Chapter Three

Kelly, you have a call on line two from someone named Jessica. (Jessica is Kelly's affluent cousin whose Father is the Mayor of Middleville). Jessie, Kelly, how are you? It's been ages, most certainly. What have you been up to lately? You know me, same old, same old, still solving crimes. Kelly chuckles. I heard about your huge promotion, congrats girl, well thank you. So how's that uncle of mine? Still wealthy, Jessica laughed. Well, I called to inform you that I'm getting married, the wedding is this weekend, and you're one of my Bridesmaids. Christabel (Jessica's best friend) is going to call you and give you the specifics. Bye girl. (Call drops…) Jessica is getting married again for the third time? I wonder who this unfortunate guy is. Kelly shakes her head. I need a drink. Tim, can you get me a cup of whisky? Kelly, it's just 10am. (Kelly lays her right hand over her face feeling embarrassed). A cup of coffee will be fine. Thanks Tim.

(Kelly returns home)

What's wrong? How was your day? Ashley asked. Jessica is getting married. Jessica? The one we went to high school with? Yep! That same one. Is this not her third marriage? Yes, it is. She has successfully convinced two guys to marry her and now a third, and I don't even have a boyfriend. All eyes are going to be on me at the wedding. Everyone will be checking to see if I came with a man. (I believe I'm going to be sick, Kelly stated). No you're not! Calm down Kelly, I will go with you, to assist you emotionally. Aww, honestly, you would do that for me? Of course I will. You're my best friend. I will do anything legal for you. (Kelly grins and hugs Ashley). When is the date? Ashley asked. This weekend. Oops! Ash, I recognize that face. Why oops? Well… I promised Jack that we will spend the weekend together. I will call to cancel. No Ashley, don't do that, you have been looking forward to this weekend with Jack and I wouldn't want to ruin it for you. So, go have fun with Jack, I will be perfectly fine. (Kelly grins). You may ask Harvey, I'm sure he will be pleased to go with you. Ashley, you have started again with your Harvey hypothesis. Just quit now. Fine! I shall quit. But when it happens, just know I was right…bye love. Are you heading out? Yeah, I have some shopping to do before my weekend excursion, if you know what I mean, (Both laughs). Can I come? Yeah.

(Kelly makes her way to Middleville for the weekend)

Wow! I can't believe it's been 10 years since I was home (Middleville). I'm fairly confident a lot of changes would have taken place by now, Kelly thought to herself while in a cab on her way to the Airport. (Kelly's phone rings). Hi Peanut, hi Dad. I just got to the Airport, I should be arriving in the next 45 minutes. Okay that's alright. Your Mum and I are in the Airport back home waiting for your arrival. We are really happy to see you, me too. Do have a lovely flight. Thanks Dad. (Phone call drops…)

(Kelly runs to board the plane and suddenly trips)

May I? Harvey! What are you doing here? Uhmmm, boarding an aircraft like you, I know, I mean why today? Are you following me? Following you? Harvey responded, seeming astonished. I mean Ashley said…. Ashley, your best friend? Yes. What did she say? Never mind, it's not important. Well to answer your question, I'm taking my kid to school. I didn't know you were married. I was, my wife is dead. Oh, I'm sorry I didn't know. Nancy, I'd like you to meet someone, her name is Kelly. Hi Nancy, you look very nice. Thank you, Nancy says. How do you know my Dad? We work together. Oh! Yeah. Alright kiddo, let's go. Stay safe Kelly, thanks, you too. Bye Nancy. Kelly seems lovely, you like her? (Harvey smiles). Dad, you like her… (Nancy says smiling). Knock it off kiddo!

(Kelly arrives Middleville’s Airport)

Kelly! Hi Dad, Mum. Oh honey it's lovely to see you. It's been such a long time. (Kelly hugs her Mum). You look so lean, I cooked your favorites mashed potatoes and chicken. Peanut! Dad, come here. I missed you (Kelly's Dad offers her a bear embrace). Let's get you home. Wow! A lot hasn't changed since my last visit. Are you sure about that? Jacob (Kelly's Dad) asked. Well, don't mind me, let me drop these bags in your room, Jacob said. So tell me Mum, what's new; how's work; working on any new case? Well, yes baby, but I can't tell you (Kelly smiles and gives her Mum a kiss, then goes to help her Dad in the room).

Dad, Dad…! Mum! (Kelly cries for help). Dad please get up. Mum, Dad's not getting up. Call the ambulance baby, call now! Mum is Daddy going to be okay, sure baby, he's strong. Has this occurred before? Kelly asks. Yes. Why didn't you tell me? We didn't want to bother you. Oh Mummy, Kelly breaks down weeping. It's okay, Daddy is going to be okay.

(At the Hospital)

Peanut, Dad, you scared me, please don't leave me. I'm going nowhere baby. Jacob smiles. (The Doctor walks into the room and requests a brief chat with Maggie; Kelly's Mum).

Doctor, how is he? Is he going to be okay? Maggie inquired. Yes, he will. But we need to start making arrangements for a heart transplant. His heart is failing. Maggie sobs. (The Doctor lays his right hand on Maggie's shoulder in an attempt to calm her). Maggie, it’s going to be okay. Thank you Doctor. Maggie responds. Mum, what did the Doctor say? He said your Dad is going to be alright, that he must have been overwhelmed on hearing you were coming home and probably stressed himself trying to ensure everything was perfect for your arrival. He also said that Dad needs to take some time off to rest. Oh! That's great comfort, glad to hear Daddy will be alright, I was really scared Mum, Kelly added, I know honey. Anyway, I'm heading to the cafeteria to get something to eat. Would you like anything Mum? No honey, I'm alright. Okay Mum. Maggie, my sweetheart, why did you lie to Kelly? Jacob asked. Why didn't you tell her my heart is failing? I didn't want to worry her, she looked so happy. This is the happiest we have seen her since she called off her wedding with Eddy. I never understood what she saw in that young man. Let's not forget she's in town for Jessica's third wedding (Maggie and Jacob laugh…) You're right. Maybe we can wait a little.

(Kelly's phone is ringing…. continuous ringing…. Still ringing and eventually stops)

Kelly dear, someone has been calling your phone since you left. Did you take the call? No dear. I think you should call the number back. It might be important. Hello, Hi Kelly. It's me! Christabel. Meet us at Shirley Beauty and Spa in approximately half an hour from now. Why? We'll be having our hair and nails done today. Don't be late! Uhmmm Christabel, I don't think… (call drops). Honey, what's wrong? Why the long face? That was Christabel on the phone, okay, what did she want? She asks me to meet her at Shirley Beauty and Spa in half an hour. I tried to tell her that I wouldn't be able to make it since Daddy is in the hospital, but she hung up. I don't think I will go Mum; I have to stay here with you to keep an eye on Daddy. Honey, your Dad is fine. We have been caring for each other for years. I know, but, no but honey. You go have fun with the girls okay. Alright Mum. I love you. Bye Dad. We did a terrific job raising her darling, yes we did Maggie.