Scene opens. It is mid-morning and Art is shown making his way down SPring Street, toward the bar. He is looking nervous, anxious, as if he is about to delivery bad news to someone. He enters Ridge’s. Alice is sitting at the bar, reviewing her orders for food and liquor and beer for the coming week.
ALICE
Hi Art. You’re here early this morning.
(She glances up at him and notices how worried he looks)
What is it Art? Has someothing happened?
The baby starts crying, loudly, and can be heard very clearly. Alice rolls her eyes.
Where is Theresa? SHe is supposed to be watching hin while I do this paperwork. Sheesh, Jeannie can’t get back here soon enough (exasperated)
Art
uhhhh….well actually Alice, that’s what I needed to talk to you about….
AlICE
Interrupting Art, yelling up the stairs
Theresa! Can’t you hear the baby?
Art
Alice…there’s something we really have to talk about…
Alice
Jesus….sorry Art…I’ll be right back…
Art
Alice…we really need to talk….
Heads up the stairs to see about the baby. She then returns with the baby
Alice
Sorry Art, I don’t know where Theresa is….I don’t know why is’s so difficult for her to check on him….
Alice bounces the baby on her shoulder, he soon falls asleep.
Art
Your’re a natural at this ALice! Who knew?? Could it be you are getting used to having the baby around?
Alice
(Shoot him a look)
Don’t start.
ART
Now ALice…it can’t be all that bad takin’ care of the little guy.
ALICE
It’s tolerable because I know it’s temporary.
ART
I feel funny just referring to the baby as the “little guy” or the “baby”. I wish we could call him something else.
ALICE
That’s for Jeannie to figure out. Remember, we aren’t getting attached here. This is temporary until Jeannie feels better. Speaking of which, any news along those lines? Didn’t you go over to the hospital yesterday?
ART
Well that’s what I have been working up the nerve to tell you….there’s a slight problem with Jeannie.
ALICE
(Looking up from cuddling the baby)
Oh? Isn’t she getting better? I would have thought they would’ve discharged her by now.
Art
Well yes she did get better…so much so that she checked herself out of the hospital.
Alice
What? Well where is she? When is she coming for the baby?
ART
Well that’s just it…I don’t think she’s coming back here. SHe’s gone.
ALICE
GONE??!!! What do you mean gone?
ART
I mean GONE! SHe left the hospital two days ago!!
ALICE
Two days ago!!!