile on his face. "Sam, I know what you're thinking, and you can just forget it. You're at

work, and I have work to do." She starts running her fingers through his hair "But you know, you

could possibly bring up this topic later this evening, say around 8:30 maybe 9:00?"

Sam – getting a larger smile on his face he turns his head around so he can look at Melody "You think?"

Melody – "All the time. I am constantly thinking Sam. That's what I get paid for."

Sam – he grins a wicked grin "I will definitely make sure my schedule is free this evening."

Melody – still running her fingers through his hair she looks down at him tenderly "After your physio

appointment. Maybe I'll get the hot tub started before I come and get you tonight, then it will be

nice and warm for after your appointment, what do you think?"

Sam – "That would be nice. Can I at least get a kiss before you go?"

Melody – taking his chin in her hand and leaning down to him "I think that can be arranged counselor."

They exchange a sweet kiss, then Melody pulls away from Sam. "I have to get going. I'll call you

a little later on."

Sam – "Ya, you have that thing today with the guys from New York. When's the deposition?"

Melody – "Two weeks from Thursday. I hope that you'll be ok for the two days I'll be gone. Maybe I'll

get Josh and Donna to stay with you."

Sam – "I think I will be okay."

Melody – getting up from her sitting position on Sam's desk "I just want to be sure. It would make me feel

better."

Sam – "Ok. We'll talk about this later."

Melody – opening the door to his office "But not tonight."

Sam – with a smile "Not tonight. I'll see you later. Love you."

Melody - "I love you too Sam. See ya. Open or shut?"

Sam – "Open thanks." Melody leaves the office door open, then walks toward the President's office.

Sam watches her as she walks past his office, then he buries his head in the files that are on his

desk.

8:35 a.m. Monday Morning. The Oval Office

Melody and the President are sitting on the couches, and they are drinking coffee and eating what would be

called a continental breakfast, while discussing legal issues.

POTUS – "Is there anything else I can get you?"

Melody – "Mr. President, this is all very wonderful, you don't have to get me anything Sir."

POTUS – "You seem a little distant these days. Is there something going on that I should know about?"

Melody – "Not really Sir. I appreciate your concern though." He looks at her with that fatherly look that

he can procure when he needs to. No words are needed, she knows what he is doing. "Sir, I

assure you that if I could disclose anything to you, then I would. I can't."

POTUS – "Are you and Sam ok?"

Melody – "Oh absolutely Sir. We're very happy."

POTUS – "Well, that's good news." There is an uneasy pause in the Oval Office. He looks at Melody,

who, when he does, reaches for her coffee cup to buy a little time. "When did she tell you?"

Melody – "I'm sorry Sir, I don't quite follow."

POTUS – motioning to the Residence "Lady Macbeth. When did she tell you I was sick?"

Melody – "She didn't Sir."

POTUS – "Who did?"

Melody – "Well Sir, I don't mean to brag, but I'm not ignorant, nor am I unable to see things that are laid

out in front of me."

POTUS – "When did she tell you the severity?"

Melody – "I'm sorry Sir, I really don't understand."

POTUS – "Melody, you could be questioned about this one day..."

Melody – "...and I will plead the fifth,or utilize executive privilege and not have to answer."

POTUS – he smiles "You definitely are a lawyer."

Melody – "Thank you very much, Mr. President. I am able to tell you that no one told me. That is all I can

divulge to you without breaking my trust, or my ethics as legal counsel."

POTUS – with a smirk "I'm sorry, but did I just hear you say the words legal and ethics in the same

sentence?"

Melody – "Mr. President, I understand that you are trying to lighten a very heavy situation. The problem

with that is, that I can not retain you as a client in this capacity."

POTUS – "I don't understand."

Melody – "Mr. President. I have given Sam my word that I would never keep anything from him again.

Anything. This is a cover up of mass proportion, and one that I don't know if I am willing to be

party to. Do you realize that I could be disbarred if I were to keep this under wraps? I would

never be able to practice again, let alone what this could do to all of your staff, to you. Believe it

or not, I have grown to care for you and your family, and I just don't know if I can go through all

that."

POTUS – "I appreciate your honesty. I don't expect you to lie. If Sam or any of my staff asks you

questions about my health, you are hereby exonerated of our lawyer/client privilege and therefore

allowed to divulge any pertinent information in response to questions of my health. If the press is

to ask you, I would appreciate if you would speak with CJ, as she knows how to deal with them,

that's what she does. Sam and Josh need to know."

Melody – "Mr. President, if I may interrupt you for a moment. I don't think that we should proceed with

any kind of statement at this time. I think that you should speak with your staff, after consulting with

Mr. McGarry and Mr. Zeigler, and gauge reaction to any statements made with them. I think that you

should speak to CJ personally, and present the information to her. If you would like, I would be here

with you when you do, but that choice is up to you. I also feel that you should tell Josh to speak with

Donna. She will know that something is going on just by the way he acts, and you know that she will only

have his and your best interests at heart. She will want to help you if she can, and I think that she could

be one of the strongest bricks in the Administration's wall Sir."

POTUS – "You're probably right. I remember that she was an absolute rock when the incident occurred.

She took care of Josh night and day. She was his strength during those months. She definitely

needs to know too. I'll arrange a meeting with everyone in a couple of days, after I've had a

chance to let everything settle."

Melody – "Sir, I need to be going. I have a video-conference with my partners in New York, and it's at

9:25 this morning. I need to get some of my work figured out. If you need me, please call."

POTUS – getting up from his chair and Melody follows suit "Thank you for everything. I'll be in touch."

Melody - walking toward the door of the office "Thank you Mr. President."

10:42 a.m. Monday Morning. The Oval Office.

Toby, Leo and POTUS are sitting on the couches in the Oval Office, having a meeting.

Toby – "Sir, I appreciate that, but I still feel that the issue is more immense than we anticipated."

POTUS – "Toby, she said that she can't and won't be a part of a cover-up and she advised that we make a

public statement. I respect the fact that she has ethics and morals, and that she is looking out for

me, for us. For the entire staff. Not just because it's her job, but because she cares."

Leo – "I think what he is saying Mr. President, is that we need to be prepared for any scenario. Isn't that

right Toby?"

Toby – "Exactly."

POTUS – "We should arrange a meeting. Us and Melody. I think Sam should be in this meeting too. I

don't want this issue to become personal for them."

Toby – "That's a very good idea Sir."

Leo – "I'll arrange it for tomorrow Sir, with a release by the end of the week?"

POTUS – reluctantly "Ok. Toby, when you see CJ, please tell her to come see me?"

Toby – "Ok."

POTUS – "Thanks. I think that's all."

Toby and Leo – "Thank you Sir, (Mr. President)." Toby and Leo leave the Oval Office. As Toby opens

the door to Mrs. Landingham's office, POTUS says his lines.

POTUS – "What's next Mrs. Landingham?"

Mrs. Landingham – entering the office "Well Sir, Josh has scheduled a meeting with you for 2 pm. He has

some issues that he needs to discuss with you..."

10:52 p.m. Wednesday, November 21

Sam and Josh are in the kitchen of Sam and Melody's house. They are sitting at the kitchen table drinking

coffee when Josh's phone rings. He answers it incredibly fast, before the first ring is even complete.

Josh – "Josh Lyman."

Donna – "Josh, it's me. I'm stuck in traffic. Is there any word?"

Josh – "No, nothing yet. I'm waiting for them to call. Where are you?"

Donna – "I'm on the..."

Josh – "Donna, that's my other line, hang on." He clicks the button on the phone. "Josh Lyman."

(pause) "Ya, that's her." Sam looks up from his coffee, with an look of anticipation and nods as

he hears the description that follows. "Ya, that's her. She was wearing a black suit with a trench

coat, high heeled shoes, ya, that's her." (pause) "Can you hang on a sec?" Without waiting for a

reply, he clicks over to the other line. "Donna."

Donna – "What?"

Josh – "Head over to the Monument. She's at a coffee shop near the park."

Donna – "I'm on the way."

Josh – "Stay on the line, and when I get more details from the guy I'll let you know."

Donna – "You're the boss."

Josh – with a smile "Don't call me that."

Donna – "Why?"

Josh – "Because I said so."

Donna – "Because you're the boss."

Josh – "My name is not Springsteen and I am not the...Geez Donna, hold on." He clicks over to the

other line. "Sorry about that. My girlfr... assistant was on the way by my office and that was her

that was on the other line. I think that if she gets a chance to talk to Mel then she will be ok. I

guess it's a girl thing." (pause) "Ya. Don't approach her or anything. Let Donna do that, ok? Le

them do the girl thing." (pause) "You got it. The coffee bar on Pennsylvania? I'll let her know.

Thanks." He hangs up the phone. "Sam, Donna's on the way to see her. She's heading into a

coffee bar on Pennsylvania."

Sam – with a sarcastic smile "I kinda figured that. Um Josh?"

Josh – looking at his friend "Ya."

Sam – "Donna."

Josh – "Ya, what about her?"

Sam – "You have her on hold."

Josh – "I'm never gonna live this down." He picks up the phone to his ear "Donna, you still there?"

11:43 p.m. Monday Evening. Sam and Melody's house.

The lights are off in their bedroom, and the radio is playing music, very softly. There is just enough sound

coming from the speakers to make the mood in the room very soft and relaxing. Melody is laying in bed,

curled up on her side with her eyes closed. Sam turns off the bathroom light, then slowly walks over to

the bed. We can tell that he has improved greatly since his accident, and the mobility in his hip has gotten

better in leaps and bounds. He sits on his side of the bed, then brings his legs between the covers and

curls up beside Melody. Sam gives Melody a kiss on the back of the head, as is now his custom when they are about to sleep.

Sam – "Good night."

Melody – very quietly "Good night."

Sam – brushing her hair away from her face "Hey there. Are you feeling ok?"

Melody – "Ya. I think I'm just over stressed and tired. It happens."

Sam – "You don't get sick like that often, even when you drink."

Melody – "It's true, even on a bad day I can out-drink Josh. Maybe I ate something funky today. I did

have that shrimp and pasta dish at lunch today, maybe that was it."

Sam – "Well, I'm calling that restaurant in the morning..."

Melody – "Don't. Maybe it was just my stomach. There's nothing that can be done about it now. Don't

worry about it. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow anyway, I'll get some tests done just to

be sure. It is flu season you know." She pulls him close to her, they still lay in the same sleeping

positions.

Sam – giving her another kiss on the back of the head "I worry about you, you know. I don't like it when

you're sick."

Melody – with a little smile "I don't really take too kindly to it either, you know."

Sam – with a smile "You win. Good night Mel."

Melody – closing her eyes "Good night Sam."

11:42 a.m. The White House, Donna's Office

Donna and Melody are sitting near her desk, talking about their plans for Thanksgiving.

Donna – "So he really did that? That is so sweet."

Melody – "I know. I was kinda shocked myself."

Donna – "He's got it bad."

Melody – "Why do you say that?"

Donna – "He held on to your hair while you were being sick? He's got it real bad."

Melody – with a smile "I see your point. Now that I think of it, that's actually quite nasty."

Donna – "Eew. Being sick is gross, isn't it?"

Melody – "Ya, it is. Anyhow, speaking of being sick, that reminds me that I have to get to my Doctor's

appointment."

Donna – with a look of concern "Nothing serious I hope."

Melody – with a laugh "You worry as much as I do! No, nothing serious. Just a routine physical – making

sure everything is working properly."

Donna – "Good. Well, I hope everything goes well for you. I hate going to the doctors."

Melody – "Why is that?"

Donna – "Ever since, you know, the incident..."

Melody – "Enough said. I completely understand. Well Donna, I hate to leave, but I have to get going. I'll

see you later, ok?"

Donna – "Take it easy Melody. We'll get together tonight. Maybe you guys can pop over for a movie!"

Melody – walking away from Donna's office "I'll check with Sam and let you know. Thanks!"

Josh – from his office "Donna!"

Donna – Getting up from her desk with the file that she knows he is yelling for and walking towards his

office "Yes Josh, I have the file right here, just relax."

Josh – "It's not that. I have something to tell you. Shut the door please."

Donna – shutting the door to the office, gets a look of concern on her face. "Josh, what is it?"

Josh – "It's nothing serious Donna, relax."

Donna – with a look of relief on her face, she smiles "Oh thank God. What's up?"

Josh – "Pass me that file for a second." She does. "I just wanted to ask you what was up for tonight.

That's about it."

Donna – "Well, I was thinking that we could have Sam and Melody over to my place and watch movies –

nothing spectacular, but just something nice and casual. What did you have in mind?" Josh gets a

look of disappointment on his face. "Josh, what is it?"

Josh – "I just was thinking that I didn't want to have other people over." He gets the evil grin on his face

"But if you want to invite a friend join us, then that's fine by me."

Donna – with a smirk "You make me ill."

Josh – pulling her close to him so they are standing in front of each other, arms wrapped around each

other's waists "I was just thinking that we could spend some time together, but if you want to have

Sam and Melody over, then that's cool too. We can postpone my idea for another time."

Donna – "Well, they wouldn't spend the night you know."

Josh – "That's true."

Donna – "Now it's just a matter of whose apartment we watch the movies at. Yours, which looks as

though a tornado was centralized in your living room, or my place, with my room-mates' cats.

Your call boss."

Josh – "Don't call me that."
Donna – "Well, you are my boss, aren't you?"

Josh – "Technically, yes. But ultimately the President is your boss."

Donna – "True. So, what's it gonna be?"

Josh – "If I tell you to take the afternoon off and stop by my place, would you?"

Donna – "And do what?"

Josh – "Sleep. What else do you think?"

Donna – with a laugh "Sure. That's no problem. I'll have to stop by my place first though."

Josh – "Why?"

Donna – whispering to him, with their foreheads touching "To pack my overnight bag silly."

Josh – "Oh."

Donna – "And get cleaning stuff seeing as I know you don't have any. I'd better get going then."

Josh – "Ya." Neither of them move. They are just about to kiss when there is a knock at the door. Josh

whispers "I hate that damn door." They dis-entangle their arms from each other and Josh goes to

sit in his chair. He says towards the general area of the door "Ya."

C.J. – opening the door and popping her head in "Hey Josh, you got a minute?"

Josh – "Sure thing. Donna, if you can get started on that for me, I'd really appreciate it."

Donna – "Sure. I know you're gonna forget that meeting this afternoon, so when I'm finished with my

Dr.'s appointment, I'll call to make sure you didn't forget, ok?"

Josh – "That's not necessary."

Donna – "Yes it is. I'll see you later. Take it easy C.J."

C.J. – "You too Donna. I hope everything goes well."

Donna – "Thanks. See ya." She exits the office, and closes the door.

C.J. – sitting down on the couch "So, what's up?"

Josh – "Huh?"

C.J. – "What's she doing this afternoon?"

Josh – "Nothing, she has an appointment. Why?"

C.J. – "Because, when I walked in, both of you were blushing. I didn't mean to interrupt anything, but I

need to talk to you about tomorrow briefing. I need to find out what is going on with the

education bill. Where are we on that?"

Josh – "Well, Sam is having a meeting with the members of the Executive Council for Education Reform

this afternoon, and I should be able to give you a heads up on the progress by about 3."

C.J. – "Cool. That's all I really needed to know."

Josh – "So, you barged into my office to ask me a question that you could have called me for?"

C.J. – "Ya, plus I like to see you blush. It looks good on ya." She gets up to leave the office. As she

does, Josh crumples up a piece of paper, throws it at her and misses. "Nice throw Josh. See ya

later."

Josh – with a smile "See ya."

11:13 p.m. Wednesday, November 21

Melody is sitting at a booth in a coffee/jazz bar. There is a stage area, where there is a well lit piano,

and the performer is singing slow, mournful jazz songs. The patron area is dimly lit, with candles at each

table lit for mood lighting. Melody's booth is at the back of the coffee bar, where she can be alone and

not disturbed. A waitress comes to Melody's table.

Waitress – "Is there anything else I can get for you Miss?"

Melody – looking up at her with a sad expression "No thank you."

Waitress – "Ok. Just wave if you'd like anything."

Melody - nodding in recognition "Ok. Thanks." Melody runs her finger along the rim of her coffee cup, in

slow, repetative circles. She doesn't notice the woman standing in front of her table. "May I join

you?"

Melody – looking up to see the face "Donna. What are you doing here?"

Donna – "I stopped by to get coffee for me and Josh and I saw you sitting here by yourself. Mind if I join

you?"

Melody – "You never get coffee for Josh, Donna. I'm not buying it."

Donna – sliding into the booth to sit beside Melody "You got me. Do you want the truth, the whole truth,

and nothing but the truth?"

Melody – without cracking a smile "So help you God."

Donna - with a smile "Ok. We were getting to your place this evening, Sam, Josh and I. Sam got your

note, and when he read it he was scared. Not for himself, but for you. He was worried about your

emotional state. I couldn't believe that you would just up and leave for no good reason, so he

handed me the letter. I read it. Melody, I can't believe that someone would be able to upset you

so badly." Melody is starting to tear at this point, and the waitress comes over.

Waitress – "May I get you something, Miss?"

Donna – "I'll have a skinny cappucino with cinnamon please." The waitress nods, then leaves the table.

"Where was I?"

Melody – "Realizing that I am the scum of the earth and that you have no idea why you are actually friends

with me."

Donna – starting to tear herself "What would ever make you think that?"

Melody – not looking up from her coffee "Just a hunch. So how did you find me here?"

Donna – "Well, Josh has connections at the FBI, and he organized a search party for you. I'll have you

know that the Secret Service knows where you are almost all the time."

Melody – with a surprised tone "Really?"

Donna – "Yes, by special order of the President. Anyway, they saw you in the park by the Monument, and

they called Josh and told him. He then called me, and told me where you were. I was on the way

back to the office to get something for him, and he asked me to come here to see if you were ok. I

didn't expect that you would be so upset. What happened?"

Melody – "I had to bite the heads off two of his interns, and now Sam is going to reap the hazards of

knowing me."

Donna – "What is in that coffee?"

Melody – "Nothing. Just Coffee, steamed milk, and Irish Whiskey."

Donna – "And you have had how many cups?"

Melody – "I don't remember. I think I've had 6, but I might be wrong. It seems I'm wrong a lot these

days."

Donna – "You are so cut off."

Melody – "Tell me about it."

Donna – taking hold of Melody's hand gently "What happened?"

Melody – "Donna, answer me this and promise you'll be straight with me."

Donna – "I always am, you know that."

Melody – "Were you just friends with me because I was dating Sam?"

Donna – "No, whatever made you....Hey. What's this past tense crap? You and Sam are very much a

couple."

Melody – "Not after tomorrow."

Donna – "Sam is not the kind of guy who quits that easily. He's not going down without a fight."

Melody – she smirks "Ya, that's the problem."

Donna – "I don't get it Mel. What happened?" The waitress re-appears with Donna's drink.

Waitress – "Here you are Miss."

Donna – accepting the cup from the waitress "Thanks." To Melody "What happened today?"

Melody – "Get comfy. This is going to take a while. I came to meet Sam for lunch. I was heading down

to the Mess to get us some lunch. He was going to help me with the work I was doing on the

deposition that is coming up in two weeks. It's pretty grueling, and I know he's completely

linguistic, so I recruited his help in the wordings. Anyway..."

12:47 p.m. Wednesday, November 21. The White House

Melody – leaning on Sam's desk "So you want a chicken caeser salad with garlic bread, OJ and what else?"

Sam – "Jello. Strawberry Jello. Make sure there's that thing of whipped cream on the top – that's the

best part."

Melody – writing on her pad of paper "Lots of Whipped Cream. Got it. Anything else?"

Sam – "I think that's it. I'll see you in a bit. Thanks Mel. I really appreciate it."

Melody – "It's no problem. I'm more than willing to oblige, so you can recover faster. You still have to be

careful you know."

Sam – sarcastically "Yes mother."

Melody – looking at him with 'the look' "Don't be smart. I'll be back in a few." She gives him a kiss on

the cheek, then leaves his office.

Sam – yelling from his office "Don't forget the Jello!" Melody rolls her eyes and walks toward the door

which leads to the hallway near the Mess. She enters the Mess and sees Leo and Toby sitting at a

table. She waves, and they wave back. She sees others from the Communications Department

sitting eating lunch, and she waves as her character would do. There are others there whom she

does not know by name, but who know her, so they wave, or say hello and she replies in a friendly

manner to them. She gets to the counter and speaks to the server behind it.

Melody – "Hi there. I would like one chicken caesar salad with garlic bread, one chef salad with French

dressing on the side, two bottles of Orange Juice, and a banana." (pause) "Oh – and strawberry

Jello but there has to be whipped cream on it."

Server – "For Sam, right?"

Melody – smiling "Yes. His favorite."

Server – "That will just be a minute."

Melody – "Thanks." Toby and Leo are sitting a couple of tables to the right. We see a couple of tables to

the left, two female members of the communications department, Rachael and Jennifer, talking.

We can overhear their conversation.

Rachael – "Well, I heard that she was here because she wanted to get close to the President, and that it had

nothing to do with him. I think it's, for her sake, a relationship of convenience, and that she's

taking him for a ride."

Jennifer – "I heard that, but I also heard that she was in a really bad way before she came to Washington,

and that her firm was about to go under. She knows he's rich, so I think she's milking him for all

he's worth."

Rachael – "I just don't know what he sees in her. He obviously doesn't know what she's all about. You

know, for all his degrees and diplomas and self-proclaimed brilliance, he's really quite stupid.

Does she really think that she is getting away with her little 'I'm so wonderful' act? Please."

Jennifer – "I'll bet she has some laundry that could use airing."

Rachael – "We should see what we can come up with. We're in the Communications Department, we have

access to things."

Jennifer – "Ya. I wonder what she could be hiding. She can't be that perfect." Melody, we can tell, has

heard this conversation. She is obviously infuriated with what she has heard. She collects the

things for hers and Sam's lunch, then turns to the table where the girls are sitting. She walks up to

them and puts her tray on their table.
Rachael – "Hi Melody, how are you?"

Jennifer – "How are things?"

Melody – starting in a quiet voice, showing her anger at them, then her voice rising as she gets more

passionate about her speech "I can not believe the nerve that you two ignorant, sub-servant jack-

asses have, discussing my life as if it were a headline in a tabloid magazine. I will have you know,

that Sam loves me. And I love him. I don't know how you came up with this ridiculous notion

that I am with Sam to move up the political ladder, or to elevate my social circle, but let me deny

you of that notion right now. I don't ever, EVER want to you hear you speaking like that about

Sam, or anyone else in this building again. And just for your information, Sam is brilliant, and has

proven that fact time and time again. Although if he had a say in hiring you, I'd chalk that up to a

lapse in better judgement. I'll have you know that Sam knows all about everything that has

happened in my past. Everything. That's what people that are in committed, loving relationships

do, they tell each other things, the things that they know other people, like you, would blow way

out of proportion. The fact remains that you are both jealous of the relationship that he and I

share, and you don't understand it. You want to know about me and my character? Two things.

Firstly, my character and my relationship with Sam is really none of your damn business.

Secondly, the most important person in this building, to me that is, knows all about me and that's

all that matters. I will tell you about a woman, who after going through all she has gone through,

stands in front of you as the Special White House Counsel Advisor to the President, having gotten

there on her own merits, her own skills, and going through her own trenches. Don't think that I am

afraid of cutting you down to size, because if the New York State Supreme Court doesn't

intimidate me, then a couple of communications interns don't frighten me at all. I truly feel sorry

for you two. For a number of reasons actually. But for the most part, because you have nothing

better to do with your time than to sit here gossiping about other people. I will feel sorry for you

if, correction, when the President discovers this conversation had to happen, and I know he will as

I am very well aware of the people that are sitting in this room. Two of those people being the

Chief of Staff and your boss," with sarcasm in her voice "I believe his name is Toby. I don't wish

any of the things that I had to endure in my life on anyone. But for one moment, I wish that you

could experience the emotional pain that I went through and maybe you'd think again before you

decide to become the judge and jury, sentencing someone for a crime they didn't commit."

Donna and Melody are crying as Melody has been recalling these events to Donna.

Donna – "Melody, I had no idea they had been that rough on you."

Melody – "Well, now you see why I have to leave. I made a fool of myself, and probably got Sam in a

whole bunch of trouble. I can't be here and be the cause of his humiliation. I won't be laughed at,

at least behind my back, and I certainly won't tolerate people insulting the man I love. I won't

stand for it. There are a bunch of other things going on, work related that I can't really get into.

It's just going to be too hard." Donna's phone rings.

Donna – "But aren't the fights worth fighting always the most difficult battles? Excuse me a second."

She wipes the tears from her eyes, and answers the phone. "Donna Moss." (pause) "Yes." (pause)

"No." (pause) "Because, I don't think that's a good idea right now." (pause) "Josh, trust me. Tell

Sam that she's ok and he can stop worrying. I'll see to it that she gets home ok."

Melody – "I can't go home, Donna."

Donna – holding the mic of the phone away from her mouth, but speaking loudly enough for Josh to hear

anyway "Melody, I didn't say that I was going to take you to your home. You're coming to my

place. We'll talk if you want to, we can watch movies, or we can just chill. You've had one too

many Irish Coffee's tonight to drive any way, ok?"

Melody – with a little smile "Donna, do you think he's gonna be pissed?"

Donna – "Who, Sam or Josh?"

Melody – with a smirk "Why would I care if Josh is pissed? That's your area of expertise, isn't it?"

Donna - "Well, at least you haven't lost your sarcasm." She speaks into the phone "Josh, I'm going to take

her to my place, and see that she recovers properly, ok?" (pause) "Joshua. This is a little more

important than what YOU want." (pause) To Melody "Would you like to speak to Sam? He wants

to talk to you."

Melody – shaking her head "I wouldn't know what to say to him right now."

Donna – "She wouldn't know what to say." (pause) "He would like to talk to you, you don't have to say

anything, just listen." Melody holds out her hand to take the phone. "Josh, put Sam on the phone.

She's going to listen, she can't talk right now though, tell him that." (pause) "He's telling Sam,

ok?" Melody nods her head. She takes the phone from Donna, and holds it to her ear. We don't

hear what is being said, but we can tell from the emotion that appears on Melody's face, that it is

sweet, caring and typically Sam. Melody has her hand covering her face, and is nodding her head

to the things that are being said to her. A minute or so goes by, and while Melody is crying freely,

Donna has a tear or two coming down her cheek. She finally understands the depth of the feelings

these two have for each other, and she wonders if hers and Josh's run as deep. Melody closes the

phone to end the call.

Melody – "When you talk to him Donna, as I am sure you will, tell him I love him. Ok?"

Donna – "I will. I promise."

Melody – "You are the best Donna. Josh is really very lucky."

Donna – "As is Sam, Melody. As is Sam. We should get you to my place so you can recover and get a

good night's rest. Are you ready?"

Melody – "As ready as I'll ever be I guess."

Donna – "Let's get you better. I'll stay up with you and talk as long as you'd like, ok?"

Melody – "You're a really great friend, Donna. I hope you know that."

Donna – "Thanks. So are you. Let's get this bill paid for and get you better."

The two ladies pay for their coffees, and they get up from their table, and leave the coffee bar.

We see two men in black coats follow them out of the building about 20 feet behind them. One of

the men is speaking into his cell phone. "We have an eye on them Mr. Lyman. Don't worry, Sir. They'll be fine."

Please send comments – I love to get them! jillianbarry@hotmail.com