“Hello?” Elizabeth answers.

 

"Hey, how is everything there?" Nancy asks.

 

“OK so far, how is it going?”

 

"The rehearsal is going pretty good."

 

“That’s great.” She says. “When’s the show?”

 

Nancy tells her what time the show is.

 

“Break a leg; I wish I was there.”

 

"Thanks, I wish you were here too.  Did you want to talk to anyone?"

 

“No, I’m going back to bed until you guys get home. So i expect a knockout show.”

 

"You'll get one that's for sure."

 

“Good.”

 

Soon they hang up and Nancy returns to the others.

 

"How is she?"

 

"She says she's fine."

 

"You believe her?"

 

"Yes I believe her."

 

"OK. We doing the show for her?"

 

"If we don't I have a feeling she won't talk to us for days."

 

"If that soon."

 

"Yeah really." She glances over at their parents. "Dad's not looking so good."

 

"Maybe I was riding him too hard."

 

"Or maybe everything is catching up to him."

 

"Do we let him know we see it?"

 

She shrugs.  "Abby probably has it under control."

 

"Yes, I guess."

 

"Although we should still check to make him feel good."

 

"I'm right behind you."

 

Tom is in the corner holding his stomach.

 

Abby, who has been talking with the boys, notices this and hurries over. "Your

ulcer?"

 

"Just butterflies." He plays it down.

 

"You sure?"

 

He nods. "Just not much of an entertainer."

 

"Now I know that's not true."

 

"Well not in public anyway."

 

"That's possible," Abby smiles at him. "At least, not in front of an audience."

 

Tom nods. "So what's next?"

 

"Dinner?"

 

~Wonderful~  "Ok."

 

"We can send the kids off on their own."

 

"No No, I'll be ok. I'll just get something light. Besides if we did that, they would worry."

"We could just tell them we wanted some time alone. If they saw your face right now, they'd really be worried."

 

"OK, but tell them its just butterflies."

"I will."

 

"Thanks."

"Any time."

 

Nancy and Joannie approach their father.

"You ok Dad?"

 

"Oh sure, just butterflies." He says. "I don't know how you two can stand that pressure."

 

"Well, dear, their acts are a little more polished," Abby says. "Would you kids mind if I took your father out for something to eat, just the two of us?"

 

"I don't mind." Nancy says.

 

"Me, either."

"Good," Abby says, and reaches for her pocketbook. She gives the girls some money. "Could you make sure everyone has something to eat before the show?"

 

Nancy nods.

 

Tom looks at the amount of money Abby is giving them. ~enough for steak and lobster~

 

"Great." Abby turns towards Tom. "You ready?"

 

"Yeah." He says perplexed.

 

"Then let's go," Abby says, rushing him out of the hall.

 

"Abby, do you realized how much money you gave them?"

"There is only one thing that throws your kids off the scent," Abby says. "And that's the feeling that they've pulled something off over us. So I let them."

 

"So where are we going?"

"Is there anything your stomach can handle?"

 

"Plain rice."

"There's a Chinese place nearby--you can get rice there."

 

"Ok."

"Me thinks they're up to something." Nancy says to Joannie.

"Me thinks you're right, but what?"

 

"We can always do reconnaisance."

 

"Spy on them?"

 

"It wouldn't be spying if we just happened to wind up at the same place they're eating."

"Nancy..." Joannie protests, knowing a little more than her sister of what's going on.

 

Nancy sighs. "You're right if they found out they wouldn't have any reason to trust us ever again."

"Besides, they'll probably go to some grease pit that Dad likes, and with the money Abby gave us we could have a good meal."

 

"Yeah, like seafood or chinese food."

"Lobster...."

 

"I'm all for that but we should check with the others."

"I guess you're right."

 

"Or we could surprise them."

"Yeah, let's do that. They won't mind."

 

Nancy smiles. "Cool, hey everyone let's go!!"

 

"Dinnertime," Joannie adds.

David and Mary come over.



"Where are we going?" He asks.

"Seafood," Joannie says. "Abby gave us enough money for a feast."

 

"I'm ready." Mary says.

 

"Susan? Guys? Come on, I'm starving."

 

"I'm ready too." Susan says

 

"I hate seafood." Tommy says.

 

"Since when?"

 

"Since last week."

 

"Yeah, right."

 

"It was worth a shot."

 

"What's wrong with seafood."

 

"I'd rather have a pizza."

 

"We always have pizza."

 

"OK, I'm outnumbered."

"In this family, you men usually are."

"Rub it in."

 

"Any time."

 

"Hey let's go or we won't have time to eat." Nancy says.

 

Tommy and Nicholas follow them out.

 

 

Abby leads Tom to the restaurant. "Can you handle tea, too?"

 

He nods.

 

"OK, then, my treat."

 

"Huh? If I wanted more, I'd have to buy?"

 

"There are ways to compensate me that have nothing to do with money."

 

"Bartering?"

 

"Maybe. What do you have to offer?"

 

"Hmmm..a foot massage?"

"Well, well, that does sound interesting."

"So?"

 

"You've got a deal. Get whatever you want."

 

Tom just orders the rice and tea.

 

"For that you didn't need to barter. Would it bother you if I order solid food?"

 

"No, of course not."

Abby orders herself something good and spicy, knowing Tom won't be asking to pick in any case.

 

Tom grimaces.

"I did ask," Abby defends herself.

 

"I know."

"You'll be able to hold out until after the show?"

 

He nods.

"Max said he'd be there tonight. He could take a look at you."

 

"Abby, I'm fine."

"OK," Abby says, not wanting to stress Tom any more.

 

Soon the food arrives.

"You sure this is OK?" Abby asks before she digs in.

 

He nods.

"OK," she says and starts eating.

 

Tom tries not to look at her food. But the smell is too much for him. "Excuse me." He says as he finds the restroom.

 

While he's gone Abby calls over a waiter. "Could you please pack this up for me?" she asks, passing him the nearly full plate. "And bring me what he's having."

 

Tom comes out a few minutes later and sees her food is the same as his. "Thank you."

 

"You're welcome. Feeling any better?"

 

"No, but after tonight and Nancy is off to LA I better see Max again."

 

"Good idea."

 

"I just hope I can hold up the facade that long."

 

"Why don't you let Max take a look at you tonight?"

 

"Then the others will know something is up."

"I can ask him to come back to the house to take a look at Elizabeth. Then, when he's giving you his report on her, he can look at you. The kids would never know."

 

"I knew I married a smart woman."

"Smart enough to marry you, you mean."

 

Tom smiles and winks at her.

Abby smiles back. ~He must be feeling a little better.~

 

~Good thing I had those pills with me, one may be good but two are better~

"Your act really did get a lot better," Abby says, making small talk.

 

"The credit goes to Nicholas."

"He did seem more comfortable on stage than on Thursday."

 

He nods. "I just hope an audience wont give him stage fright."

"You could tell him to imagine all of them in their underwear," Abby jokes.

 

"Then he would just laugh through the whole performance."

"And the audience would eat it up--nothing cuter than a cute kid laughing."

 

"I suppose."

"Just something to think about if he starts getting that deer in the headlights look."

 

"Yeah."

 

"Now what do I tell him to tell you if you get that look?"

 

"Funny."

 

"I don't hear you laughing."

 

"Ha Ha." He mocks.

"Good thing I'm the girl singer and not the comic relief."

 

"By the way, where did you learn to sing like that?"

"My mother sent me for lessons. You should have heard my father scream."

 

"I bet."

"He wasn't happy again until he found out I wasn't planning to do it for a living."

 

"I can relate with him on that."

"You also wouldn't want me to sing for a living?"

 

"No, I mean Tommy."

"But Joannie can be an actress."

 

"She's going to college."

"That won't help her chances by much."

 

"No but at least she has something to fall back on."

~He's starting to look stressed again.~ "I guess you're right."

 

"We better get back."

"You're right."

 

Tom gets the bill and automatically grabs his wallet.

"Uh uh. My treat, remember?"

 

"Oh right, foot massage."

"Exactly." Abby takes the bill from him and pulls out her wallet. "Um, Tom?"

 

"Yes?" he says.

"Could I borrow 87 cents?"

 

Tom laughs and pulls out a dollar bill. "Gave the kids too much money?"

"I guess. How much interest do you charge?"

 

"We can work out the terms later."

"Uh oh. I'll bet you loan shark."

 

"I think you'll find my terms reasonable."

"I think I like you best when you're being a little unreasonable."

 

He laughs again. "In that case...." he then has a cringe.

"I'm definitely having Max look at you tonight."

 

He nods. "Lets get this show over with.'

Abby takes him arm and leads him back to the orphanage.

 

"Now remember to the kids just extreme butterflies and stage fright ok?"

"That deer in the headlights look. And as far as they're concerned, this was nothing more than you and I sneaking out to a romantic dinner."

 

"Right." He says. "We make a good team."

"You and me against the world--or at least against the kids."

 

Joannie leads her siblings to the restaurant.

 

Nancy, Mary, and David take their seats and once they look at the menus they order.

 

Tommy and Nicholas order Hamburgers.

 

Joannie orders something light.

 

Susan also orders.

 

"So what are you really singing tonight?" Nancy asks David.

"You already heard it." He lies.

"Did not."

"You're tastes changing?" He asks Tommy so he can change the subject.

 

“Huh?” Tommy asks. “No, I just wanted a hamburger.”

 

"Oh all right."

 

"Sorry David, we don't believe you, not even Nicholas."  Mary says.

"That's your problem." He concedes. "Right Joannie?"

 

"In a few hours, we'll all know for sure."

 

"Can't we find out now?" Nancy tries one last attempt.

"No." David says.

"Oh come on." Mary pesters.

 

"Some doctor you'll make," Joannie tells her.

 

"What's that supposed to mean?"

 

"No patience."

 

"I have more than you do."

 

"An actress doesn't need patients."

 

"Only if we're playing doctors."

 

Mary's about to retort when the food arrives.

Joannie digs in.

 

As do Mary, David, and Nancy

 

Tommy and Nicholas eat their burgers in quiet.

 

"Is it time to go back yet?" Nancy asks.

Joannie checks her watch. "Yes."

 

Mary calls the waiter to bring the check.

 

Joannie gets out the money.

 

Soon the waiter brings the check.

Joannie pays and leaves the tip. "OK, guys, ready to go make show biz history?"

 

Tommy and Nicholas nod.

 

"Absolutely." Nancy says.

 

"Then let's make tracks."

 

They pay the check and then head back to Charles Street.

 

Tom and Abby also return.

 

"Hi kids." Tom says.

 

"Hi Dad, hi Abby." Nancy says.

 

"Enjoy your dinner?" Abby asks.

 

"Yes, thank you, did you two enjoy yours?"

 

Abby turns to Tom and smiles coyly. "Very much."

 

Tom nods.

 

"That's good."

 

"Time to get ready," Joannie says.

 

Nancy and David head backstage to get ready.  While Mary gets ready.

 

"You sure you can do this?" Abby whispers to Tom.

 

He nods. "I can't wait to get home."

 

Abby gives him a kiss. "Soon."

 

"I better get Nicholas ready." Tom says.

Abby nods. "Break a leg."

 

"You too."

"Thanks."

 

He gives her a kiss and then is off to find his youngest.

Abby goes backstage to get ready.

 

Tommy walks up to her. "Nervous?"

"A little," Abby says, not adding that she's nervous about Tom, not singing.

 

"You'll be fine."

"Thanks. You nervous?"

 

"No."

"Glad to hear it."

 

"I love performing music."

"And you're very good at it."

 

"Thanks, I wish Dad felt the same way."

"He's just worried about your future. A career in music isn't exactly a guaranteed money-maker."

 

"Nothing is a gurantee."

"True, but some things are closer than others."

 

"I know, I better go warm up."

"Me, too."

 

Tommy goes to a corner backstage and starts doring the chords on the guitar. He sees Nancy. "Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

 

"Nervous?"

 

"Well uh." She pulls him aside. "Tommy I can't do this, I have a headache and my stomach is hurting."

 

"What?" he says. "Have you told Joannie?"

 

"No I don't, it just now came on." She says not knowing that she just needs to calm down from the nervousness.

 

"I think you may have a case of stage fright, like Dad."

 

"I do not." She denies it.

 

"Ok, calm down." He says knowing that's what it is. "But ask Joannie or Abby."

 

"Ask them what?"

 

"If you are sick or just feeling nervous about the show."

 

"I'd better ask Abby." She says not wanting to freak Joannie out who is nervous enough as it is.  "I'll be back in a bit." She goes to find Abby.

 

"Ok." Tommy says and then continues his warm-ups.

 

Abby is still near the curtain, watching for Max.

 

"Abby I have a problem."

"What?"

 

"I'm sick and I can't do the show."

 

"Sick? What's wrong?"

 

"I have a headache and a stomach ache."

 

Abby feels her forehead. "No fever. Are you nervous?"

 

"Pretty much yes."

 

"Fell like you might have to throw up?"

 

She nods.

 

"Your hands clammy?"

 

She checks.  "Yes."

 

"You've got it bad, all right."

 

"Got what?"

 

"Stage fright. You've got all the signs."

 

"If it's just stage fright then why do I feel so awful?"

 

"Because that's what stage fright does to you."

 

"So in other words I need to relax."

 

"Just take nice, even, deep breaths. Close your eyes and concentrate on something other than the show for a few minutes."

 

She tries this and starts to feel better.

 

"Just keep that up until curtain and you'll be fine," Abby says, looking out into the audience again.

 

Soon Max arrives to see the show and to check on Tom. Abby sees him.

"I will, and thanks Abby."

 

"You're welcome. I'll be right back," Abby says, and slips off stage towards the Maxwells.

 

Nancy nods.

The Maxwell's see Abby approach.

 

"Hi," Abby says, sitting in the empty seat next to them.

 

"Abby hi this is quite a turnout." Daisy says.

"This place does a lot of good work."

 

"Yes it does." Max says.  "I hope the show brings in enough money for the kids."

"There's never enough money, but I hope the show will help some."

 

He nods. "I'll donate."

"I'm sure Joannie and Father Trinelli will appreciate that. But I didn't come out here to fund raise--Max, I need a favor."

 

"Sure what is it?"

"Tom was in a lot of pain after the dress rehearsal. After the show, could you two come back to the house, and without alerting the kids, could you take a look at him, Max?"

 

"Of course, but what kind of pain?"

"I think his ulcer. A lot's been going on."

 

"Hmm, yes I'll look at him."

"Thanks."

 

"You're welcome, I can look at him before the show if you prefer."

"The kids might see. He doesn't want them worried."

 

Greg nods in understanding

"Thanks."

 

"You're welcome."

"Then we'll see you after the show."

 

"Yes I'll be at your house after."

"Thanks again. I'd better get backstage before Joannie sends the cops out looking for me."

 

He nods. "Knock them dead."

"You're always looking for me to make you work, aren't you?" Abby jokes.

 

"Well of course." He smiles.

"I take percentages," Abby warns.

 

"What kind of percentages?"

"Ten percent of any business I bring in."

 

"Hmm, how bout five percent?"

"Seven and a half and it's a deal."

 

"You got it."

"It's been a pleasure doing business with you."

 

"Just make sure he puts it in writing." Daisy jokingly warns.

"I'll have pen and paper waiting at the house."

 

"Very smart move."

Abby gets up and smiles. "Enjoy the show."

 

"Thank you, we will."

"I'll see you after," Abby says and heads backstage.

 

"I'm back to normal now Abby." Nancy tells her.

"Told you," Abby smiles. "Everyone gets an attack of nerves now and then."

 

"When did you get your first one?"

"Third grade. I was the tallest sunflower in the class play, and I was shaking like a leaf."

 

"Must have been horrible especially as a child."

"It was terrifying."

 

"Was it your mom or dad that helped you through it?"

"Neither."

 

"Who then?"

"The other kids."

 

"Huh?" Nancy asks

"They made fun of me, and the more they did that, the more scared I got, and the more scared I got, the more they made fun of me."

 

"Kids can be mean at that age.  Heck people can be mean at any age.  How did it help you?"

"I was about to cry, and I decided I wasn't going to let them see me cry. So I made myself stop shaking, even though I was so scared inside, and I went out on that stage. And you know what? It wasn't that bad. I didn't forget my lines, and I didn't fall on my face or anything. And each year after that I remembered that the year before had gone pretty OK, and each year I got less and less scared."

 

"Wow, that certainly is a good way to go about it.  I guess they never knew how much they wound up helping."

"I certainly wasn't going to tell them."

 

"I don't blame you, I wouldn't have told them either."

"The only person I ever told it to before now was my dad."

 

"He must have been real proud."

"That I told him?" Abby asks, confused.

 

"No of the way you handled it."

"He said I had the makings of a fine lawyer."

 

"But you had different plans right?"

"If I hadn't, I would have started making some right then."

 

"I hear ya."

Joannie breezes through. "OK, everybody, places!"

"Break a leg." Nancy says to Abby before going to wait where she's supposed to wait.

 

Tommy, Nicholas and Tom take their places

Abby joins them while Joannie stays in the wings to gather stragglers.

Abby leans over and tells Tom "I invited the Maxwells to come to the house after the show."

 

Abby smiles at him. "You're welcome."

Joannie does a quick headcount.

 

"You ok Nancy." Tommy whispers to Nancy.

 

"Yeah I'm ok now." She whispers back.

Tommy smiles. "Good."

 

She smiles back. "Abby helped a lot."

 

He nods.

 

"Dad, Nicholas you're on first." Mary stage whispers.

 

"OK, guys, showtime," Joannie whispers as she nods to Father Trinelli to raise the curtain.

 

---

The curtain rings down on David's number.

 

Nancy and Mary hug him still emotional about the song he sung.

 

Joannie does, too. "It was even better for real," she whispers to her brother.

 

"Thank you. "  He whispers back while hugging her.

 

Tom goes up to him misty eyed. "Great song son."

 

"Thanks Dad." David says a little misty eyed himself.

 

Abby joins them. "That was beautiful, David."

 

"Thanks Abby."

 

"We ought to have a party," Joannie tells everyone.

 

"I agree, a party is definetly in order." Nancy says.

 

"Hey, we promised Elizabeth a show, remember?" Abby reminds the girls.

 

"Oh yeah, well we can do that and then party after."

 

"That sounds like a good idea, as long as you do it out of the house. It wouldn't be fair to Elizabeth otherwise," Abby says.

 

"Not a problem."

 

"And I think your father and I will take advantage of the opportunity for a nice quiet evening at home."

 

"Have fun." Nancy says.

 

"Oh, I intend to," Abby smiles.

 

Noah watches them for a moment longer before turning and walking away. He hadn't let Nancy know that he would be attending the show and he would congratulate her but he didn't want to risk anything.

Nancy glances in that direction just in time to see him leaving.  "I guess he did show up for the show."  She says unaware that she said it out loud.

 

"You guess who showed up?" Abby asks.

 

"Noah."

 

"Noah?"

 

Nancy nods towards his retreating figure.

 

"You OK?"

 

"Yeah I'm ok."

 

"OK." Abby watches Noah until he leaves.

 

"We should get home to Elizabeth." She says trying to fight back the pain of seeing Noah.

 

Abby gives Nancy a hug. "You're right, we should."

 

Nancy hugs her back. "Thanks I needed that."

 

"I'm glad I was nearby to give it then."

 

She smiles.

 

"Come on, let's go get the Maxwells and go home."

 

"Ok." She says.  "There they are." She points over to them.

 

"I'll go get them," Abby says, and heads in their direction.

 

"That was a wonderful show Abby." Daisy says.

 

"Joannie really did a great job."

 

"Yes she did, all of you did."

 

"Thanks. It felt like an old Andy Rooney movie."

 

"You're welcome, and how so?"

 

"Oh, you know, that old 'Hey, gang, let's put on a play' aspect."

 

"Oh yeah."

 

"Just don't compliment Joannie too much or she'll want to build a theater in our backyard."

 

"But I can't help it, I'm so proud of her." Daisy says.

 

"I've got. You compliment her extravagantly and we'll let her build her theater in your backyard."

 

"On second thought."

 

"Thought you'd see it my way."

 

She laughs. "Well you are very convincing."

 

"A teacher's stock in trade."

 

"That's for sure."

 

"We're going to do an instant replay for Elizabeth, and we're counting on you two to be our enthusiastic audience."

 

"Do we get paid?" Greg jokes.

Daisy elbows him in the ribs. "Not funny, Abby we'll be glad to."

 

"That's right. Behave, Max," Abby mock-threatens, "or I'll have Tom whip up a snack for you to eat while you watch the show again."

 

"Hey that's murder." He says.

 

Abby just smiles.

 

"Murder? What murder?" Mary teases.

"Real cute ladies." Max pretends to be upset but winds up smiling.

 

"Come on, everyone's waiting for us."

 

They nod and join the others.

 

Abby goes over to Tom. "I'll have everyone help me get ready for Elizabeth's show when we get home; you tell Max to take a look at you," she whispers.

 

He nods impatiently. "Come on let's go." Tom says.

 

David, Nancy, Mary, and the Maxwell's join them.

 

Abby helps everyone get sorted out into cars. "Come on," she hurries people along. "Elizabeth is waiting for us."

 

They soon make it home.