EPISODE 1

 

EPISODE # 001

Created By: Casey S. Hutchison

Written By: Casey S. Hutchison

Air Date: Monday, September 2, 2024

A new day has fallen upon the city of Hazelbrook. And as the sun slowly begins to make its way high above the clouds, the residents are trying to start their days off right on this September morning.

At the Callahan Home, Catherine Callahan is looking out of a window in the living room, and lightly sipping on her freshly brewed cup of coffee. As Catherine smiles at a nearby tree in the yard, with its leaves beginning to change color, her phone suddenly begins to ring.

CATHERINE: (answering the phone) Hello? Mr. Wentworth, good morning. No, I cannot make it into the office today. I promised my daughter that I would take her dress shopping. Her big day is only one month away. (sighs) I’m well aware of the crisis that continues to develop at our factories. People with GEDs suddenly want a three dollar raise. But I need you to hold firm. Raises are earned, not given. I don’t care how much this inflation scare continues to fester in their minds. Thank you, Mr. Wentworth for covering. Have a good day.

As Catherine hangs up from the call, Jennifer enters the room.

JENNIFER: Well, well, well, I see you’re keeping everyone on their toes in the cosmetics world, mom.

CATHERINE: I try. And if anyone thinks I’m caving and giving those people a raise above 25 cents a year, then they’re out of their minds.

JENNIFER: You are such an inspiration. The way you don’t back down.

CATHERINE: Oh darling, you don’t want me to be your inspiration. But I appreciate the flattering comment. Anyway, are you ready for today? We’re going to get you to one of the finest dress shops in town, and…

JENNIFER: I hate to cut you off, but…

CATHERINE: But what?

JENNIFER: I actually have an errand to run first.

CATHERINE: Jennifer, what possible errand could you need to take care of? We have an appointment with Elise, and we mustn’t be late.

JENNIFER: I’ll meet you there, mother.

CATHERINE: You promise?

JENNIFER: Yeah. I do. I’ll see you later.

Jennifer begins to collect her things, and then gives her mother a kiss on the cheek. Jennifer then walks off towards the foyer.

Roughly half an hour later, at the Harbor View Hotel, Jennifer is lying in a bed, under silk sheets, while a man is on top of her.

JENNIFER: Hurry this up, I have an appointment to get to.

The man continues to thrust deep inside of Jennifer. Then, moments later, Jennifer is standing over by a mirror, once again fully dressed, and putting on a pair of earrings. She then turns around, staring at the shirtless man in bed.

JENNIFER: You’ve got some incredible moves.

Jennifer then goes to the man, and kisses him passionately.

JENNIFER: And I can’t wait to see where this whole thing goes.

CLARK: Even though you’re marrying my son in a month?

Clark Davidson slowly sits up further in the bed.

JENNIFER: When I’m with you, I forget all about him.

CLARK: (slightly laughs) That’s what I like to hear.

At the Firefly Cafe, in the Main Area, Hudson Callahan is standing at the front counter, looking deeply at the menu boards above him.

HUDSON: Okay…okay, I think I know what I want now. Can I get a large Americano with just a splash of oat milk? Thanks.

Hudson begins to pay for his order, using the tablet card reader in front of him. He then turns around, walking off to wait for his order at a nearby table. But as he does, he sees Imani Davidson sitting at a booth, sipping on an iced tea. He goes to her.

HUDSON: Imani? Is it really you?

IMANI: Hello, Hudson.

HUDSON: What are you doing back here in Hazelbrook?

IMANI: My brother’s wedding to your sister is just one month away. I thought I’d come back here a little early to see these two love birds take off.

HUDSON: You look good.

IMANI: Uh…thanks. You do, too.

HUDSON: Thanks. Took me a long time to get here.

IMANI: I know.

Imani stands from the booth, collecting her handbag.

HUDSON: Where are you headed off to? My order should be up soon, and I’d love to catch up, and see what you’ve been up to these past few months.

IMANI: My cruise was great. Temporarily living in France was even better. Hudson, I have to go, though. I’m having lunch with my mother after she finishes up at the hospital.

HUDSON: I see. Can I see you tonight, though?

IMANI: I don’t think that’s a good idea. (sighs) It’s really good to see you clean, though. I’m glad that those steps are finally working.

Imani politely smiles, and then walks off. As Hudson lets out a deep breath of slight frustration, Emily Anderson comes up behind him.

EMILY: Hudson?

HUDSON: (turning around) Hey, Em.

EMILY: Are you okay?

HUDSON: (clears throat) Not really.

EMILY: I had a feeling. I came in through the porch, and I saw how awkward things looked between you and Imani. Honestly I should’ve told you she was coming back. She posted a pic of her at the airport on her Insta yesterday.

HUDSON: I’m still blocked.

EMILY: Yeah. Look, I was just going to get an Americano with a splash of oat milk. Would you want to join me?

HUDSON: Funny enough, that’s just what I ordered.

EMILY: We’ve always had similar tastes. I guess that’s why we’re such good friends. Come on, let’s grab a table outside.

HUDSON: (smiling) Deal.

At St. Raphael Hospital, in the Chief of Staff’s Office, a nameplate reads Doctor Denise Davidson. Denise brushes her hand across the nameplate. She then goes to the window in her office, peaks out of it, and looks down over the bustling medical activity. Denise then goes to her desk and picks up a file.

DENISE: My scans. My whole future is in this file.

Denise then slowly sits down in her brown leather chair and opens the file. She begins to look over the contents of her mammogram scans.

DENISE: (softly/at a whisper) Oh my god.

Denise wipes away a tear, as she closes the file. Denise manages to collect herself as she picks up her office telephone, quickly dialing a number.

DENISE: Doctor Pierson, it’s me. I just got done looking over the scans from my mammogram. I’m concerned about the mass found on my left breast. I have to meet my daughter for lunch today, but I’d really like it if you could come back later, after your shift, and we can meet in private for more tests. Thank you, Pierson. I appreciate your time and your handling of this matter.

Denise slowly hangs up the phone, and then leans back in her chair.

DENISE: Calm down, Denise. It could be a number of things. You know to never assume the worst. Get it together.

Back at the Callahan Home, in the Foyer, Frances Anderson rushes up to Catherine and Jennifer, who have just returned from an afternoon of shopping. Frances hurriedly takes a dress bag out of Catherine’s hand.

CATHERINE: Thank you, Frances.

FRANCES: Certainly, Mrs. Callahan. So, ladies, did you find the dress for the big day? I’ve been waiting on pins and needles.

JENNIFER: Thankfully, after searching all this time, we did find the dress of my dreams. I’m getting married to Kirk in this beautiful mermaid dress. The beading detail is out of this world, Frannie.

FRANCES: Makes my heart warm for you, dear.

JENNIFER: Remember when I was a little girl, and you would help me make wedding dresses out of curtains and bed sheets? (laughs) And now it’s all finally happening.

CATHERINE: Well, that playtime dress didn’t cost thirteen thousand dollars. Frances, do you mind putting on a pot of green tea? I’m exhausted.

FRANCES: Right away, Mrs. Callahan.

CATHERINE: I’ll have it out on the lanai.

Catherine brushes past Frances, walking off.

JENNIFER: Don’t mind her, she’s…

FRANCES: Those troubles at Callahan Cosmetics continue.

JENNIFER: She just wants to make granddad proud.

FRANCES: I know. I’ve been with this family for a long time.

JENNIFER: You practically raised Hudson and me.

FRANCES: That I did. Speaking of family, your father called. He’s still on that hunting trip with Kirk. Apparently those two guys are living it up.

JENNIFER: I better go and check on my fiance, and rescue him from my father trying to tempt him to agree to move us into the guest house.

FRANCES: Would it be such a terrible thing?

JENNIFER: I just don’t want to be tied down on my family’s property, Frannie. I want to spread my wings. I’m an up and coming surgeon. Kirk’s inventing apps left and right. We have plenty of our own money to move out, and explore this world.

FRANCES: I hear you, dear. Just be sure to make the right decisions in the end. Family is everything. Now, I better get your mother that tea before she starts ringing that annoying bell. Give Kirk and your father my best.

JENNIFER: You bet I will.

Jennifer kisses Frances on the cheek, and then walks off. Before Frances retreats to the kitchen, however, her phone suddenly rings. Without looking down at who’s calling her, she quickly answers it.

FRANCES: Emily, it’s about time you called. I need your help here at the Callahans. I’m behind on getting the bathrooms cleaned.

Frances waits for a response from her daughter, but does not get one. Instead, she hears static on the other end of the phone call.

FRANCES: Emily?

Frances continues to hear static, but then hears a gunshot. And then, the caller on the other end hangs up. A shaken Frances slowly puts her cell phone back into her apron pocket.

Still at the Callahan Home, in Jennifer’s Bedroom, Jennifer is sitting on a sofa chair, talking on her cell phone.

JENNIFER: Are you sure he’s treating you right?

KIRK: Yes, honey, your father and I are practically best friends.

JENNIFER: Oh God, what have you done with my father?

KIRK: (laughs) I didn’t know he could be this nice either. But this hunting trip was a really good idea. We’ve gotten to bond a lot.

JENNIFER: As happy as I am for you, I miss you.

KIRK: I miss you, too. We’ll be back before you know it. Anyway, did you meet my mother and Imani for lunch today?

JENNIFER: I couldn’t get away. I had to stop by and have a meeting with your father, and then I had to meet my mother for my dress appointment. I found the dress, by the way. You’re going to be blown away.

KIRK: I have no doubt in my mind. Anyway, why’d you meet with my dad?

JENNIFER: I wanted to see if he changed his mind about making me co-head of surgeons with him over at the hospital, since his load is getting so big with all of these incoming interns.

KIRK: And…?

JENNIFER: I think I got him to change his mind.

KIRK: That’s because he knows what a talent you are.

JENNIFER: I think so.

KIRK: Your dad’s coming up to the cabin now. Did you want to talk to him?

JENNIFER: I actually have to look over my schedule for tomorrow. But please let him know how proud I am of him being a normal human being for once.

KIRK: I’ll see if I can sneak that into the conversation.

JENNIFER: You better. I love you, Kirk.

KIRK: I love you, too, Jennifer.

Jennifer smiles as she hangs up the phone. And then, as she becomes alone with her thoughts, she suddenly flashes back to earlier that day where she was making love to Kirk’s father.

At The Bell Tower, an upscale restaurant in town, Imani and Denise are finishing up a light lunch of caesar salad and white wine.

DENISE: I’m saddened that Jennifer couldn’t join us for lunch. I heard that she found a wedding dress today, and I would’ve loved to have seen pictures of the fitting.

IMANI: I’m fine with waiting until the big day.

DENISE: Imani…

IMANI: What, mother?

DENISE: You just got back in town, in preparation for your brother’s wedding, and yet it would appear as though you’re still not a fan of Jennifer Callahan’s.

IMANI: I’m not going to change my opinion all because Kirk put a ring on it.

DENISE: Are you still not over what happened in college?

IMANI: You mean when she outed me for being bisexual? I felt like I was caught in some 1963 church convention. 

DENISE: That’s probably because you went to your father’s alma mater, which is a Christian oriented college.

IMANI: Regardless of that mother, she forever impacted my life. I was with her brother at the time, and she somehow found out that I had made out with Rebecca Landon. I own my part in cheating. But she’s a gross person who is only out for herself. I don’t care that it happened 20 years ago. And I don’t care that Hudson and I continued to see one another after.

DENISE: Do you still blame her for breaking the two of you up, as well?

IMANI: Yes. I wanted him to go to rehab for his coke addiction. She thought it wasn’t a problem and urged him to break up with me, saying that I was holding him back. And then look what happened, that same week, he got into that horrible car accident.

DENISE: I remember him being rushed into the hospital. His family should forever view it as a miracle that he was able to breathe on his own, and eventually wake up from that coma.

IMANI: I bumped into him today. And in a very short encounter, a lot of memories came flooding back. Jennifer Callahan is poisonous. And I hope that Kirk changes his mind before that big day arrives.

DENISE: Please tell me you’re not going to influence his decision? You’re far better than Jennifer. And I don’t like her, but Kirk is happy.

IMANI: Happy being manipulated.

DENISE: Imani.

IMANI: Jennifer and Kirk’s relationship is part of the reason I left this town. I just couldn’t take sitting across from a dinner table with her staring at me. Nonetheless, if this is what Kirk wants, then I’ll pray that he opens his eyes. But I won’t influence him. I promise.

DENISE: Thank you. And I just know that Jennifer will show her true colors at some point. So I don’t think you have anything to…(coughs)

IMANI: You good, mom?

Denise hurriedly takes a drink of water, as she continues to cough.

DENISE: (sighs) Yes, I’m fine. Sorry, I just had trouble catching my breath for a moment. But what do you say we change the subject?

IMANI: I think that’s a great idea.

Back at the Firefly Cafe, in the Main Area, Hudson and Emily are sitting across from one another, finishing off their Americanos.

EMILY: I see that Imani has gotten you really on edge.

HUDSON: It’s just been so long since I’ve seen her.

EMILY: Months.

HUDSON: And then don’t forget that she was avoiding me for quite some time before she left Hazelbrook. I can’t say I blame her, though.

EMILY: That’s because you’re thinking clearly now that you’re clean.

HUDSON: I guess so. I can now see things from her point-of-view.

EMILY: Hudson, we were all scared when you continued to sink further and further into your cocaine addiction. But then you got help after that car accident. You’ve been through Hell and back. And though it may seem like Imani will forever hate you, I think that a small part of her is proud of you.

HUDSON: Why do you think that?

EMILY: Because, she’s not an evil person. She only wants to see good things happen for those she loves. In fact, she just wants the world to be a better place. She fights for the underdogs everyday as a lawyer.

HUDSON: You’ve got a point there. I just hope she talks to me again someday, especially since we’re about to be closer than ever with the wedding coming up.

EMILY: I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.

Back at the Callahan Home, in the Living Room, Catherine enters the room, with Frances following behind her.

CATHERINE: Thank you for such a lovely cup of tea, Frances. And I’m sorry if it seems as though I’ve had a stick up my ass all day.

FRANCES: That’s quite alright, Mrs. Callahan. We’ve known one another for a very long time. And I’ve had a front row seat as to what you’ve been going through with those who work in your factories.

CATHERINE: Finally, a sane person in my presence.

As Catherine and Frances smile at one another, their attention is suddenly turned to a loud noise of a brick being thrown through a window in the living room.

CATHERINE: (frightened) Oh my god!

Catherine and Frances slowly step towards the brick.

FRANCES: I’ll alert the security team!

Frances rushes off as a curious, and still frightened Catherine walks closer towards the brick. She picks it up slowly, revealing that on the other end is a picture of her taped to it, with her eyes cut out. Catherine screams, throwing the brick to the ground.

END OF EPISODE 001