General Hospital Transcript Friday 12/21/01
>> Previously on "General Hospital" --
Monica: Why don't I stay right here with you?
Edward: Jax is going to do to you what you did to me.
Courtney: Janine wouldn't act this way unless she was in some kind of trouble.
Zander: Janine, huh?
Alexis: If there's information that he needs to have, why don't you just give it to him?
Janine: I don't think so.
Luke: I've never wanted anything more. Marry me.
Laura: Luke.
[Knock on door]
Luke: Good morning.
Laura: Good morning.
Luke: Is madam ready for breakfast? Breakfast is ready for madam.
Laura: My gosh, Luke. What are you doing?
Luke: I'm wooing. If I'm moving in the right direction, give me a nod. If I'm headed off a cliff, it's too late now. The morning specials, Caribbean specialties -- toast dipped in egg from Antigua, sprinkled with sugar from Barbados, accented with berries from San Lucia.
[Laura laughs]
Luke: Passion fruit -- they say from the Virgin Islands. Oh, my, what could this be? Dessert, perhaps. Clearly it is not meant to be eaten. It's a symbol of intent occasionally worn by one's soul mate.
Laura: My God.
Luke: Remember?
Alan: Are you all right?
Monica: Oh. You startled me. Yes, yes, I am fine.
Alan: Look, if you want to put on a facade when Rae is here, I understand. But when it's just the two of us, let's not pretend, okay? I know this is going to be a tough Christmas for you, what with Rae being here and then the vote at the board meeting that turned this family upside down. Personally, I'm getting braced for whatever Skye has to hand out. But I've got to tell you I appreciate what you're doing for me because I'm really going to enjoy this Christmas with her. Thank you.
Alan: Is this some form of nonverbal protest?
Monica: Do you not feel well, Edward?
Edward: Hmm. How is a man supposed to feel when his -- when his family betrays him by -- by siding with a piranha? How do you expect me to react when I know that my life's work is about to become the property of Jasper Jacks?
[Christmas music plays]
Bobbie: Oh. Well, thank you, Jax. This will cover gifts for every single child in the pediatric ward.
Jax: I left the recipient on this one blank. I want you to give it to a patient of your choice, someone who could really use it.
Bobbie: I know just the patient. They'll be thrilled --
Skye: Now that you've made a stranger's dream come true, are you ready to start on mine?
Sonny: Well, I'm not interested in any more excuses. I -- I want Janine here as soon as possible. It's time to find out what this lady's all about and how she's connected to Mike.
[Knock on door]
Sonny: I think a piece of the puzzle just blew my way. I'll see you later. Hi. Come on in.
Zander: Merry Christmas.
Sonny: Merry Christmas.
Zander: This is -- this is Courtney, the girl I told you about.
Courtney: I hope we're not interrupting.
Sonny: No. Not at all. I was expecting you. Glad you're here.
Carly: "Well, you certainly don't have enough parking. How do you manage to rectify that situation?" Well, by --
Mike: Hey.
Carly: Hey. What's going on?
Mike: Listen, have -- have you gotten a lead on where Sonny's keeping Janine?
Carly: Sorry.
Mike: Yeah, I figured you -- you would've called. I've been up all night bracing myself for Sonny's reaction when he finds out the truth. Hey, you look nice.
Carly: Oh, thanks.
Mike: Am I keeping you from something?
Carly: No -- well, I've got a meeting, but you know what? I've -- I've got a few minutes. Hey, Mike -- you've got to tell Sonny.
Mike: I've tried.
Carly: Mike, don't try. Just do it.
Mike: Look, I keep hoping that -- that there's a chance Sonny won't find out.
Carly: Sonny always finds out. Look, the best thing to do for you right now is just be the one to tell him. Look -- if I had told him, if I had confessed to it that I set him up before, then you know what? There may have been a chance that --
Mike: A chance for forgiveness? Sonny doesn't forgive, okay?
Carly: Well, Mike, maybe it's because the person never tells him before he figures it out on his own. Look, it's a hell of a lot harder to forgive somebody when you know they're only telling you because they're backed into a corner.
Mike: Which is exactly where I am right now. Look, if Janine hadn't shown up in Port Charles, I would've taken this secret with me to the grave.
Carly: Look -- Sonny could be hearing the facts right now. Will you just go find him? Maybe you'll gain something out of telling him yourself. But you need to do it now because otherwise he might be hearing it from somebody else.
Sonny: One of my businesses is importing coffee. This, actually, is my favorite blend. But don't feel pressure if you don't like it.
Courtney: Thank you. Zander said that you might be able to help me locate somebody. Her name's Janine Matthews. She's from --
Sonny: Atlantic City. Yeah, I know Janine. She was here yesterday.
Courtney: Do you know where she is now?
Sonny: Sure.
Zander: I should be going. See, I told you he'd be able to help you find Janine.
Courtney: Can't you wait until we're done?
Zander: Well, I'm already late. But don't worry. You're in good hands, okay?
[Door opens and closes]
Sonny: Am I making you nervous?
Courtney: Not at all. You're being very nice. Although it is weird being here and I don't even know your name.
Sonny: Sonny. Sonny Corinthos.
Edward: So you two just run along and enjoy your festivities. I think I'll just sit here and -- and enjoy what will probably be my last holiday on earth.
Alan: If you want to pretend to be depressed, you need to hold back on the manipulation.
Monica: How can you be so ungrateful, Edward? Despite all the reasons you've given this family, we still love you.
Edward: Ugh.
Monica: Lila adores you, Edward. She's seen you through sicknesses, through affairs, all the chaos that comes with you. Why can't you appreciate that? Don't you know how lucky you are?
Alan: Monica, wait. Monica?
Carolers: We wish you a merry Christmas we wish you a merry Christmas
Edward: What -- what is -- what?
Carolers: Good tidings we bring to you and your kin good tidings for Christmas
Edward: Hey, you people -- nobody in this house wants any Christmas cheer, so -- so go away.
Ned: Well, I see you're in a jolly holiday mood.
Edward: Oh.
Ned: You might want to move away from the window there, Grandfather. In fact, I think you should go upstairs and get yourself dressed. I just got a call from the hospital. They're asking for volunteers to help decorate for the children's Christmas party. So get moving. Come on! Chop, chop! We're burning daylight!
Edward: What the hell has you so happy?
Kristina: You need some help?
Gia: Yeah, that'd be great. Could you check the bags? I think I got enough for all the little girls in Pediatrics.
Kristina: Oh, this is so cute -- little tiaras so they can play beauty pageant.
Gia: Actually, they're crowns so they can play princess.
Kristina: Oh, right.
Gia: Hey! Give that back to me.
Nikolas: How did you come up with this idea, Sparky? Huh?
Gia: Make all the fun you want, but the little girls will love them.
Kristina: I think it is a lovely gesture. Very personal, Princess Sparky.
Nikolas: Ah, the name's catching on.
Jax: I'm sorry, but Bobbie and I were in the middle of a private conversation. I'll speak to you when I'm done.
Bobbie: Actually, I need to go. I'll make sure these go where you want them to. Bless you.
Jax: Oh, and I -- I spoke to someone recently who said to wish you a Merry Christmas.
Bobbie: Well, tell Jerry Merry Christmas for me, too.
Jax: I will. I thought I made all your wishes come true when I made you C.E.O. of E.L.Q.
Skye: Oh, I've got a million wishes. I've started a list.
Jax: I'm not surprised.
Skye: Well, don't read it here.
Jax: That looked like quite a list.
Skye: Well, I've been doing my homework for months now.
Jax: Yeah, me, too.
Skye: I'll show you my notes if you show me yours.
Jax: Send me a memo. I have a meeting to get to. Excuse me.
Laura: Of course I remember. How could I ever forget that?
Luke: It's exactly the same as the first ring I gave you.
Laura: Right. You got it at a drug store on the way home from Beechers Corners.
Luke: The night before we'd finally torn down the walls of Jericho, and we had a police escort --
[Laura laughs]
Luke: To Port Charles. It was a great way to come into town.
Laura: Yeah.
Luke: Because we had nailed Frank Smith. And I didn't have any money. I didn't have any hopes. I didn't have any prospects. I didn't know what I wanted. The only thing I was sure of was you. And I needed to give you a token, a pledge, something that represented how I felt. That's the best I could do -- a cigar band.
Laura: But it was fabulous.
Laura: You must be crazy.
Luke: Oh, you noticed.
Laura: Yes. You said you were going to get something for me. I don't smoke cigars.
Luke: You don't?
Laura: No.
Luke: Oh. Would you like to start?
[Laura laughs]
Luke: No, actually -- no, this is what I got for you right here. And it's to remind you that we were married last night.
Laura: Luke.
Luke: I'm going to replace that with my mother's wedding ring and make it all legal. I knew we belonged together. I knew that you were my home in this world. I want that home again, and I want this to be the first step.
Laura: The morning that you gave me that, I couldn't imagine us ever breaking up. Could you?
Luke: No.
Laura: No. I feel like this ring is sort of like a metaphor for our whole relationship. It's wonderfully romantic and impractical and maybe not built for the long haul?
Luke: But we are built for the long haul. We are. We're built to last.
[Laura laughs]
Luke: That's why I'm giving you this.
Laura: Oh, my God. Oh, Luke. Luke.
Laura: Where did you ever find that?
Luke: You don't find something like that, darling. I had it made.
Laura: When?
Luke: Oh, about two minutes after I realized this divorce thing wasn't going to work for me. That's why I -- that's why I did everything to get you on this Caribbean cruise. The secret mission was really all about this moment.
Laura: You know, I remember the day that you gave me the cigar band. I -- I felt like we were the only two people in the world. I also remember what happened right after it, too. You know, that -- that pack of reporters scared me, and I hid my hand, and I -- I told everybody that I was still Mrs. Scott Baldwin. I'm sorry.
Luke: Oh, please, we got through that. We got through a lot worse, too. You're a brave, strong woman. You're not a scared little girl anymore.
Laura: There are still a few things that I'm afraid of. I am afraid of promises that lead to broken hearts.
Luke: I won't break your heart again, I swear, Laura.
Laura: Luke, isn't it what we thought the first time?
Luke: Quick -- tell me what you're feeling right now.
Laura: Really confused.
Luke: Me, too. See? We're totally in sync.
Laura: Okay.
Luke: It's a great place to start.
Laura: Okay.
Luke: Okay. Let's have breakfast later.
Laura: Oh.
Luke: Get up and get dressed. Meet me in the stateroom.
Laura: Dressed? Why do I have to get dressed?
Luke: Hmm -- we're going to celebrate something that only comes once a year.
Laura: You remembered.
Luke: How could I forget? Winter solstice.
Ned: Grandfather, you're too stubborn to waste away from disappointment. Your ego will get you through even if your heart fails you.
Edward: Oh, go on, go to your party. Leave me alone and let me just suffer in peace.
Ned: You hate peace. And as for suffering, you're not nearly as depressed as you'd have us believe.
Edward: Ned --
Ned: No! You just wish there was more of an audience for your broken old man routine. But cheer up. We're expecting a full house for dinner tonight. You can move us all to tears. Perhaps you can even rent a violinist. Look in the yellow pages under "need sympathy?"
Skye: What are you staring at?
Ned: Here's your audience. And she's tough, but no match for you. You two have a good time.
Skye: What was that all about? Why are you still in your robe? What, are you sick or something?
Edward: Well, I was feeling a bit under the weather, but the sight of you has lifted my spirits. Hmm. Retribution. Did you know that there is no better medicine for the soul? See, last night you were -- you were radiant in triumph. But triumph can be very fleeting, can't it? Especially if you're foolhardy enough to cast your lot with Jasper Jacks.
Jax: Commissioners are right behind me.
Mike: Thanks, Carly.
Carly: Hey, Mike, call me. I'm ready.
Jax: Just remember, don't fly off the --
Carly: Yeah, I know. I won't mouth off. I'll keep my cool, I promise. I promise.
Jax: Okay, and if anyone throws you a curve ball, you just throw it back to me, okay? Okay.
Carly: Hi.
Mr. Garland: Hi. I apologize for rushing this, but I need to catch a flight in three hours and I still have a lot to do.
Jax: It's not a problem. We thought we'd first start off with a tour of the premises while Carly explains the atmosphere we're trying to create.
Carly: So right this way.
Man: Why don't we just save some time? I don't want your club in this district.
Jax: Mr. Brentwood, I understand your reservations. But when it comes to noise and congestion, we are taking --
Mr. Brentwood: It's the clientele I'm worried about, given your partner's connections to organized crime --
Jax: Well, actually, Carly is right --
Carly: You know what? You are completely clueless.
Sonny: You all right?
Courtney: Fine. I didn't know you were Sonny Corinthos. Zander left that part out.
Zander: Yeah, Zander's very protective of my privacy. Why don't you sit down?
Courtney: I guess I -- I can understand. I mean, you're in the news a lot -- all about your money and power, complications with the F.B.I. Not to be rude, but what possible business could you have with Janine? She's a croupier at a casino, a legal casino -- the stardust in Atlantic City. I mean, sure, we need money, but not -- no offense -- but not enough to get involved with anything you do. So whatever you've promised Janine or whatever she's promised you back -- I know you're a very powerful man, but no matter how powerful you are, if anything happens to my mother --
Sonny: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Your mother's fine. As a matter of fact, I'm expecting her any second. But if it'll make you breathe easier, why don't I put a call in to your father?
Courtney: You're offering to call my father?
Sonny: If it'll make you feel better, sure. But I already told you, you got nothing to worry about. But you seem a little uncomfortable, and I can understand why, considering what you think you know about me. Let me tell you something -- I don't hurt women. Your mother's fine. But if I were you, I'd want to let somebody know who I'm with, where I'm at. That would be the smart thing to do. So you want me to call your father?
Courtney: You must not know my mom very well.
Sonny: Why would you say that?
Courtney: Because if you did, you'd know that my father --
Janine: What are you doing with my kid?
Carly: Sonny Corinthos and I are no longer married. And even when we were, I had nothing to do with his business. If anyone is connected to Sonny, it's the two of you and the city that you work for. Sonny is one of the largest employers in this city. He also contributes heavily to public works, he built an entire wing in the hospital, and he is a regular contributor to local campaigns. Yeah, well, not that it really has anything to do with me because my interests are separate from my ex-husband’s. But, you know, go ahead. Deny me of the permits I need, write me off, and I will just open my club in some other lucky community which will welcome the perks that you want to pass up -- such as that park that we were going to sponsor across the street on that rocky heap of nothing. You know, my club -- it would be a shot in the arm to this district. But if you're not interested, that's fine. Come re-election time, I will happily go on TV and I will tell the voters how you kept the community safe from jobs and a park and a better quality of life. The voters -- they're going to love you for that.
Skye: You think I'm smitten with Jasper Jacks? Well, let me tell you something, he's nothing to me, okay, but a means to an end. I'm not looking for a hug or a pat on the back or any heartfelt endearments. I want power, which requires money, so that I can get back at people who really tick me off. You, for instance.
Edward: My, you are vicious when you're crossed. I'll grant you that. But, you see, you've already taken E.L.Q. So you can mark me off your hit list and move on to Monica. That is why you invited your mother here for Christmas, isn't it?
Skye: Let's just say that if I get my Christmas wish, both you and stepmommy dearest will have a holiday you'll never forget.
Rae: Well, thank you for clearing that up. You'll have to ruin Monica’s Christmas without me.
Monica: What's wrong with me? Why do I feel so threatened? Rae's only going to be here for two days. Why am I acting like a child?
Bobbie: Well, you know, because you are about to share a major holiday with -- with a woman your husband used to love. I mean, she did have his baby. This is a woman that he never bothered to mention all the years you've been married.
Monica: Thank you. I feel much better.
Bobbie: Monica, I just mean that it's very -- it's natural for you to have those feelings and there's nothing wrong with you. Alan loves you. Alan is devoted to you. I mean, the two of you share a bond that's a lot stronger than anything that's going to happen with Rae Cummings over the next couple of days. Come on. Think about it, really.
Alan: Hi. Would you excuse us? Could I see you for a moment?
Monica: Yeah.
Alan: Please.
Alan: You won.
Monica: What?
Alan: The grand prix that you were running between here and home. I lost you at Riverside.
Monica: I'm -- I'm sorry about that.
Alan: Look, I meant what I said to you earlier on. I know that this Christmas is going to be a challenge for you with Rae being here, and I'm sorry. I really am.
Monica: Hey, listen, I -- I just had a little bit of a bad moment, okay? I'm fine now.
Alan: Are you sure?
Monica: Absolutely.
Luke: Darling, you coming out anytime soon? This native is restless.
Laura: I'm coming.
All: Surprise!
[Horns]
Solomon: Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday. Surprise.
Bart: Happy Birthday, Laura.
Laura: Thank you.
Janine: I can't believe you brought my daughter here.
Courtney: I came here on my own.
Janine: To see Sonny Corinthos?
Courtney: No. To find you. The car almost made it here, but it broke down outside of town. This guy pulled over and gave me a ride --
Janine: Did you get in a car with a stranger?
Courtney: I am obviously okay. He told me that he knew someone who could help me find you. Turned out to be Mr. Corinthos.
Janine: Oh.
Courtney: I haven't seen you in a few weeks. Could I get a hello?
Janine: Oh, baby. I love you. I missed you so much. Now, go downstairs and wait for me in the lobby.
Courtney: I'm not going anywhere without you.
Janine: I'll be right there. I just have some loose ends I need to tie up with Mr. Corinthos. It's business.
Courtney: Fine. I'll wait.
Janine: It's a little private.
Courtney: How private could it be? This man barely knows you. He doesn't even know that my father's dead.
Mike: Hey. I need to see Sonny.
Johnny: He's in the middle of something. You'll have to come back.
Mike: Look, this is important, Johnny.
Johnny: I'll take him in a message.
Mike: Look, look, look -- this is a message I have to deliver myself. If I don't do it right now, it might be too late.
Alan: Tell me, how many of the kids in Pediatrics are nonambulatory?
Nurse: 11.
Alan: Okay. I want you to do this for me. I want you to go to all of their rooms and tell them that a special visitor is going to come to see them while the other kids are at the party, okay?
Nurse: Got it.
Alan: Thank you. Rae.
Rae: Alan.
Alan: What are you doing here? I thought you were going directly to the house.
Rae: I did. I saw Skye. Alan, it's obvious that Christmas is all about Skye, so I'm not going to stay. I really only came by to say thank you for the invitation and to say hello to you. And now I'm going to say good-bye.
[Christmas music plays]
Ned: Need some help?
Kristina: You made it!
Ned: Of course.
Kristina: Hi.
Ned: What, did you think you'd have to come over and drag me over here?
Kristina: Well, I thought you might need some coercing.
Ned: Well, I might. How do you feel about snowboarding?
Kristina: Oh, love it.
Ned: All right. Picture us racing down the mountain, screaming at the top of our lungs, carving figure eights in the snow. Thinking one of those, maybe, half-pipe deals, you know, get some air? And then, after that, Alaska for the Iditarod. You know, dogsled racing? It gets cold in Alaska, but we'll be on a sleigh staying warm. Oh, don't get cautious on me. I thought you wanted me out of my business suit. Winter sports are good for the soul. I want to go all the way. Come on.
Kristina: You're crazy.
Nikolas: Ned, you want to help me with these? Come on, man, help me.
Kristina: You're crazy.
Ned: Your job's not done. You can't leave me with my suit half on.
Gia: Are you finished with that ribbon? Hello? Kristina? Everything okay?
Kristina: I might be totally crazy, but my sister's ex-fiancé -- no, no, no. No, no, no. No way.
Gia: What?
Kristina: I think he's interested in me. But Ned -- Ned would never do anything like that. I mean --
Gia: Well, why not? He's cute. He’s -- you know, he's charming. And he and Alexis have been over a long time, and -- well, you're cute and available, right?
Kristina: But --
Gia: You know, as long as your sister is not still hung up on him, I don't see a problem.
Ellen: A beautiful reunion, a surprise party, a romantic cruise -- the man thinks of everything. You should give lessons, Luke.
Luke: I may open a school.
Vince: Bye. Happy Birthday.
Laura: Thank you.
Luke: Thanks a lot, you guys.
Ellen: I knew they'd get back together.
Laura: What did you tell them?
Luke: I told them the truth -- that I'm crazy about you and I want to be with you again.
Laura: Thanks for the party. It was really nice. I -- you fooled me, you know. For a minute there, I thought you forgot my birthday.
Luke: No. I couldn't. I remember everything about you -- the way you look when you're skinny-dipping, when you're shivering in the cold, the way you brush your hair from the nape of the neck, the way you dab perfume in that same spot on your collarbone, the way you sing in the shower, the way you snore when you're pregnant.
[Laura laughs]
Luke: Everything. I remember everything, and my -- my gift to you, my birthday gift, is your cigar band ring. Where is it?
Laura: Oh, I -- I left it on the desk.
Luke: Let's try it out.
Laura: Okay.
Laura: You know, you knew where we were headed when we got on this ship, and I didn't, and I -- I still don’t. I really need a little time. I'm just not ready to make any promises right now.
Luke: Okay. That's fair. I'm ready. Let me make a promise. I promise that no matter what happens -- whether you accept my proposal or not -- you are the one great love of my life. And I promise that you'll always be in my heart. If you'll accept this, there are no obligations entailed.
Luke: There. That one won't shred. That's built to last, like we are.
Laura: Thank you. Oh, Luke. It would be so easy to just be swept away by all of this right now -- my ring and you and --
Luke: Well, let's do it. I'll go get the captain. We'll get married immediately.
Laura: No, no, wait a minute. I -- I can't think right now. Not like this. I -- it's not that. It's just that I want this to be more than just a wonderful moment. I want it to last, you know? If we get back together this time, I don't want to lose you again.
Luke: You won’t. You won’t.
Laura: Oh, Luke. This is incredible. I know you're not going to like this, but when the boat comes into port, I think I'm going to hop off and I'm going to catch a plane home because I really do need to get back to my life, and I think I need to think this through there. I hope that doesn't disappoint you too much.
Luke: I'll get over it. Whatever you need to do.
Laura: Wow.
Luke: I love you, Laura.
Laura: I love you, Luke. Okay. I'm going to pack.
Rae: I should've known better. I got all excited. I was going to spend Christmas with my daughter. She's not 10 years old, Alan. She's an angry adult, and she's just not ready to forgive me.
Alan: It's a mask that she puts on to protect herself.
Rae: I want to be as much of a mother as she will allow me to be, but I will not be a weapon against Monica.
Alan: Skye is just so vulnerable. That's why she puts on that "I don't give a damn" attitude. It's a cover. You should know that. You're the one who explained it to me. Please. Please, don't go anyplace. Skye's our daughter, and she needs you. I need you, Rae. Please stay.
Rae: Alan.
Woman: Ladies and gentlemen, we're closing the door and we'll be ready to leave as soon as everyone takes their seat. Flight attendants, please prepare for takeoff.
Luke: [Italian accent] Madam, madam, is this seat taken?
Laura: No.
Luke: [Normal voice] That was Italian.
Laura: Oh, was it?
Luke: I find traveling in pairs so much more enjoyable. Don't you?
Jax: Well, Gentlemen, let me walk you out.
Mr. Garland: Oh, that's all right. We can find our way.
Jax: Happy Holidays.
Mr. Garland: All right, thank you.
Jax: Thanks.
Mr. Brentwood: Merry Christmas.
Jax: Well, that was -- that was a little off script.
Carly: Yeah, I know. I promised that I wouldn't go off, and I did, and now you are rethinking the partnership, right?
Jax: Actually, I'm seeing it in a new light. Now, I may go with a more diplomatic approach, especially when it comes to a new business relationship, but all your arguments were -- were clear. Your logic was clear, and you stuck to your point. All in all, I've got to say it was a very powerful presentation.
Carly: Is this Jax-speak for "I'm not backing out"?
Jax: Actually, I'm impressed and a little surprised. This is turning out better than I thought.
Courtney: Mom, what are you doing here? Are you in some kind of trouble?
Janine: Go down to the lobby right now, and I'll explain everything later.
Courtney: But, Mom --
Janine: Right now.
Courtney: I guess I'm going to wait in the lobby. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Corinthos.
Sonny: Yeah. You, too.
Courtney: I'm sorry our visit was so strange. I hope this business deal makes us obscenely rich. Almost as much as I hope this doesn't land my mother in jail.
Sonny: Well, I can guarantee you there's not going to be any jail time. As far as money -- it's too soon to say. Merry Christmas.
Courtney: Merry Christmas.
Mike: Sonny, I need to --
Courtney: Daddy?
>> On the next "General Hospital" --
Children: Santa!
Tony: Where's the party?
Rae: Why do you want me here, Alan?
Alan: I want you to be here for me.
Carly: What is this?
Jax: For you.
Carly: What's that?
Courtney: Daddy, it's really you. Where have you been all this time?