| The Secret Lives of Us – Part 1
Written by Darren Rowe Ward 6 – Room 23, Somerset General Hospital Sitting at Georgia’s bedside, Miranda clutches hold of Georgia’s hand as she watches her sleeping mother intently. The insipid and bothersome constant beep of the heart monitor on the far side of Georgia’s bed grates against Miranda. Softly rubbing her thumb across the back of Georgia’s porcelain like hand, Miranda silently sighs. The terror and fear that paralysed her last night seemed to somehow remain in the back of her mind, constantly nagging and taunting her, playing on her vulnerability and emotions. Calvin appears in the doorway of Georgia’s dreary hospital room and watches on silently as his daughter sits almost entranced by Georgia’s vulnerability and weakness. Unfolding his arms, Calvin begins to walk towards Miranda. “How is she?” “Oh, dad, hi,” Miranda replies she glances over her right shoulder and slightly smiles at Calvin. “She’s um…she’s doing okay, I think.” “Well of course she is,” Calvin reassures Miranda as he stands behind her and rests his large, strong hands on her shoulders. “Your mom’s a fighter, this is just a mere obstacle she has to overcome.” “I just knew it dad. I just knew that something bad was going to happen, I told her. I told her I had a bad feeling but she tried to reassure me. She suggested…” “Shh,” Calvin softly whispers as he begins to massage Miranda’s shoulders. “It’s no good working yourself up into a state. We’ve got to remain strong, you and I, we’ve got to help your mom pull through this.” Miranda slowly nods. “Yeah, you’re right. I just…I just want her to come back to us, y’know. I just want her to wake up and tell me that she loves me and that she’s going to be home soon and that everything will be back to the way it was, the way it used to be. The way it should be.” Miranda’s voice crackles off into silence as her eyes begin to flood with tears. The pain and strain of watching her mother battle for her life finally begins to break her. Lowering her head, Miranda releases her grasp on Georgia’s hand as she quickly wipes the tears from her eyes. Watching his wife and hearing his daughter’s weeps of emotion, Calvin sniffs back tears. If Miranda couldn’t remain strong, he had too. Someone had to keep it together for Georgia’s sake, foe the family’s sake. Calvin frowned. Watching his wife, he notices a slight flutter of her eyelids. “Georgia?” Miranda’s head rises as she looks at her mom. “Mom?” Slowly, Georgia’s eyes flutter open. Looking at Calvin and Miranda, a smile slowly slinks its way across Georgia’s face. “See,” Georgia whispers in a very quiet, husky tone. “I told you I wasn’t going to leave you.” Overcome with joy, excitement and relief, Calvin smiles as Miranda jumps up from her seat and throws her arms around her father, pulling him into a big hug. – spencer street – Harry & Emma’s, 18 Spencer Street Reclining in the soft armchair that seems to wrap itself around his strong, well-toned body, Harry sits in a stunned silence. Everything that he has just heard from Brock about Cassie is plausible, but something inside Harry doesn’t want to believe it. “Are you sure?” “Yes,” Brock replies as he leans forward in his seat, resting his elbows on his knees. “Cassie is alive.” Another wave of silence washes over Harry. His body feels numb and weak, but at the same time he has the urge to jump up and hunt Cassie down himself. “W…well what do we do now?” “I think it’s best if you just stay home, Harry. If you and Emma can stay in until we’ve caught her I’m sure you’ll both be okay.” “But…but what if she knows where I live?” Harry asks concerned. “I mean she was at Delilah Café and The Austral, she’s bound to know I live in Spencer Street. She’s just bound too.” “Harry,” Brock begins as he shuffles around in his seat. “I can’t guarantee that she doesn’t know where she is, but if both you and Emma stay put she won’t be able to get to you.” Harry gives a long, deep sigh while nodding his head. “Yeah,” he says with yet another sigh, “I guess you’re right. But you know what Emma’s like…” “Yeah, I know. That’s why I don’t think we should tell her.” “No,” Harry insists as he jumps up from his armchair and begins to head towards the kitchen at the far end of the living room. “I have to tell her, Brock. She has a right to know.” “Of course she does, but Harry…” “No, Brock,” Harry hisses as he spins and glares at his best friend. “I’m going to tell her and I don’t care what you have to say about it.” Watching Harry storm off into the kitchen, Brock slumps back in his seat and sighs. – spencer street – Shaznay’s Home, 24 Spencer Street “Hey,” Jack says with a stunningly handsome smile as Shaznay opens the solid oak front door to her home. “Hi,” Shaznay replies as she leans against the open door, the soft touch of the lukewarm wood lightly brushing against her cheek. “Do you have time for a quick chat?” Smiling, Shaznay nods. “Yeah, come in.” Entering Shaznay’s warm home, Jack looks around as he stands in the hallway of the old home with his hands in the pockets of his dark blue jeans. Closing the front door, Shaznay turns. With Jack’s back towards her, Shaznay quickly looks him up and down. There was a stirring deep inside her that so desperately wanted to kiss him, to feel his warm breath against her soft lips and his melting touch against her porcelain skin. The desire, the temptation had been with her for so long that now it was beginning to seem like a childish fantasy. “So,” Shaznay begins as she takes the couple of paces towards Jack, watching as he spins around to look her in the eye. “What was it you wanted to talk about?” Jack looks down at the timber floor for a brief moment as he swallows nervously. Slowly raising his head, he looks deep into Shaznay’s eyes. “Us,” he utters. “Us?” Shaznay repeats as she begins to head towards the living room. “Yes, I want to talk about you and I…and what happened between us a couple of weeks ago.” “Jack, it was…” “No,” Jack insists as he reaches out and grabs Shaznay’s arm, spinning her around as he does so. “I felt something Shaz; I felt something inside me when we kissed. Something amazing, something magical.” “Jack, you’re with Chloe.” “No, no I’m not.” Shaznay frowns as she looks at Jack, comprehending what she’s just heard slip from his lips. “What?” “I broke it off with her, Shaz,” Jack says as he runs his right hand through Shaznay’s thick black mane, before gliding his hand down and cupping it against her soft cheek. “Its you I want to be with Shaznay, its you I want to share my life with.” Jack’s tender touch against her skin sent Shaznay’s stomach into a meltdown. As he body surged with excitement and relentless joy, Shaznay felt her cheeks burning up. “You’re blushing,” Jack comments. Smiling, Shaznay looks down at the floor. “Hey,” Jack says as he slides his hand under Shaznay’s chin and slowly raises her head. “I love you Shaznay.” After a fleeting moment of hesitation, Shaznay slowly begins to lean forward as does Jack. As their lips draw nearer, Shaznay’s stomach twists and turns as a surge of excitement washes over her body, almost distracting her from the romantic moment awaiting her. The gentle caress of Jack’s warm breath brushed against her soft lips. Closing her eyes, Shaznay succumbed to the moment before feeling the gentle touch of Jack’s lips against hers. Being drawn closer to Jack’s body, Shaznay can’t contain her happiness at this turn of events. Sliding his hands across her hips and over her back, Jack pulls Shaznay closer. Watching every motion In the foolish lover's game On this endless ocean Finally lovers know no shame Turning and returning To some secret place inside Watching in slow motion As you turn around and say, my love Take my breath away Take my breath away Watching I keep waiting Still anticipating love Never hesitating To become the fated ones, oh yeah Turning and returning To some secret place inside Watching in slow motion As you turn around and say, my love Take my breath away Take my breath away, oh woah yeah Through the hourglass I saw you In time you slipped away When the mirror crashed I called you And turned to hear you say If only for today I am unafraid Take my breath away, oh oh yeah You take my breath away, oh oh (Take my breath away) You take my breath You take my breath You take my breath away (Take my breath away) You take my breath away You take my breath away You take my breath away, – spencer street – The Goodwin Residence, 23 Spencer Street Sitting at the sprawling Jarrah wood dining table, Kate sighs. This table had been the scene of so many happy moments in her life. Children’s birthday’s when it came time to blow out the candles on their cakes, many Thanksgiving dinners as the family gathered around to watch Stuart carve up the turkey and the many Christmas lunches and dinners that Kate had held over the years. But now it all seemed to mean nothing to her. All she had left were the memories. Her children had all grown up and were taking their own paths in life. Hope had a successful career in New York, Chloe was now in Milan pursuing her own modelling career, Cain was busy caring for his daughter any chance he got and Nicole was busy with the goings on in her personal life and in her career. Slowly, a single tear swelled in the corner of her eye. Quickly wiping it away with a deep, calming breath, Kate looks down at the divorce papers laid out before her on the dining table. “Hi,” Stuart says smugly as she stands in the doorway of the dining room. Looking at Kate, Stuart did feel sorry for his estranged wife. They had been together for such a large part of his life that giving her away was like giving away a part of his soul but he didn’t love her anymore, the passion, the spark which had bound them together for over 20 years had simply diminished, vanished. “Oh, Stuart, hi,” Kate quickly replies as she turns in her chair and looks up at Stuart. “Please, take a seat, won’t you.” Stuart, confident that Kate is going to ask him for a divorce, moves around the large table as he heads towards a chair on the opposite side of his estranged wife. Sliding the dark blue upholstered dining chair out from the Jarrah wood dining table, Stuart quickly takes a seat. Kate sighs. “Stuart…” she begins. “Kate,” Stuart interrupts as he looks at his estranged wife with intensity, “I know why I’m here. I saw the papers in front of you when I walked in.” “Oh,” Kate replies a little surprised as she wipes another tear from her eye. “I…I…” “So how about we get this over with then,” Stuart says as he reaches across the table and snatches the papers from where they lay in front of Kate. “Before I sign these,” he says as he scans his eyes over the details of the divorce. “I want you to have everything.” “What?” Kate asks stunned. She can’t believe what she’s hearing, let alone believe it. Stuart had been such a bastard through the build up to the divorce and now he wanted her to have all of their joint assets. “Everything?” “Kate,” Stuart begins as he slides a pen from his pocket. “I may be a bastard but I’m not a complete ass-hole. You’re the mother of my children, my four fantastic, smart, amazing and beautiful children and there’s only one person I can contribute that to…you Kate. You raised them; you’re the amazing woman who made them who they are today. God only knows that I wasn’t the father they wanted…or deserved.” “Stuart…” “Kate, let’s just get this over with shall we?” Suddenly falling silent, Kate watches Stuart sign the divorce papers. With every page Stuart turns and signs, it’s like a piece of Kate’s soul, a piece of Kate’s life being chipped away. Although she is angry and disappointed at Stuart for what he did, her heart still sinks at the fact that once the paper’s are signed the Goodwin family will be torn apart forever. “There,” Stuart says as flips the papers down before looking at Kate. “It’s a done deal.” “Thank you,” Kate whispers as she slowly drags the papers back towards her. Stuart sits in silence for a brief second as he watches Kate check over the pages he had just signed. “There’s no need to check, I did sign them.” “Yeah, I know,” Kate replies. “I…I just wanted to be 100 percent certain, that’s all.” With a heavy sigh, Stuart rises from his seat. “Well if you don’t need me anymore I’ll just grab the rest of my things.” Kate sits in an uncomfortable silence as Stuart walks past her on his way to collect the last of his belongings from the Goodwin home. The sweet smell of Stuart’s aftershave wafts past Kate as Stuart begins to leave the room. He was wearing her favourite scent. “Wait,” Kate says as she quickly turns in her seat and grabs Stuart by the wrist. Turning back to face Kate, Stuart looks into her gorgeous hazel eyes as he waits to hear what she is about to say. With a soft breath, Kate licks her lips, coating them in a light sparkling glaze. “Where are you going to go?” “What do you mean?” “I mean where are you going to stay? Where are you going to live?” Stuart looks down at the pearl covered carpet on the dining room floor. “You’re not?” Kate says in a soft tone as she suddenly realises where Stuart is going to be living. “You’re not going to live…” “With Louise? Yes, Kate, I am.” “Stuart…” “Kate, I’m not sure if you’re aware, but as of now we’re divorced and what I do with my life is my business. You have no right to be in it anymore.” “Stuart,” Kate says surprised as she releases her grip on Stuart’s wrist and quickly rises from her seat. “I couldn’t care less who you decided to live with, but don’t you think…” “Oh God,” Stuart moans with a deep sigh as he wipes his hand over his face. “You’re not going to play the ‘What about the kids?’ card are you?” “This isn’t a game Stuart, this is their lives and you’re their father.” “You think I don’t know that, Kate,” Stuart hisses. “But they’re all grown up know, they’ll all understand why you broke up our marriage.” Kate’s mouth drops open as she stares at Stuart in complete astonishment. The words that he just uttered ring through her mind. “Why I broke up the marriage?” “Yes.” “Excuse me Stuart, but you were the one who couldn’t keep it in your pants,” Kate angrily retorts. “You’re the one who went out and slept with one of our neighbours, so don’t you dare blame this marriage break-up on me.” “Why not, Kate?” Stuart acerbically hisses. “For years you were the demure house wife who said nothing and did nothing, and now, suddenly, you’ve become all righteous on me. Who the hell do you think you are?” “Excuse me!” “You heard Kate, you’re a pathetic excuse for a human being and I am glad that as of now you are out of my life.” “When did this become all about me? And why the hell are you painting yourself out to be the victim here, Stuart? You’re the one who became violent, you’re the one who always started the arguments.” “That’s just it, Kate,” Stuart begins as he crosses his arms. “Everything is always about you. Somehow you always manipulate every situation to make it about you and I’m just sick of it. At least now I’m in a loving relationship where…” “Don’t,” Kate screams. “Don’t call it a relationship because it isn’t. It’s a sick affair that you ended years ago. Why did you have to go back to her, Stuart? Why?” “Because,” Stuart yells sternly before suddenly stopping. Looking into Kate’s eyes he can see her heartbreaking. Quietening his voice, Stuart resumes. “Because I fell out of love with you, Kate, I just simply stopped loving you.” As Stuart’s home truths suddenly hit home, Kate lowers her head and looks at the carpeted floor as her eyes begin to swell with painful tears. “Goodbye Kate,” Stuart says as he steps forward and kisses Kate on the forehead. “Thanks for the memories.” Turning, Stuart walks through the kitchen on his way towards the large staircase. Waiting until Stuart has left the room, Kate quickly covers her mouth with her hand as her breathing deepens and becomes more sporadic. Slowly, a single tear begins to roll down her cheek. – spencer street – Somerset International Airport, Somerset “Goodbye sis,” Cain says as warmly hugs his older sister, Hope. The busy hustle and bustle of the large airport seems to drown out most of Cain’s voice. “I’m gonna miss you.” “Oh,” Hope begins with a smile as she and Cain part. “I’ll be back. You can hold me to that.” Cain smiles before quickly leaning in and kissing Hope on her cheek. Taking a step back he smiles at her once again. Stepping forward, Nicole looks Hope in the eye. “Goodbye Hope,” she begins. “I really am going to miss you, you know that right?” “Of course I do,” Hope replies as she looks up at the large ceiling many metres above them, fighting back tears. Looking back at Nicole, Hope smiles. “You know that I’m here for you, in what ever you decide, don’t you?” Nicole looks at Hope a little perplexed as to what she’s talking about. “What?” “The baby,” Hope replies. “I can’t wait to become an aunt. You’re going to make a great mother, Nicole. A great one.” “Oh,” Nicole says as her eyes swell with tears and she pulls Hope in close for a loving hug. “You’ll make the best aunt in the entire world.” “Now, now,” Grace interrupts as she takes a step towards her two granddaughters. “Save some for me.” “Oh Gran,” Hope says as she parts from her half-sister, Nicole. “I don’t want to leave you, not again.” “Darling,” Grace begins. “Your life is in New York, and you love it there. I know you do.” Hope smiles as she quickly wipes a tear from her eye. “You know this is becoming a common occurrence,” Grace says as Nicole begins to head back towards Cain and John. “What?” “Farewelling my granddaughters,” Grace replies with a smile. “You’ve all grown up so fast. I still remember when you’d call me gandama.” Hope sighs with laughter as Grace takes Hope’s hands in hers. “I’m going to miss you darling,” Grace says as she gently kisses Hope on the cheek. “And don’t be a stranger, okay?” “I won’t gran,” Hope says as she hugs Grace goodbye, “I promise. Oh, I’ve already said goodbye to mom, but you will make sure she’s okay, won’t you?” “Of course darling, of course I will.” “It’s just, I tried to keep their marriage together, but some things are just meant to be. You know?” Grace nods. “I know darling, I know.” “I’ll miss you Gran,” Hope whispers in her ear. “I’ll miss you.” Parting with Hope, Grace smiles. “And as for you,” Hope says with a devilish grin as she takes a few short paces towards John, “You be good to my gran, won’t you?” “Of course,” John replies with a smile. “I wouldn’t treat her any other way.” Hugging John, Hope kisses him on his soft cheek. “Goodbye John, it was lovely to meet you…and welcome you into the family.” “Well thank you, Hope. You’re a wonderful woman.” Taking a step back, Hope sighs. “Well,” she begins. “This is it. I’ll miss you, Cain, Nicole, Gran…and pop.” John looks at Hope and smiles. Picking up her backpack from the carpeted terminal floor and slinging it over her shoulder, Hope takes one last look at her family. “I love you guys.” “Goodbye darling,” Grace says with a wave as she along with John, Cain and Nicole watch Hope turn and head down the boarding corridor before disappearing out of sight. – spencer street – The Cooper Residence, 20 Spencer Street Arriving home, Brock closes the front door behind him before placing his keys on the hall side table. Effortlessly entering the living room, Brock looks across at his fiancée, Amy, sitting on the lounge suite reading a book. “Hey,” Brock says as he heads towards the lounge suite. “What are you reading?” “Oh, Brock, hi. Oh I’m just finishing off The Potato Factory,” Amy says with a smile as she looks up at Brock, sliding her glasses off her face as she does. “You’re home late.” “Amy,” Brock begins as he walks over and takes a seat next to his fiancée on the lounge suite. “I…I’ve got something to tell you.” Amy looks at Brock a little fearful of what she’s about to hear. “What? What is it?” Brock, unsure of whether he should tell Amy about Cassie, lowers his head nervously. “Brock, honey, what is it?” Brock looks up at Amy. “Um…If I tell you this, you have to promise me that you’ll keep it to yourself until I’ve told everyone else in Spencer Street.” “Brock, you’re scaring me.” “Amy, please,” Brock says. “Just please promise me you won’t say anything.” “Of course, I promise. Why? What’s going on?” Brock pauses as he swallows nervously. “Um…You know Charlotte Beaumont?” Amy frowns as she looks away from Brock, trying to recall anyone by the name of Charlotte. “Ah…yeah, I think so.” “She was the woman I was chatting too in the Austral.” “Oh yes,” Amy says as she looks back at Brock unimpressed. “Her.” “Yeah, well, um…baby, something’s come up and…” “What? Brock, what are you saying?” “Erm…Baby, Charlotte’s been involved in a situation and…” “Situation?” Amy asks concerned. “What, is she dangerous or something?” “Ah…yeah, quite dangerous.” “Oh my God.” “There’s police patrols of Harry and Emma’s every twenty minutes and…” “Wait,” Amy interrupts. “Harry and Emma?” “Yeah, we think she’s going to come after Harry.” “Oh my,” Amy whispers as she lowers her book. “Are we in danger?” “Well, um…we don’t know. But I’m going to put everyone on warning tonight. She’s a dangerous woman, Amy. I’m worried of what she might do if she’s provoked.” “Well,” Amy says as she snuggles up against Brock, his rippling chest against her face, “I’m sure you’ll catch her in time, I have every faith in you.” – spencer street – The Austral Hotel, Spencer Street Sitting in the smokey pub alone, Luke drowns his sorrows over a glass of beer. With every sip of the amber brew, his problems seem to become less and less. As he finishes his current glass of the brew, the door to the pub swings open. Turning slightly, Luke looks at the person entering the pub. It’s Miranda, having just arrived back in the street from visiting Georgia in the hospital. [Flashback] Lying naked on the hotel bed, Miranda looks up into Luke’s eyes. The intoxicated young male slowly slides himself on top of Miranda, their faces just millimetres away from each other. Their warm breath mixes together with every deep, nervous breath they took. Stroking Miranda’s golden locks, Luke stares into her warm gaze. Tenderly kissing her neck, Luke glides the tips of his fingers across Miranda’s breasts. The ticklish touch sends Miranda’s body into a tailspin. Sliding his hand down over Miranda’s bare skin, Luke continues to slide his hand lower and lower. [End Flashback] Quickly rising from his seat, Luke begins to head towards Miranda. Approaching the teenager, Luke stops, standing directly in front of her. “Luke,” Miranda says surprised and a little embarrassed. “W…what are you doing here?” “It’s a public place, isn’t it?” “Well yeah, but…” “Look,” Luke interrupts. “About the other night.” “Luke, please.” “No, Miranda, please hear me out.” Miranda falls silent as she looks into Luke’s eyes. “I’m…I’m really sorry about the other night.” “No, Luke, you’re not to blame. I was the one who took advantage of you.” “No, Miranda,” Luke begins. “I…I liked it. I liked being close to you, I liked being with you.” Miranda frowns as she tries to comprehend what exactly she’s hearing from Luke. “Miranda, I…I think I’m in love with you.” Miranda stands staring at Luke, stunned at what he has just admitted to her. – spencer street – Spencer Street, Somerset Leaving the Goodwin residence for the last time, Stuart closes the door on his old life. Taking one last look at the building he called home for over 20 years, Stuart sighs. Then turning, he begins to cross the road with the last of his belongings in a suitcase. In the middle of the road, Stuart looks up at the dark night sky. Staring at the large, full moon high in the crisp, and cold winter’s night, Stuart then looks forward, smiling as he spots his new home. His home with Louise. Quickly crossing the quiet suburban street, Stuart begins up the path of Louise’s garden. Meanwhile, at the top of the street, Leo rounds the corner from the adjoining. Suddenly stopping, Leo stares on as he watches Stuart briskly walking up the garden path of his mother’s home with a suitcase. Frowning, Leo tries to piece together what is going on. Standing in the darkness, a few short steps away from a the bright beams of a street light, Leo watches on intently as Louise opens the door to Stuart. Mortified, Leo then watches on as Louise greets Stuart with a long and passionate kiss. Repulsed with what he’s just witnessed, Leo quickly turns away and races down the street to his home. – spencer street – The O’Connell Residence, 22 Spencer Street Sitting in the darkened and quiet living room of her Spencer Street townhouse, April’s eyes are glassy and bloodshot as she wipes a small tear from the corner of one of her eyes. For a time in her life when everything was supposed to be joyous and happy, somehow, her life right now was anything but. Ronan had moments earlier stormed out on her after a heated argument over his financial troubles and now Nicole was planning an abortion without letting Connor know the truth. Sighing deeply, April’s mind races with all the negative things currently happening in her life. She desperately wants Connor, her brother, to know that he’s about to become a father. But, on the other hand, she has to respect Nicole’s rights and keep the pregnancy a secret. Suddenly overcome with guilt, April picks up the cordless telephone lying face up next to her on the lounge suite. Dialling a number, April then holds the phone to her ear and waits. “Hi, Connor,” she says with a nervous look on her face. “Yeah I’m good, yeah, the baby’s great too. Look, um…I’ve got something to tell you. Something important.” – spencer street – Harry & Emma’s, 18 Spencer Street Sitting in the dark and dusty attic of Harry’s Spencer Street home, Cassie wickedly smiles as she watches Harry and Emma make passionate love in the bedroom below her from a small hole in the ceiling. “Soon,” Cassie hisses. “Soon you’ll pay for Charlotte’s death, Harry. Soon.” |