| Welcome to the Neighbourhood
Written by Darren Rowe Somerset Memorial Gardens, Somerset The warm, summer sun stretched it’s long, golden rays of light across the deep ocean blue sky as a gentle breeze danced through the air, gently caressing the face of Ronan O’Connell. Standing under a champagne white rose covered archway, a suave looking Ronan looked out across the sea of guests sitting in the picturesque parklands of Somerset’s Memorial Gardens. Turning around to face the minister, Ronan swallowed. He’d never been this nervous before. Taking a deep breath, he felt the palms of his hands become sweaty. Looking to his right, Ronan looked at Brock. Brock looked across at Ronan and smiled. An uneasy Ronan stared at Brock as a small smile crept along his face. Closing his eyes, Ronan wiped his hands up and down his charcoal black pants. The heat of the summer’s sun beat down on the gathered guests and groomsmen as they awaited April’s arrival. Ronan took another, nervous breath. – spencer street – Sitting in the car on the way to her wedding, April gazed out of the window. She’d been here before; she’d done all this before. As she watched car after car whiz past them she sighed. “I…I love you,” David gasped as the final, painful bite of Leukaemia hit him like a tone of bricks. It was getting harder to breath now as the pain became more intense. “I love you April.” April sat looking at her husband. He was only a mere shadow of the man she had fallen in love with a year ago. David had lost so much weight. His body was so weak and as April sat holding her beloved’s hand, she closed her eyes as a lonely tear slowly slipped from her eye and rolled down her round cheek. As it swelled at the bottom of her chin she opened her eyes, hoping all of David’s pain and suffering would be gone. “I love you too,” she mumbled as she slowly lent over and gently kissed him on last time on his lips. Slowly moving back, April looked into David’s eyes. A numb feeling suddenly washed over April’s body. David looked so calm, so peaceful, so rested. She’d never seen him this peaceful. April held David’s hand tight. “David?” Looking for some sign, some small breath, a flicker of his eyes, anything, tear’s began to flow more freely down April’s cheeks. “David?” She frantically whispered as the feeling of numbness soon turned to despair. “Sweetie,” Karl said as he took his daughter’s hand. “Sweetie we’re here.” April quickly wiped a tear from her face with her free hand as she snapped out of her daydream. Turning, she looked at her father and smiled. The limousine seemed much smaller now as April once again looked out the window. This time what she saw took her breath away. 200 guests sat waiting in the scenic gardens. Waiting for that exact when April walked down the aisle. Turning away from the window, April looked at her bridesmaids. “Let’s do this,” April beamed as the driver opened the car door. As Amy, Emma and Kate filed gracefully out of the car, Karl looked at his daughter. “Your mother and I are so proud,” he enthused as he held her hand and looked into her dazzling hazel coloured eyes. “You and Ronan are…well you’re both made for each other and I have never been more proud of you. You two are soul mates.” A tear swelled in the corner of April’s eye as she sat and listened to her father’s heart-warming words. April smiled as she leaned in and kissed her father. His cheek was so soft having been freshly shaven. April took a deep breath, “Here we go.” – spencer street – Sitting, waiting for April to walk down the aisle, Louise Hilton looked across the sea of guests. Overcome with joy for April and Ronan, she suddenly stopped when she spotted Stuart Goodwin. 25 years ago he had been her man, the one he brought home red roses to and the one she made passionate love to, but 25 years is a long time and he’d since moved on. As Stuart began to stir in his seat, Louise quickly looked away. Straightening out the small folds in her pale satin blue dress, Louise tried desperately to keep her attention away from Stuart. She was suddenly filled with a feeling of anxiety, he was looking at her – she could tell. Louise took a deep breath before raising her head, turning to look at Stuart she smiled when she caught his eye. Stuart sat mesmerised at Louise’s radiant beauty. Her short, summery dress matched with her sparkling accessories made her look like a million dollars. Stuart smiled as Louise looked over at him. For so long now Stuart had been wondering what would’ve happened is he hadn’t married Kate? What would’ve happened if he and Louise had stayed together? Stuart sat transfixed. Louise was surprised, never before had she just sat and gazed into Stuart’s eyes, the window to his soul. Raising her hand to wave at him, Louise quickly snapped it back down by her side when the soft tunes of the bridal waltz began. Turning her attention back to the front of the garden, Louise couldn’t believe what had just happened. She’d just shared a moment with the man she’s loved for over 25 years. Glancing over at Stuart again, Louise looked away when she noticed he had switched his attention to the wedding. – spencer street – Standing at the top of the altar, April stood nervously as she watched Amy, Emma and Kate slowly walk towards the priest and the groomsmen. Holding onto her father’s hand for dear life, April looked at her dad. “I can’t,” April uttered as she let go of her father’s hand. Surprised, Karl looked at his daughter. “What?” “I can’t do it dad, I can’t marry again. After David, I can’t do it all again.” “Honey,” Karl said as he looked through his daughter’s veil and into her eyes. “Ronan loves you…with all his heart and what happened with David, well that was a tragedy. But you’re young and David would’ve wanted you to move on with your life.” April stared at her father. For the first time in 35 years, Karl had laid down his sword as a father and been there as a friend, a mentor for his daughter. April was surprised. Smiling, she took her father’s hand. “Does this mean we can begin?” “Yes,” April replied with a radiating smile. “I’m going to walk down this aisle and marry Ronan.” As the bridal waltz tune grew in volume, everyone rose from their seats and turned to face the beautiful bride and her father. April held onto Karl’s hand as they began the long walk down the rose petal covered aisle. Walking slowly past friends and family, April smiled. This was her day; one she thought would never come again after David’s death. Looking to her left, April smiled as the guests watched her walk by. “Thank you.” “For what?” Karl whispered to his daughter as they were slowly drawn closer and closer to the front of the gardens. “For this, for everything. I really appreciate it dad.” Karl smiled. “I love you dad.” “I love you too April.” Stopping just short of Ronan, Karl turned to his daughter. Carefully lifting her veil, he smiled. “You look beautiful.” April smiled. The gathered guests took their seats as a calm silence fell over the crowd. April let go of her father’s hand. Ronan smiled as his bride. Taking her right hand in his, Ronan guided April to her position in front of the minister. “You look absolutely stunning,” Ronan whispered. “You haven’t scrubbed up to badly yourself.” The minister cleared his throat as he took his position in front of Ronan and April. Karl quietly took his place next to his wife in the front row as he watched April and Ronan declare their love for each other. “Family and friends,” the minister began as he looked out over the gathered guests. “We are gathered here today, in this magnificent garden, to celebrate the joining of Ronan O’Connell and April Fairchild in holy matrimony, a sacred bond blessed by God and witnessed by you both.” Watching on as April and Ronan stood before the minister; Georgia Hudson smiled as she held Calvin’s hand. “Today, Ronan and April wish to share their feelings and emotions with all of you as you witness the beginning of a new life for them both. Today Ronan and April will join not only hands, but lives also. Like a garden, Ronan and April’s love will only continue to grow and become more beautiful.” Ronan looked across at April. She was so calm, so relaxed listening to the minister talk. Ronan smiled as he turned back to face the minister. “Ronan and April’s marriage will face many triumphs and challenges in times ahead, but with God’s blessing, their marriage will become stronger and more beautiful because of such challenges. Both Ronan and April have the support of their family and friends as they enter this sacred convent.” From her position next to April as a bridesmaid, Amy looked across at Ronan’s groomsmen and smiled at her fiancée, Brock. Brock, noticing Amy smiling at him, blew his beloved a kiss. Amy couldn’t wipe the smile of her face. Turning back to watch April and Ronan wed, she continued to smile. “If any of you gathered here today can show just cause why Ronan and April should not be wed, may you speak now or forever hold your peace,” the minister calls. The guests continue to sit in silence. Shaznay Hilton wipes a tear from the corner of her eye as she watches Ronan and April marry. “Ronan and April have decided to write their own vows, something which they will share with us now.” Ronan turns and takes both of April’s hands in his. Looking into her stunningly beautiful eyes, he smiles. “April, from the moment we met I knew you were something special. Your grace and your manner are an inspiration to me.” As April looks into Ronan’s eyes and hears what he’s saying, a small tear swells in the corner of her eye. “You are a kind, caring, loving and compassionate woman who is the most gorgeous creature I have ever met. I love you April and I always have. You have shown me the true beauty of life and for that I thank you. April Fairchild, you are my heart, my soul. You are my inspiration and my guardian angel. You are my guiding light, my soul mate – and for that I thank you. Today as I declare my love for you, I want you to know that you will be in my heart always and forever. From this day forth I pledge my life to you. I love you April Fairchild – for now and forever.” Ronan smiles at his gorgeous bride. April looks at Ronan and takes a deep breath. “Ronan,” she begins. “Today we begin a journey together - a journey into unchartered territory, a journey into each other’s hearts. From today on, our lives become joined as one and my future and your future, becomes our future.” Chloe Goodwin looks at her mother, Kate, and smiles. Watching her mother as matron of honour for April reminds Chloe of New Year’s Eve three years ago when her parents renewed their wedding vows in front of friends and family in this very garden. “My love for you is forever ongoing. I have loved you since I first met you and I will love you until the day I die. Today as I declare my love for you, I want you to know that you will be in my heart always and forever. From this day forth I pledge my life to you. I love you April Fairchild – for now and forever.” “Ronan and April,” the minister begins as April and Ronan turn back to face him. “I ask of you now in the presence of God and those gathered to declare your intent. Ronan, do you take this woman to be your wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all other’s, be faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?” Ronan smiles. “I do.” “And April, do you take this man to be your wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him for as long as you both shall live?” “I do.” Margot and Grace watch on, remembering their own weddings. The minister looks at Brock, Ronan’s best man. “The rings please.” Brock, drawing the rings from a pocket in his black, Gucci jacket, gently places them both onto a bible that the minister is holding. “Bless, O Lord, these rings, a sign of the vows of which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other.” The minister looks at Ronan and smiles. “Place this ring on her finger.” Ronan picks up a ring off of the bible. Gently holding April’s hand, he begins to slide the ring onto her finger. “In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love with this ring, I thee wed.” April is overcome with joy. Picking up Ronan’s ring from the bible, she gently holds Brock’s hand as she begins to slide the ring onto his finger. “In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love with this ring, I thee wed.” The minister smiles. “Now that Ronan and April have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and exchanging of rings, I pronounce them husband and wife. Ronan you may kiss your bride. Go in peace and love. May God’s grace keep and protect you all the days of your life.” Smiling, Ronan and April slowly move in towards each other. Ronan leans in and gently kisses his new bride on her lips. The kiss, though soft and gentle, is passionate and loving. The gathered guests applaud the joining of April and Ronan as the couple continue to kiss. – spencer street – Suburban Taxi, Somewhere in Somerset Sitting in a small and cramped taxi, Nicole looked out of the window. It was good to be home again. She felt calm and safe. Watching all the landmarks she’d never forgotten go by, she smiled. As the taxi turned a corner, Nicole looked out the window and smiled. “Ah, the good ol’ Austral Hotel,” she quietly murmured to herself. “How good it is to be home.” As the taxi pulled into Spencer Street, Nicole continued to look out of the window at all the houses she seemed to have forgotten. Slowly, the taxi came to a stop. “Here we are miss, 21 Spencer Street,” the foreign taxi driver said as he looked out of the window at the fancy house. “Thank you,” Nicole replied as she opened the taxi door. Stepping out onto the footpath, Nicole looked around her old home as the taxi driver collected her luggage from the trunk. “Where would you like this?” “Ah, just leave it right there for now,” Nicole replied as she walked up the driveway. “What about my fare?” the taxi driver yelled. “Hold on a sec, give me two minutes.” The old, grumpy taxi driver moaned and mumbled something as he walked over and leaned against his cab. Nicole walked up to the front door of her parent’s house and rang the doorbell. Waiting for someone to answer, Nicole waited. “I do have other clients to pick up,” the taxi driver yelled out. “Oh I wish you’d just shut up,” Nicole hissed at herself. Figuring no one is home; Nicole walks back down the driveway. “Here,” Nicole snaps as she hands the taxi driver a $20 note. “Keep the change and use it to buy yourself some deodorant.” The taxi driver smirks as he gets into his taxi. “Hey missy, maybe we could go out for a bite to eat sometime?” “Um…I don’t think so,” Nicole replies, disgusted as she turns and begins walking over to her luggage. “What ever baby, you’re loss,” the driver calls out as he starts up his taxi and drives out of Spencer Street. Sitting on her luggage, Nicole looks up and down the quiet suburban street. Rising, she pulls out her cell phone. While dialling a number she takes her attention off of the street. “Nicole?” a male calls out. Looking up, Nicole’s face lights up. “Cain.” “Hey, when’d you get back?” Cain calls out as he jogs across the street and greets his half-sister with a big welcome home hug. “Oh about two minutes ago,” Nicole replies as she hugs Cain. “It’s so good to see you.” As they part, Cain looks at his sister. “You look good. Mum and Dad are going to be thrilled you’re back.” Nicole smiles. Noticing Luke Cooper coming out of the Austral Hotel, Nicole looks back at Cain. “Would you excuse me for a sec?” Cain smiles as he watches his sister run off, up to the northern end of the street to greet her boyfriend. – spencer street – The Ballroom, Somerset Country Club Sitting at a large, circular dinning table, Stuart smiles as he watches his daughter and wife dance. Noticing Stuart is all-alone, Louise begins to walk over to him. “Do you want a drink mum?” Shaznay calls out as she begins to head towards a waiter carrying a large tray full of champagne. “Not right now thanks love,” Louise replies. Shaznay notices her mother making her way over to Stuart Goodwin, Rising from her table, Shaznay begins to walk over to the waiter. “Hi,” Louise says as she approaches Stuart. “Hi.” “Do you mind?” Louise asks, placing her hand on the top of a vacant seat next to Stuart. “Oh no, by all means,” Stuart gushes, turning his attentions away from Chloe and Kate and onto Louise. “So,” Louise begins, searching for something to say to her ex-lover. “Beautiful ceremony wasn’t it.” “Oh yeah. One of the best I’ve ever been to, that’s for sure,” Stuart replies, picking up a full wine glass from in front of him. Putting the glass to his lips, Stuart takes a sip of the 1995 vintage red wine. Stuart and Louise sit in silence. “I saw you looking at me today,” Stuart says as he looks at Louise. “Oh,” Louise replies, looking down, trying to hide her embarrassment. “Well I say you looking at me too.” “I know you did, you looked stunning today. You still do.” Louise looks at Stuart. “Kate looked good too, don’t you think?” “Yeah, I’m one lucky guy.” Looking over at his wife, Stuart sighs. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing,” Stuart replies turning back to face Louise. “Oh come on Stuart, I know you. There’s something wrong.” “Well,” Stuart begins. “And I’m telling you this in the strictest of confidence Louise. Thing’s aren’t going so well between Kate and I.” “What?” “I mean, she’s becoming distant and with her hours at the hospital and mine, there’s just not enough time for romance anymore.” “Stuart,” Louise replies. “You were never good at romance.” “What?” Stuart replies with a laugh. “Oh honey, you know what I mean,” Louise says as she places her right hand on Stuart’s thigh. Stuart looks down at Louise’s hand sitting comfortably on his thigh. Raising his head, Stuart looks at Louise and smiles. – spencer street – The Austral Hotel, Spencer Street “I…I just can’t believe it,” Luke says as he kisses Nicole. Nicole passionately kisses Luke but it brings back memories of London. “Connor,” Nicole cries out as Connor begins seductively kissing Nicole’s neck. Moving down her body, Connor opens Nicole’s silk, blue blouse. Nicole suddenly pulls away from Luke. “What? What is it?” “Ah…nothing,” Nicole replies. “I guess I’m just still a bit jet lagged.” “Well,” Luke replies as he pulls Nicole close into him, “Brock and Amy are going to be out for hours. What say you and I head back to my place where I can give you your welcome home present?” Nicole looks into Luke’s eyes. Smiling she kisses him again. Slowly moving down Connor’s bare chest, Nicole continues to kiss his well-toned body. Unbuckling the belt holding up his dark blue jeans, Nicole slides down Connor’s trousers. – spencer street – The Ballroom, Somerset Country Club Gathering on the dance floor, all the single women at Ronan and April’s reception laugh and giggle as April stands on the balcony above them. “Ready,” April calls. “One…two…three.” With her back to the gathered women, April throws her bouquet behind her back. As the bouquet of gorgeous champagne and red coloured roses falls down to earth, the gathered women tussle and grab at the bouquet. April turns around and watches the women battles it out for the wedding bouquet. April smiles as someone finally catches it. Everyone applauds as Chloe Goodwin stands, holding the bouquet of flowers. “Congrats Chlo,” Shaznay says to her best friend. “Thanks,” Chloe replies. “What’s up with this Chlo you keep saying?” “Oh I thought it was time you got a new nickname,” Shaznay laughs as she loosely wraps her arm around Chloe’s shoulder as the two walk back to their table. “You already call me Goodles.” “Yeah, but Chlo sounds so much better. Almost like J-Lo, don’t you think?” Chloe looks at Shaznay and laughs. “I just caught April’s wedding bouquet and according to superstition that means I’m the next to be married. Now how many times has J-Hoe…I mean J-Lo been married?” Shaznay stops dead in her tracks. “I love J-Lo. Apologise.” Chloe looks at Shaznay and laughs. “Uh-uh.” “Chloe Jane Goodwin, apologise.” “Fine,” Chloe groans. “I’m sorry for calling Jennifer Lopez J-Hoe.” Shaznay looks at Chloe puzzled. “What you talking about girl?” “What?” “You trod on my foot, I wanted you to apologise for that. God knows J-Lo is a hoe.” Chloe and Shaznay laugh as they begin walking back to their table once again. – spencer street – The Cooper Residence, 20 Spencer Street Lying exhausted in Luke’s queen size bed after having just made passionate love, Nicole rolls over onto her stomach and kisses Luke. “What was that for?” “For just being you,” Nicole replies. “Oh, well then you’d better keep them kisses coming ‘cause I ain’t planning on changing any time soon.” Nicole giggles as she kisses Luke again. Lying naked on Connor’s bed after just having made the most passionate love of her life, Nicole looks into Connor’s eyes. “I love you,” Nicole says as she kisses Connor. “I love you too baby,” Connor replies as he tickles Nicole. Nicole lets out a giggle as the two toss and turn on Connor’s bed. “Nicole?” Luke asks. “Hello? Nicole? Come back to planet Earth.” “Huh? What?” Nicole replies. “You were daydreaming. About me I hope,” Luke teases. A guilty Nicole smiles. “Yeah, of course I was baby.” Snuggling into Luke, Nicole lies with her head resting on his naked chest. – spencer street – The Gardens, Somerset Country Club Walking out of the Country Club Foyer, April and Ronan walk hand in hand towards their car at the bottom of the stairs. “Congratulations,” Grace says as she throws confetti over the newlyweds. Beginning to walk down the stairs, April looks at Ronan and smiles as their friends and family line the edges of the stairs, throwing confetti over them. Arriving at the bottom of the stairs, Ronan opens April’s door. “Thank you sweetie.” Closing the door behind her, Ronan rushes around to the other side of the car. “Bye,” he calls. “Bye, Goodbye,” all of the guests call in their own time. Ronan smiles at the guests before hopping into the car. Watching the car start up, everyone waves as Ronan and April drive off to begin their honeymoon. As the rattle of the tin cans against the bitumen road fades into the distance, all the guests’ head back into the ballroom to continue the celebrations. “Stuart,” Kate calls as she watches her husband head inside. Stuart turns and looks at Kate. “I want to talk to you for a sec.” Stuart heads down the stairs and stands in front of his wife. Chloe, standing in the ballroom, watches her parents from the window. “What’s wrong?” Stuart asks as he looks at Kate. “I saw Stuart.” Stuart looks at Kate confused. “Saw what?” “I saw you and Louise flirting,” Kate yells. “Flirting?” Stuart scoffs. “We weren’t flirting, we were talking.” Kate laughs. “Talking? That’s why she hand her hand on your thigh.” “No she didn’t.” “You’re lying to me; I can’t believe you’re lying to me.” “Oh I’m not listening to this Kate,” Stuart yells as he turns and walks away from his wife. “I saw you Stuart with my own eyes and now you’re going to say you two were just talking! Do you think I’m stupid or something?” Stuart stops and turns. Looking at Kate he stands in silence. “Honey, I don’t think you’re stupid and I never said that.” Kate looks away as Stuart walks up to his wife. “Kate, you’ve got to believe me.” “But I know what she’s like Stuart and you two were together…” “25 years ago,” Stuart enthuses. “Kate, look at me.” Kate looks at her husband. “I love you, you’re the one I married and you’re the one I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. Now can we stop being silly and head back inside? I’m getting bitten by mosquitoes.” Kate smiles. “Fine.” Stuart kisses Kate before taking her hand. The two head back into the ballroom. Chloe, still watching from the ballroom window, turns away; a little scared at what she just witnessed. – spencer street – Taking a glass of champagne from a waiter, Margot drinks the whole thing in five seconds. “Thank you pet,” A drunken Margot says as he pats the waiter on the head. “Grace? Grace where are you?” Margot yells. “I think she’s still outside Gran,” Miranda says as she looks at her grandmother. “Gran are you drunk?” “Me? Oh Sugar, pet, honey dumpling, I’m not drunk…I’m just a bit tipsy,” Margot says as she begins to sway. “I’ll get you some help, okay.” Margot nods. As Miranda leaves to find her mother, Margot begins to tip toe out of the ballroom. – spencer street – “Grace,” Margot whispers as she walks through the gardens of the Country Club. “Grace are you out here.” “I can’t get no, satisfaction.” Margot stops in her tracks, peeking around a shrub, she notices a drunken Grace sitting on the edge of a fountain. “Grace, my buddy,” Margot yells as she runs towards Grace. “What are you doing here?” Grace asks Margot. “Shh…I’m drunk,” Margot replies as she stands in front of Grace. “Come, take a seat. Its fun, you get your bum wet. It’s kind of…refreshing.” Grace stumbles forward before sitting on the edge of the fountain with Grace. The two women join hands. “I can’t get no,” Grace begins to sing. “Satisfaction,” Margot continues. The two women look at each other before letting out a loud, boisterous laugh. As they both lean in and hug each other, Grace begins to fall backwards. Grabbing Margot, Grace let’s out a scream as the two elderly, drunken women fall into the water. Sitting in the water, the two saturated women look at each other and laugh. “You look like a drowned rat,” Grace says, pointing to Margot’s hair. “I don’t feel too good,” Margot replies. “Same here, get me dunk, I’m home,” Grace says as she looks at Margot. “Psst. Psst Margot.” Margot, with her head resting on the ledge of the fountain, is fast asleep. – spencer street – Sitting at the bar, Louise is enjoying a drink when Stuart takes a seat next to her. Louise looks at Stuart. “Couldn’t stand it in there any longer hey?” Stuart asks. “Nah,” Louise replies. “It’s much quieter down here and I’m not really a party person.” “Yeah,” Stuart replies. “Me either. Can I get you a drink?” Louise nods. “Two Vodka’s on the rocks thanks mate.” “Stu,” Louise begins looking at Stuart. “Do you ever think what might have been?” Stuart looks at Louise. “Between us?” “Yeah.” “Oh sure, all the time. In fact I was thinking it tonight when we were talking.” “Say,” Stuart begins. “Do you want to dance?” Louise looks at Stuart a bit unsettled. “Sure, why not.” “Great,” Stuart says as he helps Louise up off her barstool. As Louise begins to leave the bar, Stuart grabs her right arm and spins her around. Holding her waist, he slowly leans in and passionately kisses Louise. Looking for her mother, Shaznay walks into the bar and is stunned when she sees her mum kissing Stuart. |