| A Time to Wait
By Darren Rowe The Hudson Residence, 21 Spencer Street The normally loud and busy Hudson house is eerily quiet for once. As night falls over Somerset, Georgia sits alone in the living room. The room is completely black apart from a small flicker of a candle in the corner of the room. Georgia sits in a big, comfortable armchair holding a photo of the Hudson family. Running her index finger over the photo, a tear begins to swell in the corner of her eye. Looking at her husband, Calvin, in the photo, Georgia can’t hold back her emotions any longer. The single tear that swelled in the corner of her eye breaks free and begins to cut its way down her cheek. Soon a few more tears follow suite. How am I going to tell him? How am I going to say to my husband, my soulmate that I have breast caner? Georgia thinks to herself. Continuing to look at the photo, Georgia’s heart is filled with sadness and anger. “Why me?” Georgia screams out, the strain of her throat and voice box piercing. “Why do I have to die Lord? Why?” Throwing the photo across the room, the frame hits the wall. A thousand pieces of glass fall from the photo frame and onto the floor like raindrops falling from a heavy storm cloud. Sobbing, Georgia curls up into a tight ball on the armchair. “Why?” she begins whispering to herself. “Why?” – spencer street – Louise Hilton’s Residence, 25 Spencer Street The loud beating of a songs bass fills Louise’s house, drowning out the loud chatter and laughing of all of Shaznay’s friends gathered. Louise, standing at the top of the staircase, looks down upon the crowd and smiles. As she begins to walks down the stairs, Louise is careful not to step on the train of her gorgeous deep ocean blue evening gown. The gorgeous blue gown offsets Louise eyes. Reaching the lower landing, Louise looks at her watch. Peeking through the curtains in the living room, Leo spots Shaznay and Chloe coming up the driveway. “She’s coming.” The guests gathered at Shaznay’s party scramble for a spot to hide. The lights dimmed and the loud music is shut off as Louise’s house falls silent. The odd whisper can be heard. Opening the front door, Shaznay and Chloe enter. As they walk down the hallway of the eerily quiet and darkened house. “Something’s not right here,” Shaznay comments as she and Chloe continue to make their way down the hall. Entering the living room, the two women come to a stop. Suddenly the lights are flicked on as everyone gathered for Shaznay’s surprise birthday party jump up. “Surprise!” Shaznay and Chloe look startled at the sudden surprise. “Oh my God,” Shaznay says as she begins to laugh. “Oh my God.” “Happy birthday love,” Louise says as she approaches her daughter. Handing Shaznay a large, meticulously wrapped gift, Louise waits for a reply. Shaznay looks at her mother. The two stand in silence for a moment as the party kicks back into high gear. Chloe, realising there is a bit of tension, spots Jack and walks off. “Thanks,” Shaznay replies. Louise smiles. “You’re welcome my darling.” Leo comes rushing over to his younger sister as Louise heads into the kitchen. “Hey Shaz, happy birthday,” Leo says with a laugh as he scoops his sister up in his arms and spins around in a circle. Shaznay lets out a shriek. “Put me down you fool.” Stopping, Leo puts his sister back down. The two stand laughing. Leo looks across the packed living room and spots Chloe. Her beauty and aura entrance Leo. As he gazes at the young beauty, he notices she’s talking to Jack. Shaznay notices her brother staring at her best friend. “Leo? Leo are you okay?” “What? Oh yeah, fine.” Shaznay looks across the room at Chloe. “Why were you staring at Chloe?” Leo looks at his sister. “Chloe? Me? Staring? No I wasn’t.” “Yes you were, you had those little goo-goo eyes,” Shaznay teases as she places her mothers gift on a nearby bench. “You’ve got a crush on Chloe.” “Oh please,” Leo says as he turns away from Shaznay and begins heading towards the kitchen. “I’m a 24-year-old man, I don’t get crushes.” Shaznay rushes after her brother. “You’ve got a crush on Chloe. Oh my God, my brother likes my best friend. How…juvenile!” Leo whips around and stares at Shaznay. “I do not have a crush on Chloe Goodwin.” “Yes you do.” “No I don’t.” “You do, you do, you do.” Leo scoffs. “Shaznay as much as you’d Chloe and I to be together, I don’t have a crush on her,” Leo replies as he enters the kitchen. Shaznay chases after her brother. “Fine, you don’t have a crush but you like her. You might even love her.” Leo falls silent. Shaznay smiles. “I told you so, you’re in love with Chloe.” “Fine, so I think she’s beautiful. And who knows, maybe one day something might happen…” Shaznay walks up to Leo. “I think you two would make a great couple.” Leo looks at Shaznay a bit cautious. “Honestly. I think you and Chloe would be a great match.” Leo smiles. “I think she may feel the same way.” “Well I’ll go and find out,” Shaznay replies as she begins to leave the kitchen. “No,” Leo yells as he tries to grab his sister. Shaznay giggles as she races into the living room. – spencer street – The Goodwin Residence, 23 Spencer Street Grabbing her handbag, Nicole scans around her bedroom one last time. Turning off her light, she leaves the bedroom and closes the door behind her. In her waste paper bin lies a positive pregnancy test. – spencer street – Louise Hilton’s Residence, 25 Spencer Street With Shaznay’s birthday party in full swing, the partygoers continue to dance to the loud music. Sitting on a lounge suite in front of a large, bay window, Chloe sits alone. “Here you go,” Jack says approaching Chloe from behind as he hands her a flute of champagne. “Ta.” “So Chloe, any exciting modelling prospects on the horizon?” Jack asks as he sits next to the young Goodwin. “No, I’m taking a bit of a break at the moment, helping out at Delilah.” “Oh that’s a shame.” “Excuse me?” “Well,” Jack begins. “I mean someone as beautiful as you should have a never ending supply of work. You shouldn’t be stuck in some local café serving ordinary people a latte or a plain coffee.” Chloe blushes. “You’ve true talent Chloe. You know Miller Inc is looking for a new resident model.” “Really?” “Yeah,” Jack says with a charismatic smile. “We’re looking for someone to headline our new collection and I think you have the exact look.” Chloe smiles. As the two sit in silence, Shaznay enters the living room. Spotting Chloe and Jack talking on the lounge suite, Shaznay stands in the doorway and watches the two. “So,” Chloe begins. “How’s life treating you?” Jack readjusts his position on the lounge suite as he places his drink down on an end table. “Life’s going pretty well, and now I’m here talking to you…” “My oh my, you are full of flattery tonight.” “What? You don’t like what I’m saying about you?” “Well,” Chloe begins. “You’re coming on a bit strong aren’t you?” Jack sits surprised. “Well…ah…I just thought that you might like to hear that sort of thing.” “What?” Jack looks into Chloe’s eyes. “I like Chloe and frankly I’m surprised you haven’t been seeing the signs tonight.” Chloe looks at Jack and smiles. “You like me? You, Jack Miller, CEO of Miller Inc likes me, Chloe Goodwin, a simple suburban woman?” “You’re not a simple suburban woman Chloe, you’re a beautiful, sexy model who has my heart.” Slowly, Jack leans in and gently kisses Chloe. Closing her eyes, Chloe passionately kisses Jack back. Shaznay looks on shocked as Chloe and Jack kiss. Leo, rushing into the living room, bumps into Shaznay. As he looks across the living room at Chloe, his heart sinks. Turning, he rushes upstairs. “Leo,” Shaznay calls as she chases after Leo. Chloe and Jack continue to share an intimate and passionate kiss. – spencer street – The Austral Hotel, Spencer Street Working the closing shift at her father’s pub, Miranda sighs as she begins to clear the tables after a busy night. As she places any dirty glasses into a large, black container, she doesn’t notice Cain enter the pub. Watching the buxom blonde tidy up the pub, Cain looks at her admiringly. Miranda’s tight fitting black halter neck top and black skirt sends Cain’s heart a flutter. As he watches Miranda work, Cain begins to walk towards her. Approaching her from behind, Cain quickly puts his hands over Miranda’s eyes. “Guess who.” Miranda, surprised by the sudden event, smiles. “Um…Justin Timberlake?” Cain pulls his hands away and looks at Miranda. Miranda, turns and looks at Cain with a big smile on her face. “Justin Timberlake?” Cain says with a look of disgust. “You could’ve at least said Heath Ledger or Brad Pitt.” “Ah,” Miranda begins as she loosely wraps her arms around Cain’s neck. “But no one’s as hot as Justin.” “Not even me?” “Oh…you’re up there.” Cain smiles as he kisses Miranda. The two lust filled adults continue to share the passionate kiss. Cain runs his hands up Miranda’s legs, resting them on her hips. Slowly, he begins to slip them under her top. Miranda pulls back. “Too soon?” Cain asks. “No,” Miranda replies with a smile. “Just not here, there are rooms upstairs.” Taking Cain’s hand, Miranda rushes upstairs. – spencer street – The Cooper Residence, 20 Spencer Street Lying on the lounge suite watching Mrs Miniver, Amy snuggles into Brock’s strong, comforting embrace. Brock kisses Amy on the forehead. “I love this movie,” Amy comments as she continues to watch the black and white film. Suddenly there’s a knock at the front door. Brock and Amy don’t move. “Do you want to get that?” Brock asks. “No, we’ll pretend we’re not home. They’ll soon go away.” As the two continue to watch the film the knocking continues and becomes louder. Luke comes storming down the stairs. “Don’t worry, I’ll get it.” “Thanks,” Amy comments. Luke walks up to the front door. Turning the golden doorhandle, he swings the oak door open. “Nicole.” “Hey baby,” Nicole says as she kisses Luke. “Can I come in?” “Sure.” As Nicole enters the hallway, Luke shuts the front door. “Ah…we’d better go up to my room. Brock and Amy are watching some terrible old film in the living room.” “Hey,” Amy yells from the living room. “I heard that. You’ll love Mrs Miniver too if you’d just come and watch it with us.” Heading up the stairs, Luke stops. “I’ll skip on the old trash movies thanks.” – spencer street – Switching on his bedroom light, Luke and Nicole enter. Nicole walks over and takes and perches herself on Luke’s bed as he shuts the door behind him. Walking over to Nicole, Luke places one arm on either side of her and passionately kisses her. “Luke,” Nicole begins. “Luke stop.” Luke pulls back and looks at Nicole unsure. “What is it?” Nicole sighs. “Come, sit,” she says patting a spot on the bed next to her. Luke takes a seat next to Nicole. Taking her hand in his, he begins to kiss it. “Luke…I have something to tell you.” Luke continues to kiss Nicole’s hand. “I don’t know how to say this, so I’m just going to blurt it right out. Luke, I’m pregnant.” Luke suddenly stops kissing Nicole’s hand. Slowly raising his head, he looks into Nicole’s eyes. “What?” “I’m pregnant Luke. We’re going to have a baby.” Luke smiles as he hugs Nicole. “Oh my God, this…this is wonderful.” Nicole hugs Luke back but doesn’t look impressed. She knows the truth, she knows she’s lying but Nicole decides she’ll do anything to keep Luke and keep the secret of her UK fling quiet. – spencer street – Room 39, The Austral Hotel Bursting through the door to room 39, Miranda and Cain continue to passionately kiss each other as they begin to shed their clothing. Leading Miranda over to the bed, Cain slides Miranda’s top up. Carefully falling back onto the bed, Miranda and Cain continue to kiss. Unbuckling Cain’s belt holding his jeans up, Miranda slides it out and throws it on the floor. “Are you sure?” Cain asks as he looks down at the woman who has stolen his heart. Miranda smiles. “As sure as I’ll ever be.” Cain and Miranda begin to kiss again. – spencer street – Louise Hilton’s Residence, 25 Spencer Street “Leo, come on Leo, open the door,” Shaznay calls as she bangs on the locked bathroom door. Unlocking the door, Leo comes out of the bathroom. Looking at his sister, Leo brushes past her and heads down the stairs. “Leo? Where are you going?” “Back to join the party.” Shaznay stands surprised at her brother’s reaction. – spencer street – “Leo, what just happened?” Shaznay asks as she enters the kitchen. “What do you mean?” “What I mean is what suddenly changed? One minute you were furious and the next you’ve just totally forgotten about it?” Leo, opening a beer, looks at his sister. “Shaznay, its fine. She obviously doesn’t feel the same way. So can we just drop it?” “No,” Shaznay snaps. “We’re not going to drop it. You love Chloe and with me being her best friend, I know that you’re going to have to fight for her.” “I said can we drop it?” Leo says as he walks past Shaznay and joins the party. Shaznay follows her brother. “No. Believe me; Chloe and Jack have nothing in common.” “She’s a model and he designs clothes. I see a common interest there.” Shaznay sighs. “You know what I mean.” Leo turns and looks at Shaznay. “Look, Chloe doesn’t feel the same way I do. It’s fine, there’s plenty of other fish in the sea. Like that one,” Leo says pointing to a woman looking at him enticingly. Shaznay watches as her brother walks over to the woman and begins talking to her. Louise walks up to her daughter. “So, are you enjoying the party?” Shaznay looks at her mother. “Why are you doing this?” “What? What do you mean?” “I mean, why are you trying to get back on my good side mother? I’ve told you we’re through.” “But Shaznay I…” “No butts mother, after tonight you and I will no longer have any contact. Understood?” Louise reluctantly nods her head as Shaznay heads into the living room. – spencer street – The Hudson Residence, 21 Spencer Street Sobbing, Georgia wipes the tears from her eyes as Calvin arrives home. “Hello? Anyone home? Georgia?” Georgia gently blows out the candle and walks towards her husband. “Ah here she is,” Calvin begins as he places his briefcase on the floor. “The most beautiful woman in the world.” Calvin kisses Georgia on the cheek. “Don’t,” Georgia whispers. “What?” Calvin kisses Georgia again. “I said don’t,” Georgia screams before turning and running upstairs. Calvin stands stunned at Georgia’s outburst. – spencer street – The Goodwin Residence, 23 Spencer Street Opening the door to Nicole’s darkened room, Grace enters. Carrying a plastic basket, she opens Nicole’s cupboard and empties her dirty washing basket into the plastic one. Placing Nicole’s basket back in her cupboard, Grace closes the cupboard door. Beginning to walk out of the room, a piece of clothing falls from the basket and flops on the floor in front of Nicole’s waste paper bin. As Grace leans down to pick it up, she notices something in Nicole’s bin. As she investigates further, Grace soon realises it’s a pregnancy test. Picking it up, she’s stunned when she realises her granddaughter is pregnant. |