| The Secret Lives of Us – Part 2 Written by Darren Rowe Shaznay’s Home, 24 Spencer Street Lying naked under her crisp white Egyptian cotton bed sheets with Jack’s strong arms wrapped securely around her soft skinned body, Shaznay stirs as she slowly wakes. Lying with her face resting against Jack’s well-toned and sparsely hairy chest, Shaznay softly wipes her eyes, waking herself. Smiling profusely, she lies in silence as the golden rays of the rising sun cut through the bedroom window behind her and begins to fill the upstairs bedroom with light and warmth. Feeling the warm kiss of sunshine on her bare back, Shaznay softly smiles as her mind quickly returns to the previous night of passion. [Flashback] The soft, subtle touch of Jack’s rough hands glides over Shaznay’s soft chocolate coloured skin as his intoxicating breath gently brushes against her lips. The rhythmic motion of the passionate and intimate session fills Shaznay with an overwhelming sensation of pleasure. The wave of excitement washes over her body as she shrieks out with joy, running her hands up and down Jack’s well toned back as she does. With every kiss, every erotic motion her excitement grows. [End Flashback] “Morning,” Jack says as he tenderly strokes Shaznay’s black locks, moving them slightly and allowing the hair to cascade freely down her bare back. The feeling of holding her in his arms, her naked body and soft skin pressed against his makes Jack feel safe and secure in the decision he made about Chloe. “Sleep well?” “Yeah,” Shaznay replies in a soft tone as she repositions herself in the bed and rests her chin on Jack’s faintly hair covered chest. Staring into his warm, brown eyes, Shaznay faintly smiles. The soft touch of the cotton sheets resting partially across her bare backside seems to add to the glorious experience of waking up in Jack’s loving embrace. “It was one of the best sleeps I’ve had in a while.” Jack smiles. “Well I hope I added to the experience.” “You were the experience,” Shaznay giggles. “The best I’ve ever had.” “Well I pride myself on that,” Jack replies as he slowly glides his hand down over Shaznay’s cheek. “You are so beautiful, you know that?” Shaznay closes her eyes as she melts at the touch of Jack’s hand against her face. The soft touch was so tender, so perfect that Shaznay wanted to stay like this forever. Just the two of them, her and him, lying naked in each other’s arms as the early morning sun rose in the frosty early morning sky and bathed them both in its glorious warmth. “You’re too good to me , Jack.” “There’s no such thing as too good.” “Well then you’re just what I need.” The loving pair falls silent as the sit in the bed of passion gazing adoringly into each other’s eyes. “Look,” Jack begins in a warm tone of voice as he gazes lovingly at Shaznay, “I’ve been thinking…” “About?” “About us, about you and me.” “Oh,” Shaznay replies intrigued. “Is it a good thought?” “Of course,” Jack replies with a smile. “Look, I know you don’t like your job at the call centre.” “Oh, no,” Shaznay quickly interrupts, “It’s okay. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I could give it all away in a heartbeat, but now that Chloe’s gone I really need the money.” “Well that’s just it.” Shaznay frowns as she looks at Jack intrigued. “What do you mean?” “I was thinking, maybe you’d like to come and work at Miller Inc.” “What?” Shaznay says with a laugh. “You want me to come and work at an international fashion house?” “Yes,” Jack replies frankly with a smile as he looks deep into Shaznay’s eyes. “Oh.” Shaznay can hardly believe what she’s hearing. She’d always dreamt of becoming a fashion designer but never in a million years had she believed that her passion, her dream would come true. Running the tips of her nails seductively across Jack’s chest she smiles. “What position would I have?” “Oh, I don’t know. Something under the boss,” Jack replies with a cheeky grin. Shaznay laughs. “Now would I expect anything less?” “Well you enjoyed it last night,” Jack cheekily replies. “No I mean, would I be a designer or what?” Jack pauses, pretending to think. “Well,” he begins, “I was thinking something more…executive?” Shaznay’s eyes widen as she stares at Jack in utter disbelief. “What? Executive? What do you mean?” Jack slightly shifts in the bed. “Maybe…vice president?” “What! Jack…” “Shaz, I think you could do it. I believe you’re cut out for it.” “I’ve never worked in the fashion industry before…” “And what better way to learn than being at the top?” “Jack,” Shaznay says as she sits up in bed, loosely clutching the thin bed sheets to her bare chest. “I should start at the bottom…” “You already have.” “No, I mean…what are the share holders going to think? The employees? Jack, I don’t think your parents…” “Stuff my parents; I couldn’t give a fuck what they think. Look, Shaz,” Jack says as he sits up in the bed, sliding Shaznay in closer to him. “I’m CEO of Miller Incorporated, I run the company and I want you, my first lady, there by my side. I want to experience everything with you. I want you to live the highs and lows with me. I want to do this as a team, you and me.” Shaznay sighs heavily as she slides off the bed, wrapping the sheet around her body as she does. Standing, she looks at Jack sitting naked on the bed. “Honey…” “Shaz, please,” Jack says as he kneels on the bed. “Just think about it.” Shaznay looks out the window on the far side of her bedroom. The golden rays of the warm sun that were breaking through the window earlier are now quickly beginning to fill the room with the light of the early morning breaking outside. Moving closer to his new girlfriend, Jack moves Shaznay’s head with his hand, brining her face-to-face with him. “Please baby, think about it. For me?” “Okay,” Shaznay says with a heavy sigh. “I’ll think about it.” “Ah ha,” Jack cries out as he grabs Shaznay around the waist and pulls her back onto the bed. “That’s my girl. Now I think a good morning romp is in order.” “Jack,” Shaznay shrieks playfully as Jack begins to tenderly kiss her on the neck. – spencer street – Delilah Café, Spencer Street “Good morning,” Margot says with a cheerful smile as Ronan enters the relatively quiet café. “How are you this glorious morning?” “Ah, good thanks Marg. And you?” “Oh, I can’t complain.” Saddling up to one of the stools in front of the café counter, Ronan takes a seat. “What can I get you?” “Um…just a coffee thanks,” Ronan replies as he sits strumming his finger against the hard counter top. “Something wrong, love?” Margot asks looking over at the struggling financial accountant as she pours the scolding hot coffee from the pot situated at the side of the counter into the large blue mug in front of her. “Ah…yeah, well, I think so.” “And what’s that supposed to mean?” Ronan pauses. “It means…that things just aren’t the way I’d planned for them to be.” “Why?” Margot asks as she walks over and places the mug of steaming coffee in front of Ronan. “Is something wrong with April? With the baby?” “No,” Ronan sighs, “I’ve…I’ve just made a huge mess of things Marg, that’s all.” Glowering at Ronan, Margot leans forward, resting her elbows on the counter top. “I’m not following.” “My business, it’s going under,” Ronan replies as he takes a sip of his coffee. “What?” “O’Connell Financial, it’s going bust, Marg, and I have no idea why.” “Well, surely things aren’t that bad are they? I mean, April’s a doctor, that’s a steady income and you always seem to have clients. Surely you’ve just hit a rough patch?” “That’s just it,” Ronan begins as he places the mug back on the counter top. “April will be taking maternity leave soon and then we’ll be really strapped for cash. The client base is suddenly drying up and…things are just really bad at the moment. I…I just wish there was some way of getting out of the accounting business, you know? I’m beginning to think that maybe I should start looking into other areas.” “Like a café?” Margot asks innocently as she stands up straight, and reaches for a cleaning cloth lying next to the cash register beside her. Quickly, she begins wiping down the counter. Ronan looks at Margot surprised. “You’re selling this place?” “As of nine o’clock this morning.” “Really?” Ronan says surprised but at the same time intrigued. “W-why? I mean, you’re not leaving Somerset or anything, right?” Margot falls silent as she begins to head towards the other end of the counter. “Margot,” Ronan says insistent. “You’re not leaving are you?” “Look,” she says as she heads back down to Ronan, looking him in the eye. “I’ve kept it quiet because I don’t want to make a big fuss and if I tell you, you can’t tell anyone. You promise?” “Y-yeah, I promise.” “Well, I’m just simply going to sell this place and walk off into the sunset.” “What!? Marg, you can’t be serious. You’re not even going to say goodbye?” “Oh of course I’ll say goodbye, Ronan, but I just don’t want a big fuss.” Ronan falls silent, deep in thought as he watches Margot go about cleaning the counter of the café as another local resident enters the café. [Flashback] “Like a café?” Margot asks innocently as she stands up straight and reaches for a cleaning cloth lying next to the cash register beside her. Quickly, she begins wiping down the counter. Ronan looks at Margot surprised. “You’re selling this place?” “As of nine o’clock this morning.” [End Flashback] “Marg,” Ronan begins. “Hmm.” “What about your house? Are you selling that too?” Margot stops and stares at Ronan. “It’s already sold.” “What?” Ronan replies utterly stunned. “You’ve already sold it?” “Yes, I sold it to an anonymous buyer three days ago,” Margot responds as she runs her hand through her short golden locks before turning and heading towards the kitchen. “They must be rolling in it too; I got a bloody fortune for it.” As Margot walks off into the kitchen, Ronan sits at the counter in shock over Margot’s announcement. – spencer street – The Cooper Residence, 20 Spencer Street Standing over the gas stove in the country-style kitchen of the Cooper residence, Amy wearily brushes the sleep from the corners of her eyes as she waits for the kettle to boil on the stovetop. The warmth generated from the stove warms Amy on the cold winter’s morning. Slowly, Amy’s eyes begin to close as she’s overcome with tiredness. Suddenly, the high-pitched squeal of the kettle fills the kitchen. Snapping out of her sleepy state, Amy quickly turns the dial on the stove and shuts off the gas to the stovetop. The high-pitched squealing quickly slows. Exhaling a deep breath, Amy then strolls through the kitchen, her slippers sliding along the wooden floor as she heads towards the walk-in pantry. Opening the door, Amy takes a few short paces inside and reaches, picking up a small box of tea bags on the shelf in front of her. Just then, Brock and Luke come bumbling down the stairs and race into the kitchen. “C’mon Brock, tell me. Did you find out who that chick was or not?” Luke asks as he swings open the door to the refrigerator and searches the shelves for something to have for breakfast. “Luke, my dearest brother,” Brock teases as he slides out a box of cereal from one of the overhead cupboards above the stove. “I can not divulge that information to you.” “Oh come on, I mean, you’ve told everyone else in the street.” “Um…correction. I’ve only told Harry,” Brock says as he playfully whacks Luke on the back of the head as he passes his brother. Amy, still in the pantry, stands in silence, hidden, as she listens to the two brothers. “Well,” Luke whines. “Can’t you tell me anyway? I mean, if she’s dangerous or something, don’t you think I have a right to know. I have a child to protect.” Amy frowns, “A child?” Brock sighs as he places the box of cereal down on the bench top and turns to look at Luke. “So you’ve sorted it out with Nicole then?” “Nicole?” Amy whispers to herself. “Oh my God.” “Well…no, not exactly,” Luke begins as he slams closed the door of the refrigerator. “I mean, although it’s not my child, I still think that it’s mine. There’s no way Connor’s going to claim it as his and as long as Nicole keeps it, I’m sure there’s every chance that we’ll get back together and raise this child together…as a family.” “But you’re not a family, Luke,” Brock replies with a tone of annoyance as he runs his hand through his hair. “Nicole’s having a child with Connor and I think its time you accepted that that child is never going to be yours. It was always be the one bond between Nicole and Connor.” “Yeah, I know what you’re saying, but Brock, I hate her for what she did…what she’s done. But then, there’s something inside me that still loves her. That wants to hold her in my arms and help her raise this child as if it was mine…you know?” Brock, wearing only a pair of silky red boxer shorts, nods slightly. “Yeah, I know what you’re saying.” Luke looks at his older brother and smiles. “Well,” Brock begins as he takes a step towards his brother. “It sounds like you love her.” “I do, Brock. I really do, but...” “But what?” “But I also kind of like Miranda,” Luke says as he shifts nervously on the spot he’s standing. “Miranda?” Brock says surprised. “How can you love two women?” “Well…I…I’m not sure? But I do, I mean…I think I do.” “Luke, answer me these questions.” Luke nods, waiting to hear what Brock is about to say. “Do you still have feelings for Nicole?” Luke nods. “Are you willing to support Nicole and this baby?” “Yes, of course.” “Well then go and get her back. Go and show her that you want to raise this child with her.” “Yeah,” Luke replies excitedly. “That’s what I’m going to do, in fact, I’ll go right now.” Throwing his arms around Brock, Luke warmly hugs his brother. “Thanks Brock.” “For what?” “For…well, just everything. Mom and dad would be proud.” Watching Luke race out of the kitchen, Brock smiles. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Amy snaps as she appears from the pantry. “Amy!” Brock says stunned as he quickly spins around and looks at his fiancée. “W-what are you doing?” “More importantly, what are you doing? What are you telling Luke to go and make up with Nicole?” Brock sighs, angry that Amy overheard but also worried about what she’s going to say about the situation. “Amy…” “No Brock, I can’t believe you’re telling your brother, your own flesh and blood, to go and care for some other man’s child. What…what’s wrong with you?” “What the hell are you on about?” Brock yells. “Luke loves Nicole and her pregnancy is just a minor hurdle that they have to overcome.” “Brock, are you hearing yourself? Nicole is pregnant, pregnant to another man. That means she cheated on your brother and you simply want him to just go back and play happy families?” “Amy you wouldn’t understand.” “Why, Brock? Why wouldn’t I understand?” “Because…because you have no idea what the situation is, okay?” Amy scoffs as she walks towards her fiancée. “I understand the situation completely. Nicole is pregnant to April’s brother, Connor. Does he even know?” “Who?” “Connor? Does he know Nicole’s carrying his child?” “Oh,” Brock sighs loudly as he turns away from Amy. “You just won’t let up, will you?” “No, Brock, because I care about Luke. I love him as a brother-in-law and I don’t want to see him trapped in some relationship that he’s only bound too because he’s caring for a child. A child that isn’t even his!” Wiping his hand across his mouth in a sign of frustration, Brock turns and looks back at Amy. “Honey…” “Don’t honey me,” Amy shouts. “You’d better stop Luke from going ahead with this. Because when Connor finds out and wants to raise his child with Nicole, you’ll be the one responsible for Luke’s broken heart.” Slamming the box of teabags down on to the kitchen bench, Amy violently pushes past Brock as she storms out of the kitchen. – spencer street – Delilah Café, Spencer Street “Hey, Marg,” Ronan says as he watches the Hudson family matriarch attend to one of the café’s customers, “What would you say if I made an offer on this place?” “What?” Margot replies with a little laugh as she hands the customer their change. “You, owning a café?” “Yeah, seems like a good investment and I mean, it’s held you in good order all these years.” “Now you,” Margot playfully says sternly as she takes the few short paces left and stops dead in front of Ronan. “Are you saying I’m old?” “Oh, Margot no, of course not. More like, you’re just hitting you’re prime,” Ronan replies with a devilishly handsome smile. “But I am willing to make you an offer on this place.” “Oh, well how much are you offering?” “How much are you asking?” Margot pauses, deep in thought. “Hmm…um…say…$300?” “Three hundred…dollars?” “Thousand, you cheek,” Margot replies with a raucous laugh. “Oh,” Ronan replies a little surprised by the small amount. “What?” Margot asks curiously, “You sound surprised.” “Oh, no,” Ronan responds. “It’s just…” “You though I’d want more than that?” “Well, yes. I mean, Delilah does a huge trade. I just thought that…” “Ronan,” Margot says as she walks out from behind the café counter and takes a seat next to the accountant on one of the counter stalls. “Not everything’s about money and financial gain.” “Well, no, but…” “I just want enough to see me live out a happy life. I’m old, Ronan. I don’t need hundreds of thousands of dollars; I just need enough to be comfortable in my declining years.” Ronan looks down at the counter and nods. “So,” Margot quips, “How much are you offering?” Ronan looks back at Margot and smiles. “350?” “Done,” Margot says in excitement as she shakes Ronan’s hand. “Congratulations, Ronan, you’re the new owner of Delilah Café.” “Like hell he is,” Calvin yells angrily from behind the pair. Quickly turning, Margot stares at her son shocked. – spencer street – Spencer Street, Somerset “Tomorrow night,” Louise begins excitedly as she walks down Spencer Street with Stuart, holding his arm lovingly. “It’s the big night.” “Oh,” Stuart moans, “Don’t remind me.” “What? You’re still coming to the ball aren’t you?” “Lou, I…I’m not sure.” Louise stops dead in her tracks and stares at Stuart. “What? You’re not going to come with me? It’s your hospital; shouldn’t you at least put in an appearance?” “Lou,” Stuart says as he turns and looks at his new flame. Her engaging stare pulls Stuart in like a moth to a flame. “Honey its Kate, she’ll…” “Kate! She’s still coming between us? I thought that you signed the divorce papers?” “Yeah, I did, but it doesn’t stop things from being uncomfortable.” “Stuart, you’re going to have to do something about this. You’ll have to sack her from the hospital.” “What?” Stuart responds stunned at Louise’s outburst. “You want me to sack Kate from the hospital?” “Yes. It’s obviously difficult for you two to be around each other now. And besides,” Louise adds as she walks up to Stuart and wraps her arms around his waist, bringing her hands together at the base of his spine. “The sooner she’s completely out of your life, the better.” Stuart smiles devilishly as he kisses Louise on the lips. “You’re right,” he whispers. “You’re absolutely right. The sooner she’s gone, the better everything will be.” Laughing, Louise pulls Stuart in tightly and passionately kisses him. Meanwhile, coming out of his home, Leo spots his mother and Stuart kissing. “What the hell are you doing?” he bellows as he races towards the pair and violently pulls them apart. “Leo,” Louise yells unimpressed as she glares at her son whilst wiping her lips. “What is wrong with you?” “What’s wrong with me? What about you mom? What the hell do you think you’re doing with Stuart?” “Now hold on a minute Leo,” Stuart yells as he takes Louise’s hand. “What your mother does in her private life is none of you’re business.” “I wasn’t talking to you,” Leo hisses as he glares at Stuart. “Mom?” “Leo,” Louise begins with a tone of arrogance. “Stuart and I, we’re…we’re in love. We’re living together.” “But he’s married!” “Was,” Stuart says correcting Leo. “Was?” Leo replies a slightly confused. “What do you mean was?” “Well you see, Leo,” Louise begins. “Stuart signed the divorce papers yesterday.” “Divorce papers?” “Yes,” Stuart adds. “Kate and I are divorced.” “But…but what about Chloe and Nicole and…” “Oh God,” Stuart moans. “Is that all you think about? Getting into the pants of my daughters? My God, you are pathetic.” “I beg your pardon?” Leo yells as he glares at his mother’s new boyfriend. “What the hell are you on?” “Look,” Louise interjects. “Leo, Stuart and I…we’re…we’re together. We’re living together.” “Like hell you are!” Stuart supportively rubs Louise’s back. The soft feel of her blouse against his skin makes Stuart feel the urge to carry Louise back to her house and strip her clothes off her before making passionate love to her. “Leo,” Louise snaps as she clutches Stuart’s hand seeking support. “I love Stuart and he loves me.” “Mom, this is sick. It’s…its wrong!” “Wrong?” Stuart replies surprised. “What’s so wrong about it?” “You, you’re married.” “Was.” “I don’t give a fuck. The point is that until yesterday you were. My God mom, don’t you have any self respect?” Louise looks at her son surprised. “Leo, I’ve already lost Shaznay because of this…” “Well,” Leo says sternly. “You’re going to lose me too if you don’t break it of with this…piece of scum.” Stuart’s breathing deepens as his glare at Leo narrows. “I’m sorry, Leo,” Louise says as she huddles in close to Stuart. “I love Stuart and I’m not going to leave him.” “Not even for me?” Louise pauses. “No, I love Stuart – with all my heart and if you and your sister can’t accept that, then, well I guess you’ll have to live with that.” Shaking his head in disgust, Leo glares at his mother. “Well, I guess you just lost another child. Oh, and don’t come crying to me when he dumps you like an old sack of potatoes.” Turning, Leo storms off up the street. Rubbing Louise’s back, Stuart kisses her tenderly on the forehead. “Don’t worry about him love,” he whispers. “All we need is the two of us.” “Yeah,” Louise replies unconvincingly. “Just the two of us.” – spencer street – The Goodwin Residence, 23 Spencer Street With the warm winters sun burning brightly over Somerset and now high in the sky indicating high noon, Luke makes his way up the garden path towards the Goodwin’s front door. Knocking sternly on the solid wood door, he waits in silence. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Luke quickly brushes his clothes with his hands in a quick bid to make any creases disappear. Opening the door, Nicole looks at Luke surprised. “Luke?” “Hey,” Luke says with a smile as he stands before Nicole preparing to pour his heart out to her about their relationship and how he wants to help her raise her child. “W-what are you doing here?” “Um…look, Nicole, I wanted to talk to you about us…about your child.” “Look, Luke, if you’re here to do some more verbal bashing, I don’t need it,” Nicole says as she begins to close the front door. “No, wait,” Luke says as he quickly blocks the door. “Please, just hear me out.” Nicole sighs. “Okay, then I suppose you’d better come in.” – spencer street – Delilah Café, Spencer Street “Calvin,” Margot begins as she slides of her stool and takes the few short paces towards her son. “Darling it’s…” “No, I know what it is mom, you’re selling the café.” “Yes, but…” “Why mom?” Calvin asks as he looks at his mother surprised and disappointed in her actions. “This place…its, its your home. It’s a part of your soul.” “But don’t you see,” Margot begins, urging her sone to see her point. “I’ve been here for years, I need to get away, and I need to live for a while.” “Why? Don’t you like being in Somerset anymore? Don’t you like being so close to your family?” “Darling, of course I do, but…” “But what mom?” Calvin snaps frustrated and annoyed at the fact his mother would go behind his back to leave town. “I…I can’t believe you want to leave it all behind. With everything Georgia’s going through I mean…” “Georgia?” Margot interrupts. “What’s Georgia got to do with this? Is she okay? Is everything alright?” Calvin looks down at the floor of the café disappointed in himself that he bought up Georgia’s cancer. He’d sworn to his wife, his soul mate, that he wouldn’t tell anyone. But in the midst of an argument with his mother he’d blown everything. He’d broken Georgia’s trust and now he would’ve piled a huge amount of guilt onto Margot about leaving while Georgia was ill. “Calvin,” Margot insists. “Tell me, is everything okay with Georgia?” “Ah…” Calvin begins as he looks up at his mother. “No, no she’s not okay.” Ronan watches on as Margot looks at Calvin confused and worried. “W-what is it?” “Mom,” Calvin begins. “Georgia…she…she’s got breast cancer.” “What!” Margot replies absolutely stunned. “Georgia…she…well, what is she doing? Are the doctors doing everything they can?” “Yeah, she um…she went in for a mastectomy operation the other day and soon she’ll begin her radiation therapy.” “Oh my,” Margot says shocked at the horrible news she’s just heard. “So, you’ll stay?” Calvin asks hopeful. Margot pauses. “I’m sorry darling, I can’t. I need, I want to get away.” “Even when Georgia’s facing death?” “Don’t,” Margot warns sternly. “Don’t you dare use Georgia’s illness as some guilt trip to keep me in town.” “But mom…” “I’m sorry darling,” Margot begins as she heads back behind the counter. “I’m leaving tomorrow.” Calvin stares at his mother in horror. – spencer street – The Goodwin Residence, 23 Spencer Street “So,” Nicole begins as she takes a seat on the cream lounge suite in the Goodwin living room. “What do you want to talk about?” “Us,” Luke says as he takes a seat in one of the armchairs opposite Nicole. “I want to see if we can give things another go, Nic.” “Luke, I…” “Look,” Luke interrupts as he leans forward. “I know that when you told me about the baby I reacted badly…” “Huh,” Nicole scoffs as she crosses her legs. “That’s an understatement.” “And I am truly sorry for the things I said,” Luke says sympathetically as he leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I didn’t mean to be such a bastard.” Nicole looks deep into Luke’s eyes and smiles. “It…it’s understandable. I mean, what I told you must have been a huge shock.” “Yeah, but I’m looking forward now. I’m looking forward to a future with you…and your baby.” “What?” Nicole says surprised. “You…you want to make another go of things?” Luke nods. “Yes, if you’ll have me.” Nicole sits looking stern faced at Luke for a brief moment before breaking into a huge smile. “Oh of course,” she cries out happily as she jumps up and races towards Luke. “Of course I’ll have you back. I love you Luke, I always have and I always will.” – spencer street – Harry & Emma’s, 18 Spencer Street “Here we go,” Emma says as she gently pushes the front door open with her foot as she helps Harry enter the house. “I still don’t know how you tripped over that gutter.” Walking gingerly, Harry drapes his arm around Emma’s shoulder. As the pair enters the living room, Harry winces in pain. “Oh you know me, I’m clumsy.” “Are you okay?” Emma asks concerned as she helps Harry lower himself onto the lounge suite. “Yeah, just a bit sore, that’s all.” “Is there anything I can get you? A drink, a sandwich…” “Em,” Harry interrupts with a smile as he watches the love of his life rush around him. “I don’t want you to get me anything.” “Oh,” Emma replies. “But,” Harry begins. “I do want you to get something for yourself?” Puzzled by what Harry is trying to say, Emma sits next to Harry on the lounge suite. “What? What are you talking about?” Harry smiles. “Don’t you feel like chocolate mousse?” Emma laughs slightly. “What are you on? It’s 5 O’clock in the afternoon, why would I want chocolate mousse?” “Because it’s your favourite desert,” Harry whispers as he leans in and softly kisses Emma on the lips. “There’s one in the fridge.” Still a little unsure, Emma rises from the couch. “I don’t know what you’re up to, but it better be something good.” Harry smiles. Emma leaves the living room and heads into the kitchen. “Oh my God,” she whispers as she looks around the kitchen. The normally spotless and perfect room is beautifully decorated with red velvet and champagne coloured roses. The tiled floor is covered in red velvet rose petals while a champagne rose petal path cuts through the red in a trail towards the fridge, with a border of small, lit candles. Following the path, Emma opens the fridge door. “Oh my,” she whispers as she looks at the fridge full of roses and a small, red velvet box. Harry appears in the doorway of the kitchen and watches as Emma slowly picks up the velvet box. “I hope you like it,” Harry says as he walks up behind Emma and seductively kisses her on the side of her neck. Slowly opening the small box, Emma’s mouth slowly opens as she stares in amazement at the dazzling white gold, diamond ring. Turing, Emma stares at Harry in shock as her eyes slowly begin to fill with tears. Sliding the ring out of the box, Harry gets down on one knee and takes Emma’s hand in his. Looking up into Emma’s gorgeous eyes, Harry smiles as he clears his throat. “Emma,” he begins. “These past few days I have come to realise just how much you mean to me. You’re my inspiration, my heart and my guiding light. You’re my soul mate Harry, and you’re the one I want spend the rest of my life with. After everything we’ve been through, you’re the one constant thing in my life that makes everything seem okay. You’re my breath, you’re my life. You’re the reason I wake up in the morning. I kneel before you today to ask you the most important question a man can ask a woman.” Harry pauses as he takes a deep breath. “Emma Kimberly Stanton, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?” Emma looks at Harry as a tear slowly trickles down her cheek. – spencer street – Harry & Emma’s – attic, 18 Spencer Street As the calm and quiet darkness of a cold winter’s night falls over Somerset, Cassie huddles up to a small candle burning brightly on her makeshift dining table made from old vinyl records as she shivers in the cold attic. Turning her attention to the small window on the far side of the narrow space, Cassie watches on in an almost hypnotised state as the soft icy kisses of snow float down through the cold winter’s air. Quickly looking away, Cassie stares at the orange flame of the burning candle. For so long she had been hiding her past and keeping her true identity a secret, but tomorrow, at the annual ball, she would show everyone just how wicked and evil a scorned woman can be. As an evil smirk sits planted firmly on her face, Cassie slides her hand down into her purse. Feeling her way around, she uses the tips of her fingers to guide her. Running them over object after object, she suddenly stops. “Bingo,” she whispers as she slides the object out of her purse. Raising it, she holds the object in front of her face. The glistening glimmer of the faint candlelight against the silver barrel of her small hand gun lights up Cassie’s face. “Tomorrow,” Cassie continues. “Tomorrow, Harry, revenge will be mine!” |