Dealing with peoples'
personal belongings everyday,
Jon has to get
the balance right.
Sometimes, when
the weather turns bad,
it can have a real
effect on people.
A storm is brewing.
Put yourself in Jon's shoes.
It's going to get worse.
1
CAVE POOL.
MORNING.
Jon was at peace.Waiting for the wall between water and air.
He felt a total calm.
A weightlessness.
Droplets of water ran down his rubber skull cap.
A weightlessness.
Droplets of water ran down his rubber skull cap.
His view was split between the real world; a harsh, bright light of a cave entrance one hundred and fifty metres away, and rarely disturbed water being illuminated by his body suit light.
Gently paddling his legs, he effortlessly made it across the water to the inner shore.
He quietly took a moment and looked down between his legs into the darkness.
They knew each other well. All professionals.
There were six of them and they met regularly every third Saturday and have been doing so for a number of years.
They competed with other groups with the same passion. Finding rarities; relics from another millennium. 'That was the plan anyway.' The group leader would say.
Suzie's family were merchant's and the docks, being only a few blocks away and her two brothers still working there, she was the best at networking for a buyer / seller.
Jon leaned over and looked for her.
She wasn't where she normally stands just looking out and waiting for the next customer.
He leaned further out to the side and there she was talking to a couple of people.
Jon was trying to turn down the car radio but for reading the real estate on his screen.
Yet another shop was leasing around the corner on Darlington Way and another for sale.
He wanted nothing more than to be on the main street but he could still hear his Grandfather telling him 'There is no point, if the only thing you are doing is paying for shop front. It's pointless.' Jon's father would also agree and he would often over-hear them in the garden from his bedroom window. 'Yes I know father. There is no point if you are paying them more than you are paying yourself.'
The family knew everyone and everyone knew the family.
Headlights highlighted the streaks of rain still falling and he could hear mild rumblings.
CAR.
Gently paddling his legs, he effortlessly made it across the water to the inner shore.
He quietly took a moment and looked down between his legs into the darkness.
ROCK POOL.
LATE MORNING.
'You're already planning aren’t you?' Said one of the group as he made his way out of an enormous rock hole. Jon motioned; conceded. They knew each other well. All professionals.
There were six of them and they met regularly every third Saturday and have been doing so for a number of years.
They competed with other groups with the same passion. Finding rarities; relics from another millennium. 'That was the plan anyway.' The group leader would say.
2
SMALL OFFICE.
JEWELLERY STORE.
OUTER CITY.
EARLY AFTERNOON
Radio Voice 'Yes everyone, a storm is coming but only light rain and maybe a chance of a storm. Possibly thunderstorms. Cautioning you all out there, to put your lights on if driving in this big beautiful city of ours.'JEWELLERY STORE.
OUTER CITY.
EARLY AFTERNOON
Suddenly people entered the shop being caught-out by the sudden downfall.
Suzie 'All welcome.'
Coming out from behind a counter.
Some couples stood on the tiled covered entrance waiting for the storm to pass looking out and sipping coffees.
From his small office-come work desk, Jon was standing, trying to look out but all the folders, pieces of equipment were blocking his view so he sat down again, had a sip of his coffee and continued organizing client jewellery.
He could hear Suzie's voice. Never one for forcing a sale but was a natural with making people feel instantly relaxed. He listened and had a quiet moment; he learnt a lot from her.
Suzie's family were merchant's and the docks, being only a few blocks away and her two brothers still working there, she was the best at networking for a buyer / seller.
Jon leaned over and looked for her.
She wasn't where she normally stands just looking out and waiting for the next customer.
He leaned further out to the side and there she was talking to a couple of people.
Rudi 'Don't fall over now Jon.'
Jon's "apprentice"; same age over in his own room smiling with a headlamp on and a highly magnified monocle.Jon 'You, look ridiculous.' Dead-pan.
3
CAR. OUTER CITY.
Radio Voice 'It's a cool eighteen degrees now and should continue for most of the day but might clear up overnight turning into a lovely day tomorrow still with a morning of some cloud cover -.'
Yet another shop was leasing around the corner on Darlington Way and another for sale.
He wanted nothing more than to be on the main street but he could still hear his Grandfather telling him 'There is no point, if the only thing you are doing is paying for shop front. It's pointless.' Jon's father would also agree and he would often over-hear them in the garden from his bedroom window. 'Yes I know father. There is no point if you are paying them more than you are paying yourself.'
Jon 'Still.' Thinking positively.
Always a discount here, always a discount there.
Not all the time but, even a reserved table or two occasionally.
He lowered his screen and the world re-entered and it was raining.
He couldn't hear the radio.
He lowered his screen and the world re-entered and it was raining.
He couldn't hear the radio.
He looked out at his side rear view mirror through the droplets running down and seeing people running for their cars out of the wet, he started his car and went home.
SUBURBIA.
JON'S STREET / DRIVEWAY.
AFTERNOON.
SUBURBIA.
JON'S STREET / DRIVEWAY.
AFTERNOON.
He didn't live far away.
JON'S GARAGE.
AFTERNOON.
The garage door quietly sealed him off.He stood, took a deep breathe then walked into his house.
4
JEWELLERY STORE.
OUTER CITY.
EARLY AFTERNOON.
Suzie 'Congratulations. Oh right, the twelfth.' She listened. 'Of March. Oh how lovely and we would be honoured.' A moment of silence. 'Jon?' Calling.
Jon came over across the main floor from his small office.
Suzie 'Kim and her fiancé Dereck, are getting married and would like us to make their rings.' Continuing as she could see the fiancée wanting to take over. 'They want something special of coarse and designed off these.' Suzie showed Jon what was on the young woman's palm.
Fiancée / Kim 'Dereck, my fiancé will bring in the drawings.' Looking only at Suzie.
Suzie 'It's pretty soon but I have told Kim, soon to be Mrs Kessington, that that won't be a problem.'
Jon just smiled.
The day was busy as usual. Jon had a "peep hole" sitting at his work desk; a stack of pieces of equipment and some old paper files pushed and shoved over the years and made a descent enough view of the street.
People still being caught out in the rain while others with umbrellas raised them to let others pass.
Suzie 'Hi, I'm Suzie.' Jon could hear and could picture the smile and the raised brow listening to the potential customer. 'Oh right, yes. Jon.'
Jon stood and went out to the main floor.
Suzie 'Jon, this is Dereck, his fiancé came in not too long ago and asked us to do their rings for their big day.' With her hands behind her back.
Jon 'Yes of coarse.' He extended his hand and they shook hands. 'Congrats.'
Dereck 'Thanks.'
They stood silently.
Dereck 'Oh yes, I have my sketches to give you to hopefully make it more clear for you.'
Jon 'Yes, your fiancé said you had some drawings for me.'
Dereck 'Drawings, sketches, we sometimes fight over the silliest of things.'
Jon 'The date is set. Not long to go.' Just smiled. 'I'll get to it now so they will be ready for you.'
Suzie 'We'll let you know Mr Kessington.' Watched both men leave the floor.
Jon came over across the main floor from his small office.
Suzie 'Kim and her fiancé Dereck, are getting married and would like us to make their rings.' Continuing as she could see the fiancée wanting to take over. 'They want something special of coarse and designed off these.' Suzie showed Jon what was on the young woman's palm.
Fiancée / Kim 'Dereck, my fiancé will bring in the drawings.' Looking only at Suzie.
Suzie 'It's pretty soon but I have told Kim, soon to be Mrs Kessington, that that won't be a problem.'
Jon just smiled.
The day was busy as usual. Jon had a "peep hole" sitting at his work desk; a stack of pieces of equipment and some old paper files pushed and shoved over the years and made a descent enough view of the street.
People still being caught out in the rain while others with umbrellas raised them to let others pass.
Suzie 'Hi, I'm Suzie.' Jon could hear and could picture the smile and the raised brow listening to the potential customer. 'Oh right, yes. Jon.'
Jon stood and went out to the main floor.
Suzie 'Jon, this is Dereck, his fiancé came in not too long ago and asked us to do their rings for their big day.' With her hands behind her back.
Jon 'Yes of coarse.' He extended his hand and they shook hands. 'Congrats.'
Dereck 'Thanks.'
They stood silently.
Dereck 'Oh yes, I have my sketches to give you to hopefully make it more clear for you.'
Jon 'Yes, your fiancé said you had some drawings for me.'
Dereck 'Drawings, sketches, we sometimes fight over the silliest of things.'
Jon 'The date is set. Not long to go.' Just smiled. 'I'll get to it now so they will be ready for you.'
Suzie 'We'll let you know Mr Kessington.' Watched both men leave the floor.
…..
CAR.
OUTER CITY
Jon had his usual spot. A block away and on his street. It was worth the incredibly steep rental car space charge although he really wanted the space in front of his shop. He would always pretend to readjust the rear view mirror but was always looking at how his shop front looked and would look across the road picturing what those businesses would think of their view of his business. Headlights highlighted the streaks of rain still falling and he could hear mild rumblings.
He broke the seal of the door and now his shoes were getting wet as he could feel his ankles going cold quickly.
He got out.
It was the weirdest of feelings.
It was the weirdest of feelings.
Bathed in light.
Smothered in an energy unlike no other.
Nothing else mattered.
He was totally and utterly surrounded in a deluge of blistering white like heat and then.
HOSPITAL.
HOSPITAL.
OUTER CITY.
Elongated like a pouring of water, a woman’s face then another and Suzie appeared. Then the same form but from somewhere else, another person and realised it was Suzie’s husband Paul.
The three looked at him like he looked at them.
A nurse appeared and everything went slowly to black.
Rudi 'Hey Jon.' A softly spoken Rudi who walked in with a book.
Jon 'How are you Rudi?'
Rudi Rudi accepted the question. 'I'm good.'
Jon 'Out of all the things that could happen and I get struck. Lightning.'
Rudi 'And as long as you’re feeling alright, you can return to work.'
Jon 'Ok good.' Calmly sitting in a chair.
Elongated like a pouring of water, a woman’s face then another and Suzie appeared. Then the same form but from somewhere else, another person and realised it was Suzie’s husband Paul.
The three looked at him like he looked at them.
A nurse appeared and everything went slowly to black.
Rudi 'Hey Jon.' A softly spoken Rudi who walked in with a book.
Jon 'How are you Rudi?'
Rudi Rudi accepted the question. 'I'm good.'
Jon 'Out of all the things that could happen and I get struck. Lightning.'
Rudi 'And as long as you’re feeling alright, you can return to work.'
Jon 'Ok good.' Calmly sitting in a chair.
He looked across to the bed he had been laying on recovering for a couple of weeks and saw all the flowers and cards. All from friends, his cave diving group and local businesses. He was humbled.
He took another deep breathe.
3 of Eight
JEWELLERY STORE.
OUTER CITY.
EARLY AFTERNOON.
Organizing himself, Jon was just about to start on another valuing when he gasped.
Organizing himself, Jon was just about to start on another valuing when he gasped.
His hands were high up on his thighs. He nodded to himself, thought about the decision, pushing aside what was in front of him and went looking for something amongst piles of paper.
Jon '12 March 2045 is their wedding day and that’s only days away.' Talking to himself. 'Mr and Mrs Kessington are getting married.' He felt stupid. 'The young lady brought in the rings and wants a particular thing made out of them.' He was nodding; getting into the rhythm. 'My fiancé will bring in the drawing. Here are the sketches.' Jon continued talking to himself and organizing.
Reading the order and checking the notes, he remembered also it was significant, not only because of the occasion; their wedding but the drawing, the sketch.
He looked for and found the manila envelope, sat and opened it. He looked inside then shook it delicately out onto his work desk.
There were two rings. He re-read the notes and looked carefully at the sketches and instructions.
He delicately moved his little finger to one of the rings touching it to help slide it onto its own separate piece of paper with sketch and instructions when an elderly woman threw a cup of liquid at his face.
Jon '12 March 2045 is their wedding day and that’s only days away.' Talking to himself. 'Mr and Mrs Kessington are getting married.' He felt stupid. 'The young lady brought in the rings and wants a particular thing made out of them.' He was nodding; getting into the rhythm. 'My fiancé will bring in the drawing. Here are the sketches.' Jon continued talking to himself and organizing.
Reading the order and checking the notes, he remembered also it was significant, not only because of the occasion; their wedding but the drawing, the sketch.
He looked for and found the manila envelope, sat and opened it. He looked inside then shook it delicately out onto his work desk.
There were two rings. He re-read the notes and looked carefully at the sketches and instructions.
He delicately moved his little finger to one of the rings touching it to help slide it onto its own separate piece of paper with sketch and instructions when an elderly woman threw a cup of liquid at his face.
A LIVING ROOM
He jerked and felt his wrists were tied.
He struggled to open his eyes and when he did, he was in a room on a chair.
The elderly woman was looking at him.
She looked angry, turned and walked away.
Not a sound.
He looked down and was wearing a dress.
His eyes went wide then the elderly woman returned.
Elderly Woman 'You're s'posed to be dying anyway aren’t you?' She looked down at him then looked out a window. She turned, walked out of the room at the far end.
He could just make out someone else was there at the far end also bathed in darkness.
'I don’t know what to do.' Jon thought and tried again to move but he felt his legs and ankles tied and then she returned; had something behind her back.
'I don’t know what to do.' Jon thought and tried again to move but he felt his legs and ankles tied and then she returned; had something behind her back.
Whatever it was, she was ready to use it.
Jon braced himself as she revealed a long knife.
Elderly Woman ‘I cannot believe you Marjorie Carmel. You’re suppose to leave your money, your wealth to your next and you’re not going to are you.' She started to squeal. 'Oh no, it's all mine and I’m going to take it to the grave.' Her head was shaking.
Jon braced himself as she revealed a long knife.
Elderly Woman ‘I cannot believe you Marjorie Carmel. You’re suppose to leave your money, your wealth to your next and you’re not going to are you.' She started to squeal. 'Oh no, it's all mine and I’m going to take it to the grave.' Her head was shaking.
Jon could only look and saw the veins in her neck thick like tree roots.
'You selfish, privileged little cow.' The elderly woman seemed to calm down for a moment.
The knife was long and the sharp tip reached the floor and started to scrape the hardwood. 'Our children are getting married and you haven’t got the guts to give them anything.' She was starting to spit and Jon noticed; he looked down, the woman in the chair; the dress that he is wearing, her knees were lifting and her chest was heaving and then he felt a gagging sensation.
'Oh no.' Jon thought.
Elderly Woman 'You have a multi-million dollar fortune and nothing?' The elderly woman was back to squealing and ranting and heavy breathing. 'It's my daughter Kim,' Her voice was strong but dry. 'And your son Dereck, and all you had to do was write a WILL.'
'Oh no.' Jon thought.
Elderly Woman 'You have a multi-million dollar fortune and nothing?' The elderly woman was back to squealing and ranting and heavy breathing. 'It's my daughter Kim,' Her voice was strong but dry. 'And your son Dereck, and all you had to do was write a WILL.'
Jon watched as he could see her aiming at him into the left side of his chest.
Elderly Woman 'Whom accidently shot you anyway.' Plunging the long, sharp knife through.
Elderly Woman 'Whom accidently shot you anyway.' Plunging the long, sharp knife through.
JEWELLERY STORE.
OUTER CITY.
EARLY AFTERNOON.
Suzie 'Cup of coffee Jon?' Swinging Jon around slowly as she could see he had nodded off. She pushed back the ring and other pieces and put his cup down. 'Sorry Jon, I didn’t mean to scare you.'
Jon is very hesitant to do anymore work.
Suzie 'Cup of coffee Jon?' Swinging Jon around slowly as she could see he had nodded off. She pushed back the ring and other pieces and put his cup down. 'Sorry Jon, I didn’t mean to scare you.'
Jon is very hesitant to do anymore work.
He cannot believe what has happened to him and has a quiet moment to himself. 'Is it the deceased estate jewellery?' He questions himself. 'Will I tell the guys and would they believe me?' He thought.
He took a moment, then looked at the workload and got on with the day.
He took a moment, then looked at the workload and got on with the day.
4 of Eight
JEWELLERY STORE.OUTER CITY.
AFTERNOON.
The sun was out. Suzie calls for Jon and he walks out onto the main floor. He is handed a customers locket.
The sun was out. Suzie calls for Jon and he walks out onto the main floor. He is handed a customers locket.
A HOSPITAL BED
Suddenly he is holding a new-born and looking into the eyes of his "a wife".
He sits beside the bed and she rolls over looking at him.
"A wife" 'I love you.' Bathed in sweat and he feels his hand rising to hold hers.
The "A wife" rolls back to rest and he catches a glimpse of her cleavage and the locket.
JEWELLERY STORE.
JEWELLERY STORE.
OUTER CITY.
AFTERNOON.
Rudi 'That’s right isn't Jon. Jon?' Waiting for an answer.
Rudi 'That’s right isn't Jon. Jon?' Waiting for an answer.
Jon can see that the customer is in front of him, Suzie is to his side helping and Rudi obviously must have wanted to ask him a question.
Jon 'I'm sorry Rudi, what was that?' Dazed.
Rudi 'Just a suggestion of the locket, ring and bracelets being combined.'
Suzie nodded and waited for Jon.
Jon 'Yes. Good idea Rudi.'
Silence.
Suzie 'I'll write up the order for you Mrs Cartwright.' Tapping and swiping her screen.
'Thankyou Mr. Kessel and?' The customer asked.
Rudi 'Rudi.'
They both nodded.
Jon went back to his desk and tried to get back to the day’s busy schedule but he had a hard time with where he just had been.
Rudi 'Just a suggestion of the locket, ring and bracelets being combined.'
Suzie nodded and waited for Jon.
Jon 'Yes. Good idea Rudi.'
Silence.
Suzie 'I'll write up the order for you Mrs Cartwright.' Tapping and swiping her screen.
'Thankyou Mr. Kessel and?' The customer asked.
Rudi 'Rudi.'
They both nodded.
Jon went back to his desk and tried to get back to the day’s busy schedule but he had a hard time with where he just had been.
The emotions.
He remembered being with his Christina who, every night would wait for him in their bedroom and as he would undress and start to unwind, she would pull down her lace singlet and let the straps fling off her shoulders deliberately. He could never resist the former Italian model.
They had met fifteen years ago when he went on holidays to Rome.
They had met fifteen years ago when he went on holidays to Rome.
Jon loved the gladiator world. Wild beasts, the crowds cheering but not the death part. He managed to erase that.
He would go on the hourly tours through the ancient sites and on one of them, Christina was the guide. Fluent in many languages and could hold a crowd.
Articulate, intelligent and just enough flirting to keep the tourists entertained and Jon was mesmerised, asked her to go for a meal. They were the same age and very passionate.
He bought a cruiser and she wore the clothes.
He bought a cruiser and she wore the clothes.
They had parties and were always being invited. They had twins. A boy and a girl and Christina was happy to move to Jon’s area of the world for his business was doing very well.
…..
Suzie walked in to Jon’s little office and slid the three pieces onto his work desk, smiled and left.
…..
Suzie walked in to Jon’s little office and slid the three pieces onto his work desk, smiled and left.
He took a deep breathe.
Silence.
He waited for the calm.
He was hoping for darkness but only fluorescent lights on the ceiling and his lamp.
He began immersing himself into the underwater world of his mind and his love of cave exploring; "coolness of the water" and waited for the sealing-off effect as the vast skin of the water surface tickled into his ears and he could feel the slight pressure rising to the top of his head. His years of training for diving had paid off and he loved every second.
He released his breathe.
Everything on his desk became crystal clear. 'The clarity was amazing' he thought. He shot a look at Rudi. An elbow half lit.
Concentrating on the bracelets, the ring then to the locket, Jon chose the locket again feeling confident touching it.
Everything on his desk became crystal clear. 'The clarity was amazing' he thought. He shot a look at Rudi. An elbow half lit.
Concentrating on the bracelets, the ring then to the locket, Jon chose the locket again feeling confident touching it.
A HOSPITAL BED
He was looking at his "a wife" again but from the end of the bed. He was moving around to the side and the "a wife" nodded, lifted up the baby giving it to him.
He was looking at his "a wife" again but from the end of the bed. He was moving around to the side and the "a wife" nodded, lifted up the baby giving it to him.
A HOSPITAL CORRIDOR
Quickly he turned and walked out of the room, down a corridor being followed by a nurse.
Looking down at the new-born, he saw his short sleeves and it was the same as the nurse beside him. They turned a corner entering a waiting room.
Looking down at the new-born, he saw his short sleeves and it was the same as the nurse beside him. They turned a corner entering a waiting room.
A HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM
A young couple stood and all eyes were looking at only one thing.
A young couple stood and all eyes were looking at only one thing.
5 of Eight
JOHN'S HOME.
SUBURBIA.
The glass was put down and had only a little whiskey left. Jon stood silently in his kitchen.
The glass was put down and had only a little whiskey left. Jon stood silently in his kitchen.
He was wondering whether to go into work or not but it wasn’t his usual midweek day off.
He could easily contact Suzie or Rudi he thought and raised his eyebrows but he wouldn't.
He couldn't.
He looked across to the spiral staircase.
He spiralled down to the next level and looked at the remote. Thought about it, then turned and went down again and he saw his car.
JON'S GARAGE
He put his hands on the cold metal bonnet and wrapped his nails.
The cold of the morning made him think of those deep caves.
CAR.
OUTER CITY
He took a deep breathe and started walking.
REAL ESTATE OFFICE.
7 of Eight
JEWELLERY STORE. OUTER CITY. EARLY AFTERNOON
Jon was standing; having a break, sipping his coffee when Suzie walked up to him with a postal sachet.
Suzie was standing in the doorway and waiting for him to come out of his daydream. He did and smiled and was handed the postal sachet.
JEWELLERY STORE. OUTER CITY. EARLY AFTERNOON
Suzie: 'Jon. Jon?' Trying not to scare him by gently rocking his shoulder and thought his body language was strange but waited for him to respond.
Jon: He turned and looked up at her dazed. 'I'm sorry. What?'
Suzie: 'Sorry Jon, I didn’t want to interrupt but I gave you the wrong ring. With the invoice wrapped in with it and I,' She felt embarrassed, 'Just thought I'd try it on and I got them mixed up. So that one is my wedding ring and this one is the customers.'
He took a deep breathe and started walking.
He was ten shopfronts away and looked all the way up the towering glass building.
He couldn’t feel his lungs yet.
A side-street with a yellow chain for deliveries then eight shopfronts to his. He pushed the door and Suzie looked up and smiled.
A side-street with a yellow chain for deliveries then eight shopfronts to his. He pushed the door and Suzie looked up and smiled.
JEWELLERY STORE.
OUTER CITY.
EARLY AFTERNOON
Suzie 'Mr and Mrs Carmel have just come and picked up. They wanted to say thankyou but they couldn’t wait any longer.'
He let out his breathe.
He went straight to his work desk and looked for the manila folder with the rings and found it but when he shook it out.
Rudi 'Hey Jon.' Swung in the doorway. 'I hope you didn't mind but I went ahead and finished that one. They called and asked, for something had come up and could we express it for them so I did.'
Jon 'Fantastic job Rudi.'
Rudi was genuinely taken back. He loved his job and verbal praise was rare.
…..
Rudi 'Hey Jon.' Swung in the doorway. 'I hope you didn't mind but I went ahead and finished that one. They called and asked, for something had come up and could we express it for them so I did.'
Jon 'Fantastic job Rudi.'
Rudi was genuinely taken back. He loved his job and verbal praise was rare.
…..
REAL ESTATE OFFICE.
OUTER CITY.
LATE AFTERNOON.
Realtor: 'Good morning Jon. Please come through. 'What can I do for you?'
Jon: 'Sixteen Darlington Way. I’ve been seeing it and I would like to view it and-.'
Realtor: 'I'm sorry Jon but there has been an offer on it. It’s not on the market anymore.'
Jon: 'Oh.'
Realtor: 'Yes, happened late yesterday and I’m sorry but we’re now just updating.'
Jon: 'Can I ask. Who. Local?'
Realtor: 'They are local.'
The noise of the busy main road surrounded him.
CAR. OUTER CITY. LATE AFTERNOON
Jon: 'It's them.' Jon had parked his car on the busy main road opposite and can clearly see the new husband and then she appears with her arms over his shoulders and one heel up twirling her shoe.
SHOP. OUTER CITY. LATE AFTERNOON
Kim: 'Sweety? We've got to get these shelves up today because-.'
Dereck: 'The stock is coming tomorrow yes I get it.'
Kim: She looks all around the shop. 'It's a long way back there isn’t it?'
Dereck: He is making a noise with all the brown paper wrapping then drops it into a cardboard box. 'Yes, yes it is.' He is distracted by something outside.
Realtor: 'Good morning Jon. Please come through. 'What can I do for you?'
Jon: 'Sixteen Darlington Way. I’ve been seeing it and I would like to view it and-.'
Realtor: 'I'm sorry Jon but there has been an offer on it. It’s not on the market anymore.'
Jon: 'Oh.'
Realtor: 'Yes, happened late yesterday and I’m sorry but we’re now just updating.'
Jon: 'Can I ask. Who. Local?'
Realtor: 'They are local.'
The noise of the busy main road surrounded him.
CAR. OUTER CITY. LATE AFTERNOON
Jon: 'It's them.' Jon had parked his car on the busy main road opposite and can clearly see the new husband and then she appears with her arms over his shoulders and one heel up twirling her shoe.
SHOP. OUTER CITY. LATE AFTERNOON
Kim: 'Sweety? We've got to get these shelves up today because-.'
Dereck: 'The stock is coming tomorrow yes I get it.'
Kim: She looks all around the shop. 'It's a long way back there isn’t it?'
Dereck: He is making a noise with all the brown paper wrapping then drops it into a cardboard box. 'Yes, yes it is.' He is distracted by something outside.
She notices this with her back to the main road but is visualising the back end of the shop.
Dereck: 'Oh darling?' He takes another look outside. 'Its Mr Kessel. Jon the jeweller.' He nods smiling.
Dereck: 'Oh darling?' He takes another look outside. 'Its Mr Kessel. Jon the jeweller.' He nods smiling.
Jon is standing at the main front window.
The husband waves him to come in.
Dereck: 'Hi Mr Kessel.' Waits for the door to close. 'My wife.' He stretches his arm out to her.
She turns and walks up to him, smiles and extends her hand. They shake.
Dereck: 'We're right in the thick of things and I’m surrounded by these darn boxes. They seem to grow.' He chuckled and walked out from amongst what appeared to be just one box.
Jon: 'Look, I won't keep you. I just wanted to say hello, and welcome.' Lightly slapping his hands together and rubbing them.
Kim: 'Thanks.' Smiled.
Jon looked at her. She then looked at her husband but Jon kept looking at her; looking for something and he saw it.
Dereck: 'Hi Mr Kessel.' Waits for the door to close. 'My wife.' He stretches his arm out to her.
She turns and walks up to him, smiles and extends her hand. They shake.
Dereck: 'We're right in the thick of things and I’m surrounded by these darn boxes. They seem to grow.' He chuckled and walked out from amongst what appeared to be just one box.
Jon: 'Look, I won't keep you. I just wanted to say hello, and welcome.' Lightly slapping his hands together and rubbing them.
Kim: 'Thanks.' Smiled.
Jon looked at her. She then looked at her husband but Jon kept looking at her; looking for something and he saw it.
It wasn’t much but it was the pleated skirt.
It was in the background when he was a woman strapped to the chair.
It was the same pleat.
Kim: 'Darling, I’m calling the guys for these shelves. They should be here by now.'
Jon: 'I'm in your way. I'm going and the best of good business to you both.'
Kim: 'Oh thankyou so much.' She said turning, smiling. 'We are so very happy and delighted with what you have done for us Mr-.'
Jon: 'Please. Please, it’s Jon.'
Dereck: 'Ok, alright Jon.' Still showing difficulty with some box and shook his hand. 'Thanks a million.'
Jon: 'We can only hope.' With raised brow and smiled.
The couple got the joke and closed the door behind him.
Kim: 'Darling, I’m calling the guys for these shelves. They should be here by now.'
Jon: 'I'm in your way. I'm going and the best of good business to you both.'
Kim: 'Oh thankyou so much.' She said turning, smiling. 'We are so very happy and delighted with what you have done for us Mr-.'
Jon: 'Please. Please, it’s Jon.'
Dereck: 'Ok, alright Jon.' Still showing difficulty with some box and shook his hand. 'Thanks a million.'
Jon: 'We can only hope.' With raised brow and smiled.
The couple got the joke and closed the door behind him.
6 of Eight
ROCK CHASM. COAST LINE. EARLY MORNING
Team Leader: 'This is a deep system. Alright then. This is a very deep o ne but we have done similar before but again, this is deep.' Holding a small whiteboard and a crude yet detailed drawing of what lay ahead.
ROCK CHASM. COAST LINE. EARLY MORNING
Team Leader: 'This is a deep system. Alright then. This is a very deep o ne but we have done similar before but again, this is deep.' Holding a small whiteboard and a crude yet detailed drawing of what lay ahead.
It was a beautiful early morning. Their two boats were anchored just off-shore and this area of the world had pockets of pristine sand beaches.
A woman: 'Look at the water. Picture postcard, isn’t that what we use to say?'
A woman: 'Look at the water. Picture postcard, isn’t that what we use to say?'
The rest smiled, nodded and began their descent.
Two of the men were sitting with their legs dangling over the edge of a black rock chasm and were waiting for the others to do the same.
Team Leader: 'Ok, usual drill. Two, two, two.'
Team Leader: 'Ok, usual drill. Two, two, two.'
They all voiced in agreement and then the leader and his partner pushed themselves off the edge. No sound then a muted splash.
The next two did a final check, looked at each other, nodded and fell silently. Then the remaining two did the same.
The next two did a final check, looked at each other, nodded and fell silently. Then the remaining two did the same.
It was Jon and his regular partner who quietly moved up close to him and gave him an open mouth kiss. They held each other then parted. Looked at each other knowing everyone was waiting but also that they could not see them.
She nodded at him and they let go of each others hand.
Six torches and a small whiteboard when suddenly a very tight gap appeared and they gathered.
Six torches and a small whiteboard when suddenly a very tight gap appeared and they gathered.
A torch shone on the whiteboard, a cross-section drawing was shown and a meeting place was marked with an x.
Out of darkness glowed the water surface and quietly the six emerged into a cave.
Team Leader: 'Have a quick break in this little alcove or whatever it is.' Quietly and held out the whiteboard and drew the gap. 'What you just saw is what we will get through together. It will seem tight but you will get through. Don't panic and you'll, we will all be fine. We are here for each other.'
Out of darkness glowed the water surface and quietly the six emerged into a cave.
Team Leader: 'Have a quick break in this little alcove or whatever it is.' Quietly and held out the whiteboard and drew the gap. 'What you just saw is what we will get through together. It will seem tight but you will get through. Don't panic and you'll, we will all be fine. We are here for each other.'
They all nodded. 'If one stops, we all stop and wait and assist if needed. If the person does not want assistance, what do we look for?'
One of them said and demonstrated an obvious, slow shake of the head.
Team Leader: 'That's correct and how do we know that all is ok?'
They all showed "thumbs up".
'Ok. Well, if we're all ready, lets go and explore.'
They all silently dipped back into the black liquid with torches on and just as the luminance dissolved, her hand let go of Jon's.
One of them said and demonstrated an obvious, slow shake of the head.
Team Leader: 'That's correct and how do we know that all is ok?'
They all showed "thumbs up".
'Ok. Well, if we're all ready, lets go and explore.'
They all silently dipped back into the black liquid with torches on and just as the luminance dissolved, her hand let go of Jon's.
JEWELLERY STORE. OUTER CITY. EARLY AFTERNOON
Jon was standing; having a break, sipping his coffee when Suzie walked up to him with a postal sachet.
Suzie: 'Special delivery.' With raised brow and mimicking how special it must be. She dipped her hand inside and pulled out a single gold ring. 'Actually, similar to mine.' Looking over the top of her frames. 'I'll pop it back in and give it to you.' Suzie went to hand it to Jon. 'No wait.' She retracted her arm. 'I'll do a copy of the invoice and then you can have it.' She was walking away and looking into the sachet. 'Probably a friendship ring or a-.' She disappeared.
Jon rocked on his heels, turned and went back to his room.
Jon rocked on his heels, turned and went back to his room.
He sat and quietly thought about Emma, his lover and cave diving companion.
Her father sold boats. 'Boats?' He thought and scoffed. 'Yachts and plenty of them. Sold me mine. Well with a little bit of persuasion.' He remembered when viewing the yacht and Emma appeared in a bikini and a towel tied around her waist and asked if either of them; him and her father wanted anything from the shops? 'That afternoon, that evening and all that night was going to change everything.' he thought.
Suzie was standing in the doorway and waiting for him to come out of his daydream. He did and smiled and was handed the postal sachet.
Suzie: 'They want it ASAP.' And left.
He smiled sarcastically and remained smiling until well after she left then went straight-faced and dropped the sachet.
He smiled sarcastically and remained smiling until well after she left then went straight-faced and dropped the sachet.
After a moment he looked for his coffee cup, couldn’t find it, took a deep breathe and opened the sachet and let the ring fall out onto his desk but it didn’t just fall out. It ran on its edge and went towards the edge of the desk and so he stopped it with his palm.
He couldn’t describe the feeling other than – he just had to find the bathroom. He just made it and a young lady followed him in. 'Oh Suzie darlin'.'
SUZIE'S FRIEND'S HOME. NIGHT
He was on the floor and again in a dress but a different one and then he noticed that it wasn’t the works’ bathroom.
He couldn’t describe the feeling other than – he just had to find the bathroom. He just made it and a young lady followed him in. 'Oh Suzie darlin'.'
SUZIE'S FRIEND'S HOME. NIGHT
He was on the floor and again in a dress but a different one and then he noticed that it wasn’t the works’ bathroom.
He tried straightening his legs and to his absolute surprise was wearing high heels; sliding along a white ceramic floor.
The young lady moved closer and he freaked out for a moment putting his hands up to tell her to stop. She did.
Suzie's Friend: 'Well,' She was giggling sympathetically, 'We knew this might happen.'
He tried to stand up.
He tried to stand up.
Suzie's Friend: 'Easy. Easy girl.' Helped him up.
He felt weird being able to stand normally in high heels then that feeling again and he leant over. She pulled a face and had to look away.
After a moment he stood up and wiped his mouth with toilet paper, noticed Suzie's dress he was wearing and walked out into a corridor which led into a kitchen where the young woman was sitting.
He sat.
Suzie's Friend: 'Does Paul know?' With a grin. 'You haven’t told him yet have you?'
Suzie's Friend: 'Does Paul know?' With a grin. 'You haven’t told him yet have you?'
Suzie: 'Jon. Jon?' Trying not to scare him by gently rocking his shoulder and thought his body language was strange but waited for him to respond.
Jon: He turned and looked up at her dazed. 'I'm sorry. What?'
Suzie: 'Sorry Jon, I didn’t want to interrupt but I gave you the wrong ring. With the invoice wrapped in with it and I,' She felt embarrassed, 'Just thought I'd try it on and I got them mixed up. So that one is my wedding ring and this one is the customers.'
She reached over and picked up hers and put the customers in the sachet then patted him on the back and left.
Jon looked at his palm that had stopped the ring and he had a ring mark on his flesh.
Jon looked at his palm that had stopped the ring and he had a ring mark on his flesh.
In the quiet, he recalled what he had just experienced.
He quietly cried.
8 of Eight
JOHN'S HOME. SUBURBIA. EVENING
Jon went home and went upstairs.
JOHN'S HOME. SUBURBIA. EVENING
Jon went home and went upstairs.
He poured himself another drink and his doorbell chimed. This was rare and he almost didn’t answer it.
It was a male face on the security camera. Jon flew down the set of stairs to the front door and opened it.
It was his son then his daughter got out of the car with two children.
They embraced.
The children were sitting up at the kitchen island and helping their mum make a cake. Jon and his son were making coffees and swung around to join in on the island.
Son Aaron: 'How's Emma?'
Daughter Karen: 'Subtle.' Watching her two children play with icing sugar.
Jon: 'She’s good.'
Son Aaron: 'We asked your work where you were and they said either with Emma or at home possibly with Emma and so here we are.'
Daughter Karen: 'And yes,' Walked over and hugged her father giving him a big wet kiss on the cheek and started to laugh. 'Here we are.'
The children were sitting up at the kitchen island and helping their mum make a cake. Jon and his son were making coffees and swung around to join in on the island.
Son Aaron: 'How's Emma?'
Daughter Karen: 'Subtle.' Watching her two children play with icing sugar.
Jon: 'She’s good.'
Son Aaron: 'We asked your work where you were and they said either with Emma or at home possibly with Emma and so here we are.'
Daughter Karen: 'And yes,' Walked over and hugged her father giving him a big wet kiss on the cheek and started to laugh. 'Here we are.'
Jon released his daughter and reached over the island and flicked cake mix at his grand children. Their looks were priceless.
Son Aaron: 'We're really happy for you dad.'
Daughter Karen: 'Really.' Smiling and drew a smiley face on the island out of all the mess.
Jon felt good about everything. They all knew what had happened to Christina; their mother and then he thought.
Jon: 'Emma’s here for dinner. Can you stay?'
Daughter Karen: 'We'd love to but we can't unfortunately.' Watching her children covered in cake mix.
There was a moment of silence.
Son Aaron: 'We kind of knew Emma was coming over and-.' Just stopped.
Jon: 'You couldn’t lie if you tried.' Realising to his son who was nodding.
Daughter Karen: 'Ofcoarse we're staying and overnight.'
Jon: 'Just like your mother.' Warmly and they all just laughed.
Emma had arrived, the children were playing in the yard, Aaron was talking to his screen and after awhile Jon and Emma slumped back in the lounge overlooking the suburban sprawl.
Son Aaron: 'We're really happy for you dad.'
Daughter Karen: 'Really.' Smiling and drew a smiley face on the island out of all the mess.
Jon felt good about everything. They all knew what had happened to Christina; their mother and then he thought.
Jon: 'Emma’s here for dinner. Can you stay?'
Daughter Karen: 'We'd love to but we can't unfortunately.' Watching her children covered in cake mix.
There was a moment of silence.
Son Aaron: 'We kind of knew Emma was coming over and-.' Just stopped.
Jon: 'You couldn’t lie if you tried.' Realising to his son who was nodding.
Daughter Karen: 'Ofcoarse we're staying and overnight.'
Jon: 'Just like your mother.' Warmly and they all just laughed.
Emma had arrived, the children were playing in the yard, Aaron was talking to his screen and after awhile Jon and Emma slumped back in the lounge overlooking the suburban sprawl.
Her arms were stretched out along the back of the lounge and he did the same and their hands touched. There was no rings on any of her fingers. She looked at him, smiled and looked back out.
He took a deep breathe.
End
End
The connections we have.
Jewellery can be very personal.
Just imagine
what you might hear
or see if you had
total access to all.