The Wedding: Part One

Scene 1: David Addison exits a cab, and walks into an outdoor café. He is David at his best - gray tweed Armani suit, Ray Bans, and "attitude". He stops and chats with the hostess, then spies Terri Knowles sitting at a table. David breaks into a dazzling smile, and walks to her. He leans down and kisses her on the cheek, and sits in the chair opposite her.

Scene 2: Maddie Hayes strides confidently across the hotel lobby and into the dining room. She spots Walter Bishop sitting in a corner booth, and a smile lights up her face. She walks across the room, and slides in next to him, grabs his hand, and kisses him on the cheek.

David: Hey pretty lady, what's happening? And where's little Wally? I though I'd get to see my biggest fan from the Sesame Street set?

Terri: No, David, it's grown-up time today. I know that you're disappointed. But sometimes I just need to take some time for myself. Have a conversation that includes more than goo goo and ga ga.

David: Flattery will get you everywhere with me, you know. What have you been doing? It seems like quite a while since we've seen each other.

Walter: Sure. Well anyway, don't underestimate yourself. I think you did a great job pulling that whole group together. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

David: He told me at Christmas time. I am really happy for you. I think Mr. Bishop is a great guy - as long as he is Maddie's ex and your future husband.

Walter: Well, I for one don't consider the last year time wasted. Which brings me to the reason for this meeting. How would you like to go to a wedding?

Maddie: The bride? Oh my God, Walter - you're getting married? To Terri - oh I'm so glad! I thought maybe your first experience with matrimony would have made you swear off it forever.

Walter: No, in fact, Terri has her heart set on a small church wedding, and a reception pretty similar to ours - or actually similar to what I hear our reception was like.

Maddie: Except the bride and groom might actually show up! Well, I am really glad. And I will be there with bells on!

Walter: Well, I actually need you with more than bells on. It gets a little more complicated. I need to ask you a favor.

Walter: Unusual to say the least. But you have been a good friend to me, and without you and David, I never would have met Terri. I would like you to stand up for me. And Terri agrees.

Maddie: Walter, I would be honored. And after all that we've been through, what would be more appropriate than your ex-wife as your best man?

Walter: Well, hang onto your hat, `cause it just gets better. I think Terri's got a little unusual up her sleeve also. What do you think of her Lamaze partner as her maid of honor?

Terri: David, you've already taken me through the most important experience of my entire life. I can't imagine doing this without you. Besides, I can promise you, the best man is hot!! And you know what usually happens between the best man and the maid of honor!

Terri: I hope so. Listen, David, this could be a great opportunity for you. You can't beat the built in romance that a wedding brings. Maybe this is a way for the two of you to get past the awkward stuff - and move towards a real reconciliation.

Terri: Thanks, David. Just think, I owe this all to you. I wouldn't have met Walter if it weren't for you and Maddie.

Walter: But the timing is perfect for us. Terri gets her spring break then, and we can take a few days and get away for a short honeymoon. I don't think we'd be too comfortable leaving Wally for more than a few days anyway.

Maddie: Well, I need to get busy. Where do you think you find girls who jump out of cakes - in the Yellow Pages?

Maddie: Walter, I owe you - big time! I'm just glad you're giving me the opportunity to show you how grateful I am to you.

Terri: Along with a few other items - bridal shower, finding something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue……

David: No kidding? Well meanwhile, I'd better drag my carcass along to work before the boss lady comes looking for me.

David: I'll give her that message for you. I've really got to go. Give my regards to the blushing groom. Call me later, and we'll shop till we drop!

David: Your lips say no, no, no, but your eyes say yes………. In fact, I think your bottom lip is trying to say yes…….c'mon!

David's lips move dangerously close to hers. She quickly sidesteps his advance. The office staff has been watching this exchange carefully.

They proceed into Maddie's office, and into their usual positions - Maddie seated at her desk, David perched on the edge of it - leaning in - very, very close.

She puts her hands on his shoulders, gently pushing him away. She rises, and walks across the room-putting distance between them. David smiles at her discomfort - he is beginning to like this game.

David: "Luck is on your side, so make sure your partner is with you as much as possible, that way they can reap all the benefits. The two of you need to bond so you can get to know each other all over again."

David: Oh right, more romantic drivel, with no scientific explanation. Well, I am willing to give it a chance, so take care, babe. I'm sticking to you like glue today!

Maddie: Oh goodie! Let's change the subject. I actually wanted to give you some news - great news actually. Walter and Terri are…….

Maddie: Not about the ring - about…..I don't know…..I'm just curious about how she acted……excited, nervous, scared?

Maddie: No, I'm thrilled for them. I guess that's just what it's like when you're sure - calm, and quiet, and happy.

David: Is that what you think - that all relationships are the same? I think there are as many good relationships as there are couples.

David: You asked for it! Maddie, just look at Walter and Terri - they are good, calm, uncomplicated people. Look at what they do - she is a cellist and a college professor, and he's some sort of computer geek!

David: You know what I mean - not in a bad way, but they are no Hell's Angels. They are just normal people, and they enjoy the simple joys……that's why they are great for each other.

David: No, I'm saying we love them too, but we very rarely get to them! Our jobs, our lives - certainly, we don't have white picket fence lifestyles. That's not to say we don't think about it now and then….but would you actually be happy with that little excitement in your life?

As he speaks, he is following her around the office - almost as if he is stalking her. She retreats back behind her desk.

David: Let me give you an example - there are couples like Walter and Terri, who fit like a hand in a glove. Then there are others (he pauses for a moment) - that are kind of like your best old shoes. Seems like they took forever to become comfortable. They hurt, they pinched - there were times you just wanted to toss them out or take them back to the store. But once you knew they were right - they are the best thing for you, and they'll be good for a long time.

David: And I see nothing more romantic. It's like growing old together - don't those wrinkled little old folks holding hands in their rocking chairs just make you………..

Maddie: So, Terri told you…….or asked you, I guess. A little unorthodox, but I think it will be fun. I may need your help with the bachelor party, though.

David: This is a classic example of TMI - I am finding out things that I have no business knowing. Well, I guess it is all my fault though.

David: Yeah, right. And if you and Walter had gone ahead and stayed in the church and gotten married……well, who knows what would have happened?

Maddie: You know, David, I'm really tired of who knows and what might have beens. Let's just be really happy for Walter and Terri and give them a great wedding.

David: Now you're talking. Hey, how's this for an idea? Let's have a combination bridal shower/bachelor party.

Maddie: (a little tongue tied) I mean, maybe we could get together tonight, at my house, order in some food - make some plans?

Maddie: How could I forget? Meanwhile, if you don't clear out of here and let me finish the monthly billing, we'll be throwing this shindig at Taco Bell.

The front door opens, and David enters the house whistling. He is carrying a huge bouquet of wild flowers. A small blonde ball of fluff streaks across the room, ands runs around him in circles.

Maddie: Don't be so fresh - it hasn't been very long since I cooked. If you remember correctly, I did quite a lot of cooking around Thanksgiving time. Speaking of which, I got a letter from Gabby and her mother today.

Maddie: I sure hope so. Gabby drew you a picture. It's over there on the piano. Why don't you read the letter, and I'll get back to my Chicken Piccata.

Maddie: Hey, remember, I can convert this kitchen utensil to a weapon at a moment's notice. Go read the letter - and take Miss Me with you.

Maddie: They're beautiful - so wild and unusual! But I thought Terri had decided on roses and forget-me-nots for her bouquet.

David: Sort of like a thank you for all the free food you've provided me with this week. Although, maybe I should have waited - see if we make it through this chicken!

David chuckles to himself as he heads back into the living room, the little dog at his heels. He takes the envelope from the piano, and settles himself on the sofa, the dog on his lap.

David: (thinking to himself) I never get quite settled here…..this is not exactly a "lived in" living room. What it could use is a great recliner, or an overstuffed armchair and ottoman. It would fit perfectly right over there where that - man, I'm not even sure what the hell that particular piece of furniture is!

David: (thinking) What am I doing - rearranging her furniture in my head! Letting my mind run away with me. We've been doing this all week - meeting each evening to plan the wedding activities. It's the same each night - take out dinner, and extended discussions on dresses, tuxes, rings, flowers, cakes, parties. Then home each night at eleven - alone. Well, it's much different that my last pass through this house. Living room….I don't even remember her having a living room! The last time all our activities were centered around the bedroom.

David: But this past week……..this has been different. Everything feels so right. I've loved having her all to myself - arguing, laughing, doing the types of things that a million and one couples do every night of their lives. I might be able to get used to this….but the question is - how about her?

Suddenly sleepy, David leans his head back. Maybe just this once, he could get away with it. He kicks off his shoes, and puts his feet up on the coffee table. Just five minutes………….

The scene is a crowded room, set up with a stage and a runway, as if this were the premiere showing of a couture collection. There are many important and famous people - none are recognizable, but it is apparent that all are "privileged". In the middle of the front row, David Addison is seated. He is dressed inappropriately, to say the least - white muscle shirt and black jeans. He seems totally bewildered by his surroundings - why on earth is he here? People are looking at him curiously.

The lights go down and up-tempo music begins to play. Models parade across the stage and up and down the runway.

Suddenly, everything freezes - the models, the music, the crowd. There are only two people in motion: David, who rises to see what is happening, and Maddie Hayes, who makes her entrance.

Maddie is at her most beautiful, wearing a magnificent, form fitting black evening gown, cut very low. David wears a stunned expression, and sinks back down into his seat.

As Maddie reaches the center of the stage, the spell is broken, and the scene is put back in motion. Maddie is sensuous and seductive - she fairly slithers across the stage. The men in the audience are mesmerized - this woman is sizzling!

Maddie positions herself directly in front of David, and begins to perform exclusively for him - posing, preening, fairly exuding sex appeal. David is motionless, reactionless.

Maddie descends the stairs, and walks towards David, until she is standing right on top of him. He remains motionless as she begins running her hands through his hair, over his face, then his body - lightly at first, then more daringly, until she is draping her body all over his. He remains still - almost like a statue.

Somewhere inside David, the dam bursts. In a flash, he reacts. With a burst of speed and energy, he grabs Maddie, and kisses her passionately - a kiss the censors may very well delete from this episode. His hands are everywhere - in her hair, on her face, on her body.

She catches sight of David and Miss Me - both sleeping peacefully. She leans against the door jamb - staring at David with a bemused expression on her face.

Maddie: (to herself) Sleeping like an angel….HA! Looks can be deceiving. I will admit though, this has been a wonderful week. Almost perfect. I wonder - is this the way it's supposed to be? I wish I could just put into words, figure out in my head, just what's holding me back here.

She walks over to the sofa and sits next to David. She reaches over and smoothes his unruly hair, smiling to herself that there seems to be less hair every time she does this.

Almost irresistibly drawn to him, she moves in closer - bringing her face quite near his - her fingers lightly sliding down his cheek. She stops just short of his mouth, and then, as if unable to stop herself, traces over his lips with her finger.

All at once, she finds herself wrapped in David's embrace, being kissed forcefully and not at all unpleasantly. She loses herself in the passion for a moment, then just as suddenly, pulls herself away.

Maddie: Addison, you are an absolute rat! You couldn't let everything be nice. Leave it to you, just when I am feeling that we are really starting to click, then you go and pull a stunt like that!

David: Maddie, Maddie, Maddie - what is this, the seventh grade? You're a big girl now! I'm pretty sure nobody was taking advantage of you.

David: To the best of my recollection, and I will admit, I seem to be a little fuzzy - I was sound asleep - and having a heck of a dream, I might add. Next thing I knew - ba bing -dream collided with reality - I found myself awake, and kissing you. Then you started yelling. I dunno.

Maddie: So, you are telling me that you were kissing me in your dream, which turned into kissing me in reality? I don't know, David, that story seems a little too strange to be made up.

David: And you would consider that I'm making up stories - hatching up elaborate plots to get you to kiss me? Maddie, I'm not that hard up!!

David: No, wait, let me rephrase that - I kissed you, you kissed me! Did I like it? Hell, yes! But if you think it is part of a bizarre little game…..well lady, you are a few sandwiches shy of a picnic. I told you once before….I am not interested in playing games any longer.

David: So what happened in between? I didn't sleepwalk to the kitchen, grab you, pull you back in here, and sit on the couch with you, did I?

Maddie: Well…..dinner was almost ready. I came in here to tell you, but you were asleep. I didn't want to startle you, so I sat down next to you, to whisper to you.

David: You are being a little too evasive here. Exactly who was taking advantage of who? While I was asleep, Maddie? Tsk, tsk. Could it be that you provided a little stimulus for what happened?

David: Meaning….haven't you……haven't we had a great time this week? Working together on all this stuff for the wedding?

David: I was kinda feeling like - well, maybe spending this time together, doing this - has been a good thing for us.

David: Then what are we avoiding here? Do I have to be asleep for you to reveal what you are really feeling? I just kissed you - and I enjoyed it. How about you?

David uses his fingers to trace her cheekbone and down the side of her face. He cups her chin, and brings his mouth to hers. He kisses her - softly at first. He kisses her a second time, a third. Each one lasts a little longer than the one before. Maddie feels herself returning the kisses in kind, and running her hands through his hair. Far too soon, breathlessly, they break away, each observing the other closely.

David: Much better than a kick in the posterior….although it really did pack a wallop. And your opinion, ma'am?

David: I have a question, oh queen of planning - do we have everything covered for this bridal party/bachelor shower tomorrow night?

David: Great, then I'm going to make a suggestion. Let's do something for us tonight. How `bout we put together dinner trays, bring them in here, put a movie on, and just relax?

Maddie: I like the way you think. I'll get the trays - why don't you pick out a movie? They're in the cabinet under the television.

Maddie returns to the living room with a tray containing two plates of food, two glasses, and a bottle of wine chilling in an ice bucket.

Maddie closes the door after him and leans back against it - smiling slightly. After a moment, she moves, flicking off the light switch, and heading towards the stairs. She is visible in the moonlight as she climbs towards her bedroom and the light fades.

The room is decorated for a bridal shower, with balloons, crepe paper, and streamers. There are large round tables, with deep blue tablecloths, and beautiful flower arrangements on each table. There is a buffet table to one side of the room, and another table piled high with gifts. In the front of the room, there is a D.J. and a dance floor.

Small groups of people are scattered about the room, and background music plays throughout the entire scene - most Motown and R&B in nature.

David and Maddie enter the room. David looks great in an Armani suit. Maddie is a vision in a bright blue dress - slightly more flattering, slightly lower cut than her usual office attire.

Maddie: But who would have known that our office staff would have such a flair for decorating. And that they could have done this in one afternoon. It's beautiful!

David: Well, she did need a little bit of convincing - she has some vivid memories of the morning after old Walter's last bachelor party.

Maddie: Who doesn't? This will be nice for both of them. Maybe Terri will feel a little more kindly towards me after this.

Maddie: Yeah, maybe like Kathy Bates in "Misery". Not even close, my friend. I hope it's not because she thinks Walter and I …… ummmm, forget it!

David: Whoa, hold the phone! Is this a news flash? Are you telling me the consummate three-week marriage was never consummated?

Maddie: I'm not telling you anything - you draw your own conclusions. Just remember, the marriage was annulled. Anyway, what does it matter?

Maddie: Exactly. Anyway, I think the thing with Terri goes deeper. Believe it or not, I think it might have more to do with you, than with Walter.

David: I don't think she's mad at you. She is definitely a bit suspicious of your motives - you've made some big dents in the lives of two men that she cares about.

David: Just hang in there. The best defense is a good offense. Prove her wrong - she needs to see that you just aren't Hurricane Hayes - stirring things up and wreaking havoc.

Maddie: I think you're probably right. Anyway, I'm really going to try and establish a good relationship with her for all of our sakes.

David: Walter, Terri…welcome to the best damned bridal bachelor shower party that you're gonna get. This is your host, Dazzlin' Dave, telling you we're gonna dance till we drop, and celebrate the union of two of the best people we know!

Dave: Now gentlemen, for those of you, who are unfamiliar with the ritual of showers - and we know who you are - you may prepare for this occasion by opening your party favors, and donning what you find inside.

All the guys open small packets, and after some adjustments, we find all the men in the room wearing plastic shower caps.

David: Ok, now we can get on with this! And for those of us who think the last great music was made in the sixties……..Maestro, if you please!

David, wearing his shower cap, walks back towards Maddie, Terri, and Walter, who are laughing. Terri kisses his cheek.

David: Maddie, why don't you show Terri where we're storing her loot? If you see any really good stuff, we got dibs on any duplicates. Meanwhile, I will give Walter his official party hat, and his secret password. He may need that for the rest of the festivities.

David throws his arm around Walter's shoulder, and leads him away. Walter looks back helplessly at Maddie and Terri.

Maddie: Don't worry Terri - he is definitely pulling your leg. No outrageous displays of any kind are planned - just fun, food, and dancing. We made a deal.

Terri: I can't say I'm not relieved. I love David dearly, but sometimes his idea of fun is a little over the top.

Terri: I think there's probably a lot more that we have in common, too. Maybe we didn't exactly meet under the most conventional circumstances……

Terri: But our lives are going to be permanently intertwined by those two (she indicates David and Walter). I would really like us to be friends.

Maddie: There's nothing I'd like better. Walter was very kind to me during a bad period in my life……I value his friendship, and I'd like to ask for yours as well.

Terri: Well, you'd better withhold judgment - I am a pain in the ass friend - I say exactly what I think, and after I've consumed several glasses of wine, I've got a slightly balding, slightly obnoxious, but loveable, very cute private investigator that I'm gonna try and sell you.

Maddie: Remington Steele isn't balding………..no, I'm kidding, Terri. And who knows, after a few glasses of wine, I might be buying.

David: Why do you think that you and I have no trouble being buddies, while the two of them have been avoiding it for a year?

Walter: My theory is that Maddie has ended up being the bad guy in all of this. And if anybody has a right to be mad at her - well, forget that, I guess all of us have our reasons. I truly believe that she just stopped thinking. She made a couple of bad decisions - but she shouldn't have to pay for them for the rest of her life.

David: You are a pretty decent guy, Walter. I'm glad to see that we're on the same wave- length. We all need to move on. Look what's happened to you and Terri - Destiny rides again!

Walter: C'mon David, you can buy me a beer, and I'll tell you all the mysteries of life according to Walter Bishop.

Walter: And maybe I'll be able to worm out of you what kind of surprises you've got in store for us this evening.

The party goes on - lots of happy people - eating, drinking, dancing. Somebody organizes a line dance. The music continues……

David and Maddie spend little time together. They are busy being hosts,and mingling with the guests. But they are constantly connecting - glances across the room, a small touch as they pass each other, a few words whispered before they move apart - almost an electric current flowing through the two of them.

David stands off to the side of the room, and watches Maddie finish a twist with Simpson. She is then coaxed into a dance with Walter as Stevie Wonder's "I Was Made to Love Her" plays. David is astounded by the depth of his feelings. There is no one else on earth who can make him feel this way. As Walter twirls Maddie, her eyes meet David's and she flashes him a blinding smile. He grabs his heart and feigns surprise.

Walter: We'd like to take the opportunity to thank all of you - new friends and old - for making this evening so special for us. A little over a year ago, who knew that my life would end up like this - and who could ever explain how it has! Maybe we can never know what fate has in store for us-but if everybody is as fortunate as I - I highly recommend it. If I may make a toast…….to my wonderful wife to be…with thanks that we've found each other!

Terri: And we'd also like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful hosts, Maddie and David! And we wish you both as much joy as we have found.

The party is winding down-many people have left. The D.J. is playing the slow songs. Aretha Franklin croons, "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman". Maddie watches David out of the corner of her eye - he is joking with a small group of guys from Walter's office - he has a new audience. But his eyes continue to move around the room - looking for her, she realizes with a jolt! He catches her eye, and blows her a kiss. She wants to dance…….why hasn't he asked her? She wants him to hold her in his arms.

Maddie prepares to respond, as David comes up behind her, and slides his arm around her waist. She leans in against him, and closes her eyes for just a moment. Walter and Terri exchange glances.

Terri: Absolutely - Addison, you are getting to be a regular at going above and beyond the call of duty. And Maddie, I appreciate the effort I'm sure it required to maintain the dignity of this party.

David: Hmm….I wouldn't be so sure that it's over yet. The singing telegram lady - the one that wears only balloons - she should be stopping by later. Need a pin, Walter?

Maddie and David cling to each other, dancing, yet hardly moving. They gaze into each other's eyes as we freeze frame.

Thanks to the Season Six Staff……this is a collaboration, and I couldn't have done it without your input and your support.

To all my inspirations…..you know who you are, and will certainly smile to yourselves when you read parts of this, especially the music.

I love these characters…..I wish I could have created them the first time around, and am happy to have the opportunity to make them live on. Thanks to GGC and the writers who have given them permanent residence in my head……