CIRCLE
OF LIFE
Scene
1: The Markham property - Ben and Bron's bedroom.
Bron is still lying in bed, looking tired as Ben enters.
Ben:
Bron it’s just after 7am….do you want me to make you anything for breakfast
today?
Bron:
No I’ll be right….I’ll be up soon….I just have to get my head sorted.
Ben:
I know this is going to be such a hard day for you…..I feel so guilty letting
you go to something like this without my support.
Bron:
It’s only 1 day and I can survive one day.
Guaranteed it’s going to be one of the hardest days ever….who can
possibly say Goodbye to someone like Mitch.
It’s just not possible…..
Ben:
At least he is no longer in pain….he had a terrible few weeks before he
died…you have to think of that…
Bron:
Hug me now please……
Bron
and Ben embraced…a tight embrace…..
Ben:
You know I love you…
Bron:
You know I loved Mitch…
Tears
were pouring from Bron’s eyes.
Ben:
Yeah I know Bron everyone loved Mitch….he was that sort of person.
Bron:
No I mean I really loved him…don’t take this the wrong way…I’m talking
about when you and I weren’t together. Years
ago….
Bron
stopped mid sentence…unable to continue…
Ben:
It’s okay I understand..
He
tightened his hold on Bron….
Ben:
That’s it I’m coming with you….I can’t let you go on your own….it’s
important for you to have support.
Phone
rings:
Ben:
Just ignore it
Bron:
You better answer it….might be something important
Phone
conversation:
Caller:
Is that Ben Markham? Just phoning to
let you know we do need you at the yearly charity race this morning…..
Ben:
Morning I thought I wasn’t needed till after 12…
Tony
Nathan : Originally it was supposed to start from midday but by the looks of the
weather…we’re going to start early.
Ben:
(trying to get out of his shift) Is
there anyway you can get someone to cover for me…it’s important I spend
today with my Wife.
Tony:
No can do…in a town like this you’ve got to be joking….
Ben:
Okay, okay I’ll see you then….
Ben
annoyed slammed the phone down.
Bron:
(standing behind Ben) So who was
that….
Ben:
Just the charity race organiser…something about the race starting earlier than
expected due to the storms this afternoon.
Bron:
Ben I don’t mind going by myself…the fresh air will do me good….and it
will be great to see the gang again.
Ben:
Okay but I’ll have my mobile on the whole day…if you need me…just call
me….
Bron:
Okay…..
In
the time Ben had been on the phone Bron had showered and dressed and was now
ready to get going….
Ad
break:
Ben
standing by the car….Bron in the drivers seat…
Bron:
(trying to lighten the mood) Now you have a great day with all the heat
exhaustion….blisters…fainting…
Ben:
Oh I wish it was just our everyday city charity race….
Ben:
I’ve heard the whole town turns out to run in this…just what we
need….people who don’t normally run…running themselves into ill health.
Bron:
The usual idiots….
Ben:
You’re looking a bit pale did you get anything to eat before you left?
Bron:
Couldn’t stomach it…was rather nauseous…think its just the worry of
today…once today is over I’ll be better I think.
Ben:
Well drive safely…
Ben
leant down into the car and kissed Bron….
Scene
shows Ben waving as Bron drives off.
Ad
Break
Scene:
Charlotte and Bron are sitting outside at Mitch's wake, the mood is sombre.
Charlotte:
(Holding up her glass) Here's to you Mitch…..wherever you are.
Bron:
(Murmuring) To Mitch….
Bron
holds her glass up briefly before lowering it untouched.
Charlotte:
You ok Bron? You've been nursing
that drink since we got here.
Bron:
Yeah, I just don't want to drink and drive…
Charlotte
gives her a 'I don't believe you for a second' look
Bron:
…. And I'm feeling a bit sick.
Charlotte:
(Concerned) You do look a bit tired (Checking her for a fever)….but you don't
seem to have a temperature.
Bron:
(Swatting Charlotte's hands away) I'm fine….it's probably just stress.
Charlotte:
When was the last time you had a check up?
Bron
shook her head, unable to remember.
Charlotte:
(Jumping up) Right, I'm not letting you drive home, until I've checked you over
myself - thoroughly.
Bron:
Beaumont…..
Charlotte:
No arguments, now stand up and lets go.
Scene
ends as Charlotte drags Bron off back inside the house
Setting:
Examination cubicle in the Emergency Room of All Saints Western General.
Bron is sitting on the edge of a bed, while Charlotte is testing her
urine etc…
Bron:
Have you finished overreacting yet?
Charlotte:
Just about….
Bron:
I told you I'm fine….
Charlotte:
(Grinning) But you didn't tell me you were pregnant.
Bron:
Very funny….
Charlotte
shows her the positive test.
Bron:
(Taking the test off Charlotte) Are you telling me that I'm….
Charlotte:
Honey, I'm telling you that you're P-R-E-G-N-A-N-T!!!
Bron
looks shocked for a few seconds, before a grin spreads across her face and she
embraces Charlotte tightly.
Bron:
Thankyou!
Charlotte:
(Laughing) I'm afraid I can't take credit for this one…it was you and Ben.
Bron:
(Still grinning) Oh my god, Ben! He's
going to be so excited…
Bron's
mobile starts ringing, with Ben's name coming up on the screen.
Charlotte:
Speak of the devil…
Bron:
(Grinning and taking the call) Hello my husband…
Ben:
Hello my wife….how are you doing?
Bron:
I'm ok….I miss you.
Ben:
I miss you too….but if you wanted to stay the night and drive back tomorrow,
that’s ok.
Bron:
No, I NEED to see you
Ben:
I was hoping you'd say that….I have a surprise for you when you get home
Bron:
I have a surprise for you too (Grinning at Charlotte)
Ben:
Really? What is it?
Bron:
If I told you then it wouldn't be a surprise…
Ben:
Just promise me Scott's not going to jump out of a cake or something
Bron:
(Laughing) No I can promise you Scott has nothing to do with it.
Ben:
(Laughing along with Bron) Ok, well I'll see you when you get home then.
Bron:
Yep, I'm leaving soon.
Ben:
I love you…
Bron:
I love you too.
Ben:
Bye
They
hang up the phone, and Bron turns to look at Charlotte who can tell by the look
on her face that Bron wants to go home immediately.
Charlotte:
I know - you want to go home and be with your husband
Bron:
I'm sorry Beaumont…
Charlotte:
Don't be sorry, it's the way it should be…..just keep old Charlotte in mind
when choosing a godmother, ok?
Bron:
(Hugging Charlotte) As if I'd choose anyone else…
Charlotte:
Drive carefully…and remember you're pregnant, don't go breaking any records to
get there.
Bron:
Now you sound like Ben.
Charlotte:
(Laughing) Get out of here…
Laughing
Bron waves as she leaves the hospital, as the scene fades into an ad break
Setting:
The Markham property - Bron's car drives through the gate and up to the house.
Getting out of the car she is greeted by Ben and an exuberant 'Fella', who
danced around her excitedly, barking and trying to lick her face.
Bron:
(Laughing) Well at least someone missed me!
Ben:
So what’s the surprise….
Bron:
Ben I’m not even out of the car yet…the ignition isn’t even off…..
Ben:
Bron you know how impatient I am when it comes to surprises!
Bron:
Well you’re going to have to be impatient for a little longer
Bron
stepped out of the car and Ben followed her around to the boot……in the back
was a bassinet…..
Ben:
Is the surprise in the boot?
Bron:
Hush little baby….have patience….
Ben:
Is that for baby Joe…..
Bron:
Yeah its actually from Terri….she didn’t need it anymore and she knew we’d
need it…. for Joe
Bron
passed the bassinet to Ben and she collected her stuff from the car.
As
they were walking in to the house…along the gravel Ben said to Bron…
Ben:
So how was Terri….
Bron:
Actually she was calm….I’ve never seen her so calm….she looked at
peace….
Ben:
Had God been whispering in her ear?
Bron:
Must have been….
Bron:
At least Terri has her faith…she’ll get through this….Rose definitely will
have a tougher time…
Ben:
What Rose was there……..
Bron:
Well she was married to him till Terri broke them up Ben…. Had you forgotten
that tiny detail….
Bron
hating anything to do with those who broke apart couples said..
Bron:
You know I feel sorry for her…..Rose ……with her Bipolar and all….and
with Lucy….and she really truly loved Mitch….
Bron:
She was made to feel inferior…and Terri was always superior…
Ben:
Mother superior….
Bron:
Ben I’m being serious….
Bron:
You know I might keep in touch with her….we had a talk at the
funeral…..she’s changed…for the better …..and with the ….
Bron
stopped mid sentence…aware that she had nearly given her secret away….
Bron:
I’m pooped….I need a good lie down….
Ben:
How about a nice glass of wine…something to calm you down after what I am sure
has been a very emotionally draining day…
Bron:
What I want Markham is you by my side…oh my back is aching after that
drive….
Ben:
How about a massage…..
Bron:
Sounds good to me…including the toes….
Ben:
I think we can manage that….I know how much you love the foot massage…
Ben:
Oh and I forgot to give you this the other day…..mum sent it down...
Bron
opened up the package…..
Bron:
Lavender cream….what's she think I’m a stressed out country bumpkin missing
the luxuries of home?
Ben:
Well you don’t want to know what I got in my package…..
Bron:
(excited) What did mummy send her big strong ambo son…
Ben
walked over to the dresser and opened the draw….
Ben:
Well I’ll give you a hint….something along the lines of…is it a bird is it
a plane…not it’s superman boxers….
Bron:
(Laughing) I always knew you were Clark Kent…looks like I wasn’t wrong…
Ben:
(Smiling) You can be my Lois Lane anyday.
Ben:
You know there was a letter too…something along the lines of….Be a Superhero
and provide your mother with a grandchild sooner rather than later….
Bron
smiled widely…not giving in to the temptation to tell him.
Bron:
Well it's a whole lot of fun trying.
Ben:
You know I reckon Dani put her up to this……how on earth would mum know about
boxers…
Bron:
You’d be surprised at the amount a woman knows…
Ad
break:
Ben:
So Mrs Markham do you approve……
Ben
modelled the boxers up and down the side of the room…..
Bron:
Ben is that a hole in the backside…….I need a closer look……
Ben
moved closer
Bron:
Oh no…just my imagination…. Silly me
Ben:
You Mrs Markham are a tease….
Bron:
(Grinning) You love it…Now where is my massage Superman?
Ben:
Coming right up Lois
Ben
gently begins kneading Bron's muscles eliciting a moan of pleasure from Bron
Bron:
That feels so good…
Ben
rans his hands up and down her back, kissing between her shoulderblades
Ben:
So what's my surprise?
Bron:
(Smiling to herself) I'll tell you later…
Ben:
Right that's it!
Pouncing
on her he begins to tickle her, making her scream with laughter.
Fella wanting to play as well, jumped on the bed and went beserk trying
to join in. He managed to distract
Ben briefly.
Bron:
You know we really need to name this dog…
Ben:
What's wrong with Fella?
Bron:
If you even need to ask that, then you are never naming our children.
Ben:
(Began massaging Brons back again) You know with all the talk of babies
lately….I don't want you to feel pressured.
There is no hurry Bron…
Bron
smiles to herself
Bron:
Shut up and kiss me Superman…
Ben:
Whatever you say Lois…
Ben
and Bron kiss passionately as the scene ends
Ad
break:
Bron
and Ben are back sitting at the dining room table…in front of them is a packet
of opened tim tams and two half empty coffee cups.
Bron:
Milo you’d have to be kidding…
Ben:
Whiskey?
Bron:
How about Costello…
Ben:
Geez that was quick…been thinking about it have you….
Ben:
Do you think we could possibly have a dog with a dogs name…
Bron:
And what officially is a dogs name….
Ben:
Spot, Lassie, Spot…Lassie…you get the drift….
Bron:
how about….Rusty…after his gorgeous coat…
Ben
called the dog over….Here Rusty…Rusty…..dogs supposedly go whakos for
smackos…
Rusty
sat with his head on the grown…Ben called again this time using the name
“Fella”
Ben:
Here Fella……
Up
the dog hopped and immediately was by Ben’s side….
Ben:
Looks like we don’t have a choice in the matter….he seems to be used to the
name “Fella”……
Fella
licked his hand as if agreeing, Bron shook her head in defeat.
Ben:
(Pulling Bron up and sitting her on his knees) So are you going to tell me what
my surprise is, or do I have to guess?
Bron:
(Laughing) Guess away….
Ben:
Ok, is it animal, vegetable or mineral?
Bron:
Animal
Ben:
(Thinking…) Ummm….I know, you got me a pony?
Bron
took Ben's face in her hands and trailed kisses all over his face.
Bron:
(Whispering) Not even close…
Ben:
Bron….
Bron
smiled, seeing how desperate he was becoming…
Bron:
Ok, I'll tell you…
Bron
was just about to tell him when the phone rang, Ben sat her off his knee and
stood to answer it.
Ben:
Hold that thought.
Bron:
(Frustrated that she was interrupted) I'm pregnant….
Ben
stopped in his tracks, and turned back around to face her.
Ben:
Say that again…
Bron,
smiling goes over and wraps her arms around his neck.
Bron:
I'm pregnant
Ben:
Wha….are you sure?
Bron:
I'm positive, Charlotte did the test 4 times.
Ben:
Are you sick? Can I get you
anything?
Bron:
No, no I'm fine…as long as you are?
A
grin spreads across Ben's face and he picks her up, whirling her around.
Finally
putting her down, he takes her face in his hand and kisses her passionately, as
if he never wanted to stop.
Ben:
(Emotionally) Tell me again…
Bron:
(Smiles thru the tears that have suddenly come to her eyes) Ben, we're going to
have a baby.
Ben:
(Smiling at her) God I love you….I love you so much!
Ad
break:
Ben:
(still in shock says) Bron we’re
going to have a baby….I’m going to be a dad….
Bron:
Here’s to us…Bron and Ben clank their coffee cups together…
Ben
places his hand over Bron’s stomach….
Ben:(whispers)
hello little one….
On the radio the song “circle of life” comes on………
From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to be seen than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
Some say eat or be eaten
Some say live and let live
But all are agreed as they join the stampede
You should never take more than you give
(Chorus)
In the Circle of Life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle, the Circle of Life
Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with the scars
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps the great and small on the endless round