Miranda – A New Beginning

Chapter 21

AT THE FLAT – EARLY NEXT MORNING

Miranda and Gary have just woken up. Under the cosy duvet, the problems of yesterday are forgotten and they are both just glad to be together.

Miranda – "Morning!"

Gary – "Good Morning!"

Gary kisses Miranda then dives under the duvet to kiss her tummy. Before resurfacing and holding her tightly into his arms.

Gary – "What would you like for breakfast?"

Miranda – "Um. I think I'd like the same as yesterday…"

Gary – "Ooh. My favourite!"

The door bangs open and Miranda's father stands in the doorway.

Miranda is indignant. Gary is terrified.

Miranda – "Dad! Can't you knock?"

Miranda's father – "I want a word with lover-boy here!"

Miranda – "Could it not have waited until we were up?"

Miranda's father – "No, it couldn't. I've been doing some digging, Gary, and I've uncovered some very unpleasant things about you!"

Gary – "What do you mean?"

Miranda's father – "For a start… that you are still married to that girl, Tamara!"

Miranda and Gary are both shocked.

Gary – "No, I'm not; I sorted all that out ages ago!"

Miranda's father – "You might have signed on the dotted line; but she didn't! And I suppose you couldn't be bothered to check!"

Gary – "What? Miranda, I swear, Tamara said it was all finalised, then she went back home."

Miranda's father – "Except she didn't! She's still living in Surrey, under an assumed name – Tammy Preston!"

Gary is in shock. But Miranda has had enough of her father interfering.

Miranda – "Dad, we'll sort it out. It's still not a reason for you not to give us your blessing. Can't you see how ridiculous this is? I'm having Gary's baby. Your grandchild! You should be pleased for us!"

Miranda's father – "I'm afraid I cannot be pleased about you wanting to marry a bigamist. And that's not the only issue."

Miranda – "Go on."

Miranda's father – "The real reason Gary returned from Hong Kong!"

Gary – "I was sacked from my job. Miranda knows that."

Miranda's father – "And why were you sacked from that job, Gary? Do you want to tell her or shall I?"

Gary looks at Miranda's father, aghast.

Gary – "How did you find out?"

Miranda's father – "I have some useful contacts there."

Miranda – "Will someone please tell me what's going on?"