Before I post my first scene, let me set this up. It takes place in season 7, and it's a "replacement" for the last two episodes of the series. Fanfiction.net is being a pain right now, so I thought I'd post this here instead.


"My Version of the Finale"

Scene 1

(The newsroom early in the morning. Mary enters, takes off her coat, and lets out a sigh. Murray, who is seated at his desk, watches her.)

Murray:Mary, what’s wrong?

Mary:What makes you think something’s wrong?

Murray:We’ve been working together for seven years now. I know you. Usually you come in, and you say (Imitates Mary’s perky voice) "Hi Murray!"

Mary(Flatly):Hi Murray. That better?

Murray:No. (Really concerned) Come on, what’s wrong?

Mary:If you must know, Josh broke up with me last night.

Murray:What happened? Did you two have a fight?

Mary:No. It seems his ex-wife called him while he was at work yesterday. He swore to me things between them were finished, Murray! They’re—(Voice breaking) They’re getting back together!

Murray:Oh, that’s terrible! (He puts his arm around her to comfort her.)

Mary:Is-is Mr. Grant in yet?

Murray:Yeah. That’s a good idea. Talk to Lou.

Mary(Goes to Lou’s door and knocks.):Mr.-Mr. Grant? I need to talk to you. It’s important.

Lou(From inside):Yeah. Come on in.

Mary(Opens the door.):Mr. Grant, I know you hate personal discussions during working hours, but I hope you can make an exception this time.

Lou:What’s wrong? One of your dates try something? Just tell me who it was, and I’ll kick his butt from here to St. Paul!

Mary(Laughs slightly):I appreciate that….threat of violence, but it’s nothing like that. Josh and I broke up last night.

Lou:Oh no….What happened?

Mary(Sighs and sits down in the chair across from Lou’s desk):Well he says he’s getting back together with his ex-wife. Just like that, he and his ex- wife are back together! He told me things between them were finished. He said they were just friends. What’s worse is, I really thought he might be the one!

Lou:What do you mean, "the one"?

Mary:You know, Mr. Right. Ever since I was a little girl, I always thought I’d find a guy and fall in love, and get married. Just like in the fairy tales I read. "And they all lived happily ever after." After what happened with Joe, and now this, I’m beginning to wonder if I’ve been silly all these years, holding onto a childhood fantasy.

Lou:Now, look. If this guy Josh wasn’t smart enough to know what he had, he didn’t deserve you! Same goes for Joe. I believe that, and you have to believe it too.

Mary:I don’t know. Maybe I just wasn’t meant to get married. Some of us are, and some of us aren’t.

Lou(Gets up, walks around desk and sits on the edge, pointing at her for emphasis as he speaks):Mary, I want you to listen to what I’m saying, and listen carefully. You’re an incredible person, someone any guy would be lucky to have! The only reason you’re not married yet is none of the guys you’ve dated has realized that. You deserve better than that. You deserve a guy who’s interested in you as a person, not just in what you look like. You deserve someone who wants to be your friend as much as your boyfriend, someone who cares about how you feel.

(As Lou speaks, Mary becomes more and more obviously moved with each word. When he is done, there is a long pause as they both grasp the meaning of what has been said.)

Mary(Stands up):Oh Mr. Grant!

Lou[I](Smiles):You know what I’m thinking, Mary? (Pause) No, forget it, it’s crazy!

Mary:No, come on, say it. You’re among friends.

Lou:Well….I was just thinking…you and I are already friends, and most of the other things I just said also apply to me, so maybe….we could……

Mary:Go out on a date?

Lou:Yes, but it was just a spur-of-the-moment suggestion. I’ll understand if you don’t want to go though with it.

Mary:No, I think we should try it. We’re mature enough to do it. As long as we both behave like adults, I think our relationship can handle it. It’s just for one night. I hardly think we could undo seven years’ worth of friendship in one night!

Lou(Chuckles):I don’t know about that. It happened to a buddy of mine in the service. No, I’m just kidding. Ok, let’s try it. Listen, let’s give each other a safe exit though. I’ll take you out to dinner tonight and if we decide that it’s too awkward, we can go Dutch and treat it as dinner with a friend. We’ll go back to the way things were, no hard feelings, OK?

Mary:Sounds like a plan! I guess it’s a date then.

Kristen,
I love your story!!! You know I love Mary & Lou, too! I think you should continue posting the rest of it.

Scene 2

(Mary’s apartment, that night. Lou and Mary come in the front door, returning from their date. She walks in, and Lou helps her off with her coat. She then crosses to the couch and lays her purse down.)

Mary:This is the first time I’ve ever brought a date back here without thinking, “Is he going to try something?” (Smiles) It’s kind of nice.

Lou:I know what you mean. This is the first first date I’ve ever had where I didn’t spend the whole night thinking, “How am I doing?” Or “What is she thinking?” We had a first date without all the first-date craziness!

Mary:So what does this mean? Are we officially dating?

Lou:I-I don’t know. I never thought about what would happen if we had a good time. I was just hoping this wouldn’t ruin our friendship!

Mary:Well, how about if we take it slow? We both know the last thing we want is to lose a good friend. I think if we’re careful, we can make this work!

Lou:OK, I’m game if you are! Now we still have one more question to resolve: What do we tell our friends? And I don’t even want to think about Sue Ann!

Mary:Well if it’s OK with you, I’d like to tell Rhoda.

Lou:Sure. By “our friends,” I meant Murray and Ted. The people we have to face every day. Rhoda’s in New York. I don’t care about her. (Pauses) Wait, I didn’t mean it like that. I—Oh, never mind! You know what I mean!

Mary(Laughs):Yeah I know what you mean. Murray’s smart, I think we owe it to him to be honest and tell h im as soon as possible. He’d be hurt if he figured it out on his own without us telling him. It would look like we didn’t trust him. As for Ted, telling him might not be a good idea. He might get the wrong idea and try to turn this into some sordid affair.

Lou:All right. But what about Sue Ann? You know how she feels about me! She never likes any of the women I go out with. If she finds out I’m dating you, we’ll both be on her bad side. Trust me, Mary. I knew women like her during the War. You really don’t want to have her angry with you!

Mary:I really don’t like to decieve people, even Sue Ann. But I guess we have no choice. We’ll swear Murray to secrecy.

Lou:OK. We can tell Sue Ann the truth later on. Right now, there isn’t much to tell anyway. Let’s just play it by ear for now.

Mary:I just keep thinking of Romeo and Juliet. Always sneaking around behind people’s backs. And you know where that got them!

Lou(Laughs):I promise you, I won’t let that happen to us. (Pauses) Well I should really go. Early day at work, you know how it is. (He kisses her on the cheek.)

Mary:Yeah. So I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. (He starts to leave.) When I get to work tomorrow, you’re not going to leave roses on my desk or anything like that, are you? (Laughs)

Lou:You kidding me? A tough guy like me, do a thing like that? (Pause) Well maybe just one rose. (He leaves.)

Mary:So this is what it’s like to date your boss. It’s kind of nice. (Smiles)

If I get enough feedback from people, I'll continue to post the scenes here. So let me know what you think!!

I don't see Lue dating Mary, but I like it! :) Please post more *starts thinking of a time* NOW!!!! :lol:

Thanks, BlairFan, for the feedback. Here's Scene 3.

Scene 3
(The WJM newsroom, early the next morning. Murray comes in and hangs his coat. He walks over to his desk and starts to sit, but he notices something lying on Mary's desk.)

Murray:Where did this come from? (He picks up the rose) Mary must have a secret admirer. It's certainly not the first time.

(Ted comes in from his studio and sees Murray with the rose in his hand.)

Ted(Takes the rose from Murray's hand):This must be a gift from The Ted Baxter Fanclub.

Murray(Takes it back):I don't think so, Ted. It was on Mary's desk.

Ted:Well who's it from?

Murray:I don't know; there wasn't any note or anything. But it's none of our business anyway. If Mary wants to tell us, she will. (Puts rose back where he found it.)

Ted:Oh fine! (Walks back to studio)

(Mary enters)

Mary:It's a beautiful day, isn't it Murray?

Murray:Wow, what a difference a day makes! Does this (He picks the rose up) have anything to do with your sudden change in mood?

Mary:Oh, he did leave me a rose! Isn't Lou sweet? (She takes it from him, and looks at it, smiling)

Murray(Shocked):Lou gave that to you?! Did I forget your birthday?

Mary(Laughs):No. I guess I might as well tell you now. Can you keep a secret?

Murray:What is it? Something serious?

Mary:No, nothing like that! It's just that Mr. Grant and I-Lou and I-I went out on a date last night. But you can't tell anyone. It was just one date, and we don't want anyone (Nods toward Ted's studio) making more out of this than it is.

Murray:I can understand that. Your secret's safe with me. I'm glad you and Lou finally did this. I respect the both of you, and I wish you all the best.

Mary:Awww, Murray. That's so sweet of you to say! (They hug and sit back down)

(Sue Ann enters)

Sue Ann(Cheerfully):Hi, newspeople! Mary, I heard about you and Josh. (Looks somewhat sympathetic) But if you're up to it, I know of a wonderful place to meet men that I could take you to.

Murray:Where's that? The Marine base over in St.Paul?

Sue Ann:Oh, Murray. You're one of the wittiest people I know. Also one of the shiniest! (Murray chuckles) So, how about it, Mary?

Mary:I appreciate the offer, Sue Ann. Really, I do. But I just don't think I'm interested in meeting any men right now.

Sue Ann:Well, suit yourself. But if you should change your mind, the offer stands. I've got to go get ready to do my show. But remember, Mary, the offer still stands. (She exits)

Murray:So when do you plan on telling her about you and Lou?

Mary:I was thinking never. (Laughs) Seriously, though, I'd like to see how things go first.

Murray:Are you planning to see each other again?

Mary:We haven't made any exact plans yet, but I assume so.

(Ted enters from studio. Mary and Murray exchange glances.)

Murray:Uh, hi, Ted.

Ted:Hi. How's my copy coming?

Murray:Good. I'll try to use simple words for you tonight. (Looks at Ted, smiling.)

Ted(Gives Murray a "look"):So, uh, Mare, anything new in your life?

Mary:No, Ted.

Murray:Look, Ted, if Mary wants us to know where that rose came from, she'll tell us. It's her business.

Ted:Who said anything about a rose? Mary is my friend. I know she's been through a tough time lately, being dumped by yet another boyfriend, and I was just concerned about her, that's all.

Murray:Yeah, sure, Ted.

(Murray goes into the editing room)

Mary:Ted, I really appreciate your concern, but I'm fine. Really, I am. (She squeezes his arm gently)

Ted:Well, OK, if you're sure. (He walks off to his studio tentatively)

You can call me Brandon if you like. I know your friend, Leigh Ann (MamaFan) And she talks about you all the time. Anyways, you are a GREAT writer. Please continue ASAP.

Thanks again, Brandon! Here's scene 4.


Scene 4
(Mary's apartment, the following night. Mary sits on her sofa, the phone on her lap. She's just called Rhoda in New York.)
Mary:Hello, Rhoda? It's me!

Rhoda:Oh, hi, kid. Listen, I'd love to talk to you, but I'm on my way out the door.

Mary:It's kind of important.

Rhoda:It's nothing serious, is it?

Mary:No, it's nothing bad. I just need your opinion on something as my best friend.

Rhoda:Sure. Is this about Josh?

Mary:Who? Oh, yeah, I didn't tell you-We broke up!

Rhoda:Why do you sound like you're happy about that?

Mary:Because I'm dating someone else!

Rhoda:Wow, you sure didn't waste any time did you? (Laughs)

Mary:And you'll never guess who it is I've been seeing!

Rhoda:Who?!

Mary:Lou.

Rhoda:Lou, as in "Mr. Grant"?

Mary:Yes, him! And I know this sounds crazy, but I actually think I love him! I mean, in that way!

Rhoda:Oh Mary, that's so high school. Did you pass him a note in study hall to tell him? (Laughs)

Mary:I don't know if he knows. We've been out twice so far, and all I know is, I can't stop smiling!

Rhoda:How is that different from the usual?

Mary:Oh Rhoda! Now, as my best friend, I need your opinion. Am I crazy?

Rhoda:Not at all. Lots of women fall for their male friends. Happens all the time. Besides, Lou's a great guy. If you're looking for my approval, you've got it.

Mary:Thanks. I haven't felt this way since I was seventeen. You know, that awkward feeling, wondering if he feels the same way.

Rhoda:He took you out twice, that's something. See how it goes. He's probably just trying to figure out how to tell you how he feels. You know Lou, he's not one to show his emotions.

Mary:You're probably right. I just need to stop worrying. There's just the problem of keeping Ted and Sue Ann from finding out.

Rhoda:Oh, yeah I forgot about that.

Mary:We just keep avoiding Sue Ann. Ted's sort of oblivious, thank goodness.

Rhoda:You have nothing to worry about. What's the worst Sue Ann could do? (Pause) OK, forget I said that! Listen, kid, I hate to run out on you, but I've really got to go. I promised Brenda I'd meet her for dinner.

Mary:Ok. I'll talk to you later. Love you.

Rhoda:You too.

(They hang up)

Oh, I LOVE Rhoda. She's a mess! :lol: Anyways, please continue. :thumbsup:

Here's scene 5. If you get impatient to see what happens, go to fanfiction.net and check out the rest, but it's not quite finished yet.


Scene 5
(The same night, Lou and Murray are in a bar, talking over drinks.)
Murray:So how are things going with you and Mary?

Lou:Really well.

Murray:Is it serious?

Lou:You know something? That's what I'm trying to figure out!

Murray:What do you mean?

Lou:Well, I know I like her. In fact I think I love her.

Murray:So what's the problem then?

Lou:Well I'm not entirely sure how she feels. You know how protective I am of Mary. The last thing I want to do is hurt her.

Murray:I could talk to her for you if you want.

Lou:No, that's OK. There are some things a man's got to do for himself. I guess I have no choice. I've got to just come out and ask her where things stand. I'll do it tomorrow when we're at work. I'll call her into my office and talk to her privately.

Oh, I hate cliff hangers! :mad: :mad: lol! Post now... let's see... NOW!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Here it is...

Scene 6
(The newsroom, the next morning. Mary and Murray are just about to sit down to start working, when Lou rushes in.)

Lou:Mary, can I see you in my office for a minute?

(Mary looks at Murray slightly confused, then follows Lou into his office.)

Lou(Shuts the door behind them):I'm not going to beat around the bush here. I've got to ask you a personal question. Where do we stand?

Mary:Well, I like you and respect you as a friend and a colleague. (hesitantly) And, I must admit, lately I've begun to have some, uh, romantic feelings for you. (Looks down at floor nervously)

Lou(Lets out a sigh of relief):Oh thank God!

Mary:What are you talking about?

Lou:I feel the same way, and I was absolutely dying to know how you felt.

Mary:I was just saying the same thing to Rhoda on the phone last night!

Lou:Murray and I went out to have a drink last night, and I told him that too! (They both laugh)

Mary:So, does this mean we're..a couple?

Lou:Yeah, I suppose it does. (They hug)

Mary(She pulls away):Should we tell Murray?

Lou:Yeah, send him in.

Mary(Opens the door):Murray, can you come in here? Lou and I have something we want to tell you.

Murray(From outside):OK. (He walks in) What is it?

Lou:Well, first of all, we both want to thank you for your support. It means a lot to us. Second of all, we've both realized that we have romantic feelings for each other, and we're now officially a couple. We're dating.

Murray:I thought you guys were already seeing each other.

Mary:That was just a trial run to see how we felt about each other. It's official now, we're dating.

Murray:That's wonderful! (He hugs Mary) Lou. (They shake hands)

Lou:Now, remember, we're still not sure how we want to handle this, so don't tell, OK?

Murray:Of course not. I'm happy for you.

(Ted enters)

Ted:Oh, what's going on in here? A staff meeting?

Lou:Yeah..I guess you could call it that.

Ted:Well how come I wasn't invited?

Murray:Because we're trying to come up with a new documentary to do.

Ted:How about "A Day in the Life of an Anchorman"?

Murray(Laughs):No, Ted, I don't think you understand. We're trying to think of a GOOD documentary to do!

... and the award for best writing in a comedy show goes to.... KRISTEN!!!!!!! :clap: :cheers: :clap: :cheers::rotflmao:This is GREAT!

There's another cliffhanger here. Just warning you! hehe. I promise I'll get the next scene up ASAP.

Scene 7
(The newsroom, that afternoon. Murray is alone, finishing up some work. Sue Ann bursts in, obviously in a state of shock.)


Sue Ann:Oh Murray, you'll never believe what I just saw!

Murray:Let me think...An entire fleet of sailors?

Sue Ann:This is no time for jokes! I just saw Lou and Mary having lunch together!

Murray:So? They've had lunch together lots of times, Sue Ann. You know that.

Sue Ann:No, this is different. I could tell by their body language. They were definitely not talking business. If I didn't know better, I'd say they were...seeing each other. (Looks disgusted by the very thought)

Murray:Sue Ann, sit down. (She sits in Mary's chair) Look, I wasn't supposed to tell you this, but I guess the cat's pretty much out of the bag now. Lou and Mary are seeing each other. They have been for about a week now.

Sue Ann:They're what?! Why that little tramp!

Murray:I know how upset you must be, but you can't possibly mean that. Mary is no tramp, and you know it!

Sue Ann:What do you mean, she's no tramp?! She stole the best looking man in Minneapolis from me, and she knew I had my eye on him! How on earth did this happen, Murray?

Murray:When she and Josh broke up, Mary took it hard. She went in to talk to Lou, and I guess one thing led to another. They decided to try dating.

Sue Ann(Her face brightens):Oh, then there's nothing to worry about. Mary's simply on the rebound from Josh. This relationship isn't serious. Soon they'll come to their senses and realize this could never work.

Murray:I don't think so, Sue Ann. Lou and I went out for a drink last night and talked about it. He seems pretty serious about her, and I think the feeling's mutual.

Sue Ann:Well..I just don't know what to make of this.

(Lou and Mary burst in, glowing.)
Mary(Ecstatically):Guess what? We're engaged!

(Sue Ann screams)

WHAT?!?!?!?!? :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: Feeling.... dizzy... I think I'm gonna... I'm gonna....:faint:
That was TOTALLY surpising. You couldn't knocked me over with a feather.

Brandon, did you get my PM about fanfiction.net? Let me know if you need more help! Sorry I didn't post this sooner, but I couldn't get into fanfiction.net earlier. Here it is:

Scene 8
(The same scene, moments later. Ted comes running into the newsroom from his dressing room.)
Ted:What was that screaming about? You made me lose my place in the book I was reading!

Murray:Don't worry, Ted. Dick and Jane will still be there when you get back.

Mary:Sue Ann, are you all right?

Sue Ann(hesitantly):I-I think so. It was just the shock.

Lou:Look, Sue Ann, we have everything pretty much under control here. Why don't you go on home? Take the rest of the afternoon off.

Sue Ann:But what about my spot on the news tonight?

Murray:Don't worry about that. It's only two minutes of air time. I'll just write an extra filler for Ted.

Sue Ann:Yes, thank you. It might be best for me to go home.

Mary:Do you think you'll be OK to drive? I can give you a lift if you want.

Sue Ann:No, that's all right. I'll call a cab.

(Sue Ann leaves hesitantly)

Murray:So I guess congratulations are in order huh? (Shakes Lou's hand)

Ted(Confused):What do you mean? What's going on here?

(Lou and Mary look at each other)

Lou:I guess we better tell him. (Mary nods)

Ted:Tell me what?

Lou:Look, Ted, Mary and I have been seeing each other the last few days. We wanted to keep things a secret until we knew where we stood. I just gave Mary a ring. We're engaged, Ted.

Ted:You mean you two have been going out right under my nose and I didn't know a thing about it? How did that happen?

Mary:I don't know, Ted. (Shrugs) Want to see the ring? (Holds out her hand)

Ted(Looks at it):Wow! (To Lou) Is it real? (Lou nods) Wow, you went all out!

Lou(Puts his arm around Mary):Well she's worth it. (Mary smiles)

Murray:So when's the big day?

Mary:We were thinking about a month from now.

Lou:By the way, I'll be needing a best man. (Looks at Murray)

Ted:Why, Lou, I'd be honored!

Murray:I think he meant me, Ted. (Ted looks at Lou and begins to beg)

Ted:Please? You were best man at my wedding!

Mary:Look, Ted, we're not getting married for another month. We have time to work these things out.

Ted:OK, OK! You don't have to decide now.

Mary:Oh, I almost forgot! I've got to call Rhoda! (Dials the phone) Hello, Rhoda?

Ted(To Murray):Why is she calling Rhoda?

Murray:Because Rhoda's her best friend. Best friends like to share important moments like this.

Mary(On phone):Do you think you and your sister can get out here a month from now? (Pause) For a wedding!! Lou asked me to marry him! Wait till you see my ring!

Good! And yes, I did get the info. on fanfiction.net. Thanks. It was a little slow running, but I'll try it again in a few. Anyways, love the story! ;)

Sorry I haven't posted this lately. I got lazy. Here's the next scene.

Scene 9
(The newsroom, two weeks later. Mary enters and hangs up her coat. Murray is already there.)
Murray:Morning. How are the wedding preparations going?

Mary:Great! Lou's taking care of most of it. With all his connections, it should be pretty inexpensive.

Murray:That's good. Have you spoken to Sue Ann?

Mary:No, but I just rode up with her in the elevator.

Murray:And?

Mary:Well, she didn't say anything. But she did give me this look. You know how they say, "If looks could kill"?

Murray(Nods):Yeah, I guess she's still angry. What are you planning to do about it?

Mary:I don't know, and to be quite honest, I'm not all that sure I care, either.

Murray:Wow, that's not your usual attitude.

Mary:I know. And I hate myself for feeling this way, but I'm going to be married in two weeks! I've got more important things on my mind than Sue Ann's emotional state!

(Sue Ann enters)

Sue Ann(Angrily):Well gee, Mary, just because you're marrying him, you don't have to be so snippy about it!

Mary:Look, I'm sorry, Sue Ann. I'm not the one who has the problem here; you are. Lou and I are getting married. You're just going to have to accept that! You're welcome to come to the wedding, but only-and I mean only-if you plan to behave!

Sue Ann(Sarcastically):When you put it like that, it's hard to refuse. (Pause) But I will anyway. (Smiles at Mary, then walks off to studio)

Murray:Don't let her get to you, Mare.

Mary:I'm not. Sue Ann is the least of my problems.

Murray:Don't worry, Mary. Everything's going to work out fine.

(The phone rings)
Mary(Picks it up):Newsroom, Mary Richards speaking. (Pause) Oh, hi Rhoda. (Pause) What do you mean, you can't get here for my wedding?!

(Murray looks up from his paperwork in shock)
Mary(Covers phone):Rhoda can't get off work the weekend of the wedding! (Gets back on phone) Reschedule the wedding to this weekend?! Oh, Rhoda, I'm not sure-(Pause) Yes, of course I want you at my wedding! Let me talk to Lou and then get back to you. (Pause) OK, I'll call you back as soon as I can. Bye. (Hangs up)

i love your story! it's really good

Cliff-hanger! :thumbsup: