INSTALLMENT  5
 

Richardson kitchen:
 
 
  Gillian and Nina are quietly washing dishes.  They both wonder to 
themselves, what could possibly be the news their parents will 
tell them.  They can't gauge if the news is going to be bad or good 
since their body language was all over the place at dinner.  Just then the kitchen door
opens and Stephen enters.  He pours himself a cup of coffee and sits down 
at the kitchen table.
 
   "About time you come sauntering in.  Where have you been?" Gillian asks 
as she hands a dish to Nina to start drying.
 
   "I was out but was told to be home within forty five minutes for the
announcement of some big news.  Reminds me of all those family meetings 
we used to have as kids.”  Stephen states while both Gillian and Nina laugh 
at the memory.
 
   "Yeah, they were always fun, especially dad always wanting to go to the 
Grand Canyon and mom always trying to convince us that some nature 
hike was educational for us.  At least you got out of having to eat dinner 
with them." Gillian exclaims and Stephen gives her a look. "You just try 
making small talk with someone when they are holding out on you.  It just 
ruins my evening!"
 
   "Gil, you know you had nothing planned tonight except moping." 
Nina retorts turning around to face Stephen. "She was stood up again by
Dale and I figure she can mope later.  Besides, I have a huge 
economics test I still have to study for and I hope that they'll tell us soon."
 
   "Do you guys have any idea about what they’re going to tell us?  Do
you sense this is going to be good news, bad news?" Stephen asks while 
sipping his coffee.
 
   "My instincts are all over the place, I am sensing good and bad news if 
that makes any sense." Nina replies as she finishes drying the dishes and 
sits down at the table. "Perhaps, they have more then one piece of 
news to tell us?"
 
   "Hmm, interesting concept and you are probably right.  How was 
your day at work, Stephen?" Gillian asks as she finishes her part of 
the dishes and sits down with both Stephen and Nina.
 
   "As you know, teaching fifth graders is both challenging and 
rewarding but I’m so glad the day is over!  I love my class but they
can be so obnoxious and rude, I pity the middle school teachers next year that
are stuck with them." Stephen states. "Then I hung out with Melinda for a 
bit before mom summoned me home."
 
   Lillian appears at the kitchen door and interrupts the sibling exchange. "I am glad 
you are all home!  If you would come with me into the living room your father and I have some news."  
All three siblings, each anticipating what the big news is going be, follow Lillian to the living room.

 
 
Mitchell living room:
 
 

   Melinda Mitchell arrives home after a long, hard night of work and she hopes to enjoy a 
long, hot shower.  She’s disappointed to find the house resembling a war 
zone and suspects that her two siblings somehow had a hand in the
destruction.  As she closes the door, she’s greeted by her brother, Wally, 
coming down the staircase with an economics book in hand and a shocked 
look on his face.
 
   "Melinda, you're home early!" Wally exclaims as he places his book down 
on the table.   He hurriedly starts to clean the living room.  "I thought you 
were working for another hour or so."
 
   "Surprise, my hours changed slightly and I started an hour earlier 
and finished work an hour earlier.  However, I’m just curious about why the
house is a complete war zone when I remember leaving a semi-decent 
living room this morning.  Where is your sister by the way?" Melinda asks 
as she helps Wally clean up the living room.
 
   "Oh, she is out on a date but she wouldn't tell me who he is.  The 
way she goes through guys, I can only narrow the list down to about three or four 
guys." Wally laughs as he continues cleaning the room.  His blue eyes 
twinkle with humor and his dark blonde hair shines from the overhead lights 
reminding Melinda how much he resembled their father.
 
   "Hmmm,  I guess I’ll talk with her tomorrow about this.  How was 
your day?  I noticed you have an economics book and I suspect you are 
studying for that giant exam you have tomorrow.  Need any help?" Melinda 
asks.
 
   "I didn't know that you knew economics big sis?  I have everything under
control but thanks for the offer."
 
   "I admit I never went to college but I pulled in decent grades in high 
school economics.  Anyway, I’m going upstairs to take a hot shower and 
then to bed.   I suggest you do the same thing, if you hope to pull a good 
grade on that test tomorrow.  See you tomorrow."  Melinda calls out as she 
goes upstairs.  She turns around to say something else to Wally.  "If you
see your sister, let her know that I would like to talk to her.  I 
can’t believe you two are twins and so very different."
 
   "I'll let her know Melinda.  Night!" Wally shouts up the stairs and resumes
picking up the living room.  Just then, he receives a text message on his 
phone from his twin sister Katie. "Running a little late on date, is big 
sis home yet?"  Wally quickly text messages back that yes, 
Melinda is home and wants to speak to her.  When he doesn't receive a 
response he assumes she's received the message and finishes 
cleaning the living room.
 
 

Richardson Living room
 
 
   
   "So what’s the big news mom and dad?" Gillian asks as she makes herself 
at home on the sofa.  She has her drink in one hand and the other hand leans against 
the back of the chair.  She turns to face her siblings and they exchange glances.
 
   Chase stands up from his chair to reveal news that would 
change how his family views him.  For years, he has prided himself at 
being able to provide for his family financially.   He felt secure with that 
knowledge all of his married life to Lillian.  He thinks about all 
the times he missed soccer games, school plays, bake sales but is relieved 
that his job had provided them with the means to enjoy those things.

   “As you all know, the economy is kind of in a weird place right now, 
especially in the housing market.”  Gillian nodded her 
head in agreement to that statement and Chase continues. “My company has been hit pretty 
hard in the last few months but this last quarter was brutal.  They 
decided to make some cuts and one of those cuts happened to be my job.”
Chase finishes quietly.  All three siblings are silent for a few moments after hearing the news.
 
   “I’m sorry to hear that dad.   I am sure there is another job out there and I understand how 
traumatic it must be .” Stephen offers as he gives his dad a hug of support. “If you ever need 
any help searching for a job just let me know.” 
 
   “Listen, out of all of us, I understand exactly what you're going through, 
especially from the real estate standpoint.  If you ever need to talk or vent then 
totally stop by my room.” Gillian said as she also gives her father a hug.  

Nina proceedes to offer her own words of encouragement.  “I am sorry for what happened, 
I truly am.  Listen, I’ll go to financial aid tomorrow to take out some loans for school.  
Plus, I’ll even start looking for another part-time job.  I know that my school bill is going 
to be a big burden and I don’t want you to shoulder all of that.”  Nina hugs her dad.
 
   “You don’t have to worry about school or getting additional loans.
Allthough, if you want to do that, then ok.  I want you to do that only if 
you want to, not because you feel you have to do it.” Chase hugs 
Nina.  “There is some good news that will help us while I look
for another job.”  He looks at Lillian who is sitting quietly. 
 
   Gillian asks, “Mom, What else is there?” 
 
   “At the same time that your father’s company was downsizing,  I was offered a 
full-time job at the Chronicle where I've been doing free-lance reporting.  I was going to
turn it down, but after hearing the news, I’m going to take the job.”  Lillian states as 
everyone congratulates her.
 
   “What are you going to do at the paper mom?  What feature 
are you going to be writing?”  Gillian asks full of excitement. Both 
Nina and Stephen silently roll their eyes.
 
   “Well, they stated I’m going to write an editorial about the going-ons 
around Hope Falls. When there are openings, parties, company functions,
etc.  Basically, Hope Falls own society writer, which is a good starting ground
for a full time job.” Lillian explains. She walks towards the kitchen.
“I will be right back with some coffee and cake that I prepared for 
desert.” 
 
   Everyone heads for the dining room talking about the news.  They all agree that
tonight they are going to forget about Chase’s job being downsized and focus on the 
positive of Lillian’s new job. 
 
 

Falmont Living Room: 
 
 

   George is reading in the living room relieved at the peace in the 
household.  He knows he shouldn’t be so happy about it, but sometimes his 
family totally drives him crazy. As he settles down to read the latest James 
Patterson book, wearing his favorite silk burgundy robe, a sudden crash 
alerts him that something is amiss.  Running into the hallway, he is 
greeted by his youngest son Henry trying to sneak back into the house 
without anyone being the wiser.
 
   He looks at his son and knows that he really loves him but sometimes, he 
just wonders where his son’s head is.  Thinking back to when Henry 
was in middle school, he knew that his son’s hobbies didn’t include art like 
his brother, business like his sister Elizabeth, nor books like his younger 
sister Christina, but included partying and having fun.  Henry looks up just 
then and has the look of pure guilt.  He knows that he is busted for 
sneaking out yet again.  He stands there praying his father hasn’t heard 
from the dean.
 
   “Well, well, look who decided to come home?  So is all the fun over for 
the night?  It is almost midnight and you are home already? Even your 
mother is still out at some committee meeting.” George states sternly, 
the furrows of his brows pointing down with disapproval.  The look Henry 
knows too well.
 
   “Father!  I didn’t expect you would still be up, I figured you had turned in 
a long time ago so I was trying to be quiet.” Henry offers as his father keeps
giving him the disapproving look and then the signal indicating he needs to 
go into the living room.
 
   “I must say that part of me is happy that you came home before 
midnight, but I received a call today that has put a damper on my happiness.  
Apparently, you have seen fit to miss all of your classes, is this
true?”  George asks Henry as he sits back down in his favorite chair.
“Now, I'm assuming that you know all the answers and are going 
to be taking all the tests and come back with straight A’s.  However, I 
have a feeling I’ll be very disappointed. So I’ll just ask you the question, 
what the hell you have been doing since the semester started over two 
weeks ago!”
 
   “I admit that I’ve been socializing, getting to know all my fellow 
students and still trying to adjust to all my new classes.” Henry replies 
knowing that is a very lame excuse.
 
   “Ok, I would believe that if it was the first day or two of the semester but
it’s been over two weeks.  I would assume you understand your 
class schedule and actually show up for class!”
 
   Henry knows that his father is very disappointed in him and he has to 
admit that he isn’t surprised.  He has always been viewed as the 
disappointment in the family because he is different from his siblings.  However, 
he doesn't want to tell his father, and especially his mother, who he was with 
because they won’t approve.  Instead, he  just listens to his father’s rants
figuring it is best to get it over with rather than prolonging the ordeal.
 
   “What have you got to say for yourself son?” George asks noting the
silence from his son.
 
   “Father, you are absolutely correct and I do apologize for all my actions. 
I only hope that you forgive me and have a little more patience with me.”  
Henry offers then realizes he has said the wrong thing.
 
   “Patience!!?!?!?!?  I have been patient with you for years waiting for you 
to get a good head on your shoulders and make something out of yourself! 
Instead, you are wasting our money and our time with us having to talk 
to the dean and convince him not to kick you out of school!  Do you want to do 
something with your life or be a male version of that Paris Hilton girl?” 
George bellows.  He is so loud that his older son Jonathan comes
into the room, just in time to witness his father storming out.
 
   “What’s going on here? I couldn’t help hearing the shouting from upstairs.”
Jonathan asks while facing his brother.  “What did you do this time?”
 
   “Why do you assume it’s me?  Ok, it’s me but why assume it every time 
dad gets angry?” Henry shouts.
 
   “Listen, I don’t want to anger you but you seem to be the only one that 
pushes our dad’s buttons.  I don’t know anyone else that can get dad so 
worked up, even mom doesn’t make him that mad.”  
 
   “Well, at least I have found my purpose in this family.  How are things
down at your art gallery?” Henry asks hoping to change the subject.  
“Have you found a buyer for one of your paintings?”
 
   “Nice try at changing the subject and since I want to get along with you 
tonight, I’ll bite.  Yes, I have found three interested buyers for my paintings.
In fact, things have gotten so hectic that I’m looking to move my gallery to
a slightly bigger space.  I am thinking more in the suburbs since there is a 
better chance of finding space than in the city.” Jonathan continues,  “I’d ask you how 
things are but assuming from the way dad was yelling, I’m going to guess 
the answer is not good.”
 
   “School wise you would be correct, but socially, things are going 
great!  I have this great girl I’m been having fun with, no nothing 
serious!” Henry smiles noticing Jonathan’s look.  “You know I am too 
young to think about that kind of thing.  I’m not even legal to drink yet.”
 
   “Judging by the way your breath smells, you seem to have found 
an illegal way around that law, little brother.”  Jonathan shakes his head. “Just make 
sure mom and dad don’t find out because they’ll want to meet her.  If it
isn’t serious, why get their hopes up.”  
 
   “Exactly, now do I have your word that you won’t breathe who I am 
seeing to dad and especially mom?” Henry asks knowing how close they 
are. “Nah, never mind.  I know how you like to pretend you are the 
concerned older brother but I’ll spare you the pain of pretending.  I figured 
I’d enjoy one last night of freedom before mom and dad cracked down on 
me.” Henry turns to go upstairs.
 
   “Don’t let mom and dad get to you.  I'm sure it will not be as bad as 
you think it will be."  Jonathan asks, "What could you have done to make 
them so angry, other then the alcohol on your breath?  Never mind,
I’m sure we’ll hear about it at breakfast tomorrow.  Night bro.”  Jonathan calls 
out as Henry makes his way upstairs.
 
   Jonathan sits down on the couch dreading the appointment he has with a
real estate office in the morning.  He wonders to himself if he is going 
to be able to move his art gallery to a closer location.   The clock
chimes midnight marking an end to a very long day in Hope Falls.