If you're interested in writing fanfiction, contact me at: sammy3@ix.netcom.com
E.R.
"New Adventures"
Act One
Scene opens outside the Emergency entrance to County Memorial. Cut to show Chris Kilpatrick's
car cruising carefully to a stop just at the handicap ramp of the entrance. He puts the car in 'park'
and carefully leans his head back against the head rest of the driver's seat. He reaches carefully to
try and move his left knee, but, he can't move it. He sighs, and leans his head back again. He
winces against the pain and tries again at no avail. Finally, he leans his hand on the horn and lets it
honk until Mark Greene comes rushing out to see what the problem is.
Mark (leans down to peer in the window to Chris):
Hey, Chris! What's the problem?
Chris (voice reflects his pain):
I can't get out of the car. My knee just won't work! I need some help! Can you
go get Doug?
Mark (shakes his head):
Doug's making his rounds right now, but, we'll get you out of here! Don't
worry, OK? I'll be right back.
Chris leans his head back again and winces, still trying to move his knee with no luck. Mark exists
quickly, and returns just as fast with a wheelchair and two orderlies. It takes all three men to
maneuver Chris out of the car, but, they finally manage to get him into the wheelchair and wheel him
into the hospital. Mark parks him close to Carol's station desk and pats his shoulder gently.
Mark:
Someone will be right with you.
Chris (smiles sarcastically):
Sure. (looks up at Carol helplessly) I guess I'd stand a better chance of getting a
doctor if I were unconscious, right?
Carol (smiles slightly):
Actually bleeding. That usually works quicker! If you're unconscious, you're
lying still and not causing any problems. If you're bleeding, you're making a
mess, so, we want to get you out quicker!
(She winks at him and smiles)
Carter will be taking care of you. He'll be here in a minute. I'll just take you on
back now...
Chris (smiles, satisfied as he is wheeled away):
Ah, so, being family does count for something sometimes...
Carol (laughs):
Don't get used to that idea!
Cut scene to an ER exam room. Chris is sitting on the table with his off and his left knee stretched
out full on the table. He is wearing only a shirt and brief shorts with socks. He is resting nervously
when John Carter enters the exam room. John is briefing over Chris' chart and smiles at his
patient when he stops at the table to face him.
Carter:
Hi, Chris. How's the knee feeling now?
Chris (winces painfully):
Pretty sore. I guess driving up from Florida was a little much for it, huh?
Carter (nods):
Don't worry. We can fix it. What exactly did they tell you in Florida about it?
Chris (shakes his head):
I don't remember. Bunch of medical mumbo jumbo, actually. The only word I
clearly remember is 'surgery'.
Carter (turns away from Chris to a tray of medical supplies):
Well, first I need to see if there's any kind of fluid floating around in there.
(Carter picks up a long needle on a syringe and starts towards Chris with it.
When Chris catches sight of the curved end on the needle, he grips the table on
both sides for support and eyes Carter nervously)
Chris (looking at the needle):
What's that?
Carter (nonchalantly):
Just something to let me draw the fluid off, if there is any. Don't worry.
Chris (cautiously):
Will it hurt?
Carter (truthfully):
Only when it first goes in. Once it's in there, you won't feel it much.
Chris (nods nervously):
OK.
Cut to show needle inserting carefully into Chris' knee.
Cut back to show Chris' face...he winces and draws his breath in sharply.
Cut to show the needle inserting further. Chris groans and grips both sides of the table with his hands.
Cut to show Chris laying his head back so he can't watch the procedure any longer.
Carter (as he draws the needle out):
OK, there's some fluid in there. What I'm going to do for you today is order a
full series of tests. We'll run x-rays and an MRI. Then you should be able to go
home in a knee brace. Once the swelling is down, and I have all the results of
the tests back, we'll see about the surgery, OK?
Chris (reluctantly):
So, you're in agreement with the surgery?
Carter (shakes his head with a smile):
I won't say for sure until I get all the results, but, yeah, it's a good possibility.
Chris (disappointed):
OK.
Carter (pats his shoulder):
We'll get you on down to x-ray and I'll see you again in a little bit, OK?
Chris (reaches for his jeans):
Sure.
Cut to show time lapse...Chris is coming back to Carol's station in a knee brace. He stops at the
desk and she smiles at him.
Carol:
Hey, walking out under your own power! That's always a good sign!
Chris (grunts):
I need to see if Doug can drive me home. Dr. Carter says I can't drive for a
while.
Carol (smiles):
I'll see if I can find Doug for you...
Focus on Carol as she picks up the phone to page Doug. Cut to show Chris staring at her with a
wry smile on his face....he is attracted to her... and he is intrigued by her. She catches him starting
at her and smiles, but does nothing to lead him on.
Carol (hangs up phone, turns to Chris):
Doug can't get free just now, but, I've got a break. I'd be glad to drive you to
the house if that's OK with you.
Chris (smiles):
That's fine with me.
Cut to show time lapse....Carol has delivered Chris to Doug's apartment and is helping him get
settled in to rest. Show as he helps him unfold the sofa bed and get it ready. Cut to show her
carrying an ice pack in to give to him. She stops by the bed and he is standing there waiting for her.
Carol (nervously):
Why do you keep staring at me like that?
Chris (smiles a mischievous smile):
Something I wanted to ask you.
Carol (nonchalantly):
OK. (shrugs) Ask me.
Chris (reaches behind her hair to touch her neck and pull her face close to his):
What would you do if I was to do something like this?
(He leans in and kisses her hard on the lips, holding her face close to his for an
instant after the kiss. Both close their eyes to the pleasure of the kiss, but as
soon as it is over, Carol looks up at him quickly)
Carol (calmly):
I'd probably do something like this.
(she reaches out and slaps him hard across the cheek)
So, you probably should ask me first before you ever do that again.
(shoves the ice bag into his hand)
Here's your ice, although, I'm not sure your knee is the only thing you need it
for now! Doug should be home in a little while...
(picks up her car keys and starts for the door...she is nervous and can't get
away fast enough)
If you need anything, the number for the hospital is by the phone.
Chris (coaxing):
Carol, wait, I'm really sorry...
Carol (turns back from the door):
Don't be. (she shakes her head as she turns the knob)
I'm not.
She opens the door and leaves quickly. Cut to show Chris easing himself onto the sofa bed and
carefully placing the ice pack on his sore knee. He leans his head back into the pillows and lets out
a long sigh...
Fade Act One To Black