Entering into the coffeehouse, Kate Bradley looks around.  It’s been a while since she’s been there.  She remembers… the last time was to find Chris after she discovered he’d been lying to her about attending private school. 
    As she enters, once again to sort out something her son has told her, she finds herself hoping she doesn’t find the answers that she seems certain she will.  Making her way to the coffeebar, she sees Rusty standing at the register.  His look intrigues her.  Kind of like someone she may have known in her past.  Moreover, someone she wouldn’t mind knowing in her present.

Rusty:  Can I help you?  (He asks, noticing that Kate has been standing in front of him for seconds now, but still has yet to speak a word.)

Kate:  Yes… (she finally admits.)  I think maybe you can.

    The comment is followed by silence once again.

Rusty:  Well… (he leads on.)  What can I do for you?

    For a brief moment, he questions if the woman is drunk.  Her disoriented state prompts him to ask her to leave, but he soon realizes that she is anything but drunk.  He almost smiles at the realization… she’s checking him out.

Kate:  I’m looking for someone… a young girl.

Rusty:  There are lots of young girls that come around here ma’am.  I’m afraid you’re going to have to be a bit more specific.

    Ah, yes… more specific she realizes.

Kate:  Her name is Emily… she’s a blonde thing.  Very pretty.

Rusty:  What’d you say her name was?  (He asks, thinking he vaguely remembers hearing the name.)

Kate:  Emily.  Have you seen her?

Rusty:  I don’t know, (he says somewhat awkwardly, remembering the girl filling out the application.  He peeks his head around the corner to the table that he left it at, but finds it empty.)  She’s gone (he mutters to himself.)

Kate:  I’m sorry?  (Kate asks.)

Rusty:  Nothing, (Rusty says apologetically.)  Sorry… I don’t think I can help you.

Kate:  Well thank you anyway… I’m sorry.  I don’t think I got your name.

Rusty:  It’s Rusty.

Kate:  Thank you Rusty.

Rusty:  No problem.  (Watching as a customer makes their way to the register, Rusty begins easing towards the register.)  If you’ll excuse me.

Kate:  Certainly (Kate smiles.)

    What was it about him that drew her so?  The rogue look to his very nature… the boyish charm?  Had she really been alone for so long that a boy, who couldn’t be any older than college age, turn her head.  Kate Bradley can’t help but smile at the realization… of the possibilities before her.
………………………………………………………………………………………………

    As she enters the coffeehouse set, script in hand, she finds herself feeling completely alone.  The only problem with that feeling however, is that over a handful of people are around her.  Extras, the stage director.  Even co-stars Thad Luckinbill and Lyndsay Fonseca.  Still, as Kelly Krueger takes a seat at one of the empty table of the fake coffeehouse, she can’t help but feel troubled.

Thad:  (Walking over to Kelly)  Hey… you look like your best friend just died or something.

Kelly:  They might as well have (she says, trying her best not to shed any tears.)

    Thad motions for Lyndsay to come over, as he takes a seat next to Kelly.

Thad:  Hey… what’s wrong? 

Kelly:  Oh, nothing… just that I’m getting fired.

Lyndsay:  What?  (She asks, pulling up a chair.)  Who’d you hear that from?

Kelly:  You know… that’s the really terrible thing.  I haven’t heard it from anyone.  It seems that I’m going to be the last to know.

Thad:  I don’t mean to sound insensitive or anything Kel’… but if no one’s told you that you’re getting fired, what makes you think that you are?

    Kelly pulls up one of the Crimson Light mugs sitting at the table, and finds that it’s filled with fresh hot chocolate.  Taking a sip of the glass, she looks to her two co-stars… her friends.

Kelly:  The signs are all there.  I haven’t been on-screen hardly at all in the last few months.  As soon as I come on the show, they get rid of my mom… Billy left.  It’s all about Brittany and Raul, and J.T. and Colleen now.  They don’t need Mac.  Or at least not this version of her.

Lyndsay:  What are you talking about?  They just brought on a new Billy.  Surely your airtime’s going to pick up now.

Kelly:  Not my airtime… her airtime.

Thad:  I’m really not following here.

Kelly:  I saw David Shaughnessey and Jeanne Cooper with Ashley Bashioum just now… they’re going to ask her to come back to the show.

    Both Thad and Lyndsay are surprised by the news.

Thad:  You don’t really thing Ash is coming back, do you? 

Lyndsay:  Yeah… I thought she left daytime to pursue a medical career.

Kelly:  So did I.  But I know what I saw.  Ashley Bashioum is going to come back to Y&R, and there’s nothing me, or anyone else can do about it.
………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Walking into the office, Angel is amazed by what she sees.  The walls are decorated with different forms of memorabilia from over the years.  The computers flashing Y&R screensaver catches her eye, while next to it on the television monitor, a feed from the downstairs studio plays.  She recognizes the set immediately.  The Newman Ranch.  She watches as Eric Braeden and Heather Tom make their way onto the screen.
    Just as Angel is about to get involved in the scene, David walks over and turns the television set off, taking a seat at his chair.

David:  Can I offer you anything Ashley?

Angel:  I’m fine… but before this goes any farther…

Jeanne:  Before you make a decision about anything dear, I think you should hear David out.  He’s got a great idea.

David:  Jeanne… please, you flatter me. 

Jeanne: How can I begin to flatter the consummate flatterer?  (She smiles.)

David:  But seriously, to the matter at hand (he begins, looking to Angel.)  I know Kelly Krueger is playing Mackenzie now.  Great girl… love her to death.  But the audience keeps writing in, wanting to know when the real Mac’s coming back to the show. 

    Oh my god, Angel realizes.  They want Ashley Bashioum to replace her replacement.

Angel:  I don’t know what to say.

Jeanne:  Why don’t you tell her the rest David?

David:  Right… good idea.  So, I understand you want to study medicine.  Good career choice.  But come on… is that really more interesting than being on television?  Having your face recognized by millions of people?

Angel:  Apparently not too recognizable (she mutters to herself.)

Jeanne:  What was that dear? 

Angel:  Nothing.

David:  So anyway… this is what we were thinking.

Angel:  Who is we?

David:  Well, myself… and Jeanne of course.  (She smiles.)  We’ll clue the writers into it a bit later, after we have all the details settled.  As you know, when you left, the Mac/Billy pairing was at the height of it’s popularity, and we’d just brought your mom… (he catches himself)  I mean Mac’s mom on the show.  We had to find a replacement for you.  There was no way around it.

Angel:  Kelly Krueger.

Jeanne:  Yes dear… Kelly Krueger.  She’s a wonderful girl… she’s made the role her own.

David:  Not just that… she’s got another two years left on her contract.  Don’t get us wrong… we love Kelly… We love you too.  But with a new Billy on board now, it would be kind of silly to have you come back and resume your role.  Let Kelly deal with the new kid… we’ve got something much bigger for you!

    Angel finds herself getting further caught up in the moment, reminding herself that she’s not actually Ashley.

Angel:  What’d you have in mind?

David:  See… this is where Jeanne comes in.  I mean, this was all her.

Jeanne:  Why don’t you just tell her the idea.

David:  I’m sorry… I’m just really excited about this.  What if we revealed that Mac has a twin sister?

Angel:  A twin?  (She questions.)

David:  It’s perfect.  That way, we’ve got Ashley Bashioum and Kelly Krueger, both on the show.

Angel:  Wouldn’t the audience realize that Kelly and I look nothing alike?  I mean, when she first started, everyone said she looked more like a replacement for Rianna than Mackenzie.

David:  The look wouldn’t matter.  Another World… 1999.  When Ellen Wheeler reclaimed the role of Vicky’s twin sister Marley, they had her involved in a fire, forcing her to have reconstructive surgery.  Hopefully we wouldn’t have to go to such an extreme as a fire… but don’t you see?   This could really work.

Angel:  How is it that Mac didn’t know she had a sister?  I mean, wouldn’t her mom have told her something like that.

Jeanne:  Don’t you see dear… she didn’t know.  It’s perfect.

David:  Jeanne’s right.  Let me explain it to you.  When Amanda got pregnant, she was young.  She didn’t even know she was pregnant for the longest time… especially not with twins.  That’s when she was befriended by Rose DeVille.

Angel:  Rose DeVille?

David:  Great character… originally played by Darlene Conley… Sally on our sister show, B&B.  This may be before your time, but Rose stole Nina’s baby and sold him on the black market back in the eighties.  The same thing happened to Amanda’s other daughter. 

Angel:  Why would she take one baby, and not the other? 

David:  Let’s not get caught up here over small things.  Tell me… is this a great idea or what? 

Angel: I really don’t know what to say.

Jeanne:  Say you’ll do it dear.  Say you’ll come back to the show.

David:  Imagine the rating coup we make. 

    As the two look at Angel, awaiting an answer, she wishes she could just play along.  How often is a chance like this presented to you?  Alas, she knows she cannot.

Angel:  Look… this really is a great idea you’ve come up with… both of you.  (David and Jeanne smile.)  I really wish I could accept this offer, but I just can’t.

Jeanne:  What do you mean you can’t?  Sure you can.

David:  Look… if it’s about money, I’m prepared to go to the network and talk about a sizeable pay increase.

Angel:  No no… it’s not about money (Angel begins, wishing she didn’t have to admit what it is about.)

Jeanne:  Then what dear?  What’s stopping you from saying yes?

Angel:  Because I’m not Ashley (she admits in one fell breath.)  I’m not Ashley Bashioum.

David:  Sure you are (he says, confused by the girls statement.)

Angel:  No… I’m not!  My name’s Angel Hart.  I’m here on a tour of the studio that I won with Soap Opera In Depth.  (The room is silent.)  Look… I’m really sorry. 

Jeanne:  You’re really not Ashley?

Angel:  No… I’m sorry, but my name is Angel.

David: Did NBC send you?  (He queries, looking passionately towards Angel.)  Damn those people at Days of Our Lives.  First they steal our alien story, and now this…

Angel:  No one sent me.  I just won a contest.

Jeanne:  I really just can’t believe this.

    Suddenly, there is a knock at the door, as David angrily walks to his telephone.

David: Come in (he spits, as he begins dialing a number on the phone.)

    Angel is surprised as Doug Davidson enters the busy producers office.

Doug:  (Not noticing the others present in the office) I was hoping to talk to you about the direction my character is going.

David:  Get me Soap Opera Digest on the line.  I have a statement to make about Ashley Bashioum… it seems she won’t be returning to the show after all.  (Hanging up the phone, David turns to see Doug standing amongst Angel and Jeanne.)  Doug… you led the tour group earlier through the studios, didn’t you?

Doug:  Yeah, I did (he replies, looking strangely to David.)  Why?  Did someone leave behind a purse or something?

David:  This girl (he begins, pointing to Angel.)  Does she look familiar to you?

    Doug looks to Angel, as she tries her best not to feel like she’s a specimen being examined.

Doug:  Angel, wasn’t it?

Angel:  Yes (she replies.)

Jeanne:  You mean, she doesn’t look like the splitting image of Ashley to you?

Doug:  Ashley?  (He questions?)  You mean Eileen Davidson?  Who by the way, I am not related to (he turns to say to Angel.)

Jeanne:  No, no… Ashley Bashioum. 

Doug:  Oh… well I guess now that you mention it.  But not really.

    Angel starts to smile, but stops herself upon seeing the frown on David’s face.

David:  Okay everyone… get out. 

Doug:  But what about my character talks?

David:  We’ll talk later.  (He says, escorting everyone to the door.)

Angel:  I’m really sorry about this Mr. Shaughnessey. 

David:  You wouldn’t be interested in moving to L.A. would you?

Angel:  I don’t think my mom would go for that.

    He nods his head in defeat, as he closes the door behind him.  As Angel stands in the hallway, Jeanne and Doug begin to walk down the hall.  She thinks to follow, but soon realizes that she does not know these people.

Angel:  Excuse me… (she calls out after them.)  I don’t suppose either of you could show me where the exit is to this place?
………………………………………………………………………………………………

Lauren:  So you think your mom had something to do with Rob taking off the way he did?

Justin:  I know she did (Justin says, more certain than he’s ever seemed before.) 

Lauren:  Have you talked to her about it?

Justin:  No… not yet.  (He admits.)

    Lauren passes him a strange look.

Lauren:  Well what exactly are you waiting for?

    What was he waiting for, Justin wonders.  For Gayle to bring it up.  He knew already that would never happen.

Justin:  I don’t know… I guess maybe some sort of proof.

Lauren:  Proof?  That bull Justin, and you know it.  (She states, quite adamantly.)  The only proof you need is what’s in your heart.  Have you tried talking to Rob about it?

Justin:  I don’t know how to get in touch with him.  He was staying with his grandparents, but they’ve apparently moved.

Lauren:  What about his dad?

Justin:  Are you kidding me?  Are you forgetting what happened with me and Rusty before when we went looking for Rob?

Lauren:  I guess you’re right (she realizes.)  God… I can’t believe what a bitch your mom is being about all of this.  So you’re gay… big deal!  She could have a lot more problems in her life, you know.

Justin:  Tell me about it.  I don’t do drugs… I make good grades.  But all that’s just overshadowed to her because I like boys. 

Lauren:  Uh oh Justin… you’re going to hell in a hand basket (she teases.)

Justin:  Only if you’re taking me there!  (He jokes in return.)  You know, I’m really glad that you’re back.

Lauren:  Glad to be back… I don’t know, London was really starting to get old.

Justin: Oh… and this place hasn’t?

Lauren:  I didn’t say that… I just needed a change of scenery last summer.  London was a nice escape.

Justin:  I understand.

Lauren:  Do you?  I mean, you and Ben are still friends.

Justin:  I’m your friend too Lauren.

Lauren:  Yeah, I know. 

She thinks to say something else, but realizes how much she doesn’t want to get onto the subject of Ben Thomas.  Looking to the front door, she finds a welcome distraction.

Lauren:  Look what the cat drug in (she says, pointing Justin to the direction of the door.)

    As the two watch Gayle Reed-Scott make her way over to the coffeebar, Justin can’t help but be overwhelmed by a slight feeling of disgust.

Lauren:  What’s she doing here anyway?  Doesn’t she have work or something?

Justin:  According to her, she can’t trust me home by myself for the entirety of the winter break, so she scheduled her vacation to go with mine.  But it’s time for my meeting with the Pastor.  I’m sure she’s here to make sure I actually go.

Lauren:  What a bitch!

Justin:  Yep (he says, rolling his eyes.)

    At the coffeebar, Gayle takes a seat at an empty stool, as Kyle makes his way over to her.  The two have been neighbors for years… friends even longer.  That’s how Kyle comes to realize quite quickly that Gayle has more in mind for her visit than simply a friendly chat.

Kyle:  Gayle… it’s good to see you as always.  Can I get you anything?

Gayle:  No… I’m fine.  I just came to pick up Justin for an appointment.  By the way, is that Lauren I see over there with my son?  I almost didn’t recognize her.

Kyle:  Sure is.  She just got in from London today.

Gayle:  I’m sure you’re thrilled to have her back.

Kyle:  I don’t know if thrilled even describes it.  Knowing that both of your kids are at home, safe and sound.  It’s a good feeling.  Not that I don’t trust Liz with Lauren… I just feel better knowing what’s going on in both of their lives.

Gayle:  I know the feeling.

Kyle:  Have you heard from Joan?  Is she having a good time in Los Angeles with Angel?

Gayle:  I talked to her just this morning actually.  They seem to be having a great time. 

Kyle:  I’m glad to hear that.  Joan could really use it.

Gayle:  Are you saying that as a concerned friend…or more?

Kyle:  Lets leave it as a concerned friend for now.

    Gayle smiles at the remark.

Gayle:  I hope things work out for you Kyle.

Kyle:  So do I.

Gayle:  So tell me something Kyle…I realize Steve took some time off from work over the holidays as well.  Are you aware of what’s going on with him?

    Kyle questions if he should answer the question.  He knows the answer is not something Gayle will be happy to hear.

Kyle:  I talked to him right before he left.

Gayle:  Left?  Left for where?  (She question.)

Kyle:  Steve and Claire… they went to Colorado for the holidays.

Gayle:  Oh (Gayle states, matter of factly.)  I didn’t realize Claire was a mountain girl at heart (she spits, sarcastically.)

Kyle:  Look Gayle… I realize there’s no love lost between you two… (he begins.)

Gayle:  I think that’s putting it mildly.

Kyle:  I know you and Steve have a past… that’s why I think you should know what’s going on.

Gayle:  Sounds pretty serious.

Kyle:  Well… it has the potential to be.  Before he left… Steve admitted to me that he was thinking about proposing to Claire.

    Gayle tries to hide the horror from her face, but knows she cannot. 
………………………………………………………………………………………………

    The Thomas home.  As Ben pulls his eclipse into the driveway, he’s surprised to find his dad’s SUV in the driveway ahead of him.
    Making his way out of the car and up the walkway to the front door, he turns the knob, finding his parents in the foyer, arm in arm.  He almost hates to interrupt them.  They turn to him as the door closes behind him.

Ben:  Hey you two (he says, walking towards his parents.)

Claire:  Ben!  (She says, walking to her son to greet him with a hug.)

Steve:  How are you doing son?

Ben:  Everything’s been pretty quiet while you guys were gone actually, (he says, as the two men greet one another with a hug.)  How was Colorado?

Claire:  It was beautiful.

Steve:  Yes… I think your mother and I both enjoyed it tremendously.

Ben:  That’s really cool.  I’m glad you had a good time.

    As the two walk towards the living room, Ben notices the suitcases still at the front door. 

Claire:  Your father and I wish you would’ve reconsidered, and come along.

Ben:  I know… I wish I could’ve.  But I’ve got a pretty heavy load at school this semester.  If I expect to be on the dean’s list again this semester, I’ve got to keep the grades up.

Steve:  You know we’re proud of you son.  There’ll be other family trips… especially now.

    Ben finds the statement odd.

Ben:  Especially now?  (He questions.)  What’s different about now than before?

Claire:  Are we ready to tell him?  (She asks Steve.)

Steve:  I don’t think any time is better than the present.

    As Steve and Claire take a seat on the couch, Claire motions for her son to take a seat next to her.  As Ben walks over to his parents, he finds himself strangely curious about what exactly is going on.

Claire:  We wanted you to be the first to know (she begins.)

Ben:  First to know what?

    Holding up her left hand, Claire smiles, as a wave of excitement crosses her son’s face.

Ben:  Oh my god!  You guys are getting remarried?

Steve:  I hope you don’t mind (he teases.)

Ben:  Mind?  Not on your life!  This is terrific you guys (he says, giving his mother a hug.)

Claire:  I thought so too.

Ben:  I knew things were going good between you… but I had no idea.

Steve:  Well, I figured there was no sense in waiting. 

Ben:  When’s the wedding?

Claire:  We haven’t really decided yet son.  Sometime when you’ll be out of school long enough to enjoy it with us.  Columbia is a long ways away, and we want you here to share the day with us.

Ben:  You know nothing’s going to keep me away.  This is really great.

Claire:  (Smiling) Our family's back together sweetheart… and nothings going to tear us apart again…

    Not even the secret I’m keeping from your father, Claire thinks to herself.  From both of you…  Nothing’s going to ruin my happiness.  Not even you Gayle.

Continue To Act Five