EPISODE THREE
Written By Aaron D. Mullins
Previously On Autumn Lake:
SCENE ONE-Bowman Residence Diana knocked on the back door of the Bowman house and waited. It was after five o’clock. There were cars in the drive, someone had to be home. After a few seconds, she knocked again. Still nothing. What the hell, she thought, fumbling in her purse for the key that had remained on the key ring for the last three years. Pushing the door open, she was immediately startled by a rush of uncomfortable nostalgia. The kitchen looked exactly the same as it had the last time she had seen it, when she’d packed her belongings into a U-Haul and moved to Chicago. Exactly the same. There was the Betty Crocker Recipe Book she had accidentally left behind. That endearingly obnoxious cat clock still ticked away on the wall, its tail swinging to the passing seconds. There was one difference, however. It was quiet. Diana remembered how loud and boisterous the kitchen always was when she had lived there. She and Ellen would be wearing their aprons, covered in flour. Ross would be licking the cake batter from the beaters and Emily would be on the floor coloring. Will would come roaring in every now and then telling them all to hush, he was trying to watch the news. But he was never too serious. Before long, he'd be playing horsie with Emily while Ross begged his grandmother for a dollar so he could ride his bike to the store and buy the newest X-Men comic. Diana smiled at the memory and was again taken aback by the silence. “Oh my God!” Startled from her reverie by another voice, Diana turned to find Emily standing in the doorway, her mouth hanging open in shock. “Mother! What are you doing here?” Diana felt suddenly warm as she gazed upon her beautiful daughter. Approaching her slowly, she smiled and said, “That seems to be the question of the day. I came to see you of course.” Emily recoiled ever so slightly, enough for Diana to notice and freeze. “You have to know you can’t just… walk in here! I mean, what if Karen…” “It's okay, honey, I cleared it with her.” The younger woman blanched and rolled her eyes. “You asked her if you could just walk into her house?” Diana tried to pretend like that didn't sting. “Nevermind that, aren't you happy to see me?” “Nice guilt trip,” Emily snapped. Her face softened ever-so-slightly in the same way it always had ever since she was a little girl. She’d always had a tendency to speak before she thought. “Of course I am,” she added. “Good. Can I have a hug?” Emily nodded weakly and embraced her mother. Diana could feel her daughter’s discomfort and allowed her to pull away much sooner than she would have preferred. Swallowing a lump in her throat, Diana indicated for Emily to sit at the kitchen table. This is going to be much harder than I thought, she realized. “You look so beautiful, sweetheart,” she began, fighting the urge to touch Emily’s golden hair. “How have you been?” “Okay, I guess.” “Just okay?” Emily squeezed her eyes shut and tapped the table nervously. “What do you want me to say, Mom? A lot’s happened in three years. Where should I begin?” They sat in cold silence for a moment as Diana considered her words. “I understand your anger, honey. I haven’t been there for you much lately and I'm sorry about that…” Emily laughed bitterly. “Sorry…” “There’s obviously a lot we need to say to one another. It can’t all be said tonight. I just wanted to see you and to tell you that I was back. I’m staying in Autumn Lake for a while.” “How long is a while?” “I'm not sure.” Emily pushed her chair back and jumped to her feet, turning her back to her mother. “Oh, wonderful. Well, do try to let me know when you leave this time. It was a little upsetting to expect you to be here on my 21st birthday only to find out that you flew back to Chicago the night before without even a phone call.” “You’re right, honey,” Diana said carefully, remembering certain other events that had occurred that evening that Emily wasn't privy to. “That was inexcusable. I could say that it couldn't be avoided, but you wouldn't believe it. I should have been here for you then.” “You should have been here for me a lot, Mom.” “Again, you’re right. I'd like to try and fix that now if we can.” “Now you want to fix it? Because it’s convenient for your life, your schedule to do it now? Why am I not surprised?” “Honey, I just want to try. Don’t you want to try?” “On such an uncertain timeframe? I don't think so.” Considering this, Diana said, “I can tell you I am at least in town for two weeks.” “I hear they have fabulous accommodations at the local Holiday Inn.” Realizing that the bitterness would stand in the way of a productive conversation, at least for tonight, Diana let the jab hang in the air unanswered. “Are you going out tonight?” she asked, changing the subject. “Why do you ask?” “You have your hair pulled up. As I recall, you only do that when you’re going out.” “And how do you know that? The last time I spent a significant amount of time with you, the only place I’d be ‘going out’ to would be the local Putt-Putt.” “Your brother keeps me updated.” “Thank goodness, or else we'd have so little to talk about.” Feeling overwhelmed, Diana placed a hand on Emily’s shoulder. She didn’t pull away this time, which Diana considered to be progress. “Can we start over, honey?” When Emily turned to face her mother, Diana was startled to see her eyes glistening with tears. She went to embrace her, but again, Emily moved away. “You were right on the nose, I have plans. Sorry I can't reschedule them to accommodate your sudden appearances in my life, but hey, them's the breaks, right? Isn't that what you told me? ‘That's the way the cookie crumbles, Emily. Some things just don't work out.’” “You can keep pushing me away, Emily, I understand. I know I have a lot to prove to you and your brother. I intend to make things right in this family again.” “Open your eyes, Mom. While you were off nursing your pride, we made a new family. I like Karen very much, she makes Daddy very happy. And there's a baby on the way. Suddenly, you are the odd person out.” She fought to resist the tears that been threatening to spill. Just don't let them fall before she leaves the room, she chanted in her head like a mantra. As the silence grew between the two women, Emily once again softened. “Look, you're right. We should talk. But not now and not here. Where are you staying?" “At the Gypsy with Wendy.” “Okay. I’ll try and stop by after class soon. I’ll give you a call.” Losing the battle with the tears, Diana smiled warmly. “Stop by anytime, honey, I look forward to it.” Emily gazed at her mother one last time before disappearing up the back steps to continue getting ready for her evening out. Now alone, Diana allowed the sobs to slip out for a few minutes. Finally, composing herself, she reached into her purse for a compact to check her makeup. As she dabbed at her eyes with a napkin, the sound of clapping filled the room. Turning, Diana saw Will’s mother, Ellen Bowman, leaning against the wall. “Brava, brava,” Ellen applauded, a look of irritation on her face. “The prodigal mother's finest performance.” “Hello, Ellen.” Ellen ignored the greeting. Crossing her arms across her chest, she circled Diana like a vulture. Diana gazed at the woman she had once considered a second mother. Even after all this time, she was still elegantly beautiful. In her seventies, she carried with her the aura of charm and grace of a generation gone by, coupled with the no-nonsense approach of a mother who had raised five children. Stopping immediately in front of the younger woman, Ellen tilted her head back slightly and spoke. “Well, at least you have the good sense not to call me ‘Mom’ anymore.” “I was hoping you'd say I still could.” “I don't think it's appropriate under the circumstances.” Diana sighed and rubbed her temples. “What’s happened to everyone, Ellen? Why is everyone so angry at me?” “You can’t honestly pretend to not understand, Diana! You left this family! High and dry.” “I take responsibility for my actions, but doesn’t anyone understand that I did what I had to do? Will’s affair, it crippled me. I was no longer just a mother, a housewife, Ellen. I had to make a life of my own, build a career, pay the bills…” “In Chicago?” Ellen didn’t wait for an answer. They’d had this same conversation years ago. “What my son did to your marriage… well, in my mind it’s appalling, but frankly that’s between you and him. But you were just as guilty when you let your pride take over and you skipped town, leaving behind two children... and a mother-in-law that loved you very much.” “I know… I do. But I’m back now, I want to make it better. That has to count for something.” Ellen sighed and placed her hands on the younger woman’s shoulders. “It does, Diana. And I truly believe you do want to make things better.” “And I know it will take a lot of work, but I’m committed.” “A lot of work.” Diana nodded. “But I’ll do it. I will get my family back.” “Darling, that’s an admirable sentiment, but you have to learn to share now.” “You’re talking about Karen?” Ellen nodded. “She’s a different person than you remember, Diana. She’s grown up. I had the same doubts that I’m sure you’re feeling right now, but she’s proven them all wrong. And, it might hurt you to hear this, but it needs to be said. She’s good for this family, Diana. Especially for Emily.” “I don’t know, I still see her as… a child… Ross’s little friend. To think of her married to Will…” “Well, I know this much... she adores Will. She loves Emily. She's got a good heart. But above all, Diana, she's here. She's here and you’re not. You must get used to that.” “Ellen, listen, there’s more to me coming back than...” “I’m sure there is, honey,” Ellen interrupted. “But let me make a suggestion. The last three years have been about you and your feelings, your needs and your issues. Put whatever else is on your mind on the backburner and think about your children. They need you now.” Realizing that, as usual, her former mother-in-law was correct, Diana dried her eyes and smiled warmly at the older woman. Clutching her purse, she turned and walked out of the Bowman house, coldly realizing that she no longer had a place there. SCENE TWO-The Lighthouse Club In downtown Autumn Lake, less than a mile from the Drummond Tower, stood the hottest nightclub in the tri-state area, The Lighthouse. During the week, the place was usually occupied only by locals, but on the weekends, the club came alive with visitors from up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Emily Bowman entered the bar on the third floor and scanned the room. An old school swing song played on the sound system. She looked beautiful, dressed in a tasteful cream colored dress, her blonde hair swept up. She turned the head of many of the men, but she was looking for one in particular. “Kyle! Over here!” She waved to her boyfriend, Kyle Marshak. He was standing by the bar, looking very handsome in his silver silk shirt and red tie. Sprinting to her side, he swept her in a quick circle, eliciting a laugh from the young woman. “Hey babe,” he said, kissing her gently on the lips. “You're late!” “Family crisis, don’t get me started.” He scoffed playfully. “At Chez Bowman? House of happiness? Say it isn't so.” She raised an eyebrow as she accepted a martini from the bartender. “You'll never guess who I found standing in the kitchen looking oh so comfortable.” “Marilyn Manson?” “My mother.” “No way! Hey, that's great! She's back in town? My mom will be thrilled.” “Yeah, I suppose someone should be happy about it, so it might as well be your mom.” She smiled as he began rubbing her shoulders. He always knew exactly what she needed. “What's with the bad attitude? I thought this would make you happy. You’re always saying how much you miss her.” She exhaled deeply, relaxing against his strong hands. “I thought I did. And then I saw her there, in the house, like she'd never left, and I suddenly... resented her. It was awful, Kyle, I was such a raging bitch to her.” “She'll forgive you. Moms do that.” “Yeah, they do. But do daughters?” “Listen,” he said, pulling her back against him. “In a good life, you only get one Mom. Now, you could argue that you've had two, but I don't think Karen counts because she's only a few years older than you.” She laughed and nuzzled against him, inhaling the scent of his cologne. “Come on, sweetie, cheer up. Let's have a good time and we'll talk about it later tonight, okay? When it's quiet and cozy and I can snuggle up to you.” “You have a deal. Let's boogie.” SCENE THREE-The Gypsy Grille It was the dinner rush and Wendy knew that she should really be out there helping her staff with the crowd, but instead, here she was, back in her office, chatting with Jason like one of those pimply-faced internet addicts she’d see at Tarantula. JASON: . . .and the goat ended up on the roof! WENDY: Oh, Jason, that was an awful joke! JASON: It loses some humor in the translation. WENDY: I'm sure. JASON: Hey, did you give any thought to my earlier suggestion? WENDY: No, I will not have cybersex with you. JASON: Come on, be serious. Let's go somewhere and have coffee. WENDY: Now? JASON: Yeah, throw caution to the wind. WENDY: I can't do that. My little boy is napping upstairs and I have a crowd of people here. JASON: Ah…. She works somewhere where there's a crowd. . . Could she be a server at the Autumn Lake Stadium? Nah, there's no game tonight. . . WENDY: I manage a restaurant. JASON: Ah! Success! Now, which one? WENDY: Oh no, that's all you get outta me, tonight, pal! JASON: Darn. So, what do you say? Coffee? WENDY: I hate coffee. JASON: Then tea then! Or Hot Chocolate! Or a soda! I don't care, I really want to meet you! WENDY: I'm smiling. JASON: Me too. WENDY: Okay, let's do it. JASON: Are you serious? WENDY: What the hell, you only live once right? JASON: Cool! Where? Your restaurant? WENDY: Oh no! Neutral zone, please. You could be Ted Bundy for all I know. JASON: I think he's dead. WENDY: Or Jeffrey Dahmer, then. JASON: I think he's gay. AND dead. WENDY: Stop it! JASON: How about Tarantula, the cybercafe, at the mall? WENDY: Okay! I know where that is. JASON: I thought it might be appropriate. WENDY: Indeed. How about an hour? JASON: You got it. Are you bringing the little tyke? WENDY: Um… not sure. I might have to, is that a problem? JASON: Not at all, I love kids. WENDY: *SMILE* JASON: See you there! Within the half hour, Wendy had it all worked out. She would have her assistant manager, Alicia Sinclair, close the Gypsy tonight. She'd been asking for some more responsibility, so this was a perfect opportunity. Or, so it would seem. “No way, Wendy, I have plans.” Wendy was crestfallen. “What?” “I told you, remember? I’m heading downtown to the Lighthouse to get my groove on.” “You gotta be kidding me, Alicia, it's dead there during the week.” Alicia began wiping down the counter with a damp rag. “Look, seriously, if it were any other night, I'd do it in a heartbeat, but this is big stuff.” Wendy rolled her eyes playfully. “Uh-huh, I can smell the testosterone already.” “Are you implying that this may involve a man?” Alicia asked, an impish smile crossing her lips. “With you, sweetie, it usually involves a man or money.” Alicia remained silent, but Wendy could sense that there was a plot afoot. With Alicia, there usually was. “Well, I guess I should have checked with you first before making plans. Go on, have fun. I'll just cancel my date.” “Are you sure? I can stick around for a little while if you want to go find someone else?” “Find someone else for what?” Wendy turned to find Diana entering the restaurant. Her aunt made a beeline for the counter and joined the two younger women. “It’s nothing, Aunt Di.” “Wendy needs someone to close shop so she can go on a date,” Alicia said, eliciting a jab from Wendy’s elbow. Diana smiled. “Say no more, I’ll take care of it.” Alicia patted Wendy on the back and threw the rag in the sink. “See, Wendy, everything my sister says about this chick isn't true, she's pretty cool.” She winked at Diana. “See ya!” Wendy covered her mouth in shame as Alicia exited the restaurant. “Do I even want to ask who that was and what she meant by that comment?” Wendy cleared her throat. “That's Alicia Sinclair. Karen's younger sister.” “Ah. Well, I see that the class runs deep in that family.” “Be nice, Aunt Di, she's a friend of mine.” “Sorry, it's just been a rough night.” The two women made their way back to the office and Wendy put on a pot of coffee while she ransacked her closet looking for something presentable. “How'd it go with Emily?” she called out, selecting a classy number that she’d once considered too tame. “I don't really want to rehash it if you don’t mind. Go get dressed, I'll watch the place and keep an eye on Nicky. Believe me, I could use a little unconditional love right now and Nicky’s just the one to do that.” Wendy sensed her aunt’s sadness and gently took her hand. “Aunt Di, this is your first night back and if it’s too much, I can cancel. Really, he’ll understand.” “I wouldn’t hear of it. You going on a date is a huge deal, and I can’t wait to find out how it goes.” “Thanks!” Wendy said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. “Hey, didn't you have plans with Mrs. Marshak tonight?” “Just a reunion of sorts. We can meet here. Now go on.” “I owe you yet another one, Aunt Di. Love ya!” “I love you too, sweetie,” her aunt replied. Wendy picked up the slight wistful tone to her voice and made a mental note to grill her later on the details of her conversation with Emily. SCENE FOUR-Drummond Tower-Bourbon Street Jazz Club Located at the top of the Drummond Tower in the center of downtown Autumn Lake, Bourbon Street was a popular jazz club catering to the crowd that was a bit too old to appreciate the more raucous tone of the Lighthouse, which was located just a block to the north. It was here that Karen had convinced Will to join her for a post-work bite to eat. While it was, in reality, merely a diversion to keep Will from encountering Diana at the house, Karen was grateful for the quality time with her husband. “I love it here,” Karen sighed, sipping an iced tea. “It’s so high above everything. I used to visit when my mother worked here. I'd sneak in during the afternoon when they were setting up and listen to the musicians rehearse. They didn't know I was just the daughter of the janitor, or I’m sure they would have kicked me out.” Will gazed at her from across the table. “I never knew your mother worked in the Tower.” “It was only for a little while. She quickly grew ‘bored’ with it, much like everything else. Seems the only thing that woman found ‘interesting’ was collecting unemployment.” “I'm sorry,” he said, squeezing her hand. Turning toward her husband, she saw that Will was sincere. There were moments, like this one, when she truly felt that he cared for her. Given time (and a lack of interruptions) she was sure she’d get to a place where Will felt this way all the time. “Are you ready to order?” Karen looked up to see a handsome waiter smiling at them. “I’ll have the catch of the day and my wife will have lobster.” “Very good, sir.” His wife, she repeated silently. How she loved the sound of that phrase. “This was a good idea,” Will said. “It's been too long since we've gone out.” “I can't remember the last time,” she agreed. He scratched his head. “Ross’s birthday, I think.” “That’s right! That party at the Lavender Room.” “Yes.” The music began to swell and couples began crossing to the dance floor. The lights dimmed slightly as the staff began lighting the oil candles on the tables. Karen watched as the firelight twinkled in Will’s eyes and she was filled with an overwhelming sense of peace. “You look so handsome tonight,” she said. “I wish you'd have let me go home and change first.” “Nonsense, I think you look fantastic. I just thought we needed some time alone. Away from the hospital, the kids, your mother and the house.” Will smiled as he sipped from his glass of wine. “Mom really gets to you doesn’t she?” Karen looked away, avoiding the question. “She really likes you, you know?” “Does she?” “She does. She's just a little hard to get to know. Once she lets you inside, it's the warmest, most loving place you'll ever want to be.” “I hope that we develop that bond,” Karen admitted, a touch of loneliness in her voice. “Especially before the baby comes. Your house is so full of love, I just want to be a part of it.” Will covered her hands with his. “It's hard for both of us Karen. We barely knew each other outside of the hospital, and the next thing you know, you're pregnant and we're married. We're trying to figure this out as we go along.” “We're not doing so bad are we?” He smiled. “We have our moments.” “Like now. I feel so close to you now, Will.” “Me too.” And she believed him. “I'm really sorry about coming on so strong in your office this afternoon. I was just…” “Excited, I know. And there’s no need at all to apologize. It was just a… difficult moment for me, that’s all. If anyone should apologize it should be me for being so harsh.” “Thank you, Will.” They stared at each other for a long moment and Karen was reminded of the first time she’d felt genuine affection from him. Long before they’d become close romantically, theirs was a sexual relationship. But those long post-coital talks had created a bond in them that was still growing. The night Will took her to Kennedy, a nearby town, and they’d eaten fried chicken and ribs in a greasy spoon was, strangely enough, the first time she’d realized she was in love with this man. “Dance with me?” he asked. “I'd love to!” They crossed the floor and Karen heard someone whisper "That's Dr. Bowman from Memorial, and his new wife. Aren't they a handsome couple?" and her heart lifted. She felt so safe and warm in Will's arms. She loved this man, and she'd do anything to keep him. God willing, Diana Harris would pay her little visit and hop the next train back to Chicago. “Karen, I want to tell you something,” he whispered into her ear. “You were wrong today, in my office. I didn't marry you just to be noble.” “Will, you don't have to…” He placed a finger to her lips to shush her. “Let me finish. Now, I admit, it's been hard, and we’re trying to make two very different lives fit into one. But I have always felt a special closeness to you Karen. You were there for me during a very difficult part of my life, and I don't regret making you my wife.” “Oh, Will...” “I meant what I said that day three months ago, when you became my wife. I cherish you. I love you, Karen.” She held him close and gazed out the window to watch the stars twinkle. She'd found a little bit of perfect that evening, and that, in the end, was all that mattered. Don't miss an episode! Join our episode notification list by clicking below...
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