| Dreams & Desires
Written by Darren Rowe Delilah Café, Spencer Street Pushing open the large glass doors to the popular and busy café, an exuberant and flushed Chloe looked around for Jack. For so long she’d dreamed of scoring that illusive big modelling job in Italy, but now, after years of waiting and cheap, tacky commercial work, she’d landed it. “Gran,” she called out as she spotted Grace sitting across the other side of the café having a cup of coffee with Margot. “Gran you’ll never guess what’s happened.” Grace looked up as Chloe raced towards her. “Oh hello darling, What is it? What are you so excited about?” Chloe stood in front of the two women and tried to regain some of her composure. “Gran, I’ve landed it…” she began, before pausing to take a breath. Grace looked at Chloe a little perplexed. “Landed it? Chloe, what on earth are you talking about?” “A job,” Chloe replied with a broad smile as she looked at Grace and Margot. “I’ve landed a modelling job. I’m going to Italy.” Grace’s eyes widened as she looked at her granddaughter in a mixture of shock and amazement. “Really?” Chloe nodded ecstatic that after all these years of wanting the dream, it was finally about to become a reality. “Well darling,” Grace said as she rose from her seat. “That’s fantastic, that’s wonderful.” “Congratulations,” Margot said with a smile as Grace hugged Chloe. Pulling back, Grace looked at Chloe. “Well, when do you leave?” Chloe fell silent. “Chloe? When are you leaving?” “Um…” Chloe’s voice was soft and monotone. She knew what she was about to say would shock her grandmother. “I’m leaving…at the end of the week.” Grace looked at Chloe a little surprised. “End of the week? But…but that’s only three days away.” “I know Gran, I know. But I really want to do this; I really want to take up this opportunity. It’s a once in a lifetime…” “Yes, I know,” Grace replied as she slowly lowered herself back down into her seat. “Gran,” Chloe began as she bobbed down in front of her grandmother. “I know that this is all very sudden and…” “My word it is girl.” Watching the two Goodwin women, Margot took a sip of her coffee. “Chloe…this is a wonderful opportunity, I know that, its just…don’t you think the end of the week’s a bit soon?” Chloe slowly nodded. “Yeah, of course it is. But Gran…” Grace placed her hand on Chloe’s shoulder as she smiled. “Does your mother know about this?” Chloe suddenly fell silent. All her joy and excitement at her new career prospect suddenly vanished as the thought about telling Kate and Stuart about the modelling job hit home. “I thought so,” Grace replied. “Well darling, as long as you’re happy and this is what you want to do…” “Oh it is Gran, it really is,” Chloe interrupts. Grace smiles. “Then I am behind you all the way.” Jumping up, Chloe throws her arms around Grace and warmly embraces her. “Oh thank you Gran. Thank you.” “Are you going to tell your mum and dad?” Chloe pulled back. “No,” she replied. “Not just yet. It can be our little secret.” Grace nodded. “Of course it can.” – spencer street – Examination Room 3, Somerset General Hospital Standing outside the examination room, a troubled Ronan looks through a small window in the wooden door. Looking at April lying motionless in the hospital bed, Ronan can’t help but feel completely useless. Slowly, he turns the door handle and enters the room. Softly and quietly closing the door behind him, Ronan walks over to April’s bedside. “Hey love,” Ronan whispers as he reaches down and takes April’s hand in his. “It’s me.” April, having previously been a sleep following her fall in the emergency room, softly moans as her eyes flicker open. “Hey,” she quietly whispered as she looked at Ronan and smiled. “What are you doing here?” “You…you had a fall. Do you remember?” “Oh…yes,” April replies. Suddenly, her eyes widen as she looks at Ronan. “The baby!” “The baby’s fine,” Ronan says as he calmingly rubs April’s hand with his thumb. “The baby’s fine.” April breathes a sigh of relief. Looking at her husband, April can tell something is bothering him. Something serious. “Honey?” “Hmm,” Ronan replies as he looks around the small room. “Is everything okay? I mean, nothing else is bothering you is it?” Ronan looks at April and smiles. “No, of course not.” Leaning down, Ronan kisses April on the forehead. “I love you.” – spencer street – The Austral Hotel, Spencer Street As the sun slowly begins to set over the horizon, Shaznay, having finished work for the week, walks up Spencer Street heading towards the Austral Hotel. “Shaz,” Jack calls out as he walks out of number 26. “Wait up!” Turning, Shaznay spots Jack jogging towards her. “Hey.” “Hey,” Jack says with a smile as he catches up to the stunning beauty. “Heading to the Austral?” “Ah…yeah,” Shaznay replies as the pair begin to resume walking up the street towards the pub. Walking up the rapidly darkening street, Shaznay’s head races with thoughts about Jack. For so long she’s had a burning desire to be with him, a burning desire to share a life together. But now, nothing could be further from reality. Shaznay was pleased that Chloe and Jack had found happiness in each other, but something deep inside her still wanted Jack to be her’s. “So,” Jack said with a devilishly handsome smile as he looked at Shaznay. “Hard day at the office?” Shaznay laughs. “Oh, you have no idea.” “Oh come on, Miller Incorporated isn’t all glamour and high society you know.” Shaznay looked at Jack. “Well…okay,” Jack began with a smile. “It is easier than your job.” Shaznay laughed as Jack opened the door to the Austral. “After you.” Entering the pub, Shaznay was really looking forward to tonight. Being here with Jack, there was just something about it. Something made it all seem right, like this is the way it was supposed to be. Following Shaznay, Jack let the door close freely. “Over there?” Jack said pointing to a table situated in front of a window that looked out over Spencer Street. “Ah…yeah, great,” Shaznay replied as she followed Jack over to the table. Shaznay still couldn’t believe she was here, alone, with Jack. As the pair took a seat, Shaznay couldn’t help but look Jack up and down. He was so handsome, so dashing, so charming…everything she’s ever wanted in a man. “Did I tell you, you look stunning tonight?” Shaznay looked at Jack and smiled. Was he flirting or just being polite? “Oh these are just some of my work clothes.” “Well you must be a picture to look at in the call centre,” Jack said as he smiled at Shaznay again. “Ah…I’m going to get a beer. Do you want one?” Shaznay nodded. Rising from the table, Jack headed up to the bar. Shaznay took a deep, soothing breath. She knew nothing could come of the situation; Jack was dating her best friend. Nothing can happen. Shaznay kept thinking to herself. Nothing can happen. – spencer street – Louise’s Residence, 25 Spencer Street Opening the front door, Stuart tucked in his shirt and zipped up his trousers. Louise appeared behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I love you,” she said as she kissed him tenderly on the lips. Stuart smiled. “I love you too.” “Here,” Louise says as she bends down and picks up Stuart’s belt. “You might need this.” Stuart smiled as he took the belt from Louise. Kissing her again, Stuart turned and began to head towards the street. “See you tomorrow?” Louise called out. “Yeah,” Stuart replied as he turned and waved to his new girlfriend as he continued to walk backwards. “We’ll go somewhere special, do something exciting.” Louise smiled and waved goodbye. Stepping back, she slowly closed the front door. Turning, Stuart began walking normally back down the street towards his home. Standing at the top of the street, Cain stood, stunned at what he’d just seen and heard. – spencer street – The Hudson Residence, 21 Spencer Street Standing in the large kitchen of the Hudson home preparing dinner, Georgia wipes a tear from her eye as she thinks about what Calvin said to her earlier that day. Flashback “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.” End Flashback “Ah…shoot!” Georgia hisses as she suddenly drops the cutting knife and clutches hold of her index finger. Slowly loosening her grip, Georgia looks at her finger. “Mum?” Miranda says as she enters the kitchen. “Is everything okay?” “Ah…yeah, honey. Could you just take over here while I get this cleaned up?” Miranda looks at her mother and notices her cut finger. “Yeah, of course.” As Miranda takes over the duties of preparing dinner, Georgia turns and leaves the kitchen. Heading upstairs, Georgia doesn’t notice Calvin sitting in their bedroom crying. Walking into the bathroom, Georgia stands in front of the basin. Turning on the cold-water tap, she quickly puts he hand under the gushing stream of cold water. “Georgia,” Calvin said as he suddenly appeared in the doorway to the bathroom. “We need to talk.” – spencer street – The Austral Hotel, Spencer Street Taking a sip of her second beer, Shaznay looked across the table at Jack. She could help but admire him and his body. He was everything she’d ever wanted in a man and more. Just being here, alone with him, was something that she’d always dreamt about. As she took another sip from her now nearly empty glass, Shaznay’s head began to swirl. “Are you okay?” Jack asked concerned. “Ah…yeah,” Shaznay replied. “I’m just feeling a little dizzy that’s all.” “Well,” Jack said as he took Shaznay’s glass from her. “I think that’s enough alcohol for you.” “No,” Shaznay playfully protested as she grabbed Jack’s wrist. “It’s not the alcohol. I…I haven’t had anything to eat all day.” Jack looked at Shaznay a little concerned. “Oh, I’m no ano,” Shaznay joked using the slang language she commonly used with Chloe. “Ano?” Jack said a little unsure of what Shaznay was referring too. “Yeah, anorexic.” “Oh,” Jack replied with a laugh. “Well, I never thought you were. But you should have something to eat.” “Nah, I’ll be okay. I might just grab a packet of chips or something.” Jack smiled. He’d never seen this side to Shaznay before. She was a lot more open, a lot freer. Jack had always seen Shaznay as a woman who kept her true self guarded, but tonight he was seeing her for who she really was and he liked what he saw. – spencer street – Spencer Street, Somerset Cain stood at the top of the street watching as his father, the honourable Stuart Goodwin CEO of Somerset General Hospital and publicly perceived good guy, headed home having just spent an illicit afternoon with his new mistress. Cain’s blood pumped through his veins with ferocity. How could he have done this? Have could he have done that to Kate? Taking a step forward, Cain became powerless over his body. His rage had ambushed him and taken it over. He marched towards his father in an almost demonic state. His heart thumped heavily in his chest as his glare narrowed. Quickly approaching his father, Cain reached out and grabbed the back of Stuart’s shirt. “How dare you?” He yelled as he spun Stuart around. “How dare you do that to mum?” Stuart was a little startled by Cain’s sudden scathing attack. “Get off me,” Stuart hissed as he pushed Cain off him. “How dare you talk to me like that!” Cain stared at his cheating father in disbelief. “What? I will speak to you any Goddamn way I want. I’m not a child anymore dad, you can’t beat me to keep me quiet!” Stuart reached out and hit Cain across the face. Cain quickly put his hand up to his mouth. The stabbing pain cut into his lip. “You’re never too young for a good whack. Do you understand me?” “You’re a bastard!” Cain fiercely retorted as he clenched his hand and formed a fist. Raising his arm, Cain lashed out at his father in one fierce, foul blow. Stumbling backward from the ferocity of Cain’s punch, Stuart cupped his face. Violently brushing past his father, Cain headed inside the large Goodwin home. Stuart remained out in the front yard, regaining his composure. After a minute or two, Stuart turned and headed back inside. – spencer street – The Austral Hotel, Spencer Street “Well,” Jack said as he arched back in his seat, stretching all his tired and weary muscles. “I think it’s time to call it a night, don’t you?” Shaznay looked at Jack and smiled. “Yeah, it’s getting on a bit.” Rising from their seats, Jack quickly walked around to Shaznay’s side of the table and picked up her thick winter coat from the back of her chair. “Here,” he said as he held it open so Shaznay could put it on. “It’s cold out there.” Shaznay couldn’t contain her feelings. Jack was being such a gentle man. Why didn’t she act upon her feelings months ago when she had the chance? Sliding her jacket on, Shaznay turned and looked into Jack’s eyes. “Thank you.” Jack smiled. His perfect, white teeth dazzled Shaznay. He was perfect. Reaching across the table, Jack grabbed his coat. Slowly, the pair left their table and headed outside. Sliding on his big, thick jacket, Jack slid on his gloves. “It must be…what, 2 degrees,” Shaznay said as she wrapped her scarf around her neck. “Yeah,” Jack said as he looked up into the night’s sky. “Looks like snow also.” Shaznay watched Jack as he gazed up into the sky. Pushing her feelings for him to the back of her mind, Shaznay cleared her throat. “Well, I’d better get going,” she said. Her warm breath danced up into the cold night air. Jack looked at Shaznay. “Oh, well I can walk you home. After all, we both only live about fifty steps away.” Shaznay laughed as she took Jack’s arm and began to head home. Coming out of Delilah Café at the other end of Spencer Street, Chloe quickly wrapped her scarf around her neck. “Oh, I can’t wait until I’m in sunny Italy,” she said to herself. Turning to walk up the street and head home, she spotted Jack and Shaznay walking arm in arm towards her. They looked so perfect together, almost like they were meant to be with each other. Watching curiously as her boyfriend walked her best friend home; Chloe couldn’t help but feel a little jealous. “Well here we are,” Jack said as he and Shaznay stopped out the front of the home Shaznay shares with Chloe. “Home sweet home.” “Thanks,” Shaznay began as she turned and looked into Jack’s eyes. “Thanks for walking me that short distance.” Jack smiled. “It was my pleasure.” Leaning in, Jack softly kissed Shaznay on the cheek. Shaznay’s heart began to flutter. His lips were so soft, so gentle on her cheek. As he moved back Jack looked into Shaznay’s eyes. He was entranced by her stunning stare. He had once had a soft spot for Shaznay in his heart but never acted upon it, he thought he’d gotten over it. But that kiss, that small peck on the cheek had re-ignited something in him. Something he didn’t have with Chloe. Slowly, Jack raised his glove-covered hand and ran it softly up the side of Shaznay’s face. Taking a small step forward, Jack leaned in and tenderly kissed Shaznay on the lips. Shaznay felt so excited, so alive. She softly and passionately kissed Jack back. As their soft, tender kiss escalated into a passionate one, both Jack and Shaznay forgot in that fleeting moment that they were both breaking Chloe’s trust. Watching on, Chloe’s eyes swelled with tears as she watched her boyfriend and supposed best friend share a steamy and passionate kiss. As Jack and Shaznay continued to kiss, the first snowflake of the season fell. Dancing through the cold night’s air, it came to a soft and sudden stop on Shaznay’s hair. – spencer street – The Goodwin Residence, 23 Spencer Street As the golden sun rises over a slightly snow covered Spencer Street marking the beginning of another day, the beams of sunshine glisten off of the Spencer St street sign. The Goodwin family, having woken early, begins their daily routine. Walking down the stairs, Grace heads towards the living room when there’s a sudden knock at the front door. “I’ll get it,” Grace calls as she turns and walks towards the front door. Opening it, she smiles. “John.” “Good morning gorgeous.” “W…what are you doing here? It’s so early.” John looked at Grace and smiled. “Darling, there’s something very important we need to talk about.” Grace looked at John, uncertain of what this major issue was. – spencer street – April’s Office, Somerset General Hospital Arriving at April’s office, Nicole nervously walks through the corridor of the maternity unit. Approaching April’s office, Nicole knocked on the closed door before entering. “Good morning,” April said, still a little sore after her fall yesterday, as a nervous Nicole entered her office. “Morning April,” Nicole replied with a smile. “You’re back to work awfully quick after your fall.” April smiled. “News travels fast, doesn’t it.” “Oh, no…I just meant…” “It’s okay Nicole, I was joking,” April replies. “But they said everything was fine and so they released me.” “Well that’s great,” Nicole said as she took a seat in one of the two small chairs in front of April’s desk. “So, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?” April looked at Nicole. “Well the test results are back.” “And?” “And,” April began. “The tests confirm that you are eight weeks pregnant.” “Eight weeks,” Nicole replies a little surprised. “Wow, how come I didn’t know before this?” “Well it’s not uncommon for some women not to know they’re pregnant until the first trimester is over,” April replies. “Well,” Nicole says anxious to get away. “That’s some good news. I take it we can go now.” “Um…” April begins as she looks at Nicole concerned. “Not exactly, there are some things I’d like to go over first.” Nicole looks at April worried, thinking there is something seriously wrong. “The tests have also showed a problem,” April says as she looks at Nicole. Those six words send Nicole’s heart racing. She thought everything was fine, but the words April just uttered have suddenly shattered her dreams. “What is it?” Nicole said in a soft tone, slowly beginning to panic. April slowly takes a deep breath. “The tests show that your child has an extra eighth chromosome.” Nicole looks at April a little confused. “An extra one?” Nicole says. “But surely that’s a good thing. The more the merrier right?” April swallowed heavily, knowing what he was about to say would tear Nicole’s world apart. “Um…unfortunately not,” April replies. “When we’re talking about chromosomes, more or less is considered a bad thing. And in the case of an extra eighth chromosome, it’s an extremely bad thing.” Nicole’s heart raced, she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “So…what are you saying? What could happen?” “Nicole, with an extra eighth chromosome, there is a very high risk that your child could be born with a deformity.” “A deformity!” “Yes,” April replied. “The baby could be born without critical organs or with limb abnormalities.” Nicole droops her head and wipes a tear from her eye as her world crumbles around her. “But…” April begins, “that’s not our main worry. With an extra eighth chromosome, there is a 50% chance that your baby will be born mentally retarded.” Nicole is utterly shocked at what she’s hearing. Things keep going from bad to worse. Cruel blow after cruel blow keeps crashing into Nicole like a ton of bricks. “So…what do we do?” a shell-shocked Nicole asks. April falls silent. “I…I think the best thing for all concerned is…” “No,” Nicole interrupts. “I think you need to have a termination,” April says. “No,” Nicole yells. “I’m not losing this baby.” “At least think about it,” April asks. “Talk it through with the baby’s father at least. Please Nicole, you’re not thinking about you anymore, you’re thinking about this unborn child growing inside of you.” Nicole fell silent as she watched April, trying to comprehend what had just happened. “Um…I hope you don’t mind me asking,” April said as she looked at Nicole sympathetically. “But who exactly is the father?” Nicole looks down at the ground. “Nicole? Who is it? Who is this baby’s dad?” Nicole looks up at April. “It’s…” April eagerly awaits Nicole’s answer. “It’s your brother. It’s Connor Fairchild.” April sits staring at Nicole, stunned at her declaration. |