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Jacaranda Blues Screen script

By Mehreen Ahmed @copyright2011 based on her

published novella Jacaranda Blues

EXT. TRAIN STATION - AFTERNOON

A young Rhonda is sitting on a ledge

engrossed in a book, suddenly a train whistle

sounds.

Rhonda jumps up awkwardly gathering up an

assortment of books, no time to place them

back in her satchel and rushes through the

crowded station with the books barely

balanced some under one arm and the others ineach hand.

Oblivious to all around her she collides full

frontal into Chris; books go flying in all

directions.

Rhonda mumbling quietly avoiding eye contact

bends to pick up her books.

RHONDA

Sorry.

The train departs without her.

Rhonda gives a sigh of exasperation and a

shrug of her shoulders and collects her

books.

Chris picks up a book and hands it to her.

CHRIS

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Hi, I'm Chris, takes

two to collide so I'm

sorry too.

(with

a huge

grin)

Rhonda gives a slight smile.

CHRIS

The next train won't

be too long, but say

are you in a hurry?

(and

looks

confidentall

y into

Rhonda

's

eyes)

Rhonda captured by his charm, tries to

discretely hide the overdue notice from the

library.

RHONDA

Actually I do have

some time.

CHRIS

Would you like to go

for a coffee, my

shout.

RHONDA

Oh, okay.

(tryin

g to

concea

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l the

thrill

in her

voice)

And they headed across the road to the cafe.

INT. CAFE - AFTERNOON

They sit at a table drinking coffees.

CHRIS

I'm guessing you like

reading.

RHONDA

Yes, I do.

CHRIS

Hey, me too.

RHONDA

Are you just saying

that, coz I guess you

don't have to be a

mind reader to have

worked that one out.

CHRIS

Not at all, I can tell

you exactly how that

story on the topends....the captain of

the ship has really

been....

RHONDA

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Stop, I've not read

that one yet, don't

spoil it.

CHRIS

Well seeing as you

asked so nicely, so

what else do you like

to read?

They are now eating lunch.

RHONDA

Well I love to read

just about anything,

but particularly

adventures and happy

endings, they must

have happy endings, oh

and stories with a

message. About

peoples heartfelt

journey that ends

happily. I hope to

write a book one day

and ... am I boring

you?

CHRIS

Not at all, I'm

finding you very

intriguing. Please

keep going.

RHONDA

I love classics too.

Im reading Mrs

Dalloway at the momentCHRIS

Oh! Mrs Dalloway. I

dont think Ive read

that one yet.

RHONDA

Yeah,Virginia Woolf.

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CHRIS

Speaking of which,

have you read Animal

Farm?

RHONDA

Thats Orwell, George

Orwell; of course.

Loved it.

CHRIS

I saw a BBC production

of Brideshead

Revisited. Did you see

it?

RHONDA

No, but I have read

the book. I really

liked Charles romance

with Julia.

Chris looks at Rhonda. His gaze softens as he

continues to look.Rhonda blushes and carrieson with her story.

A waitress is now clearing away their platesfrom their table and brings them more coffee.

Chris keeps on looking, as he says absent

mindedly.

CHRIS

I loved the atmosphere.

Oxford and all that.

RHONDA

Yeah, nice. What did you think

about Charless

relationship with Sebastian?

CHRIS

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Julias brother, right?

RHONDA

Yeah.

CHRIS

It was a strange relationship.

Did he love him or not?

RHONDA

Hard to tell. They were in their

teens. Young people do try out

things, you know.

CHRIS

Yeah, or afraid to come out, maybe.

Rhonda looks away. They are the only onesleft in the coffee shop, one of the staff is

sweeping the floor and another closes the

door and turns the closed sign to face the

street.

RHONDA

Gosh, it's late, it's

been lovely but I

really must go.

(she

standsto

leave)

Chris scribbles his name and number on a

napkin and places it into her hand.

CHRIS

Call me.

RHONDA

Sure.

CHRIS

Promise.

RHONDA

Promise.

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And so they walk out together.

RHONDA

Goodbye

Chris.

CHRISGoodbye

Rhonda.

And Rhonda starts to head towards the train

station as does Chris.

RHONDA

Are you

following me?

(grinning)

CHRIS

Nope. Just catching

the train too.

Remember, that's how

we met? At the

station.

(Grinning back)

EXT. TRAIN - EVENING

And so they board the train together and

their conversation continues.

RHONDA

Well this is my stop

so I guess it's

goodbye again.

CHRIS

I guess it is, goodbye

Rhonda.

And Rhonda gets off the train, Chris follows.

EXT. NEIGHBOURHOOD STREET - EVENING

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Rhonda gives him a strange look.

CHRIS

Okay, now I'm

following you, justwanted to find out

where you live so I

can come and hunt you

down if you don't keep

your promise.

They reach Rhonda's house and stand silently

for a few moments.

EXT. YOUNG RHONDA'S HOUSE - EVENING

RHONDA

It was a wonderful

day, thankyou.

CHRIS

That it was and well,

I wondered if you

maybe would like to

have dinner with me

tomorrow night?

Rhonda is speechless and simply nods.

CHRIS

Great I'll pick you up

at 7.00

ENT. RHONDAS MOTHERS HOUSE

Rhonda enters her mothers small dilapidated

house. She looks around into the shabby

living room. Her sisters Clara and Emily are

watching TV on a faded sofa.

RHONDA

Hi

CLARA

Hi. Whats up?

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You look radiant.

RHONDA

I met someone really

interesting.

CLARA

Really?

RHONDA

Yeah

CLARA

tell me

RHONDA LAUGHING

Theres nothing to tell. Just

met him.

CLARA

Please Rhonda

RHONDA

Okay, if you promise not to

tell anyone. But not

today. Wheres mum.

Emily looks at them quizzically.

RHONDA

wheres mum Clara?

Clara looks at Emily and both shrug their

shoulders. Rhoda returns to her room. Her

mood suddenly turned off. She changes and

goes to bed with a book. Hours pass and it is

nearly midnight, She hears a car park on the

driveway and laughter. Rhonda opens the door

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just a little. She sees a man and a middle-

aged women enter the house. The woman sees

her.

The woman stiffens

THE WOMAN

How come youre still up?

Rhonda looks at the man

RHONDA

Good night mum. I didnt

realise you had a

friend. I dont recall meeting him.

MUM LAUGHING

Oh! Where are my manners? You

havent met him. This

is bob.

RHONDA

whatever. Goodnight mum, Bob.

Rhonda shuts her door and hears mum saying,

not tonight. Mum tiptoes to her room.

Rhonda Mumbling

Rhonda

Who the heck is bob? Whatever

happened to Jim?

She puts her book away and turns off the

light. In her mind she is thinking how her

daddy a mad punter left them suddenly without

so much as a word. She gets up to go into the

kitchen to get some pills for headache. She

finds mum in the kitchen in her pyjamas.Theres a letter in her had. She is sitting

at the kitchen table looking distressed.

Rhonda enters and she looks up.

RHONDA

Whats the matter?

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Rhonda is filling up a glass with sink water

and getting pills for the headache from the

cupboard.

MUM

Davids not in his room. Has

he not come in from work

yet?

Rhonda looks worried.

RHONDA

I wasnt at work today. But

Clara and Emily are home.Why wouldnt he be?

MUM

I hope he is not turning into

a punter.

RHONDA

He did steal money from the

till. Uncle Tom

didnt press charges.

MUMIts in his blood. Bad blood.

RHONDA

Bad blood? Do you think he

takes after

daddy?

MUM

He might. He might turn into a

mad punter just

like him and leave us one

day in the middle of the night like

Greg.

Rhonda looks seriously at her glass and then

looks up to make eye contact with mum.

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RHONDA

What should we do then?

Mum sighs MUM

Dunno. Keep a close eye maybe.

He is sixteen and

vulnerable.

RHONDA

Why did you go to his room?

MUM

The milk money is gone. To askhim if he took it.

Mum points at the jar on the counter-top.

RHONDA

Even if he did. he wouldnt

admit. would he?

MUM

No, but that was my pay for

the week. Hav asked

for a raise. But not

lookn too good. people like

cleanin their own homes these

days. A lot of

cleanersre out of job.

RHONDAIll keep an eye out for him

in the store. Don

worry mum. Its late. Go to

bed.

mum

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I still cant get over how dad

tortured me night in

and night out.

RHONDA

I still remember those days.

I was little but I used to

hear things.

Mum

What did you hear?

RHONDA

Dad coming home at 2 in the

morning and asking

you to make him fresh

pasta. You in the kitchen making him

dinner. And then afterwards

taking you to

bed. Beating you to until you

gave in.

MUM

You remember quite a bit.

RHONDA

Yeah I do. I dont understand

Why you stayed? Why

did you not leave

him?

MUM

Because you must sleep

in the bed you make.

RHONDA

I dont agree.

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We could have lived

in a flat just the

two of us.

But you had to have Emily,

Clara and then David.

Mum Keeps quiet

MUM

I could have but I was afraid.

RHONDA

Afraid of what?

MUMAfraid of being on my own

I guess.

Rhonda yawns

RHONDA

Im tired mum

Goodnight.

MUM

Make a good life for yourself

Rhonda. Dont make the mistake

that I did. Goodnight.

Sleep tight.

Rhonda leaves mum in the kitchen and goes to

her room. She shuts it behind her and goes to

her room. The Camera zooms out of the small

kitchen with a tiny table of four. The paint

on the wall is peeling off on the side.

Rhonda climbs into bed and goes to sleepcovering herself with blanket all the way to

the neck.

EXT. NEXT MORNING.

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Emily and Clara are having breakfast in the

kitchen. Rhonda wakes up and hears David

snoring in his room. Rhonda proceeds towards

the kitchen. Both sisters look at her.

RHONDA

Hey

EMILY

Hey youre up early?

RHONDA

Yeah Uncle Tom said

theres extra work

to be done at the store. The

delivery trucks are coming early

today. Whenre you guys going?

CLARA

We will go when David

wakes up. Uncle Tom

will need us too, to put the

heavy boxes on the shelf. Emily,David

and I will catch up soon. You

go on now if you

like.

EMILY

Its pay day today! I am

going shopping

after work.

Care to come along

Rhonda?

RHONDA

No Im afraid not. Iwont

be able to tonight Im

going out.

CLARA

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Where to?

RHONDA

Going out to dinner with afriend.

Sisters look at Rhonda suspiciously. Rhonda

smiles at them and gets out of the kitchen.

She proceeds towards the bathroom.

EXT. TOMS VEGETABLE AND FRUIT SHOP.

Rhonda is seated in an office with an elderly

person. He is also bald and chubby, but quite

well built. He is reading a document while

Rhonda waits. Suddenly the phone rings and

Rhonda gets up to pick it up.

RHONDA

Hello

MALE CALLER

Is Tom there?

RHONDA

May I know who this is?

MALE CALLER

Yeah its Tony.

RHONDA

Just a minute.

Rhonda gives the receiver to Tom, who has now

taken the phone from Rhonda.

TOM

Tony! whats up man?

TONY

Are you free tonight. Ill come

over around six. Lets

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have dinner together. Will you

cook tonight? Or shall I?

Rhonda didnt wait to hear the rest of the

conversation. She leaves the room as she over

hears the last bit of the conversation. I

love you too. Rhonda enters her office. She

sees David stacking up the boxes on the shelf

and Emily and Clara at the till. She smiles

at them as she goes to the back of the shop

where her desk is. She takes out a letter

from the drawer and reads it. It is a

resignation letter. She is leaving her

uncles vegetable store and has applied as

another admin job at a hospital. She takes

the letter to Uncle Toms office but he is

not there. So she leaves it on his desk.Rhonda leaves early. On her way she speaks to

Clara.

RHONDA

I need to go home early. Make sure

that you take David home

with you.

CLARA

When will be back? Emily threw

up quite a bit after breakfast

today.

She binged again.

Rhonda looks concerned.

RHONDA

Dont worry! Shell be fine.

See you soon. Ill see you home.

Rhonda leaves the shop in a real hurry. But

she does not go home. She takes the bus to

the hospital. She has an interview to attend.

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EXT. Evening, a couple of hours before Chris

arrival. Rhonda is trying out dresses. She

looks through the few dresses she has in her

closet. She sighs and picks a pink dress with

a low neckline.

Rhonda murmurs

RHONDA

This will have to do

She hears a car on the driveway. A knock on

her door. Her sister Clara enters.

CLARA

Theres someone at door foryou. Hes handsome. Who

is he? Are you two going out?

RHONDA

Not yet. Ill tell you all

about it when I get

back, wish me luck.

CLARA

Just be careful. You dont

want to end up like mum

and dad.

RHONDA

Dont worry! I wont.

Rhonda walks past Clara. She gets out of the

door and holds her breath as she greets Chris

at the door. Chris is standing there grinning

and gives Rhonda a peck on her cheek. He

ushers her to the car. He opens the door of

his green Toyota Sedan for her to get in.

RHONDA

Thanks.

CHRIS

Pleasure is all mine

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(he grins)

Chris puts a nice music on.

CHRIS

Do you like Jazz?

RHONDA

I love it. Wherere we going?

CHRIS

Where ever you want to

RHONDA

How about the valley? Fish and

chips.

CHRIS

Sounds great. Do you like

Mexican?

RHONDA

I dont know. Ive never had

Mexican food

CHRIS

Would you like try it?

RHONDA

Why not?

Chris senses Rhondas reluctance. He looks at

her from the corner of his eyes and laughs

softly.

CHRIS

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Alright well have fish n chips if

that will make you happy.

He hears Rhondas sign of relief. He wants to

make her feel comfortable. Rhonda feels sheneeds to tell Chris about her family. But she

doesnt want to spoil the evening. They

arrive and Chris is parking his car on the

road. Rhonda and Chris both get out of the

car and walk slowly towards the restaurant.

Thy find a nice table for two in a corner

against the wall.

RESTAURANT - EVENING

CHRIS

I bet you didn't know

that George Orwells

Animal Farm was not

only rejected but

harshly. An American

publisher told him

that they couldnt

publish this book

because it is hard to

sell animal books in

America.

RHONDA

Really! No I didn't

at all.

(Rhond

a

looked

in awe

taking

in

every

word

that

Chris

said)

CHRIS

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And part of our

medical training is

that we have to travel

and...0 Hey I'm sorry

I really am

monopolising the

conversation, sorry I

can be a bit chatty,

you tell me about

yourself.

RHONDA

I don't mind at all

your story is much

more interesting than

mine and well I don't

really have that much

to say.

CHRIS

Well, I'm waiting to

hear.

RHONDA

As you probably

noticed when we met Ilove reading and would

have loved to study

literature at

university and my

English teacher always

said I would be good

at it, but

unfortunately couldn't

afford it. My dad took

off a few years ago

and my mother works asa cleaner and has

struggled with

bringing up my

brother, sisters and

I, so I often have to

help out and work a

few shifts at the

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local fruit and vege

shop. So instead I

did an administrative

course and have

applied for a job as a

secretary in a

doctor's surgery. My

dream is to one day

write a book and have

it published. And

that's about as much

as there is to say

about me. Now tell me

more of your stories.

They carry on talking and talking like long

lost friends. They've eaten their dinner anddessert and the plates have been cleared.

They are now sipping coffees and the once

full restaurant is now empty and they are

again the last ones left. Rhonda feels

lighter that she has held no secrets about

her family from Chris, But it is getting

late.

RHONDA

Chris can you take me home?

CHRIS

Whats the rush?

RHONDA

I promised Clara that Id home soon

today.

Rhonda seems thoughtful. She hears Clara

cautioning her. She must not rush into this

relationship. Chris is charming and she likes

him but she needs more time.

CHRIS

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Okay if thats what the lady wants.

They go back to the car. Chris holds Rhondas

waist and she feels a tingling sensation down

her spine. This is her first date. But she

quietly walks to the car and does not

encourage Chris. Chris drives her home

slowly. And they are home. She is about to

get out of the car. But she is held back. He

suddenly holds her in a deep embrace. Rhonda

is startled but she likes the gesture and

then without a word, he kisses her. Rhonda is

completely taken aback but she does not lose

her composure.

RHONDA

Thanks for the dinner!

Chris smiles and looks at her, as she blushes

and lowers her gaze. Chris speaks softly into

her ears.

CHRIS

How about tomorrow same time.

RHONDA

If it is the same place, Ill meet

you after work.

CHRIS

Deal. See you tomorrow. Same time.

Same place.

RHONDA

Bye

CHRIS

Bye.

Rhonda gets out of the car and enters her

house. Something not right. The house is too

quiet. Where is everyone? She sees David in

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the kitchen. David standing in front of the

open fridge looking for food. He doesnt see

Rhonda coming in.

RHONDA

David. Wheres everyone?

David startles and looks around.

DAVID

Rhonda, I didnt hear you come

in.

You crept up on me.

RHONDA

Where are they?

DAVID

Emily wasnt too well. She went to

the hospital. She nearly

fainted in the toilet

after puking.

RHONDA

Who took her?

DAVID

Mum and Clara. (Pause)

On an ambulance.

Rhonda is silent. She quietly goes to her

room. She gets changed and goes to bed with

her bookMrs Dalloway. Time passes. She hears

a faint noise. She gets up and walks towards

the bedroom door. She opens it and goes out.

Emily, Clara and Mum returning. Emily looks

emaciated. They look at Rhonda.

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RHONDA

Hows she doing now?

MUM

Better. Tired. We better put her to

bed.

Rhonda walks with them as they take Emily to

the room she shares with Clara. Mum leaves

Emily to her sisters as she goes into the

toilet. They help her to get changed and then

put her to bed. Clara looks at Rhonda.

CLARA

How was your date?

RHONDAIt was good. Well talk tomorrow.

Im tired. (Rhonda yawns)

CLARA

Goodnight.

RHONDA

Goodnight.

Rhonda leaves them. She goes back to her

room. She opens the window. It is hot and

muggy. She climbs up to bed and turns off the

light.

Chris waits for Rhonda the next day at the

valley, the fish and chips shop. He sees

Rhonda approaching. When she comes closer he

smiles and rises from her chair and more

smiles.

CHRIS

Hi, I have been waiting for ever.

RHONDA

Sorry for being a little late.

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CHRIS

I took the bus today as well. Parking is

horrendous in the city.

RHONDA

It is, isnt it? Well how was yourday?

CHRIS

Pretty hectic. How was yours?

RHONDA

I quit from my uncles vegetable

shop today.

CHRIS

O yeah?

RHONDA

Yeah. I got the job with the

Westmead hospital.

Better pay.

CHRIS

When do you start?

RHONDA

Next week.

CHRIS

Aha. Shall we order?

RHONDA

Yeah. That be good. I am a bit hungry.

The waiter comes to the table to take orders.

Chris notices that Rhonda orders the same as

last night. Fish n Chips but Chris orders

Burritos.

CHRIS

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I might have to go overseas soon.

RHONDA

Do you travel a lot?

CHRIS

I dont have to. But I prefer to travel.

For research. Its good

for the medical career.

RHONDA

And where would you go this time?

CHRIS

Most likely South Africa.

RHONDA

How interesting.

Chris looks at Rhonda.

CHRIS

Pink really suits you.

Rhonda blushes

RHONDA

Thanks.

Their eyes meet over the drinking glasses.

Chris gaze travels all over Rhondas face

and beyond. This makes Rhonda self-conscious.

She lowers her eyes.

CHRIS

How about a nightcap after dinner? My

place.

Rhonda looks at him suddenly aware of his

searching looks. But she cannot say no. Her

heart beat is raised. She is flushed.

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RHONDA

Id love to.

They finish dinner as fast as they can. Chris

pays the waiter and extra tip. Waiter looks

happy. He puts his arms around Rhonda in a

tight grip and walk together towards the bus

stand. There is full moon in the sky. They

walk in silence.

EXT BUS STOP-EVENING

They are sitting on the bench waiting for the

bus.Suddenly neither of them are speaking.Rhonda is looking up at the full moon.

Chris moves his hand across and starts to

stroke Rhonda's hand.

Her lips widen into a smile and she slowly

turns to look at him.

Chris moves in and presses his lips gently at

first onto Rhonda's and then much more

passionately. Rhonda is a very keen

participant.

The moment is interrupted by the screeching

of the bus as it pulls up to the stop. Rhonda

climbs up first, Chris stepping aside but

maintaining physical contact with her. Chris

voice is hoarse suddenly.

CHRIS

Lets go.

RHONDA

Sure thing!

Outside a storm is brewing.

They get off the bus. Holding hands and

swinging them, strolling slowly. It starts to

rain. They don't seem to notice.

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INT. CHRIS'S HOUSE - EVENING

They reach Chris's house both completely

saturated.

He opens the door and turns the light on.

He starts a fire in the fireplace and takes

off his wet shirt.

Rhonda stares at his bare chest, trying to be

discreet but unsuccessful.

CHRIS

Let me get you

something dry to

change into.

Rhonda nods.She can't take her eyes off hiswell built torso and continues to watch until

he disappears out of sight. She then looks

around the room while he is gone. He returns

with a towel and one of his shirts.He handsher the shirt.

CHRIS

Would you like some

help?

(he whispers in herear from behind and he

starts to towel dry

her hair before she

has had a chance to

answer)

His hands move to her

shoulders where they

remain for a moment.

She pauses as she seems to have trouble

unbuttoning her blouse.

He spins her around slowly and takes over the

unbuttoning; her blouse drops to the floor.He starts to pat dry her bare shoulders and

then the exposed skin of her breasts that

aren't concealed by her bra.His shirt drops

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from her hand.His hands then outline thecontours of her silhouette and he slowly

unzips her skirt and then almost forcefully

pulls it so it too drops to the floor.

He cups her buttocks for a few moments.

He lets go of the towel and unfastens her

bra.

Gently he slides down the straps and it joins

the heap on the floor.

He pulls her close and wraps his arms around

her, they pick up where they were interrupted

at the bus stop.

Camera fades out.

Camera fades back in they are curled up in an

embrace asleep on a rug in front of the fire,

both naked with the important bits barely

concealed by his shirt.

EXT. PARK- DAY

Rhonda comes home the next day. The house is

empty. They have all gone to work. She smiles

as she thinks of last night. She looks at

herself in the mirror. She touches her lips,

her breasts, her hands. Something has

happened. Something so romantic.

Unforgettable. Suddenly the mobile rings. Its

Chris.

ChrisHi. Just calling to find out if you

reached

safely.

Rhonda

Yeah just got in.

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Chris

Do you want to meet in the park

today?

Rhonda

Yes what time?Chris

How about dinner time?

Rhonda

Okay. See you then.

After work Rhonda cannot wait to see him. She

meets Chris on time. She is wearing the same

clothes as the day before.

Chris

Hi darling.

Rhonda submits to his kisses without a word.

They kiss under a blazing Jacaranda tree. A

petal falls on Rhondas hair. Chris takes it

out with gentle hands. They are walking

together arms wrapped around each other,

laughing they stop for a quick peck on the

lips, then another and another then anintense pash. Soon it is time for dinner and

they both run together out of the park like

hungry teenagers to McDonalds for a bite. And

then they get on the bus.

EXT. BUS-DAY

They are sitting on the back seat with

Chris's coat covering them both like a

blanket.

They are both giggling and holding hands

under his coat. The rest is left up to the

imagination of viewers. Suddenly Rhonda is

says

RHONDA

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Dr Burtons office Rhonda

speaking.

A wOMAN

Hi, this is Hayley.

Hayley Longbottom.RHONDA

Hi Hayley. Howre you?

HAYLEY

I am well thanks. Just calling

to cancel tomorrows

appointment.

Rhonda scrolls down the computer to find

Hayley. She finds her and cancels her

appointment.RHONDA

Your appointment has been

cancelled.

HAYLEY

Thanks Ill call back for the next

appointment soon.

RHONDA

Not a problem. Speak to you soon

Bye.

INT. DIMLY LIT RESTAURANT-EVENING

They are enjoying a meal.

Camera zooms in under the table. Rhonda has

slipped her foot out of her heel and Chris

has taken his foot out of it's shoe (socked).Their feet are entangled into each other

under the table. Dinner finishes and they

hold hands on the table as they talk.

CHRIS

Tonight I cannot let you go home.

RHONDA

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who says I want to.

They laugh.

CHRIS

You look lovely. I love your shy

gaze, especially when yousmile. I love the way you respond to my

kisses. You want to I know and yet

unsure whether you should.

Rhonda was blushing furiously. But the more

she blushed the more Chris said. Theres no

stopping.

CHRIS

Shall we go home now.

RHONDA

yes.

They head off to Chriss house in his car.

Chris has taken Rhonda by surprise, He has a

present for her in the car. He doesnt ask

her to unwrap it but does so himself. Its

his favorite perfume. Then he simply takes

her home without asking her again.

INT. CHRIS'S HOUSE/BEDROOM - EVENING

Romantic scene in Chris's bed. They make love

passionately whispering into each others ear

occasionally. Kissing. Stroking.

CHRIS

I love you

RHONDA

I love you too.

After love making they lie in bed embracing

each other.

CHRIS

I need to tell you something

RHONDA

What? Can it wait?

CHRIS

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No. I need to ask you now. I am

leaving for South

Africa soon with a possible job offer.

RHONDA

What? How come you never told me?

How long?

CHRIS

They confirmed it only this

morning. Rhonda will

you come with me?

Rhondas whole world suddenly collapsing.

RHONDA

Come with you? To SouthAfrica?

Tell me youre joking.

She looks into his serious eyes.

CHRIS

Do I look, I am joking?

RHONDA

Oh Chris. Its so sudden. Im

not sure, I need time. Time

to think about it. Whats wrongwith our life here? Why cant we stay

here?

CHRIS

I cant say in one place for too

long.

I must travel. Forgive me if Ive

upset you.

RHONDA

Oh no. Look Im not ready to goanywhere need time to

think it over. Ive never

been anywhere out of my comfort Zone. Im

sorry...

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Bye darling. I shall

write to you. Keep in

touch.

Rhonda turns around

and leaves while Chris

proceeds towards

immigration. In the

bus Rhonda cries

sitting alone and

takes out a photo of

the two of them from

her bag.

FADE IN: on the photo

Appears on screen: 30 years later

EXT. BUS STOP

Camera zooms in on Jacaranda Trees lined up

along the street. The branches waving in the

soft breeze of the bright summer morning. An

older Rhonda still slim and pretty sitting

under a Jacaranda tree and thinking about her

husband Sam. She waits for the bus to go towork.

RHONDA (MUTTERING)

Whats with Sam. He Loses

temper at a drop of a hat

these days? Whats his problem?

The bus arrives. But she is still agitated.

On the bus she sees a couple get up with a

little child in their lap. The child looksodd. At the next stop the couple gets off.

Rhonda sees that the couple has entered an

orphanage.

INT. RHONDAS OFFICE -MORNING

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Rhonda is looking at the same photo. She is

suddenly hot. Sweats springing up her

shoulders. She goes into the bathroom to dab

the sweat off and to put on fresh makeup. She

returns to office and then opens up a very

old letter.The letter is visible on screen:

My dearest Rhonda,

I've written every day for the last 3 months

and you've not yet replied. If I don't get a

response to this letter I can only assume

that you've stopped loving me and I will then

stop writing and though I will always love

you, I will move on with my life as you have

done with yours.

You will forever be in my heart,

Love Chris

Rhonda talking to herself out loud:

RHONDA

Oh Chris, I never

stopped loving you,

can you everunderstand why I made

the choices I did...

why I had to be the

responsible one. My

family depended on me.

I couldn't travel the

world with you, I had

to marry Sam and stay

here. But what a

terrible mistake that

ended up being. What

a miserable lonely 30

years it's been and

every last ounce of

life has been drained

out of me. Could it

be possible that you

do still love me and

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that it isn't too late

for us.....

She folds up the letter and returns it to a

pile of many more letters in a little wooden

box. Places the photo on top, closes the lid

and returns it to her drawer.

She starts to open the pile of mail on her

desk and is interrupted by the phone ringing.

RHONDA

Doctor...'s office.

EMILY

Oh Rhonda, I've just

been in an accident.

RHONDA

Emily are you okay,

are you hurt?

EMILY

A bit shaken, but not

hurt, though my car is

in terrible shape. It

was a young P platter

driving his dad's

merc, which is also inbad shape. Oh Rhonda,

it was entirely his

fault, but I'm not

insured.

RHONDA

Oh Emily, did you

exchange phone numbers

at least and get his

licence plate?

EMILY

He said he'll get his

dad to call me and

sort it out and well I

hope it's okay with

you, but you know how

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bad I am at stuff like

that and I wouldn't

have known the first

thing to say and I

hope you don't mind

but I gave him your

name and number.

RHONDA

Emily, however are you

going to get good at

things like that if

you always get me to

do them for you?

EMILY

I promise this is the

last time, please sis,I need my car.

RHONDA

Well I guess it's done

now, okay I'll sort it

out.

EMILY

Thanks heaps, and hey

did you want me to

bring something

tonight?

RHONDA

Tonight?

EMILYFor dinner, remember?

David, Clara and I,

are coming over.

RHONDA

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Oh yes, that's right

of course I didn't

forget, um no don't

bring anything at all,

I'm sure Sam's got it

all under control.

See you at seven

then.

EMILY

Sure, thanks again

Rhonda, remember it

was completely his

fault, totally didn't

give way at the round

about.

INT. RHONDA'S HOUSE - EVENING

Rhonda is fumbling with her keys trying to

open the door, when Sam opens it for her.

SAM

There you are,

finally! (with

a big smile)

How's work?

RHONDA

Oh, the

usual.

Rhonda slides her bag off her shoulders and

puts it on the sofa as Sam removes a roast

from the oven.

RHONDA

It smells good.

SAM

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RHONDA

That was because I

knew we would have

lots of dishes tonight

after dinner and they

would fill anotherload and I

SAM

And you can't focus,

or follow

instructions. You

never do what you're

told. You are just

useless it's as simple

as that.

Rhonda turns to leave the kitchen.

SAM

Don't you walk away

when I'm talking to

you!

(in a

raised

voice)

RHONDA

I just thought I

should get changed

before our guests

arrive.

SAM

Our guests you mean

your useless brother

and sisters. Your all

as bad as each other.

A bunch of useless no

hopers.

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The heated discussion is interrupted by the

door bell.

Rhonda stands frozen where she is and Sam

walks over and opens the door. His mood has

automatically transformed.

SAM

Well hello guys, I'm

so glad you could make

it. I've cooked up a

storm with no help

from your sister.

It's almost done.

Come in and take a

seat. Rhonda get us

all a beer would you.

Rhonda heads to the fridge and hands them all

a drink.

RHONDA

So? What's new?

(plonk

ing

hersel

f ontoa

nearby

beanba

g)

DAVID

Oh! Not much, business is

as usual at the

store.

We haven't got our raise yet!RHONDA

How awful! Have you asked for

it though?

DAVID

No, not in so many words,

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but we have expressed our

interest.

SAM

These things take time!

RHONDA

Yes, but not even a single raise

in five years, that sucks!

SAM

I agree! But do you have

any idea how hard it is

to run a vege shop.

(Angrily glaring at

Rhonda)

SAM

You sit in your cozy little office

answering phones all day,

what would you know about the world

outside?

RHONDA

And I' s'pose you do! I know more

about green grocers than

you could ever imagine!SAM

What would you know?

Go and make yourself

useful and get the

food on the table.

They are all sitting eating dinner.Rhonda

picks at her food, clearly not hungry.Clara,David and Sam go for seconds.

Emily has hardly eaten. Suddenly Emily stands

up and gets ready to make a bolt to the

bathroom.

RHONDA

Emileee, please.

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Emily pauses very briefly but then still

darts off.

No one says a word.Emily returns to thetable looking very pale.

They continue eating, with not much

conversation.

The girls are in the kitchen clearing up and

Sam and David are making small talk, clearly

having nothing in common. Sam puts the kettle

on. He then makes tea for everyone. And also

offers dessert.

Finally her siblings get up to leave. Rhonda

kisses them goodnight and they wave goodbye

to Sam and Rhonda from the car.

Rhonda gives a yawn, heads to the bathroom,brushes her teeth and changes into a drab

nightie.

She climbs into bed and closes her eyes.

Sam climbs in next to her slips one hand

inside her nightie to caress her breasts

roughly and with the other. He makes love to

her and slips his tongue into her mouth.

Rhonda does every thing he demands but in amechanical way. Her heart is not in it. He

puts in a lot of effortbut no amount ofkissing arouses her any more, just heavy

breathing on her neck.

Rhonda closes her eyes tighter.

It doesn't take long and its over. Sam then

rolls over and falls asleep, moments later hestarts snoring.

Rhonda opens her eyes and turns onto her back

with her hands behind her head unable to

sleep. She softly gets out of bed and goes to

the study. Then she takes a photo album out

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of the shelf and flicks through the pictures.

She sees how her youth has passed right

before her eyes.She drifts off. Shevisualizes mum and dad. How mum dies of a

heart attack suddenly in her room one day.

She opens her diary. She reads how she meetsSam and marries him, not for love but because

of stability.

Ronda reads softly from her diary

RHONDA

Did I love Sam at the time? I

dont know. Sam is rough

and not half as romantic as Chris

but he has a good soul. His anger as I

understand comes from beinglong time unemployed.

But what attracted me was the

steady life he offered

me. A life without complexity. Not

bohemian like Chris. I could live only here

and move nowhere.

Again Rhonda reds from another page

Sam has lost his job from

Bunnings hardware

store. But thats okay he can

stay home and take care of the

house. But this also

makes him angry sometimes. I dont

tell him everything. It could make him mad.

Things about my family. Mum

didnt like him.

She is falling asleep. Sam enters in the

middle of the night with a blanket and covers

her with it

MORNING

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Rhonda's mobile is ringing. She jumps out of

bed and runs to the kitchen where she left it

last night and answers it just before it

rings out.

RHONDA

Hello

CALLER

Hello

RHONDA

Yes, who is this

calling?

CALLER

This is Dr Chris

Saunders. My son

Damien collided with

your car yesterday.

RHONDA

My sisters car. But

hang on your voice

sounds familiar. Are

you Dr Chris? This is

Rhonda. Rhonda Smith.

I used to know a Chris

Saunders once who was

training to be a

doctor. And then he

left for South Africa.

Are you him?

CHRIS

Rhonda, Rhonda Smith?

Of course. How are

you?

RHONDA

Is that really you?

Oh my God! Yes this

is Rhonda. And it's

been a really long

time you probably

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don't even remember

me. I've been fine I

guess and you.

CHRIS

You never were one to

give away too much,

me; I'm a little

older, not quite as

fit, a father

obviously and you; do

you have any kids? I

haven't forgotten you.

How can I. You were my

first love, you left

your imprint on myheart. Goodness how

have you been? I

thought it was your

car because Emily gave

me you mobile number

and said to get in

touch with you.

RHONDA

No. I dont havechildren

unfortunately, but not

from lack of trying,

just some people can

and some people can't

I s'pose. Apart from

that I have been fine.

CHRIS

It's been so long. Doyou want to meet one

day?

RHONDA

Um. Sure! W-When?

Where?

CHRIS

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How about the Valley?

Where it all started.

RHONDA

Sure! When?

CHRIS

Friday evening at 5 'O' clock?

RHONDA

Sounds great.

(trying to sound calm

and hide the thrill in

her voice)

CHRIS

See you

then.

RHONDA

Yes.

CHRIS

Goodbye

Rhonda.

RHONDA

Goodbye

Chris.

Rhonda reluctantly put her phone down,

somehow hoping the conversation would

continue. She stands in disbelief wondering

if it was all a dream. She goes out in the

balcony and sees a lark flying high. She

thinks aloud.

RHONDA

Oh Chris what on earth compelled

you to come back to my

life. Do you think you can turn it

upside down yet again? Oh we are late. How

late are we? Thirty years too

late.

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Rhonda is thinking about Chris all the time.

She is distracted and

forgetful even more so these days. Sam

notices but done not say anything. He

suspects something not right but he

doesnt say anything.

FRIDAY MORNING

Rhonda waits for Sam to get up and go for his

morning jog.

Sam leaves and as he shuts the door behind

him, Rhonda rushes to her wardrobe and pulls

out an assortment of outfits.

She finally settles with the most elegant one

and gives herself a critical look in the

mirror. She procrastinates for a moment and

then decides to go with it anyway. She

spends extra time doing her hair, throws an

assortment of makeup into her handbag and

puts on an oversized coat so as not to reveal

what she is wearing underneath. She writes a

note for Sam in case she misses him. Shewrites

Hi Hun,

Please dont wait for me. Ill be late

tonight. Must see David.

Love,

Rhonda.

She leaves the note on the counter-top where

he can see it.

Sam is returning just as she is leaving and

she rushes past him.

RHONDA

Bye Sam, passing by

David's tonight, so

I'll be late; he needs

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some help filling out

some forms and then we

thought we'd watch a

movie together with

Emily and Clara.

Don't wait up for me.

Before he has a chance to respond she is out

the door. Sam gets in and finds the note. His

suspicions deepen. His rage fierce than ever.

SAM (MUTTERING)

She doesnt talk to me anymore.

Whats going on? I must fine

out.

INT. DOCTOR'S SURGERY - AFTERNOON

Rhonda is watching the clock all day. She

looks outside. Theres a storm coming up.

Camera zooms to a stormy evening. There are

patches of clouds in the eastern sky; bitter

winds blowing in every direction with

lightening flashing across. The blue turns

ashen. A distant palm tree stands still. Its

branches stirring frantically about, going no

where. The storm starts but passes shortly.

Finally at 4pm she heads to the bathroom and

applies more makeup than she has worn for

years.

At 4:30pm she pokes her head quickly into the

Doctor's office.

RHONDAHave a great weekend

Doc, I'm off now.

The doctor takes a second glance as she darts

out of the doorway.

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EXT. ON THE BUS - EVENING

Rhonda is sitting on the bus a huge smile

plastered to her face.

She looks out the window and the sky is dark

and looking like it's going to rain. Her

smile widens as she remembers her first date

and the first time.

EXT. BUS STOP -EVENING

She arrives a little early, takes off her

coat and waits on the bench. The same benchthey sat on together and waited for the bus

all those years ago.

At exactly 5.00pm Chris walks up and Rhonda's

heart is starting to race.

CHRIS

Rhonda Smith, you look

amazing! Exactly as I

remembered you. Howcould you have thought

that there was even

the remotest chance

that I could have

forgotten you.

She stands and they hug and he kisses her on

the cheek. He sits down next to her.

RHONDA

Oh Chris and so doyou. Has it really

been that many years?

CHRIS

I'm afraid it has, gee

Rhonda you really do

look great. You know

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you broke my heart.

Why didn't you write

back to me?

RHONDA

I guess I really do

owe you an

explanation... it was

just that...

CHRIS

No, it doesn't matter

now, lets not dwell on

the past, lets focus

on the future. So

what have you been up

to these past 30

years?

Once again, they were able to talk and talk,

the sun set and it soon got dark. It started

to sprinkle with rain.

CHRIS

Let's go back to my

place. Is that

alright.

RHONDA

Sure.

(her

heart

racing

even

faster

)

They walk to his car and he opens her door

and helps her in, leaning in very close.

Rhonda closes her eyes as she takes in the

smell of his aftershave.

EXT. CHRIS'S HOUSE - NIGHT

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They reach his house and walk up to the door,

he opens the door with his key in the lock.

Rhonda

I know you have a son.

When did you get

marry?

CHRIS

This is my wife

Raisas photo, I've

told her all about

you.

Rhonda's face turns pale, she wants to run,

but manages to compose herself.

RHONDA

Raisa, lovely name.

Did you meet her in

South Africa?

Chris

Yes. Shes a writer.

Has written quite a

few best sellers. May

I ask you why have you

not replied my

letters?

Rhonda keeps quite. Chris stands up and walks

towards the bar to pour himself and Rhonda a

glass of wine from the crystal canister.

Rhonda continues to look at the opulence

around the room. Chris looks at Rhonda for a

response.

RHONDA

I wasnt brave enough Chris. Wasnt

brave enough to follow you

into the jungles of Congo, the

rainforests of the Amazon and thewetlands of the tropics.

CHRIS

Who said you would have to go to

those places? You

could come and go any time?

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Rhonda is quiet. She is thinking that she

cannot tell him that what if he went overseas

one day and never returned like daddy?

CHRIS

Come lets have dinner?

RHONDA

But wheres Raisa?

CHRIS

Shes out with her friends tonight.

INT. CHRIS'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT

There is a banquet waiting.

CHRIS

Raisa is an incredible

cook.

They sit at the table.

CHRIS

Raisa and I met in

South Africa

and .........

The conversation mainly focuses on Chris and

Raisa and their son Damien. Rhonda hardly

says a word. And then it changes. Chris looks

at her for a while and she lowers her eyes.

CHRIS

Promiscuity is not just a

problem of the west. Myexperience tells me that a lot of

the cultures are promiscuous. But the

world blames us for

being decadent.

RHONDA

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Why is it even a problem? Why

cant we accept it as advancement

and liberalism?

CHRIS

We do, but the world doesnt.

While they would

marry as many as four times so the

world couldnt blame them of

promiscuity. We on the

other must bear the burden of

being immoral.

RHONDA

Its the same thing isnt it.

Having multiple partners?

Only they have made it legal

through marriage. At least we are honest

about it.

.

CHRIS

Attaching no strings and yet

having multiple partners

makes us immoral in their eyes.

As soon as the coffee has been

served, Rhonda stands. But hermobile rings. She

answers it.

SAM

You are not with David are you?

RHONDA

How did you find out?

SAM

I didnt. You just told me.

RHONDA

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Ill see you soon.

CHRIS

Everything okay?

RHONDA

Yeah it's getting

late, I really must be

going. Thank you for

the lovely meal. It

was nice meeting you.

Chris stands.

CHRIS

I'll drive you home.

RHONDA

No I'm fine I'm used

to catching the bus.

Chris

It's late and it's

raining, it's no

trouble to take you

home. I insist.

Rhonda

All right then.

Chris picks up the car keys and walk up to

the car. He opens the door of the red Ferrari

for Rhonda. She steps in as gently as she can

and relaxes on the leather seat. Chris gets

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in. He looks at Rhonda just a bit and pushes

a CD on to its cavity. It is a South African

band called Jacaranda Blues. It feels

heavenly but not lasting.

RHONDA

It would have been a

pleasure to meet you

and Raisa together.

CHRIS

We could do that too,

as old friends?

Couldnt we?

Rhonda sits quietly in the car, completely

not hearing what Chris is saying. Finallythey arrive at Rhonda's house and he kisses

her on the cheek.

CHRIS

It was so good to see

you Rhonda, do take

care. And tell Emily

not to worry about the

damages. Ill pay for

everything. Just tell

her to take the carinto my garage at

Indooroopilly. Good

night.

RHONDA

Good night

Chris.

INT. RHONDA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

And Rhonda rushes inside without looking

back. She walks through the dim corridor like

a phantom. She hears the breathing of people

sleeping in their apartments in the silence.

She walks softly.

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Rhonda quietly gets in and instead of going

to her bed, she goes into the study. Sam is

already fast asleep and snoring. Rhonda sits

silently on the cushion for a while. She is

still thinking of the unbelievable interlude

with Chris. Silently she tries to disengage

from her thoughts. She realizes that she

needs to get some sleep as she would have to

confront Sam in the morning. This moment will

pass. She finds it difficult to sleep. She

goes into a disturbed sleep.

Rhonda crying in sleep and dreaming

RHONDA

Don cry! Don cry mama! Daddy

will be back soon.

Sam enters and carries Rhonda in his arms.

Rhonda sill talking in Sleep.

Leave me! Leave me alone!

Chris. Sam Sam.

MORNING

Rhonda is sitting at the table drinking a

coffee, when Sam walks into the kitchen.

SAM

So how were Clara and

Emily?

RHONDA

Fine.

SAMAnd David?

RHONDA

Fine too.

SAM

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Your lying! Where

were you last night?

And who the heck is

Chris?

RHONDA

I told you I needed to

help David fill in

some forms and..

SAM

Stop lying, you

weren't with David

last night he is in

jail. And you havent

told me who Chris is?

RHONDA

Who is in Jail? David

in jail? What took you

so long to tell me

this?

SAM

Yes he rang last

night, needed someone

to bail him out.

RHONDA

And why didn't you

help?

SAM

I thought a night

behind bars wouldn'thurt the good for

nothing.

RHONDA

How could you?

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Rhonda picks up her bag and heads out.

SAM

This conversation is

not over, you stillhave some explaining

to do.

(he

shouts

out)

Rhonda slams the door behind her.

INT.POLICE STATION - MORNING

Rhonda arrives at the station and is led to a

room where David is waiting.

RHONDA

Oh David, what have

you done now?

DAVID

I pinched some cash

out of the till at

work.

RHONDA

What did you say, when

you got caught a fewmonths ago? David you

promised you wouldn't

do it again.

DAVID

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Well I figured he owed

it to me, after not

giving me a raise and

all, even you thought

I should get a raise.

RHONDA

But David, you can't

steal it.

DAVID

I had no choice sis,

if I didn't pay my

debts the big boys

were gonna kill me.

RHONDA

Oh David, your debts?

What are you involved

with? You must promise

to tell me everything.

Let me in on it if you

need my help. I cant

help you unless I

know.

DAVID

I will try to get help

this time sis. Please

help me out now and I

will tell you

everything. I promise.

Everyone deserves a

second chance in life

don't you think?

RHONDA

Oh David, thank God

mum isn't alive to see

what you've become, it

would break her heart.

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She fills out the paperwork and he is free to

go.

RHONDA

Now please try and

stay out of trouble

David, youre on AVO.

And you cannot go near

the shop anymore. For

now, I must go I'm

late for work. Ill

come by in the night.

But David doesn't go

home. He heads to a

friends house. He

knocks on the door andthe friend opens it.

DIVID

Hey Mike. Whats up?

MIKE

Cmon in hows it going?

DAVID

Im in trouble man. Big time.

MIKE

What do ya mean?

DAVID

I was in jail last night

for nicking money from till.

I cant come up with any more

money.

MIKE

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But I need the money.

Without it we cant get

stoned. Get it any way

you can.

We need the bloomin money.

DAVID

You think I dont know that?

But Im grounded big time.

MIKE

We got to get a shot. Get us

the money!

DAVID

I need my daily dose too. But

Im busted. I told

Ya.

MIKE

I dont care how. Just get it!

Were so out o weed

man!

DAVID

Ill try!

Mike shuts the door on David. He sets off for

home. Hes thinking how to get drug money.

EVENING- RHONDAS FAMILY HOME

Rhonda goes to work and after work. she goes to her

family home. David opens the door.

RHONDA

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Thank God youre at home.

DAVID

But not for long. I got to head out.

RHONDA

Where would you go?

DAVID

I got to meet up with a friend

RHONDA

O and who is this friend? You can

meet him later. Maybe

tomorrow. Today we will have a nice family

meal after Emily and Clara come

home from work.

DAVID

What do you care?

RHONDA

I care enough to know that you need

to see a counselor.

DAVID

A counselor? Whats a bloomin

counselor going to do? You

think they can help me? Get serious Rhonda.

Look around you. What does it look

like? I need money.

RHONDA

Thats what I need to know. Why doyou need more money? Dont

you have enough to eat at home? I hope

you are not turning into a mad punter,

just like daddy?

DAVID

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Do whatever you want with your

life. Leave me alone. Im not

going to a bloody shrink?

RHONDA

The AVO stops you from going to

work as well. If you violate

you will be in serious breach.

DAVID

I already know that. You need not

rub it in.

RHONDA

Why dont we talk about it later.

Tomorrow Ill take you to

McDonalds and well talk. The law might look

at you favorably if they see thatyoure making an effort by

going to a counselor.

David hides his real problem to Rhonda. He

tells her a lie.

DAVID

What do you know? A friend of mine

was in a similar situation

like me. He tried every thing, man

everything. The works.

RHONDA

Did he have a problem with stealing

as well?

DAVID

Yes. Whats the police or a

counselor going to do? They

might know the under world. But can they cure

addiction?

RHONDA

Give them a chance David.

David doesnt answer but goes to his room.

Rhonda stares after him confused. He is not

too keen on the meal. But he stays in his

room. Rhonda goes into the kitchen to prepare

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a shepherds pie. Soon Emily and Clara come

in.

They are surprised to see Rhonda and she

greets them.

CLARA

Are we having Shepherds pie

tonight?

RHONDA

Yes. Did you want to have something

else?

EMILY

Na Shepherds pies good.

Rhonda gets busy in the kitchen and Emily and

Clara sit down at the table of the untidy

kitchen with empty chips packets and coke

bottles lying everywhere.

RONDA

How was work?

CLARA

Good

EMILY

Uncle Sam has broken off with his

lover finally.

RHONDA

Really over what?

EMILY

He wanted a share of the shop for

putting years into therelationship.

RHONDA

Really?

CLARA

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But it didnt happen easily. We

heard arguments and them Tony

got out really mad. Hopefully forever.

RHONDA

Did you know David was in jail last

night and that there is an AVO

against him?

CLARA

No. Who told you?

RHONDA

Sam got a call from the police

station this morning. Same old,

same old. Stealing from the till, only a

bigger amount this time. We need to

see psychologist for David.

CLARA

You think a psychologist can cure

David?

EMILY

I couldnt be cured. What makes you

think he will be?

RHONDA

I dont know Im just guessing.

Something needs to be done.

EMILY

Doctors cant treat my Bulimia. I

have more hair in my body

than ever before. Look at my scalp! Im

bolding.

CLARA

Anti-depressants and counseling

cant treat Bulimia. But we

believe we can.

Emily

How?

Clara

By being supportive.

Emily

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Im beyond and so is David.

Hes turning into a mad

punter just like daddy. Dont you see

it? I see it like clear day light.

RHONDA

How can you tell?

EMILY

You remember. How we never had

enough to eat when we were

growing up. And David a growing

child was always hungry. He stole milk money

all the time and food from the

larder mum used to

say. Its a disease that runs in the

family like madness. Its a disease that

can never be cured.

CLARA

I remember how David used to

say that dinner doesnt

fill me up no more. We went to bed

hungry every night. You do remember it,

Rhonda, dont you? When

you were carrying on with

that lover of yours, we were going to

bed hungry.

Emily sits crying and Rhonda and Clara stare

at her without batting an eyelid. Suddenly

they hear the front door open and shut.

Rhonda goes out she finds her handbag open.

Her wallet is gone and so is the key to her

apartment. She quickly goes to Davids room

and gets a shocking revelation. David is not

a punter but a drug addict. She finds syringe

and small packets of weed and all kinds of

narcotic substance.

Camera zooms in on the drugs and zooms out.

Rhonda goes back to the kitchen where Emily

and Clara are. She tells them the horrific

news. that their brother David is hooked.

Emily sobs but Clara is as cold as she is

indifferent.

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RHONDA

We must inform the police at once.

Because his mobile is gone

too.

Clara picks up the phone and calls the

police. The police already have Davids

record. Rhondas wallet is stolen and her

keys, are added to his record.

INT. RHONDA'S HOUSE - DAY

The back sliding door is open and David

sneaks into the house. He goes into Rhonda's

bedroom and starts opening drawers. He finds

some jewellery and puts it in his pockets.He then goes past the kitchen on his way

out. There is a $20 note on the bench and

David grabs it.

Sam returns from his jog just in time to

witness David putting the money is his

pocket.

SAM

Just what do you think

you are doing?

DAVID

Rhonda said I could

borrow some money.

SAM

She did not! You are

stealing! Now put

that money back.

DAVID

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No! I cant! I need

it. I so need a hit

badly. You'll help me

Sam won't you?

SAM

I most certainly will

not.

And Sam goes over and grabs him and sticks

his hand in his pocket to retrieve the $20

and finds the jewellery.

SAM

You low life, good for

nothing! How can you

steal from your sister

after everything she

has done for you?

DAVID

I can't help it Sam, I

have a problem, you

have to help me orelse

SAM

Or what David, what

are you gonna do?

David grabs a knife from the kitchen drawer

and waves it at Sam.

Sam goes straight for David, gets him in a

tackle and takes the knife from him. He is

about to get rid of the knife and then he

pauses and drives the knife into David's

chest.

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Later Rhonda arrives home to find her brother

lying lifeless on the floor.

Sam is sitting beside his dead body holding

the kitchen knife stained with David's blood.

She runs over to her brother and crouches

over him in a hysterical fit of tears.

RHONDA

My brother, my baby

brother, how could you

do this?

Sam stands speechless, wanting to say

something but the words don't come out.

RHONDA

Get out! Get out of

my house! Get out of

my life; before I call

the police and tell

them what you've done!

Sam drops the knife and walks out leaving

Rhonda sobbing over her David's body. Time

passes. TV people are outside the home, The

police and the neighbors. More time passes.

It is now evening. Suddenly, the phone rings

and it is Chris. He sees it in the news on

TV. Rhonda cries on the phone and continues

to cry. Chris silently hangs up.

EXT. DAY. CEMETARY

Rhonda, Claira, Emily and a priest, all

looking solemn

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This is the address we

have for him, he does

live here doesn't he?

RHONDA

He, he...

(she

strugg

les to

get

the

words

out)

He is no longer with

us.

CRAIG DAVIES

Do you have a current

address?

RHONDA

We have just returned

from his funeral. I

was his sister.

CRAIG DAVIES

My condolences,

(he

pauses

before

contin

uing)

I understand that thetiming is very

inappropriate, however

his name was on the

birth certificate of a

little girl who has

just been orphaned

when her mother was

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killed in a car

accident a few weeks

ago.

RHONDA

David had a daughter?

CRAIG DAVIES

Her name is Cherub and

we are trying to find

a suitable home for

her.

RHONDA

I have a niece,

(a

tear

wells

up in

her

eye)

I will bring her up as

if she was my own,

when can I see her?

SHARON JENNINGS

There is something you

need to know about

Cherub, she has

autism. She doesn't

speak at all and

probably never will,

she doesn't interact,

she

RHONDA

(inter

ruptin

g)

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I don't care about any

of that, let me see

her.

She looks at her sisters, who are also

speechless and she grabs her bag. They get

up to join her.

INT. DAY. OFFICE WAITING ROOM

Rhonda and her sisters are waiting.

Sharon Jennings walks up and they all stand.

SHARON JENNINGS

Perhaps one at a time

would be less

intimidating for her.

Clara and Emily sit down again and Rhonda

follows Sharon to an office. They enter and

Cherub is sitting on the couch lining up

lolly wrappers and clutching a worn outblanket in the other hand. She doesn't look

up.

Rhonda slowly walks up and sits beside Cherub

on the couch.

Cherub is totally oblivious to her presence.

RHONDA

Hello Cherub

Cherub continues lining up the wrappers and

avoids eye contact.

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RHONDA

(her

eyes

are

wateri

ng andshe is

strugg

ling

to

resist

the

urge

to

give

her a

bighug.

She

turns

to

Sharon

)

She has David's eyes,

big, brown and lost.

INT. RHONDA'S HOUSE - DAY

Cherub is surrounded by dolls and toys but

fixated on opening the door which keeps half

closing as the draft from the open window

blows through the room.

Rhonda sits watching her, desperately but

fruitlessly trying to get her attention.

INT. RHONDA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Cherub is asleep on the couch tightly

clinging to her worn out blanket.

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Rhonda is at desk where there is a huge pile

of books on autism and she is googling away.

A heading catches her attention; a place in

America and she scrolls down looking for a

contact.

She sends an email. Almost immediately she

gets a generic response detailing how she can

get involved in the program in America.

She writes back explaining how she can't

afford to travel overseas and are there any

other more economical options available to

her. She then turns off her computer and

heads to bed.

INT. RHONDA'S HOUSE - MORNING

Rhonda switches on her computer, logs in to

her email account and heads to the kitchen to

make herself a coffee.When she returns thereis an unfamiliar address in her inbox. She

opens it up and its from Ralph Wilder, the

founder of the institute in America.

She reads the email; he is touched by hersituation and wants to help and has suggested

they communicate via skype.

They communicate via skype and the internet

over the next few months.

RALPH

I'd like to meet

Cherub and am planningto visit Australia.

It seems there is a

real need for

something like what we

have in America over

there and I'd like to

check it out.

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Ralph arrives and Rhonda and Ralph spend time

with Cherub.

They go looking for potentially suitable

venues and find an old community center.

They set up a school for autistic children

and Emily and Clara also get involved.Theschool starts small and eventually gets

bigger and they even manage to get some

government funding.

EXT. THE AUTISTIC CENTRE - DAY

Cherub almost looking into Rhonda's eyes

CHERUB

Love you mum

(in a

broken

muffle

d type

of

Englis

h)

Rhonda bursts into tears and gives her a huge

hug

RHONDA

She spoke! She Spoke!

Oh Ralph, she spoke

to me, her very first

words.

Ralph comes over and joins in on the hug.Cherub eventually wriggles out of the embrace

and runs off.Ralph looks deeply intoRhonda's tear filled eyes.

RALPH

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Sometimes It Takes Changing Someone Else's

Life Before You Can Change Your Own

Rhonda Wilder

The book is a success but Rhonda still can

not get the image of the child out of her

mind. The child she saw on the bus one

midsummer morning, on her way to work. She

makes up her mind to visit the orphanage

herself.

EXT. RHONDAs APARTMENT

Rhonda wakes up happily that morning. She

must find a suitable place to donate her

royalties. Yes there is the autistic

association but there are other orphans too

who need money.

She makes herself breakfast and Cherub is

already up. She and Cherub eat breakfast

together. Then she walks down the stairs withCherub. She waits for the bus under the

Jacaranda tree. It looks beautiful this

morning and Rhonda knows that the blues are

gone because she can now see the true color

of Jacaranda. She looks up and smiles. The

lilac petals fall over them Camera zooms on

the Jacaranda Trees.

EXT. THE ORPHANAGE

The bus arrives.

Rhonda gets on the bus with cherub. The bus

starts to move and she gets off at the next

stop where the orphanage is. Rhonda walks

with cherub to the orphanage. She goes up to

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the receptionist and asks to see the

supervisor.

THE RECEPTIONIST

The supervisor will see yousoon.

RHONDA

Whats her name?

THE RECEOTIONIST

Mrs Raisa Saunders,

It rings a bell. But Rhonda waits. After

about half an hour Raisa Saunders appears

with a smile. Rhonda knows that face, Chriss

wife.RHONDA

Hi. I am Rhonda.

RAISA

Good morning please come in.

Rhonda finds it hard to accept her in this

position.

RHONDA

Is it possible to see the children?RAISA

Yes of course as benefactor you can.

We will invite you to special meetings

and you can come on special occasions

such as childrens birthdays,

Christmas and so on.

RHONDA

That would be great.

I would love to get involved and make a

difference in their

lives.

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Rhonda gets her check book out and writes a

generous donation. She is still eager to see

the children. Raisa takes her to the dining

hall where she can meet them.

RAISA

Thank you for your donation.

It is greatly appreciated.

Rhonda looks at her

RHONDA

May I ask you a question? A personal

question,

RAISA

Yes of course.

RHONDA

Is your husband Dr Chris Saunders.

RAISA

Yes my ex-husband. We had a divorce

about six months ago.

Rhonda did not know how to react. She simply

kept looking at her.

RAISA

Everything all right?

RHONDA

Yeah every thing all right.

Thank you for your time.

She walks slowly towards the bus stop and

waits for the bus and gets on when it

arrives.

INT. RHONDAs HOME

Rhonda is having dinner with Cherub, Clara

and Emily. Roast chicken and potato salad.

RHONDA

Clara I reckon you should be

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in a relationship.

CLARA

Now that you say it

Ive met some one

interesting.

RHONDA

Yeah and I would like you to meet

him.

CLARA

I was thinking maybe we

could have a party.

It has been so long

that we havent had one.

EMILY

Id say almost two years

since David died and

we sold Mums house.

RHONDA

Yeay well make a guest list of

EMILY

Can I invite some of my friends

too?

RHONDA

Yeay of course and Emily

Im thinking that you might need to

see a good psychiatrist.

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We need to treat you properly. You

havent eaten anything?

Rhonda looks at her tiny hands

EMILY

I want to invite this man, I met.I think hes in love with me.

RHONDA

You too?

Clara looks at Rhonda and gives a look of

disbelief. Emily is delusional. And this is a

part of her illness.

CLARA

Tell me about this man Emily.

EMILY

Yeah well, hes tall and handsome.

RHONDA

What does he do for a living?

EMILY

Hes doctor.

Rhonda looks concerned. Emily needs to see a

psychiatrist.

Shell have find one soon.

Cherub finished dinner. They eat quietly for

a while and Rhonda takes Cherub to bed, while

Clara clears up the dinner table.

Later in the evening they sit in front of the

TV to listen to the news. Rhondas mobile

rings suddenly. Its Ralph.

RALPH

Hi Rhonda

RHONDA

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Hello Ralph What a pleasant

surprise?

RALPH

I was thinking if you are

free tomorrow night.

Rhonda thinking

RHONDA

Ralph we are having a party

soon. I would like you to

come.

RALPH

O when is the party.

RHONDA

Havent decided on that date yet.

RALPH

I guess tomorrow is off then.

RHONDA

Sorry. I hope to see you at the

party.

RALPH

Ill have to let you know

about that. Ill confirm.

RHONDA

Please try. Youre such a good

friend.

RALPH

Rhonda, is there some one else?

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I want to be more than a friend

Rhonda is quiet. She doesnt know how to

answer that.

RHONDACan I say that Im waiting for

someone.

It has been such a long wait Ralph.

RALPH

Okay. I get the message

RHONDABut you will come to me party yah?

RALPH

I shall try. Rhonda. Trust me.

Bye now.

RHONDA

Bye Ralph.

Rhonda hangs up and sits with her sisters.

Shes clear sighted. She knows what she

wants, who she wants. Its time, time for bed.

They switch off TV and go to bed. Kiss each

other goodnight.

Rhondas Bedroom Camera zooms on Rhonda in

bed

Rhonda is lying in bed with a book in her

had. The phone rings. She answers it. Theres

no number. A deep male voice on the other

side.

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RHONDA

Hello

CALLER

Hello, Rhonda?

RHONDA

Who is this?

CALLER

Its Sam.

Rhonda sits up on the bed paralysed stares at

the mobile for a while

SAM

Are you still there?

RHONDA

Yes I am still here.

Rhonda doesnt know what to say.

SAM

Im tired of hiding Rhonda.

RHONDA

You need help. You killed David.

The court might pardon you

on mental illness, But I

SAM

Say no more. I dont expect you to

take me back. Only your

understanding. Can you help me?

RHONDA

Ill need to speak to a lawyer

SAM

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I cant expect your forgiveness.

For God knows I have

not treated you well. But At least

try not to judge me

without compassion.

RHONDA

Ill try. Ill try to help you

anyway I can. But I must

file for a divorce.

SAM

Do what you have to.

Thanks for listening andtalking.

Ill call you again.

Rhonda hangs up. She is staring up at the

ceiling. She is thinking of the twists and

the turns of her life. Who knows how is it

going to end now. She fifty-four. She gets

out of bed and draws the curtains apart. She

looks up at the sky full of twinkling stars.

She still feels young at heart. She still

feels she could fall in love again. She looks

at the apartment window next door. The light

is on. She sees an elderly lady in the

kitchen having a drink from her kitchen sink.

Rhonda takes her diary out. She writes

What is inevitable? Aging

and dying.

End of life is when our

drama ends. But

life has not ended yet. Or has it

in some obscure, mysterious way? I

want to live a full life

and be happy

again.

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Cherub gives me

happiness. But an

adult needs surely more than that. I

need more than that

She closes the diary and tries to go to

sleep.

INT. DR CHRIS SAUNDERS CHAMBERS

He is seeing patients. He gets a referral

from Emily Smith.

CHRIS SAUNDERS

Hi Emily. How are you?

EMILY

Good.

CHRIS SAUNDERS

Tell me how you feel?

EMILY

I feel fat, ugly. I feel

I need to impress people

I feel like vomiting.

I see nightmares,

Im anxious and have night sweats.

CHRIS SAUNDERS

Chris Saunders looks at her.

Do you live alone?

Have you got a family?

Tell me about your life

EMILY

Yeah. I live with my sisters.

Were having a party.

Will come to our party?

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Chris is thinking

CHRUS SAUNDERS

I cant. Youre my patient.

I wont be able to treat you

if I did.

EMILY

Surely one party would not

hurt?

CHRIS SAUNDERS

Can we think about it?

Now tell me a bit moreabout yourself when

you were growing up.

EMILY

I told them Id bring a friend

to the party. Oh you must

come.

CHRIS SAUNDERS

When is the party?

EMILY

Ill let you know when the

date is fixed.

CHRIS SAUNDERS

That would be good.

Dr Chris Saunders writing a note on Emilys

record.

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He wants to see her again and asks her to

make an appointment at the desk outside with

receptionist.

Emily is happy with the Doctor.

EXT. BUE STOP

Emily waits for her bus and calls Rhonda

while waiting.

INT. RHONDAS OFFICE

Rhonda is at work. She answers her mobile.

EMILY

I really like the doc Rhonda.

RHONDA

Good, good. How did it go?

EMILY

I think it went very well.

I invited him to the

party.

RHONDA

What? You invited your Doctor

to our party? Is he coming?

EMILY

He said hell think about it.

RHONDA

O Emily how could you do that?

Arent you old enough to know

that you dont

invite doctors to social

gatherings.

They dont come.

EMILY

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Well Im sorry. Can you call

him and un-invite him?

RHONDA

Yeay I must,

now that youve

made this mess.

Youre a patient. So, hopefully

hell understand.

EMILY

Thank you Rhonda.

RHONDA

Who did your GP refer you to?

EMILY

Dr Chris Saunders.

Rhondas mobile nearly fell off.

Rhonda

Dr Chris Saunders?

Emily

Yes whats wrong?

Rhonda

Give me his phone number.

Emily gives Rhonda the number. Rhondas heart

beat increasing and shes feeling excited.

Emily sitting at the Bus stop

Emily speaking to herself loudly

Emily smiling

EMILY

Let the games begin.

The bus comes and she gets on. The bus takes

off.

INT. RHONDAS OFFICE

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Rhonda calls Dr Chris Saunders office

Dr Saunders office

Laura speaking

RHONDA

Hi Laura its Rhonda,

Rhonda Smith.

Could you pass on a

message to Dr Saunders

for me?

LAURA

Yeah sure

Whats the message?

RHONDA

My sister Emily was here

this morning to see him.

Emily doesnt know what

she says sometimes.

She invited him to a party

I am so apologetic for that.

Laura finds Emily on the screen

LAURA

Yea I found her.

Ill give him the message.

RHONDA

Thanks LauraLUARA

Not a problem. Bye

Rhonda hangs up. She sits still for awhile.

Then theres a phone call.

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INT. EVENING RHONDAS PLACE.

Dinner table Emily, Clara and Cherub

CLARA

Shouldnt we start to

organize the party?

EMILY

Yes, lets make the guest list

first.

Rhonda who did you want to

invite?

RHONDA

Ill invite a few colleagues

and Ralph. Thats all.

CLARA

I would like to invite my

friend.

you will really like her

Rhonda.

RHONDA

Great. lets have a party.

Cherub claps her hands and sisters get busy

with pen and paper

making guest list. Rhonda walks over to the

balcony and looks at the evening. The sun

setting.

INT. RHONDAS PLACE THE NEXT DAY

The family sits around the table to have

breakfast. Cherub gets ready for daycare.

CLARA

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Our guest list is complete.

Do we have a date for the party

yet?

Rhonda looks up the calendar for a date.

RHONDAHow about the i6th, this coming

Saturday.

EMILY

Thats perfect.

INT. THE DAY OF THE PARTY

Emily dusting the furniture and Rhonda makinga list of the food that needs to be bought.

Clara

Flowers! Rhonda dont forget the

flowers.

Rhonda

No of course not, the balloons and

the party decorations.

EXT. Shopping centre

Rhonda takes Clara and Cherub to shopping.

Clara buys loads of Gard