| Promises
Written by Darren Rowe The Goodwin Residence, 23 Spencer Street Pulling into the Goodwin driveway, Kate slowly brings her sleek black BMW convertible to a halt. Turning off the ignition, the normally calm doctor looks over at her cell phone sitting on the passenger’s seat. Taking a deep breath, Kate reaches across and picks up her phone. Looking at it, Kate begins to fill with rage and insecurities at the text message she received. Opening her car door, Kate gracefully exits the car. Slamming the door shut, she sets her car’s alarm. “Afternoon Mrs Goodwin,” Luke calls from across the other side of Spencer Street. “Lovely day isn’t it?” Kate looks over at Luke and smiles. “Yes, it’s glorious. It’s a pity I have to work today.” Luke smiles as he continues down the street towards The Austral Hotel. Composing herself, a nervous Kate begins to head towards the family house. Opening the front door, Kate enters. Closing the door behind her, she dumps her handbag and medical papers on the hallway table. Still clutching her cell phone, she begins to walk towards Stuart’s office at the back of the large two storey home. Approaching Stuart’s office, Kate stands in the doorway. The door is open. Looking at Stuart working in silence, Kate begins to doubt herself whether or not she should confront Stuart about the message she received, she then turns to leave. “Kate,” Stuart says a little surprised as he looks up from his work. “You’re home early darling.” Kate suddenly stops, turning back to face her husband, Kate plasters a fake smile on her face. “Yes, I needed to get away from the hospital for awhile. You know how it is.” Stuart laughs. “You’d better believe it. Where are all your things?” “Oh…they’re on the hall table,” Kate replies as she begins to walk towards Stuart. Reclining in his large, black leather upholstered office chair, Stuart looks his wife up and down. “You’re looking stunning today.” Kate smiles as she looks down at the ground, shy over her husband’s advances. Noticing the cell phone in her hand, Kate looks back at Stuart. “Can we talk for a minute?” “Sure,” Stuart replies a little concerned at Kate’s tone of voice. “Is something wrong?” Kate nods as she takes a seat in front of Stuart’s solid oak desk. “Yeah, well…I think so.” “What’s on your mind?” “I received an interesting message today,” Kate replies as she begins to play with her phone. Stuart looks at Kate a little perplexed. “What sort of message?” “It was very cryptic but under our current circumstances…” “Hold on Kate, I don’t think I like where this conversation is heading,” Stuart replies as he leans forward in his seat. “Who was the message from? What did it say?” “I’m getting to that,” Kate snaps as she looks at Stuart. Looking down at the message, Kate shudders as she reads it again. “I don’t know who it was from, their number was withheld.” “Well what did it say?” “It said ‘do you know what your husband is up too?’,” Kate replies as she looks at Stuart. “Any idea what it could mean, darling?” Stuart jumps up from his chair. “What the hell is this Kate? What game are you playing?” “Game? Stuart I received this message today.” “Bull shit, Kate. It’s quite obvious that you’ve simply orchestrated this whole thing to lay more blame on me.” “Stuart,” Kate protests as she rises from her seat and walks over to her husband. “Are you kidding me? You seriously think I would write a message like that to have a go at you?” “It wouldn’t surprise me Kate. Everyone knows our marriage is in crisis ad you’re obviously insinuating that my friendship with Louise is something more than that.” “Louise? What’s she got to do with this? I asked you about the message.” Stuart walks over to the window in his office. Looking out of it, he squints as the bright afternoon sun blinds him. Running his hands over his rough, unshaven face, Stuart sighs. “God Kate, I…I don’t know what to say.” “How about ‘it’s not true?’,” Kate pleads as she walks up and places her left hand on Stuart’s right shoulder. Violently shrugging her hand off, Stuart turns and stares into Kate’s eyes. “I have nothing to say to you.” Standing in silence, Kate’s heart sinks as she realises that Stuart is hiding something from her. “Stuart what are you hiding? What aren’t you telling me?” Stuart laughs. “What aren’t I telling you? What am I hiding? You really want to know Kate?” Kate slowly nods. “Yes…yes I do.” “Okay then dear, sweetie. I don’t love you anymore. I don’t want to be in this marriage anymore. I don’t want this family anymore; I don’t want to be this man anymore. Is that what you wanted to hear?” Kate stands in silence as she looks at Stuart stunned. “Well is it?” Stuart yells. Fighting back tears, Kate closes her eyes. Slowly, a single tear trickles down her porcelain like cheek. “Oh God, save me the tears,” Stuart says as he brushes past Kate. Grabbing his jacket, Stuart begins to leave his office. “Where are you going?” Kate asks. “I haven’t finished.” “Well I have,” Stuart hisses back. “I’m finished with you and I’m finished with this marriage.” As Stuart leaves his office, Kate stands in silence trying to remain strong. Hearing the sudden thud of the front door slamming closed, Kate gives into her emotions. Collapsing to the floor, she begins to cry uncontrollably. As trail after trail of tears roll down her face streaking it with mascara, Kate lies on the floor an emotional wreck. – spencer street – The Hudson Residence, 21 Spencer Street Miranda and Calvin sit in silence staring at Georgia. Staring at his wife, Calving can’t help but think how selfish she is for refusing treatment. “What did you say?” A stunned Calvin says as he takes Georgia’s hand in his. “I…I said I’m not going to have the treatment,” Georgia replies as she looks at Calvin, her heart breaking to see the stunned look on her husband’s face. “Mum,” Miranda begins, “what does that mean?” “It means…” “What it means is that your mother has decided to die,” Calvin quickly replies as he let’s go of Georgia’s hand and stands. “Calvin.” “Mum?” Miranda replies concerned. “That’s not what you mean right?” Georgia looks over at her daughter. “What your father is saying is correct, the cancer will kill me.” Placing her hand over her mouth in shock, Miranda’s eyes begin to swell with tears. “But you have to have treatment.” “No she doesn’t,” Calvin angrily replies. “Your mother’s made up her mind and she’s taking the coward’s way out.” “Calvin,” Georgia replies stunned as she turns and looks at her shattered husband. “I’m doing what I think is right?” “Right? How is not having treatment right? Do you think you’re just going to wake up and be totally cured one day?” “No but I…” “Because that’s not how it’s going to be Georgia. If you have no treatment you are going to die!” “Dad stop it,” Miranda yells as she jumps up from the lounge suite. “Just stop it, leave her alone!” Calvin, shocked at his sudden outburst, looks at his daughter. The tears running down her face break his heart. Looking at Georgia, Calvin feels awful as he realises how Georgia must be feeling at this moment. “Baby,” Calvin begins as he kneels down in front of his wife. Placing his hands on her’s, Calvin looks into Georgia’s eyes. “I…I didn’t mean what I said.” “Baby I understand.” “I just don’t understand why you won’t at least give treatment a try.” Georgia looks at Calvin. “Calvin, I know in my heart of heart’s that what I’m doing is right.” “But won’t you at least give it a go…for me? For out children? For our grand-child?” Georgia’s heart breaks as she realises that her refusal of treatment is killing her husband. “Just give it a go Georgia, please. That’s all I ask. Just give it a go.” Georgia looks into Calvin’s eyes. – spencer street – Delilah Café, Spencer Street Entering the popular establishment, Grace and her beau John, walk arm in arm. “And then I said well I hope you’ve got an appetite,” John says with a laugh as he finishes telling Grace a joke. Roaring with laughter, Grace pats John’s arm. “Oh, you are the funniest man I have ever met.” As Grace and John make their way over to a booth, Margot stares at the pair with intent. Waiting until the couple is settled, Margot begins to walk over to the pair. “You have a beautiful laugh Grace and your smile is the most dazzling I have ever seen,” John says with a smile as he charms the Goodwin matriarch. “I bet you say that to all the girls.” “Only the one’s that I truly like.” Grace smiles. “Can I help you two?” Margot asks as she walks up to Grace and John. “Afternoon Margot,” Grace beams. “Afternoon Grace, so you two seem quite cosy.” “I was just telling Grace what a beautiful smile she has.” “He’s such a charmer,” Grace says with a smile. “Are you ordering anything or not?” Margot says, trying to detract from the fact that she is extremely jealous. “Oh…um…just a cappuccino thanks,” John says as he looks at Grace. “Darling, are you getting anything?” “Oh,” Grace says as she glances over the menu. “Just a water thanks.” “A water?” “Yes, it is still free I presume?” Margot looks at Grace with a look of disgust. “Of course. So that was one cappuccino and…a water.” “Thank you Margot,” John says as he touches her hand in appreciation. The touch of John’s hand on her’s sends a surge through Margot’s body. Her spirit racing with desire, Margot smiles. “I’ll be right back.” Noticing the touching of hands, Grace looks at John. “Good to see you two are getting along.” “Oh she’s harmless,” John replies. “Grace I know we haven’t been seeing each other very long but…” “Oh before you say anything I’ve got to quickly rush to the bathroom.” John nods. “Oh.” “No, go ahead.” “No it can wait,” John replies. “It can wait.” *** Sitting at a table outside Delilah Café, Charlotte sits reading the Somerset Gazette through her heavily tinted sunglasses. Approaching the café, Emma spots Charlotte sitting alone. Wondering whether to go up to her and say hello, Emma ponders. Turning the page of the newspaper, the slight breeze gently licks against Charlotte’s face. The gentle breeze is a nice relief from the warm sun beating down on Somerset. Looking over the page, Charlotte’s mouth drops as she spots a story about Raul’s murder. Quickly closing the paper, Charlotte’s face is suddenly flushed from all colour as she breaths heavily. Trying to regain her composure, Charlotte takes her glasses off and rubs her eyes. Emma smiles as she watches the clearly agitated Charlotte. Emma walks over to the psychotic woman. “Afternoon Charlotte, did you something scary in the paper?” Charlotte looks up at Emma. “No, I just had a sudden itch.” “In your eye?” “Ah…since when is my life any of your business Emma?” “I didn’t to aggravate you Charlotte…” “You didn’t!” Charlotte yells as she jumps up from the table. Noticing people are looking at her, Charlotte quickly slips back on her sunglasses as she regains her composure. “You stay out of my life Emma...” “Or what?” “Or you won’t be around for your birthday,” Charlotte says with a wicked smile. “Is that a threat?” “Oh you’d better believe it.” Noticing the two women squabbling outside of her business, Margot heads outside. “You are a psychotic bitch,” Emma states as she tries to see Charlotte’s eyes behind her dark glasses. “Hey,” Margot says as she approaches the two women. “That’s enough of that. What the hell’s going on?” “Nothing Margot, I’m really sorry,” Charlotte replies. “That’s not totally true,” Emma interrupts. “She threatened to kill me.” “What? Are you serious?” “Oh come on, do I look stupid enough to threaten someone?” Margot laughs. “Quite frankly my dear…yes. You’ve been in town two minutes and you’ve already caused quite a stir.” “Are you kidding me?” “I don’t your sort around my café,” Margot says. “You’re officially banned effective immediately.” Charlotte looks at Margot stunned. “Excuse me?” “You heard me, you’re banned.” “Why?” “It’s my business and I can ban whom I want,” Margot replies as she begins to head inside. Emma smirks as she follows Margot inside. “Oh Margot,” Charlotte begins. Margot and Emma stop. They both turn and look at Charlotte. “You’d better watch your back; you never know what tragedies may suddenly come up.” “Is that a threat?” “Oh you’d better believe it,” Charlotte hisses. “I’ll be back and I’ll make you pay.” “Excuse me!” “You’ll never see what’s coming, but you’d better keep your eyes open just in case.” Watching Charlotte walk off, Margot stands in silence – horrified at Charlotte’s sudden and deadly threat. – spencer street – Ronan O’Connell Architecture, Somerset Sitting in his luxurious office, Ronan casts his eye over plans for a new shopping precinct in Somerset. Suddenly there’s a knock on the door. “Come in,” Ronan calls as he begins to jot down some notes about the plans on a writing pad next to him. The door to Ronan’s office opens and Amy enters. “Here’s the financials you were asking for,” she says with a smile as she places the large folders on Ronan’s desk. “Thanks. Um Amy.” “Yeah.” “Can you hold my calls for the rest of the afternoon thanks.” “Sure,” Amy replies with a smile as she backs out of Ronan’s office. As Amy closes the door, Ronan picks up the folders. Opening a folder marked 2002/2003, Ronan takes a deep breath. – spencer street – The Cooper Residence, 20 Spencer Street Arriving home, Luke slams the front door behind him as he begins to run upstairs. Sitting in the living room, Brock notices as his brother whiz past. “Hey Luke, come here for a minute would you?” Waiting for Luke to enter the living room, Brock sits staring at the photo of Charlotte and Harry he found at the scene of Raul’s murder. Luke arrives in the doorway of the living room. “What?” “Do you know who this is?” Brock asks as he hands Luke the photo of Harry and Charlotte. Luke looks at it. “Ah…yeah, I’ve seen her around. Why?” “Do you know her name?” “No, sorry can’t help you there.” “Alright, thanks anyway,” Brock says as he takes the photo back from Luke. “What do you want to know for?” “Oh, I just found this photo at a crime scene, that’s all.” “Well ask Harry, he’ll know who she is,” Luke says as he looks at his brother. “Oh…guess what.” Brock looks at Luke and raises his eyebrows in an indication to tell him what he knows. “Nicole’s pregnant.” Brock looks at Luke. “What?” “Nicole’s pregnant,” Luke repeats with a big smile on his face. “Well…that’s great.” “You don’t sound so thrilled.” “It’s just…” “It’s just what?” Luke asks as he looks at his brother. Brock falls silent. “Brock, tell me.” “Are you sure it’s yours?” “What! Of course it’s mine.” “You’re sure. I mean she hasn’t been back in town for very long and she’s suddenly pregnant.” “Well we have had sex you know,” Luke replies. “How far along is she?” Luke stands in silence as he looks down at the floor. “Luke?” “I don’t know, I don’t know.” “Well mate, I suggest you find out before you go telling everyone that you’re going to be a dad.” Luke glares at his brother. Knowing that Brock is right, Luke stands in silence as he tries to figure out what to do. – spencer street – Spencer Street, Somerset Walking home along the picturesque street, Chloe is startled when her cell phone suddenly rings. Sliding her phone out of her pocket, Chloe looks at the caller I.D. Agent. Hitting the receive button, Chloe puts her phone to her ear. “Hello. I’m good, how are you? Yeah, yeah. What! Are you serious?” – spencer street – Louise’s Residence, Spencer Street The loud knocking on the front door of Louise’s residence echoes throughout the entire house. Coming down from upstairs, Louise wraps her dressing gown around her wet naked body and loosely ties it. Opening the front door she smiles. “Stuart.” “Hey gorgeous,” Stuart says with a big smile as he gently kisses Louise on the lips. “What’s this?” “I was in the shower. Do you want to come in?” Stuart’s face suddenly becomes splashed with a wicked smile. “I’ll come in, but only if you lose the robe.” Louise smiles. Slowly she unties her rose pink, silk rose, allowing it to loosely flow away to reveal her naked body. Seductively running her index finger along her lips, she turns and begins to head towards the stairs. Stuart quickly follows, kicking the door closed behind him. – spencer street – Emergency Room, Somerset General Hospital Rushing through the noisy and busy emergency room of the hospital, April waves to the nurses standing in the nurse’s station. “How’s things?” April calls out as she continues walking. “Bloody busy, how’s the bub?” April smiles. “Everything’s great.” Continuing to rush through the ward, April doesn’t notice a small sign on the floor. CAUTION! Wet Floors. As she turns the corner in a hurry to get back to her office, April slips on the wet floor. Loosing her footing, she slips. Falling backwards, April tries to reach for something, but unable to grasp anything, she hits the hard floors with a thud. |