The Executrix

8/9/2019 The Executrix.

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The Executrix by Sarah Taylor

SCENE 1 INTA SUBURBAN HOUSE, DAUGHTER EVA COMES FOR A MORNINGVISIT. SFX KETTLE REACHES BOIL, WHISTLES, CUPS CLINK.

MOVEMENT TO SIT IN LOUNGE ROOM. b/g Radio

Margo: I havent heard from Jane since Mum died. I find that so strange.

Eva: Maybe she is enjoying being an orphan. This will be the first time inher life that she hasnt been attached to Grandma. Shes finally free at fifty.

Margo: There were great benefits. She never had the grind of work in some boring office. Mum supported her to live the artists dream. She provided her with an old fashioned private income.

Eva: Do you want tea or coffee?

Margo: Coffee darling, my precious daughter you are wise beyond your years.

Eva: Have you tried ringing her?

Margo: Yes several times. She cant talk, Ive caught her off to bridge, or

shes got visitors but then she never rings back.

Eva: It must be lovely for her to be able to take up a hobby, leave thehouse without repeating five hundred times what time she will return. Grandmawas like a small child in her final years.

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Margo: The last time I called I got a machine. Our mother would not havetolerated such an object nor learnt how to operate it. She couldnt bear to miss acall. I dont care; theyll always ring back if its important.

Eva: Grandma loathed mobile phones. Did she ever carry out her threat tohurl one into traffic?

Margo: (laughing) Not that I know about, though Im sure she would have been arrested if she had. People treat them with such reverence, talking likemadmen at the top of their voices about the most intimate details of their livesor the most mundane.

Eva: (Indignant) Im one of those people. I love it, mine keeps meconnected to my friends with the touch of a button and what about in anemergency?

Margo: I have got to my sixties without needing one I dont think I will bother now. If I drop in the street I hope they will leave me there.

Eva: You dont mean that Mum? Did Jane return your call?

Margo: No and then when I rang last night the phone was disconnected. Irang telephone assistance no number for that name or address. I am beginning

to worry.

Eva: She was very upset at the funeral as we all were. How was sheafterwards as you helped clean up the house? Im sorry I had to leave to get back to work.

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Eva: No I accept my life the way it is and looking at you and Jane it ishardly a close relationship. Youd think once your mother past away youd be

closer than ever but the opposite has happened.

Margo: It is certainly odd if not mysterious the more we talk about her silence.

Eva: Maybe there are other secrets.

Margo: Surely shell have to let me know when the will is being read. I leftthat to her, the power of attorney and the legal stuff. I am so far away and Janetook over more and more of the responsibility for money.

Eva: I have always been curious as to where the wealth came from.Grandma Bonnie never worked and Grandad left a long time ago.

Margo: I dont really know. Talking about money was another taboo. There just seemed to be plenty. Mum had lots of shares the house was littered with paper bearing the names of blue chip companies. Mum was the ultimaterecycler she wrote her letters on the backs of all this paper and readdressed theenvelope avoiding paying for postage.

Eva: (Giggling) I never knew that. Didnt she ever get caught?

Margo: No. I laugh when I think of the money she saved over forty years.She was tight. I have never told anyone this but she wore her mothers oldclothes, underwear and even used her discarded glasses. Of course they werealways the best quality.

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Eva: That is really funny. No insult but I cant imagine wanting to wear your Bonds full briefs.

Margo: You wait my darling for the time when comfort is everything.Something happens once you have a child, I couldnt bear anything tightaround my waist. Goodbye jeans, unless they have elastic.

Eva: Are you trying to make sure you never have grandchildren?

Margo: (Niggling) You need a boyfriend for that dont you?

Eva: (Sad) You know how hard Ive looked. Y gen men are commitment phobs, trust me. Of course there is always the sperm bank.

Margo: Youve got a few years yet. Though I heard a doctor say twenty sevenis the limit, the ovaries start to die off.

Eva: Cheery news Mum. Ill keep it in mind. But look at Jane she never hadkids and has a fabulous life. And now she can really fly, I wonder what she willdo?

Margo: She cant do anything until Mums affairs are settled and surely Ihave to sign papers. Maybe there is something lurking in the will. You read

about families ripped apart by last wishes.

Eva: Perhaps you should contact the solicitor; see when the reading will take place. But then again I have watched too many movies. You know where thefamily gather nervously as a man in a suit sits behind a big desk and revealswho was loved more and who misses out.

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Margo: There is plenty of it to go around. I cant imagine Mum would playfavourites but her mind was all over the place in the last years she may haveleft it to her roses for their upkeep for the next hundred years. (Laughs)

Eva: It is funny how you fill in the blanks when you dont know what is goingon. This is beginning to sound like a story Miss Marples might have to becalled in to solve.

Margo: I will ring the solicitor. I hope it is the same one. If you got off sidewith Mum you could be dismissed in flash. I remember a poor girl sheemployed to care for Jane and I. We made her life hell and she went crying toMum for help. My children would never behave like that you silly girl, nowstop crying or pack your bags, Mum sent her swiftly on her way.

Eva: What did you do to her?

Margo: We stole her clothes and undid the bolts on her bed so it collapsed. Nasty children.

Eva: How come I was so good?

Margo: I picked you out especially. Mum had no time for us, her cronies andher cards were her life until she got old and could see the need to keep Jane as a

companion or face a lonely existence especially once her hearing failed.

Eva: Yes I can still see her fiddling with her hearing aid, she never got theknack of it and it broke her heart to not be the centre of a conversation. It musthave been awful.

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Margo: If I go deaf I dont expect you to talk to me. It would have to be themost frustrating exercise. Her screwed up little face wanting you to repeat eachsentence at a roar. Old age is a curse.

Eva: I love you Mum you know that. You would never be a burden to me.

Margo: Thank you my love but I hope euthanasia is legal by the time I getthat bad.

Eva: Oh Mum please dont talk like that. I cant imagine my life withoutyou.

Margo: What did I do to deserve such a beautiful, sweet, natured child? Staywhile I ring the solicitor; see what he has to say.

SFX SOUND OF TELEPHONE BEING DIALLED. BOTHCONVERSATIONS ARE HEARD.

Margo: Hello, can I please speak with Mr Wallace Strang.

Mr Strang: It is he, to whom am I speaking?

Margo: I am ringing in relation to Mrs Bonnie Ringlands estate. It is her

daughter Margo.

Mr Strang:(Superior tone) I think you must be mistaken. Her daughters nameis Jane. I have only just met with her this minute. She is the executor of theestate.

Margo: Yes, Jane is the younger daughter; I am the elder one who lives inMelbourne.

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Mr Strang: I dont think so my dear. I have been handling Mrs Ringlandsaffairs for over sixty years and I have never heard mention of another daughter.

Goodbye.

SFX MARGO GASPS, CRIES, LAUGHS. SOUND OF TELEPHONE BEINGDROPPED.

Margo: Eva you are not going to believe what the solicitor said.

Eva: Are you okay Mum? You look terrible.

Margo: I am in shock darling. The solicitor has never heard of me. Jane is theonly child and the executrix, does that sound sinister to you?

Eva: There must be some mistake. Did you have the right company? Didyou speak to the right person?

Margo: Yes, Im sure there are not too many Wallace Strangs in the world.

Eva: What did he say?

Margo: He said he had only just spoken to Jane. He has no knowledge of a

daughter called Margo.

Eva: Ring Jane straight away and ask her what the hell is going on?

Margo: I will darling, stay I need support, the news gets worse by theminute.

SFX TELEPHONE DIALS.

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Margo: I would like the number for Jane Ringland, Highgate Hill, Brisbane.

Margo: Can you please check again? It is urgent that I contact her.

Margo:(High voice) Are you sure? No number for that name at that addressor any other address. Thank you.

Margo: Eva I cannot get a number to contact her on. What is going on?

Eva: Ill get on the net and see if she has a current exhibition maybe wecould contact the gallery and track her that way. This is weird behaviour now,deliberate, calculated.

Margo:(Angry) What game is she playing? I know we were not close and Ididnt visit often enough but this is ridiculous. How did Mum never mention toher solicitor that she had two children? Could something like that slip your mind?

Eva: Though I suppose the only occasion that it would come up might befor the preparation of a will, easy to simply mention one beneficiary.

Margo: In that case it is intentional that I am not mentioned in the will.

I cant believe that my mother could cut me from her life.

Eva: Ill stay the night Mum. You cant be alone to cope with this.

Margo: Thank you darling. Lets think this through. I might ring my ownsolicitor and see what light she can shed on this. There maybe something weare not taking into account.

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Eva: If that doesnt give you some answers I think we should go up thereand try to find her.

Margo: I had hoped to never have to go there again. I have spent my lifegoing to Brisbane when Id rather have gone somewhere else. I only had thefunds to take one holiday a year and I always went to see Mum. I was solooking forward to going to Adelaide or Perth or anywhere.

Eva: Dont upset yourself Mum. Ill come with you. You cant possibly go by yourself. Margo: Thank you my sweet girl. What would I do without you?

Eva: Do you remember when Jane was born?

Margo: Yes very clearly, like it was yesterday. It wasnt a happy time.Grandma came to stay about six weeks before; she cried the whole time andmade angry phone calls to Grands. I couldnt understand. I thought having a baby was a happy time.

Eva: I suppose sometimes it isnt. There was such a gap between your birthand Janes. Perhaps it wasnt planned.

Margo: Your generation couldnt know anything of what is was like to haveno reliable contraception. Your grandmothers era feared sex and heavenknows what past generations of women went through. The risk of pregnancyhung over their heads every time a man touched them. I cant imagine muchfun or pleasure for anyone.

Eva: Very hard for me to imagine. The pill is so convenient but now weworry about disease.

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Margo: Do you ever feel life has just got too complicated?

Eva: Where is your spirit of adventure Mum? Lets have a little holiday andtry to solve this mystery. Ill book on the net, give me your credit card. Whereshall we stay?

Margo: Make it the end of the week, time to pack and get some legal advice.Somewhere with a pool it will be stinking hot at this time of the year. I think well go out to eat tonight. I feel drained, cooking would be beyond me.

Eva: Have you been to the Lotus Room yet?

Margo: Can I get a drink there? Im in need of a few I think. Let me change.You look lovely as you are. Five minutes darling.

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SCENE 2 EXTTHEY ARE IN BRISBANE WALKING UP THE HILL TO THE FAMILYHOME. IT IS A SCORCHING HOT SUMMER DAY.

SFX PANTING, STRAINING FOOTSTEPS. b/g Traffic noises.

Eva: Id forgotten what a long walk it is up this hill and in summer. Its sohot.

Margo: (Puffing) We are nearly there, look at the bougainvillea, nowhereelse do you get that spectacular colour festooned everywhere.

Eva: The house has a real estate sign out the front with a sold sticker.

Margo:(Raised voice) I cant believe it. She hasnt wasted any time, firstMums possessions and now the house.

Eva: Come on well knock and see if Jane is still living here.

SFX KNOCKING ON DOOR.

Margo: (Calling out) Jane, Jane anyone home. Its me Margo.

Eva: Ill go around the back, she might not be able to hear us if she is in thegarden.

Margo: Any luck darling?

Eva: No the place is all closed up and looks quiet empty.

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Margo: Read me out the number of the agent on the sign. Repeat that nameagain. I cant believe anyone could be called Harmony Deal.

Eva: Shed have to stand out from the pack. Agents are on every corner inthis boom city. (Slowly) Listen, 043 567 890.

Margo: May I speak to Harmony Deal please?(Suppressed giggle)

Eva: Mum behave yourself.

Margo: Hello, how are you?

SFX BOTH CONVERSATIONS HEARD.

Harmony: Who am I speaking with please?

Margo: Margo, Mrs Ringlands daughter from 25 Rowan Court, HighgateHill. Youve just sold it.

Harmony: Yes you have to be quick in this city. If you are interested inother properties in this area I have one around the corner just come on themarket. They are looking for quick sale, got themselves in too deep, creditcrunch refugees.

Margo: No, no I am only interested in this property and the circumstancesaround the sale.

Harmony: It went quickly, deceased estate, she didnt die in the house thatalways makes it a bit harder to shift, fetched a good price.

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Margo: Im sure my mothers house did. Surely I would have had to signthe papers to sell off my mothers possessions.

Harmony: Didnt you say your name is Margo? The daughters name isJane. I dont know about any other family. (Agitated voice) Its exchanged sothere is no turning back now.

Margo: Can you tell me where Jane is?

Harmony: Im not sure I can. I dont really know who you are.

Margo: Why would I say I was her daughter if I wasnt? (Irritated tone)

Harmony: It went for a lot of money you may be trying to get some of it.How would I know? In my business I see it all, children trying to sell a housefrom under old parents, a man flogging off a block of land that he has alreadysold to someone else. Your story wouldnt be far fetched at all.

Margo: (Angry) I can assure you I am who I say. Im not interested in moneyI need to contact Jane. Please.

Harmony: I think she said something about a world cruise.

Margo: Thank you Harmony. You dont happen to know which company.

Harmony: Now that would be telling. Ive already told you more than Ishould. She sailed last Thursday I think.

Margo: Thanks for your time Miss Deal. Have a nice day. But just beforewe go, can you tell me how Jane was the last time you saw her. (Softly) Evacome, listen.

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Harmony: She looked fabulous; I put her onto my hairdresser for amakeover. It was like she shed one skin and revealed another. Shes quite

lovely, doesnt look her age at all.

Eva: Did she seem depressed, having trouble with the grief of losing her mother?

Harmony: She said she missed her but it was now or never to take up another kind of life. I dont think anyone could question her devotion to her Mum butshe appeared desperate to move on. She took the first offer and has rushed thesettlement through.

Margo: I know she loved our Mum deeply. Her passing was sad but shedhad a full life. I felt the complete circle had been travelled and I know she issafe now nothing more can happen to her. It provides great comfort.

Harmony: I dont think you have to worry about Jane she had a spring in her step as if on the brink of something wonderful.

Margo: It is a shock to think she didnt feel able to discuss this new life withme. Its like her past has to excised. Its hurtful to think I am supposed todisappear as if we are in no way connected.

Harmony: I have to go, another call. All the best but please dont contact meagain. My role in this house is finished. The solicitor is the one you have todeal with now. Bye, have a nice day.

SFX SNAP OF MOBILE PHONE CLOSING.

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Eva: Thanks Miss Deal youve been a great help, not. I cant believe this ishappening. Its as if you have been airbrushed from her life. Where do we gonow?

Margo: I need a lie down and a think. We must be able to find out which shipsailed last Thursday, there cant be that many, though what do we do with theinformation?

Eva:(Excited) We could find which ports she is travelling to and maybe flythere to confront her.

Margo: Should we? Is this enough adventure for you darling? I dont want tocause her any trouble. Id just like an explanation.

Eva: It is certainly hard to comprehend.

Margo: Come on lets go, nothing we can do here and Im desperate for thecool of our room after a swim. Thank goodness you came with me.

Eva: I was always a bit wary of Jane she had that touch of aloofness, but this iscold and calculated. There must be an explanation.

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Margo: Might spoil her holiday for a moment. But I have to get to the bottomof this. Mum what is going on?(Margo shouts to the heavens)

Eva: To think Gran was party to this deception and never let a word slip. Ifind that so amazing, especially as her mind started to go. Remember that timeshe was signing a cheque and she refused to put her married surname saying Inever liked that man. I was amazed at how long shed kept that under her hat.

Margo: She could be very funny as she unpacked her memories with suchcandour. Lets have a swim and then do something nice this afternoon,something touristy.

Eva: You know what I think we should do? Go to the State Library andsearch Births, Marriages and Deaths see what we can find. You must appear there as the daughter. They cant have wiped that record.

Margo: Do you know how to access those files? Not today though, my headis pounding. But tomorrow I think we will. Good thinking, clever girl.

Eva: My bread and butter mother dear. All those obsessives who come intowork wanting to do their family histories and think I can give it to them in one book. They drive us mad. They get this intense, manic glint in their eye and

imagine we are fascinated by their discovery of some obscure relative.

Margo: What surprises do some of them uncover? Tell me someone elsesskeletons. It always makes me feel better to hear of anothers misfortune.

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Eva: I remember one family, the woman was most distressed. Shediscovered that half the family were illegitimate. Twenty two children in all bytwo women, the first died giving birth to number eleven. The old boy then

moved onto the maid who bore him another eleven but he never married her.

Margo: Imagine the washing, cooking and the noise of that many children. Iwould have gone mad. Did she tell them?

Eva: Must have, she published the story. Ill tell you what is very common,girls having babies out of wedlock and passing them off as their sisters.

Margo: I have never understood why the shame fell on an innocent baby andthe poor mother but never on the man. He went about his business and couldalways claim it wasnt his. DNA testing has put a stop to all that.

Eva: (Laughing) Jane isnt your child is she Mum?

Margo: I think I would know if Id had another child my love. Human life ismessy isnt it? We should never judge. Come on lets eat. What do you fancy?

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SCENE 4 INTIN THE FAMILY HISTORY DUNGEON OF A LARGE LIBRARY.SFX SOUNDS OF COMPUTER RESEARCH, CHAIRS SCRAPPING,

BOOKS MOVING, PAPERS SHUFFLING, FILE BOXES OPENING ANDSHUTTING.

Margo: Come sit beside me here darling and help operate this technology.Im used to seeing people fiddling with old microfiche on a winder. Thiscomputerised business is a bit scary, the speed.

Eva: Wriggle over Mum. Down, down, now over, theres Great Granmarried fifth of May 1919, aged seventeen to Norman Sterling, bachelor agedtwenty eight.

SFX CLICK OF A MOUSE.

Margo: She was so young, I cant imagine being married at a time when youare breaking free from parents and starting your own life. At that age I wasabout to go to university, I never wanted to get hitched and be tied down. Shewould have had no experience of men.

Eva: I was busy having a good time, going out with as many blokes as Icould, the thought of settling down with any of them made me run a mile.

Margo: I cant believe that, look. A daughter born sixth of June 1920 BonicaMay thats Mum accounted for and another daughter born tenth of July 1950,Jane Evelyn. (Sharp intake of breath)

Eva: That cant be right there must be a mistake. That would make Jane mygrandmothers sister not her daughter? That makes her your aunt not your sister.

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Margo: (Gasping) That cant be correct. Check it again.

Eva: It seems to be. There Great Gran died fourteenth of March 1972. Thatsthe right date so must be the right person.

Margo: How could a family keep a secret like that for so long? And why for legal purposes make me disappear? Jane has a lot of explaining to do.

Eva: Think back Mum were there any clues?

Margo: I need some water. I feel quite faint.

Eva: Here use my bottle.

Margo: Thanks darling.

Margo: There were clues but only now do they make some sense. No photos of Jane at Great Grans house, Jane never went there for holidays andGreat Gramps didnt come to stay at home ever again.

SFX GULPING MOUTHFULS OF WATER.

Margo:(Exasperated) As a child you accept the way things are. You dontquestion. I was heading into my teenage years where I was absorbed by myfriends, boys and clothes. Gramps and Gran were hardly romantic toward eachother, they were old.

Eva: I wonder was Gramps Janes father? Look again; yes hes listed asthe father. Why then would he not want anything to do with her?

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Margo: I wonder. Gran loved her parties and social life. I have been told sheonce went out at night and left me in the house on my own. There was a terriblestorm and she came home to find me hanging onto the side of my cot sobbing. I

must have been a tiny tot and why was I staying with her as a baby? Wherewere Mum and Dad?

Eva: Youd have to expect some breaking free from a marriage where theage difference was so great.

Margo: The whispering that goes on in families. Ours was always about your Great Gran. I should have noticed that she was pregnant when Jane was bornand that my own mother wasnt. Where was my head?

Eva: Think back Mum, what do you remember?

Margo: I can recall money was more available all of a sudden. Mum nolonger scrimped and saved. I could have a shop bought dress instead of a handme down, we got a shiny new car. Where did that money come from? I didntquestion. It was like Christmas every day, chicken more than once a week for dinner.

Eva: Maybe Janes father was wealthy or Gramps paid to keep her out of sight for some strange reason.

Margo: We read too many crime novels these days, our imaginations arerunning wild.

Eva: Our family history is unravelling.

Margo: Find the records for Mum, now check that I was really born, that I doexist.

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Eva: Here it is, Bonica May Sterling married Michael James Ringlandsecond of October 1937. One daughter Margo Ruth born May fourth 1938. Can

you do the maths Mum? Did you know they had to get married?

Margo: I must have but didnt dwell on it or give it any significance. It wasso common that babies came quickly after marriage in Mums day. I cantimagine a young man these days being forced up the aisle. It must have been aterrible way to start a married life. I would have always felt unsure about hisfeelings.

Eva: Was their marriage happy?

Margo: They muddled along I suppose. Once we hit the seventies everyonegot divorced. We took it as a given. The stigma went and women felt free tochoose a life with the possibility of happiness. Again I had my own life, Mumseemed happy enough without Dad and I was old enough to have a relationshipwith each one separately.

Eva: I felt the same when you and Dad went your separate ways. You bothseemed so much better without each other. I truly think we are evolving pastmarriage except as a way for raising small children. Though I dont agree with

the hard line feminists who think fathers are irrelevant. I love my Dad.

Margo: He is a good man but we just grew apart. Huge social changes havehappened it would take a mighty effort for any couple to stay unaffected. I probably became selfish and now I have lived alone for so long I couldntcontemplate living with anyone again, even you my lovely daughter.

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Eva: (Giggles) Gee thanks Mum. Well you are definitely Grans child and shehad no other children. Ill print out a copy of this so we have proof of your existence and lineage.

Margo: I should have brought my birth certificate perhaps we can apply for one while we wait to go and see Jane.

Eva: Id like to see the look on Mr Strangs face when we show him.

Margo: Im not sure I want to do that. A whole legal merry go round wouldcommence. I havent got the stomach for a fight that will cost a lot of moneyand Jane and I would probably have no relationship left.

TAPPING OF COMPUTER KEY.

Margo: Jane owes me an explanation. That is all I want. I do feel hurt that somuch was hidden from me. What sort of family do I belong to?

Eva: We need to book for Cape Town. I shouldnt be but Im excited. Janeis not the only one whose world is changing.

Margo: Lets go back and check once more. I might ask one of the librarystaff to go through the information with us. Id hate to go off on the wrong

tangent, challenge Jane on an incorrect presumption. (SFX Chair rolls back).Excuse me do you think you could check these records for me and make surewe have got the relationships correct. Thank you, well wait.

Eva: Ill go and get a coffee, would you like one Mum? Can I have your credit card again Ill find a terminal and do the bookings. When would you liketo fly home, well need passports and probably a visa before we take off again.

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SCENE 5 INT INSIDE AN AIRCRAFT.SFX SOUND OF AIRCRAFT HUM IN THE BACKGROUND, DRINKSTROLLEY BEING PUSHED UP AISLE, BURBLE OF VOICES AROUND

BEVERAGE SERVICE.

Eva: Toast Mum, here we go to find another piece of this puzzle. Bonvoyage.

Margo: Cheers darling. The librarian who double checked the records for mesaid it was quite common for people to find discrepancies in what familiesthought the relationships were. No wonder old kings demanded virgin brides to be sure offspring were theirs. What a muddle. I go from being angry with Janeto worrying about her.

Eva: What was my great grandfather like?

Margo: He was a gentle, kind man, thoroughly spoilt his young bride. Idont think he ever got over his luck in marrying such a beauty. He shelteredher from the reality of money. In one year she spent eleven thousand pounds onclothes, that was an enormous amount in those days. He gave her one of theearliest credit cards which she used like it was toy currency.

Eva: What was it like to go and stay with them?

Margo: Heaven, every whim was indulged. Thats where Id have to feel sadfor Jane she never knew any of that, though Mum did her best to make up for it.

Eva: I suppose that is the role of grandparents. Youd be like that wouldntyou Mum?

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Margo: I havent really thought about it. I try not to invest too much insomething that hasnt happened yet.

Eva: Did any of that change after Jane was born?

Margo: They seemed tenser with each other, not as happy. But Gran could bedifficult. I can remember I put a plastic spider in my glass of milk as a joke.She had a fit, threw every bottle of milk out and abused the milko accusing himof trying to poison us, shouting and screaming at him. I had to smother mygiggles.

Eva: I think you were quite naughty the more you tell me about when youwere young.

Margo: I dont think I was happy being a child. I was surrounded by adultsfor so long I thought I was already grown up. Im sure the pranks were to gaineven more attention. It certainly caused lots of drama.

SFX SOUND OF THROAT CLEARING FROM MALE PASSENGER SEATED BESIDE THEM.

Michael: Tell me about family drama. Sorry for barging in.

Margo: Thats okay we were probably talking too loudly. Im Margo andthis is my daughter Eva.

Michael: Im Michael pleased to meet you. Im on my way to sort out adrama of my own.

Margo: Oh isnt that funny so are we.

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Michael: Daughter, son, husband?

Margo: Neither but it is a long story. What about you?

Michael: Daughter, you dont mind if I talk do you? It helps to relieve thefear sitting in my belly.

Margo: No please, it makes me feel better when I know we are not the onlyones with problems.

Michael: Jessica is a beautiful girl with so much living ahead of her and nowthis. I am at my wits end in trying to understand how she got herself into thismess.

Margo: How old is she?

Michael: Shes twenty two. You would be about the same age Eva?

Eva: Im twenty eight, nearly past childbearing arent I Mum? (Giggles)

Michael: Jessica will never have that choice if I cant get her out of thatcountry and back home.

Margo: Where is she?

Michael: Shes in prison in Cape Town accused of bringing drugs into thecountry to sell. Some drug called Tik, Ive never heard of it.

Margo: (Gasps) Oh that poor girl. You read about such things every day butnever believe it happens to real people. That Australian girl locked in a prisonin Indonesia for the next twenty years, tragic story.

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Michael: She went for a carefree holiday. Worked three jobs, saved hard andoff she went without a worry in the world. We had happy emails home; she was

having a wonderful time.

Margo: Every young persons right of passage these days. Eva went toLondon didnt you darling? Had a great time.

Eva: I did but we had some hairy experiences. I never told you because Ididnt want you to worry. For some reason when I was travelling my normalcaution went to one side. I trusted everyone.

Michael: I think that was Jesss first mistake. She told us shed met a manand was madly in love. Id usually been able to check them out, this was thefirst time I couldnt do that. I had to trust her judgement.

Eva: If you are anything like my Dad no one is good enough.

Margo: I cant imagine him being like that darling.

Eva: Im old enough now to know it is only because he loves me. It used todrive me mad. For a while there I stopped introducing him to men I wasseeing.

Margo: I suppose he has changed as hes got older, like all of us.

Michael: I love my daughter more than anything. I only want the best for her. Now I want to kill her. Weve had to mortgage the house for the legal feesand this trip, my wife has had to stay and run our business while I go to sort outthis fiasco.

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Eva: What about the man? Has he stayed to help her?

Michael: What do you think? (Sounds exhausted) That will be my first job to

track him down. Hes involved of course. Shed only just mentioned meetinghim and then the requests for money started.

Margo: Makes our drama sound like nothing.

Michael: Tell me, it might make me feel better, enough about me.

Margo: My mother died recently and my sister stopped all contact to the point of having the phone disconnected. I was initially worried and thencurious as to what was going on. Also I presumed we would have to talk aboutwinding up my mothers estate.

Michael: Grief can do funny things to people. Ive heard of families where noone speaks to each other once the will has been read and peoples expectationsare disappointed. They seem to forget that the person making the will has everyright to distribute money any way they wish.

Margo: Im not interested in the money but would like to continue havingsome kind of relationship with Jane. We dont have big enough families thesedays to be able to shrug off losing a few of them.

Eva: We also worry that she is alright. Shed lived at home almost all her life. It must be a big adjustment for her to suddenly be alone.

Michael: Is there a man involved? Usually explains a lot of the misery in theworld. Sometimes Im ashamed to be a man.

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Margo: Sorry Eva but there comes a time as a parent when you have to sayno. You read about these children robbing their parents for money for drugs.Youd have to say no more. Some of them seem to think there is a constant

supply of money. The ATM keeps pumping it out.

Eva: No apology needed Mum. I dont expect you to go on supporting me.

Michael: The last phone call was the worst. She was hysterical, begging,crying and not like my lovely girl but some mad woman. I have had troubleaccepting that she was probably taking some of the drugs herself. You imaginedrug takers as dirty street dwellers not your own lovely children.

Margo: It is so widespread now, accepted as a way of life like drinking inour day. I think young people forget that it is illegal.

Eva: A night out always involves some drugs Mum. They should legalisethem and stop all this hypocrisy. More people die from booze and cigarettesthan drugs.

Margo: Dont tell me any more darling. Sometimes I am better off not toknow all the details of your life.

Michael: I wish I could make this go away.

Margo: Has she got a lawyer? What do they say?

SFX SOUND OF DRINK TROLLEY MOVING CLOSER, WHISPER OFSTEWARD DICUSSING DRINKS.

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Michael: She has but who they are and what they can do I dont know atthis stage, and the cost. I have to take each step one at a time or Ill becomeoverwhelmed. Heres the drinks trolley. I need a top up, can I get you anything

Margo, Eva.

Margo: Another champagne? Thanks, not for any celebrating but it takes theedge off so nicely. I can relax.

Eva: Me too. I want to enjoy this put the drama to one side. It doesnt reallyaffect me or Mum; our lives will go on as before I keep telling myself.

Margo: You are right, once I readjust my thinking, get used to not having asister. We havent been close sadly.

Michael: I cant even begin to imagine what will happen if Jess has to staywhere she is. We were planning on retiring, travelling enjoying time together again. Well spend our older years flying to Cape Town until the money runsout.

Eva: Sounds like you Mum.

Margo: I have spent the last ten or twelve years going to Brisbane to see mymother. I did resent it. I am not wealthy so couldnt afford other holidays,

ironic that Im now having this unexpected one. (Chuckles)

Michael: Cheers ladies. Thank you for listening if I talk it keeps the anxietyat bay.

Margo: Where are you staying? We should keep in touch.

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Michael: Protea Hotel President, near the V&A. Its supposed to be handy toeverything. Not that Ill be shopping or sightseeing sadly, I have read that theCape is truly beautiful with wonderful beaches and its near the ferry that goes

across to the prison.

Margo: We are staying there too. What a coincidence! If there is anything Ican do to help please dont hesitate. She may need to talk to a woman, Id behappy to see her.

Michael: I appreciate your kindness but dont you have enough to dealwith?

Margo: Im sure we will resolve our problem in one meeting and I cantimagine Jane will interrupt her trip. I forgot to check how long the boat isstaying in port.

Eva: Ill check as soon as we settle into our room.

SFX INTERCOM ANNOUNCES LANDING PROCEEDURES. SOUNDS OFTIDYING UP, SEAT BELTS BEING FASTENED, THUD OF WHEELSDROPPING.

Eva: Heres my mobile put your number in Michael.

Michael: Put yours into mine too. How about we have dinner tomorrownight, give me a call to confirm? Ill need a familiar face.

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SCENE 6 INT INSIDE A CAF.SFX BACKGROUND NOISE OF A BUSY CAF.

Jane: I still cant believe I am sitting here with you two. When I saw youcoming toward me out of the crowd I thought I was seeing things. I was furiousyou know.

Margo: Im sorry to do it this way but you gave me no choice. You cut off allcommunication.

Jane: You could have waited until I was home again. Surely Im entitled tohave a break. It was hard work in the end. Bonnie was so disabled. Youd fly inand pay your dues and then be off with no responsibility.

Margo: Why didnt you tell me you felt like this? I could see Mumdeteriorate but you seemed to take it in your stride.

Jane: No use going over the past. Shes gone and I am going to do as I pleasefor the rest of my life. Im so tired. To be away where every whim is fulfilled, Iam waited on hand and foot, no cooking, cleaning or demands, I cant tell youwhat that means to me.

Margo: I can appreciate that Jane dear and if youd phoned me and talked itthrough we could have avoided this.

Jane: I didnt feel I owed you anything Margo. You went off and made a lifefor yourself, had your lovely daughter.

Margo: You could have done the same. That time you went to America youcould have stayed there, got away.

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Jane: I was so homesick. Bonnie was my world I couldnt function withouther. Id never had any practice. I didnt have your confidence. I felt nervous

about being accepted with my funny history, like Id suddenly be exposed and people wouldnt like me.

Eva: I cant imagine your anxiety, now days the makeup of families is everycombination you can think up and some more.

Jane: It was very hard keeping a secret, the times I wanted it out in the open.I didnt feel I could marry, the truth would have had to come out.

Margo: I do understand love but I feel hurt and wonder about my relationshipwith you both when so much was hidden. I suppose I have to just respect thedecisions that were made. I heard a lady in her eighties on the radio saying shehadnt told her two daughters they were adopted and wanted to go to her gravewith the secret. I couldnt see how hard it would be, Eva and I shareeverything.

Eva: There are some things I dont tell you Mum because I dont want you toworry.

Margo: I know darling but Im sure a big issue youd come to me, such as a

baby.

Eva: You dont know Mum until you are in that situation.

Jane: Anyway none of this speculation gets us anywhere. Im sorry if I havehurt you but I cant spend any more of my life worrying about others. Call meselfish.

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Margo: I dont deny you any of this.

Jane: What does everyone want? Lets order.

Margo: Coffee nothing to eat.

Eva: Coffee and a small cake please.

Jane: English Breakfast tea please.

SFX FOOTSTEPS WALKING AWAY.

Margo: How has the trip been? The boat looks totally luxurious.

Jane: It is. I needed to get away, clear my head. Couldnt this have waited?

Margo: I would never have stood in your way if you had confided in me.

Jane: Have you ever had the feeling of wanting to walk away fromeverything without looking back?

Margo: Of course but I had a child, impossible to do.

Jane: Well you can begin to understand then. I must say it took me a fewminutes to compute that it was you. I was going to bolt.

Eva: But Auntie Jane there is more to it than that. We know the truth. Wesearched the family records.

Jane: Oh you are a resourceful pair.

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Margo: Please Jane I only wanted the truth. So much has been hidden.

Jane: I am your aunt which you probably already know. Bonnie took me as

her child or my mother would have been thrown on the street with nothing. Myfather was a doctor who my mother, your grandmother Eva, had a relationshipwith. Im meeting a brother and a sister tomorrow. Sadly my father has passedaway.

Margo: Why couldnt I have been told?

Jane: Mum never wanted you to know while she was alive. We cant relateto the shame now, where there are no taboos.

Margo: That explains why you never came on holidays with me to Gransand why I felt I couldnt talk about you when visiting.

Jane: I suffered too. I can remember waving you off and wondering why Icouldnt go. I was sure I had done something wrong or they didnt like me.Bonnie spoilt me to compensate. As I got older we did become the sisters wewere.

Eva: It must have been painful for Great Gran to not see you, her own child.

Jane: Women of her era were dependant on a man for survival. She did asshe was told. He provided a large sum of money for Bonnie to take me andkeep me out of their sight.

Margo: That explains our sudden wealth. I lapped it up not giving anythought as to where the money came from.

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Jane: And then of course when they died there was even more. Bonnie was agood manager. She had a strict rule, no spending capital only the interest andearnings could be enjoyed. A concept no one has today.

Eva: What about your father?

SFX SOUNDS OF CUPS AND PLATES BEING PUT ON TABLE.

Jane: Sadly I never met him. He ran away to South Africa after therelationship finished. It would have been impossible for them to have stayedtogether, the scandal too great. He had friends who helped deliver me at home,keep it quiet, organise the birth certificate.

Margo: She was too young to be married to a much older man. He was a kindman but probably unexciting.

Jane: He wasnt kind to me Margo. Bonnie let me have photos of my realdad. Hes very handsome. My brother looks just like him. Im very excited to be meeting them at last. Bonnie kept some of the letters too. It has beenwonderful to read of the passion they shared and the heartache. At least I knowI was born from a great love affair.

Margo: There is so much I want to know. I feel guilty we werent closer but

then the age difference was too much and now you have another family.

Jane: I want to get to know you better Margo, but not now. There is toomuch else going on. I miss Bonnie every day, we were such pals. Thats whythe house had to go. I dont want to live there without her.

Margo: But that was my home too Jane.

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Jane: I know and Im sorry. I will give you a share when I have had this trip.The money from Gran was left to Bonnie on the condition I was the sole beneficiary. My mother felt she had much to make up for. Money of course

doesnt do it, there is, however, plenty I can afford to be generous.

Margo: It was never about the money Jane. I just wanted the truth. I stillcant accept that this could not have been out in the open years ago.

Eva: All our belief in who we are and where we fit in the family has beentossed in the air. I am affected too.

Jane: Of course you are darling. Bonnie put it off and then it was too late, her mind in disarray and I didnt feel it was up to me by that stage.

Margo: Im surprised that she didnt blurt it out when she forgot the presentand only lived in the past.

Jane: The keeping a secret was so ingrained. I am sorry Margo but I cantundo the past.

Eva: How long are you in the Cape for?

Jane: We sail in two days. Perhaps we need to sleep on it and then meet up

again tomorrow. Ive met a lovely crowd of people on the ship. We are gettingtogether for lunch later. I cant tell you how free I feel. I have enough years leftto start a new life. I dont think Ill paint again. I might change my mind but Iwant to do other things.

Eva: That would be a shame you have had so much success. Its been such a big part of who you are and you do it beautifully. Remember when you used togo on at me to try my hand.

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Jane: I was a bit bossy wasnt I? Painting served me well as something Icould do at home.

Eva: I was slightly frightened of you.

Jane: Really, I suppose I believed you had some talent or wanted to believeyou had.

Margo: We might let you go Jane. I need to absorb all this. My head isthrobbing.

Jane: Why dont you come on board tomorrow? I can show you around. Wecan find a quiet place to talk.

Margo: Sounds good to me. Give me a hug darling until tomorrow. Enjoyyour new friends. Im not the enemy; I want us to be reunited after this.

Eva: Bye Jane until tomorrow.

SFX SOUND OF KISSING AND FAREWELLS. FOOTSTEPS WALK AWAY.

Margo: That went well, very civilised in the end. She doesnt seem too upsetor angry. Thank God. The look on her face as she saw us I thought she wouldexplode.

Eva: Seeing us standing there would have been a terrible shock. I cant believe we are really here in this fabulous place. Come on Mum lets go andcruise the shops, enjoy ourselves.

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Margo: Good idea, I wonder how Michael is going. Ill give him a buzz later and organise dinner. Our drama has settled Im sure his is only beginning.

SFX SOUND OF FOOTSTEPS RUSHING. SQUEALS OF DELIGHT.SHOPPING CENTRE NOISES.

Eva: Mum look at that gorgeous dress.

Margo: Do you want to try it on darling?

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SCENE 7 INTSFX SOUNDS OF BUSY HOTEL DINING ROOM.

Margo: There he is over there.

Eva: Sorry we are late we have had a fabulous afternoon in the shops.

Michael: It is lovely to see someone happy. Sit, would you like a drink. Imgetting stuck into it.

SFX SOUNDS OF CHAIRS MOVING, GETTING SETTLED.

Margo: Id like champagne, join me Eva?

Eva: Sounds good Mum. Now how did it go Michael?

Michael: Tell me your news first. I have been thinking about you sitting heregetting slowly stewed.

Margo: It ended well. She was cross to start with. I suppose the shock was alot for her to take in. You know when you come across something totally out of left field.

Michael: So she admitted what was going on?

Margo: She could hardly have done otherwise when we presented what our searches had revealed. I think she was impressed that we went to such lengths.

Eva: Some questions have been answered but I still have more. I must makea list as we are only likely to see her once more before she sails off.

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Margo: Im still not a hundred percent happy. To feel I have been lied to allmy life will take some getting used to.

Eva: Enough about us how did you get on with Jessica?

Michael: It would have to be the worst experience of my life. To go acrossthis beautiful harbour like a free wheeling visitor and then to have to talk to mylittle girl behind a plastic barrier was truly heartbreaking. I wasnt allowed tohug her or give any comfort.

Margo: How is she?

Michael: Bloody awful. She is terrified; she cried and begged the whole time.Shes like a stick not an ounce of weight on her. I dont know what Im goingto do.

Margo: Were you able to meet with her lawyer?

Michael: He seemed nice but overwhelmed with work. I could barely see himunder the stacks of files. All he could say was he would do his best. These areserious charges, they are trying to crack down on this trade because of the hugedamage it is doing to addicts lives and their crime stats.

Eva: What about the man? Does Jessica know where he is?

Michael: She is frightened of him and doesnt want him contacted. Hesthreatened to kill her inside prison if she even mentions his name. Why arentthere better warnings for young people travelling the world on the dangers outthere?

Margo: There probably are but no one thinks it will happen to them.

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Michael: The hardest part was trying to keep myself calm, like I was incontrol, try to give her some hope that I might be able to do something.

Margo: Poor little girl. What is your next step?

Michael: She has a court appearance in two days to plead. She wont get bailas she is part of a well known gang who could harm her. They want this case tosucceed as a warning to others. It will be widely reported, a coup for the localcops. I cant see how she is going to be coming home with me. My wife is beside herself with worry. There is nothing I can say to console her.

Eva: If the gang members are so well known why cant they get the rest of them?

Michael: A foreigner provides a better message. The papers give it a lot of coverage. Look Ive cut out the stories so far, (SFX Sounds of paper rustling)you can see it is big news.

Margo: I see what you mean, listen to this. Tik trade dealt a blow with thearrest of Jessica Midland a visitor from Australia who thought shed pay for her holiday by selling a few drugs while she was here. She faces a long prisonsentence if convicted.

Michael: See what I mean, what hope does she have?

Eva: I am so sorry Michael; I dont know what to say.

Michael: Im so glad I met you, to have a friendly face to download means alot to me.

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Margo: How about we come to the court with you? Is there anything else wecan do?

Michael: I dont want to spoil your holiday. Are you seeing Jane again?

Margo: Yes we are going onto the ship tomorrow afternoon. She sails the dayafter.

Michael: I can do one small thing for Jess. She has asked me to buy her sometoiletries and clothes. I wonder could I ask you to give me a hand. My wifealways took care of such things. Its important that she has the right items, atiny bit of comfort for her.

Eva: No trouble, wed enjoy it. The shops are fabulous.

Margo: Are we ready to order? I feel like some fish, something healthy.

Michael: Im not hungry, Ill have a liquid dinner I think and hopefully getsome sleep tonight, my thoughts wont settle to allow sleep to come.

Eva: You need to eat Michael; youll be no use to her if you get sick.

Michael: Ill try something light. Can we meet early tomorrow at the shops,

then I can go for a visit in the afternoon, try and buck her up for the courthearing.

Margo: Thats fine we are seeing Jane after lunch. So about nine well have acoffee and then set off. Come on everyone order.

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SCENE 8 EXTSFX SOUNDS OF SHIP HORNS IN BACKGROUND, SEAGULLSCLAMOURING, FOOTSTEPS ON A SHIPS DECK.

Margo: Oh Jane this is truly beautiful. I could sit up here forever taking in thecolour and activity all around.

Eva: You must be having a fabulous time.

Jane: I am. It is just what I needed and Im going to enjoy every moment.Im sorry again for my upset yesterday. It was such a shock.

Margo: Alls forgiven. It is a relief to have everything out in the open. I hopewe can have some ongoing relationship as aunt and niece and Eva as greatniece.

Eva: Thats a mouthful Mum, sounds very grand.

Jane: We will I promise. Let me have this burst of freedom, get it out of mysystem and then well take it from there.

Margo: Where are you going to live when you get back?

Jane: I havent given it much thought. I might leave Brisbane and make anew start, Sydney, Melbourne, I dont know. I have friends through my arteverywhere.

Margo: How was your visit with your brother and sister?

Jane: Wonderful, we have such strong resemblances to each other and it waslike Id known them all my life. We slotted straight in. It was wonderful to find

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out about my father. They speak so warmly about him. I was in tears most of the time.

Eva: What are they like?

Jane: Very successful. David is a Chief Inspector in the police force andSusan is in the IT sector, owns her business and is planning to expand toAustralia. She feels the connection has always been there. Our Dad had strongfeelings for the place even though he had to leave and start again.

Margo: Jane what did you say David does? I cant believe it. He might beable to help our friend Michael.

Jane: Who is this Michael?

Eva: We met him on the plane. His daughter is in serious trouble, drugs. Heshere to try and get her home. She wont survive being in prison. Shes younger than me.

Jane: I dont know, I have read about her in the paper Jessica something, gotinvolved with some bad types.

Margo: Yes thats her. He is a lovely man, beside himself with worry.

Jane: Ill ring David he might at least have some advice he can give him.

Margo: Would you darling? We feel so useless. All we have done is help himshop for her.

Jane: Order yourself a drink. Ill go back to the cabin and give him a bell. Seeyou in a while.

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Margo: What would you like darling?

Eva: Champagne might be nice. I could get used to this holiday life, all thisexciting bubbly.

Margo: Wouldnt it be marvellous to telephone Michael with good news? Lifeis always about who you know in the world. Can you believe Jane has a brother high up in the police just when we need such a person?

Eva: Dont get too carried away. We are in a foreign country; no way couldwe work out how the systems here work.

Margo: I know darling, but lets cross our fingers and toes. I keep thinkinghow I would feel if it was you in Jessicas shoes.

Eva: Yes a sobering thought Mum, one foolish decision and all your dreamsgone.

Margo: Here she comes that was quick.

Jane: Good news loves. He didnt say much, leave it with him, hell do whathe can. He asked for you to keep it to yourself for now in case there isnt

anything he can do.

Margo: Thanks Jane that is marvellous my toes are crossed now. I want toask you how you feel about what has happened now youve slept on it.

Jane: Im glad I can at last speak freely to you, not think before I open mymouth. Weve both had our heartache.

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Margo: We have but isnt that part of living in the end. No ones life is perfect or runs smoothly all of the time.

Jane: We both have much to be thankful for. I have this wonderful newfamily, I cant tell you what that means. It is helping to settle Bonnies lose. Ihave a future pulling me into the future, much to look forward to.

Margo: Bonnie had a good, full life thanks to your care and companionship. Itis easier to let her go knowing that. Jane: I propose a toast to Bonnie, Im sure shes up there with Mum lookingdown and keeping us safe.

Margo: I am sure theyll be there waiting when my time comes. It gives mesuch comfort, to Bonnie.

Eva: Heres to Bonnie and David being able to help Michael.

Margo: When do you get back home Jane?

Jane: At the end of May. Could I come and stay with you until I decide whatmy next move is?

Margo: Oh Jane Im thrilled you would want to do that. Well have lots of time to spend together, getting to know each other in our new roles.

Eva: That would be wonderful Jane. Ill come and visit, have some lovelyfamily time together. Can we go back through all the boxes of photos and retellthe history as it really is?

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Jane: Id love it; there is so much we need to go over. Photos take you right back as if you were there again. Ive probably got some you havent seen.

Margo: Its settled then. We should get going let you get back to your holidayJane dear.

Jane: Im dining with the captain tonight. Ill need to decide what to wear,look glamorous and sophisticated.

Eva: You look lovely Jane. Ill count the days until we see you again.

Margo: Bye darling, enjoy yourself. I love you dearly.

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SCENE 9 INTSFX SOUNDS OF AIRCRAFT NOISE CRUISING, SOFT CRYING FROMA GIRL.

Michael: Its okay now Jess, stop crying darling we are safe now. Come ondry your tears. Good old Dad has come through for you.

Jess: I was so scared. I didnt dare believe that they would let me leave. Ithought it was a trick and any minute theyd arrest me again. They shook meawake in the middle of the night and said I was leaving. (Sobs)

Margo: Oh Jess you poor little mite. What a horror of a time youve had.

Michael: How will we ever thank your sister Jane?

Margo: She was happy to help though we will never know exactly whatDavid was able to do. Somehow he found the recalcitrant boyfriend andcharged him instead of you. Why they couldnt have done that in the first placeis a mystery?

Eva: None of that matters, shes free and on her way home.

Michael: Mum will be at the airport to meet us; she is so excited and

relieved.

Jess: I cant believe I was so stupid and naive. He was so gorgeous, treatedme like a princess until the money dried up. I am never leaving home again.You think being Australian protects you. I kept saying Im Australian, they just laughed at me. (Sobs)

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Michael: There, there sweetheart, its over. Look out the window were over the ocean, home is the next stop.

Jess: I cant thank you enough Margo and Eva. Those lovely clothes you bought me, they lifted my spirits in that horrible place. I want to warn everyyoung person thinking about travelling what the dangers are.

Michael: Would you have listened?

Jess: Probably not, but I can try. Such a beautiful country but terrifying whenthings go wrong. Im still so scared. They bundled me out the front door andonto the boat and then left me on the wharf. I had no idea what was happening.

Margo: That will probably take some time to settle. Youve had a major trauma.

Michael: I thought it was a hoax when the phone rang and someone saidYour daughter is on the wharf waiting for you. I raced there to find my littlegirl standing so still with no idea where to turn. We just want you home andsafe with us again. It will be hard to let you out of our sight for a moment.

Margo: Youll have to take each day slowly and gradually it will get better once you are back with friends and into your old routines.

Jess: I have been given a second chance that I will never forget. I must getmyself on track now, no more mucking about, time to grow up.

Michael: Oh darling, I have faith youll get there. You made a mistake;youre not a bad person.

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Jess: No just incredibly stupid. No man is worth the hell Ive been through. Idont think Ill be able to trust anyone for a while.

Margo: Try to take each day at a time; the future will come along in its ownfashion.

Eva: What a journey we have all had! Our family has been completelyrearranged and your family has been made intact again. You couldnt dream upsuch a story. My head spins if I think too long about it. Maybe Ive had toomuch champagne.

Margo: I think that is exactly what we need, a true celebration not to ward off fears but to toast all of us. I have learnt so much. In the future I want to trustmore. I should have let Jane come to me in her own time not force the issue,though I have had a lovely holiday.

Michael: Could we have a bottle of champagne and four glasses please?

SFX GLASSES BEING FILLED.

Jess: I cant begin to get my head around what Ive been through. Its still soraw and horrible.

Eva: I dont know you well enough Jess but I would like to be someone youfeel you could turn to, confide in.(Clinks her glass) I too have had a wonderfulholiday. Heres to many more and getting to know this topsy turvy family I belong to.

SFX GLASSES STRIKING. LAUGHTER.

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Michael: Cheers to my new friends, Margo and Eva and my beloveddaughter Jessica. I want us to keep in touch forever. I would love to get toknow Jane too. I can breath at last and imagine the future.

SFX MORE LAUGHTER AND GIRL CRYING SOFTLY.

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The Executrix