Part XII

Cassie: Josh, thank you for being here, I know this can't be easy.

Josh: Cassie, you will always be family, no matter what.  All I want is for you to be happy.

Cassie: Thank you.  (They hug)  You know you will always be like a brother… no, you always will be a brother to me.

Josh: I feel the same way.  Warped family that we are.  (They laugh and hug again)

Richard approaches Cassie from across the room.

Richard: Cassie, I…

Richard abruptly stops as Josh turns to face him.  Cassie watches the men as they stare intently at each other in silence for several moments.  Richard interrupts the lingering anxiety in an articulate fashion.

Richard: Josh.

Josh: Richard.

More silence ensues as Cassie prevents herself from interjecting.

Josh: Congratulations.

Richard: Thank you.

And yet more silence.

Josh: You've got yourself one of the most precious girls around.

Richard: Believe me, I know.

The awkward stillness continues.

Richard: Josh, I…

Josh: No.  Don't.  My best wishes to you both.

Richard: Thank you again.  You will be attending the nuptials, will you not?

Olivia: (latching onto Josh) Of course we will, Richard.

Cassie: (shocked) Olivia!

Olivia: (fake) Cassie, you look lovely.

Cassie: Uh… thank you.  I guess I didn't realize you were coming.

Olivia: (tightening her grip on Josh who is looking incredibly uncomfortable) Well Josh wanted to come and support you Cassie.  And I, of course, wanted to support him.

Cassie: In what way?

Richard: (quickly interrupting) Thank you for coming, both of you.  Cassie and I appreciate your presence.

It is quiet yet again as Cassie stares at Olivia.

Richard: Cassie… dear… why don't we pay a visit to Phillip and Harley.  After all, they are responsible for this spectacular affair.

Cassie: This isn't the only unbelievable affair.

Richard: Uh… thank you again.

Richard begins to lead Cassie away as she stops him.

Cassie: Actually Richard.  Could I just have a word with Josh?  (She turns to Olivia)  It's a family thing.

Richard: Well I…

Cassie leads Josh away.

Richard: You do look well, Olivia.

Olivia: Thank you, Richard.  As do you.

Richard: However, I do hope you are being careful.

Olivia: Careful?

Richard: I'm afraid you are setting yourself up for a fall.

Olivia: And how exactly do you figure that?

Richard: You're a smart woman, Olivia.  Sooner or later you will figure it out.   Hopefully sooner for your sake.  I've been there for the later, it is far from amusing.

Olivia: I've been there myself, Richard.  I don't plan on attending again.

Cassie: Josh, what are you doing?

Josh: That is an extensive question.

Cassie: I'm serious, Josh.

Josh: Well, I'm serious too, Cassie.  I'm very happy for you.

Cassie: That's not what I am talking about.

Josh: But it is what I am talking about.  This day is for you, Cassie.  You need to enjoy yourself.

Cassie: Thank you, but I can't enjoy it with you in such a bad place.

Josh: I'm not in… a bad place.  Just… a different place.

Cassie: But is it where you want to be?

Olivia: Richard, I was surprised to see that you invited your ex-wife here. Isn't that in rather poor taste?

Richard: Ah yes, Cassie mentioned that she saw Reva in the crowd but I have yet to see her.  Besides, I wasn't assigned to the invitation committee.

Alan: Forgive me for interrupting, Richard, I couldn't help but overhearing your conversation. You're half right, Miss Spencer, one of Reva's ex-husbands invited her.

Olivia: Josh didn't even…

Alan: Josh? (laughs) Well, first of all, I didn't realize the Lewis' were divorced.  Nonetheless, it was I that invited Reva.

Richard: I did not realize that you and Reva were so close.

Alan: Reva and I go way back.  You could say that I've been responsible for a few of her entrances into Springfield.

Olivia: Don't you find your invitation a bit inappropriate?

Alan (to Richard): I wouldn't worry about Reva, she has no designs on you whatsoever. You are like every other man in Reva's past.

Richard (somewhat coldly): Meaning?

Alan (smiling broadly): You are merely an obstacle to be overcome on the path to her Joshua.

Olivia: (hostile) And this is stemming from personal experience?

Alan: You could say that, Reva and I were briefly married.

Olivia: (surprised) Excuse me? When was this?

Alan (clearly enjoying himself): You mean Josh didn't tell you about it? It was while he was married to Sonni…

Olivia and Richard listen intently as Alan gives them a little Josh and Reva history lesson.

Cassie: But, Josh?  Are you where you want to be?

Josh: That's not important.

Cassie: Yes Josh, it…

Josh: (interrupting) Shh.  Everything will be okay Cassie.  I promise.

Cassie: Okay or right?

Josh: Just enjoy your day, Cas.  You look beautiful.

Cassie: Thank you.  And thank you for being here.  I know it must be hard for you with…

Josh: As long as you are happy.  You are happy, aren't you?

Cassie: Very.

Cassie smiles at Josh.

Cassie: You are sure you are okay?

Josh just looks at Cassie and smiles.  He shakes his head and takes her into his arms.

Olivia: Things are different now. Josh swears he wants to move on with his life. Without Reva.

Alan (dryly): And Reva is moving on without him…I know; I've heard it all before. Josh and Reva will fight it for as long as possible but inevitably they'll end up in one another's arms.  They always do.

Richard: You seem quite certain.

Olivia: Why are you so convinced that they are going to end up back together? All Reva has done lately is make Josh miserable.

Alan: Reva has always had too much spirit for Josh. No matter how badly he treats her, she always takes him back. She could do a lot better than someone as self-righteous as Mr. Lewis.

Olivia: I suppose you are the better man.

Alan (laughs):  Wouldn't you like that, Ms. Spencer?

Olivia: Be careful, one might assume that you were in love with Reva.

Alan: No, I haven't loved Reva for a long time, but I admire her zest for life. Men like Josh and presumably Mr. Winslow don't appreciate that passion and try and crush it.

Olivia: Why are you telling me this, Mr. Spaulding?

Alan:  Like I said before, I've seen this particular scenario before and it isn't pretty for the other woman. Consequently you, Ms. Spencer, are the other woman. What intrigues me is that you are aware of all this. You know full well that you are being used and as much as it seems to bother you, you are not willing to let go of him…makes one wonder…

Olivia: (defensively) I don't know what you're talking about.

Alan: (knowingly) Yes, you do, Ms. Spencer. You are not under any illusions that Josh loves you or even really wants to be with you.

Olivia: What makes you say that?

Alan:  I saw the look on your face at Millennium when you found Josh with Reva and me. You see the connection between them as well as I do.  Believe it or not, Ms. Spencer, I have your best interests at heart. You will end up being hurt in all this. 

Olivia: Now you're trying to play matchmaker between Josh and Reva and get me out of the way? How will that benefit you?

Alan: They'll get back together eventually anyways. It's just a question of when.  Do you want to control the breakup or would you rather leave the ball in Reva's court?  Just something you might want to think about. You appear to be a smart and ambitious woman, Ms. Spencer, I would think being in control is of utmost importance to you.  Now if you'll excuse me…. Richard, I have some people here I'd like to introduce you to before you recover your bride.

Josh and Cassie share a moment as they part.  Josh walks away in silence as he strolls to the window.  A bittersweet smile crosses his face as he looks across the courtyard.  Josh stares out the window for many moments and is lost in his thoughts.

Waiter: Mr. Lewis, care for a drink?

Josh: (surprised) What?  Oh… um… sorry.  Uh… what?

Waiter: A drink, Mr. Lewis.  Would you like one?

Josh: (smiling nervously) Oh, of course… yes… thank you.

Waiter: You're welcome, sir.  (Josh takes a drink while the waiter remains)  Might I ask… everything okay?

Josh: Huh?  Oh, yes, everything is… it's… I'm fine, thank you again.

The waiter nods and walks away as Josh turns back to the window where he slowly gets lost in his thoughts yet again.

Reva: So Marah said she would love to start watching Zack.  I think it would be wonderful for both of them.  And hopefully she will stay at home for the first years of college.

Harley: Isn't it amazing?  It was just the other day when I was babysitting her!  Can you even believe that?

Reva: Time does fly in this town.  These kids just seem to grow up overnight!

Harley: (laughs) I'll be sure to keep an extra eye on Zack.

Reva: Harley, I want to thank you again for being there for my family.

Harley: Reva, you've already thanked me about a…

Reva: Harley, no, I'm serious.  You put your own life on hold for my family.  For the kids and for Joshua.

Harley: I don't think you realize how good that was for me.  I grew so much through all of that.  Looking back, I know it had to be some sort of fate.

Reva: I believe that too.  There is a reason for everything.  Finding it is the only problem.  (Reva becomes lost in herself for a moment)

Harley: Reva, are you okay?

Waiter: Excuse me, ladies.  Mrs. Lewis, care for a glass of wine?  (He hands the glass to Reva)

Reva: Oh… hello, Bobby.  Actually, not tonight, I have to… I um… I need to keep a somewhat level head tonight.  (She hands the wine back to Bobby and then stops, staring at the contents inquisitively.  Her thoughts suddenly filled with Josh.)

Waiter: That is the same look just crossed your husband's face.  Seems like the two of you are always on the same brainwave.

Reva: (pauses and then places the drink back on Bobby's tray) Yeah, always.

Walter leaves as Reva turns to Harley.

Reva: Excuse me for a minute, Harley.

Harley: A level head?  That's a new one for Reva Shayne.

Reva instinctively turns toward the far windows.  There she sees Josh staring into the courtyard in an apparent trance.  She slowly walks towards him, stopping about ten feet away.  She watches him for a moment.  Even from behind, his body language spoke volumes about his thoughts.  She knew this man, every nuance.  Almost every part of her ached to reach out to him.  To comfort him and in doing so, comfort herself with his touch.  But she remained strong.  He had hurt her.  Granted they had hurt each other, it was mutual, but for some reason she couldn't forget the past, not yet.   There was still too much for them to work out, no matter how desperately she longed to hold him.  No matter how she wanted to tell him that they…

Suddenly, he slowly turned to face her.  As if he knew she was there, and more than that, he wanted her to be.  Both were silent for a moment, searching.  Comfort, though minimal, came as Reva walked slowly towards Josh.

Reva: How did we get here?

Josh: (pauses) Well… I brought the car.  I parked it in….

Reva: (smiles) You know what I mean.

Josh: (smiles back) Yes, I do.  And if I knew the answer, I would do everything in my power to change things.

Reva: Would you?

Josh: You have to ask?

Reva: I'm sorry… it's just lately I don't know what to think.

Josh: Hard to listen to both your heart and your head?

Reva: I never was very good at it.

Josh: (smiles) Neither was I.

Reva: (laughs) We're quite a pair.

Josh: (smiles reflectively)  Yes.  Yes we are.

Reva interrupts an awkward silence by walking to the window.

Reva: The Cherry Blossoms will be blooming soon.

Josh joins her at the window.

Josh: It is about time for that.

Reva: I can't believe… (She stops and awkwardly looks at him)

Josh: Been quite a year.

They are both silent again as they both look out the window.  Josh moves away from the window and pauses to look at Reva.  He is then drawn outside.  Reva is so caught up in her memories that she doesn't realize he has gone until she sees him almost magically appear in the courtyard.  His back is to her at first when he suddenly turns to face her through the window.  Slowly, unconsciously, he lifts his hand as if beckoning her to join him.  Reva stares at him for a moment when she is suddenly swept away, into a dream.  Without hesitation, she walks to him in the courtyard.  He watches her walk to him, their eyes locked on each other.

Reva: Josh, I…

Josh: Shhh.. don't.

They pause for a moment as Josh looks down and takes her hand.

Josh: I don't understand… you just become more beautiful the more time passes.

Reva: Okay, you are definitely full of something.

Josh: No, I'm serious.

Reva suddenly begins to see Josh in a different light.  The luminosity is reminiscent of that beautiful day last May.  She looks deeply into his eyes.  Josh begins to speak, as if unconscious.

Josh: Reva, I have known you for so long.  And I know you so well.  And I still just can't get enough of you.  I stand here before you today and everyday just amazed that…

Olivia: (calling from inside) JOSH?

Josh abruptly stopped and snapped into the present.  The smile that had formed on Reva's face quickly turned to reveal regret.  She backed away from him reluctantly, neither of them willing to break their gaze.

Olivia: (her voice closer) JOSH?!

Josh took a deep breathe as their reality washed over him like a tidal wave.

Josh: (trying desperately to block out Olivia) Reva, I…

Reva: Don't Joshua.  Please, just don't.

Josh: But I want…

Olivia: There you are, Josh.  I was looking all over for you.  I was just talking to Senator Armstrong about an upcoming project and I think he wants to speak with you.  (pause) Hello, Reva.

Reva is still as Josh's eyes finally break from hers and move to the floor in silence.  Olivia notices their stillness yet ignores it.

Olivia: (wrapping her arm around Josh) Besides, you promised me at least ONE dance.

Josh looks up to meet Reva's eyes, welling with tears. Both of their faces portray the aftermath of a roller coaster gone off track.  Olivia can clearly see that she has walked in on a very deep moment however she denies their connection.

Olivia releases her grip on Josh and begins to walk around the courtyard oblivious to the sacredness of the space.  Josh and Reva become lost in a painful stare.

Olivia: It is really so beautiful out here, I don't know why they didn't hold the party outside.  They could even hold the wedding here for that matter.  The trees look as if they are just about to bloom.  What are these?  Cherry Blossoms?

Josh rolls his eyes and sighs and tears well up in Reva's eyes.

Olivia: So, Josh, can I introduce you to the Senator now?

Josh: Actually… Reva and I have a few more things to discuss…

Reva: (quickly interrupting) No, we don't Joshua.

Josh: Olivia, if I could just have a few more words with Reva…

Reva: (breaking into sobs) No Joshua.  Just… no…

Reva turns away from them and rushes inside.

Josh: Reva!

Josh attempts to follow after her when Olivia grabs his arm.

Olivia: Just let her go, Josh.

Josh: Excuse me?

Olivia: She clearly wants to be alone.

Josh: Well you obviously don't know her.

Olivia: I know her better than you think, Josh.

Josh: What is that supposed to mean?

Olivia: She is just putting on this little show for your benefit.  She knows you will run after her.

Josh: And since when did you become an expert on my wife?

Olivia flinches as if she has just been hit.  Josh realizes the force of his words but at this moment he is worried about only one thing.

Josh: I'm sorry.  I just…

Josh throws his hands up in surrender and runs after Reva.  Olivia remains motionless, trying to compose herself from the shock of what has just transpired.  She slowly walks towards one of the delicate cherry blossoms and extends her hand to a branch.

Olivia: This can't go on any longer.