Back before sunset

A small town called Hadesville was one "out of the map" town with nothing out of the ordinary an exception hit on that one day the 17 of December 2002. Hadesville had only two hospitals and on that day the labour cases reported were the most compared to all the previous dates and years. Since December had kicked in no woman went into labour and all the women that were supposed to deliver within the three months range all gave birth on that day the hospitals were very crowded. At the end of the day a total of 1712 babies were born some born out of multiple births while others were just single births. When the midnight bell rang many newborns had died and some parents flew from the town for the fear of their children's life. The following day an announcement was made for registry of the live babies but only five parents showed up. At the registry; woman1: (exhales) I actually thought I should bring lunch over The rest over the women just stared at her. woman1: I was just being... sarcastic... you know... ummmm... as in the queue would get us past noon (looking at the women) woman2: I honestly didn't think about being here today after all the commotion of the death of alot of infants. woman1: Deaths?!?! babies died??? woman3: (surprisingly looks at woman1) it was all over the news (rolls eyes) woman2: I can't believe all that crowd yesterday and the aftermath was just five kids. woman3: what really happened yesterday? I can't believe we are just going to let this slide like nothing happened... I have never experienced such... woman4: ...(looks at woman3) and you still haven't. it is best for us and our children if we do not talk about this. its a lovely weather, right? All the women stared at woman4. woman1: I think she is right... if we continue to make a bigger issue out of this... our children may suffer... you know this whole... woman2: I am Mrs. Whites (smiling) The gaze shifted to Mrs. Whites. Mrs. Whites: if we have to pretend like everything is normal we have to start from somewhere (smiles) woman1: I am Linda woman3: Mrs. Winters woman4: Jane Linda: (To woman5) you are exceptionally quiet. woman5: I... I am? (smiles) I guess I am not much of a talker (smiles) Jane: What's your name? woman5: He is not my son... and I just... you know... I am not a parent ... madam could not come over so... Mrs. Whites: That's a pretty long name woman5: My name is Helen. The registration officer arrived. R.O: (smiles) sorry I kept you for so long. Mrs. Whites: You say this everytime I come for registration. (rolls eyes) R O: I'll see you first Mrs. Whites. The five women agreed to have coffee after the registration process and find out what was so special about them. During their chit chat. Mrs. Whites: maybe by any chance you are having problems with I don't know your marriages? Helen: I am not married, but my bosses are not struggling in their marriage Linda: I am a single mom. Mrs. Winters: happily married. Jane: I am a widow. Helen: How come you... did he die during your hard days?... nevermind. Jane: (looks at Helen) I've been a widow for four years. Linda: Time out! (smiles) Mrs. Winters: Let's look at another angle then. Linda: Do you guys drink... perhaps? Helen: Just wine... They do just wine. Jane: This is really crazy. Linda: humor me then. Jane: Just on special occasions like finishing this little gathering to good care of my baby you know. The conversation went on and on with no grounds that could link them together. So they agreed to meet once a week to explore different angles. The naming ceremony was conducted all together so the five children were named as Stachys Whites, Charmaine Halidan, Rian Owens, Joanne Brooks and Archie Winters. At the registration office. R.O: (scribbling on his files) A lady wearing a black hood walks in. Her skin was fair and looked like her mid 20's her black lipstick highlighted her lips perfectly. lady: Am I too early? R.O: You are always on time Carla not a single minute late. Carla: Then I was expecting your hand on the receiver. R.O: (looks at Carla) Carla:You do know how long I've planned for this, right? R.O: It's here now. Carla: Rex... Don't mess this up. Our children have been lonely for so long. Rex: Don't worry... We'll make it right. Are you not going to sit? Carla: (looks at Rex) (sits) Tell me about them. Rex: They are 5. Carla: What?!?! (disappointed) Rex: listen... Carla: why 5?... we can't make duplicates out of five children... it's not enough. where are the rest? Rex: (shakes head) I don't know. Carla: what do you suggest? Rex: we take our chances. Carla: if it fails?... What if it fails Rex? I can't wait for another century. Rex: want some coffee? Carla: (looks at Rex) THE HOUSE OF STACHYS BROOKS. Mrs. Whites: Jason... (sound of baby crying) Mrs. whites: Jason!!! (setting the table) (sighs) Mason... Mason... Mason: (looks at Mrs. Whites) Mrs. whites: Mas... (turns) (gasps) (exhales) what do I always tell you about creeping around? Mason: I wasnt creeping around ma! Mrs. whites: where is Jason? Mason: so I am my brother's keeper now? (scoffs) Mrs. Whites: Mason your little sister is crying and I have to set this table before your father returns. Mason: I am surprised that this marriage is not even over. Mrs. Whites: Mason!!!! Get out of my face Mason: You usually say you are taking all this s**t because of us but it is just for your sake. Mrs.Whites: (looks at Mason) are you done? Mason: (looks at Mrs.Whites) Mrs. Whites: Go get your sister... she's more of a firstborn than you are right now... she is more of a 15 year old than you Mason... you are just like ... Mason: don't.... In Mrs. Whites' room in the baby cot where Stachys laid Carla was standing next to the cot and a gentle wind was over the baby cot. Carla was staring at the baby from a distance the arguments of Mrs.Whites and Mason were heard. As Carla reached out to carry the baby. she heard footsteps approaching the door. when Jason walked in, no one was there except the crying baby he carried the baby back to the sitting room. Jason: Where is mom? Mason: She left... she pretends like she I pissed and then she just leaves. Jason: she pretends???...Mason you are saying she pretends?!?! Mason: Jason, I won't have my little brother acting like he knows everything. Jason: Mom is going through a lot... with dad and you are making it even harder for her. Mason: Dad is not coming over today (looks at Jason) I saw him... (exhales) I saw him with that woman again... I just want mom to leave all of us and be happy she doesn't have to stay (tears escaping his eyes) Jason: Mason Mason: Bring Stachys... Go get mom Jason: (handing Stachys over to Mason) Mason: (looks at Stachys)(smiles) Jason:(leaving) Mason: ...and Jason...? Jason: (turns) Mason: stop tearing the divorce papers dad brings home... let mom see them. Outside Stachys' home. Rex: Carla... what were you thinking?? Carla: If I had put her there now she wouldn't be back before sunset and it will be a win for us. Rex: Carla, you of all people knows how all this works (looks at Carla) Carla: I know... I know Rex... I am just desperate (sad) Rex: (sighs) (hugs Rex) THE HOUSE OF CHARMAINE HALIDAN. Linda was in her lounge holding her child Tight in her arms. She watched her baby sleep. Linda: I will take care of you (smiling) my Mainey... you know you look just like me in my old photos... are you me baby??? (smiles) I will take on a hundred jobs if I have to... I'll be the best mom... you won't even need a father. Linda then heard a knock. Linda: (looks at the door) A knock was heard again. Linda: (looks at the door) voice from outside: Linda Halidan! Linda: (shocked) s**t! Linda took the baby to her room and placed her on her bed. She went and opened the door. Linda: what do you want Peter? Peter: You have my baby Linda... and you had the audacity to keep her away from me ... and you even gave her name! Linda: What a shame!!! what a shame Peter... that you had to hear the news of your child from an outsider. Peter: why didn't I hear from you? (looks at Linda) Linda:(rolls eyes) I don't know Peter... you tell me... why didn't you? perhaps because I heard from your wife first.(smiles) you are married! (scoffs) you are married Peter... it was so good to be true ... I should have known. Peter: why didn't you want to hear from me? Linda: Because I heard it all... all I wanted to hear... and even more I heard it all Peter... I heard the reasons why you always... In the room where Charmaine was she woke up and was just smiling and from a far voices of her parents could be heard... as she was rolling in the bed ... she reached the edge and was going for a fall Carla appeared and caught her. She watched the smiling baby in her arms, she smiled back. Rex: Her mom is coming Carla: (places Charmaine on the bed) When Linda walked in her baby was there on her bed wide awake. Linda: oh! baby you are awake... (sniffs)(wipes tears from her eyes) he's just a liar... nevermind him baby. Linda laid beside her child crying. Linda: He promised us a family while he is married... I had to do this... I am so sorry... I am sorry you have to live without a father... I failed you (cries out loud) he would have left us too... he would...have...he... would. THE HOUSE OF RIAN OWENS. Mr. and Mrs. Owens were in their study room. Mr. Owens: This has been my best year I must admit. Mrs.Owens: (smiles) I see a whole load of cash ahead. Mr. Owens: I am just glad you are on your feet and that we could go back to our work together (smiles) you are my brain you know that, right? Mrs. Owens: At least we have someone to give all this fortune to. (smiles) someone with bits of us both. Mr. Owens: I wish he would be more of you. Mrs. Owens: I wish we could double up the numbers at the end of the year keep this up for four more years we might get him a baby sister. By the way I received the financial statement for the branch in Ohio yesterday... They then heard a knock. Mr. Owens: Come in Helen: (opens the door) excuse me Mrs. Owens: Helen? Helen: I am heading home ma'am. Mrs. Owens: Sure. Helen: I have changed Rian's diapers and placed everything you might need where I always keep them... on the counter. Mrs Owens: These funds should have been invested in that new project (focusing on her personal computer) Mr. Owens: I thought I had contacted the secretary about that... Helen: (looks at Mr. and Mrs. Owens then slowly closes the door) Helen then went to Rian's room. Rian was in his baby cot. Rian was fast asleep. Helen then closed the door and left. Carla appeared and looked at the fast asleep Rian. Carla: (smiles) little King! THE HOUSE OF JOANNE BROOKS. Jane was fast a sleep on her sofa and the TV was still on, country music on replay... a bunch of smoked cigarettes on the table, three bottles of beer one was half way drunk while the other two were emptied. Joanne was on the other sofa crying and Jane's booze was not quite over in her head. It was midnight. By the floor were a bunch of magazine circled in the job vacancy areas. Carla and Rex appeared. Carla: This child... I am not even sure if she will make it pass a year. Rex: You know she has to... If we want to get what we want she has to be alive... Carla: You have a point (rolls eyes) (carries Joanne) Carla took Joanne to Jane's room and changed her diapers. Joanne was still crying. Carla: (looks at Joanne) (exhales) what's wrong with this child Rex: She must be hungry. Carla: why are people gifted with so much have to throw it all away. Rex: I'll go get some milk from home. Within no time Rex was back with some milk. Rex took the baby and fed her the milk. Carla: You would have made a great father (smiles) Rex: (looks at Carla) Carla Carla: If they had not taken it all away from us... we would have been happy, Rex. (eyes filled with tears) Rex: Carla... we are making it right, now... aren't we? Carla: What if we can't make it right? Rex: Carla (looks at Carla) it will be alright...rest assured. THE HOUSE OF ARCHIE WINTERS. Archie had five elder sisters and all of them were given away for his father longed for a son more than the daughters he had. Archie was in full care of his parents all the time watched from a million angles. and slept between the parents. In the morning Mr. Winters brought for his wife breakfast in bed. Mr. Winters: (places the tray filled with breakfast snacks on the bedside table) babe! Mrs.Winters: mmmmh (smiling) (looks at Mr. Winters). Mr. Winters: Rise and shine, sunshine! Mrs. Winters: The words that come out of you sweetheart... (looks at Mr. Winters). Mr. Winters: you have made me the happiest man in the world... This joy is just endless... Archie is my bundle of joy. Mrs. Winters: Perhaps you might consider bringing his sisters back home Mr. Winters: Perhaps (smiling) perhaps darling... you could get him his playmates (smiles) he could use little brothers. Mrs. Winters: (fakes a smile) perhaps... (looks at Mr. Winters) perhaps babe! Carla and Rex walking a distance from Archie's home. Carla turned and look at the house. Carla: ...and here I thought Archie was the lucky one. Rex: Carla, everyone has issues going on. Carla: I know Rex... I am glad we have a chance to resolve ours. (holds Rex's hand) (smiles) Rex: (looks at Carla) smiles. The five women kept on meeting and the meetings diverged from the cause of the unusual birthdate of their children to random talks about their lives and how to get it together. Mrs. Whites: I think my marriage is falling apart... no... actually... I am getting a divorce (forces a smile) Jane: Why are you filing for a divorce? Everyone was surprised. Mrs. Whites: Actually he did it...and... (sighs) apparently he had filed it ages ago and... I had no idea... (trying not to cry) I wanted to save my marriage but it's hard when you are the only one up for the saving. Mrs. Winters: (holds Mrs. Whites'hand) it's going to be just fine. Mrs. Whites: Not even a miracle can save this marriage now... not even the existence of our daughter. ai got this child for him. Linda: How did you get pregnant if you have issues with him. All women turned and looked at Linda with the "really?!?!" kind of face. Linda: (rolls eyes) I was just trying to be helpful. Mrs. Winters: then keeping quiet like Helen would be the greatest help you could live... no offense Helen (smiles at Helen) Helen: I actually should get back to the mansion. Jane: You know if you guys would really wanna be of help to my life right now... you could help me find a more stable job... Helen could... Mrs. Winters: Jane!!! Jane: Sorry... I totally forgot we are in therapy session. please proceed. Helen: I think it's best if you just give him what he needs. Jane: why must we always give them what they need... Helen: it's not a debate Jane just give out your suggestion instead of halting mine (rolls eyes) Linda: I'll pay for your coffee Helen... you spoke like a part of the group today. They all laughed. Linda: Mrs. Whites although you are here posing as a woman who needs advice deep down you know it's your advice that you will keep so... just follow your heart. (smiles) Mrs. Winters: I actually have something that is troubling me and I really need to share. The whole group was shocked over the news. Jane: Actually, we would have nominated you for the perfection contest and here you are wanting to pour your heart out (laughs) All four women: JANE?!?!; Jane: Fine... I am sorry. Mrs. Winters: I am just a housewife. Helen: So are most women of Hadesville. Mrs. Winters: my husband and I were happily married but before the birth of Archie we were just mutually existing and since my husband is was desperate for a son the daughters that we had... they... he gave them away to his relatives and I... I couldn't do anything about it. Jane:... Helen: Jane do not say a word! Jane: (looks at Helen) (frowns) (looks at Mrs. Winters) its the circle of life... it just mooooooves us all (sips her coffee) I don't even have a full time job... my bills are overwhelming and here I am drinking coffee with a group weirdos of parents and children. Helen: I am not... The rest of the women: We know (looks at Helen) Helen: I wanted to say I am not a weirdo but... Linda: I got pregnant for someone's husband. Mrs Winters and Mrs. Whites: (look at Linda) Linda: I didn't know he was married and I ended it with him after his wife confronted me about it... he is such a heartless man... he wanted to leave his wife because he couldn't give him a child... and there I was on that very day... in the middle of market with my big bump receiving such information... (fakes a laugh)my heart... my heart just drowned... (shakes head) I felt miserable... I felt...I felt miserable and guilty... I had wished I could turn back the hands of time... undo all that I did... unhear his words... Helen: my issue is I got dumped by my boyfriend because I snore while I sleep. Mrs. Whites: That was uncalled for. Jane: At least I know where all the voice you don't give during the day goes (laughs) The rest of the women: Jane?!?!! Jane: My husband died 5 years ago and when he was dying he and I were not in good terms we were at the verge of a divorce... he claimed I wasn't woman enough to give him kids... he came over with new women everyday to our matrimonial home... and I stayed there faithfully... eating myself up... took every known medicine I could... visiting every doctor I could get just to get well. (sighs) only to find out now that I wasn't the problem (laughs) he... (laughs) (rubs tears from her eyes) oh I wish he could see Joanne... I would have given him the courtesy of her looking like him. (laughs) Carla and Rex leaving the cafe which the women were having their ample time in. Carla: it would be very easy to get the children straight from their parents... looks like they are not even interested in them in the first place. Rex: (looks at Carla) There is something about attachment. Carla: You are right... even though I know I won't lose focus... but I will listen to you babe (smiles).