========================================================================== I DO Kathy Wolenczak a.k.a. Kathleen Brown ========================================================================== Timeline: SeaQuest 2032 Author's E-Mail: kwolenczak@hotmail.com ========================================================================== TEASER August 2, 2033. Lucas's Quarters, night. Lucas is typing quietly at his computer, Kathleen's in his bathroom taking her monthly wet shower, since the shower in her quarters isn't designed for water, only ions. Lucas is typing up something we can't see, but his eyes are lost in thought, thinking something over. *She's only 17. She'll be 18 soon. She's mature for her age.* She definitely has been showing him her love and loyalty. Lucas stands and pulls something from his pocket. He walks to the door of the room and then turns back, smiling. In Lucas' bathroom, Kathy steps from the shower as she wraps a robe around herself. She looks at herself in the mirror, scrutinizes her skin, and begins to brush her long, dark, wet hair. There's a gentle knock at the door. KATHY Yeah. Lucas opens the door and comes in, dressed in his dress tan uniform, no hat. Kathy gapes openmouthed at him. KATHY _Lucas_? What's going on? Lucas looks into her eyes, wanting only an honest answer. LUCAS Do you love me? KATHY (somewhat surprised) Of course. LUCAS (timidly) Enough to marry me? KATHY (with a little thought, slightly suspicious) In time. Lucas slips a small box from his pocket and hands it to her. She opens the small velvet box, and smiles as she stares at a small white-gold ring with a single tastefully small diamond in the center. Her eyes fill with tears. LUCAS Will you marry me? Kathy looks at him, tears streaming down her face, smiling in disbelief. She's not answering, she can't find the words to express it. Lucas looks unsure, afraid he made a mistake. Kathy forces out the only word she can find. KATHY YEAH! She hugs Lucas with all her strength. Lucas sighs and holds her, smiling estatically. It went well. He can stop wondering and start planning to spend the rest of his life with the only woman he has ever truly loved, and who truly loves him back. END TEASER Bridge. Lucas is quietly working. Kathy walks in wearing her MedBay garb of scrubs and white nurse's shoes, smiling as far as the eye can see. She walks up to Lucas and whispers in his ear. Lucas kisses her lightly on the lips. HUDSON Lieutenant... Lucas looks at him. LUCAS C'mon, Sir, it's a special day today, Kathy and I just got engaged. The _entire_ bridge looks up in shock. Lucas and Kathy smile estatically. Hudson looks at both of them for the initial shock, then grins and nods in semi-agreement. HUDSON Have you two set a date? LUCAS September 16. Hudson nods softly. HUDSON All right. I'll arrange for a resupply that day. Let me know the arrangements. LUCAS (grins at Kathy, looks back at Hudson, smiling) As soon as _we_ know. Kathy smiles at Lucas. Kathy's quarters. She's sitting on her bed after her shift, wearing gray Navy-issue sweatpants and a blue shirt with a horse and rider jumping over a starry sky with the words "May the Horse be With You" printed above. She's reading a riding magazine and quietly eating small pieces of chocolate. There's soft instrumental music playing in her room, and a single "Warm Apple Crisp" candle from the batch she mail-ordered from New England is burning. There's a gentle knock at her door. KATHY Yeah. Lucas comes in, smiling. LUCAS (softly) Hey.... She looks up and smiles. KATHY Hi. LUCAS Whatcha readin'? KATHY (glances up, smiling) Horse magazine. He nods absently and walks halfway across the room, troubled. She sits up, lookin at him in concern, her magazine forgotten. KATHY What's wrong? LUCAS (he sighs) Honey...I...I wanna know something. KATHY (reassuringly) You can ask me anything, Lucas. LUCAS (timidly) How determined are you to marry Catholic? She thinks a moment. KATHY (nearly shrugging) I don't know. (looks at him, passive) How committed are you to marrying Jewish? LUCAS Can't we find a happy medium or something? I mean, there are a couple things I really don't wanna forget, and I'm sure you have some, too. KATHY Like what, honey? LUCAS I wanna break the glass. And I like the idea of the canopy, and I don't wanna forget the skullcap, that's important, too. KATHY Is that all? Lucas nods. LUCAS Pretty much. What about you? KATHY I wanna get married in the church from my high school, and as long as we can exchange vows, that's enough for me. LUCAS Would they let me do what I want? KATHY (thinking, nearly shrugging again) I _think_ so. LUCAS Well, do you wanna get married by a priest? KATHY (well, _yeah_) Yeah.... Lucas nods softly. KATHY (her need isn't that firm, if he wants to, she will, but she has to give him the option) Well, do you wanna get married by a rabbi? Lucas shrugs. LUCAS It doesn't matter to me. Kathy nods softly. LUCAS (stepping lightly, it's a difficult subject, with good reason) Is your dress gonna be white? KATHY Yes. What that man did to me was _not_ my choice. Damnit, I _am_ a virgin, Lucas! Lucas steps towards her and sits beside her on the bed. LUCAS I know. It's okay, honey.... She sighs softly. Lucas takes a piece of her chocolate, she smiles. LUCAS Do you want it in the morning or the afternoon? KATHY What? LUCAS The wedding. KATHY Oh. I don't know. Lucas sighs and smiles at her. LUCAS We're gonna have to figure this out eventually, babe. KATHY Can we just spend some time with each other for now, Lucas? He nods and looks into her innocent eyes. He wraps his arms around her in a gentle embrace. Ward Room, 2 Weeks Later. Lucas and Kathy are sitting with Hudson. Hudson's got a paper, reading it. HUDSON (to Kathy, not looking up) Who's giving you away? KATHY My father. HUDSON (curious, to Lucas, looking at him) Who's your best man? LUCAS Paul. I promised him. (a soft laugh) Piccolo's pissed. HUDSON Which religion are you marrying under? KATHY (suddenly infuriated, tired of this stupid question) God, who said you had to marry under _any_? As long as He's present, isn't that enough?! (beat) He knows, and it's my personal belief that whatever you believe, as long as you're a good person who's trying hard to be good, that's enough. Whether you technically believe in Him or not, He'll be satisfied with that, you're allowed into Eternity, (beat a final point, made _very_ clear) Manmade rules mean _nothing_! Lucas looks at her closely. She looks down at the tabletop. HUDSON (softly) You're right, Ensign. She nods. KATHY I _know_ I'm right. HUDSON Are you two going for any kind of counseling? I mean, have you discussed children, a place to live, who's going to work if you _do_ have kids? And what about the Navy? LUCAS (explaining, occasionally looking to Kathy for backup) Well, we both want children eventually, we're going to find a home when we feel we're ready, until then we're always welcome at Kathy's house and my Dad's place in San Francisco. We're also both going to stay in the Navy. If all goes well, we'll stay on _seaQuest_. HUDSON Are there any days you'd like to request leave for? KATHY The third and the sixth. HUDSON (grinning) What for? LUCAS Dresses and rings. Hudson nods softly and smiles at the young, adoring couple. HUDSON (gathering up papers, standing) All right, go ahead. Be in love. Kathy smiles. Hudson leaves. LUCAS (gently) Are you sure you wanna do this? KATHY (horrified) Aren't you?! LUCAS (smiling, confident) I asked, didn't I? I just want to make sure you're doing this for purely selfish reasons. KATHY (gazing adoringly at him) I am, honey. Swear. He smiles. LUCAS (not-so-confident anymore, thinking she's more enthusiastic than he is) But if you start having doubts, let me know. KATHY (taking his hand) Lucas, are _you_ having doubts? LUCAS (arguing) No! I just don't want you to be unhappy. KATHY If I'm unhappy, I'll let you know. Now can we stop talking about this, you're scaring me, honey. He nods and smiles at her. LUCAS (softly) I love you. KATHY (emphatic, but soft) I love you, too. Hallway, September third. Kathy's walking one way with Lonnie and J.J. and Lucas is walking with Tony and Ortiz in the other direction. As they walk towards each other.... KATHY Surf or Turf? Lucas looks around at the seaQuest around them. LUCAS _Turf_! How about Vermont? KATHY PERFECT!!! I'll call them? LUCAS No, let me. Kathy nods. Lucas kisses her as they meet. LUCAS Remember, it's probably gonna be hot. KATHY (holding up her left hand, reminding him of the 12 billionth time her ring size) Five and seven eighths. LUCAS I know. They continue walking. Kathy hears Ortiz speak in near-disbelief. ORTIZ What the _hell_ was that? Kathy laughs softly. Lucas begins explaining, Kathy smiles as Lucas explains the honeymoon, the dress... Dress Store in New Cape Quest. Kathy's looking through racks of dresses. KATHY You think they make these in size four? HENDERSON I doubt it, hon. KATHY Let me guess, I have to use my credit card on yet _another_ custom dress. Besides, these are all ugly. HENDERSON Do you know what you want? KATHY I know _exactly_ what I want. Lounge aboard seaQuest. Lucas holds his hand out, in it is an open velvet jewelry box, within which sits two white-gold wedding bands. Tim smiles in amazement and gently takes out the more slender of the two. O'NEILL They engraved? Lucas nods softly. Tim looks at it. O'NEILL "With everlasting love 9-16-33" That's nice. LUCAS Mine has our names in it. They sorta' go together. Plus I figured I'd lose mine quicker. ORTIZ (taking the ring from Tim to inspect it for himself, lightly smacking Lucas' arm) Oh, that's a good thing to say, genius. Lucas smiles. BRODY There gonna be cake? LUCAS Lemon. Gently placed, not smooshed. White icing. BRODY Reception? LUCAS Outside. BRODY Time? LUCAS Which one? BRODY Reception. LUCAS One. BRODY When'd you work out all this? LUCAS Yesterday. While Kathy was talking with the priest. ORTIZ (done looking at it from Tim) Lucas.... Lucas looks up and takes back the ring. He's just looking up as J.J. and Kathy stand in the doorway. J.J. holds a huge dress bag. Lucas' smile grows wider. LUCAS Can I see? KATHY On the sixteenth. Lucas pouts. J.J. grins and leaves. Kathy goes over and kisses Lucas lightly on the lips, then strokes his hair. KATHY I need some rest, wake me up at four, please? LUCAS (reluctantly) _I_ was gonna go to sleep. PICCOLO I'll wake you. LUCAS (slightly startled) Thanks, Tony. PICCOLO (shrugging) No problem. Lucas smiles and leaves with Kathy. Lucas' quarters. He's lying on top of the covers, it's just a quick nap. He's also sleeping lightly, dreaming a little. He enters the REM state and smiles in his sleep. In his dream, he's in a hospital with Kathy. She's crying in a bed. A little baby girl is laid on her chest and Kathy continues to cry. Lucas smiles at the child. His smile fades and he begins to cry, too. At someone's funeral, Lucas is crying with his wife. He reaches out and takes Kathy's hand. As he takes it, their wedding rings are together, and their marriage pulls them through. Those bands are the symbol for complete love. Long after, Kathy is once again screaming in pain in a hospital bed, once again screaming and crying and straining to bring a loving, new little life into this family. Lucas is holding her hand and urging her on, giving her the infinite strength to continue. Their child cries as it is born into the world. Lucas holds Kathy. That night, Kathy lies, looking dead, or at least comatose, in a bed in the hospital. Lucas is beside her, stroking her forehead with his slender left hand. Then, long after, many, many years later, an older Lucas walks up the stairs of a house young Lucas has never seen before. He walks in and silently begins to cook a dinner. Back on seaQuest, while experiencing this dream Lucas wonders if his true love died, and this means he's destined to live alone. He doesn't know. Just, when he's about to panic, a sweet sound fills the room. BOY Dad?! Dad, you home? OLDER LUCAS I'm in the kitchen. The young blonde boy, with Kathy's eyes and Lucas' slender frame, bounds down the stairs and comes into the room. Truly, this _isn't_ a young boy. It's a young man, near the age of twenty, smiling and overjoyed to see his father. In his quarters on _seaQuest_, Lucas smiles at the impending reality of fatherhood, how wonderful it will be. But what about Kathy? His question is answered when a lovely middle aged woman walks in, stands by Lucas side, and kisses him gently. He sighs and looks at her, smiling at her, thinking of all the times...raising their son, growing older and wiser together, growing stronger in faith in each other and undying love every day of their lives. All this love and closeness reflects clearly in his blue eyes. OLDER LUCAS I was worried I'd never see you again. Kathy gives a gentle laugh. KATHY Honey, I just went to get some cream cheese, I was only gone a few minutes. OLDER LUCAS I was scared. KATHY Honey, have you been taking your medication? Lucas looks puzzled. He takes her left hand and holds it in his. OLDER LUCAS (still puzzled) Yeah. I just....I love you so much. Kathy smiles and looks down at the floor, shy. Lucas holds her close. Lucas wakes in his quarters. He looks around his room, gets up, and leaves. Down the hall, Kathy wakes from an innocent dream of her as she watches Lucas sleep 20 years later. A dream oddly similar to Lucas'. Lucas walks into the room and looks at Kathy. She holds her arms out to him, and he sits beside her, hugging her close. She smiles and holds his left hand in hers. Now there's no ring, but it's not the ring that holds them together. It's the devotion. KATHY I had a dream a few days ago, Lucas. LUCAS Mmm? KATHY I was sitting in a room, holding a baby and it was lovely. The house was beautiful and our baby was _gorgeous_. You were watching me and you were _so_ happy. (beat. dismayed) Then you and I were arguing and screaming and it was awful. Then our son graduated from college, and you and I were happy again. So much happened. I had been in and out of the hospital, you were sick and our boy was scared all the time. But, in the end, we were _happy_. LUCAS We'll pull through this. I know us getting ready for this wedding is stressful for you, because it is for me, too, but I _know_ we're making the right choice. Kathy smiles and rests her head on his chest. KATHY I know that, too, Lucas. I'm happy right here as it is. Mess. Lucas and Kathy are sitting together at breakfast. Both of them are barely eating, they're both incredibly tense. Ortiz and Piccolo walk up, carrying heaping trays of food. ORTIZ How's it feel to know you're not gonna be single this time tomorrow? Lucas looks at Ortiz like he's ready to rip Ortiz' curls out and shove them down his pretty little throat. ORTIZ O..kay.... Kathy sighs and looks at Lucas, putting her fork down. He looks up at her. LUCAS What? KATHY I'm less-than-enthused. LUCAS (grinning) You're doing it anyway. KATHY I know, Lucas. (softly) I know. Lucas grabs her hand and pulls her out into the hallway. He takes her a few steps away and looks at her. It doesn't take her IQ for Kathy to know this is the exact spot where she told him that she thought he was her brother. Lucas takes a firm hold of her arms. LUCAS I need to know if you love me. KATHY I love you, Lucas. LUCAS What reason could you _possibly_ have for wanting to get married to get it over with. Security in a relationship forever? Not having to spend your teenage years looking? Why?! Tell me why, Kathleen! KATHY BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!!!!!!! Lucas looks closely at her. Her chest is heaving for breath, her eyes are frightened. KATHY I want to spend every day of my life with you. You love me and that's something I'll probably never get like this with another person for the rest of my life. I've had a thing for you since I was 12 and I saw a picture of you on the 'Nex. I _love_ you, Lucas, I can't _wait_ until tomorrow. I have a few reservations, but in my _heart_ I know this is right. I have this nagging feeling it's a mistake but there's this HUGE unmistakable feeling whenever I think about not doing it. Lucas, I _know_ this is right. And you can't blame me for my doubts, you're having them, too. Lucas nods slowly. He strokes her hair and kisses her forehead. LUCAS C'mon, let's pack. Kathy nods and leaves with him. New Cape Quest. "seaQuest Berth for resupply and crew liberty 9-15-33" A large public transportation bus is sitting in UEO HQ's parking lot. Lucas walks onto the air-conditioned bus as crewmembers pack their duffels into the lower outer compartments for the ride to the wedding. It's not a requirement, merely, a vast majority of the crew decided _this_ would be the best way to spend a beautiful weekend. Celebrating the union of their friends. Lucas walks to the back half of the bus, where his soon-to-be-wife lays across 3 seats under the air vents. Lucas finds her so slender right now, and so beautiful in his eyes. Lucas lifts up both her legs, slips beneath them, and lays them across his lap as he sits. He quietly begins to lightly tickle her feet. Kathy giggles, her facade of sleeping broken. KATHY (looking at him.) Lucas.... He gazes at her, a soft smile around his lips. LUCAS This time tomorrow you're gonna be Mrs. Wolenczak. KATHY I can't wait. Walking up from the back of the bus, Piccolo looks at them and makes a gagging sound, sticking his finger down his throat...forgetting... Lucas smacks Tony's arm, sending his finger poking into the soft back of Tony's throat. Tony coughs heavily. PICCOLO I deserved that.... KATHY You okay? PICCOLO Yeah. (sarcastically) Thanks, Lucas. LUCAS Hey, you said it yourself. You deserved it. Tony sighs. PICCOLO Yeah. Ford enters the bus and looks at everybody. FORD Are we ready to gather together in Holy Matrimony? People on the bus cheer and yell, happy to be _anyplace_ but underwater. Lucas and Kathy smile at each other and the bus pulls away towards western Virginia, where Lucas and Kathy are to be wed. Later, Lucas and Kathy are asleep together, Lonnie and Ford are sitting in the seat ahead of them, thinking. HENDERSON Jonathan? FORD Yeah. HENDERSON Do you want to get married? FORD (actually taking offense) To you?! HENDERSON (offended) No. To anybody. The right girl. Ford half-shrugs. FORD I don't know. I'm sure I will...eventually. HENDERSON (looking back at Lucas and Kathy, grinning) Don't you just wanna shoot them? FORD (grins) No. They deserve each other. HENDERSON But they didn't even have to _look_, they just fell into each other's lap out of nowhere. FORD No, trust me, Lucas has been looking since he was fifteen years old. He deserves this. HENDERSON Do you think they'll go through with it? FORD I hope so. They'll see it was worthwhile in the long run. Lucas and Kathy continue sleeping. Later, at around four o' clock, the bus pulls up to a hotel and not long after the crew emerges into the late afternoon sun. Lucas and Kathy are together holding hands, and they walk as one to the hotel. J.J. grabs Lucas' arm. FREDERICKS No! You two can't be together. LUCAS (confused) Why? HENDERSON It's tradition. You can't be in the same room the night _before_ your wedding. KATHY Who's crappy idea was _this_? FREDERICKS God's. LUCAS God doesn't make up _rules_. KATHY (quietly) Um.....thou shalt not kill? Lucas suddenly nods. LUCAS Oh yeah. But I doubt He made up _this_ one! FORD Lucas...are you two planning on _doing_ anything? LUCAS No. But I think it might be _nice_ to have my fiance's company one final night before we're _married_. Ford takes Lucas' arm and pulls him over. He whispers in his ear. LUCAS No, damnit! I told you _no_! Lucas runs/jogs to the hotel. Kathy follows him, giving Ford an evil look. Inside the hotel, sitting alone on a couch in the lobby, is Lucas, staring down at his hands in his lap. Kathy slowly walks over to him. KATHY Lucas? LUCAS Go away. KATHY No. (she sits beside him and takes one of his hands.) What did he say? LUCAS They wanna throw me a bachelor party. KATHY (grinning) So? They're your friends, honey. Let them have some fun. LUCAS I don't _wanna_ have fun with them, I wanna be with _you_ tonight. KATHY You're gonna have me for the rest of your _life_. LUCAS But I need you _now_. KATHY Why? What's wrong? LUCAS I'm scared. KATHY Of what? LUCAS Mom. KATHY Why would _Mom_ be bothering you now? LUCAS We're all over the news. UEO computer geek to marry farm girl. Mom's gonna find out and I'm worried she's gonna make a scene or something. KATHY Daddy won't let that happen. LUCAS How? KATHY Trust me, Lucas. My father can control her. LUCAS Has he ever seen her off her lithium? KATHY What? LUCAS Mom's schizophrenic, it's why she beat me. She was also an alcoholic. KATHY _That_ I knew about. I _didn't_ know she was mentally ill. LUCAS 'Cause she never told anybody. God...I know she's gonna wreck this. KATHY Because the thought of her being here is gonna drive you nuts. Lucas, just spend some time with me. We'll go to sleep, get married, and be happy for as long as the eye can see. Okay? Lucas looks at her and sighs. Kathy gives his hair a good long stroke, kisses his forehead, and smiles. Night. Kathy walks down the hall with her hair swept up in a messy jaw clip, carrying a tray of ice. She stops outside Lucas' room and knocks gently on the door. LUCAS Yeah. Kathy enters to see a hologram motivational speaker "standing" on Lucas' low, long dresser. Lucas, Ford, Brody, and Tony, are watching with interest and bemusement. KATHY What is this? LUCAS A nude saxophonist. Kathy watches a moment. Ford and Lucas both snicker at this. KATHY No.... LUCAS Krieg couldn't be here tonight, so he sent his present ahead of him. KATHY (warily, but with humor) I somewhat fear meeting this man. Lucas grins at that. LUCAS I'll bet what you're doing is just _so_ much more interesting. KATHY We're doing girl stuff. BRODY Like what? Painting your nails and discussing girth? PICCOLO (nervously) Do you guys actually _do_ that? KATHY Not as far as I've seen. The most girth I know about is Harley's a 52. Lucas smiles at her. He stand and gives her a hug, slipping an ice cube down the back of her shirt at the same moment Kathy does the same to his pants. Lucas gives out a loud, startled cry and hunches forward. He looks up at her. KATHY I know you, Lucas Wolenczak. LUCAS (practically rolling his eyes, but in too much...discomfort to do so) Girls. Kathy smiles and leaves. Lucas is left very, very cold. Morning. In Kathy's room, she's just stepping out of the shower. She calls through the bathroom door, into her room where J.J. and Lonnie are fussing over her dress. KATHY Hey guys? HENDERSON Yeah? KATHY Can you make sure darling's awake? HENDERSON Yeah. Be right back. Kathy steps out of the bathroom a little while later, wrapped in a towel. She grins at J.J. and pushes her hair dryer into her hand. KATHY Quick, dry this stupid stuff before it curls. J.J. smiles and plops Kathy down on a desk chair. Lonnie knocks on the door to Lucas' hotel room, where Tony and Ortiz have all ready congregated. HENDERSON Guys, is Lucas awake yet? ORTIZ The guy needs his beauty sleep. Inside the room, Lucas is still asleep in bed, oblivious to what's going on around him. HENDERSON Guys, we gotta leave in a couple hours, get him up. PICCOLO How long's it take to shower and get dressed? HENDERSON Do it, Piccolo. Ortiz throws an ice cube at Lucas' head. Lucas wakes, angry. LUCAS _What_. ORTIZ Don't blame me, blame Lonnie. LUCAS What time is it? ORTIZ Almost 10. LUCAS WHAT?!?!? YOU DIDN'T WAKE ME?!?!? I'm going to kill you!!! ORTIZ Relax, it's only 7:30. Lucas just gives Ortiz a furious look, shaking his head as he slowly makes his way out of the sheets twisted around him. Later, Lucas is in his room, his hair wet, pulling on his beige Navy's uniform shirt. In Kathy's room, she's dressed in her underwear and bra and stockings, in a white robe, while J.J. fusses with her hair and Lonnie paints her nails. Later, Lucas walks out of his room, looking spiffy in his uniform and shined shoes, his hair beautiful only because it's _there_, and smiling uncontrollably. He stops outside Kathy's room and knocks on the door with his knuckle. LUCAS Honey? KATHY (shaky) Yeah? LUCAS (suddenly concerned) Are you okay? KATHY What do you want? LUCAS Just to tell you that I'm leaving. Are you okay? The door opens and J.J. and Henderson leave without a word. Kathy stands with her back to the door, reaching her white satin-encased arm out to meet his hand. KATHY Are you as nervous as I am? Not about marrying you, but about this entire _wedding_. Just...there's gonna be so many people there and I'm scared something's gonna screw it up. LUCAS Honey, I was worried about that last _night_. KATHY I'm scared. LUCAS It's never to late to back out. KATHY I don't _want_ to back out. I want everyone else to go away. LUCAS Honey, we didn't invite anyone out of obligation, there are gonna be _no_ UEO bigwigs there, and nobody whose name we won't know off the top of our heads. There's nothing to worry about. (grins) Can I see you? KATHY No.... Lonnie'd kill me. LUCAS Why are you doing what everybody wants you to and not what _you_ want? KATHY Because I want this to turn out right. I don't want to screw up. LUCAS But as long as you do things how you want to you can't do anything you didn't go into knowing about. Does that make sense? KATHY (nodding, nearly smiling) Surprisingly. Lucas smiles. KATHY I trust you to be good. Close your eyes. Lucas does. Kathy opens up the door and sinks into Lucas' arms. He holds her close. She smiles. KATHY I love you. LUCAS And we'll love each other a thousand times more twenty years from now. KATHY I can't wait. Now I gotta go, honey. He strokes her long gold hair. LUCAS Go get all dressed up for me. Kathy looks at him and kisses him on the cheek before backing into the room. His eyes open. He looks...lonely. And very, very deeply hurt. Inside the room, Kathy has to force back her tears. She rests her head back against the door. LUCAS (softly) Bye. KATHY (equally as soft) Bye. Lucas walks down the hall. Church parking lot. Lucas gets out of Jim's rental car and looks at the church. He's gotta admit, even from the outside, it's pretty. Big, too. Bells toll the time, nine o' clock. Lucas swallows hard and walks wordlessly with Jim, Tony, and Ford towards his destiny. As they walk up the stairs a door opens and Paul, grinning like a fool, walks out to meet Lucas. Lucas smiles at him. PAUL You're doing it, bud. LUCAS Kathy here yet? PAUL I've never seen her. LUCAS She's the one in the big white dress, genius. Lucas smiles and walks with him inside. There, a priest walks up. PRIEST Mr. Wolenczak, you didn't tell us you were going to be married in Judaism. LUCAS (confused) I'm not. I wanted to remember a little of my family's background when I get married and I just don't want to be Catholic. Didn't the rabbi...? Lucas looks around. *How could this happen?!* LUCAS He came, didn't he?! PRIEST He didn't know that you wanted to be married this way. LUCAS But... he said it was okay. We explained it to him... PRIEST Temples all have more than one Rabbi, Lucas. Lucas resists the temptation to curse, only barely catching himself at the tip of the word. He looks around. LUCAS Where's Kathy? The Priest points to a room. Lucas goes over and gives a firm knock on the door. KATHY (softly, right by the door) I'm sorry. LUCAS Did you arrange for this? KATHY No, I'd never do that to you, but I thought if the priest found himself in the situation he wouldn't have the heart to say no. I didn't know the rabbi would be mad. LUCAS You didn't _tell_ him?! KATHY (she sounds near tears) I'm sorry. Lucas hears how this is crushing her. LUCAS It's okay, I'm not mad. What're we gonna do? KATHY Let's just get married this way, Lucas. Our kids can be Jewish or we can have another ceremony where _you_ want, just please don't cancel this. It's too important to me. LUCAS Getting married the way I believe was important to me, too. KATHY Will you give me some time to think something out? Please? Lucas nods softly. LUCAS (sighing softly. Truthful, but not threatening or at all mean. Very hurt) All right. But if you don't have a halfway decent idea by the time this wedding starts I'll be tempted to call it off. KATHY This is more important than I thought it was to you, Lucas. I'm sorry. LUCAS (reaching in and taking her hand) It's okay. I know. KATHY (excited, with a sudden idea) LUCAS!!!!! LUCAS (startled) What?!?!?! Inside the room, Kathy is grinning and estatic. KATHY I just got a _great_ idea, honey. Don't worry about it, I'll arrange everything. LUCAS Are you sure it'll work this time? KATHY Positive. Just go relax. It'll be great, I promise. Lucas sighs and smiles. LUCAS Okay. I love you. KATHY I love you, too, Lucas. Lucas smiles and kisses Kathy's hand before whispering something and walking away. Paul walks up to Lucas. PAUL Everything okay? LUCAS I _hope_ so. They walk across the gathering space. Jim and Tony move to follow them, but Lucas pulls Paul into a room....Lucas doesn't know what it is. LUCAS Have you seen my father? PAUL Here, or....ever? LUCAS Ever. PAUL No. Looking around nervously, Lucas pulls out his wallet and shows Paul a picture of his Dad. LUCAS Have you seen him? PAUL Yeah, he's here. Lucas puts his wallet back and sighs deeply. PAUL You want me to get rid of him? LUCAS No. I want him here. PAUL The bastard hit you. LUCAS Barely. My Mom was the biggest problem and my Dad, as far as I know, is the only person she'll fight with. As long as she's fighting _him_, she's not bitching to me. I need my Dad here. Paul nods, understanding. Lucas looks around, nervous again. PAUL Lucas, you need to calm down, I can see how _much_ you need to calm down. LUCAS I think I'm gonna be sick. Lucas takes out a roll of Lifesavers from his pocket and eats a cherry one. He sighs softly. He flops down on a couch and pushes a hand through his hair. LUCAS Can you go get my Dad? I just wanna say "Hi" to him and I need a minute here. PAUL Sure, bud. Paul leaves, giving Lucas a concerned glance. Lucas lays his head back and closes his eyes. ORTIZ Lucas? Lucas looks up. Ortiz is standing in the doorway holding a half-filled glass of water. He walks over. ORTIZ It's hot, you need something to drink before you get a headache. Lucas takes the glass, sighing. LUCAS I guess.... Ortiz sits on the floor near the couch, just because he feels like it. ORTIZ You nervous? LUCAS No. (beat) Anxious. And panicked. ORTIZ Why? LUCAS I'm still angry about last night. If we had just been allowed _together_, maybe we could've been a little more prepared for this. ORTIZ (grinning) You would've rather had it outside, barefoot, with only two witnesses? LUCAS (grinning at Ortiz' mind-picture) I hate the idea that there are two hundred people here to celebrate the fact that we wanna be happy. Why does it have to be such a big deal? (beat. sadly) I feel so.... overwhelmed, you know what I mean? Ortiz shakes his head. KRIEG (O.S.) _I_ do. Lucas looks up and smiles. There, in the doorway, stands Krieg, with a wacky tie and vest, no jacket on _his_ tux. Lucas waits for an answer. KRIEG Katie wanted six hundred people at our wedding. (grins) I think she's still mad I showed up completely plastered. ORTIZ Well, the infamous Ben Krieg was depriving women all over the world from his incredible personality and charm, you _had_ to celebrate. For the good of all mankind. KRIEG Unfortunately Katie didn't see it that way. (Krieg sits beside Lucas on the couch. His expression is dreamy, reminiscent) When you get up there and you see her walking down that aisle, the crowd won't matter, nothing will matter but her. It'll all be worth it, you'll see. Lucas sighs softly. Paul returns, Lucas' father in tow. LUCAS Guys.... Krieg and Ortiz leave. Krieg knows Lucas' father, but doesn't acknowledge his existence. Paul leaves. Lucas sits up and looks at his father. MR. WOLENCZAK Well...you're getting married. Seems like only yesterday you were a little boy. Lucas nods softly. LUCAS Dad....do you know why Mom and you got divorced? MR. WOLENCZAK We weren't in love. LUCAS _Not_ because she was pregnant? Lucas' Dad just _stops_. MR. WOLENCZAK Where did you hear that? I _told_ them never to put that on the computer. LUCAS But it's true. MR. WOLENCZAK (ashamed) Yes. LUCAS She screwed you over, Dad. MR. WOLENCZAK What?! LUCAS She _wasn't_ pregnant. She faked it for a decent reason to _not_ be married to you. She married Frank Olivier. She adopted a baby _he_ fathered with a fourteen year old girl. You let Mom play you for a fool. (beat. sighs) I don't want to go into my marriage without _you_ knowing that I'm marrying your ex-wife's adopted child. She's not my relation, but she does have ties to our family. I wanted you to know that. MR. WOLENCZAK No! I won't let you do this! It's disgusting! LUCAS She's not related to me! MR. WOLENCZAK I don't care!!!!!! LUCAS I'm an adult; you don't control me! (beat, demanding) Do you _want_ to ruin my life by not letting me be happy, by making me be as unhappy and alone as _you_ are!? Lucas doesn't see it coming. The next thing he sees is the carpeted floor and there's a throbbing pain in his head. He gives a soft moan and manages his way to his knees. He looks around and sees he's alone. He puts his hand on his left cheek and sighs. Paul comes in. PAUL What the hell, Lucas, he _left_! God.... Paul crouches at Lucas side and looks at his cheek. PAUL God. The bastard.... LUCAS I know.... But he wanted to stop me and Kathy from getting married. It's not fair. I said some things I shouldn't've. PAUL Lucas, you're blaming yourself because the guy's an asshole. Don't. It's not right. Lucas sighs and stands. He walks over and looks at himself in a mirror. The entire side of his face is red. He nearly groans. LUCAS Do you know who Lonnie is? PAUL Tall, red hair, clings to the guys like a bad rash? LUCAS Yeah. Ask her what kind of makeup you need to cover up things and borrow some. I refuse to go through my wedding looking like a victim. Paul nods, gives Lucas' shoulder a gentle pat, and leaves. Lucas sighs. Later. Lucas looks at his face in the mirror. Lonnie is with him. HENDERSON I've done my best, Lucas, and you can't see a thing. Lucas nods softly. LUCAS Thanks. How much longer do we have to wait? HENDERSON Fifteen minutes. Lucas nods softly. LUCAS You can go. I am. Lucas walks out into the foyer/gathering space. There's way more people than he expected. Lucas finds the person he was looking for, over inside the church, looking for, Lucas supposes, him. Lucas walks into the church and quietly says the man's name. LUCAS Captain Bridger. Bridger turns, estatic to see the young man in his nice Navy uniform, ready to get married. Nathan embraces Lucas and the young man hugs back, resting his head, for a moment, on the shoulder of man who was truly an adoptive father for him. More of a father than the man who just left was. BRIDGER Lucas...Look at you. Lucas steps back for the full effect. He grins. BRIDGER You excited? LUCAS (nods) _And_ scared. Bridger nods softly. BRIDGER Trust me, it's wonderful. Lucas glances at his watch. LUCAS I gotta go. We'll talk later. Nathan nods. Lucas leaves. Gathering space. Everyone's been cleared out, Lucas is standing there, with Paul and a few other people. Kathy's father walks out of a room. Lucas smiles at him. MR. OLIVIER She's ready. We can do this now. Lucas nods. Later, Lucas is standing on the stairs as people, Paul and J.J. (Lucas' Best Man and Kathy's Maid of Honor), the Priest, and other necessary clergy process in. Then, finally, after a long and difficult wait, Kathy enters, arm in arm with her father. Lucas is awestruck. Kathy is equally so. His hair is soft, light brown, and perfectly complimented by his perfect tan dress uniform. His eyes of bright blue are wide and amazed by her. She's in her gorgeous white satin dress. The bodice is of a thick white satiny material, with white embroidered ferns and leafy plants covering it. The sleeves hug her arms, but not too tightly, simply enough to show off her God-given shape. The bottom of the dress is long and simple satin, not frills or ruffles, just simplicity. It also opens up in a slight puff, not too much, though. The collar of her dress is simple, a mandarin collar, with its closure at the back, with the long row of tiny white buttons nearly down to Kathy's waist. Her long hair is braided and wrapped around as if a crown, with tiny blossoms of baby's breath interwoven. Lucas smiles, particularly at this, how it so perfectly suits her quiet and natural taste in just about everything. She has no veil, and her bouquet is of both plain and pink tipped yellow roses, her favorite, and matching the flowers that wait at their reception. Kathy takes the stairs with caution, and takes her place beside her future husband. Lucas smiles at her and takes her hand, catching her eye as they _both_ smile. LUCAS You've never looked more beautiful. Kathy blushes and they both turn to the priest. Lucas swallows hard, nervous, hoping he can hold down the sick anxiety in his stomach to the end of the ceremony. Later. PRIEST ....To love, honor, and cherish, as long as you both shall live. LUCAS To love, honor, and cherish, for as long as we both shall live. PRIEST The ring. Lucas turns to Paul, who slips the box from his pocket and opens it for Lucas with a smile. Lucas takes Kathy's ring and slips it on her finger. She stares a minute. KATHY (softly) Wow. Lucas smiles. PRIEST Do you, Kathleen Olivier, take Lucas Wolenczak to be your husband? KATHY I do. PRIEST To have and to hold in sickness and in health. KATHY To have and to hold.... (she panics. Her mind goes blank. Tears well up in her eyes. She looks at Lucas.) in sickness and in health. LUCAS (whispering) I think you've proven that. Kathy smiles. PRIEST For richer for poorer. KATHY For richer or for poorer. PRIEST To love, honor, and cherish for as long as you both shall live. KATHY To love honor, and cherish, for as long as we both shall live. Kathy takes the ring from J.J. and slips it onto Lucas' finger. Lucas smiles at Kathy. Something in the back of the church catches his eye and he stares a moment. Kathy looks, too. There are Cynthia Holt-Wolenczak-Olivier and Lawrence Wolenczak, standing together and smiling as their children enter into a marriage that should prove far more successful than their own. Lucas and Kathy both smile at them. They turn back. PRIEST I now pronounce you man....and wife. Go ahead. Lucas looks at Kathy and wraps his arms around her. He kisses her passionately, but gently. They both turn, still holding hands. Paul softly calls so only they may hear. PAUL Mazel Tov. Lucas grins at him and walks out with his wife. Outside, people throw bird seed (Kathy's idea) as they make their way to the limo. Later, the majority of the seaQuest's crew is all ready gearing up for a massive party. The reception is outside in a large park that's been reserved for exclusively them. There's refreshments, a buffet, and a table for the gifts Lucas and Kathy requested be kept tasteful, small, and individual. Down a small paved road comes the clip-clop of horse's hooves as Lucas and Kathy arrive in a white horse-drawn carriage pulled by none other than Kathy's horse Harley. The crew claps for them as Lucas and Kathy step to the ground. Kathy's first action is to take of her shoes before they both walk across the grass to _their_ wedding reception. Later, Kathy is sitting with Hitchcock, telling her about how happy she is, while Hitchcock agrees wholeheartedly about Lucas' sweetness and wonderful qualities. Lucas comes up and takes his wife's hand. LUCAS I want you to meet somebody. KATHY Who? Krieg walks up. LUCAS Kathy, this is Ben. KRIEG You were right, she _is_ prettier than Katie. Hitchcock reaches behind and smacks Ben in the stomach. He smiles, takes Kathy's hand, and kisses it. Kathy blushes. KATHY And _you_ were right, Lucas, he _is_ slick. Krieg nearly takes a bow at that description. Brody comes up and steals Kathy away to dance. Lucas watches jealously. KRIEG You can quit being jealous, buddy, once they're married to you they're yours _forever_. HITCHCOCK Oh really, Ben... KRIEG Well, they're positively a match made in heaven. Kathy suddenly pulls away from Brody and walks over to Lucas. She takes his left wrist and looks at his watch. KATHY (to no one in particular) Where _is_ he? LUCAS Where is _who_, honey? KATHY This better not screw up, it's _not_ fair. LUCAS What are you _talking_ about? Kathy sighs and takes Lucas over to a tall, thick, nearby tree. They talk a moment and Lucas estatically hugs Kathy. He strokes her hair and speaks to her. She tries to argue but he shakes his head, all the while smiling. She sighs and nods. Lucas smiles and hugs her. They walk back to the reception, holding hands and smiling. KRIEG What's going on? LUCAS (smiling) Never mind. Kathy smiles and walks back over to Brody, who's desperately trying to pick up some woman, who happens to be Kathy's older half-sister Kelly. Later. Lucas pulls Kathy away and sits her down. He smiles at her and lifts her skirt to her lap. He slips the garter off her leg ever-so-gently. He smiles at her, kisses her gently, stands, turns, and gives a yell of triumph. The men start yelling like barbarians, as if Lucas has just killed a wildebeest. Lucas throws the garter to the men, lucky Ford. Kathy stands and turns her back to throw the bouquet into the crowd of females. It lands in Lonnie's hands without so much as hesitation. Everyone is happy with the match. As Lucas watches, smiling, Nathan walks up. BRIDGER I've never seen you smile so much. LUCAS I've never had a better reason to smile. BRIDGER I saw you two over by that tree before. You looked like you were arguing. LUCAS No, Kathy was upset because the Rabbi didn't show, and I had to convince her it was okay. BRIDGER What Rabbi? LUCAS We had planned for our wedding to be done with both our religions prominent, but she didn't tell the Rabbi and he got angry and left. Then she planned to have a second, wholly _Jewish_ wedding here, but that fell through, too. She was really upset but I was able to convince her that it was okay, that two weddings would have been too much for one day. Nathan nods. BRIDGER I saw your father. LUCAS Is he here now? BRIDGER He left. I'm sorry. LUCAS No. It fits. (sighs) I'm not surprised. Bridger gently gives Lucas' shoulder a pat and walks away to leave him with his thoughts. Lucas watches his wife deal with the people at their wedding. Lucas wishes it could be over. Done with the guests and the traditions and all the space between him and his wife. His chosen time to take part in the garter ritual had been a cry to get closer to her. It's their special day, they should be left alone to each other. Lucas once heard of a Native American culture where all it was was knowing the duties expected of the husband and they're left alone for the rest of the day. What Lucas wouldn't give to be "Talks to the Dolphins" Wolenczak. He sighs and turns away, walking through the rich green grass to stand beneath a tall tree. Back at the party, someone's cranked up the sound system and some generic, wordless music has come on. No sooner than thirty seconds of that before it is shut off and some good old-fashioned American music from the nineties come on, a song which is vaguely familiar to him, but which he doesn't remember well. Small, slender hands touch his back and travel over his shoulders to lay crossed on his thin chest. He knows her by the smell of her and the softness of her hair tickling his neck. KATHY I know what you were trying to accomplish, Lucas Wolenczak. I've been trying to convey the same thing for hours. Dance with me. He turns to her as she pulls him closer to the music. It changes songs to one Lucas doesn't know at all. Kathy takes his hand and lays her head against his chest, dancing as he listens to the words. She smiles as they continue dancing. MUSIC (V.O.) You've got your ball you've got your chain Tied to me tight tie me up again Who's got their claws in you my friend Into your heart I'll beat again Sweet like candy to my soul Sweet you rock and sweet you roll Lost for you I'm so lost for you You come crash into me And I come into you, I come into you In a boys dream In a boys dream As the music narrates, at their reception, Lucas gently places the small piece of cake on his wife's lips, dabbing a small piece of the whipped topping on her nose. She laughs softly, smiling at him. Then she does the same to him. Hudson laughs, watching them take part in this ritual. MUSIC (V.O.) Touch your lips just so I know In your eyes, love, it glows so I'm bare-boned and crazy for you When you come crash into me, baby And I come into you In a boys dream In a boys dream If I've gone overboard Then I'm begging you to forgive me In my haste When I'm holding you so girl... close to me That night, Lucas and Kathy walk into their hotel room. Later, Lucas and Kathy are in bed together, making love for the first time in their lives, getting to know each other for the first time, intimate and loving and beautiful. Lucas kisses Kathy's chest and she tips her head back, offering her neck for him to kiss. He does and she turns her head to kiss behind his ear, tenderly. MUSIC (V.O.) Oh and you come crash into me, baby And I come into you Hike up your skirt a little more and show the world to me Hike up your skirt a little more and show your world to me In a boys dream... In a boys dream On the morning of their first day as husband and wife, Kathy wakes to find her new husband lying naked beside her, gazing into her eyes. He had been watching her sleep and brushing her hair from her eyes for nearly an hour with his left hand. She reaches up and gently captures his hand, taking it in her left, intertwining her fingers with his and quietly speaking to him. KATHY (softly) I love you. Thank you for making yesterday the most perfect day I'll ever have in this life. LUCAS The best is yet to come, Kathy. MUSIC (V.O., softer as they speak. Louder once they're done.) Oh I watch you there through the window And I stare at you You wear nothing but you wear it so well Tied up and twisted, the way I'd like to be For you, for me, come crash into me _seaQuest_. September 12, 2032. The scene as Lucas and Kathy first meet with a crash and a flare of pain like two ships colliding in the night. The way he first looks at her. Shock...and true love. Fade out. The End. ========================================================================== K.W. ("Crash Into Me" is copyright 1996 by Dave Matthews. Written by Dave Matthews. Copyright 1996 also by BMG Entertainment, no copyright infringement is intended, and, hopefully, none occurs. Lyrics are off of the CD "Crash" copyright 1996 BMG Entertainment.) I'm only 16 and I think you're cool, please don't hurt me! Copyright Kathleen Brown May 1997