PAYING BACK DEBTS

At The General Hospital.

Annabelle storms in meeting a nurse on her way.

Annabelle: Excuse me Mam!. Where can I find a patient with the last name Carter?. She's 45 years old and she just came in an hour ago.

Nurse: (Suddenly exclaims) Oh!. Then you must be her daughter. I'm in charge of Mrs Carter. In fact, I'm just coming from her ward right now. Follow me (Annabelle follows the nurse into Margaret's ward and the nurse excuses them).

Annabelle: (Walks and hugs Margarate) The doctor called to tell me you had a heart attack. How're you feeling now?. Are you okay?.

Margaret: (Slowly responds while forcing herself to smile) I'm okay.

Annabelle: Are you sure?. Where does it hurt (massaging Margaret's hands and feet. Margaret suddenly feels guilty and looks away. Annabelle notices) Mom!. What is it?. What happened to you?, how did you get a heart attack?. Did anything happen?. Did you go through a lot of pressure at work?. I told you not to overwork yourself.

Margaret: (Starts to cry because of guilt) I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Annabelle.

Annabelle: (Worried and confused) What is it?. What are you apologizing for?.

Margaret: (Repeatedly) I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to. I'm so.. I'm so sorry. I just wanted to give you and your sisters a better life. I didn't mean to.

Annabelle: (Slowly rises to her feet. Her heart pounding so fast. Suddenly anxious) What did you do?. (Margaret doesn't answer. Getting more anxious) I said, what did you do?.

Margaret: (Stutters) I...I... I used part of the money meant for the ladies at the meeting house to...to gamble.

Annabelle: (Shocked) What?.

Margaret: I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to, I'm sorry (Annabelle is still in shock and doesn't say a word).

At Annabelle's and Margaret's new House

At exactly 10pm, Annabelle brings Margaret home.

Annabelle: (Helps Margaret to sit on the couch and she turns to leave) I'll be right back.

Margaret: Where are you going?.

Annabelle: To pay back the debt you owe.

Margaret: (Quickly stops her) Don't go. It's my problem, let me be the one to fix it?.

Annabelle: Can you?. Can you really fix it?. (Margaret doesn't say a word) I'll be on my way.

Margaret: (Stutters) Anna...

Annabelle: (Quickly interrupts her) Mom, just don't. It's a good thing Clarissa and Eline aren't here to witness this (leaves. Margaret lays back on the couch and tries to think).

At Susan's House.

Susan is drinking tea when her maid approaches her.

Maid: Mam, there's some girl outside who wants to see you. She said you're a friend of her mother's. (Thinks) What was the name again?, (suddenly remembers) Right!. Margaret!, she said her mother's name is Margaret.

Susan: (Surprised) Oh really?. Let her in.

Maid: Yes Mam (quickly leaves and returns with Annabelle).

Annabelle: Hello Mam.

Susan: Hi there sunshine. (Places her cup on the table) To what do I owe this sudden visit?. Any news from my accountant?.

Annabelle: (Suddenly drops down to her knees) I'm sorry Mam. It's all my fault. Please have mercy.

Susan: (Confused, uncomfortable and curious at the same time. Stutters) Why are you... doing this all of a sudden?. I don't understand.

Annabelle: (Covers for her mom's irresponsible act) I used part of the money my mom got from you. I was really in need of money and I had no choice. I promise to pay you back even if I need to give you all my paycheck every month until I can finally repay all my debt. Please don't send me to prison. My mom is sick and I need to be there to look after her.

Susan: (Her facial expression suddenly changes from sympathy to anger) What exactly did you use it for?.

Annabelle: (Stutters) I...uh...

Susan: (Impatient) Hurry up little girl, we don't have all night.

Annabelle: (Exhales) I used it to gamble.

Susan: (Furious) What?. You used my money to gamble?.

Annabelle: (Bows her head) I'm sorry. I thought I could win and pay you back, but I didn't.

Susan: And how exactly do you plan to pay me back?. You know, your crime alone is enough to send you to jail. (Suddenly changes her mind) But I won't. If only you are willing to do whatever I say.

Annabelle: I don't understand.

Susan: It's easy, marry my son!.

Annabelle: (Surprised) What?.

Susan: Marry my son and I won't think of sending you to jail.

Annabelle: But I promised to pay you back.

Susan: (In a loud voice) I want it now!. Can you give it to me right now?. (Annabelle doesn't say a word and Susan continues) I thought so. I'll give you this night to think about it. I'll call you in the morning to find out your answer. You may leave (grabs her teacup from the table and sips from it. Annabelle slowly stands up and the maid shows her out the door. Susan murmurs to herself) You don't want to get married David?. Well you soon will.

The Next Morning, Still At Susan's House.

Stephanie badges in to Susan eating breakfast at the dining section. Stephanie looks angry.

Susan: (Suddenly drops her spoon while trying to control her temper) Stephanie!. So, what brings you to my house this early?.

Stephanie: Your stupid son still refuses to mention anything about marriage to me. Do I look like a some statue to you?. Just what exactly does he take me for?.

Susan: So why did you come here?. I must warn you, I'm not someone you can easily release your anger on. Well, if you want me to talk to him, I'm sorry. I have tried, but he won't budge.

Stephanie: I came here to tell you that I'm no longer going to date your son. You know, I have a lot of self-respect...(Susan suddenly interrupts her)

Susan: Then why did you stay with him for 10 years if you had any self-respect left?. For love?, or was it for his money?.

Stephanie: (Strikes the table with her bare hands, overwhelmed with anger) Damn it woman!. Now you listen to me. The emotional damages your son caused me all these years, I will make him pay for it whether in thorns or in cash. Whatever it is that is stopping him from getting married, I suggest he visits a therapist because he badly needs one. Enjoy your breakfast (walks away majestically).

Susan: That bitch!.

At The Hospital(2Hours Later).

In Susan's V.I.P Ward.

David suddenly storms in and sees Susan laying on the bed.

David: (Quickly kneels by her side while holding her hand) Mom!. What happened to you?. I got a call from the doctor saying you had a panic attack. Tell me, are you okay?.

Susan: (Pretends to be really sick as she responds very slowly, being a drama queen as usual. Stutters) I want you.... I want you to give me a grandson, before...before my time finally comes and I leave this earth.

David: Don't say that. You're not leaving me any time soon. I promise you, I'll take care of you.

Susan: I don't need you to take care of me. I only want a grand child of my own, someone I can play with and tell stories to (the doctor suddenly walks in, ready to play his own part of the big lie).

David: Doctor, how is she?.

Doctor: All I can say is Mr Jones, your mother is one hell of a lucky woman. She managed to survive this one, but the next one could be fatal.

David: (Shocked) What?, what did you say?.

Doctor: (Slightly taps him on the shoulder) I'm sorry. (Turns to Susan) Mrs Jones, have a good rest.

Susan: Thank you doctor.

Doctor: I'll take my leave now (walks out of the room and Annabelle suddenly walks in).

Susan: (To David, pointing to Annabelle) I want you to marry her. That's the only way you can keep me happy. From now on, she holds the key to my existence.

David: Mother no!. Please don't say that. You're not going to die, I'll keep you safe.

Susan: Only she can keep me safe.

David: Does it really have to be her?, someone whom I barely even know?.

Susan: She's a good girl. I've watched her for so many years and I know she'd make a great wife and a great mother to my grand kids. If you marry her, I promise I will continue to live until you grow old.

David: (Turns to Annabelle's direction. She looks depressed. He slowly walks up to her and looks her straight in the eyes) Are you alright?.

Annabelle: (Quickly nodes and a tear rolls down her cheek) I'm okay (Susan suddenly smiles in fulfillment as David continues to stand next to Annabelle).

David: (It's a good thing Stephanie and I broke up. If I had given into her pressure and marry her, my life would be a living hell. But, if I marry this lady standing in front of me, I won't have to worry about satisfying her emotionally. It's obvious she doesn't want this marriage, so I'll just have to play a long. Once I marry her, I could divorce her any time after giving my mom what she wants). Let's get married.

Annabelle: (Surprised) What?.

David: Let's get married. From now on, we should start planning our wedding (Susan smiles in great satisfaction. Annabelle's expression doesn't say the same).