EPISODE THIRTEEN
Written By Aaron D. Mullins
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Previously On
Autumn Lake:
SCENE ONE – AUTUMN LAKE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL “Just take it easy, everything’s going to be okay.” Jason gently stroked Wendy’s back as she held her tear-streaked face in her hands. “Did you see him?” she whispered. “Curled up like that? Oh my god, I felt like I was going to pass out. He can’t die, Jason, he just can’t.” “Hey...” Jason kissed her gently on the head. “Try not to think like that; it’s not as bad as it looks. Nicky’s a strong kid, he’s going to be just fine. You trust Ross, don’t you?” “Of course.” “Good. Then let him do his job and try to think positively.” “You’re right, of course.” She stood, exhaling deeply and putting her hands into her back pockets. She began to nervously pace the waiting room. “None of this would have happened if…” “What?” “God, Jason, I’m a terrible mother.” He laughed. “That’s ridiculous, Wendy, you’re a terrific mother.” “Bull. He’s three years old. I should have been keeping a better eye on him.” “Wendy,” Jason joined her, rubbing her tense shoulders, “come on now. It was an accident. It happens. You thought he was being looked after, don’t blame yourself. He’s a kid, he wanders…” “There’s a busy street nine feet from the Gypsy’s front door!” she exclaimed. “Yes, kids wander, but good parents keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t wander into traffic!” He remained silent, realizing that no words would prevent her from blaming herself. Leading her back to the cushioned seats along the back wall, he was pleased to see that she was quietly praying. Jason wasn’t a religious man himself, but he knew that Wendy had been raised in a Christian home, so her prayers would at least keep her from blaming herself for a short time. A few moments later, Jason looked up to see Ross standing outside the waiting room. He was quietly talking to a nurse. Jason hadn’t seen Ross in months; they had been close friends once, but ever since things fell apart between him and Katie, a rift had grown between them. Seeing him again, after such a long time, made Jason realize how much he had missed his friend. “Look, Ross is here.” He nudged Wendy and nodded toward the hall. “Oh thank God,” she whispered, rushing to her cousin’s side. “Ross! How is he?” Ross took a deep breath and nodded politely at Jason. “Well, physically, it looks like he’s going to be fine. He had some bad bumps and bruises, but it really looked a lot worse that it actually was.” “See? I told you,” Jason said, rubbing her arm. “Thank God,” Wendy repeated. “I’m a little concerned about the bump he took to the head,” Ross continued. “I’m going to need him for about another hour to run some tests and blood work and then you can go see him.” She pulled him into an embrace. “Thank you, Ross. I’m so glad it was you that took care of him.” He smiled. “Of course. Listen, let me get back to work… I’ll be down as soon as I can.” “Okay. Thanks again.” “You got it.” Ross smiled slightly at Jason. “Good to see you again, Jase.” Jason smiled in response, but remained silent. He watched Ross head toward the elevator and pulled Wendy into a hug. “See? That sounds good.” “Yes, it does,” she admitted. “I just… God, I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost him, Jason.” He held her tightly, unaware of the deep-seated fear in Wendy’s eyes.
Molly Gerard had been Olivia Marshak’s executive assistant for years. In that time, she’d faced her share of aggressive clients, rude journalists and ladder-climbing junior executives, all of which felt that they could drop in on her boss without an appointment. Each time, she’d sent them packing back to their respective holes with their tails between their legs. And then she met Karen Bowman. “I’m going in there. You’re going to have to wrestle me to the ground in order to stop me.” Karen made her way down the hall to Olivia’s executive offices. “Oh, don’t think I won’t!” Molly trailed behind her, scrolling through her Blackberry for Security’s number. “Pregnant or not, I’ll take you down!” “I’d like to see you try,” Karen spat icily. “This is Molly," she said frantically into her phone. "We’ve got an intruder.” “God, what is this, Star Trek?” Karen rolled her eyes and pushed open the door to Olivia’s office. Inside, Olivia was leaning against her desk, her legs crossed at her ankles, laughing along with a very handsome, dark-haired man who was seated across from her. Both turned their attention toward her as she entered. “What is the meaning of this?” Olivia demanded, her smile fading quickly into a scowl. “Molly?” “Security’s on their way, Mrs. Marshak. I’m sorry… she’s pregnant.” Olivia waved her away. “We’ll talk about this later, Molly.” She crossed her arms and approached the source of her irritation. “Well, well… Karen Sinclair. It’s been a while.” “It’s Karen Bowman now, Olivia, and you’re well aware of that.” “To what do I owe this… unexpected visit?” “Oh, I think you know.” Olivia’s guest stood and cleared his throat. “Excuse me, ladies, I think I’ll just…” “No, no, Payton,” Olivia said, holding her hand out to stop him. “Don’t go. This won’t take long, I assure you.” Karen smiled at Payton and extended her hand. “Dr. Karen Bowman. I’m an old friend of the family.” He accepted her hand with a wry smile and squeezed it tightly. “A pleasure, Dr. Bowman. I’m Payton McClaine.” “Well, now that introductions are out of the way, what do you say you get to the point?” Olivia glared at Karen and tapped her foot impatiently. “Fine.” Karen sat down in one of the plush office chairs and examined her nails. “I just came to tell you I know all about your little chat with my husband.” “Oh? What chat would that be?” “The one where you casually told him that Diana Harris was back in town.” Olivia smiled slightly. “Oh, that chat.” “Yes. Well, imagine my surprise to find out that you, who happen to be Diana’s closest friend, and someone who couldn’t even be bothered to come to Will’s wedding just happened to ‘drop in’ for a little chat. A little chat that put you squarely in the middle of a situation that is absolutely none of your business.” “Oh, Karen, really, you’ll never change, will you? You’ve been the same paranoid, self-centered little brat ever since you were a teenager. Believe it or not, the world does not revolve around you.” Karen jumped to her feet, catching both of them off guard. Who knew a pregnant woman could move that fast? “Let me tell you something, Olivia. You forget, I’ve known you since before you decided to put on a suit and play ‘business woman.’ You want to talk about never changing? You’re still the same controlling busybody who made everyone’s lives miserable just to make herself feel better.” Olivia shook her head. “You’re pathetic.” “And you’re transparent. Katie used to tell me all about how she hated the way you stuck your nose into her business. You weren’t happy unless you knew everything that was going on in that poor girl’s life. And where did that get you? She had to run away from home to get away from you!” Payton watched as all the color drained from Olivia’s face. He saw her knuckles go white and her eyes closed to near slits. “Get out,” she hissed. “Oh, I’m going. But not before I give you a single warning. I’m not Katie and I’m sure as hell not Diana Harris. I’m not your friend and I’m not your daughter. So, let me make it plain for you. Stay the hell out of my marriage. Stay the hell away from my husband.” She glanced at Payton. “After all, don’t you have a husband of your own to worry about?” She turned to leave just as Molly and the security guards appeared at the door. “Don’t worry, gentleman, all’s well. I’m done here.” She paused as she neared Molly. “I like you,” she whispered. “You’ve got spunk. She doesn’t deserve you.” Karen retreated down the hall, leaving the group in stunned silence. Finally, Olivia spoke. “Everyone leave. Now.” Molly and the guards departed and Payton made his way to the door. “Not you, Payton. For God’s sake.” She returned to her desk, brushing away a lock of hair from her eyes and struggling to get her bearings. “Well,” Payton said finally. “That was certainly entertaining.” “I’m very sorry about that, Payton. You can take the trash out of the trailer but you can’t take the trailer out of the trash, apparently.” He winced at the comment. She could be an insufferable snob. “Quite a history the two of you share, I take it?” “Not really, believe it or not. She’s an old friend of my daughter’s. I tried for years to get Katie to see her for the social climbing user she was, but to no avail.” The more I learn about Katie Marshak, the more I like, Payton thought. “And, to prove my point, she went and trapped one of my oldest and dearest friends into marriage the second he was divorced.” Will Bowman, Payton thought, remembering the history files Shelby had created for him. And not quite ‘the second’ he was divorced, he thought, but I’ll give her credit for being bitter. “Anyway,” she continued, “where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?” “If I may,” he said, leaning toward her and waiting until her eyes were fixed on his, “I’m just curious… you seemed quite hurt about the comment she made about your daughter. If you’d rather reschedule our meeting, I’d be glad to…” “No, no,” she said, waving away his concern. “That’s not necessary. Katie and I… well, let’s just say we were never close. She was always more Randy’s daughter than mine. She couldn’t see that the expectations I had for her… for all of my children, were for their benefit, not mine.” “Is that why she left? Autumn Lake, I mean?” Olivia shook her head with passion. “Absolutely not. She had some kind of falling out with her boyfriend, nothing more, nothing less.” Payton smiled, realizing just how out of touch Olivia Marshak was with the world around her. He could use that to his advantage, and planned to do just that. Shelby had advised him that Katie Marshak could be the key to bringing down the Drummond family; if Olivia’s reaction were any indication, Payton realized, she could just be right.
Emily Bowman sipped her Espresso con Panna and settled into one of the soft chairs at the back of the shop. She made herself comfortable and slipped her ear buds in, pressing play on her iPOD. As she bobbed her head slowly to the music, she began scribbling some notes onto a pad. It took her a few moments to realize that she was being stared at. Glancing up, she saw Kyle leaning against the wall, his hands in his pocket and a slight rueful look on his face. This was his conciliatory look; she’d seen it before and had long ago learned to be immune to the manipulations that came along with it. Returning her gaze to her notepad, she continued bobbing her head as though she hadn’t seen him. “Oh, come on, Em, don’t be like that.” He kneeled in front of her, trying to catch her gaze again. “I’ve been looking all over campus for you. I want to apologize to you.” “I can’t hear you,” she said, continuing to ignore him. “Music’s too loud.” “Em…” “Oh, fine,” she said, pulling the ear buds out with a frustrated tug. “What?” “Can we go somewhere and talk?” “We are someplace and you are talking.” “Seriously…” She rolled her eyes and grabbed her stuff. “Fine. Walk.” A few moments later, they were seated at an old picnic table outside the coffee shop. He was picking at a muffin and she was waiting for him to speak. “Well, spit it out,” she said. “I’m sorry,” he finally said. She waited a few moments. “That’s it? You tell me I can go to hell and act like a general ass and all you can say is ‘I’m sorry?’” “Look, it was… a tense night for me. I had just had my balls handed to me on a plate by my duplicitous mother and brother and I…” “Oh, wait, is this the part where I’m supposed to feel sorry for you?” “Come on, Em, give me a chance…” “Kyle, just listen to me for a minute. I know last night was hell for you. But what bothered me was the way you acted when I told you your dad was drinking again.” “Emily, you know that my father and I aren’t best friends.” “That’s not the point. He was in trouble and you acted like you couldn’t be bothered.” “He got home safe; I saw him this morning.” “That is so not the point.” He sighed and joined her on her side of the table. “You’re right. I was a jackass. I’m sorry that I didn’t seem concerned; I was, I was just caught up in the moment.” “That seems to be happening a lot lately, Kyle.” “Come on, Em…” She placed a hand on his chest. “I’m not being mean, Kyle. It’s the truth. You’re like a different person lately. You’re angry all of the time, you hate your entire family…” “That’s not true…” “Isn’t it?” “No! You know it’s not. Things are just… tense. It’s all work stuff, it’s not personal.” “Then why are you taking it so personally?” “Emily, you know what my job at Drummond means to me. You know how badly I want to make my place in that company. And you know how much opposition I am getting from my own family. Is it any wonder that I’d be stressed out?” “Kyle, your attitude goes far beyond stressed out.” “Do I seem mad now?” He held out his hands and plastered a goofy smile on his face. She laughed in spite of herself. “Seriously, see, I can chill out when I need to. Honey, I’m so sorry for being so rough on you last night. You totally didn’t deserve that. All I am asking is for a chance to make it up to you and to try to make things better between us. Can you at least give me that?” She considered his words and exhaled sharply. “I love you, Kyle. I’m just worried about you, that’s all.” He pulled her into a hug. “I love you too and there’s nothing to be worried about, I promise. As a matter of fact, I’ve got a new attitude about the whole work thing.” “Really?” “Yeah. I gave it some thought and I realized that I’m not making any progress by fighting my mother and Jason. I’ve got to try and relax and offer a little give and take. Maybe that might work.” “Wow,” she said, genuinely surprised. “That’s quite a 180 in your perspective.” Thanks to a good friend, he thought to himself, remembering Alicia’s advice. “Hey, I have to do something, right? I can’t lose you over this.” She caressed his face. “I’m so glad to hear you say that, Kyle.” “Now,” he said, clasping her hand in his. “Suppose you tell me about this singing thing…” “Oh,” she said, blushing. “I had forgotten about that.” “I haven’t. Now it’s your turn to apologize to me,” he teased. “You’re right. I should have told you I was singing at Baxter’s. I guess I just…” “Didn’t trust me?” he finished for her. “No! No, it was nothing like that. I guess I just wasn’t sure what it was, exactly. I mean, was it an experiment, something to see if I had the nerve? Or was it something else?” “And?” “I don’t know, I’ve only done it once. I was going to sing again last night, but then I saw your Dad and got distracted by him.” “So, will you do it again?” She thought about it for a moment. “Yes, I think I will.” “Good. Just tell me the time and I’ll be there.” “Really?” “Honey, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She leaned in, kissing him gently on the lips. Just then, her cell phone began to ring. “Oh, hold on, it’s Grandma.” She held the phone to her ear. “Hey, Gran, what’s up?” “It’s Nicky,” Ellen Bowman said quickly. “Honey, he’s been hit by a car. You need to get to the hospital right away, the whole family’s gathering there to support Wendy.” “Oh my god… is he…” “No, honey, your brother’s looking after him. Just get there as soon as you can.” “We’re on our way.” She closed the line and gathered up her things quickly. “Come on. I need to go to the hospital. My cousin’s been hit by a car.” “Wendy? Oh my god…” “No, her son, Nicky.” “Oh man.” They made their way toward the car as Emily silently said a prayer for the little boy.
“Thank you so much for being here,” Wendy embraced Ellen Bowman. “Honey, I told you earlier… you’re family. Where else would I be?” She beamed behind her tears and clutched the older woman’s hands gratefully. Behind her, Jason stood off to the side, allowing her a moment to be with her family. He couldn’t help but contrast the tightly knit Bowman clan to his own family, and find himself a bit envious. Wendy wasn’t technically even a Bowman, but they still gathered around her and Nicky as though she were. “Uncle Will!” Wendy threw herself into the older man’s arms and sobbed. “I’m so glad you’re here.” “Oh, honey, I just wish it didn’t take something like this for us to see each other again. I’m sorry about that. I’ll make a point of spending more time with you and Nicky going forward.” She nodded in understanding and reached for a tissue. Will caught Jason’s eye and approached him. “I’m a bit surprised to see you here, Jason.” “Hi, Dr. Bowman,” Jason said, extending his hand. “Good to see you.” Will smiled slightly and grunted. “No explanations, huh?” Jason grinned, nodding toward Wendy. “I think you’d better ask your niece, sir.” “I think I’ve got the picture.” He clapped Jason on the shoulder. “Good for you, son. She’s a prize.” “Yes, she is.” Just then, the waiting room doors burst open and Diana rushed into the room. She clutched Wendy’s shoulders and tried to catch her breath. “Oh, sweetie, I just heard… I can’t believe it… I swear, if I had known they wouldn’t be keeping a close eye on him, I’d never have left him with the kitchen staff…” “Aunt Di, Aunt Di,” she said, trying to calm the older woman. “It’s okay, Ross said he’s going to be all right.” “Oh, thank God!” She clutched her niece tightly. “Oh, baby, if anything had happened…” “I know, I know.” They held each other for a few moments. When Diana opened her eyes, she was stunned by what she saw. Standing across the room, staring back at her, was Will. “Oh… Will…” she whispered, slowly releasing her niece. “Hello, Di. It’s been a while.” He beamed at her. Just then, Ross appeared, interrupting the awkward moment. “Ross!” Wendy exclaimed, rushing to his side. “Can I see him now?” “Yes, but I’d like to speak to you privately for a moment, if I could.” “Oh God,” she said, “is something wrong?” “Why don’t you come with me and I’ll explain along the way.” Wendy smiled at the assembled family and blew a kiss at Aunt Di as she followed her cousin toward the elevator. As the doors closed, Wendy’s face grew ashen. “Tell me the truth, Ross. There’s something wrong, isn’t there?” “Actually,” he began with a sigh, “Nick-olodeon’s gonna be just fine, but there’s some… irregularities I want to talk to you about.” “What kind of irregularities?” “Wendy,” he began, lowering his voice. “I’ve been Nicky’s doctor since you first came to Autumn Lake, and I’ve never once had reason to question you about anything, but… well, this is your cousin talking to you, not your son’s doctor.” “Okay…” she said, her voice trembling. “Wendy, while I was reviewing Nicky’s chart, I accidentally called up your own chart in the computer files. Before I had a chance to close it, something jumped out at me.” “Oh God…” “Wendy… you and Nicky don’t have compatible blood types. There’s no way he could be your son. Why didn’t you ever tell us he was adopted?”Don't miss an episode! Join our episode notification list by clicking below...
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