The Players

Laura a.k.a. "Monica"	Jack a.k.a. "Clark"
Jennifer	Peter	Abby
Alice	Maggie	Marlena
Dr. Perkins	Daniel Scott	Dr. Roger Hunt

Background

After a few bad dates with Daniel Scott and Dr. Roger Hunt, Laura realized she had a fear of intimacy, after not being with a man for over eighteen years. Afraid she wouldn't be able to have a normal relationship unless she took care of that anxiety, Laura turned to her old friend and therapist, Marlena Evans. At the same time, just as Jennifer got more and more seriously involved with Peter, a character carrying a brief case with the initials "JD" on them, referred to as Jack Deveraux, appeared in Salem. He followed Jennifer and painfully observed her with Peter. Determined to get Jennifer back, Jack realized he had to change his crooked ways and learn how to express his feelings, in order for Jennifer to consider taking him back. Marlena presented Laura with a brochure of a mental health retreat/resort called "The Meadows". She advised Laura to go there, as they had excellent reputation. She even remarked she thought of going herself. Laura thought of that and decided to go. On October 28th, Mark Valley appeared as Jack, as we saw him check into "The Meadows". Laura arrived shortly after and checked in, as well. As part of the program, the guests register under assumed names. Laura picked "Monica" as hers and Jack picked "Clark". As another part of the program, the guests were teamed up in pairs of two, as "buddies". The program was divided into two: time with your buddy and time in group therapy. Guess who got assigned together?

The Story

Week One:

Never meeting Jack or seeing pictures of him at the house, Monica sat down with Clark, and they started to talk. The head doctor/therapist, Dr. Perkins, explained they needed to talk to each other about their problems and find ways of getting over them together. Monica told Clark about fearing of being with a man after not being with one for eighteen years. Clark told her of the wife and child he had, whom he didn't even know.

After a few days, Jack returned to Salem. He arrived at Alice's and saw Jennifer with Peter through the window. Luckily, Alice spotted him outside and came out to him. Aghast to see him, she asked him why had he returned. Jack explained he came to reclaim Jennifer and Abby. Alice told him of Jennifer and Peter's strong involvement and advised him to leave, telling him Jennifer was happy with Peter and thinks he could never change. Jack returned to "The Meadows" and told Monica he had to change. Had to!

Week Two:

Monica and Clark kept talking and getting to know each other. Meanwhile in Salem, Jennifer told Peter she missed her mother. They decided to go visit her. They arrived there a few days later and Laura told her daughter she was so happy there, making progress. Excited, she told her about her buddy, Clark. She asked the two to meet him. She went to get him from his room.

Week Three:

Laura went to Clark's room, but he wasn't there. She returned to Jennifer and Peter, and suggested a tour of the grounds. Peter volunteered to get Laura's sweater. He entered the hall, as Laura told Jennifer she felt reborn. She then realized she didn't tell Peter her room's number. In his room, Jack decided to write down his thoughts. He sat down, as Peter knocked on his door. He got up to answer it, but then the phone rang. He picked it up, as outside, a nurse told Peter that Laura's room was two doors down. Peter entered Laura's room, as Jack opened the door. Since there was no one there, he returned to his desk. He sat down and wrote. He then fantasized about returning home, telling Jennifer he had changed. Jennifer tells him she loves him, as they hug and kiss. He snapped out of it, and picked up the phone. He phoned Jennifer's but got the machine. He made a big sigh and hung up, calling himself a coward.

Meanwhile, Peter returned to the common room. They walked through the grounds and when they returned, Laura asked them to see Clark. She went to get him, but meanwhile, Peter told Jennifer they had to leave, as he had a meeting in town.

Monica arrived at Clark's room and asked him to meet her daughter. Clark showed her his written thoughts and asked her to read them later. He said he'd come to meet her daughter soon and Laura left. When she returned to Jennifer and Peter, they apologized and left. After they did, Monica returned to Clark's room. She read his written thought. Clark wrote beautifully of his wife. Monica told him it was obvious he loved his wife very much. He replied it wouldn't be easy getting her back.

Jennifer arrived home and played the messages on her machine. She heard the sigh and wondered what that was.

The next day, Jennifer, Alice, Maggie and Abby were walking through Salem Place. Jennifer told the two about her mom being so happy. She also told them about Clark. Alice inquired if there was a romance and Jennifer replied she thought her mom was still interested in Daniel. Jennifer took Abby for ice cream, as Alice told Maggie about Jack showing up a few days ago. She told her she hadn't told Jennifer yet. Aside, Mickey met Abby and Jennifer after a meeting with Peter (Peter was meeting with him so he'd help him with the legalities of getting rid of shady businesses he had). He told Jennifer he really liked Peter and Jennifer thanked him for his approval.

Dr. Perkins asked Monica and Clark to the garden. There, she told them they had finished the first phase of the program and now she wanted them to be lovers. The two were amazed, as the doctor explained that she had meant only in make believe. She gave them a script and said they'd have to portray a couple about to make love for the first time. The doctor left and the two started reading. The text was only a page long and Clark was happy it had been so easy.

Monica turned the page and showed him the word at the bottom of the page, which was "improvise". She told Clark they had to play the scene by what's in their own hearts. She asked Jack to tell her how he felt, as they were about to "make love." Clark started saying how happy he was, but then stopped and angrily yelled he couldn't. Monica calmed him down and asked him to try. She told him that he might regret not doing it later, when he really faced his wife. He tried, but got stuck and couldn't. He started getting frustrated and Monica told him to picture his wife. Jack pictured Jennifer and told Monica how beautiful "her" smile and laugh were. He told her how much satisfaction "her" love brings him and how he wants to be committed forever to "her". Monica told him how beautiful that was and added that if she were his wife, she would take him back.

Clark was so happy he made it and told Monica it was her turn. Monica said one breakthrough a day was enough, but Clark insisted they continue. Monica said she was afraid of intimacy, not sex. She was afraid of trusting another man. She said she was afraid, but didn't know why, as she suddenly got up and said she couldn't. Clark got up to her and told her she could, as she was a beautiful, vivacious woman, and suddenly grabbed her and kissed her passionately.

Monica broke away from Clark and asked him why had he kissed her. He told her not to analyze it and kissed her again. When she broke away the second time, Monica asked him again why did he kiss her and Clark explained he wanted to make her feel beautiful and desired, as she really is. Monica thanked him and he told her to go call up that Daniel guy and ask him to dinner. Monica replied she'd do so, if he called his wife, too.

Meanwhile, Peter and Jennifer got ready for a nice romantic lunch at her house. Jennifer opened the drawer and found Jack's press pass. The phone rang and we saw it was Jack calling, only he didn't say anything and hung up.

Clark returned to Monica and told her he wanted to talk his wife face-to-face and not over the phone. He then said he'd call his lawyer and set up a meeting with her. He went to his room to get the number, as Laura called Jennifer at home, asking her for Daniel's number. Jennifer gave it to her and after hanging up, told a nervous Peter that Laura wanted to meet with Daniel again. He made an excuse and left immediately. He arrived at Salem Place, just as Daniel's cell phone rang. He stopped him from answering and ordered him to tell Laura, if it were her, he wouldn't see her. Although Peter told him not to, when Daniel answered and Laura invited him to dinner, he accepted gladly. Peter got angry, but Daniel told him he'd see Laura whenever he wanted to and added he had nothing to worry about. Peter didn't like that...

Clark returned to Monica and told her about phoning his lawyer. She told him about Daniel accepting her invitation to dinner. He hugged her and Monica told him he had made progress, as he first kissed her, now hugged her spontaneously like that and that meant it became easier for him to show his feelings.

Later, Jack's lawyer arrived at Jennifer's. He told her Jack wanted to meet with her. At "The Meadows", Jack realized he hadn't told his lawyer to tell Jennifer he loved her. He decided to call him and tell him to do so. When the phone rang, the lawyer answered and when Jack told him he wanted him to tell Jennifer a few things, he handed the phone to Jennifer, telling Jack to tell her himself.

Week Four:

Jennifer said Jack's name. He was shocked to hear her, but managed to say "hi" to her. Jennifer was very upset. She told Jack she didn't want to talk to him. Jack replied he called to ask how she and Abby were. Jennifer got upset with Jack for not calling for a whole year and more so, not calling Abby on her birthday. Jack told her he wanted a meeting. Ned, Jack's lawyer, left the phone with Jennifer and left. He wrote down Jack's cellular phone number on his card and left it with Jennifer. Jack told Jennifer he could meet her right away, as he was half an hour from Salem. That antagonized Jennifer even further, as Jack was so close and didn't come to see Abby. She asked him why was that and he said there were reasons. Jennifer replied that was the problem with him--he always uses excuses. She told Jack it was so hard for her and Abby during the year he was away. Jack just begged her for a meeting. Outside, Peter bumped into Ned, who told him Jennifer was on the phone with his client, asking him to give her a few minutes. Peter entered, as Jennifer hung up on Jack. He noticed Jennifer was upset and she told him she just got a reminder of her past.

After the conversation, Clark met with Monica and told her how badly it went. He got discouraged and said he was leaving "The Meadows", as all the therapy didn't do him any good. Monica told him his wife at least talked to him and was upset, not indifferent and that means she still cared. Clark realized that might be so and smiled. Monica assured him his wife would call him again.

At home, Jennifer sat alone and sad, looking at a picture of Jack and a picture of Peter. She then recalled happier times with Jack- Christmas, first time they entered the house with him carrying her over the threshold. She eventually picked up the phone, but then replaced the receiver.

Meanwhile, Peter arrived to Daniel's hotel room, just as he was about to leave for his date with Laura. Peter again ordered him not to see Laura, but Daniel replied he didn't want to hurt her. Peter said very well then and added that he'd take care of it himself.

Alice came to see Jennifer. She spotted she was upset and Jennifer explained about Jack phoning her. She told her grandmother she didn't know what to do, as Peter is a great guy and was already accepted by Laura and Abby. Alice remarked Jack is Abby's father. Jennifer told her she knew she (Alice) believes marriage is forever. Alice replied it is when you have trust. Jennifer replied she didn't trust Jack. Alice just told her she knew she'd make the right decision.

That evening at "The Meadows", Clark entered Monica's room. She was all dressed up for her date with Daniel. Clark complimented her on her dazzling looks. Monica thanked him and he again told her he felt like his wife wouldn't call him. She assured him she would. Clark left, as a courier knocked on Laura's door and handed her a telegram. Laura read it and acquired a disappointed expression on her face.

Jennifer picked up the phone and dialed Jack's cellular phone number. Jack answered and was so happy to hear Jennifer's voice. Jennifer told him she didn't want to see him. She told him they had nothing more to say to each other and added that if he wanted to be a part of Abby's life, he could. Jack told her he knew she still had feelings for him. Jennifer replied there was a new man in her life. Jack told her he loved her and begged Jennifer to trust him and give him a chance. Jennifer replied she couldn't and concluding, told him they both needed to get on with their lives, separately. She hung up the phone, as Peter arrived. He told Jennifer he overheard. She told him she refused giving Jack another chance and that it was over. Peter hugged her and she told him she didn't know it would be so hard. A bit later, Jennifer broke in tears in Peter's arms and he confessed he knew Jack had phoned her before. He explained he didn't say anything, because he wanted her to make a decision calmly. He added he would have accepted any decision she might have made saying he wants her to be happy. Jennifer replied she knows she made the right one.

Clark entered Monica's room looking down at the dumps. He told Monica it was over between him and his wife. Monica told him about Daniel breaking off their date by telegram. Clark remarked Daniel was a jerk, but Monica said he wasn't. She added he only wanted a complete woman, a thing she was not. Jack hugged her and told her she was a complete woman. A terrific woman who made him expose his feelings. A woman who had changed him. They hugged. Then, they started to kiss again and fell over to the bed... After finishing making passionate love, Clark went to take a shower. Meanwhile, Laura phoned Jennifer and told her about Daniel and the telegram. Jennifer worried about her mom and told Peter about it, as he suggested they go and visit her.

Meanwhile, at Salem Place, Alice told Maggie about Jack phoning Jennifer. She remarked she knew Jennifer was not over Jack, yet.

Jennifer and Peter arrived to Laura's doorstep at "The Meadows". Jennifer was really worried her mother wouldn't be able to handle Daniel's rejection. She was afraid she might have a relapse. Peter assured her Laura was strong. Jennifer remarked she felt guilty that she was so happy and that her mother was miserable. Peter relaxed Jennifer and left. Inside the room, Monica was resting in Clark's arms. She told him how amazing it was that a terrible evening became so passionate. She then analyzed the situation and said that it was passion that was born out of a need for closeness and trust. Clark remarked that although she was too analytical, she was right. Jennifer entered her mother's room and was amazed to find her in bed. Clark wasn't in it, though. Jennifer yelled at her mother, telling her she couldn't hide in bed. Laura told her she was not upset, or hiding. She thanked Jennifer for coming. Jennifer pulled up a chair and said they'd sit and talk. Laura was very embarrassed. She told Jennifer she was...busy. Jennifer heard sounds coming out of the shower and asked her mother if she was sharing the room with someone. Laura felt very awkward and didn't answer. From her mother's face, Jennifer understood the situation. She was amazed and asked her mother if there was a man in there. Laura nodded her head and Jennifer asked her why didn't she tell her Daniel eventually did come. She hugged her mother, telling her how wonderful it was. Laura replied it was wonderful, but told Jennifer that it was not Daniel in there, but Clark. Jennifer became doubly shocked. She asked Jennifer to go outside and Jennifer did, just as Jack came out of the shower. Monica told him that was her daughter. She asked him to meet her.

At the common room, Peter phoned Daniel threatening that if he didn't take care of his disappearance, he would. Jennifer arrived, all shocked, and told Peter about her mother and Clark. At her room, Clark told Monica he felt awkward meeting her daughter. She told him to think about it and exited the room.

Laura arrived at the common room. Jennifer hugged her and Laura told her how happy she was. Jennifer remarked it was funny her mother had a boyfriend, but Laura told her they'd see how it went. She again remarked she felt so happy and different and Jennifer told her that was great she and her had new loves. In Monica's room, Jack thought of Jennifer and addressing her, he told her he loved her and wanted her back...

Week Five:

Jack phoned Alice and told her he wanted her help in getting Jennifer back. Alice replied Jennifer was happy with Peter and added that she respected her decision. Jack then said, Laura might help him and asked Alice for her number.

At the common room, Laura's cell phone rang. It was Alice telling Laura about Jack and giving him his number. Laura told Jennifer and dialed. Jack answered, but before Laura could hear him, Jennifer grabbed the phone from her, telling Jack she didn't want him to drag her mother into it, as it was over! She hung up and a bit later, she and Peter left. Laura returned to her room. There, Clark told her about talking to his wife again and of it going badly, again. He became cynical again, but Monica told him she wouldn't let him become like that again, assuring him his wife would eventually come around.

Week Six:

A few days later, Jennifer and Alice were looking through pictures albums at her house. They came across a picture of Jennifer and Jack and Alice started talking about reconciliation. Jennifer cut her off and told her she was happy with Peter. Alice asked her why was it then, that she hadn't accepted his wedding proposal yet. Jennifer replied she just wanted her life to be totally peaceful and organized before taking such a big step. Peter arrived just in time to hear that, as he smiled to himself and left.

At "The Meadows", Clark told Monica he always chokes up when he talks to his wife. He said he needed more practice and then Dr. Perkins arrived and told him that is exactly what he'd get. She told the two that "The Meadows" had a special program in which the guests were sent to the "Green Mountain Ski Lodge". There, they were supposed to test everything they learned and worked on at "The Meadows" with new, unknown people. Dr. Perkins left and Clark told Monica that he didn't think it was a good idea to go. He told her that it was hard for him to open up to people just like that. Monica proved him wrong by giving her and group therapy as examples. Clark replied she was right and said he agreed to go. Later, they arrived there, all nervous. Clark told Monica he'd give her a character breakdown of the people sitting around the lodge. He categorized everyone and told Monica to pick someone for him to go up to and start talking to. She picked a blonde woman Clark categorized as an "Ice Queen". Later, we saw Jack sweet-talking the lady. Laura was sitting at the other end of the room with another man, who was holding her hand and asking her to dinner. Laura told him she couldn't and got up. Jack saw that and went over to her. Monica asked him if the Ice Queen melted already and Clark replied she had, but no thanks to his "new" self, but to his old, scheming self. Monica told him she didn't have much luck, too, as she didn't like the guy's touching her. They unanimously decided that they had talked to someone new, as they were instructed and now they can hang out together.

Peter arrived to Jennifer and told her he was taking her to a special place. When Jennifer asked where, he told her it was the place where they first confessed their feelings to one another, the "Green Mountain Sky Lodge"...

Jennifer and Peter got ready to leave for the ski lodge. Alice arrived. Peter went inside the kitchen. Jennifer suddenly noticed the date and remembered it used to be a special one. Alice pressured her to tell her about it and Jennifer told her that on that day two years ago she read in the "Spectator" about an old couple, who has been married for seventy-five years. When they were asked what the secret was, they told the reporter that the husband gives the wife a poem every year on the same date, no matter where he is. Jennifer showed Jack the article and he promised her a song every year and the date they set up is that day (today). Jennifer told Alice Jack never brought her the poem. She said he'd never change and added that she was happy with Peter

At the ski lodge, Monica and Clark sat down for dinner. Monica started talking, as Clark didn't pay attention to her, since he was watching the TV above her head. Monica turned and saw the TV screen behind her and left the table, offended. Clark apologized and Monica asked him how many times did he said that to his wife...She explained to him a woman needs her man to listen and block himself to outside things while with her. Clark replied she was right and smilingly asked for another chance. Monica smiled back and they returned to their table.

Later, Clark was giving Monica a backrub in her room. He suddenly noticed the date and said he knew that date meant something, but couldn't remember what.

Peter and Jennifer arrived at the lodge and checked in. Jennifer went to their room to get refreshed, as Peter sat at the bar. Jack left Monica's room, as she wanted to take a shower and went to the bar. There, he sat next to Peter and recognized him as the "idiot" Jennifer is seeing... Jack started talking about sports and then, brought to conversation to women. Peter told him how beautiful and terrific his girl, Jennifer is. He also told him about the jerk that she used to be married to. When Peter returned to his and Jennifer's room, Jennifer told him about Bo and Billie's engagement party at Salem and they decided to leave for it.

Clark returned to Monica's room and told her what a jerk that guy his wife was seeing was. He said he had to talk to her. He went over to the front desk and checked the bar tabs. He saw Peter's room number and went over to it, only Jennifer and Peter had already left for the party. He returned to Monica's room and suddenly remembered what the date meant. Happy and excited, he told Monica there might still be a chance for him and his wife after all...

Jack sat down and wrote Jennifer a beautiful touching poem. He gave it to Monica and she remarked it was beautiful and expressing. He left for Salem and delivered the letter to Jennifer's. When she got it, she at first, was touched Jack remembered, but after reading it, she got angry, saying it was just another one of Jack's tricks, as she creased it and threw it to the floor. Jack observed it all from outside. Out of rage, Jennifer ran into Peter's arms and told him she'd marry him. Peter told her he didn't want her to accept his proposal out of rage, as Jennifer said he was right, thanked him and asked for some more time.

Jack returned to the ski lodge. He told Monica his wife thought it was a trick and that now he had really lost her forever...

Week Seven:

At "The Meadows", Dr. Perkins gave Monica and Clark their invitations for the "graduation party", as the day after, they leave. After the doctor left, Clark told Monica that he didn't feel like celebrating, as the only thing he learned there was another way of failing. He later packed to leave, as Monica entered his room and convinced him not to give up yet. She told him he made her a whole and new person and thanked him. Clark thanked her and recited an Emerson poem about finding the right way. At the party, they were both sad they would probably never see each other again after they leave "The Meadows".

Week Eight:

The next day, Monica and Clark were packing to leave "The Meadows", feeling sad they had to return to reality again. They decide to have dinner one last time together. Clark told Monica his train leaves in two hours, and so they had time. Monica exited his room, as Dr. Perkins entered it and told Clark his train was leaving in half-an-hour. When he showed her the schedule indicating the train was in tow hours, she told him it was last year's. He said he didn't say goodbye to Monica. Dr. Perkins suggested he wrote her a letter. He did and then left.

When Laura later entered his room, Dr. Perkins told her about his leaving. Laura became sad and read the letter, in which Clark told her she had changed him tremendously. He also wrote he'd miss her terribly. Laura started to cry and asked the doctor for his real name and address, but Dr. Perkins told her she couldn't give it to her, because of the anonymity rule.

Jennifer, Alice and Abby were walking through Salem Place, admiring the new Christmas tree. Alice remarked Jack could make Jennifer and Abby's holiday happier, but Jennifer assured her Peter makes them happy and that Jack could never change and give her what she needed. Peter arrived and took Abby over to Barrons' Santa. Santa's little helper asked Abby if she wanted to take a picture with her mom and dad, pointing at Peter. Peter started correcting her, but Jennifer grabbed him away to take the picture. When they finished taking it, Alice asked Jennifer why hadn't she corrected the helper, saying Jack was Abby's father. Jennifer told her it didn't seem right and added Abby might one-day want to call Peter "dad" anyway. She told Alice Jack could visit Abby if he wanted to, but that she didn't want him in her life. Peter was holding Abby in his arms and they were having a great time together. Jack was hiding behind a pillar and watching angrily. Alice excused herself and returned home. When she got there, Jack was waiting for her, telling her he wouldn't allow Peter to take over his family.

A bit later, Laura surprised Abby and Jennifer at Salem Place. They all hugged and said hello to each other. Jennifer told her mother after a short conversation, she felt a change for the better in her and Laura replied it was great at "The Meadows", adding she'd miss Clark a lot. Jennifer asked her if she was in love with Clark, but Laura told her she wasn't, as he was a very special, close friend.

Alice was shocked to see Jack. He asked her to let him stay at her place. She agreed, but informed him she wouldn't help him with Jennifer. He then started expressing his feelings towards Jennifer and Alice told him he had changed. He started decorating a Christmas cookie and asked Alice to give it to Abby. Jennifer and Laura arrived to see where Alice was, as Alice told her she had a surprise for her, meaning Jack. Only when they entered the kitchen, Jack wasn't there and Alice made up an excuse meaning the cookies. After the two left, Jack returned to the kitchen and told Alice he hid, because it wasn't the appropriate time, meeting Jennifer and her mother, Laura, for the first time. Alice agreed. Jack went upstairs, as Jennifer and Laura returned and gathered the cookies. When they arrived to Salem Place, Alice gave Abby the cookie Jack decorated and told her it was made with a lot of love especially for her...

Aside, Laura phoned Dr. Perkins and asked if she had heard from Clark. Dr. Perkins replied she hadn't and Laura asked her to tell him she said she was with her family and happy and hoped he was the same.

A Santa approached Alice. She turned to him and saw it was Jack, after he removed his beard. He told Alice he was Barrons' Santa. He went over to the display and sat down. Peter took Abby to sit on Santa's lap. Jack rejoiced, as he was holding Abby, telling her "Santa" loves her very, very much.

Later, Jennifer approached Santa Jack, but didn't recognized him. She asked him to come over to UH later and help distribute gifts to the children there. Santa Jack agreed. Later, he arrived there and wished the kids a Merry Christmas, Ho Ho Hoing down the halls. Jennifer was very impressed at how Santa handled the children and told Peter so.

Later, the Horton's went back to Alice's after the tree lighting ceremony. They started decorating the tree with the traditional Horton ornaments. When Jack's ornament came up, Mickey said he was no longer a part of the family, but smiling to herself, Alice said he is Abby's father and had the Horton love in his heart and so, his ornament would go up. She placed it on the tree.

Week Nine / Closure:

Laura got a phone call from Dr. Perkins, telling her Clark was coming up to "The Meadows" soon. Laura rejoiced and told the doctor she'd come also to meet him. She later arrived to "The Meadows" and met Clark. He told her about him being nervous about meeting his wife. He also told her about him holding his little girl, only in disguise. They told each other how much their friendship meant and then Clark gave Monica his lucky pendant as a symbol of how much she means to him. They hugged and Clark left. After he left, Laura addressed Clark, telling him she would miss him so.

Thanks to Tzach Ben Jossef for writing this story.

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