Episode 27 – Spin the Bottle
Previously on Lives To Live:
– The fallout from news of Camille’s pregnancy continued, as Russell caught up with Judi. She revealed that Camille was pregnant. He was shocked. Later Camille herself told Russell the news, followed by Cleo.
– A couple of days later Russell and Judi met in the park. She told him to stop calling her and following her around, which he’d been doing at work. She also told him that they were over. Then Judi saw Alex as she left the park, and wondered what would have happened if she hadn’t ran out on him.
– It was Justin’s birthday, and Celia called around to visit Nicole. She annoyed Nicole by bad mouthing Justin and Nicole argued with her.
– Chardonnay got a visit from Gabe, who told her that they would be having dinner with another young couple. She wasn’t happy about it, but agreed. When Gabe had left she felt guilty about her meeting with Luc, which had almost ended in a kiss. Victor interrupted, and told her about what he’d seen. Chardonnay then confessed that she loved both Luc and Gabe.
Friday,
April 4th 2003, Sara’s Apartment, 8pm
“Judi, what is it?” Sara McCarthy asked, after opening the door of her apartment to see her best friend standing there, looking like she was about to burst into tears at any second. Judi didn’t answer, and instead Sara held out her arms and the two embraced, as Judi started to cry. Sara patted her friends back, trying to reassure her that it would all be okay.
“There you go.” Sara said, five minutes later as she handed Judi a cup of tea. Judi had calmed down, and had started to open up about the Russell situation.
“Thanks.” Judi said unsteadily.
“So what happened between you two?” Sara started, as she sat down beside Judi. Judi sipped her tea, before leaving it down on the table.
“I was at the hospital,” Judi began, remembering every painful detail, “and his wife was waiting for him when she began to feel sick. I brought her to an exam room, and did a pregnancy test.”
At this point fresh tears were welling up in Judi’s eyes. She put her head in her hands and started crying again.
“Oh.” Sara said, putting her right hand on Judi’s back. “It came back positive?”
Judi looked up slightly and nodded.
“He said that they weren’t…” Judi began, but again started choking on her tears. “And the worst of all is that there was someone else, before Russell. And I picked Russell instead of him.”
“Well maybe you could try again with this other guy.”
“I saw him today.”
“And was there anyone with him?”
“No, but I couldn’t hurt him again. I left him in the middle of our date, and haven’t spoken to him since.”
“So he doesn’t know about Russell?”
“No.”
“Well then there is probably a chance.”
“I don’t know Sara. What if he’s met someone else?”
“I’m sure he hasn’t.” Sara replied, smiling reassuringly. “Hey we could even go on double dates together, like we used to back in high school.” She joked.
***
Saturday,
April 5th 2003, The Samson Mansion, 11.30am
“Nate…” Paris Robertson called, from the door of the pool room. She had just entered the room, and as calling Nate to tell him she was leaving. He was engrossed in a magazine as he lay on an inflatable lounger, which was floating around the pool.
“Nate…” She tried again.
Still no response.
“Nate.” She shouted, much louder. This time Nate fell off the seat, and into the water. Paris laughed.
“Oh hi.” He said, embarrassed but slightly amused too.
“I just came to tell you that I’m leaving now.”
“Already?” Nate asked puzzled.
“I’m leaving to see Cleo. We are going to the mall.”
“Oh.” Nate said.
“So are you going to miss me when I leave tomorrow?” She asked, jokingly.
“Of course. It won’t be the same without you.”
“Oh well.” Paris smiled.
“Are you going to Jacob’s party tonight?”
“I suppose. But mom is wanting to have some sort of farewell dinner for you.”
“Oh.” Paris said, smiling at the thought.
“Are…” Nate started.
“I…” Paris began, at exactly the same time.
“Sorry, you go first.” Nate offered.
“I better go. Your mom said something about a lift, as she wants to pick up some stuff, probably for my farewell meal.”
“Guess I’ll see you later then.”
“Bye.” Paris said, as she turned around and left the room, feeling slightly awkward about her chat with Nate.
***
Sara’s
Apartment, same time
“Hey, are you okay?” Alex Blake asked, as he lay in bed beside Sara McCarthy. He had noticed how distant she had been all night.
“Yeah, fine.” Sara said, without turning to face Alex.
“Oh, okay then.” Alex said, reaching over to kiss the back of her neck.
“Well there is something.” Sara started, just as Alex was about to kiss her.
“What?” He asked, as she turned to face him.
“One of my friends is having trouble.”
“What sort of trouble?” Alex asked.
”She was having an affair with a married man, but then she discovered his wife was pregnant. The man had been lying to her.”
“Oh, I see.”
“I’m just worried about her. She even turned down the chance of a relationship with another guy for the married man.”
“Well maybe she should try again with this other man.”
”That’s what I told her.” Sara said, propping her head up with her hand.
“Great minds think alike.” Alex said, reaching over and kissing her passionately on the lips.
***
Westside
Shopping Mall, Two and a half hours later
“So what do you really think of the dress?” Paris asked, as she and Cleo reached the car park of the shopping mall.
“It’s great.” Cleo said. Paris looked at her, with an arched eyebrow. “Really.”
“So are you being collected here?” Paris asked.
“No, I’m walking home.”
“You don’t want to come over to my house do you? I am leaving these over there.” Paris said, ruffling the shopping bags which she was carrying.
“No I’m…” Cleo started but suddenly fell backwards, onto the ground.
“Are you okay?” Paris asked, kneeling down beside Cleo.
“Yeah, I just…” Cleo said, slightly confused as to what had happened. She looked down at her feet and saw a skateboard, which she had slipped on.
“Sorry.” Came a third voice.
Paris and Cleo looked up to see Joel Smith standing above them.
“Should be.” Paris said. “You could have seriously injured her.”
“Paris.” Cleo warned.
“I’m not very good. I’ve only been at this for a while.” Joel said, reaching for his skateboard.
Cleo looked over to where Joel had ran from, and saw about six or seven other guys.
“Cool.” She said, noticing how talented one of the group was.
“Oh that’s Mattie. He’s one of the best. Been at it for years.” Joel answered.
“Here, I’ll help you up.” Paris offered, holding out her arm so she could help Cleo to stand up again. Paris was obviously not impressed by Joel and his friends, her opinion changing since the last time she and Cleo had met Joel and his friends at the mall.
“Whoa, don’t fall again.” Joel said, as a dizzy Cleo fell towards him. He stopped her from falling.
“Thanks.” She said, smiling.
“Are you okay now?” Paris asked, interrupting.
“Yeah, fine…” Cleo said, still smiling at Joel, as he held her.
“I better go then.”
“Bye.” Joel said.
”See you tonight.” Cleo said. Paris rolled her eyes and turned around.
“So do you want to hang around with us?” Joel asked, when she was out of hearing shot.
“I don’t know. My aunt…”
“Hey, it’s up to you. No big deal if you don’t wanna. But I’m sure your aunt’d understand.” Joel said.
“Okay then.” Cleo said. Joel released his grip and they walked towards his friends.
“So how long have you been into skating?” Cleo asked, as they walked.
“Not too long, but like I told you before I’ve always liked it.”
“Hey everyone. This is Cleo. She’s gonna be hanging with us for a while.” Joel told the others.
“So man, are you going to show us your new moves or what?” The guy called Mattie started.
“I don’t know if…”
Mattie interrupted, making chicken noises. In response Joel put down his board and started to warm up. Cleo felt slightly nervous around these people she barely knew, but she did feel safe with Joel though. She watched, smiling, as Joel did his tricks.
“So what’s happening with you and Joel?” Mattie asked, after moving near to where Cleo was standing. She jumped, so engrossed in Joel’s moves that she hadn’t noticed him get closer.
“What?” Cleo asked.
“Are you with him or not?” He asked. Cleo felt slightly insecure, as she noticed that Mattie smelt of something she couldn’t put her finger on.
“No, we’re just friends.” Cleo answered, moving away from Mattie. He moved nearer her though, making Cleo even more worried. She looked up at Joel and the rest. He was on his board, turned away from her, and his friends were all watching him. She looked down and noticed that Mattie’s hand was now moving closer towards her. She moved away, as he slid his hand behind her.
“Hey, don’t worry.” Mattie said, as he pulled out a full bottle of beer from behind her. She sighed, relieved that he wasn’t going to attack her.
“Want one?” He asked, holding it up.
“No, I don’t drink.” Cleo replied.
“Well there is a first for everything. Here.” Mattie said, giving Cleo the bottle. Cleo looked at the bottle, wondering if she should just say no, or have just one drop.
“Go on.” He said. “It’s only one bottle.”
Cleo took a deep breath. She put the head of the bottle to her lips, and held it up. She quickly swallowed, not liking the taste of the beer very much. After swallowing she realised that it wasn’t too bad.
“Don’t worry, you get used to it.” Mattie said, turning back to Joel as the sound of cheers interrupted. Cleo looked up at Joel, who had just completed an impressive trick. He smiled at her, before turning back to his friends. She looked back down at the bottle in her hands, before taking another drink.
***
The
hospital, 6pm
Nurse Melody Scott closed the door of her locker, and turned around noticing the kettle had yet to boil. She slipped her long, blonde hair into a ponytail and walked towards the sink, in the small staff room.
She smiled, thinking of her date with Corey Rafter that night. He is cute She thought, failing to notice that the kettle had boiled, or that the door had opened.
“Hi.” Carla Peterson said as she entered the room. There was no response from Melody, so Carla took a seat and took out a packet of cigarettes.
Melody smiled to herself as she remembered her first meeting with Corey. She suddenly realised that kettle had boiled and poured some water into her cup.
Carla was enjoying her first cigarette all day. She was trying to cut down, and get fit but long, stressful days at work made this difficult.
“Carla.” Melody said, loudly. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
“I noticed. And when a girl is that distracted she can only have two things on her mind.”
“And what are they?” Melody asked, taking a seat opposite Carla.
“Men or money.” Carla replied, with a sly smile.
Melody laughed. “Well it’s men for me. I’ve got a date tonight.”
“Sounds interesting.” Carla remarked.
“Well he is really cute.” Melody said.
As both women laughed, the door opened. Russell Elliot appeared through the door.
“Have any of you two seen Dr. Anders?” He asked. “I need to ask her about a patient.”
“No, sorry.” Melody said.
“I haven’t seen her in a while.” Carla answered.
“Thanks.” Russell said. He closed the door.
“Apparently he’s going to be a father.” Melody gossiped.
“What?”
“My aunt is on the fundraiser’s board, and his wife was telling everyone who’d listen yesterday at the meeting.”
“I hadn’t heard.” Carla said.
A loud beep interrupted the women. Both looked down at their pager’s.
“It’s me.” Melody said. She quickly finished her tea and placed the cup on the sink before leaving the room.
“See you later.” Carla said, as Melody left the room. As she continued with her cigarette, Carla began to think about what Melody had said.
“Hi.” Came another voice. Judi Anders had walked through the door.
“Oh, hi,” Carla began. “Dr Elliot was looking for you.”
Judi groaned at the mention of his name. “I’ve been trying to avoid him all day.”
“Well he hasn’t been avoiding you anyway. That was the third time he asked me so far today. You two had a fight?”
“We’re finished.” Judi said, tears appearing in her eyes.
“Because of his wife’s pregnancy?” Carla asked.
“Yeah.”
”At least I’m off for two weeks after I finish tonight. I’m owed some leave from last year, and I’m taking it.”
“Wow.”
“I’m going to sort my life sorted.”
“Good for you.” Carla said.
“Oh, I better go.” Judi said, looking at her watch. “I’ve got to go check something.”
“Bye.” Carla said, as she put out her cigarette and walked towards her locker.
Outside Judi walked down the corridor, towards reception.
“Judi.”
She heard someone call her name from behind – Russell.
“Go away Russell. Please.” She said, quickening her pace. She reached reception, where she knew that Russell couldn’t talk to her, as it would look suspicious if they were too close.
***
The hotel,
same time
“You should be off home now, shouldn’t you?” Justin Vincent asked, noticing the time on the clock above the door.
Heather Manning flashed him a smile. “No, I’m fine. I don’t mind staying behind to get this done.”
“Haven’t you got a date or something on tonight?” Justin asked.
Heather’s expression changed, from a smile to a sad, unhappy expression.
“I haven’t been on a date in years. My last boyfriend was cheating on me with my sister, and I’ve never been able to trust a man since. Apart from you that is.” She said, placing her hand on Justin’s knee.
He looked down at her hand, unsure what to do. He didn’t want to offend her by moving it, but he didn’t want to get the wrong impression about the two of them. As he started to move, she removed her hand and started writing.
“So, what will I write next?” She asked, smiling again.
***
The Samson
Mansion, later
“What do you think of Joel Smith?”
“The new guy?”
Paris nodded her head, as Nate thought about him for a moment.
“I don’t know. He seems okay, though he doesn’t have many friends, does he?,” Nate responded. He reached for his glass of water. “Why?”
“I saw him today, at the mall. His skateboard tripped up Cleo.”
“You don’t like him?”
“I don’t know him, but I don’t know. I just don’t like him.”
“And did you two hang around with him?”
“I had to go, but Cleo went to watch them I think. I saw her walk over with Joel.”
“And you there is something going on?”
“No, well maybe. It’s just I don’t know if she’s really over Leo leaving yet.”
“You’re not jealous, are you?”
Paris laughed. “No.”
Nate arched his eyebrow and smiled to himself.
“Hey.”
Paris and Nate looked up to see that Chardonnay had entered the dining room. She had her hair pinned back and was wearing a red dress. She took a seat near the top of the table.
“You look great.” Paris said, smiling brightly.
“Thanks. I’m going out with some friends tonight.” Chardonnay answered. “So are you two doing anything?”
“One of our friends is having a party.” Nate replied, taking a sip of his drink.
“Is Kayla going?” Chardonnay asked. Nate’s face instantly changed at the mention of his cousin’s name.
“I suppose so.” Paris said.
“You three will all be able to go together then.” Chardonnay said. Paris and Nate looked puzzled. “She and Judi are coming over for dinner. Mom invited them. Didn’t you know?”
Meanwhile in the kitchen Leslie Samson was busy preparing dinner. She heard a car pull up in the garage, and sighed.
“At last.” She said to herself. A moment later Victor Samson entered the room, through the door which led to the garage and laundry room.
“There you go.” He said, leaving a box containing desert down on the counter.
“Thanks.” Leslie said, without looking. Victor took a seat at the table, and watched his wife.
“I’m really going to miss Paris. She seems like one of the family now, doesn’t she?”
“Yeah. Nate’s going to miss her most though. They’ve gotten really close since she arrived.”
“How close?”
“What?” Leslie asked, turning around. “You think that she and Nate are…”
“I don’t know. But like you said, they have been really close.”
Leslie looked shocked.
“I’ll get it.” Gabriel McLoughlin called, as the doorbell rang. He walked down the stairs and opened it.
“Hello Gabe.” Judi greeted warmly.
“Hi.” He said, moving back from the door. Judi walked past him and a scowling Kayla followed.
“Everyone is in the dining room I think. I’ll be there is a minute, I just want to finish getting ready.” Gabe smiled, as he walked up the stairs again. Judi walked into the living room.
“Are you coming?”
“Yeah, I suppose I’ll have to, won’t I?”
Twenty minutes later everybody was gathered, eating dinner. Victor was seated at the head of the table, directly opposite Nate. To Nate’s right was Paris. In between Paris and Chardonnay was Kayla, also opposite her mother who had Leslie to her left and Gabe to her right.
“So how are the wedding plans going?” Judi asked, smiling at her niece.
Chardonnay put down her wine glass. “Yeah, fine. Sara has thought of everything. She is really helpful.”
At the other end of the table Paris was still talking to Nate about her shopping trip. “I got this today. I don’t like it though.”
“Make you look like the whore you are.” Kayla added, under her breath, so that only Paris could hear. Paris ignored her.
“Are you okay darling?” Leslie asked, placing her hand on Victor’s.
“Yes, I’m fine.” He lied. He was looking at Chardonnay and Gabe as they discussed their wedding plans with Judi, and feeling slightly guilty about knowing how close Chardonnay and Luc had gotten.
“I saw your boyfriend a while ago.”
“Boyfriend?” Judi asked, amazed by Chardonnay’s question.
“Yeah. I saw you with a guy months ago, in the Ritz Bar, but then forgot to ask you about him until I saw him the other day.”
“Alex?”
“I don’t know his name.”
“It was just one date, nothing serious.”
“Oh.” Said Chardonnay, feeling embarrassed.
“Can you pass me the sauce please Kayla?” Gabe asked, looking across the table.
“Yeah, sure.” Kayla said, reaching for the sauce. Suddenly she had an idea.
As she reached out to give it to Gabe, she let it fall onto Paris’s new dress.
“Ah.” Paris jumped up, causing everyone else to look.
“I’m so sorry.” Kayla said, innocently.
“This is only new.” Paris said, sighing. “I better go change.”
She walked out of the room, as everyone continued to stare at Kayla.
“I feel so guilty now. I’ll have to pay for a new one.” She said, sitting back down.
“You did that deliberately, didn’t you Kayla?” Nate said, leaning over so that he couldn’t be heard.
“I would never do that to someone, and I’m insulted that you think I would.”
“I think it’s time for desert. I’ll go get it now. Chardonnay, will you help me?” Victor asked.
“Sure dad.” Chardonnay said, rising from her seat and following her father through the door. They then walked through the small corridor and into the kitchen.
Victor closed the door after Chardonnay entered.
“What is it?” She asked, surprised by him closing the door.
“I can’t do this.” He said.
“What?”
“Gabe is one of my best friends Chardonnay. And I can’t stand watching you two, with him not knowing that you still love Luc.”
“Dad.”
”Chardonnay, I know that I have made mistakes in the past, but there is no way I can let you hurt him like this.”
“So you are saying that I have to choose?”
“Yes, well no – I don’t know.” Victor said, confused.
“Well I love Gabe, so it has to be him.”
”But you love Luc too.”
“I am engaged to Gabe though. He is the one I want to marry.”
***
The Lewis
Home, Midnight
“Now that your mom is gone, why don’t we make this night really special.” Kayla whispered into Jacob’s ear as they danced.
“I don’t know Kayla. I have to stay down here. And people will notice if we disappear.”
“Nate will make sure no one does anything. And so what if people notice we are gone.” Kayla said, with a sly smile. She reached down and took Jacob’s hand. She then started walking and he was forced to follow.
“Wonder where they are off to?” Paris asked.
“I wonder.” Nate replied, watching Jacob close the door.
“Anyone for a game of spin the bottle?” April Masters suggested.
“Do you want to?” Paris asked.
“I don’t know.”
“Come on. It’ll be a laugh.” Paris said, walking towards the centre of the room. She joined part of the circle. Nate followed and took a seat next to Paris.
“Right, does everyone know the rules?” April asked.
“No.” Some people said.
“Well we’ll all take it in turn to spin the bottle. Then whoever it lands on, we have to kiss.” April said, brightly. “Okay, I’ll go first.”
Meanwhile, outside, Cleo was sitting with Joel, Mattie and the rest of the gang. There were also some other girls present.
Earlier Cleo had gotten drunk, and then went home to find that Camille had went shopping herself. Cleo had then passed out, before being woken up by Camille’s return. She then remembered the party, and went, where she had ran back into Joel, Mattie and the other skateboarders.
“Oh yeah.” Mattie said to himself, smiling as he watched one of the girls dancing in front of him. Cleo watched, jealous, before reaching for the bottle and taking a mouthful of vodka.
Cleo then stood up, and almost fell over. She then staggered towards Joel and began dancing in front of him. She gently began to run her hands up and down her body, and swing her head. She reached out for Joel to take her hand, but instead fell drunkenly on him. He fell back, feeling her weight.
Cleo laughed to herself, her face only centimetres away from Joel’s. He reached up, and kissed her on the lips.
Upstairs Kayla and Jacob had just entered his bedroom. She was sitting on his bed, patting the space beside her. Jacob slowly walked towards her, unsure whether or not to sit down. He didn’t really want to do this, but he didn’t want to hurt Kayla either. He sat down on the bed.
Kayla then leaned over, and started to kiss Jacob. She slid her hand up his top, and continued to kiss him.
”No.” Jacob said, pushing Kayla away from him. “I can’t do this.”
“What?” Kayla asked, but got no reply. Jacob stood up and ran towards the door. He was gone.
Downstairs Hanna had just kissed Harry. Next it was Paris’ turn. She looked around, hoping that this wouldn’t be too embarrassing. She then spun the bottle, and closed her eyes.
There was laughter. She opened her eyes, and looked down at the bottle. It was pointing a Nate, who was red.
“Hurry up.” April said. Paris crawled over to Nate and moved her lips closer to him. He was moving closer to her. Paris placed her hands on his cheeks, her eyes staring into Nate’s. He looked so handsome, his dark hair, his eyes…
Nate looked at Paris, realising how much he liked her. He could feel her now. She was so close…
Their lips met, as everyone looked on.
He is so cute
She is so soft, gentle, sexy
Next Time:
Paris leaves the Samson’s, as Kayla causes more trouble.