Scene 1
The young woman stood in the corner of the small office, holding back tears as she silently buttoned her shirt. The older man casually perused his collection of books as he tucked in his shirt and fastened his button and fly.
"I'm not doing this anymore, Ross," she said quietly, almost in a whisper.
"Oh?" He was casual, smug.
"I'm not doing this to my sister anymore. I can't even look her in the eye now. I don't know how you go home to Laidey and Sunny everyday without any guilt."
Ross shrugged. "It's rather easy."
Josephine Flynn turned around and faced him as she finally found the anger and strength she should have found months before when he first seduced her during a private tutorial.
"You disgust me, Ross. I'm ashamed I once welcomed you into our family whole-heartedly."
"And yet your shame didn't stop you from sleeping with me to keep your grade point average at a respectable level. Really, Josie, hypocrisy in women is not attractive."
"This is over, Ross. No more."
"As I assumed when we first began. This summer course was the last you needed to take from me, and you have just assured your grade on the final. And judging from your performance today, it should be a good one."
Ross smiled as he wiped her spit from his face, and leaned out the door as she ran down the hall. "It's been a pleasure teaching you, Josie! Don't be afraid to come back and visit me some time. Don't miss that bus now."
Another young woman stood from her wait beside the door.
"Dr. Collier, could I speak with you for a moment? I'm taking your Poli 342 exam in two days and I'm really worried about it."
"Of course, young lady. My office is always open for a concerned student."
Josephine Flynn's hurried steps down the metal stairwell from the third floor sent a deafening echo ricocheting off the walls. She burst out of the Cornett building so fast that Andrew Marshall was not given time to register her presence before she slammed into him, sending them both flailing into a decorative hedge.
"God, Flynn, what's wrong?"
"Just... go away, Andrew." She raised shaking hands as a shield against him. "Please, just... leave me alone."
"But you asked me to meet you so we could go to Michael's grad ceremony together."
"I know, I'm sorry. I'll... I'll take the bus."
"No, Flynn. You're upset and I'm not going to let you go off by yourself. What's wrong?"
"I can't talk about it, Andrew, especially not to you."
"I'm your best friend and you've always been able to tell me anything. Come here." He led her to a bench just around the corner, on the side of the building not visible to major foot traffic. "What's got you so upset?"
Tears came to Flynn's eyes and she avoided meeting his concerned gaze, instead looking skyward as she inhaled deeply.
"Well, I'm going to guess it was something about your meeting with Ross. What? You ended up with an awful grade and you're ashamed to admit it?"
"Quite the opposite, actually," Flynn laughed. She turned to look at her friend. "No, I got a good grade. At least I think I will. That's not why I'm upset. Look, Andy, you're my dearest friend in the world and I know you're worried about me, but I can't tell you this."
Andrew looked at her for a moment, then sighed. "I don't get it, Flynn. You've always told me everything, even the stuff I didn't really want to know about, like when you got your first period and how uncomfortable the pads were."
Flynn smiled sincerely for the first time since she'd left the building. "They were uncomfortable, and they still are."
"Yes, yes, as you've said before." Andrew smiled and pulled his friend close to his side. "But as I was saying, you've always told me everything. Except...
Andrew drifted off, a look of sudden realization taking over his expression.
"Except what?"
"Sex. You would never talk about your sexual encounters. My God, Flynn, what did Ross do to you?"
Scene 2
"I've always considered him a bastard, but I didn't think he'd miss my high school graduation."
Michael Marshall walked down the main staircase of the Marshall family home in a black tuxedo, his blue cap and gown held over his shoulder. An appreciative whistle echoed up from his sister, Grace.
"How come there weren't any guys as handsome as you when I graduated?"
"Don't try to cheer me up, Gracie. At least Dad showed up on your day. He hasn't even called me."
"You can't let it ruin your day, Michael."
Michael and Grace looked up as their Uncle John emerged from the living room, his Great-aunt Grace on his arm. Michael stepped forward and kissed his aunt, who smiled and patted him on the cheek.
"Are you sure you don't want your wheelchair today, Auntie?" Michael asked.
"Oh, for God's sake! I may be a centenarian, Michael, but my legs still work. I'm certain I can manage the short walk from the car to my chair."
Michael laughed. "You're right, Auntie, and you should know more than I. I'm sorry for doubting you." Michael turned to his uncle. "Where's Mom and Grandma?"
"Discussing your father. I wasn't supposed to tell you."
"We're here now, John. You weren't supposed to mention it." Edwina Marshall emerged from a far hallway, her daughter-in-law Arlie close behind.
"He's already angry with Pierce, Mom, and I think he knows we all agree with him."
"I do," Michael said with a nod, "and I don't want to think about him anymore. Unc's right—I can't let it ruin my day."
"Good for you, Michael." Arlie stepped forward and gave him a hug. In her early forties, she was still young and beautiful. "I stopped letting the old fart ruin my day a long time ago."
"Has Evan called you yet?"
"Yes, he must have inherited his regard for family from you. He made himself late for work waiting to call me at a decent time. In fact, every single family member I've got has called me, no matter what time they had to wake up to do it." He turned to John. "And of course Maureen is meeting you there, with Andrew, and even Flynn is coming."
"Speaking of being there, we should leave now if you're going to get in some driving time before you have to be there."
Michael beamed as John produced a set of keys from his pocket, then gave each of the ladies a hug before walking toward the front door with his uncle.
"Have fun, Michael," Arlie said. "We'll meet you there."
A short time later, Michael drove away in his new convertible, his uncle watching him with pride from the passenger seat.
"Thank you for taking car duty, Unc. It means a lot."
"I like car duty. And, besides, I wasn't going to let Pierce allow the century's old Marshall family tradition of the graduation car fall by the wayside."
Michael bid goodbye to his uncle when he reached the student parking lot at Stancliff Academy. John headed to meet the rest of the family, while Michael walked around the school to the amphitheatre, where more than enough bleachers and chairs were set up to accommodate the unlimited attendance allowed when weather permitted an outdoor ceremony. He waved hello to several friends and teachers before entering one of the several white tents set up to allow the graduates to plenty of space to dress and prepare.
After donning his cap and gown in a secluded corner, Michael left the tent and began searching the growing crowd of graduates and parents. He blew off several friends with a flippant wave as his search continued, but was soon rewarded as he found what he was looking for—Her. She was beautiful. Her long hair was wrapped, twisted, and braided in an elaborate arrangement on her graceful head, and her open graduation gown revealed the rich colors and fabrics of traditional Indian sari. But she was beautiful. She was speaking with several friends, and did not notice him watching her.
Unable to wait any longer, Michael casually approached her, purposely brushing against her arm.
"Oh, excuse me, Sara."
"It's all right."
Sara gave him a knowing look, unseen by her friends, and nodded. Michael continued walking, making sure he stayed in her view until he rounded the corner of the amphitheatre—finding the area behind it blissfully private. He waited a few minutes, but Sara soon joined him there. He went to her, held her close, and gave her a lengthy kiss.
"Sarala Kumar, you are more beautiful now than you've ever been."
"False flattery will get you no where, Mr. Marshall. You're not looking too bad yourself."
"I'm not joking, Sara. Why don't you go traditional more often?"
"It's a little too cumbersome for me, but I knew it would please my parents immensely. The minute I said I wanted to wear something traditional my father had my mother on the phone ordering everything, price no object—and you'd know if you knew how much they ended up spending. It's all imported from India."
"It was worth it. I only wish I could walk about with my beautiful Indian princess on my arm to let everyone know how much I loved her."
"I know, Michael, and you know I do, too." Sara took Michael's hands in her own and leaned closer to him. "I keep waiting for some sign from my father that he would accept you without blowing up and quite possibly disowning me, but I don't see it coming."
"Well, you know you wouldn't be alone if you decided to tell him. I'd be right there with you, and if he decided to have nothing more to do with you it would be his loss."
"I've thought about it, more times than you know. Believe me, I would like nothing more if it only meant losing him, although that would cut a deep enough hole, but he would also forbid my mother and Sam and Kalyani from seeing me as well. I couldn't do it. Now, though..."
Sara drifted off, scared to finish.
"What? Sara, what?"
"Not here. Can we get away during the party? Go somewhere private? I need to talk."
Michael frowned. "Yeah, of course. We could go to the boathouse again. It's empty."
"Yeah... let's say around... nine-thirty. I'll tell my friends I'm not feeling well and I'm getting Sam to pick me up early. Wait a few minutes after I go outside and then follow me. Is that okay? I'll wait in the parking lot. Did you get your car?"
"Yes, my Uncle John did the honors. And it's fine. What do you want to talk about? You're not moving away, are you?
"No, it's not that. I don't want to say any more now, okay? I just have to be back at the party by midnight. Sam is picking me up. He won't ask questions if I come back with you, but my father will if we don't get back home shortly after midnight."
"I promise. I will have Cinderella back at the ball by midnight."
Scene 3
The popular restaurant, Bridges in Avalon, has been decorated for the private party for the Stancliff graduates, the signature decorative bridges adorned with ribbons and flowers and lanterns hung ready to illuminate the pristine bayside locale. At the crest of the bridge leading to the main entrance, George and Burke Avalon look out as the kilt-clad staff put the finishing touches on the outdoor preparations.
"And you really want to retire and leave all this, George?"
"Not leave completely, but there's a lot of things I'd like to do that I'm missing out on, like travel. I'm almost sixty, I don't want to wait till it's too late."
"But Bridges has lived on your cooking for almost forty years."
"I never planned to be around forever, Burke. I hate to say this, but I would have left long ago if Frank was still around."
"But Dad was manager, like me. I know precious little about the food and doubt I could find an appropriate replacement."
"Christ, Burke, calm down. Just because you're nearing forty doesn't mean you have to start having anxiety attacks. I'm not leaving tomorrow. I'll take the time to find and train my own replacement. Besides, I've been talking with your sister and I'm beginning to convince her to leave her job in New York and come take my place."
"I'll have to talk to Theodora, too, then. At least I could have a modicum of control over her kitchen rantings."
"Funny man." George gave his nephew a few hearty pats on the shoulder. "I know you'd like nothing more than to have your sister back here."
"Yes, and it's the same reason I don't want you to leave. With Mom's death last year, and then Theodora going back to New York right after, and now you going off on a world tour... it just seems like what little family I've got is disappearing."
"Where's this melodrama coming from, Burke? I'll hardly be abandoning you, and Theodora had a job."
"Yeah, I've just been thinking lately, that's all. I never brought it up when Mom and Dad were still alive, but I think I want to find my birth parents."
"Really? You never mentioned it before."
"I still had my parents. I was curious, but I had no need to really look. And I didn't want to risk hurting them."
"Well, I'm surprised, certainly, but I'll give you whatever help you need."
"I appreciate that..." Burke drifted off as his eye was caught by a young woman approaching from the road, a backpack and two bags slung over her shoulders. He gestured toward her. "That's not..."
George looked, then walked to the end of the bridge for a better view. "Becky?"
"George!"
The young woman gave an enthusiastic wave before running toward him as best she could without her baggage tripping her up or throwing her off balance. When she reached him, she dropped her two shoulder bags and they hugged.
"Becky, what are you doing here? Why didn't you call? I would have picked you up at the airport. How long are you staying?"
"That's why I didn't want to call. I spent all my money on the plane ticket. I'm fed up with my mother. I was just getting to like her new boyfriend, and she went and did the same thing to him that she did to you."
"Relationships were never your mother's forte. Why didn't you just move out and get a job? You're an adult now, she can't control you like she did before."
"I never went to university, I can't get a job I can support myself with. You're the only father I've known, George. Please say you'll let me stay. I know I should have called, but I didn't want you to talk me out of it."
Tears formed in Becky's eyes as she looked up at George in genuine desperation. He pulled her toward him and hugged her again.
"Of course you can stay here, Becky. As long as you want."
Scene 4
The graduates were gathered in two semi-organized masses on either side of the stage, but a third of them were already seated alphabetically on the stage in the bleachers facing the crowd.
"Christopher Knorr."
Michael ignored the principal's kind words about Chris as he made his way to the front of the crowd in order to get a better view of the stage.
"Sarala Kumar."
Michael began clapping along with everyone else as he briefly watched Sara's father move into the aisle to take pictures, but quickly turned his head toward the stage to watch as Sara walked across from the opposite side.
"Sara distinguished herself this year by leading the debate team to a second place finish at the provincial championship. She finished first in her class in both History and Chemistry, and graduates in the top five percent over all with a 4.0 grade point average."
Michael kept watching as Sara made her way to the center, shook hands with the officials on the stage as she received her certificates, and took her seat over half way up the bleachers. As he scanned the crowd for his family, his eyes widened in surprise as his father came walking down the center aisle. He found his family in the first few rows, where Andrew quickly gave up his seat and went to stand at the side with other late arrivers. The rest of the ceremony went by in a blur, especially the second half after he was already seated in the bleachers. Michael caught his father's eye as he filed down the aisle with his classmates, but neither smiled. The look in Pierce's eye was both apologetic and filled with pride, and Michael stoically nodded as he passed.
Later, after Michael had turned in his gown, he returned to the crowd of parents in search of his own, his blue cap clutched firmly in his hands. Pierce stood back as Michael hugged his family and the close family friends in attendance, but when he had gone through them all it was their turn to stand back and give Michael some privacy with his father. Pierce approached his son, silently put an arm around his shoulder, and led him toward the side of the crowd.
"Michael, I couldn't begin to tell you how sorry I am."
"You don't need to say it, Dad. You came, that's all that matters."
"I do need to say it, and it's not all that matters. I missed the longest-running and most treasured Marshall family tradition."
"It wasn't missed. Uncle John did it."
"But I was supposed to, and I don't know how I can make it up to you."
"Dad, you don't need to. You showed up, and that's all I need."
"I did mean to be here, you know. The plane was delayed in Toronto."
Michael laughed. "Dad, you don't need to explain. Now..." He fished around in his pocket and soon produced his car keys. "Will you go for a drive with me?"
Pierce beamed with pride, and there was a hint of tears in his eyes when he pulled his son to him for a grateful hug.
"I would like nothing more."
* * *
At the after-grad party at Bridges in Avalon, Michael found himself just picking through his dinner and half-ignoring his friends as he glanced over at Sara's table every chance he got.
"Hey, Mikey, how many people can you fit in that car of yours."
Michael heard the words, but they didn't register and he didn't respond.
"Mikey, hey!" His friend shoved him on the arm.
"What?" He turned around, almost angry.
"Where are you, Mikey?"
"I don't know, Jase. I'm a little distracted tonight. What did you ask me?
"We wanted to know how many people you can fit in your new car."
"Four more."
"Seat belts, yeah, but how many people d'you think we could get in it."
"Like I said, Jase," Michael smiled. "Four."
"You're no fun, Mikey."
But Michael again wasn't hearing the words. He'd finally noticed Sara get up from her table, but she was only heading for the bathroom. It was only nine o'clock. Still, she returned from the bathroom a few minutes later, said a few words to her friends, and took a route right past him as she headed for the door. Michael turned back to his friends.
"Look, guys, I'd don't know what's wrong with me tonight, but I'm feeling terrible. I'm gonna go home before I can't drive."
"Mikey, this is our night! You can't leave at... what is it? Nine o'clock?"
"Sorry, guys. I'll see you this summer. Have a good time."
Michael left the restaurant and headed toward the parking lot, finding Sara crouching behind a tree retching out the rest of her supper. He crouched beside her and rubbed her back as she finished.
"You all right?"
"I'll be fine. Let's get out of here."
Michael settled Sara in his car and they took the short drive to the other side of the bay where the Marshall boat house, really a three bedroom, beach-side vacation home, stood empty and dark. Michael retrieved the key from its hiding place before climbing the stairs and unlocking the door, and Sara retreated to the bathroom while he fumbled with the alarm. He was waiting in the living room when he returned, turning the radio to their favorite station. Sara slumped onto the couch, exhausted, and pulled the pins from her hair, revealing several feet of silky locks. Michael smiled and joined her on the couch; she leaned into him as he gently massaged her scalp.
"I remember the last time you took your hair down for me."
"Two months ago today," Sara replied, half smiling. "My father would never trust Sam to watch out for Kali and me again if he knew. He'd never go on another business trip with Mom again."
"You don't regret it, do you?"
"No, not quite... you said it was your first time, too, right?"
"Yes, Sara, and it was the truth."
"I know, I trust you. It's just surprising—you're handsome, charming, and wealthy."
"Yeah, but I'm a one-woman man."
"And I love you, even with your tendency to use clichés. But that night. I know we were careful, but... it was your first time using a condom, right?"
"I don't wear them for fun." Michael paused. "Now, that's not quite right. I don't put them on when I dress in the morning."
"So... you could have... something could have..."
Michael's eyes widened, realization sinking in. He turned Sara to face him.
"Sara, honey, you're not saying...?"
Sara closed her eyes and sighed as she slowly nodded her head. "I think I'm pregnant."
Scene 5
The young couple couldn't stop looking at each other as they drove along a quiet road in southern England. It was dark and rain was beginning to fall, their eight year-old daughter had long since fallen asleep in the back seat.
"I don't think you could know how happy I am right now, Jack," Ann said, gazing over at him from the passenger seat.
"Could it be happier than me?" He looked at her briefly and smiled, then put his eyes back on the road. "Gemma's been quiet. Is she asleep?"
Ann twisted to the right and looked back at her daughter, asleep on the driver's side with her head rested against the window.
"Yeah," she smiled.
She was still smiling at her sleeping daughter when Jack slammed on the brakes and swerved to miss the oncoming car, but his action came too late. His swerve caused the other car to hit theirs just behind Ann's door. She never saw it coming.
Before you go, kindly leave your comments:
Coming up in Episode 2:
- Pierce and Michael have a father-son talk. Pierce reveals something from his past that's all too similar to Michael's current predicament, as well as his intention to repair his marriage to Arlie.
- Becky's break from her mother won't last as long as she'd hoped, and she isn't the only who does't look forward to Tina's arrival.
- Aunt Grace has a private meeting with her banker with the intention of rectifying the mistakes of her past.