EXT. LIGHTHOUSE - DAY

Rocky drags Trista to the top of the lighthouse where the lantern is located and turns to her smiling.

Rocky: Here we are!

Trista hesitantly walks over the railing and looks over to the jagged rocks that lie below.

Trista: Dear God...

Rocky: You scared?

Trista: NO!

Rocky: You are. Trying to mask the fear, aren't you?

Trista: I said I was not scared, didn't I?

Rocky: (unsure) Ok...

Rocky pulls a blanket out of the basket and spreads it on the floor.

Rocky: (gesturing) Come on. Let's eat before the food gets cold.

Trista joins him on the ground and the two begin to take the food out the basket.

Trista: Rocky--

Rocky: Yes.

Trista: We need to talk, buddy.

Rocky: About...

Trista: Ms. Raines or should I say the soon to be Mrs. Cooper.

Rocky is unnerved by this statement.

Rocky: What is there to talk about?

Trista: A lot. You're burning hatred for that poor old woman.

Rocky: I don't hate her.

Trista: Liar.

Rocky: I just can't stand her. Her constant nagging for my approval and that voice -- that soft voice drives me insane.

Trista: (biting into her apple) Well you better learn to like her. Your dad is about to marry that woman.

Rocky: I beg to differ.

Trista: And that is suppose to mean?

Rocky: What I meant. My dad is not going to marry her. Not if I have anything to do with it.

Trista: Dear God...

Rocky: I thought we were here to spend time together. You know, friends hanging out.

Trista: We are, aren't we?

Rocky: Then no more talk about my dad and Lillian. (placing his hand on hers) Let's talk about us.

Trista: Us?

Rocky: (flirting) Yes. Us...

Trista tenses up and pulls her hand away.

Trista: I don't get what your insinuating.

Rocky: You do.

Trista nervously takes another bite of her apple.

Rocky: Trista -- I -- I --

Trista starts to unravel and sweat heavily.

Rocky: I want you to pass a sandwich.

Trista's jaw drops and Rocky burst into laughter.

Trista: You moron!

She tosses the sandwich at him.

Rocky: What did you think I was going to say? I love you or something?

Trista: I -- No.

Rocky: Umm hmm.

Trista: I did not think that, Rocky.

Rocky: Ok. But if you did--

Trista: I won't and never will.

Rocky: Never say never as I always say.

Trista: Well I am saying it. We could be no more than friends.

Rocky: And I could not have it any other way.

Rocky holds up his root beer and so does Trista.

Rocky: Cheers.

The two smile, cheering to their friendship.

INT. COURTROOM - DAY

Flashing cameras and mics crowd the doorway as Alan and Jeffrey (the DA) approach the courtroom. Dinah, with mic in her hand, reaches it out to Alan.

Dinah: Alan, would you like to make a statement about the charges you have filed against your son?

Alan: No I would not. And you of all people should know about shady business dealings.

Alan walks ahead leaving Dinah bewildered.

Dinah: (to the camera) Well Springfield, that is the devil himself.

The courtroom is filled with various citizens of Springfield. Alan and Jeffrey taking a seat on the plaintiff side. Alan Michael and Mel trail them shortly, followed by Ed, Rick, and Phillip. Phillip sits on Alan's side (even though he wants his brother free) and Ed & Rick on Alan Michael's side. Suddenly, Caroline (Hope) comes down the aisle and sits behind Alan.

Bailiff: (enters) ALL RISE!

Judge Maxine DuBois (played by renowned Judge Mablean Ephriam) enters.

Bailiff: This is case #754. The state of Illinois V. Spaulding.

Bailiff hands her the case file.

Judge DuBois: You may be seated.

Everyone sits down.

Judge DuBois: So we about Mr. Spaulding's charges for embezzlement.

Alan glances at Caroline who smiles back at him. Her smile breaks Alan down.

Jeffrey: Yes, ma'am we are.

Judge: Ok. Shall we begin with the defense?

Mel: Yes, your Honor.

Alan stands up gaining the room's attention.

Phillip: (whispering) Dad, what are you doing?

Alan: (to Phillip) Shut up, boy. (to Judge) Your Honor, I have a confession to make.

Judge: And what would that be Mr. Spaulding?

Alan: I -- I -- MY SON IS INNOCENT!

The room goes into an uproar at this statement. Rick utters "yes" in the background. Mel, amused by this revelation, shakes her head.

Alan Michael: (to Mel) What is he doing?

Mel: Telling the truth. I guess Ole' Caroline got through to him.

And on Alan Michael and Caroline sharing a glance,