LOVE ME FOREVER REPOST, Episodes 1 - 14

[gemini16]

Hi.
I've been away for like aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaages!
I know alot of you have already read this but I've done this to refresh peoples memories as I am the middle of writing part 15.

Anyway, here's Part 1, (By the way in this Kathy's a vet):

(Kathy goes over to the Dingles; she knocks on the door, Zak answers.)

Zak: Hello, Lass, what are you doing here?

Kathy: Hi, Zak, Paddy told me that Lisa called the surgery; she said she thought one of your Dogs, Scruff, was going lame?

Zak: Aye, come in.

Kathy: Thanks.

(20 minutes later.)

Kathy: Well the injection should clear up the
inflammation in a few days but if he's no better within a week, let me know.

(Kathy gently ruffles Scruff's fur.)

Zak: Eee, that's champion, thanks Kathy.

(Kathy stands up.)

Kathy: No problem.

Zak: Cain'll see you out.

(A few minutes later Cain and Kathy are walking by the waterway on the Dingle's land.)

Cain: My Uncle Zak must be going soft in his old age, letting traitors treat our dogs.

Kathy: Look, Cain, I work with Zoe, that's all.

(There's a silence, suddenly Cain turns on Kathy, grabbing her tightly, by the shoulders, Kathy is afraid.)

Kathy: What are you doing Cain? Let go of me!

(Cain stares coldly at Kathy.)

Cain: Good swimmer are you, Kathy?...Well we'll soon find out....enjoy the trip.

(Cain lets go of Kathy and pushes her, as she falls barbed wire entangles itself around Kathy's legs, cruelly cutting through her leggings into her skin, Kathy screams in terror as she hits the water. Kathy tries to swim to the side but the current is too strong.)

Kathy: Help! Help!

(Kathy is swept underwater; she comes up coughing and spluttering she can barely call out for help.)

Kathy: Help me! Someone!

(Kathy is swept under the water again; suddenly she hits her head on a rock. Kathy's vision becomes blurred as she loses consciousness.)

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PART 2

(Frank and Chris having been out shooting, as they walk back to the car Frank looks down the slope at the waterway, Frank sees something washed up on the bank, he scrambles down the slope, as Frank moves closer he realises its a body, Frank gently brushes the hair off of the face...to Frank's horror he recognises the face...its Kathy.)

Frank (under his breath): Oh my God!

(Chris, (who had been walking a few paces behind his father.), comes to the top of the slope.)

Chris: Dad, are you okay?

(Chris suddenly sees Kathy's face.)

Chris: Kathy!

Frank: Don't panic, Chris...go back to the car and fetch the blanket from the boot.

(Chris runs off to fetch the blanket; Frank pulls his mobile phone from his pocket and dials 999.)

Frank: Ambulance...Demdyke Row...riverbank…okay, bye.

(Frank ends the call and puts the phone in his pocket, he checks for Kathy's pulse and breathing.)

Frank: Kathy…Kathy, can you hear me…its Frank?

(Kathy's lips twitch, suddenly she coughs.)

Frank: Easy, Kathy, easy.

(Chris returns with the blanket, he hands it to Frank, Frank gently covers Kathy.

Chris: Will she be okay?

Frank: I don't know, Chris.... (Under his breath), let's hope so.

(The Ambulance arrives and takes Kathy to hospital, Chris goes with her. Later, at the hospital Chris, Frank and Kim wait anxiously for news, suddenly a doctor comes out, Chris and Frank stand up.)

Chris: Is Kathy okay?

Doctor: Ms. Bates has sustained quite severe injuries to her legs and head… as far as we know there will be no long - term damage...

Kim: But?

Doctor: Ms. Bates' lungs aren't working properly, because of the amount of water that had been swallowed...we're keeping her on Oxygen at the moment, to aid her breathing but her outlook isn't very good I'm afraid.

(Chris stares in disbelief, completely numb.)

Frank: I see.

Doctor: I'm sorry.

Kim: Thank you, doctor.

(The doctor walks away. Chris buries his face in his hands and sinks down into a chair, sobbing.)

Chris: God, no…not Kathy…I couldn't bear to lose her.

(Frank hugs Chris.)

Frank: Come on, son...come on.

(Chris carries on sobbing in his dad's arms. Kim gently squeezes Chris' hand.)

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PART 3

(Chris has gone in to see Kathy, he sits down at Kathy's bedside, and Chris holds Kathy's hand.)

Chris: You'll be okay, Kathy, I promise…I love you.

(Chris kisses Kathy's hand, Kathy starts to twitch, suddenly her eyes open with a start, and she looks around, her eyes wide with fear.)

Kathy: W - what's happening, where am I, Chris, Chris!?

Chris: Its okay, Kathy, darling, I'm here.

(Kathy relaxes for a second as Chris gently strokes her face.)

Chris: You're in hospital, sweetheart, you've been in an accident, you hit your head.

Kathy: I remember I was walking by the waterway...and...and...

(Kathy starts to cry.)

Chris: Its okay, Kathy, come here.

(Chris cuddles Kathy.)

Kathy: Oh Chris, I was so scared… one minute I was...(sniff)...walking, the next I was..(gulp), I was falling, I tried to call for help but no - one heard me…<br>then...then...I don't remember....Oh Chris...I thought I was going to die!

(Kathy bursts into a fresh flood of tears, Chris rocks her gently.)

Chris: Its okay, Kathy, you're safe now,
shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

(Chris kisses Kathy's head.)

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PART 4

(Kathy has returned home, she seems very scared about something.)

Chris: Kathy, sweetheart, you seem so frightened, what happened that day?

Kathy: Chris, you've got to promise me that you won't get angry and do something stupid when I tell what happened, okay?

Chris: I promise.

Kathy: Well I was up at the Dingle's house, treating one of their Dogs for an injury, Cain showed me out, we walked round by the waterway, suddenly...suddenly...

(Tears start to trickle to Kathy's face; Chris pulls a clean handkerchief out of his pocket.)

Chris: Kathy, take your time.

(Chris gently wipes the tears from Kathy's face.)

Kathy: Suddenly Cain turned on me and pushed me into the water...I don't remember much after that...

(Chris face fills with anger.)

Chris: That animal! He did this to you?!

Kathy: Chris, please, don't do anything!

(Chris walks out, slamming the door behind him.)

(A few minutes later Chris is striding towards the Woolpack, absolutely seething, a green Land Rover pulls up beside Chris, Frank leans out.)

Frank: Need a lift, Chris?

(Chris doesn't answer.)

Frank: Problem?

(Chris looks at his father, anger burning in his eyes.)

Chris: That swine, Cain Dingle, almost killed Kathy...she didn't fall, Cain pushed her!

(Frank erupts with anger.)

Frank: What!

(Frank gets out of the Land Rover and slams the door. Father and son stride towards The Woolpack, to confront Cain. Cain is just coming out of the pub as Chris and Frank pace towards Cain.)

Cain: Can't fight your own battles, eh, Tate?

(Chris hits Cain.)

Cain: Little girlfriend, tell you, did she, what you see in her I don't know, mind you if she loves a wimp like you, Chris Tate, you're well suited.

(Frank has heard enough, he lunges at Cain, grabbing his coat lapels and slamming him against the wall.)

Frank: Never insult my family, Dingle.

(Cain looks defiant.)

Cain: And what are going to do about it, eh, granddad?!

(Frank punches Cain.)

Frank: Does that answer your question?

(Cain retaliates, a full scale punch - up ensues between Frank, Cain and Chris. Locals gather to watch.)

(15 minutes later the fight is over. Kim walks up the
road, she sees Chris sitting on one of the woolpack benches, breathing heavily, his shirt bloodstained.)

Kim: Chris, what....

(Kim screams in horror as she sees Frank lying motionless, on the ground, covered in blood.)

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PART 5

(Frank has been badly injured in a fight with Cain Dingle.
Kim is knelt beside Frank's motionless body.)

Kim, (fighting back tears): Frank, honey, its going to be okay, just hang in there.

(Kim gently strokes Frank's head.)

(Sirens sound as the ambulance pulls up.)

(Frank is taken to hospital. In the relative's room Kim waits anxiously for news, she looks up as Kathy comes in.)

Kathy: Kim, I came as soon as I heard; how is Frank?

Kim: His injuries aren't as bad as first thought but they're worried as they've found a large blood clot forming in Frank's leg...the doctors are anxious that if a piece of the clot breaks off it could travel up to the heart and block major arteries which could...

(Kim starts to lose her composure.)

Kim: Which could.........kill him.

(Kim starts to cry, Kathy puts her arm around Kim's shoulders.)

Kathy: Kim…listen to me…Frank isn't going to die...he won't give up that easily. (!)

(Kim laughs weakly.)

Kim: That's true...he's a Tate, they don't give up.

Kathy: Don't I know it!

(Kim and Kathy giggle. 10 minutes later Kim has calmed down.)

Kim: So…any news on Chris?

Kathy: I don't know, that was what I wanted to ask you.

Kim: I'll be back in a minute, Kathy.

(Kim leaves the relatives room and goes up to the reception desk.)

Kim: Excuse me, can you tell me if a "Christopher Tate" has been brought in, in the last 1 ½ hours?

Receptionist: Are you a relative?

Kim: I'm his stepmother.

Receptionist: I'll just check, for you.

(The receptionist taps Chris' name into the keyboard, the receptionist’s eyes flicker over the screen.)

Receptionist: I'm sorry, he hasn't been brought in I'm afraid.

Kim: Okay...thank you.

(Kim goes back into the Relatives room.)

Kathy: Is there any news on Chris?

(Kim takes hold of Kathy's hand.)

Kim: Kathy...listen, Chris hasn't been brought in...we must go and look for him...his head was injured during the fight...

Kathy: What fight....?

Kim: Chris and Frank got into a fight with Cain Dingle..

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PART 6

(Kathy and Kim are in the car. As Kim drives Kathy scans the land frantically hoping that she'll see Chris.)

Kathy: Why would Chris disappear like that?

Kim: I wish I knew the answer, Kathy.

(They arrive back at Home Farm. Kathy sees Chris. Kim barely stops the car as Kathy gets out, runs over to Chris and hugs him.)

Kathy, (relieved): Chris, you scared me, I thought something had happen to you.

Chris: Whatever gave you that idea, Kathy?! I’m perfectly.....

(Chris suddenly collapses.)

(Chris is rushed to hospital.)

(Kathy twists her fingers relentlessly, waiting for news. A doctor comes out.)

Kathy: What’s happened to Chris?

Doctor: Mr. Tate is severely concussed; we are sending him up for a C.T. scan now, and he will be kept under observation for the next 48 hours

(The doctor puts a gentle hand on Kathy’s shoulder.)

Doctor: Try not to worry, he’s in good hands.

(3 days later.)

(Kathy is talking to the doctor, about Chris.)

Doctor: Well, I’ve checked Mr. Tate over again and there is any long – term damage, so we should be discharging him tomorrow.

Kathy: Thank goodness! Can I see him?

Doctor: Yes. I'm sure he'd love to see you.

Kathy: Thank you for everything, doctor.

Doctor: It's no trouble, Miss. Bates.

(10 minutes later.)

(Kathy is sat talking to Chris.)

Kathy: Oh Chris! You do like to raise my blood pressure!

Chris: I'm sorry....well at least life's not boring when I'm around!

Kathy: True.......what’s the saying? Like father, like son?

Chris: Yes.....how is my father?

Kathy: (sighs) He’s not out of the woods yet but the doctors are hopeful.

(Kathy strokes Chris' face.)

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PART 7

(2 months later. Frank and Chris are both back at home. Chris has made a full recovery and Frank is still recovering.)

(Chris is working in the office when suddenly Kim storms in.)

Kim: What in Heaven's name were you thinking Chris?! Frank could have been killed because of your silly vendetta against the Dingles!

(Kathy pokes her head round the door.)

Chris: Kim, I never meant.......

Kim: Oh, don't give me lame excuses, Chris, I know you put your father up to this!.......Sometimes I wish you had never been born!

(Tears trickle down Kathy's face, she leaves.)

Chris: I honestly never meant for Dad to be hurt….

Kim, (sarcastically): And the rest!

(Kim turns her back to Chris.)

Chris: I mean it, Kim, I never wanted...

(Kim suddenly turns around and slaps Chris, hard around the face.)

(Chris is slightly disorientated from the shock of the slap, his cheek burning.)

(Kim leans forward, almost nose to nose with Chris.)

Kim: Someone should have given you good, hard slap years ago.

(Kim walks away.)


(That evening.)

(Chris goes home to Mill Cottage, he hears soft music, he calls out.)

Chris: Kathy, I'm home!

(Chris hangs up his coat, as he goes to walk towards the living room; he sees a note for him on the hallway table. Chris picks up the note, it reads:
Darling Chris
I'm so sorry I've caused a rift between you and Kim, I never wanted that to happen.
I should never have told you what happened that day.
By the time you read this I'll be gone.
All my Love.
Kathy. xxxx )

(Chris drops the note as he calls out.)

Chris: Kathy?

(Chris races into the living room. He sees Kathy lying lifelessly on the sofa, one arm drooping down the sofa, her hand open, beside her hand is a pill bottle, almost empty.)

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PART 8

(Chris rushes over he kneels beside the sofa and holds Kathy close to him.)

Chris: Kathy, just hang on in there.

(Chris pulls his mobile phone from his pocket and dials 999.)

Chris: Ambulance...Mill Cottage, Emmerdale 44712...I don't know...look just get here quickly..my girlfriend's dying.

(Chris switches off his phone and throws it to the floor. Chris' voice becomes shaky with panic and tears.)

Chris: They're on their way Kathy, just keep fighting...don't leave me.

(Chris' voice cracks as he finishes the sentence, Chris weeps as he strokes Kathy's soft blond hair.)

(30 minutes later.)

(At Home Farm.)

(Kim seems agitated.)

Frank: Kim, sweetheart, what's the matter?

Kim: Nothing.

Frank: Come on, sit down and tell Frank what's bothering you.

(Kim sits down beside Frank.)

Kim: I could kill Christopher sometimes!

Frank: What's he done now?

Kim: I can't believe Chris could be so stupid as to get you involved in a fight with the Dingles..

Frank: Whoa! Slow down, Kim! Chris didn't force me to get involved; I got involved of my own free will.

Kim: What do you mean?

Frank: You remember when Kathy was taken into hospital after Chris and I found her in the waterway?

Kim: Yes, Kathy said she'd slipped and fallen in.

Frank: Unfortunately, that was not the case. You see the Dingles trust her and since Kathy started working with Zoe the Dingles have seen her as the enemy and ..well Cain Dingle pushed her.

Kim: Oh no..so both you and Chris were defending Kathy in that fight and all this time I've thought that...oh God..

(Kim looks away as tears trickle down her face.)

Frank: Kim, what is it?

Kim: I hit Chris.

Frank: What?

Kim: I didn't realise what I was doing, I was angry with him...I must apologise to him tomorrow.

Frank: That's my girl.

(Frank puts his arm around Kim and kisses her on the cheek.)

(Phone is the hallway rings.)

Kim: I'll get it.

(Kim stands up and walks into the hallway. Frank hears her pick up the phone; he can't make out who Kim is speaking to or what conversation is about. A few minutes later Frank hears Kim put the phone down.)

(Kim walks in looking pale and shocked, Frank's immediately worried and stands up.)

Frank: Kim, what's wrong?

Kim: That was Chris; he's at Hotten General
Hospital...Kathy's taken an overdose

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PART 9

(3 days later Chris is still maintaining a bedside vigil, Kathy keeps drifting in and out of consciousness.)

Chris: Oh Kathy! Why did you have to go and do this to yourself?!

(Kathy's eyes flicker.)

Chris: Kathy?

(Kathy opens her eyes.)

Kathy: Chris?.............Accccch, my throat's killing me!

(Chris smiles.)

Chris: You're in hospital, honey...do you remember what happened?

Kathy: I remember taking a couple of sleeping pills...you know what my sleeping patterns are like?!

(Kathy laughs weakly, trying to hide the truth, Chris knows different.)

Chris: I do know what your sleeping patterns are like, Kathy..and you have never taken sleeping pills...what's going on?

Kathy: I'm sorry, Chris..but I just can't cope with the guilt.

Chris: What do you mean?

Kathy: It was my fault that Frank was seriously injured, I told you what happened, you got angry and got Frank to help you fight but he didn't have the strength and then Kim hit you, I realised then that I was to blame.

Chris: Kathy, you know you weren't to blame for what happened.

Kathy: It's no use Chris; you won't convince me otherwise...I don't want to cause you anymore anger and pain...

Chris: Kathy, what are you saying?

(Kathy voice becomes choked.)

Kathy: It's over, Chris..there's no going back...I don't want to see you again...I'm sorry...now please just leave me alone.

Chris: But Kathy I...

Kathy: I said leave me alone!

(Chris stands up and walks out the room feeling absolutely broken - hearted, tears stinging his eyes.)

(When Kathy hears the door close she starts to cry, Kathy quickly brushes the tears from her face.)

[gemini16]

PART 10

(A few weeks after Chris and Kathy split up.)

(Chris isn't taking the split very well the family are worried.)

Frank: This is awful, Kim, I can't bear seeing Chris like this, the way he mopes about the place....it's obvious how hurt he is....I guess the real reason for my feelings about this is the fact I can't help him in any way.

(Kim squeezes Frank's hand.)

Kim: We're all feeling powerless at the moment......Christopher's feeling confused right now.....the wounds will heal, the scars will fade...given time......where is he anyway?

Frank: No idea, he went out at about seven this morning and hasn't come back since.

(Later that day.)

(Kim is out riding on Dark Star up on the moors. Suddenly a gunshot rings out, this spooks Dark Star. Kim tries to calm and keep control of Dark Star but to no avail. With a frightened whinny Dark Star rears up and throws Kim off. Kim lays deathly still. Dark Star gallops away.)

(2 hours later.)

(Chris is up on the moors, sat head in hands, deep in thought when suddenly he hears a familiar whinny.)

(Chris looks up.)

Chris: Dark Star?

(Chris stands up and scans the land, searching, suddenly he sees Dark Star, minus rider, wandering.)

(Chris goes over to Dark Star; Dark Star starts to whinny in fear as Chris takes hold of the bridle.)

Chris, (softly): It okay, Dark Star..I'm not going to hurt you.

(Chris gently pats Dark Star's shoulder, in an effort to reassure the horse.)

(A few minutes later Chris notices Dark Star's knees are grazed.)

Chris: What are you doing up here, eh? More importantly where is Kim?

(On hearing Kim's name Dark Star starts to whinny urgently.)

Chris: What is it, Dark Star?

(Dark Star is still whinnying and starts to trot away.)

Chris: You...you want me to follow you?

(Dark Star whinnies again.)

Chris: I'll take that as a yes.

(Chris follows Dark Star to the place where Kim was thrown.)

Chris: Kim!

(Chris crouches down beside Kim and checks her pulse and breathing.)

Chris: Well, she's alive, Dark Star, to say the least...she's freezing cold, though, she must have been out here for quite a while.

(Chris takes his jacket off and covers Kim.)

Chris: We need to get some help.

(Suddenly Dark Star races away.)

(Eventually Dark Star gets to Home Farm and manages to get Frank to follow him back up to the moors. When Chris sees Frank with Dark Star he is so relieved.)

Chris, (under his breath): Well done Dark Star.

Frank: Chris is Kim okay, what happened?

Chris: I'm not quite sure, listen we need some help, the mobile won't work up here.

Frank: You go back down to the village and raise the alarm.

Chris: Okay.

(Chris sprints off.)

(Kim was eventually taken to hospital, Frank went with her.)

(Back at Home Farm.)

Zoe: I've just had a call from Dad; he says Kim is now out of danger despite her head injury.

Chris: Thank goodness for that!

Zoe: And before you ask, I've examined Dark Star and he'll be fine, given a few days.

Chris: You know, Zoe, today's events have helped me.

Zoe: In what way?

Chris: It's helped me realised how selfish I've been these past few weeks, constantly moping thinking this was the end of my world.....I'm sad that Kathy and I split up but we all have to move on.

(Chris smiles at Zoe but inside Chris’ heart still aches for Kathy.)

[gemini16]

PART 11

(Kim eventually recovered and returned to Home Farm 3 weeks later, still fully trusting Dark Star.)

(2 months later.)

(The King family have moved into Holdgate Farm. Businessman Tom, his three adult sons, Matthew, Carl and Jimmy and Jimmy's wife, Sadie. Charity Dingle is Tom's secretary, Charity flirts outrageously with Tom but Tom isn't interested.)

(At Holdgate Farm.)

Tom: You know, Charity, I've been thinking...

(Charity looks up from her paperwork.)

Charity, (jokingly): Don't overdo it!

(Tom smiles fleetingly.)

Tom: I was thinking, we should have a get - together for the village.

Charity: Great idea...let me know the date and I'll get everything sorted.

Tom: How about the evening of Friday 12th, two weeks from now?

Charity: Perfect.

(Next day.)

(Tom goes up to Home Farm and is surprised when he meets the owner.)

(Frank Tate opens the door.)

Frank: What can I do for....Tom!

Tom: Frank!

Frank: What are you doing here?

Tom: I live at Holdgate Farm.

Frank: Really...it's been a long time since we've seen each other 10, 20 years?

Tom: Something like that.

Frank: Come in, come in, we've got a few things to catch up on.

(The evening of the party.)

(A silver soft - top car pulls up. A young woman, early to mid - twenties, steps out, her legs long, slender and beautifully tanned. She's wearing a black dress that comes to just on her knees, she is also tastefully made - up. The young woman leans gently across the seat, her elegant, black - gloved hand sweeps up a black and gold clutch bag, she locks the car. As she walks up the drive, her kitten - heeled shoes tapping gently on the ground, the young woman pulls a scarf from her long blond hair and shakes it loose.)

(As the young woman nears the house she takes off her dark glasses, to reveal deep topaz - blue eyes, and slips the glasses into her bag.)

(Tom King walks out. When he sees the young woman Tom's face breaks into a smile. )

(The young woman runs up to meet Tom. Tom sweeps the young woman off her feet and spins her round, the young woman shrieks with laughter. Tom gently sets the young woman down on her feet.)

Young woman, (soft Australian accent.): So you're pleased to see me then?!

Tom: Of course I am!

Young woman: I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner but the traffic was horrendous!

Tom: That doesn't matter; the important thing is you're here.

(Tom kisses the young woman on the cheek.)

(Charity walks out.)

Charity: Tom, what are you doing out.....

(Charity stops as she sees the young woman.)

(Charity holds out her hand.)

Charity: Hi, I'm Charity Dingle....Tom's secretary.

(The young woman smiles as she takes Charity's hand and shakes it.)

Young woman: Nice to meet you, I'm Melanie King.

Charity: Oh, I see.....

(Charity looks at Tom.)

Charity: Tom, you didn't tell me you had a daughter.

Melanie: Oh no, no, no...I'm not Tom's daughter....I'm his wife.

(Later, in the garden, while the party's going on.)

(Melanie is looking out over the land, suddenly there's a voice behind her.)

?: Long time, no see, Melanie.

(Melanie turns around and sees Frank Tate.)

Melanie: Frank!

(Melanie goes up to Frank and hugs him.)

Melanie: How are you, and the family, of course? I knew you and Tom were friends but I didn't expect you would be here.

Frank: Everyone's fine, thanks….but my question is how come you know Tom?

Melanie: We met and did a business deal in Cheshire 5 years ago….but Tom expected me to be here...seeing as I am his wife.

Frank: What?!

Melanie: Didn’t Tom tell you? We've been married for the last 3 years.

Frank: Well, well..what can I say?!

(Later Melanie is having a talk with Tom, in the house.)

Melanie: Tom, I'm not the jealous type, you know that, but that Dingle woman is all over you like a bad rash...at least you could have told her you were married!

Tom: I'm sorry, Melanie, sweetheart, I didn't think Charity was doing any harm.

Melanie: Oh Tom what am I going to do with you?!

(Melanie hugs Tom.)

Melanie: Just promise me one thing.

Tom: What's that?

Melanie: Try and discourage Charity from flirting with you.

Tom: I'll try....(jokingly)..but it's going to be hard since I'm such a magnet to the females of the species!

(Melanie laughs and hits Tom playfully.)

Melanie: Talk about "I love me!".......Come on, let's go back outside and enjoy the party.

(Tom puts his arms around Melanie and kisses her lovingly.)

[gemini16]

PART 12

(Melanie is out walking in the village with her dog, a Chocolate Labrador called Mocha. Melanie's dressed in a pair of jeans and long - sleeved cream coloured top)

(Melanie ties up Mocha up outside Kathy's diner.)

Melanie, (to Mocha): See you in a minute.

(Melanie gently bends down and fondles Mocha's ears.)

(Melanie walks into the diner and up to the counter.)

Marlon: Hi! What can I get you?

Melanie: Just a coffee, please.

Marlon: Coming up.

(Marlon starts getting the coffee.)

Marlon: You're new round here aren't you?

Melanie: Yes, I moved into Holdgate Farm about a week ago......you're Marlon Dingle, right?

Marlon: Yep...so you must be....Melanie King, Tom's wife.

Melanie, (jokingly): You remember, then?!

Marlon: Why shouldn't I?

(Marlon hands Melanie the coffee, she thanks him and pays.)

Marlon: Why wouldn’t I remember you?

(Melanie giggles as she sips her coffee.)

Melanie: Never mind....listen, could I have a word with the proprietor?

Marlon: Sure...(looks over to kitchen)...Kathy?

(Kathy comes out.)

Kathy: Yes?

Marlon: This young woman would like a word.

(Kathy looks over at Melanie.)

Kathy: Mel!

Melanie: Kathy!

(Kathy comes out from behind the counter. Kathy and Melanie hug.)

Marlon: Err..I take it you know each other?

Kathy, (laughing): Marlon, Melanie and I are old friends.

Melanie: We went to the same secondary school..also she helped me rescue my dog, Mocha.

Kathy: How is she?

Melanie: Still a bundle of fun…but a lot larger than the last time you saw her…come outside, I’ve got her with me.

(Outside the diner.)

Kathy, (happily): Hello Mocha!

(Mocha yelps excitedly and licks Kathy, Kathy laughs.)


(Later that day.)

(Dave Glover walks up to Kathy.)

Dave: Kathy…would like to come out to dinner with me tonight?

Kathy: I’d love to.

(That night, after the dinner.)

(Dave is walking Kathy home.)

Dave: I mean the price of cattle these days is awful.

Kathy: I know next to nothing about cattle prices…I didn’t know you were interested in the finer points of farming, but I do agree, it’s outrageous!.....Here we are.

Dave: Well, good night.

Kathy: ‘Night….I had a wonderful time tonight

Dave: Me too.

(Dave softly kisses Kathy.)

[gemini16]

PART 13

(4 months later.)

(Over at Holdgate Farm.)

(Melanie is sorting through some paperwork; glasses perched daintily on her nose.)

Melanie (soft Australian accent): Tom, how do keep this place in order! The paperwork is all over the place!

Tom: Charity normally takes care of............oh Mel, I’m sorry. I didn't mean to mention...you know.

Melanie: It's okay.

(Melanie leans across the desk seductively.)

Melanie, (low sultry voice): I’m sure I can find a way to forgive you.

(Melanie and Tom kiss passionately.)

(Elsewhere.)

(Kathy is at home, wearing a blue dressing gown.)

(Phone rings. Kathy picks it up.)

Kathy, (sounding tired): Hello?

Dave: Hi, babe. It’s Dave.

Kathy, (struggling to sound cheerful): Oh, hi. I didn’t expect to hear from you so early in the trip...so how’s everything going?

Dave: It’s not...the bus company said they couldn’t hire out a bus, so the trip was cancelled.

Kathy: That’s a shame........where are you now?

Dave: Here in the village, I’m up at the Sugden’s at the moment.....I was wondering, I mean I know it’s short notice, if you would like to come out for a drink this evening?

Kathy: Oh, Dave, I’d love to..but I’m not feeling too well at the minute, just a cold, really but my head feels like cotton wool and I haven’t stopped sneezing for the last couple of days.

Dave: Oh Kathy, babe, you poor thing! Do you want me to do anything?

Kathy, (laughing slightly.): No, thanks....listen I’m sorry I can’t make it tonight...another time maybe?

Dave: Yeah, sure. Don’t feel bad about tonight..it’s not your fault you’re sick. I’ll see you really soon. Hope you feel better before long.

Kathy: Okay, thanks.....bye.

Dave: Bye.

(Kathy puts the phone down.)

(Next day.)

(Kathy’s still not feeling well. But tries to get on with things.)

(Doorbell rings.)

Kathy, (calls out because she’s upstairs in the bathroom, staring at her complexion): Just a minute

(Kathy comes downstairs and opens the door. A woman is standing there holding a bouquet of flowers.)

Woman: Ms. Kathy. Bates?

Kathy: Yes?

Woman: Sign here, please.

(Woman hands Kathy a clipboard and pen. Kathy signs then hands the pen and clipboard to the woman, who then hands Kathy the flowers.)

Kathy: Thank you.

(Kathy shuts the door.)

(Kathy sees a card attached. She opens the envelope and takes out the note, it reads:
Dear Kathy
Hope you feel better soon.
Lots of Love.
Dave. XXXX)

(Kathy smiles.)

(A few minutes later.)

(The flowers are now arranged in a vase.)

(Kathy is making a cup of tea, she picks up the phone and dials Dave’s mobile, his voicemail comes on.)

Dave’s voicemail: Hi, Dave Glover here. Sorry I can’t answer right now but leave a message after the beep and I’ll be in touch soon.

(Tone beeps.)

Kathy: Hi Dave, it’s me, Kathy (rolls eyes) ...I wanted to say thank you for the flowers. I’ll speak to you soon. Bye.

(Kathy puts the phone down and finishes making the tea.)


(Upstairs, Kathy is curled up on her bed, sipping the tea. She looks up at the chest of draws and sees a framed picture of her laughing, with her arms wrapped around Chris. Kathy fetches the picture, undoes the frame, removes the picture and puts it the bedside draw. She puts in a different photo and secures the frame and places it back on the chest of draws. Now the picture in the frame is Kathy and Dave. Kathy smiles then snuggles down in her thick, warm quilt.)

[gemini16]

PART 14

(Kathy is out walking with Dave.)

Kathy: Dave?

Dave: Yes?

Kathy: I've been thinking, we've been seeing each other for a while now and I was wondering would you like to move into the cottage with me?

(Dave looks shocked.)

Kathy: I'm not trying to put pressure on you or anything, take your time.

Dave: Hey babe, calm down...(grinning)...what made you think I'd say no?!

Kathy: Oh, Dave!

(Kathy wraps her arms around Dave and kisses him.)

(Over at Holdgate Farm.)

Melanie, (soft Australian accent): Well, Kim, I’d like you to meet Demerara.

(Melanie comes out of the stable, leading a tall, light chestnut – coloured mare. Demerara whinnies quietly with apprehension as she sees Kim.)

Melanie, (speaking softly as with her free hand she strokes Demerara’s nose.): Hey, it’s okay, it’s okay. (to Kim) Sorry she’s a little bit nervous.

Kim: That’s okay. (Walks slowly towards Demerara.) Come on, sweetheart, what have I got for you?

(Kim pulls a carrot from her jacket pocket. Kim holds the carrot out to Demerara who takes it and crunches it appreciatively!)

Melanie, (laughing slightly.): I think you’ve made a friend for life, there!

Kim: Well, they do say the way to a horse’s heart is through its stomach!

(Melanie and Kim laugh.)

(6 months later.)

(Dave has now been living with Kathy for 5 months.)

(Kathy arrives home from the Vet's surgery.)

Kathy, (hangs up her coat.): Dave, I’m home!

(Kathy walks into the kitchen. The table is laid and beautiful candlelit dinner awaits her.)

Dave: Good evening, madam

Kathy, (surprised as she looks over the meal): Wow.

(Dave escorts Kathy to her chair.)

Kathy: So..what is this all in aid of?

Dave, (cheekily): Does there have to be a reason for a man to cook a meal for his beautiful partner?!

Kathy, (laughing): Flattery with get you anywhere Dave Glover!

(After the meal.)

Dave: Actually.....there is something I want to ask you.

Kathy: Fire away.

(Dave gets down on one knee, holding a ring.)

Dave: Will you marry me?

[gemini16]

Hi
Sorry I've not been on here for agggggggggggggggggggggges I've been busy

For Eithne, Pleeeeeease reply!

PART 15

(A few minutes after Dave has proposed to Kathy.)

Dave: So...............................will you?

Kathy: Yes.

(Dave glides the ring onto Kathy’s finger. Then Kathy puts her arms around Dave’s neck and kisses him passionately.)

(Next morning.)

(At the Post Office/shop Viv is talking to Emily.)

Viv: I wonder what she’s up to

Emily: Who?

Viv: That Melanie King, I know her type anywhere. Golddiggers, just like Charity Dingle.

Emily, (shocked): Mrs. Windsor!

Viv: Well what else can it be?! She’s all over Tom King,
like a rash.

Emily: Perhaps Melanie loves Mr. King; he is her
husband after all.

Viv: Don’t be so naïve. Melanie’s young, why would she marry an old man like Tom if it wasn’t for money?

(Just at that moment Melanie walks in. She’s wearing jeans, a yellow sweater and a leather jacket, her long blond hair swept up in a clasp.)

Melanie, (slight Aussie accent): Morning.

Viv and Emily: Morning

(Melanie picks up a few bits and pieces and takes them over to the till.)

Melanie: Just these please, and a Hotten Courier.

Viv: That’s £6.47, please.

(With her long delicate fingers Melanie undoes the silver clasp on her hand bag and takes out a tan coloured purse. She hands Viv £6.50.)

Melanie: Keep the change.

(Viv mutters thanks as Melanie puts her purse back in her bag and collects her items.)

Melanie: Bye.

(Melanie turns and walks away, the heels of her expensive black leather boots clipping on the floor. Melanie opens the door, and pauses to look back at Viv)

Melanie: By the way, Viv, I didn’t know you were going to run a rumour mill.

(Melanie walks out, closing the door, leaving Viv standing behind the counter, open – mouthed.)

Viv: Well the cheek of it!

(Over at the Vet’s.)

Zoe, (ushers a woman out the door.): I assure you Miss. Twitchell, Casper will be fine in a few days.

(Zoe shuts the door and leans her back against it.)

Zoe: (sighs tiredly) What a day! First the business up at Thatchway’s and other things. (pause) And trying to explain to Miss. Twitchett that Casper doesn’t crave the finest steak money can buy! Probably all he wants is a tin of Whiskas.

Kathy, (laughing): Some people never change.

(Pause.)

Zoe: So...what’s going on? You’ve been grinning like the Cheshire cat all day?

Kathy, (giggles): Oh...........................I’m engaged, Dave proposed last night.

Zoe, (her face breaks into a wide smile.):
Congratulations!

(Zoe walks over and hugs Kathy.)

Kathy: Thanks.........Zoe?

Zoe: Yes?

Kathy: Please...don’t tell anyone Dave and I are engaged, just yet.

Zoe: Sure.