Helping Hand

[Mustang Mimi 04]

A Helping Hand

BY: JoRocks87FOL and Mustang Mimi 04

Copyright: 2001

STARRING:


Charlotte Rae as Mrs. Edna Garrett

Nancy McKeon as Jo Polniaczek

Mindy Cohn as Natalie Green

Lisa Whelchel as Blair Warner

Kim Fields as Tootie Ramsey

?????????? as Rob Jakes

------store---Over Our Heads------


*Store is open, three customers are present, two are together (mother daughter) and the other is a man approximately 21 years of age ragged clothing and very dirty. He is looking around, but doesn't seem very interested, he walks over to food counter and picks up a cookie-starts to nibble at it and continues to look around, Blair, Nat, and Jo are Behind the counter.*


Nat: This makes the third day he's been here! (Sounds kind of annoyed)

Jo: Who?

Blair: See that guy over there? (Gives disgusted look)

Jo: Yeah, so?

Nat: Well, he's been here for threes days now! Doesn't buy anything-just takes a cookie, eats, and leaves!

Jo: well, what's wrong with that?

Blair: the cookies are for CUSTOMERS! Customers' Jo,that means people who BUY things!

Jo: Blair, I know what customers' means! But maybe he isn't interested in the things we sell. Or maybe he's looking for something, but we're sold out! Or maybe he wants to buy something, but whenever he's ready to come over here, he sees you and gets scared so he leaves! (SMILES)

Blair: very funny Jo! Pauses and looks at him but look at him! He's- FILTHY!

Nat: (nods) maybe his water's been shut off! (Tries to lighten things up)

Jo: he's not - THAT- dirty!

Blair: (to Nat) she's right, we have to remember people like Eddie!

Jo: you better watch it Barbie Doll before I strangle you with Gumby's bendable arms (picks up a GIANT Gumby doll and plays with his arms, she was attempting to threaten Blair but didn't put much effort into it cause she really didn't care what she said about Eddie)

Nat: and Blair: (laugh)

Jo: (starts to giggle)

Man: (finishes cookie and leaves)

Nat: (looks at watch) Oh! I better go get ready, Snake is taking me out tonight! Blair, can I borrow your silver and pearl earrings?

Blair: Sure! Common, I'll go help you find them!

Blair and Nat: (leave)

Jo: (goes too help other customers at the register)


------Streets of Peekskill------


*Jo is walking down the street with a bag of groceries in her hand. Turns the corner. Only one block from the store. Jo is casually looking around as she is walking. She looks down an alley and sees the guy with the cookie from the store. She hides behind the wall and watches him. The guy grabs a torn up blanket and crawls under a VERY worn out card board box. He curls up and tries to sleep but it is obvious that he is very cold. Jo is in total shock and the look on her face shows how sad and shocked she is.*


------later that night---dinner table------


*All the girls are at the table except for Natalie who is out with Snake. They are all eating dinner*


Bev: so how were your day's girls?

Blair: Mine was wonderful (fluffs hair) as usual!

Tootie: my day was great! I went to audition for one of the main parts of Bye Bye Birdie. They are touring all over the state of New York and I think I have a good chance of getting the part!

Bev: well that's wonderful Tootie! I'm sure you'll get the part!

Tootie: Thanks, I hope so!

Bev: Me too! Pauses Jo, how was your day?

Jo: (kind of picking at her food only half paying attention) huh? Oh, yeah, it was fine.

Bev: are you sure you don't sound like your usual self.

Blair: yeah, you haven't said anything rude to me since, this afternoon, I think that's a new record!

Jo: yeah, Beverly Ann., can I be excused, I have a lot of homework to do.

Tootie: Jo, its Saturday!

Jo: oh, well, I have to study for an exam.

Bev: sure Jo, go ahead, are you sure you are feeling ok?

Jo: YEAH! I said I was FINE!


*Jo leaves*


Blair: I wonder why she's upset?

Bev: I don't know! (Thinks to self)


------next day---store---Over Our Heads------


*Blair and Jo are behind the counter again. (Tootie is at rehearsal) a customer is just leaving. Blair is putting away the money they just made. Jo is working on inventory and Nat is adjusting somethings that are on display by the counter. The guy walks into the store again.*


Nat: (walks over to counter and whispers to Blair and Jo) Here we go again!

Blair: yeah, but what can we do?

Nat and Blair go back to work. Jo walks over to the guy and hands him a piece of paper. She then walks away back over to the counter.

Blair: What were you doing over there? Did you tell him that we have the right to refuse service to anybody?

Jo: no Blair, I left that for you to do because the title of The Rudest (with saying that waves hand in the air as if picturing the words on a sign) should go to somebody who deserves it!

Nat: then what did you tell him?

Jo: I just asked him if he needed any help (lies)


*The guy opens up the folded piece of paper and it reads "MEET ME HERE AT MIDNIGHT" the guy turns to her, nods in thanks, grabs a cookie, and leaves.*


Blair: what was that all about?

Jo: what was what all about?

Nat: the nodding of the head!

Jo: Gee, I don't know Natalie, to some, it means thanks and have a nice day, to others it may mean stay away I am ARMED! What do you think!

Blair: well, when you first came to Eastland, I would have thought that to you it meant stay away, I'm armed. Now, it's a close call, but I'd say it means thanks and have a nice day.

Jo gives Blair a look like you'd better watch it!

Nat: But, the question now is, thanks for what?

Jo: it's a figure of speech Nat common!

Blair: sure it is Jo, we believe you don't we Nat? (Sarcastically)

Nat: of course we do Jo! (Sarcastically)

Jo: common you guys are acting really stupid!


*Jo looks really mad at walks out of shop and up stairs to bedroom*


Blair: we were just joking!

Nat: she probably just had a bad day.

Blair: yeah, you're right.


*Blair and Nat go back to work*


------five minutes to midnight that night---Blair and Jo's room------


*Lights are out, Blair is asleep and Jo appears to be asleep, but she opens her eyes and sits up in bed and looks at her watch that is glowing with the indiglow light. She gets up out of bed and takes off her bathroom to show that she is wearing her regular clothes underneath. She tries to sneak out of the room as quietly as possible, but Blair wakes up.*


Blair: Jo, where are you going?

Jo: ummm.....to the uh, go get some water. Yeah, I'm thirsty

Blair: why are you in your clothes? It's midnight!

Jo: oh, I guess I fell alseep in them, I'll change when I get back up!

Blair: ok, just dont make too much noise, I have got to get some sleep! I have a midterm tomorrow!

Jo: ok good night.


*Jo leaves bedroom and goes down stairs into the store and unlocks the front door to let the guy in.*


Guy: Hi, my name is Rob, Rob Jakes

Jo: hey I'm Jo Polniaczek.

Rob: uhmmm...why did you want me to meet here?

Jo: ummm, well, it's kinda a long story...see, we, well, my friends and I that work here, kept seeing you come into the store and just take a cookie and leave....

Rob: I am really sorry (you can tell he's kind of uncomfortable) I wont do it again. (starts to leave)

Jo grabs his arm before he can leave

Jo: It's ok, that's what the cookies are there for, but then, yesterday, I was walking down the street and I saw you in the alley- in a cardboard box!

Rob: oh-that. well, it's no big deal, I'm used to it!

Jo: listen, looks very sternly at him it is a big deal. I grew up in the Bronx and I knew a lot of well, homeless people, and I always, well, what I am trying to say is that I want to help you. I cant buy you a house, but I cant give you food and clothes and a shower, and a place to stay at night!

Rob: (excited) REALLY? (gets serious) you really don't have to do that for me, I am fine....

Jo:...no, Rob, no you're not. You can get sick and hurt out there! please, let me help you!

Rob: I don't know what to say Jo, this is great! Thank you so much!!

Jo: no problem, there are a few rules though. We have to keep it quiet here and we can only meet at night because the girls will kill me if they know that I am doing his!

Rob: sure what ever!

Jo: Great, well, I cant do anything tonight because I don't have anything ready, but wait here and I'll get you a sandwich and a drink. Ok?

Rob: Ok, and Thanks again!

Jo leaves to go make a sandwich and comes back not much later with a wrapped sandwich and a bottle of Coca-Cola.

Rob: thanks Jo this is GREAT!

Jo: anytime. I'll meet you here same time tomorrow?

Rob: you got it!

Jo: and feel free to stop by the store at anytime!

Rob: thanks Jo, this really means a lot to me!


*Jo smiles and leads him out. When he is gone, she locks the door and goes back upstairs and into bed*


------the next day---living room------


*Nat and Tootie are at the table working on paperwork/homework, blair is on couch reading a magazine, Beverly Ann is playing the piano, and Andy is sitting in the arm chair doing homework and listening to Walking Dead on walkman. Jo, comes out of the garage door with a blanket and pillow in her hand and starts to walk up the stairs.*


Tootie: Jo, what are you doing with that blanket and pillow?

Jo: oh... uh... these?

Tootie: yeah, those!

Jo: oh, well, uh... I think I am coming down with a cold and I want to keep warm tonight because it's supposed to be cold- and (holds up pillow) I think that I am getting a stiff neck!

Tootie: Right ok! (Kinda confused)

*Girls look at Jo all weird*

Jo: I'm just gonna be - upstairs!

Jo dashes up the stairs


------later that night---bedroom------


*Jo gets out of bed and throws a sweatshirt over her pajamas. She goes down stairs with the pillow and blanket. She also has a box with her. She lays the pillow and blanket out for a bed for Rob. Jo goes into the store and sees Rob outside the door. Jo opens the door and lets him in.*


Rob:boy, it's pretty nippy outside!

Jo:well-come in! I'll get you some coffee and something to eat. Here is a box of my old clothes, you can use them if you wnt. Something's gotta be better than that outfit you've been wearing for God knows how long! you can go upstairs and shower. be quick and quiet PLEASE!

Rob: thank you so much Jo!


*Rob goes to shower while Jo is making him something to eat. ~LATER~ Rob comes down the stairs looking incredibly different and MUCH cleaner!*


Rob:wow! these clothes feel great! who's did you say they were, your brothers?

Jo with an odd look on her face) no, they are mine. My wardrobe has changed a little since I got here!

Rob: well, i can't thank you enough.


*Rob finishes eating and then he goes over to the couch. Jo goes to wash the dishes. She comes back in.*


Jo: good night Rob. you can get about five hours rest. i'll come and wake you up at around five thirty to wake you up ok?

Rob: ok. sweet dreams Jo.


*Jo gives a weird sort of look like WOW! OK! WHAT NEXT I DONT BELIEVE HE JUST SAID THAT TO ME kinda look*


Jo:thanks, you too!


*Jo goes and turns light off and goes back up stairs. Rob watches her go all the way up the stairs and then when he cant see her anymore he falls back onto the couch and falls asleep shortly after*


------five thirty the next morning---girls bedroom------


*clock clicks to 5:30 and alarm goes off. Blair and Jo both jump.*


Blair: why in the world did you set the alarm for FIVE THIRTY IN THE MORNING!!!!!

Jo: sorry, I must have set it the wrong way!


*Jo pretends to fall asleep, but then gets back up. she looks exhausted. she starts walking toward the door.*


Blair: where are you going?

Jo: umm...to the bathroom.

Blair: the bathroom is the other way.

Jo h, right, i meant, i am going to get something to drink-i just get so thirsty i the middle of the night!

Blair suspicious) i guess. will you be quieter? i need my beuy rest...(goes on mubbling more about Jo)

Jo: (about to say how rest MIGHT make Blair beutiful,but is too tired to finish)

-------downstairs------


*Jo walks over to the couch, Rob is sound asleep*


Jo: wake up Rob!

Rob: (wakes up slowly) ahhh, i just had the best night's sleep i have had in a long time!


*Rob gets up, picks up the box of clothes Jo gave him. He thanks her a thousand times and leaves)*


------a few days later---breakfast table------


*Breakfast is on the table. Blair, Beverly Ann, Tootie, and Natalie are all downstairs getting ready for class-work in Nat's case- Jo is not there*


Tootie: (looks around) where's Jo?

Blair:upstairs, still getting ready. i'll hurry her up!


------upstairs------


*Jo is sitting on her bed with one shoe off and is attempting to tie the other, but she keeps yawning*


Blair: Jo! you have been tying your shoes for the last five minutes!

Jo:hmmmm.... what??

Blair: Jo, what has been going on lately? you're tired all the time, you've been falling asleep during meals, classes, forgetting things, and now this! Jo, are you ok?

Jo:i'm just so (yawns) tired! i'll be fine!

Blair: well, sleepy head! you'd better get moving! common, lets go get you some caffine, maybe that will wake you up!


------down stairs---breakfast table------

*Jo has her head resting in her hand. She is asleop.*


Nat:Boy, Jo must have had one rough night!

Blair: i don't know, she has been like this all week but wont tell me what's going on or anything! i don't know what's wrong!

Nat: Jo, wake up, you're gonna be late for class!

Jo: Oh My God! what time is it? ive gotta go!


*Jo takes a sip of coffee and runs out the door. A few seconds later, the door opens again and Jo walks in.*


Jo: (embarrassed look on her face) i forgot my books!


*Jo grabs her books and leaves*


------that afternoon---store---Over Our Heads------


*Jo is taking inventory very slowly. Blair is counting items around the store. Natalie is counting money behind the counter. Tootie is doing homework at the counter.*


Jo: ok, i count i counted 25 of these jars of candy.

Blair: hmmm... we should have 27.

Jo:well, i am tired, i may have missed a few. (takes a sip of coffee)

Blair:no, you counted the right- i counted them for you.

Jo: you precounted something? you don't trust me?!?!?!? what am I- THREE??

Blair: But you even just said....

Jo: Oh forget it! what happened to the other ones?

Nat finishes counting money and acts sort of stunned) i don't know, but we are missing $75 from the register.


*Everybody but Jo starts to talk all at once.they all start to act a little anxious. Jo goes off to the corner wondering if it could be Rob.*


Jo to herself) no, it couldn't be- he's too nice. (trying to convince herself that it isn't Rob)


------later that night aroung 11:55---girls bedroom------


*Jo sits up in bed. she is trying to be quiet so she doesn't wake Blair up, again. Jo walks slowly down stairs.*


------downstairs------


*Rob is at the door. Jo lets him in. they greet echother slightly and he goes upstairs to take a shower andJo goes to make his meal. the scene shows a few minutes later. Jo walks out of the kitchen with a tray of food for Rob. she goes into the living room. Rob isn't there. Jo puts the tray on the table figuring he is i the bathroom and starts to walk upstairs. she notices a light has been left on in the store so she stops and goes back to turn it off. as she walks into the store, she sees Rob with his hand in the register.*


Jo: What do you think you are doing? i let you in here, i give you a shower, a place to sleep, food, clothes, and what thanks do i get? you stealing behind my back!

Rob: i am sorry, but how long can you keep this up Jo? i can see you dragging yourself around. Face it- eventually im gonna get caught here and then what? i need something to keep myself alive!

Jo: I-I-I just think you need to leave. NOW!

Rob: i'm sorry.


*Rob leaves, but as he walks out the door, Blair walks in from the living room. there is only a dim light lit so she oesnt see Jo, but notices Rob leaving. she opens her mouth to scream but a hand covers it. Blair swings her elbow back and slams it as hard as she can into the person behind her. She turns aroung to find that it is Jo, who is now doubled over.*


Blair: Jo! what are you doing down here? and did you just see that guy leaving the store? i think he is the crook!

Jo: (having a difficult time breathing) yes, i saw him but i got rid of him, TRUST ME, he wont be back! Geez Blair, what were you trying to do, send my lung to Tahiti?

Blair: well, sorry, but you sneak up behind me, put your hand over my mouth, and you expect me not to react?

Jo:you were gonna scream and wake up the whole house!

Bev: too late!


*Jo and Blair turn around to see that Beverly Ann, Tootie, and Natalie are all standing there. Jo looks worried about what she is gonna say*


Blair:Jo caught the crook!


------------------
Tootie: Can we sing?
Jo: Sing?
Tootie: That's what I do when I'm scared what do you do?
Jo: Slap people


Blair: A Warner is like a delicate soufle
Jo: Yeah light and empty


Nat: I'd rather be a happy magic marker than a skinny pencil

[This message has been edited by Mustang Mimi 04 (edited 01-04-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Mustang Mimi 04 (edited 01-04-2001).]

[Mustang Mimi 04]

Sorry-this one's kinda long so it won't post as one- here is the rest.

Bev: you did? did you call the police? get a description? where is he?

Jo: um- he's gone.i didnt see him real well so i couldn't give a description so i cant call the police.

Blair: oh common Jo, you can do better than that! i only saw him for a second and i could have sworn he looked familiar, you had to have seen something!

Jo:i didnt alright? now leave me alone. let's all go back to sleep, it's late.

Bev: sounds good to me! unfortunatly, without seeing him there isn't much we can do.


------one week later---store---Over Our Heads------


*Jo is behind the counter and Blair walks in from outside carrying a box. Nat and tootie are working on the table.*


Blair: i found this package out side. (acts confused) it's addressed to Jo!

Jo: oh here, i'll take it!


*Jo opens the package and finds the two missing jars of candy and 75 dollars in cash.*


Jo: i dont believe it! it's everything that was taken. oh, and here's a note!


*the camera shows the note that is in Jo's hand and it reads: I APPOLOGIZE FOR WHAT I DID TO YOU> HERE IS EVERYTHING THAT I TOOK. PLEASE MEET ME BY MY CORNER AT FOUR O'CLOCK.*


Blair: what's it say?

Jo: only that he is sorry for what he did.


*Jo glances at her watch. it is 3:45*


Jo: oh, i gotta go, i'll be back in a while.

Blair: where are you go....... (Jo closes door behind her avoiding Blair's question).......ing?


*Jo walks down to the ally where Rob "lives"*


Rob: oh, i am glad you came. i wanted to say that i am very sorry for what i did. i have been trying to change my life around. i got a job! but i am having a hard time trying to find a place to live.

Jo still a bit uneasy after what he did) well, i could help you find a place, i acctually know where you can get a place where you can get four walls and a cieling for pretty cheap.

Rob: (smiles) Sounds great! shall we?


*Rob grabs Jo's arm and they walk off together arm in arm*

------------------
Tootie: Can we sing?
Jo: Sing?
Tootie: That's what I do when I'm scared what do you do?
Jo: Slap people


Blair: A Warner is like a delicate soufle
Jo: Yeah light and empty


Nat: I'd rather be a happy magic marker than a skinny pencil

[This message has been edited by Mustang Mimi 04 (edited 01-04-2001).]

[JoRocks87FOL]

what do you guys think of it? we spent a while typing this out between eachother and we want to know what you think.....any suggestions? please, nothing too negative, sugestions are fine, but please don't put us down ok?


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~*~*~*JoRocks87FOL~*~*~*
JRick:....and here's you in the delivery room with our first child little Ricky.
Jo: oh, how nice, a BOY!
Rick:no, acctually it's a girl, here name is Erica, but we call her Little Ricky!

Jinny: i think i am going to give up men
Magda: you, give up sex?
Jinny: i didn't say i was giving up sex, i just said i was giving up men! to tell you the truth i kinda like the idea of becoming intamate with something that comes with a money-back gaurentee!

[Fol_divison_rox_505]

it is reallly good! i think the ending is really sweet! keep up writing the fan fics!

------------------
Nat: Hello sailor!

Tootie: hot stuff coming through, and the pizza's are warm too!

Jinny: if you pinch my a$$ one more time, i'll kick your's

Jinny: i think i am going to give up men
Magda: you, give up sex?
Jinny: i didn't say i was giving up sex, i just said i was giving up men! to tell you the truth i kinda like the idea of becoming intamate with something that comes with a money-back gaurentee!

Blair: thunder thighs is hanging up her spikes...
Sue Ann: and you just gave me a great idea were to put them

It was really great! Write some more like this! (heck, just write some more! lol)

One thing, though. I loved how this was kinda long and it was COMPLETE! I'm going nuts with everyone starting fanfics, and then not finishing them. It's like starting a really good book, and losing it just when you get to the "who dunnit" part. I, personally, like them super long and complete. Keep up the great work!

- Mystery Jo Fan

~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*


Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

[lesliem14]

It was really good. I usually try to reply, but I was probably in a rush when I finished reading it. I was still home then so my parents were most likely telling me to stop tying up the phone line, but I really enjoyed it when I first read it.

[Abbey22]

I thought you did a great job with it! I also liked the fact that it was complete and I could read it in one sitting. Keep up the great work!

Abbey

[JoRocks87FOL]

thanks you guys we really appreciate it!


------------------
~*~*~*JoRocks87FOL~*~*~*
Rick:....and here's you in the delivery room with our first child little Ricky.
Jo: oh, how nice, a BOY!
Rick:no, acctually it's a girl, here name is Erica, but we call her Little Ricky!

Blair: i know a phony when i see one!
Jo: you should, you spend enough time in front of a mirror!

[Kari Ingrid]

It's a good story.

[MrsGarrettRocksMySocks]

It was great!! I kinda like them when they are drawn out so you get suspense, but it was still really good!!

------------------
*Blair:I just had another one of my brilliant ideas!
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my e-mail is charlotte_rae_fan@yahoo.com e-mail me!!
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I think that CHARLOTTE RAE is the BEST ACTRESS that EVER lived!!She is incredible!!SOMEDAY...I *WILL* meet HER!!
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Estelle:You're lucky I'm a lady, or I'd knock your teeth out!
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IM me using piggy2111 or The GGirls R Koo
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Tootie:WE ARE IN TROUBLLEEEEE!!!!
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Estelle:There's more to life than football, Jimmy!
Jimmy: Yea, but there's nothing more important!
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you have to admit, you CAN'T ARGUE WITH MRS.GARRETT!!