Love and Hope
James invites Emily to dinner at an elegant Italian restaurant. As she steps out of her house, Felicity blocks her path.
They say only a diamond can cut another diamond, the professor remarks cryptically.
Im sorry? I dont understand.
Youre still young, Felicity smiles. Trust me, people dont fall in love just once in their lives.
Mrs. Felicity, I swear, nothing is happening between James and me.
Perhaps not yet. But that doesnt mean it wont. Dont close your heart, Emily. Life has a way of surprising ussometimes bringing the greatest happiness when we least expect it.
Did you?
Well Henry wasnt my first love, Felicity replies calmly, a shadow of memories flickering in her eyes. Once, I loved someone else. I thought Id never survive the heartbreak, that Id never breathe without him. And then Henry came along. Everything changed. I was happy. Truly happy. Thats why Im telling youdont shut yourself away. Love might be closer than you think.
I always thought Uncle Henry was your first love
Neither he nor I were each others first. But one thing I can tell you: you never forget your first love.
Emily sighs softly, thanks her, and walks toward the car where James waits.
As soon as she leaves, Belinda appears on the porch, staring at Felicity with a cold smile.
So, youve decided to become Emilys new mother? Giving her love advice, sharing stories you never told me.
I did it for Melissa, Felicity replies without hesitation. Because only one thing can truly separate Emily and Edward.
What exactly do you mean?
Emily falling in love with someone else, she answers calmly but firmly.
***
Sarah, distraught after her argument with Kevin, stumbles aimlessly down the middle of the road. Her face is pale, her eyes hollowas if the world around her doesnt exist.
She doesnt notice the car speeding toward her.
Screeching brakes. A sickening thud.
Screams erupt, someone calls an ambulance.
Sarah lies motionless on the asphalt. Bystanders gather. A woman kneels beside her, checking for a pulse.
Can you hear me? Hello?!
No response. Sarah doesnt move a muscle.
***
Charlotte approaches a clearing in the woods, where in the dim light between the trees, Alistair waits. His silhouette blends with the shadows, but his gaze is cold and piercing.
Heres two million, she says coolly, handing him a leather bag stuffed with cash.
The camera shifts to Nancy. Shes been tailing Charlotte since she left the house, tracking her with grim determination. Now, hidden in the thick undergrowth just meters away, she watches in disbelief.
Alistair and that moneythats *my* money! she whispers, struggling to control her fury. Seeing him count the notes, her eyes blaze. The audacity She pulls out her phone and starts recording.
Meanwhile, Alistair finishes counting. He smirks darkly.
Its all there. Will you finally leave us alone? Charlotte asks, tension tightening her voice.
A twig snaps in the silence.
Alistair whirls around.
Did you hear that? Someones here. I told you to come alone!
I *did* come alone! Charlotte snaps. No one followed me, I swear.
Alistair doesnt believe her. Cautiously, he moves toward the noise. After a few steps, he pushes aside the branchesand spots Nancy, phone in hand.
Rage flashes in his eyes. He pulls a knife from his pocket.
Well, well an eavesdropper, he says icily. You know, curiosity can land you in very serious trouble.
Nancy steps back, hands trembling.
Alistair, leave her alone, Charlotte snaps. Dont be an idiot.
Show me whats in your bag, Alistair growls at Nancy.
Stay away from me!
Answer me! Why are you here? Charlotte demands.
What the hell is going on? What are you plotting? Nancy bursts out. Im calling the police!
Were not plotting anything! Charlotte shouts. He was blackmailing me! Threatening to hurt Kevin and Beatrice. Thats why I paid him!
Nancy grabs her phone from her bag.
Im calling the police right now.
DONT YOU DARE! Alistair roars, raising the knife. Ill kill you!
HELP! SOMEONE HELP! Nancy screams, scrambling back.
ALISTAIR, STOP! Charlotte lunges at him, but he shoves her hardshe crashes to the ground.
His eyes lock onto Nancy, who shakes with terror.
You first, he snarls. Then Kevin. Ill make him find you covered in blood. And then Ill kill him too!
The knife flashes downNancy catches his wrist at the last second. They struggle, breaths ragged, the blade trembling between them
Then, with a desperate twist, Nancy forces his hand back
The knife plunges into Alistairs chest.
He freezes. Shock, then pain twists his face. A guttural gasp escapes him before he collapses like a cut puppet.
Charlotte staggers forward, pressing trembling fingers to his neck. Silence.
Hes dead, she whispers, pale as chalk. Dead.
Oh GodOH GOD! Nancy sobs. It wasnt me! It was an accident! Call an ambulancemaybe hes still
Shut up! Charlotte hisses, gripping her shoulders. Do you want the whole world to hear? Do you want to go to prison?
Prison? But I didnt mean toyou saw me, I was defending myself! Im not a murderer!
The truth doesnt matter! Charlottes stare is fierce. No one will believe you. And if this gets outpeople will say Kevins mother is a killer!
IM NOT A KILLER! Nancy wails. We need to call someone
Nancy, please, Charlottes voice turns pleading but firm. Pull yourself together. No one has to know. Nothing happened. Understand? *Nothing. Happened.*
But hes just lying there
We cant help him now. But you can still help yourself. Come on. Hes gone. Were alive. Thats all that matters.
She pulls Nancy into a tight embrace, as if holding her together. Slowly, she leads her away from the clearing, deeper into the woods. Behind them, Alistairs body lies still, the knife clutched in his lifeless hand.
The secret is buried with him.
***
Kevin bursts into the house, breathless after Beatrices frantic call. He freezes in the doorwayshe stands there, suitcase in hand, face pale but resolute.
Im leaving, she says quietly, pressing a featherlight kiss to his cheek. I wont trouble you or your mother anymore. Goodbye, Kevin. Be happy.
Beatrice, what are you talking about? He stares at her, stunned. What does this have to do with my mother?
She knows about that night. Everything that happened between us.
Kevin runs a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.
Bloody hell How?
She read the letter I left the day I took the pills.
Wait His brow furrows. You said it wasnt suicide
I lied to spare you. But your mother wants me gone. Shes terrified youll marry me. And she offered us money. Me and my mum. To leave.
Kevins face darkens.
She did *what*?
We refused. Id never take it. Thats why Im going. Its better for everyone.
Youre not going anywhere. He yanks the suitcase away. I wont let you.
I dont have a choice, Kevin. My mother said Ive ruined my lifethat shed rather die than hear about it. If we dont marry, shell never let you go. And your mother hates me. Aunt Nancy looks at me like Im something dirty. No one wants me here. Leaving is the only way.
Kevin steps closer, cupping her face.
Beatrice I wont lose you. Well figure it out. Our mothers will come around.
Kevin Her voice wavers. Does that mean well marry?
Silence hangs heavy. Beatrice searches his eyesher entire future balanced on a single word.
He takes her hand. And in her mind, like a waking dream, she hears the words shes longed for:
*I havent forgotten you since that night. Ive fallen for you, Beatrice. You
