ALOPH5

CHANGES

Episode 5 - The room was painted a soft yellow colour…Ben had busied himself while Bron was away at the funeral. Yellow being a neutral colour…a happy, cheery colour..just what baby Joe and Gemma needed. Ben: So Gemma this is where baby Joe will be sleeping….and we've made you up a bed next to him. Ben pointed towards the bassinet and the neatly made sofa bed. Bron: Sorry it's only a sofa bed…. Gemma: No that's fine…much nicer than I could have found….. Ben: ( taking that moment to ask) Where do you think you would have gone…with Joe…if ….Ben hesitated before saying if Bron and I hadn't taken you in. Gemma : Well …I hadn't really thought about it…I just knew I could never go home…. Ben feeling some tension in the air responded : How about I make us some coffee…. Bron: good idea – we'll get Joe settled and come and join you… Gemma placed baby Joe in his bassinet…softly raising the blanket up over him. Bron couldn't help but stare at baby Joe and think that soon enough they would have their own bundle of joy. Gemma feeling dizzy from the walk up to the house…felt the need to sit down…. Bron seeing how pale she was told her to take it easy…. Gemma: No I'll be ok…I'm just tired… Bron: Well we're both here happy to help…don't feel like you are intruding…we want you here…for as long as you want to be here….. ….tears began streaming from Gemma's eyes…. Gemma: Thanks so much Bron…..Gemma turned and gave Bron a hug…. Bron patted her back and said : It will be ok…it really will… Meanwhile back at All Saints…… Charlotte to Von: Wanna make a bet…. Von: Wouldn't want you to lose your money…. Charlotte: How can you be so sure…. Von: Been around a bit longer than you…Men hate it when women ask them out… Charlotte: Okay you're on…I bet you $100 that Nelson will accept a date from Reggina when she asks…… Von: And what makes you so sure that Reg will ask him… Charlotte: I have ways and means…just you wait and see. Von: $100 is a big loss doctor… Charlotte: That's why "I" can guarantee I won't…. Charlotte: You'll be the one needing the hankie… Von and Charlotte walked out to the front desk….Nelson is looking over Reg's shoulder while she is typing on the computer…. Reg: Do you think its too soon to add in our congratulations about the baby… Nelson: Just type it Reg….you've been typing out that draft for way too long…..here budge and I'll type it…. Charlotte: Is that to Bron? Reg: yeah she emailed us…not mentioning the baby so we were going to email her back and congratulate her on the baby….. Charlotte: You shouldn't know about the baby…its my big mouth that got us into this mess….. Nelson: Look whats not to be happy about…they've moved out to the country…they have the perfect place to bring up a kid…and Bron will make a great mum…… Reg: I bet Bron will be one of those gorgeous pregnant women…the ones who don't show till they are ready to give birth…I bet she'll have the most trouble free pregnancy….. Paula : Not all pregnancies are bliss you know. She walked off… Terri arrived on the ward…everyone stood silent…. Terri: It's okay…I know Bron is pregnant…and I'm so happy for her….new life is what we need…. Terri : I'll be in my office if anyone needs me… Ad break: ********************************************************************** ************************* Ben was staring out of the kitchen window…the view was of the green hills of the country…. Bron walked up beside him….so is that coffee ready… Ben: Yep…is Gemma coming? Bron: She's having a lie down….I think we need to give her space…. Ben: Yeah it must be hard for her…I bet she never imagined bringing baby Joe home to a strangers house. Ben turns to look at Bron. Ben: (Concerned) How are you feeling? You were pretty crook this morning. Bron: Nothing I can't handle. Ben: (Smiling adoringly at her) You're such a toughie Bron: That's why you married me. Ben: Amongst other things… Bron: Like what Ben: If you don't know the reasons why I married you Mrs Markham than you and I will need to have a serious discussion…. Bron: I love it when you play serious Ben Bron laughed in her gorgeous laugh. Footsteps could be heard…Gemma was standing in the doorway. Ben seeing her there said "Oh hi Gemma – hope Bron didn't disturb you with that laugh of hers…" Gemma not feeling overly happy whispered "No its fine…I just came out for a glass of water". Ben noticing the dark circles under her eyes said "If you need any help getting up to Joe in the middle of the night I'd be happy to help". Gemma : Look he's my baby..my responsibility…I can take care of him Gemma left the glass full of water on the sink and left the room. Ben looked at Bron who was now across the room and said "Should I go after her". Bron: "Nah I think we'll let her be for a while….its just a big adjustment". Ben: So where were we? Bron: Serious discussions.. Ben: Being serious for a sec have you made the appointment for the scan yet? Bron: You know me Markham….I leave the important stuff to the last minute. Ben: Bron it's for our baby's sake….we have to makesure his or her development occurs normally…. Bron feeling a little worried after what happened to Paula said "Will you be there to hold my hand". Ben: Wouldn't miss our first family photography session… Ben: About that…is this the scan where we get to decide whether we want to know the sex or not. Bron: Not sure….you're the one who has been reading the Dummies guide to Pregnancy. Ben: Want me to make the appointment now? Bron: No rush….i'll do it while I'm on duty this arvo. Ben: Are you sure you'll be up to working today? Bron: Ben I'm only 6 weeks pregnant…….there is another 8 months to go….you know me…it would drive me crazy sitting around here all day long. Ben: I just want our baby to be safe Bron: Relax…would I do anything to endanger our "little one". Crying could be heard in the distance…..Bron feeling the motherly urge kicking in went to check if Joe and Gemma were okay. She knocked on the spare room door and there was no reply. Thinking Gemma was asleep she quietly entered the room to check on Joe. Gemma was nowhere in sight. Poor little baby Joe was wriggling around… uncomfortable and looking hungry and wanting his mother. Bron in a gentle tone whispered "Now now there Joe…your mummy is just off somewhere, you aren't alone, Bronnie is here to keep you company. Bron picked up Joe out of his bassinet and sat nursing him in her arms on the sofa bed. She sat quietly rocking Joe in her arms…quietly humming…..Fella had followed her into the room and she softly ordered him outside. AD BREAK Bron are you in there…Ben opened the door to the spare room and saw Bron standing looking out the window with Joe tucked snuggly in her arms. Ben: I've made the appointment Bron: I told you I'd make it this arvo Ben: Actually I made it for two weeks time…at …ALL SAINTS. Bron: You made it where? Ben: All Saints Bron: What'd you do that for? Ben: We need a trip back there…mum wants us to come and visit. We'll have to share our news. And well ……little country hospitals aren't as experienced as big city hospitals. Ben: Its just that with what happened to Paula's baby…I'm just worried…overly cautious… Bron letting her worry show said : Stop worrying…this baby will be fine! Ben noticing Gemma wasn't in the room changed the topic…the mention of Paula's name was surely causing some bad memories for Bron. Ben: Where's Gemma? Bron: Not sure…. thought she was out with you? Ben: Haven't seen her since before…when she stormed off. Bron: You don't think shes run away? Ben: Nah I'm sure she is just out in the paddock somewhere….I'll go for a walk. Are you right with Joe? Bron: I'll get him settled and come join you. Ben: Okay don't rush… Bron nodded and focused once more on the baby as the scene fades out. ************************************************************* Setting: Ben is searching outside for Gemma. He walks past the barn and out into the open fields, and spies Gemma. Ben: We were wondering where you'd gotten too! Gemma looks at him with red-rimmed eyes, he see's a graze on her leg. Ben: (Gently) What happened here? Gemma: (Sniffing) I tripped… Ben: (Inspecting the wound) It doesn't look deep. Do you know what you grazed it on? Gemma: Just a stick. Ben: Well lets get you back to the house, Bron will have that cleaned and dressed in a jiffy. He helped her up and supported her as they limped back to the house. He helped her into the kitchen and sat her down at the table. Ben: I'll go and get Bron, she's better at this sort of thing than I am. Gemma nodded and watched Ben's retreating form. ************************************************************* Setting: Ben is searching through the house for Bron. He finally finds her in the bathroom looking very green. Ben: Bron - aw baby, not again. He grabs a wet cloth and gently wipes it over her face. Bron: I'll be ok in a minute. Ben rubs her back gently, looking worried. Bron: Did you find Gemma? Ben: Yeah, she went for a walk and fell over, grazed her leg a bit. Bron: Is she ok? Ben: She's fine, I'm more worried about you right now. Bron: Ben, it's just morning sickness. Ben: You haven't kept anything down all day….I'm calling in sick for you, you're not up to going into work. Bron: Ben…. Ben: No buts Bron - today (picking her up in his arms) I'm taking care of you for a change. Bron: (Smiles weakly) How can I say no to that. Ben carries her into their room and puts her to bed, kissing her forehead softly, he quietly leaves the room. ************************************************************* Setting: Gemma is sitting at the kitchen table, waiting for Ben to come back with Bron. She looks up as she hears Ben approach. Ben: (Setting the first aid kit down on the table) Brons' not feeling the best right now, so you're stuck with me, sorry. Gemma: Is Bron ok? Ben: Yeah, just a bit of an upset stomach. Gemma winced as Ben cleaned and dressed the wound, standing up. Ben: All done. Gemma: Thanks Ben. Ben: No worries. Gemma hesitates Gemma: Since Bron's sick why don't I make us something to eat? Ben: You don't have to do that. He starts packing up the first-aid kit. Gemma: No, I want too. Both you and Bron have been so kind to me, it's the least I can do. Ben: Well in that case, how can I say no? Gemma: (smiling) Great! Ben goes back upstairs as Gemma smiles to herself. ************************************************************* Meanwhile back at All Saints… Charlotte is standing at the front desk, talking on the phone. Charlotte:…trust me Ben, it's just morning sickness. Ben: Are you sure? Charlotte: Yes Ben, I'd wager my medical degree on it. You're going to drive her nuts, you do realize that? Ben: I think I already have. I just worry about her, I worry that she's taken on too much with Gemma and Joe… Charlotte: I worry too, but we have to trust that Bron knows her limits. Ben: (Sighing) Yeah… Charlotte: Bron won't do anything to jeopardize her pregnancy - she wants this baby too much. Ben: Thanks Charlotte. Charlotte: (Smiles) Any time. Charlotte hangs up the phone and Regina sighs wistfully Reg: That's so romantic, they're so in love! Nelson: They are married Reg. Reg: Yes, but it's so cute how he's worried about her. It's like a fairytale don't you think? Working side by side all those years, falling in love, getting married and riding off into the sunset together - and now they're going to have a baby!!! Paula looked disgusted and walked off Charlotte: Yeah Reg, it is pretty romantic. ************************************************************* Setting: Ben and Bron's bedroom - Ben checks on Bron who is sleeping soundly, before softly closing the door, and walking back downstairs. Gemma: Bron ok? Ben smiles tiredly Ben: Sleeping Gemma proudly places a plate in front of him Gemma: Well dinner's all ready! Ben: Actually Gemma, if you don't mind I think I might save it for later. I want to go join Bron for awhile. Gemma tries to hide her disappoitment. Gemma: No of course not. I'll put in the fridge for later. Ben nods and heads back upstairs as Gemma sits at the kitchen table. ************************************************************* Setting: Ben and Brons bedroom - the door opens and Ben comes in quietly, laying down next to Bron and enveloping her in his arms. Bron stirs and smiles when she realizes it was him, Ben places a soft kiss on her forehead and they settle back into sleep. Downstairs…. Gemma sits silently in the kitchen staring at Ben and Brons wedding photo as the screen fades to black. I know you're home You left your light on You know I'm here The night is thin I know you're alone I watched the car leave Your lover is gone Let me in Open your back door I just need to touch you once more I want to come over To hell with the consequence You told me you loved me That's all I believe I want to come over It's a need I can't explain To see you again I want to come over I know your friend You told her about me She filled you with fear Some kind of sin How can you turn Denying the fire Lover I burn Let me in Open your back door I just need to touch you once more I want to come over To hell with the consequence You told me you loved me That's all I believe I want to come over It's a need I can't explain To see you again I want to come over I know you're confused I know that you're shaken You think we'll be lost Once we begin I know you're weak I know that you want me Lover don't speak Let me in I want to come over To hell with the consequence You told me you loved me That's all I believe I want to come over It's a need I can't explain To see you again I want to come over End Credits roll Bron Markham played by the fantabulous Libby Tanner Ben Markham played by the spunky and hunky Brian Vriends Charlotte Beaumont played by the gorgeously talented Tammy McIntosh Jeremy Carter played by Gemma played by Song used I WANT TO COME OVER Performed by Melissa Etheridge An Amarous Ambo's production. 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