Mason & Julia

FADE IN:

THE ORIENT EXPRESS - (DAY)

(JULIA AND MASON ARE HAVING DINNER TOGETHER)

JULIA

You know Mason, I have the feeling that we're slipping further and further apart for each day that goes, and I don't like it.

(MASON LOOKS AT HER LIKE HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT SHE'S TALKING ABOUT)

MASON

Well,my dear Julia, I can assure you that I don't love you any less than I did the day we got married, and when I swore to remain faithful and love you as long as we live.

JULIA

I know that you love me Mason, but I'm thinking about your work...it's taking up all your time.

MASON

Julia, you have to understand that being the District Attorney requires a lot of work, you can't get away from that, unless you're Keith Timmons of course.

JULIA

Don't remind me!

MASON

That's my point, dear. I want to make damn sure the District Attorney's office is kept free from corruption and every other form of misuse of power. And in my opinion there's only one we can reach that goal. And that's by having me as DA.

JULIA

I know that your intentions are good, but that doesn't change the fact that I feel you're neglecting me and Samantha...and the baby.

MASON

I'm not neglecting you, at least not intentionally.

JULIA

Maybe not intentionally, but you are. What I mean is that I'm going to need my husband more than ever now during the pregnancy. I need you to show me that you really care, Mason.

(MASON STUDIES JULIA SERIOUSLY)

MASON

This baby means more to me than anything else in this world.

JULIA

I know that Mason. What I mean is that you can't let work take all your time. You need to reserve as much time as possible for your family.

MASON

I know that we have had our problems, but I'm more determined than ever to make this marriage work. And I'm certainly not going to abandon my wife during her pregnancy. That you can count on!

(JULIA SMILES AT MASON)

JULIA

I'm counting on it allright!

MASON

Julia, if there's something that's troubling you, you can talk to me about it, you know that, don't you?

JULIA

It's nothing of importance. It can wait to some other time.

(THE EXPRESSION ON MASON'S FACE SHOWS THAT HE'S CURIOUS)

MASON

No, tell me now. I'm curious what troubles my little wife might have.

JULIA

You really want to know what's bothering me? Fine, I'll tell you exactly what my problem is. As you might now, pregnancy has a tendency to make a woman look slightly... how should I put it... less attractive.

(MASON LOOKS A BIT SURPRISED)

MASON

So what you're really afraid of is that...

JULIA

(INTERRUPTING)

That you will find me unattractive, and turn to someone else for comfort. You got my point! Bravo, Mason.

MASON

How can you even think such a thing, Julia? I could never do something like that to you... damn it, I love you, for God's sake!

JULIA

And I love you too, Mason. It's just that I get insecure sometimes, and then I can't think straight. Of course you wouldn't cheat on me... you're too devoted to your family. Please forgive me for accusing you of such a horrible thing.

(MASON SMILES)

MASON

Of course I forgive you. I know that this pregnancy is difficult for you, and I promise you that you, Samantha and the baby will be main priority. Satisfied?

JULIA

Thanks Mason. You have now idea how much it means to hear you say that.