INSTALLMENT 4 
 

Falmont household:
 

   Lenore Falmont stares at herself in her vanity mirror as she applies 
foundation to her radiant, freshly tanned skin.  She examines herself long 
and hard and questions whether she’s looking older or not.  A part of her 
knows that getting older is a part of life but she is determined to fight it with 
all her might.  However, she realizes that the battle is harder and harder to fight
and the Botox is sapping her ability to laugh or even smile.  Sometimes, she 
has the urge to accept growing old gracefully but she is afraid of losing George.
 
   Just then, she hears a knock at the door and she calls for them to come
in.  Turning around she’s overjoyed to see that it’s her oldest son, Jonathan,
at the door.  She stares at her handsome, chiseled twenty-five year old son 
and marvels at how magnificent he truly is.  It doesn't make her feel guilty
that he is her favorite because Elizabeth is her husband's favorite.
 
   "Jonathan, when did you get home?" she asks, happy to see her son.
 
   "I just got back from the city about ten minutes ago and wanted to see 
who was home.  Where is everyone else?" Jonathan asks as he brushes 
his dark blonde hair from his eyes.
 
   "Well, let me think, I believe your father is down in the living room, your 
sister is somewhere in the house, and your brother is probably out at some 
party only god only knows where." Lenore stated as she gets up to give her son
a hug and kiss.
 
   "So basically, everyone is where they usually are.  I will say we are 
predictable just like the Walton's.  Anyway, work was hectic today and I was
excited to get off of work a little early today.  When one manages an art
gallery in Chicago, it’s a never ending job."
 
   "Well, I’m happy to hear that dear.  Now, go ahead and get something to 
eat while I finish getting ready."
 
   "Where are you off to mom?"
 
   "I have to meet that dreadful Misty McDonnell tonight to go over plans for
that charity function next month.  This year, I am determined to talk her out
of that Moroccan theme that she’s recycled all these years."  Lillian 
promises as she turns around to finish brushing her hair.  "Now, go ahead
and help yourself to something down in the kitchen.  I think the cook made
a wonderful Chicken Alfredo."
 
   Jonathan hugs his mother and heads downstairs.  Lillian resumes
getting dressed to meet Misty.  
 

Hope Falls Inn:
 

   Thomas has settled down for the night to recover from the numerous 
Tom Collins drinks he consumed at Oleary's.  He turns on the television to see 
what is on but images of Elizabeth Falmont play in his mind and he wonders if
she feels the same way about him.  Of course, he thinks to himself, he can't
even think of going out with her now that he is working for her father.  Just then,
the phone rings and he reaches over to pick up the phone.
 
   "Hello?"  Thomas asks wondering who knew he was even staying at the 
Inn. 
 
   "Hello? Who is calling?  Hello?"  He shouts two or three more times 
before the dial tone rings.  Thomas wonders whose calling him and can’t 
think of anyone as he hangs up the phone.
 
   In bed, he slowly starts to drift off to sleep wondering how his 
first day will be on Monday. Will he like the job or not?  Thoughts continue to 
swirl in his head about finding a place to live, what the prices were in the area, 
and if he was going to make any friends.  Then thoughts of what the bartender, 
Melinda, had told him about Elizabeth came into his head.  He knew he couldn’t 
possibly think about pursuing her based on how he had handled himself in the past.  

   Just then, Thomas is startled out of his thoughts by the telephone ringing 
and he reaches over to pick up the phone.  However, the same result occurs 
again. He wonders whose life is pathetic and empty enough for them to 
prank call some total stranger at a hotel.  He has an idea and calls 
down to the front desk.
 
   "Hello, Hope Falls Inn, how are you enjoying your accommodations?" The 
girl at the front desk chirps on the other end.
 
   "The room is lovely, can't complain about the service at all.  I just was 
wondering about the phone calls that I've been receiving in my room.  
Twice already in the last half hour, the phone has rung and when I say hello
there’s no one on the other end.  Just was wondering if they happened to 
mention who they were?"  Thomas asks politely.
 
   "Sir, all I can recall was that it was a man. At least, I think it was a 
man, I admit I couldn't tell by the tone of voice.  It was deep voice, but you
know how some women have masculine voices.  But they hadn't 
mentioned what their name was, they just asked to speak to Thomas Norris.  
Sorry I can't be of more help to you.  If you happen to need anything
else, the name is Becky."  Thomas thanks her before hanging up.
 
   Thomas tries to recall who would know he was in Hope Falls let 
alone at this inn.  He thinks that the only person he knows would be interested in 
his location is back in California.  He doesn't think they would be calling him up
to play pranks on him.  Well, he thought to himself, he'll have to figure this 
out tomorrow.  He calls back the front desk and requests no more calls.  Then he
settles back down in bed and falls asleep.
 

Oleary's
 

   Sitting down at his favorite table, Stephen Richardson is relieved that 
classes were over for the day.  As much as he enjoys teaching fifth 
graders Monday thru Friday, a part of him is overjoyed to be sitting 
among adults in the evening.  He loosens his tie, while surveying the crowd 
at Oleary's, looking to see if anyone from work happened to stop by.  He 
debates whether he should stay for a long drink or grade the English exams 
that he had administered to his students.  
 
   For a twenty-six year old, he was doing pretty well for himself even 
though he wasn't bringing in the big dough or in any serious relationship. At 
least he was doing something that he enjoyed.  Just then he noticed his old 
friend Melinda Mitchell at the bar and waves at her.  She smiles at him 
with that wicked grin he remembered from when they were in high 
school together.  Hard to believe he had gone to senior prom with her once
upon a time but that’s what friends do for each other.
 
   "Well, hey there handsome!  Didn't see you come in!" Melinda exclaims 
as she approaches his table.
 
   "Oh, well I can usually merge into a crowd without being spotted." 
Stephen laughs.  "Are you still on duty or do you have time to chat with 
an old friend?"
 
   "I am on break for fifteen minutes, but I don't see any old friends here.  
Just old prom dates that I remember fondly.  How was your day 
teaching all of those little monsters?"  Melinda asks as she sits down and 
pulls her hair off her face with a headband.
 
   "Thankfully, over for the day. How has your day been serving all the big 
monsters?"
 
   "The tips are decent but I'm generally finding the job to be less then 
desired.  I guess the glamorous lifestyle of bartending isn't what it’s cracked 
up to be." Melinda laughs.  "Besides, I’m surprised you’re here instead of 
eating your mom's cooking. I haven't been over there in awhile but I recall
the food was to die for."
 
   "My mom does know how to cook, but I was looking for some space. 
I like to pretend for a little while that I don't still live with my family at twenty
six."  Stephen replies as he sips his coffee.
 
   "Nothing to be embarrassed about my friend, I wish I had parents to live 
with, but then at other times, I thank god they moved to Florida 
when I turned eighteen.  Of course, I didn't realize at the time why they 
decided to move to Florida."  Melinda said.   Stephen's cell phone
starts ringing and he sees that it’s his mother.  "You should take that call; 
it's probably your mother wondering why you are eating here instead of at 
home.  I'll leave you to your call, talk to you later." 
 
   Melinda saunters off back to work as Stephen answers his phone.

   "Yes mother what can I do for you?" 
 
   "Stephen thank gooodness I caught you, are you still at work?"  
Lillian asks from the other end of the phone sounding a little excited.
 
   "No, I got off work a little bit ago and am over at Oleary's for a bit.  Is 
something wrong?" Stephen asks not sure if she sounds frantic from 
worry or from excitement.
 
   "Well, I was wondering if you could cut your time at Oleary's short tonight 
and come home.  We are eating dinner right now but we are 
going to have a family meeting in about forty five minutes and your presence
is required."  Lillian explains.
 
   "Ok, this sounds serious. What’s going on?"
 
   "Listen, come home in the next forty five minutes and I will tell you.  Your 
sisters are here and we need to wait for you before we announce our news.  
I expect you home in forty five minutes, love you, goodbye."
 
   Stephen is left wondering what was so serious that his mother calls 
demanding he come home.  He figures if both Gillian and Nina were eating 
dinner with their parents then it had to be serious.  A part of him wants 
to call either of them to pump them for information.   He can't 
because they both are with their parents.  He's happy to see his order 
arrive and quickly eats his meal.  He pays for his  
meal then climbs into his Ford Focus to find out what awaits him at 
home.