INSTALLMENT 18
 
 

 

Richardson house:
 
 

   The clattering of dishes greets Lillian Richardson as she enters the kitchen
to help with dinner.  Seeing Nina and Gillian helping with the dishes, she sits 
down at the table peeling potatoes.
 
   "So what time did Stephen say he would be here with Alicia?"  Lillian asks
as she peels away at the potatoes.
 
   "I believe he mentioned he was picking her up and bringing her over 
around six thirty."  Chase replies.
 
   "What is she like dad?  I mean you met her, what are your impressions 
of her?"  Gillian pipes in, as she washes the vegetables.
 
   "I admit not talking with her much but she seemed nice.  By the way, I 
want both of you on your best behavior when your brother gets back." 
Chase instructs to Gillian and Nina, who laugh at their father.  "I'm serious, 
it isn’t often your brother brings someone to meet the family.  I don’t want
to scare either of them off."
 
   "Dad, you know the reason he never bought anyone home was because 
of his undying love for Melinda Mitchell."  Gillian states while she feels a swift 
kick on the shin by Nina.
 
   "Even so, your brother seems to have taken a liking to this girl.  I want 
both of you guys to lay off tonight."  Chase states while returning to his 
cooking.
 
   "What’s wrong with dad, mom?" Gillian asks softly.  She tries to speak 
softly hoping that Chase isn’t listening to her.
 
   "Your father had a job interview today at Falmont Enterprises so he’s a 
little anxious.  Once he hears back from them, then I think he'll relax."  
Lillian explains hoping that he doesn’t receive a job offer.  
 
   "If dad gets treated the same way I did, then it would serve the Falmonts
right."  Nina rolls her eyes as she finishes slicing the onions. "What was that
look for, Nina?"
 
   "Ever since Saturday, all I’ve heard is how Jonathan Falmont took 
advantage of your good nature.  If I were given a dollar every time I’ve 
heard that, I would have a whole semester of school paid for!"  Nina 
screeches out loud which takes Lillian and Chase by surprise.
 
   "Your sister does have a point dear."  Chase pipes in.  "You’ve been going 
on about Jonathan Falmont for the last few days.  Between him and Dale, 
you seem to have your fill of drama."  
 
   "You know me.  Drama is my middle name."  Gillian states while 
everyone nods in agreement.  “I didn’t think you guys were agreed so 
quickly.”

   "Gil, you know you’re dramatic.  I bet if Jonathan calls you up tomorrow 
asking you to be his real agent, you would jump on it.  Then you would go 
on about how you are such a crackerjack real estate agent.  Come on, you 
know it’s true.”  Nina cracks while Gillian ponders this statement.
 
   As the four continue to prepare dinner for Stephen and Alicia, they hear 
the slamming of the front door.  Chase quickly enters the front entry way 
to see  Stephen back with Alicia.
 
   "Stephen, you’re back early.  I thought you weren’t coming back until six
thirty." 

   "I did, but Alicia was done tutoring early."  Stephen said while kissing Alicia.

   "Dinner is still being prepared, so you can make yourself comfortable in 
the living room.  Just don’t get too comfortable."  Chase replies with a 
devilish grin that makes both Stephen and Alicia blush.
 
   Chase takes their coats and heads back into the kitchen to finish dinner.  
Stephen turns to face Alicia, who he could tell is a little nervous.

   "You have to excuse my father.  He's kind of turned into a male Donna 
Reed since losing his job."  Stephen explains to Alicia who nods.  "Where 
were you earlier?  I went to the student center earlier today and you 
weren’t there."
 
   "I got done earlier then expected and had a few errands to run.  It’s good
to get things done and over with."
 
   "Good to hear.  I always find that a huge weight is lifted when I take care
of things."

   "Believe me; once I hear from the Dean about teaching this summer, a 
huge weight will be lifted.  Let’s not dwell on that tonight; we are at your 
family's house."  Alicia then kisses Stephen with such passion that it takes 
him by surprise.

   "Shall we get comfortable in the living room?" Stephen asks while Alicia 
leads him into the living room
 
   As they enter the living room, they are unaware that Gillian and Nina are 
watching this from the kitchen door trying to hide smiles. 
 


Mitchell House: 
 
 

   "So what do you want to do tonight?"  Henry Falmont asks Katie as they
cuddle together on the sofa.
 
   "Just want to sit here with you, watch a dvd and thank god my sister is 
working till midnight." Katie replies as she kisses Henry.
 
   "I know that I don’t know your family very well but your sister seems 
tightly wound up.  Why is that?"  
 
   "You have to understand she became a parent to me and Wally when we
were in middle school.  I mean we hadn’t expected mom to die and dad to 
take off for Florida.  Her taking over the parental role was unexpected for 
all of us.  I’m thankful that she’s been there for us, don’t get me wrong.  
Sometimes I just want her to leave me alone." 

   "Now I understand why she was so hostile toward me at the charity 
function." Henry muses aloud remembering his brief interaction with Melinda.  
"Let’s talk about something else, like the fact that we have the house to 
ourselves till midnight!"  
 
   "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."  Wally says as he comes 
downstairs.
 
   "Wally, I didn’t know that you were home.  I thought you had some 
study session with your new tutor tonight."  Katie asks adjusting her shirt 
and getting up to greet her brother.
 
   "The tutor had a date tonight so she moved the study session till 
tomorrow.  By the way, there was a letter that came for you today.  I put 
it on the dining room table.  I think it's from the University, hope it isn’t bad
news."  Wally replies as stares at Henry.
 
   "I’m sure it’s just my bill for the semester.  My scholarship doesn’t cover 
all the costs per semester.  I guess mid-terms are this week so I shouldn’t 
be surprised that the school bill came in.  Was there anything else Wally?"
 
   ”No, I just wanted you to know about the letter.  Don’t have too much 
fun, see you both later."  Wally replies as he goes back upstairs.
 
   Katie turns back to Henry and smiles her mischievous grin at her 
boyfriend.  She goes to fetch the letter from the dining room table while 
sitting back down next to Henry.
 
   Henry starts kissing her neck and asks.  "Aren’t you going to open that?  
It looks important."  
 
   "I'm sure it’s just my bill for the semester, nothing to sound the alarms 
about.  Changing the subject, where were we before my brother rudely 
interrupted us."  
 
   "I think we were in the middle of exploring and getting to know one 
another better."  Henry replies while the two turn the light off in the living 
room.
 
 
Richardson House:
 
 
   "How are you enjoying Hope Falls?"  Gillian asks Alicia in the living room. 

   "I like it here so far.  It's close to the city, yet far enough away at the 
same time.  You totally don’t get that in the Los Angeles area."  Alicia 
quickly answers.

   "Now, how did you meet my brother and what do you see in him?"  

   "I saw him at Foxy's and thought he looked attractive to me.  He looked 
lost and alone that night at the diner and my heart went out to him.  
However, your brother is more then that, he’s truly a wonderful human 
being."  

   "That isn’t something I would think of him when thinking of my brother. 
Of course, he is just my brother.  How long have you known him for?"  

   "I’ve only known him for a few weeks.  I can tell that he’ll be a wonderful
man to spend the rest of my life with."  
 
   Nina Richardson makes her way out into the living room at that moment
and asks. "How do you know that my brother is that guy?  I mean you've 
only known him for a few weeks, you could just be experiencing the first 
brushes of lust."

   "Alicia, meet our sister Nina the world class romantic." Stephen and Gillian 
both say in sarcastic unison.

   "Your sister has a right to say what she feels.  I figure she hasn’t met her
soul mate.  When I was growing up, we always were in tune with destiny 
and fate.  Perhaps, your sister Nina isn’t in touch with that."  Alicia quickly 
replies 

   Nina stares at Alicia trying to analyze her as she says. "She is right, that’s
just the way I am guys.  Mom and dad wanted you guys to know that 
dinner will be ready in about five to ten minutes."

   "Excuse me I have to use the powder room."  Alicia admits while 
excusing herself.

   After making sure that Alicia is out of the room, both Gillian and Nina 
make a beeline to Stephen to get the real scoop.

   "Guys, I know what you are about to say.  I am going to say that she is 
a wonderful girl.  True, she is a little out there but that’s what I like about 
her.” 

   "We just want to make sure that you are into her.  You’ve just met her 
and already she’s talking about spending the rest of her life with you.  That 
isn’t the type of talk that is normal.”  Nina explains.

   "I have to agree with Nina over this new girlfriend of yours.  I mean what 
do you really know about her?"  

   "I'm crazy about her and she is crazy about me.  The rest will just come 
in time." Stephen replies quickly.

   "I think you’re just using Alicia as a rebound from Melinda.  You aren’t 
thinking clearly big brother! This isn’t like you."  Nina says

   Stephen gets up from the sofa and yells. "Enough!  Now I know you two
are just looking out for me but I'm your older brother.  I am capable of 
making my own decisions.  Let’s go eat and put this conversation out of 
our minds."  

   Both Nina and Gillian stare at each other after watching Stephen heading 
toward the dining room.  Neither one of them said anything but knew that 
something is wrong with Alicia.  They just didn’t know how to prove it to 
their brother.
 

Hope Falls Inn


   Thomas Norris is quickly packing his clothes into his suitcase when the 
phone starts to ring.  He cautiously approaches the phone but answers it 
anyway.

   "Hello?"  Thomas asks as he stares around the hotel room one last time 
before he checks out.

   "Thomas, this is your dad Kenneth.  How have you been?"  

   Thomas feels relief that it’s his father on the other line, "Dad, I didn’t 
expect to hear from you!  I'm doing very well, how are things back home?"

   "Things are still the same back home.  I was calling to see how my son is 
handling the mid west?  It isn’t everyday that our oldest son decides move 
halfway across the country."  

   "Dad, you know that I had to move for a new start.  We talked about this 
before I got on the train.  Why are you worrying again?"  

   "Your boss George Falmont gave me a call last week asking me questions 
about you.  I didn’t tell him anything that is your story to tell."  

   "Thank you father for not saying anything to him.  I was wondering why 
Mr. Falmont was being nice to me.  I thought it was because you guys 
were frat buddies but now I know it is for a different reason." 

   "He mentioned to me how you seem very distracted at work.  He did 
also mention that you were coming out of your mood at work slowly.  If 
things get too tough there, you can always come back home again.  The 
offer is always going to be on the table." 

   "Dad, I’m lucky to have you and mom as parents.  I have made my 
decision and I'm making friends here in Hope Falls.  I think you would like it 
here.  You and mom should visit especially since I just found an apartment."

   "Just say the word and we’ll be on the first plane out to Hope Falls!  Just 
be careful and don’t try to forget what happened last year.  It isn’t your 
fault and avoiding it will only make things worse." 

   "You’re right dad.  I just feel if I’d done something different then he 
wouldn’t have killed himself.  It's hard when the man you love decides that 
he would rather die then talk things through with you."  

   "Just be careful and take care of yourself.  I think George was just 
concerned and that’s why he called me.  Always remember we will always 
be here for you, just talk to us when you want too."  

   "Thank you dad I’m glad that you called.  I'll e-mail you my new mailing 
address once I’m settling in my place.  I love you." 

   "I love you too son.  Just take care of yourself and I'll talk to you later."

   Thomas hangs up the phone while trying to fight back the tears forming 
in his eyes.  Carefully, he takes out his wallet and stares at the picture of 
his late lover.  Staring at his beautiful brown eyes, he is overcome with a 
mixture of grief and guilt over how things happened.

   Just then the phone rings again while he figuring it’s his dad calling again.  
As he races to pick up the phone, he notices an envelope by the foot of the 
bed and picks it up.  Fear creeps up inside as he recognizes the envelope 
resembling other envelopes he has gotten.  As he opens the envelope, he 
quickly drops the contents.

   Inside the envelope is another note that reads:

   YOU THINK YOU HAVE TRULY ESCAPED FROM YOUR PAST BUT I AM HERE 
   TO TELL YOU THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE FREE!  YOU WILL PAY FOR THE 
   SINS OF THE PAST SO READY OR NOT HERE I COME!

   Inside the envelope is a picture of himself with his head cut off.  Another 
note falls out stating that this picture will symbolize reality very shortly.  All 
Thomas can do is stuff the contents into his suitcase and departs the inn as
fast as possible.