"Yeah so much so that Brad had to remind me when break time was today."

"I think I'd like to watch you work--not just to check out this Brad, but to see what's involved."

"Good, I'm scheduled again tomorrow after school."

"Well, my schedule's conveniently empty."

They finally arrive and after her stuff is put away. Nancy decides to be brave and knocks on Joannie and Susan's bedroom door.

"Come in if you're willing to help me memorize lines."

Nancy walks in. "Hello Joannie."

"Hi. Come back for a visit?"

"No, I'm back now. Abby set me straight on a couple of things."

"Such as?" Joannie asks warily.

"She's worried because she doesn't trust Brad Jackson yet, nothing else. No hidden agendas."

"Would she tell you if she had?"

"Joannie she doesn't have a hidden agenda." Nancy stresses.

"Sure. She's all sweetness and light."

"No, but she doesn't try to twist things around when I talk to her. And she doesn't put important things off to the side for someone else to take care of."

"What do you mean by that?"

"What do you think?"

"I'm an actress, not a mind-reader."

"I know you're an actress and that it's the most important thing in the world to you. Even more important than your family."

"That's not true!"

"Then why did you put the letter aside?"

"I was scared."

"Of what?"

"Dad taking it out on me."

"Because of what you said to me last night?"

"No, because you left."

"Why would he take that out on you. He didn't take it out on me when you left and I was partly responsible for that."

"Because you can't do anything wrong and I'm the family screwup."

"Joannie that's not true I'm the one who is always screwing up."

"Not according to the parental types."

"And that's my fault how? They do not think of you as the family screwup. At first you were complaining that I get all the attention and you get none and when you do get attention you complain about that also. I don't get it, it seems like one minute you were my loving sister and then the next you didn't want to have anything to do with me. You can't do that to people
Joannie it's not right. And I'm sick of walking on egg shells around you. Either we get it all out today or..."

"Or what? You'll run off again?"

"No, I won't run off again. Would you care if I did?"

"If you did it for a stupid reason like that, maybe not."

"I didn't think so."

"You know, if you want to have an attitude, why not just go do it somewhere else."

"You know, if you want to have an attitude, why not just go do it somewhere
else."

"I'm sorry if I'm coming across that way because it's not my intention. Joannie if we don't get this worked out we might never put it behind us and that scares the hell out of me."

"Work it out? Or put me on trial."

"Work it out."

"Right."

"Please."

"Sure, whatever."

~I'm the one with the attitude?~ Nancy decides to let it go instead of making a federal case out of it. She tells Joannie everything that's been bothering her about their rift and waits for Joannie to do the same, reply to what she said, or knock her down with a right hook.

"And I thought I was the drama queen. You're blowing everything way out of proportion. You been under a lot of stress lately?"

"Yes you're not the only one who has to deal with stress, and I really don't like the term drama queen especially when it's something that's important to me."

"You're taking everything so seriously. No wonder those girls were picking on you."

"And when I'm not taking things seriously you find a reason to put me down then too. When I'm screwing up I'm a drama queen when I'm trying to be good I'm little miss perfect. Why do you hate me so much? What did I ever do to you?"

"I don't hate you. That's nuts."

"Then tell me what's going on?"

"I don't know--you're the one who thinks something's going on."

"I can't be far off."

Joannie shrugs.

"Fine, I give up." She gets up and starts to leave the room.

"Don't let the door hit you on the way out," Joannie says and picks up her script.

"When the real Joannie Bradford comes back you know where to find me." Nancy says and leaves before the tears hit.

Joannie throws a pillow at the closing door.

Mary sees Nancy in the hallway.

"At least I have three sisters who love me." Nancy says and then goes to her room.

Mary glares at Joannie's door and considers going into her room and lashing out. She calms down a peg or two before barging in there.

"Little sister you have a problem." Mary starts.

"You're telling me. I'll never get this lines memorized by morning at this rate," Joannie answers.

"Why do you have to be so difficult would it kill you to talk things out with her? She's your little sister, Joannie come on this has gone on long enough. And don't give me some song and dance about her being the only one that thinks something is wrong because it's obvious that it isn't imagined on her part. Who cares if she's not perfect, she's not supposed to be. She's younger than
us she supposed to be a pain in the neck, but she's our pain in the neck."
 

"Look. Last night she wanted to talk to me about what happened with Abby and Dad, and then she left the house. Maybe it's smarter all around if she doesn't talk to me any more. I'll just mess things up worse."

"Come on you don't really believe that do you?"

"So now I'm a liar, too?" Joannie asks.

"No that's not what I'm saying." Mary tries to calm her down.

"So then what?"

"I just want to make sure that you and Nancy are ok. I don't like what's been going on between the two of you."

"Nothing is going on. Now can I get back to my play?"

"Sure but if you need to talk about anything let me know."

"Whatever."

Mary smiles, shakes her head, gives Joannie a kiss on the top of her head, and then leaves the room.

Moments later in Nancy and Elizabeth's room.

"That went real well, not." Nancy says through her tears.

Mary hugs her. "Why don't you stop being so hard on yourself, and stop being so hard on Joannie."

"Mary." Nancy begins to protest.

"Nancy listen to me. I know she's your big sister too and you look up to her but maybe you expect too much of her. She's human too you know. Give her some space. When she's ready to talk she'll come to you until then give it a rest." Mary says.

"And if that never happens."

"It will happen." Mary assures her.

Later the telephone rings and Nancy answers it.

"Hello?"

"Why didn't you tell me that you moved back home?" Noah asks. "I went over there, knocked, rang the doorbell, finally started pounding on the door and then this lady comes at me with a baseball bat demanding to know why I'm pounding on the door and I better not be breaking in she says."

Nancy starts laughing so does he. After they've settled down. "Sorry, I forgot to call you."

They talk a little while longer and then they both hang up.

Morning comes and finds the Bradford's getting ready for their day. During breakfast Nancy moves to get a piece of toast just as Joannie moves to get the same piece. Nancy backs away. "You take it."

"No, you--well, OK," Joannie says. "You need to keep your figure. If I get fat, I can always be a character actress."

"Ahh the perils of modeling." She then leans over and whispers to her. "I'm sorry if I was a little difficult with you yesterday."

"Hey, superstar status means a few fits of temper--all part of the business."

"Yeah but it's no excuse when it's someone that you love that you lose your temper with."

"Better with someone you love than a stranger. After all, I won't call the men in white coats on you."

Nancy laughs. "Very true."

"Unless, of course, they're very cute."

"Well that changes everything."

"Well, it looks like my little sister hasn't been taken over by the zombie monsters after all."

"Well I was but possession runs out after awhile and then they go find another host." Nancy jokes.

"Yeah? Then how do you explain Dad?"

"I've been trying to figure out Dad for 18 years and 11 months and I still can't figure him out."

"Zombie Dad..." Joannie says in an ominous voice.

Sam lets out a bark and Nancy laughs.

Abby walks into the kitchen. "Nancy, I just wanted to double check that today would be a good day for me to go with you to work. Oh, hi, Joannie."

"Hi," Joannie grumbles. "I'd better go back to my rehearsing." She gathers her books and an apple and retreats.

"So, Nancy?" Abby prompts.

"Today would be good. My last class is at 11am and I have to be at the studio at 1pm. Is that good for you?"

"How long a shoot is it?" Abby asks.

"Five hours, next week they go to eight hours."

"Eight hours? How are you going to do that with classes?"

"Well the latest class I ever have ends at noon, and the sessions will be from 1pm till 10pm, with an hour for lunch or dinner, and then when I get home I can study."

"At ten o'clock?" Abby sounds doubtful.

"If it gets to be too much he'll scale the hours back."

"OK. Just let me let your father and Nicholas know that I won't be home when they get here; might as well do it today."

"Ok, do you want me to meet you here after my last class?"

"That'd probably be best. But if you find yourself running late, just let me know and I'll meet you there. I suppose I can't offer you lunch before you start work, can I?"

"Well as long as it's a light lunch."

"No ice cream or pie. Scout's honor."

Nancy laughs. "Ok, but I do get one of those at least once a week right?"

"What would the all-important Brad say?"

"Who cares when it comes to ice cream or pie."

"Your agent probably will."

"He doesn't have to know everything right?"

"Of course not." ~And if you gain weight, maybe you'll drop this modeling and concentrate on your education.~

Mary walks in. "Good morning family."

"Morning."

"Good morning, Mary."

Sam stares at Mary and whines.

"Oh all right." She takes him outside.

"Why does that look of his always work on women?"

"Because the sweet, pitiful look always does, no matter the species."

Nancy laughs and after awhile leaves for school.

Mary comes back inside.

"Want some more coffee, Mary?"

"Yes thanks."

Abby pours a second cup for each of them.

"So, how's life been treating you?"

"OK. It's been great being able to concentrate on my schoolwork."

"Sometimes I think that's all I do is study."

"It'll end in seven or eight years. I think I'll still be in school by then."

"That bad huh?"

"Stick to school full time until you're finished is all I can tell you."

"Abby if you feel that way maybe you shouldn't go back to work."

"Your father would never agree to my going to school full time. Working's one thing, but school? He'll say there's no reason not to continue on part-time, and maybe he's right."

"Abby please, Dad right about that? We're all lucky that you were able to drag him into the twentieth century."

"True. But it has been a lot easier around here since I took this leave, hasn't it?"

"Once Mono left us."

"True enough. So your father might be right--this house may still need a full time adult around. I just wish I could do that and still do what I want, too."

"In a perfect world maybe, but we both know it's not a perfect world."

"That's the truth."

"If it were I'd have a yacht, a membership in the country club." She jokes.

"I'd take the yacht, but you can keep the country club."

"And I would have a harem." Tommy says as he walks in.

"Of course you would." Mary chuckles.

Tommy just smiles.

"You would, would you?" Abby asks.

"Sure, what's wrong with that?" Tommy pretends to be serious.

"Do you think you could be in love with more than one woman at a time?"

"Who's talking about being in love?"

Abby belatedly realizes that she's being played with and fights back. "Well if it isn't for love, how do you plan to get one woman, much less a whole harem?"

"By my good looks." Tommy jokes.

"No, seriously," Abby jokes back.

Tommy laughs. "It was worth a shot."

"Joke around like that and one day some girl's going to give you a shot..."

"I hear ya." Tommy says.

Mary smiles and checks her watch. "Uh oh I'm late, see you later Abby."

"Bye." Abby watches Mary leave and sips at her coffee. ~One nice thing about being home all day--no need to rush off places.~

Later after her last class Nancy comes home and gets ready for work.

Abby knocks on her door. "I'll be in the living room. When you're ready to go, just come get me."

"Ok," ten minutes later she enters the living room. "I'm ready whenever you are."

Abby closes her book and picks up her pocketbook. "Ready. Now where's this shoot? We should probably eat nearby."

"Good idea." She gives her directions.

They go to a restaurant, eat a light lunch, and then Abby drives them to the location of the shoot.

Brad comes up to them.

"Thanks for allowing me to watch," Abby says.

"So did I pass inspection?" Brad asks.

"I'll let you know after I've seen how this works," Abby says, only partly joking.

Brad laughs. "Nancy is very lucky to have a caring family. Most girls don't."

"Just remember that she does have one. But even in caring families, things can go wrong," Abby says, hinting around what David said about Brad's sister.

"Yeah." Brad says.

Nancy goes to wardrobe and soon the shoot starts.

Later during a break. "So what do you think?" Nancy asks Abby.

"I'm not sure," Abby admits.

"Is that good or bad?"

"Why do you like doing this? All I saw was a lot of people telling you what to do, how to stand, when to smile."

"I know it doesn't look like much on the surface but it's something I enjoy doing. Makes me feel like I can finally do something that's all my own."

"I think you're not giving yourself enough credit. There's lot you could do besides this."

"You may be right, but right now at this point in my life this is what I want to do."

"Well..." Abby decides not to pursue the conversation. "Brad seems like a nice enough person."

"Yeah, so are you starting to trust him at all?"

"Let's just say that I'm not completely suspicious of him at this point."

Nancy smiles. "Well that's a start."

"I think they're calling you back. You're going to do 8 hours of this next time?" Abby shakes her head.

"No, not till next week."

Abby walks back to her seat when Nancy goes back to work. She pulls out a book instead of following her instinct to pull Nancy out of this hive of chauvinism.

Quitting time finally arrives so Nancy and Abby leave for home.

"Your feet must be killing you," Abby says.

"They are believe me." Nancy says. "I hope they get used to all that standing around."

"In those heels? I don't think so."

"I'm going to need to talk to them about my footwear then."

"That's not a bad idea. I don't want your health suffering any more than your schoolwork."

Nancy smiles. "That makes two of us."

"I'd better let you get some studying in."

"Yeah." They arrive home and then Nancy hits the books after relaxing a bit.

Abby goes off in search of Tom, to report in.

Tom is upstairs reading a book.

Abby walks in, parks herself on the bed, and takes off her shoes. "Well, I'm back from the world of Barbie dolls."

"Exciting was it?" Tom asks

"Like watching paint dry. 'Turn here, look here, smile.' It was horrible."

"Horrible for who? You or Nancy?"

"Any woman. Except for that Brad, they treated her like an object."

"Oh, how does Nancy take it."

"I don't know. I hope it won't last long."

"Sounds like you don't approve of her choice in careers." Tom notices.

"You call that a career?"

"Albeit, maybe she won't save the world. But right now she enjoys it."

"You know, even though you're a man, since it's your daughter I thought you'd understand."

"Understand what?"

"All those photographers and stylists and assistants just poking her and prodding her and moving her around like she's--well, like she's just a body. They don't even treat her like a person, except for Brad."

"Why do you think I sent you down there, I would have made a scene and Nancy would have never forgiven me."

"So as long as you don't see it, you're all right with it?" Abby demands.

"Abby, what do you want me to do?"

"Talk to her. Make her realize how ridiculous and exploitative this whole thing is."

"Don't you think it would be better coming from a woman than me?"

"If it were Mary, sure. But Nancy? No, not at all."

"I doubt it will help, but...." Tom says

"It can't hurt."

"I'll go see her now."

Nancy is soaking her feet in a foot tub when her father walks in. "Hi Dad." She gives him a tired smile.

"Hi Honey, how are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, but my feet are a different story."

"Oh...I see. ~Where do I begin?~ Abby told me about your session today."

"I've never seen so much pretty outfits in one place, and the makeup they had." She grins.

"Good..so you didn't mind how they poke and prodded you then."

"That's just part of the business." She shrugs it off. "There's advantages and disadvantages to everything in life."

"But you do know you are worth more than what you look like right?"

"Yeah, but sometimes that's easy to forget."

"But you are you know and well I just want you to explore all your options."

"Thanks Dad, but right now I want to model."

"No matter how the photographer treats you?"

"What are you getting at?"

"Abby and I are concerned that you are being treated like a piece of meat on display." Tom comes clean.

"Dad they have a job to do. It's nothing personal."

"But doesn't it bother you in the slightest?"

"A little, are you saying I should just quit?"

"No, not at all..but when they start doing that to you, you should say that you are a human being and want to be treated that way." Tom advises.

"But how do I do that without sounding hostile?"

"Just tell them nicely."

"Ok."

"Good, well I better let you study and soak your feet."

"Ok, see you later Dad."

Tom leaves and returns to his room.

"Well, I spoke to her."

"And?" Abby asks.

"She's going to talk to the photographer about treating her like a human being."

Abby snorts at this idea.

"What?" Tom asks.

"I don't know what's more unlikely--her saying anything or the photographer believing her."

"Have a little faith in Nancy, will ya?" Tom asks.

"Oh, come on. She wants this job so badly she'll put up with just about anything to do it."

"What do you want me to do? Forbid her?"

"I don't know!" Abby throws her hands up. "The one time you count on someone to be his usual overprotective, chauvinist self he turns into a sensitive New Age male..."

"Then you talk to her." Tom states.

"I have. Guess this is one of those parenting moments you just have to step back and watch the kids fend for themselves, huh?"

"Yeah, and be there if and when they fall." Tom says as he massages her shoulders.

"You didn't warn me this 'stand back' part would be so difficult," Abby complains. "Mmmm--that feels good."

"I aim to please." Tom replies.

"Oh, really?" Abby says.

"Uh huh, you just name it." Tom smiles.

"You might want to lock the door," Abby warns.

"Right, we don't want a repeat of last time." Tom goes and locks the door.

"You're not going to let me live that down, are you?"

"Would you let me live that down?" Tom asks.

"Good point. Is there any way I could bribe you into forgetting?"

"Hmmm...what kind of bribe?" Tom asks.

"Any kind you want," Abby says, nuzzling his ear.

Tom chuckles. "I think I can be persuaded." as he kisses her.

The next day at the studio. Nancy takes Tom's advice and assertively asks them to treat her like a human being.

The photographer scoffs and cops an attitude. "Brad you didn't tell me she was a prima donna."

"She's not a prima donna." Brad states. "I am surprised more girls haven't told you to lay off."

"All right I'll lay off geez."

Nancy exchanges a smile with Brad.

Brad winks at her.

The work day starts.

"Dad, Abby? Is it ok if Elizabeth goes out with Mary, Joannie, Susan and I on Friday night." Nancy asks. "I know she's grounded but she'll be with us."

Tom looks at Abby.

Abby shrugs. ~You might be able to fight City Hall, but I'm having my doubts about fighting Bradford girls...~

Nancy looks at both of them waiting for an answer.

"We said after the weekend." Tom reminds her.

"But Dad if the girls night out keeps cancelled we'll never have it. This is important for sisters."

"I am sorry Nancy..." Tom says waiting for Abby to back him up.

"It's ok." She sighs and tries her pitiful look on him.

"Rules are important for the whole family," Abby points out.

"Go out Monday." Tom suggests

"Next weekend is fine. I just hope nothing happens between now and then." She starts losing hope that it'll ever happen.

"Just tell your sisters and yourself not to get into any trouble before then." Tom says.

Later Elizabeth runs into Nancy in the hall. "I can't wait for our outing Friday."

"Can you wait another week and try to stay out of trouble until then. I'll stay out of trouble too."

"What? I can't go this weekend?" Elizabeth starts whining.

"Elizabeth we're not doing it without you. We'll all go next weekend. I even tried my pout and it didn't work on Dad."

"I am going to go crazy if I don't get out of this house soon."

"Only one more week." Nancy says.

"Yeah, I have a date next Saturday with Peter, the new guy at school."

"What happened to the new guy named Jason?" Nancy asks. "And besides it'll be next Friday night so you'll have an event for each night."

"Jason dropped me when I couldn't go out this weekend."

"That jerk!!"

"Yeah, I ran into Peter during lunch. He is awfully cute."

Nancy smiles. "Good, and if he runs out on you we get even. You get the bathroom tissue, I'll get the eggs and spray paint and we find his car."

Elizabeth laughs. "Tommy hates him tho."

"Why does Tommy hate him?" Nancy begins to worry.

"You know Tommy, he hates all the guys I date." Elizabeth says not worried.

"Still, can I meet him before you go out with him?"

"He's picking me up so I guess so, as long as you don't steal him away from me."

"I would never do a thing like that."

"Not deliberately."

"Hey, it's not going to happen."

"OK."

Nancy gives her a hug and then goes to get ready for school.

Later that night after work. Nancy doesn't have anything to study that night so she goes out with Noah for awhile.

"So what do you want to do next Friday night?" He asks.

"I already told you I'm going out with my sisters."

He grumbles.

"Don't grumble at me. You're the one who gave me mono which postponed sisters night out."

"How was I supposed to know that we'd get sick?"

"Why are you making a federal case out of it anyway?"

"Because you're my girlfriend and should be with me on that night. You can see your sisters anytime. Why do you want to go out with them for?"

She starts to get angry. "You don't like them very much do you?"

"I didn't say that. They just seem to always get in the way."

"No they don't. It's just one night and you're making it sound like I never spend time with you."

"When people go out they should spend all their time together." He counters. "Which is impossible with us with you working, studying, spending quality time with the family." He spats out.

"Oh and you don't do other things? You work and babysit your sister sometimes and hang out with your friends. But just the fact that I won't go out with you on one night you all of a sudden want to spend every waking moment with me. Noah you really need to grow up."

"I need to grow up!! I need to grow up!!"

Everyone is staring at them by now.

"Noah let's go somewhere else."

"I'm not the one who got the tattoo!! And do you know where she got the tattoo!!" He shouts to the audience.

"You bastard." Nancy says and walks out.

He cringes, pays the check, and goes after her. "Nancy I'm sorry I didn't mean it."

She turns around and glares at him. "Ok you hate my tattoo that I can live with. But to almost tell a restaurant full of strangers where it is. How could you?!"

"Nancy." He reaches for her.

"Don't touch me." She walks away. He follows her home in his car to make sure she gets home ok and then he goes home, gets out of his car, goes upstairs to his bedroom and slams the door.

"I'm such an idiot." He berates himself and then digs into his money supply to see if there's enough for candy and roses.

Meanwhile back at the house. Nancy slams the front door and mutters. "He's such an idiot." She then goes into the kitchen to get something to drink.

The next day before she leaves for school Noah meets her at the front door with roses and candy. She glares at him and quickly walks away.

"Come on honey don't be like that. I'm sorry."

"Yeah sure, if you think you can woo me with candy and flowers you're sadly mistaken."

After she's gone Tommy comes out and Noah hands the candy and flowers to him. "Here kid give these to your girlfriend." He says sadly.

"What?" Tommy asks.

"Maybe she'll appreciate them." He walks away.

Tommy hands them to Abby. "Courtesy of Noah."

Abby smells the flowers and looks at Tommy, confused.

"Noah gave them to me to give to someone after Nancy shot him down."

"Oh. Shouldn't you find some girl to give them to? What was her name--Wendy Springer?"

"She went back to her jock of a boyfriend." Tommy sighs.

"And you don't have someone else lined up?"

"No." Tommy is embarrassed to say.

"Then I'd say it's time for you to get to work on it."

Tommy scoffs. "Yeah piece of cake."

"Oh, come on, you don't seem the type to have problems getting girls."

Tommy shrugs. "I have hit a dry well."

"No wonder you haven't been fighting your grounding."

Tommy's face turns red. "Our secret OK?"

"Our secret," Abby promises.

"Thanks."
"So do you like modeling?" Abby asks.

"Yeah so much so that Brad had to remind me when break time was today."

"I think I'd like to watch you work--not just to check out this Brad, but to see what's involved."

"Good, I'm scheduled again tomorrow after school."

"Well, my schedule's conveniently empty."

They finally arrive and after her stuff is put away. Nancy decides to be brave and knocks on Joannie and Susan's bedroom door.

"Come in if you're willing to help me memorize lines."

Nancy walks in. "Hello Joannie."

"Hi. Come back for a visit?"

"No, I'm back now. Abby set me straight on a couple of things."

"Such as?" Joannie asks warily.

"She's worried because she doesn't trust Brad Jackson yet, nothing else. No hidden agendas."

"Would she tell you if she had?"

"Joannie she doesn't have a hidden agenda." Nancy stresses.

"Sure. She's all sweetness and light."

"No, but she doesn't try to twist things around when I talk to her. And she doesn't put important things off to the side for someone else to take care of."

"What do you mean by that?"

"What do you think?"

"I'm an actress, not a mind-reader."

"I know you're an actress and that it's the most important thing in the world to you. Even more important than your family."

"That's not true!"

"Then why did you put the letter aside?"

"I was scared."

"Of what?"

"Dad taking it out on me."

"Because of what you said to me last night?"

"No, because you left."

"Why would he take that out on you. He didn't take it out on me when you left and I was partly responsible for that."

"Because you can't do anything wrong and I'm the family screwup."

"Joannie that's not true I'm the one who is always screwing up."

"Not according to the parental types."

"And that's my fault how? They do not think of you as the family screwup. At first you were complaining that I get all the attention and you get none and when you do get attention you complain about that also. I don't get it, it seems like one minute you were my loving sister and then the next you didn't want to have anything to do with me. You can't do that to people
Joannie it's not right. And I'm sick of walking on egg shells around you. Either we get it all out today or..."

"Or what? You'll run off again?"

"No, I won't run off again. Would you care if I did?"

"If you did it for a stupid reason like that, maybe not."

"I didn't think so."

"You know, if you want to have an attitude, why not just go do it somewhere else."

"You know, if you want to have an attitude, why not just go do it somewhere
else."

"I'm sorry if I'm coming across that way because it's not my intention. Joannie if we don't get this worked out we might never put it behind us and that scares the hell out of me."

"Work it out? Or put me on trial."

"Work it out."

"Right."

"Please."

"Sure, whatever."

~I'm the one with the attitude?~ Nancy decides to let it go instead of making a federal case out of it. She tells Joannie everything that's been bothering her about their rift and waits for Joannie to do the same, reply to what she said, or knock her down with a right hook.

"And I thought I was the drama queen. You're blowing everything way out of proportion. You been under a lot of stress lately?"

"Yes you're not the only one who has to deal with stress, and I really don't like the term drama queen especially when it's something that's important to me."

"You're taking everything so seriously. No wonder those girls were picking on you."

"And when I'm not taking things seriously you find a reason to put me down then too. When I'm screwing up I'm a drama queen when I'm trying to be good I'm little miss perfect. Why do you hate me so much? What did I ever do to you?"

"I don't hate you. That's nuts."

"Then tell me what's going on?"

"I don't know--you're the one who thinks something's going on."

"I can't be far off."

Joannie shrugs.

"Fine, I give up." She gets up and starts to leave the room.

"Don't let the door hit you on the way out," Joannie says and picks up her script.

"When the real Joannie Bradford comes back you know where to find me." Nancy says and leaves before the tears hit.

Joannie throws a pillow at the closing door.

Mary sees Nancy in the hallway.

"At least I have three sisters who love me." Nancy says and then goes to her room.

Mary glares at Joannie's door and considers going into her room and lashing out. She calms down a peg or two before barging in there.

"Little sister you have a problem." Mary starts.

"You're telling me. I'll never get this lines memorized by morning at this rate," Joannie answers.

"Why do you have to be so difficult would it kill you to talk things out with her? She's your little sister, Joannie come on this has gone on long enough. And don't give me some song and dance about her being the only one that thinks something is wrong because it's obvious that it isn't imagined on her part. Who cares if she's not perfect, she's not supposed to be. She's younger than
us she supposed to be a pain in the neck, but she's our pain in the neck."
 

"Look. Last night she wanted to talk to me about what happened with Abby and Dad, and then she left the house. Maybe it's smarter all around if she doesn't talk to me any more. I'll just mess things up worse."

"Come on you don't really believe that do you?"

"So now I'm a liar, too?" Joannie asks.

"No that's not what I'm saying." Mary tries to calm her down.

"So then what?"

"I just want to make sure that you and Nancy are ok. I don't like what's been going on between the two of you."

"Nothing is going on. Now can I get back to my play?"

"Sure but if you need to talk about anything let me know."

"Whatever."

Mary smiles, shakes her head, gives Joannie a kiss on the top of her head, and then leaves the room.

Moments later in Nancy and Elizabeth's room.

"That went real well, not." Nancy says through her tears.

Mary hugs her. "Why don't you stop being so hard on yourself, and stop being so hard on Joannie."

"Mary." Nancy begins to protest.

"Nancy listen to me. I know she's your big sister too and you look up to her but maybe you expect too much of her. She's human too you know. Give her some space. When she's ready to talk she'll come to you until then give it a rest." Mary says.

"And if that never happens."

"It will happen." Mary assures her.

Later the telephone rings and Nancy answers it.

"Hello?"

"Why didn't you tell me that you moved back home?" Noah asks. "I went over there, knocked, rang the doorbell, finally started pounding on the door and then this lady comes at me with a baseball bat demanding to know why I'm pounding on the door and I better not be breaking in she says."

Nancy starts laughing so does he. After they've settled down. "Sorry, I forgot to call you."

They talk a little while longer and then they both hang up.

Morning comes and finds the Bradford's getting ready for their day. During breakfast Nancy moves to get a piece of toast just as Joannie moves to get the same piece. Nancy backs away. "You take it."

"No, you--well, OK," Joannie says. "You need to keep your figure. If I get fat, I can always be a character actress."

"Ahh the perils of modeling." She then leans over and whispers to her. "I'm sorry if I was a little difficult with you yesterday."

"Hey, superstar status means a few fits of temper--all part of the business."

"Yeah but it's no excuse when it's someone that you love that you lose your temper with."

"Better with someone you love than a stranger. After all, I won't call the men in white coats on you."

Nancy laughs. "Very true."

"Unless, of course, they're very cute."

"Well that changes everything."

"Well, it looks like my little sister hasn't been taken over by the zombie monsters after all."

"Well I was but possession runs out after awhile and then they go find another host." Nancy jokes.

"Yeah? Then how do you explain Dad?"

"I've been trying to figure out Dad for 18 years and 11 months and I still can't figure him out."

"Zombie Dad..." Joannie says in an ominous voice.

Sam lets out a bark and Nancy laughs.

Abby walks into the kitchen. "Nancy, I just wanted to double check that today would be a good day for me to go with you to work. Oh, hi, Joannie."

"Hi," Joannie grumbles. "I'd better go back to my rehearsing." She gathers her books and an apple and retreats.

"So, Nancy?" Abby prompts.

"Today would be good. My last class is at 11am and I have to be at the studio at 1pm. Is that good for you?"

"How long a shoot is it?" Abby asks.

"Five hours, next week they go to eight hours."

"Eight hours? How are you going to do that with classes?"

"Well the latest class I ever have ends at noon, and the sessions will be from 1pm till 10pm, with an hour for lunch or dinner, and then when I get home I can study."

"At ten o'clock?" Abby sounds doubtful.

"If it gets to be too much he'll scale the hours back."

"OK. Just let me let your father and Nicholas know that I won't be home when they get here; might as well do it today."

"Ok, do you want me to meet you here after my last class?"

"That'd probably be best. But if you find yourself running late, just let me know and I'll meet you there. I suppose I can't offer you lunch before you start work, can I?"

"Well as long as it's a light lunch."

"No ice cream or pie. Scout's honor."

Nancy laughs. "Ok, but I do get one of those at least once a week right?"

"What would the all-important Brad say?"

"Who cares when it comes to ice cream or pie."

"Your agent probably will."

"He doesn't have to know everything right?"

"Of course not." ~And if you gain weight, maybe you'll drop this modeling and concentrate on your education.~

Mary walks in. "Good morning family."

"Morning."

"Good morning, Mary."

Sam stares at Mary and whines.

"Oh all right." She takes him outside.

"Why does that look of his always work on women?"

"Because the sweet, pitiful look always does, no matter the species."

Nancy laughs and after awhile leaves for school.

Mary comes back inside.

"Want some more coffee, Mary?"

"Yes thanks."

Abby pours a second cup for each of them.

"So, how's life been treating you?"

"OK. It's been great being able to concentrate on my schoolwork."

"Sometimes I think that's all I do is study."

"It'll end in seven or eight years. I think I'll still be in school by then."

"That bad huh?"

"Stick to school full time until you're finished is all I can tell you."

"Abby if you feel that way maybe you shouldn't go back to work."

"Your father would never agree to my going to school full time. Working's one thing, but school? He'll say there's no reason not to continue on part-time, and maybe he's right."

"Abby please, Dad right about that? We're all lucky that you were able to drag him into the twentieth century."

"True. But it has been a lot easier around here since I took this leave, hasn't it?"

"Once Mono left us."

"True enough. So your father might be right--this house may still need a full time adult around. I just wish I could do that and still do what I want, too."

"In a perfect world maybe, but we both know it's not a perfect world."

"That's the truth."

"If it were I'd have a yacht, a membership in the country club." She jokes.

"I'd take the yacht, but you can keep the country club."

"And I would have a harem." Tommy says as he walks in.

"Of course you would." Mary chuckles.

Tommy just smiles.

"You would, would you?" Abby asks.

"Sure, what's wrong with that?" Tommy pretends to be serious.

"Do you think you could be in love with more than one woman at a time?"

"Who's talking about being in love?"

Abby belatedly realizes that she's being played with and fights back. "Well if it isn't for love, how do you plan to get one woman, much less a whole harem?"

"By my good looks." Tommy jokes.

"No, seriously," Abby jokes back.

Tommy laughs. "It was worth a shot."

"Joke around like that and one day some girl's going to give you a shot..."

"I hear ya." Tommy says.

Mary smiles and checks her watch. "Uh oh I'm late, see you later Abby."

"Bye." Abby watches Mary leave and sips at her coffee. ~One nice thing about being home all day--no need to rush off places.~

Later after her last class Nancy comes home and gets ready for work.

Abby knocks on her door. "I'll be in the living room. When you're ready to go, just come get me."

"Ok," ten minutes later she enters the living room. "I'm ready whenever you are."

Abby closes her book and picks up her pocketbook. "Ready. Now where's this shoot? We should probably eat nearby."

"Good idea." She gives her directions.

They go to a restaurant, eat a light lunch, and then Abby drives them to the location of the shoot.

Brad comes up to them.

"Thanks for allowing me to watch," Abby says.

"So did I pass inspection?" Brad asks.

"I'll let you know after I've seen how this works," Abby says, only partly joking.

Brad laughs. "Nancy is very lucky to have a caring family. Most girls don't."

"Just remember that she does have one. But even in caring families, things can go wrong," Abby says, hinting around what David said about Brad's sister.

"Yeah." Brad says.

Nancy goes to wardrobe and soon the shoot starts.

Later during a break. "So what do you think?" Nancy asks Abby.

"I'm not sure," Abby admits.

"Is that good or bad?"

"Why do you like doing this? All I saw was a lot of people telling you what to do, how to stand, when to smile."

"I know it doesn't look like much on the surface but it's something I enjoy doing. Makes me feel like I can finally do something that's all my own."

"I think you're not giving yourself enough credit. There's lot you could do besides this."

"You may be right, but right now at this point in my life this is what I want to do."

"Well..." Abby decides not to pursue the conversation. "Brad seems like a nice enough person."

"Yeah, so are you starting to trust him at all?"

"Let's just say that I'm not completely suspicious of him at this point."

Nancy smiles. "Well that's a start."

"I think they're calling you back. You're going to do 8 hours of this next time?" Abby shakes her head.

"No, not till next week."

Abby walks back to her seat when Nancy goes back to work. She pulls out a book instead of following her instinct to pull Nancy out of this hive of chauvinism.

Quitting time finally arrives so Nancy and Abby leave for home.

"Your feet must be killing you," Abby says.

"They are believe me." Nancy says. "I hope they get used to all that standing around."

"In those heels? I don't think so."

"I'm going to need to talk to them about my footwear then."

"That's not a bad idea. I don't want your health suffering any more than your schoolwork."

Nancy smiles. "That makes two of us."

"I'd better let you get some studying in."

"Yeah." They arrive home and then Nancy hits the books after relaxing a bit.

Abby goes off in search of Tom, to report in.

Tom is upstairs reading a book.

Abby walks in, parks herself on the bed, and takes off her shoes. "Well, I'm back from the world of Barbie dolls."

"Exciting was it?" Tom asks

"Like watching paint dry. 'Turn here, look here, smile.' It was horrible."

"Horrible for who? You or Nancy?"

"Any woman. Except for that Brad, they treated her like an object."

"Oh, how does Nancy take it."

"I don't know. I hope it won't last long."

"Sounds like you don't approve of her choice in careers." Tom notices.

"You call that a career?"

"Albeit, maybe she won't save the world. But right now she enjoys it."

"You know, even though you're a man, since it's your daughter I thought you'd understand."

"Understand what?"

"All those photographers and stylists and assistants just poking her and prodding her and moving her around like she's--well, like she's just a body. They don't even treat her like a person, except for Brad."

"Why do you think I sent you down there, I would have made a scene and Nancy would have never forgiven me."

"So as long as you don't see it, you're all right with it?" Abby demands.

"Abby, what do you want me to do?"

"Talk to her. Make her realize how ridiculous and exploitative this whole thing is."

"Don't you think it would be better coming from a woman than me?"

"If it were Mary, sure. But Nancy? No, not at all."

"I doubt it will help, but...." Tom says

"It can't hurt."

"I'll go see her now."

Nancy is soaking her feet in a foot tub when her father walks in. "Hi Dad." She gives him a tired smile.

"Hi Honey, how are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, but my feet are a different story."

"Oh...I see. ~Where do I begin?~ Abby told me about your session today."

"I've never seen so much pretty outfits in one place, and the makeup they had." She grins.

"Good..so you didn't mind how they poke and prodded you then."

"That's just part of the business." She shrugs it off. "There's advantages and disadvantages to everything in life."

"But you do know you are worth more than what you look like right?"

"Yeah, but sometimes that's easy to forget."

"But you are you know and well I just want you to explore all your options."

"Thanks Dad, but right now I want to model."

"No matter how the photographer treats you?"

"What are you getting at?"

"Abby and I are concerned that you are being treated like a piece of meat on display." Tom comes clean.

"Dad they have a job to do. It's nothing personal."

"But doesn't it bother you in the slightest?"

"A little, are you saying I should just quit?"

"No, not at all..but when they start doing that to you, you should say that you are a human being and want to be treated that way." Tom advises.

"But how do I do that without sounding hostile?"

"Just tell them nicely."

"Ok."

"Good, well I better let you study and soak your feet."

"Ok, see you later Dad."

Tom leaves and returns to his room.

"Well, I spoke to her."

"And?" Abby asks.

"She's going to talk to the photographer about treating her like a human being."

Abby snorts at this idea.

"What?" Tom asks.

"I don't know what's more unlikely--her saying anything or the photographer believing her."

"Have a little faith in Nancy, will ya?" Tom asks.

"Oh, come on. She wants this job so badly she'll put up with just about anything to do it."

"What do you want me to do? Forbid her?"

"I don't know!" Abby throws her hands up. "The one time you count on someone to be his usual overprotective, chauvinist self he turns into a sensitive New Age male..."

"Then you talk to her." Tom states.

"I have. Guess this is one of those parenting moments you just have to step back and watch the kids fend for themselves, huh?"

"Yeah, and be there if and when they fall." Tom says as he massages her shoulders.

"You didn't warn me this 'stand back' part would be so difficult," Abby complains. "Mmmm--that feels good."

"I aim to please." Tom replies.

"Oh, really?" Abby says.

"Uh huh, you just name it." Tom smiles.

"You might want to lock the door," Abby warns.

"Right, we don't want a repeat of last time." Tom goes and locks the door.

"You're not going to let me live that down, are you?"

"Would you let me live that down?" Tom asks.

"Good point. Is there any way I could bribe you into forgetting?"

"Hmmm...what kind of bribe?" Tom asks.

"Any kind you want," Abby says, nuzzling his ear.

Tom chuckles. "I think I can be persuaded." as he kisses her.

The next day at the studio. Nancy takes Tom's advice and assertively asks them to treat her like a human being.

The photographer scoffs and cops an attitude. "Brad you didn't tell me she was a prima donna."

"She's not a prima donna." Brad states. "I am surprised more girls haven't told you to lay off."

"All right I'll lay off geez."

Nancy exchanges a smile with Brad.

Brad winks at her.

The work day starts.

"Dad, Abby? Is it ok if Elizabeth goes out with Mary, Joannie, Susan and I on Friday night." Nancy asks. "I know she's grounded but she'll be with us."

Tom looks at Abby.

Abby shrugs. ~You might be able to fight City Hall, but I'm having my doubts about fighting Bradford girls...~

Nancy looks at both of them waiting for an answer.

"We said after the weekend." Tom reminds her.

"But Dad if the girls night out keeps cancelled we'll never have it. This is important for sisters."

"I am sorry Nancy..." Tom says waiting for Abby to back him up.

"It's ok." She sighs and tries her pitiful look on him.

"Rules are important for the whole family," Abby points out.

"Go out Monday." Tom suggests

"Next weekend is fine. I just hope nothing happens between now and then." She starts losing hope that it'll ever happen.

"Just tell your sisters and yourself not to get into any trouble before then." Tom says.

Later Elizabeth runs into Nancy in the hall. "I can't wait for our outing Friday."

"Can you wait another week and try to stay out of trouble until then. I'll stay out of trouble too."

"What? I can't go this weekend?" Elizabeth starts whining.

"Elizabeth we're not doing it without you. We'll all go next weekend. I even tried my pout and it didn't work on Dad."

"I am going to go crazy if I don't get out of this house soon."

"Only one more week." Nancy says.

"Yeah, I have a date next Saturday with Peter, the new guy at school."

"What happened to the new guy named Jason?" Nancy asks. "And besides it'll be next Friday night so you'll have an event for each night."

"Jason dropped me when I couldn't go out this weekend."

"That jerk!!"

"Yeah, I ran into Peter during lunch. He is awfully cute."

Nancy smiles. "Good, and if he runs out on you we get even. You get the bathroom tissue, I'll get the eggs and spray paint and we find his car."

Elizabeth laughs. "Tommy hates him tho."

"Why does Tommy hate him?" Nancy begins to worry.

"You know Tommy, he hates all the guys I date." Elizabeth says not worried.

"Still, can I meet him before you go out with him?"

"He's picking me up so I guess so, as long as you don't steal him away from me."

"I would never do a thing like that."

"Not deliberately."

"Hey, it's not going to happen."

"OK."

Nancy gives her a hug and then goes to get ready for school.

Later that night after work. Nancy doesn't have anything to study that night so she goes out with Noah for awhile.

"So what do you want to do next Friday night?" He asks.

"I already told you I'm going out with my sisters."

He grumbles.

"Don't grumble at me. You're the one who gave me mono which postponed sisters night out."

"How was I supposed to know that we'd get sick?"

"Why are you making a federal case out of it anyway?"

"Because you're my girlfriend and should be with me on that night. You can see your sisters anytime. Why do you want to go out with them for?"

She starts to get angry. "You don't like them very much do you?"

"I didn't say that. They just seem to always get in the way."

"No they don't. It's just one night and you're making it sound like I never spend time with you."

"When people go out they should spend all their time together." He counters. "Which is impossible with us with you working, studying, spending quality time with the family." He spats out.

"Oh and you don't do other things? You work and babysit your sister sometimes and hang out with your friends. But just the fact that I won't go out with you on one night you all of a sudden want to spend every waking moment with me. Noah you really need to grow up."

"I need to grow up!! I need to grow up!!"

Everyone is staring at them by now.

"Noah let's go somewhere else."

"I'm not the one who got the tattoo!! And do you know where she got the tattoo!!" He shouts to the audience.

"You bastard." Nancy says and walks out.

He cringes, pays the check, and goes after her. "Nancy I'm sorry I didn't mean it."

She turns around and glares at him. "Ok you hate my tattoo that I can live with. But to almost tell a restaurant full of strangers where it is. How could you?!"

"Nancy." He reaches for her.

"Don't touch me." She walks away. He follows her home in his car to make sure she gets home ok and then he goes home, gets out of his car, goes upstairs to his bedroom and slams the door.

"I'm such an idiot." He berates himself and then digs into his money supply to see if there's enough for candy and roses.

Meanwhile back at the house. Nancy slams the front door and mutters. "He's such an idiot." She then goes into the kitchen to get something to drink.

The next day before she leaves for school Noah meets her at the front door with roses and candy. She glares at him and quickly walks away.

"Come on honey don't be like that. I'm sorry."

"Yeah sure, if you think you can woo me with candy and flowers you're sadly mistaken."

After she's gone Tommy comes out and Noah hands the candy and flowers to him. "Here kid give these to your girlfriend." He says sadly.

"What?" Tommy asks.

"Maybe she'll appreciate them." He walks away.

Tommy hands them to Abby. "Courtesy of Noah."

Abby smells the flowers and looks at Tommy, confused.

"Noah gave them to me to give to someone after Nancy shot him down."

"Oh. Shouldn't you find some girl to give them to? What was her name--Wendy Springer?"

"She went back to her jock of a boyfriend." Tommy sighs.

"And you don't have someone else lined up?"

"No." Tommy is embarrassed to say.

"Then I'd say it's time for you to get to work on it."

Tommy scoffs. "Yeah piece of cake."

"Oh, come on, you don't seem the type to have problems getting girls."

Tommy shrugs. "I have hit a dry well."

"No wonder you haven't been fighting your grounding."

Tommy's face turns red. "Our secret OK?"

"Our secret," Abby promises.

"Thanks."