| A Flicker of a Candle
Written by Darren Rowe The Goodwin Residence, 23 Spencer Street Picking up the telephone receiver and holding it to her ear, Kate dials a number. “Hello James? Yes…hi…Kate Goodwin here. Look, I need your help. I need to file for divorce.” Kate pauses, listening to her lawyer on the other end of the line. “James,” Kate begins. “I understand that, but I want this divorce to go through ASAP. Six months? Well, is there any way…any way at all that we can fast track it? James, you don’t understand. I need you to fast track this divorce. You need too.” Pausing, Kate listens intently. “Thank you James,” she says as a smile creeps across her face. “You don’t know what this means to hear you say that.” – spencer street – The Hudson Residence, 21 Spencer Street As darkness creeps across the sky, the gentle glow of the street lights hover over Spencer Street and the bitter cold of the winter’s night sweeps in, Georgia stands inside the gloriously warm Hudson home. Standing at the living room window, she softly separates the curtains and looks out. As her warm breath blows against the glass immediately before her, crisp snowflakes fall from the heaves and begin to slowly coat the world outside. Calvin appears behind Georgia in the living room. Taking a few steps forward, Calvin slides his hands over Georgia’s hips before interlocking his fingers over Georgia’s stomach. Holding his wife around the waist, Calvin softly kisses Georgia on the neck. Smiling, Georgia rests her hands on Calvin’s. “I love you,” Calvin whispers in Georgia’s ear. “What was that for?” “Oh, just for being the most beautiful wife in the entire world.” Georgia smiles as she continues to look out of the window and watch the snow fall. “Its beautiful isn’t it.” “Hmm?” “The snow, it’s so beautiful. Very calming…refreshing.” Calvin rests his head on Georgia’s shoulder as he looks out at the steady white layer of snow that is building up across the Hudson front garden. Standing wrapped in Calvin’s warm and comforting embrace, Georgia seems to become entranced by the falling snowflakes. Standing in silence, Georgia’s mind begins to wander off into a distant realm as she ponders her mastectomy surgery scheduled for the following day. “What are you thinking about?” Calvin asks in a quiet manner. “Tomorrow,” Georgia replies as she leans her head back against Calvin’s well-toned chest. “I’m nervous Calvin, really nervous.” “Sweet heart you have nothing to be nervous about. It’s a fairly simple operation and you’re a tough bird.” Georgia smiles as a soft laugh slips from her mouth. “I just….I don’t know. I just want it to be gone with, to be gone once and for all.” “It will be soon. It’s a challenge, God’s sending you a challenge and I know that you’re going to overcome it. You will, I have complete faith that you’ll overcome this disease, darling.” “I know,” Georgia replies. “I know.” – spencer street – Somerset General Hospital – Ward 6, Somerset Swinging open the doors to the busy and bustling ward six, a quietly nervous Georgia enters followed closely by Miranda and Calvin. With every step she takes towards the clerical desk, Georgia’s heart surges. The immensely sickening feeling of nervousness overcomes her body and it becomes a battle to take each step towards the unknown. Approaching the clerical desk, Georgia glances around the ward. The sight of the young and healthy nurses rushing around the clean ward in their pristine white and dark blue uniforms makes Georgia’s fears and anxiety rise. The ward is so busy but yet so quiet. The sickening smell of extreme cleanliness seems to enhance Georgia’s senses. Every smell of something other than cleaning product makes her sick to the stomach. “Good morning ma’am,” the ward clerk says with a reassuring smile as she watches Georgia approach her followed by Miranda and Calvin. “Can I help you?” “Ah…yes,” Georgia begins in a soft tone. “I’m Georgia Hudson; I’m here for a mastectomy operation.” “Oh yes, Mrs Hudson. We’ve been expecting you. If you’ll just follow me I’ll show you to your room and we’ll help you get settled. I’m Jennifer Davis by the way, ward clerk.” Georgia looks back at Calvin. “It’ll be okay honey, we’re here for you every step of the way,” Calvin says as he rubs his hand up and down Georgia’s back. Georgia faintly smiles at Calvin before turning back to face the ward clerk. “Right, just follow me.” With a soft and silent sigh, Georgia, along with Miranda and Calvin, follows the clerk towards her room. Heading down a long corridor, Georgia looks gingerly into each room she passes. Women both young and old lay in their beds suffering in silence from the horrors of cancer. “Here we are,” Jennifer says as she swings open the door to room 23 before entering. “It’s no Taj Mahal but it does have all the commodities that you’ll need to make your stay here comfortable after your operation.” Georgia slowly enters the medium sized room. The room is nothing like she had expected. Its walls are brightly coloured and positive, uplifting phrases and sentences are written on the wall in an obvious bid to keep every one’s spirits up. There’s a large bouquet of fresh flowers over by the window on a small side table. The glass doors on the opposite side of the room open out onto a balcony which looks out across Somerset, the view takes Georgia’s breath away. “I’ll leave you all to get settled and I’ll come back later with some paper work.” Georgia turns and looks at Jennifer the ward clerk. “Thanks,” she says with a short smile, feeling slightly reassured that everything is going to work out. – spencer street – Register of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Somerset Sitting in silence at a large solid oak table in the viewing room of the register of births, deaths and marriages, Brock stares at a computer screen placed in front of him. The illuminating bright light from the screen shines onto Brock’s face as the mid-morning sun rises in the large window behind him. Quickly licking his lips, Brock sits forward in his chair and places the tips of his fingers on the keyboard. He thinks for a moment before typing Charlotte Beaumont into a small search box. Waiting patiently for the results, Brock quickly casts a look behind him. He was all-alone in the sprawling viewing room as the soft hum of the computers filled the air. Looking back at his computer, Brock scrolls down the computer screen with the mouse, reading through the search results. Birth – Charlotte Eve Beaumont Birth – Charlotte Anne Beaumont Birth – Charlotte Gillian Rose Beaumont Newton Suddenly stopping, Brock frowns. Death – Charlotte Beaumont Moving the mouse slightly, he clicks on the link. A new blank page appears on the computer screen and Brock waits to see what information awaits him. After a few short seconds, a full death report on Charlotte Beaumont appears. Resting his elbows on the table, Brock begins to read intently. Name: Charlotte Beaumont Date of Birth: April 6, 1971 Age: 31 Date of Death: July 7, 2002 Cause of Death: Motor Vehicle Accident Brock can’t believe what he’s reading. This has to be Charlotte, the Charlotte Beaumont that everyone says they’ve seen around Spencer Street. Enthralled in this latest information, Brock reads on. Case Notes: Victim was killed when the car, in which they were a passenger, careered into roadside barrier before later blowing up. Witnesses say a man, known as Harry J McLeod, was also involved in the accident but failed in his bid to rescue the deceased. Brock sat staring at the computer stunned. He can’t believe it, all this time Harry thought he had killed Cassie, when it was actually Charlotte involved in the fatal car crash. Covering his mouth with his hand, Brock sighs deeply. [Flashback] Brock looks at Harry. He could clearly see how hard it was for Harry to relive that tragic night, how emotional and distraught it made him. Brock had a burning question; one that he knew might anger Harry. But he had to ask it, he just had to. “How do you know it was Cassie and not Charlotte?” The soft sound of Harry’s exhaling breath hung around him as he wiped another tear from his face. Lifting his head, Harry looks at Brock. Slowly, a frown creeps along his face. “What do you mean?” “I mean, you said yourself they were identical twins…” “It was Cassie, Brock. I know it was. Cassie has a small birthmark on her arm, something Charlotte doesn’t have,” Harry replies with a soft tone of anger in his voice. “I know it was Cassie I killed, I just know it.” ~~~~~~~~~~ Brock stands watching Charlotte as she walks over and takes a seat at a vacant table. With the photograph of Cassie and Harry in his back pocket, Brock wonders if he should approach her or not. As he begins to walk towards Charlotte, Brock quickly glances back at Amy. Noticing she’s talking on her cell phone, Brock looks back at Charlotte. “Excuse me,” Brock says as he approaches the psychotic woman. “Charlotte Beaumont?” “Yes?” Charlotte says a little hesitant as she turns and looks at the strapping detective. Looking into his deep hazel eyes, Charlotte’s heart skips a beat. “Hi ma’am, I’m Brock Cooper, do you mind if we have a chat?” Charlotte looks at Brock, a little unsure of what to make of this stranger. “Um…sure, okay. Please, take a seat.” As Brock makes his way around to the other side of Charlotte’s table, he notices a small birthmark near her elbow. ~~~~~~~~~~ “Um…I’m sorry, I have no recollection of that photograph,” Charlotte says hurriedly as she reaches across the seat next to her and grabs her purse. Brock watches on intently as a frazzled and scared Charlotte quickly collects her belongings together and rises from the table. “I’m sorry,” she says as she slides on a pair on sunglasses. “I really have to go. Excuse me.” [End Flashback] “Oh my God,” Brock whispers under his breath mortified. “Cassie’s the one alive…and she’s the one who killed Raul!” Jumping up from his seat, Brock grabs his coat – which is resting on the back of his chair – and races out of the viewing room. “I have to warn Harry and Emma.” – spencer street – Charlotte’s Apartment, Somerset Springs Apartment Block Frantically stripping her clothes out of the small cupboard, Charlotte throws them onto her neatly laid out bed. Panting heavily, Charlotte’s heart races as she realises Brock is very close to stumbling upon the truth. Throwing the last of her clothes onto her bed, Charlotte quickly turns and begins stuffing her belongings into a small bag. “They can’t get me,” Charlotte hisses to herself. “They can’t know that I’m not who they think I am.” – spencer street – Ward 6 – Room 23, Somerset General Hospital Lying in her uncomfortable hospital bed, Georgia sighs as she stares up at the ceiling. The motivational messages that are painted on the walls are also painted on the colourful ceiling. “What a load of rubbish,” Georgia whispers as she notices Miranda and Calvin appear in the doorway of her room. “Hey.” “Hi,” Miranda says with a smile as she rushes up to Georgia’s bedside, leaning down and kissing her mother on the cheek. “These are for you.” “Oh,” Georgia says as she looks at the large bouquet of flowers in Miranda’s arms. “They’re stunning, thank you darling.” “Dad brought them, but that’s just between us two,” Miranda says with a wink. Georgia laughs. “How’s my beautiful wife?” Calvin asks as he appears behind Miranda. “Gee darling, that hospital gown is pretty stunning. You might have to bring it home with you, if you know what I mean.” “Oh dad,” Miranda interrupts with a tone of disgust. “Keep it in your pants.” “Miranda,” Georgia says as she looks at her daughter with an embarrassed smile on her face. “That’s not what your father meant…is it?” Calvin looks at Georgia as a devilish smile stretches across his face. “No…of course not.” As Miranda walks around to the other side of Georgia’s bed to place the bouquet of flowers on her bedside table, Calvin leans down and gently kisses his wife on the lips. “You feeling okay?” “A little nervous but nothing too major,” Georgia replies as she shuffles in her bed, wincing in pain as she accidentally knocks her breast. “Mom,” Miranda says hearing her mother’s gasp, “are you okay?” “Y…yes darling, I’m fine.” “You sure?” Georgia nods. “Yeah. Oh Calvin, could you race down to the gift shop and buy a birthday card, I forgot to get one for Millie.” “Georgia we don’t…” “Yes,” Georgia insists. “It’s best you get one now so I can sign it before my operation.” Calvin nods slightly with a soft sigh. It was still two weeks before their granddaughter’s birthday but Calvin understood what Georgia meant. She wanted him to but a card now so she could sign it in case she didn’t survive the operation. “I’ll be back in a tick.” Waiting until Calvin has left the room; Miranda quickly walks back around to the right side of Georgia’s bed and takes a seat. Reaching out, she takes her mother’s hand in her’s. “I’m scared mom,” she says as she looks down at Georgia’s turquoise blue bed sheets. “I’m scared of what might happen to you.” “Hey,” Georgia says as she reaches across and slowly raises Miranda’s head with the tip of her index finger. “I am not going anywhere, do you understand. I am not leaving you today or anytime soon.” “I know,” Miranda replies as painful tears begin to swell in her eyes. “I just…I just have this horrible feeling that…” “Darling, nothing is going to happen to me.” Miranda quickly wipes the tears from her eyes. “Oh, um…I got hold of Alex and Sarah. They both said they send their love.” “Oh, that’s lovely.” “Yeah and um…Sarah said she’s got a couple of weeks off in July and August so she’s going to see if she can make it down to see you. Of course that’s if…” “Miranda,” Georgia says she strokes her youngest daughter’s hand, “I don’t want you to worry about me and this operation. It is very straight forward and thousands of women have had it done before me.” “Yeah, but…” “Tell you what, when you and dad go home I want you to light a candle for me. I want you to watch that candle with such intent, such captivity that it gives you a strong sense that I’m here with you, and every time that candle flickers you’ll know in your heart that I’m thinking about you and as long as that candle is burning, I’ll be by your side. Do you understand?” Miranda slowly nods. “And you’ll see that that candle will burn brightly all night long and as soon as I’m out of surgery I’ll have the nurses call you so you know everything’s okay with me darling. Understood?” Miranda smiles. “Yeah, understood.” Georgia smiles. “Now give me a hug.” Miranda leans down and hugs Georgia tightly before kissing her on the cheek. “I love you mom.” “And I love you darling. I always will.” – spencer street – Delilah Café, Spencer Street Sitting alone at a small table in the far corner of the café, Nicole wipes a tear from her cheek as she sits thinking about Connor and her unborn baby. As doubt about an abortion races through her mind, Nicole sits oblivious to the fact that her grandmother, Grace, is approaching her. “Darling?” Grace says concerned as she approaches her distressed granddaughter. “Darling what’s wrong?” “Oh, Gran,” Nicole replies a little surprised as she quickly wipes the tears from her eyes. “I’m…yeah, I’m fine.” “Nicole, I can see that something is bothering you, something is seriously worrying you. What is it?” Nicole turns her head to the left and gazes out of the window. The setting sun shoots golden rays of light into the café, lighting the café and giving it an almost mystical feel. “I’ve stuffed up gran, I really have.” Slowly sitting in the seat opposite Nicole, Grace looks at her granddaughter gravely concerned. “Darling…what have you done that could be so terrible? So awful?” Nicole pauses. How could she turn and face her grandmother knowing that what she was about to tell her could possibly tear her apart. Taking a deep breath, Nicole turns and looks at Grace. “I’m pregnant, gran.” Grace pauses. “I know.” “What?” Nicole says a little perplexed as to how her grandmother could possibly know that she was pregnant to Connor. “I saw the pregnancy test in the bin in your room, darling. I’ve known for a couple of weeks. As long as you have, I’d say.” Nicole breathes a sigh of relief. “Oh gran,” she begins, choking up with tears. “It’s terrible, I…I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if what I’m doing is the right thing…I…I just don’t know.” “Okay, slow down. You’re working yourself into a state, Nicole. Now tell me, what is so wrong?” “The baby, it…it’s got a fifty percent chance of being…of being born with…” Nicole breaks down in tears. The salty tears stream down her face as the roar pain of the horrible situation suddenly crashes down upon her. “Shh,” Grace says as she softly strokes Nicole’s hand. “Take some deep breaths, try and calm yourself down. Please darling.” Slowly, Nicole manages to slow her tears as her breathing begins to return to its normal pace. She looks into Grace’s eyes. “My baby…it could be born retarded…or deformed…or with spina bifida and things like that.” “Oh my,” Grace says as she covers her mouth, shocked at just how serious of a situation Nicole is in. “Oh darling, that’s terrible. But it’s only a chance, there’s always a chance that…” “No gran,” Nicole interrupts. “With my bloody luck it’s going to be born with something wrong with it.” “Nicole you can’t talk like this, you can’t keep coming down on yourself so harshly. Darling, negative thoughts produce negative outcomes and if this child is anything like its mother it is going to be a fighter, and my dear, that is something to be very hopeful for.” “No gran, I needn’t worry.” Grace pauses, wondering just exactly what Nicole is referring too. “I beg you pardon?” “I’m not keeping it gran; I’m going to have an abortion.” Slowly, Grace removes her hand from resting on top of Nicole’s as she frowns at her granddaughter, shocked at her weakness in the face of this horrible situation. “Gran?” “I…I’m sorry darling,” Grace says as she shifts in her seat. “But I can’t support you terminating this pregnancy, I sorry but I just can’t.” “What?” “I can not support you killing your child when there’s a chance that it is perfectly healthy.” “But gran,” Nicole protests, “what if its not?” “And what if it is? You would have killed an innocent person. An innocent living human being. I am sorry darling, but what you’re asking me to do is support something that goes against my personal and religious beliefs. And that is something I simply can not do.” Nicole sits in silence, slightly taken aback by Grace’s frankness. Staring at her grandmother, Nicole’s mind begins to ponder deeply what Grace has just said. You would have killed an innocent person. “Nicole,” Grace interrupts as she looks at her granddaughter. “This child is a product of love, a love that you and Luke have…” “No,” Nicole interrupts as she sniffs back her emotions. Grace frowns slightly as she looks into Nicole’s eyes. “Luke’s not the father.” “Oh,” Grace replies a little surprised at what Nicole has just told her. “Well if you don’t mind me asking, darling, who is the father?” Nicole pauses as she stares at Grace. “It’s Connor, gran,” Nicole begins. “Connor Fairchild.” – spencer street – Miller Incorporated – Jack’s Office, Somerset Sitting at his desk, Jack stares out of the large window to his left. Watching on as the golden sun slowly begins to set on the horizon, Jack’s mind races with thoughts of Chloe and Shaznay. With the long orange and yellow rays of sunlight streaking across the sky, they seem to reach for miles, as if they’re straining just enough to caress Jack’s face. Turning his attention away from the window, Jack sits staring at his computer screen. To: Cc: Subject: Message: Resting the tips of his fingers upon the black keyboard, Jack softly sighs. Beginning to type, the soft tapping of the keyboard slowly fills Jack’s silent office. To: cgoodwin@intermodel.com Cc: Subject: Time to talk Message: Dear Chloe, How are things over in Milan? I bet that you’re having a wonderful time and loving every moment of your new jet setter lifestyle. I’ve been thinking a lot about you…us while you’ve been away. I don’t want this to sound completely contrived but I understand that coming from an email it probably already does. Chloe, I think its time that we put our relationship behind us. I’ve done a lot of thinking and I truly believe that it’s in both of our best interests. You’re over in Italy and I’m here in Somerset. You know as well as I do that long distant relationships don’t work and I’m just sorry that it had to end this way. I will always love you Chloe, but not in the way that you want me too. I am truly sorry. All my love, Jack – spencer street – Harry & Emma’s, 18 Spencer Street Racing up the small pathway that cuts through Harry and Emma’s stunning front garden, Brock breaths heavily as he bangs violently on the front door. “Harry,” the friendly detective yells as he thumps the door once again. “Harry open up! Harry its Brock, come on, open up!” Swinging open the oak front door, Harry looks at Brock a little startled at the detective’s urgency. “Brock, mate, what is it?” “Harry,” Brock pants. “You’re in danger, mate. You were wrong about Cassie.” A front cements itself on Harry’s face as he looks at Brock. “What? What are you talking about?” “Cassie wasn’t the one killed in that car crash, it was Charlotte. Cassie’s still alive and she’s here…in Somerset!” “What! Brock I don’t know what you’ve been smoking but it’s not good for you. Cassie was killed in the car accident, I was with her. I know it was her.” Brock stares at Harry. “I’m serious mate. Cassie’s alive and both you and Emma are grave danger.” Harry stares at Brock as a feeling on uncertainty overcomes him. Looking deep into Brock’s eyes, Harry realises that Brock’s being serious. – spencer street – The O’Connell Residence, 22 Spencer Street Sitting peacefully on the lounge suite in the living room engrossed in the latest episode of CSI, Ronan shuffles in the his seat, trying to find a comfortable position. “Sweetheart,” April calls out as she enters the living room carrying one of Ronan’s folders from his home office. “What’s this?” Ronan turns his head towards April as his eyes stay glued to the television set. “Hmm?” Finally Ronan looks at April. The sight of her holding his financial folder sends his blood cold. “Um…that’s nothing,” he says jumping up from the lounge suite as he rips the folder from April’s hands. “Ronan,” April begins a little astounded at her husband’s sudden actions. “What’s wrong? What’s going on with you?” “Me? What about you? Why would you go snooping through my office? Don’t you trust me or something?” “Ronan I wasn’t snooping. I was cleaning.” “Oh yeah,” Ronan scoffs. “And let me guess, the folder just happened to fall open so you just happened to find yourself reading it, right?” “Ronan…” “Well now you know April. We’re bankrupt. O’Connell Financial is going under, you happy?” April stands frozen. She is completely shell shocked at Ronan’s sudden outburst. “Bankrupt? Ronan I didn’t read the file. I was going to tell you that I knocked it off your desk and I didn’t know if the papers were out of order. But, obviously we’ve got bigger problems.” Ronan sighs angrily as he wipes his face with his hand. – spencer street – The Hudson Residence, 21 Spencer Street “What’s this?” Calvin asks his daughter, Miranda, curiously as he enters the darkened living room carrying two mugs of coffee. “A candle,” Miranda replies as she sits gazing at the orange flame. “Mom told me to light one and said that every time it flickered she was thinking of me.” “How many times so far?” Calvin asks as he takes a seat next to his daughter on the lounge suite and hands her a mug of coffee. “Six,” Miranda says with a smile. “But I’m sure half of them are for you too.” “Your mom’s a strong lady, Miranda, she’ll get through this.” “Yeah,” Miranda replies as she raises the mug to her lips and takes a sip of the freshly brewed coffee. As father and daughter take a sip from their mugs of coffee, a silence feels the room. Cupping his mug in his firm, strong grasp, Calvin watches his daughter. “What?” Miranda asks as she turns and looks at her father having noticed him looking at her. “I was just thinking how grown up and mature you are now. My little girl’s all grown up.” “Dad,” Miranda begins blushing. “No, hear me out. I’m very proud of the young woman you’ve become, Miranda. You’re strong, independent and when see something you want, you set out to get it.” “Yeah well that’s not always a good quality.” “Of course it is,” Calvin says. “Just look at you and Cain. I had my doubts about him but…” “Dad,” Miranda interrupts. “Cain and I are over.” “Oh,” Calvin replies a little surprised. “And when was this decided?” “Today.” “And?” “No,” Miranda says as she looks down at her coffee. “He doesn’t know yet.” “Well Miranda I really think…” “Dad I can’t. You don’t know what I did. It’s going to kill him.” Leaning forward, Calvin places his coffee down on the coffee table before him. Resting back in the comfortable lounge suite, he strokes a blonde lock of hair from Miranda’s face. “What’d you do?” “I don’t want too…” “Miranda.” Miranda slowly turns and looks into Calvin’s eyes. “I cheated on him dad. I cheated on him with Luke.” “Luke?” Calvin asks a little pleased. “He’s a good man, you could’ve done worse.” “Dad!” “Well honey, I prefer Luke over Cain.” Miranda smiles. “I love you dad,” she says as she kisses her father on the cheek. “I love you too honey.” Resting her head against Calvin’s chest, Miranda resumes watching the candle. The glowing orange flame flickers slightly. “Seven,” Calvin says with a smile. “Yeah,” Miranda says as she looks up into her dad’s eyes. “Mom’s going to get through this, I just know it.” As she turns back to face the candle, Miranda’s eyes suddenly open wide and the mug of coffee slips from her grasp. “Oh my God,” she screams as she watches the flame on the candle quickly blow out. “Dad…the candle.” Turning his attention to the blown out candle, Calvin’s heart sinks. “Oh my God, Georgia!” – spencer street – Operating Room 17, Somerset General Hospital Meanwhile in Operating Room 17, the medical staff works to remove Georgia’s cancer stricken breast. As the head surgeon works quietly the sudden blaring sound of the heart monitor begins blaring at the medical team. “She’s crashing!” a nurse yells at the head surgeon in a frantic panic. As the medical team races to save Georgia’s life, the heart monitor suddenly flat lines. |