The music that plays in the background
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DAWN HARTWELL
(sighing)
I can't believe Julia left us in charge on a Saturday. Weddings, I swear...
TRISHA BARLOW
(chuckling)
Oh, come on, Dawn. It's not like we haven't done this before. Besides, it's Oliver and Kathy's big day. Julia deserves to be there.
DAWN HARTWELL
(rolling her eyes)
I suppose. Still, I had plans with Seth tonight. Now I'll have to cancel. Again.
TRISHA BARLOW
(sympathetically)
Aw, hon. I'm sure Seth will understand. He knows how it is in the service industry.
DAWN HARTWELL
(bitterly)
Does he? Sometimes, I wonder if he knows anything about me at all.
TRISHA BARLOW
(pausing her work)
Trouble in paradise?
DAWN HARTWELL
(leaning on the bar)
Paradise? It's more like purgatory. I don't know, Trish. It's just... we've been together for what, two years now? And it feels like we're stuck in the same place we were six months in.
TRISHA BARLOW
(frowning)
What do you mean?
DAWN HARTWELL
I mean... (lowering her voice) We never talk about the future. It's all just day-to-day stuff. Work, telly, maybe a pint at the end of the day. But where are we going?
TRISHA BARLOW
(gently)
Have you talked to Seth about this?
DAWN HARTWELL
(scoffing)
Tried to. But you know Seth. He just shrugs it off and says we're fine as we are. But are we? Really?
TRISHA BARLOW
(thoughtfully)
Well, everyone's different, love. Some people need more... structure in their relationships.
DAWN HARTWELL
(sighing)
I guess. How do you and Ernest do it? You always seem so... together.
TRISHA BARLOW
(smiling)
Oh, we have our moments, believe me. But... I don't know. We just click, you know? We're always talking about what's next. Holidays, home improvements, maybe even kids someday.
DAWN HARTWELL
(wistfully)
That sounds nice.
TRISHA BARLOW
(leaning in)
It is. But it's not always easy. We work at it. Communication is key.
DAWN HARTWELL
(sarcastically)
Great. The one thing Seth's rubbish at.
DEN WILKINSON
Excuse me, love. Could I get another pint?
DAWN HARTWELL
(switching to professional mode)
Coming right up!
As Dawn pours the pint, Trisha restocks the fridges. Once the customer is served, they resume their conversation.
TRISHA BARLOW
You know, Dawn, relationships aren't one-size-fits-all. What works for Ernest and me might not work for you and Seth.
DAWN HARTWELL
(sighing)
I know, I know. It's just... I want more, you know? I want to feel like we're building something together, not just... existing side by side.
TRISHA BARLOW
(nodding)
I get it. Have you thought about what you want your future to look like?
DAWN HARTWELL
(thoughtfully)
I've been thinking about it a lot lately, actually. I'd love to own my own place someday. Maybe a house and I'd like to be a mother.
TRISHA BARLOW
(excitedly)
That sounds wonderful! Have you told Seth about this dream?
DAWN HARTWELL
(shaking her head)
Not really. I'm afraid he'll just laugh it off.
TRISHA BARLOW
(firmly)
Dawn, honey, you need to tell him. If he's the right person for you, he'll support your dreams.
DAWN HARTWELL
(hesitantly)
You're right. I should talk to him. It's just... scary, you know?
TRISHA BARLOW
(squeezing Dawn's hand)
Of course it is. But you're strong, Dawn. You can do this.
Their conversation is interrupted by the pub door swinging open. A group of locals enters, chattering loudly.
DAWN HARTWELL
(straightening up)
Looks like the afternoon rush is starting. Ready?
TRISHA BARLOW
(grinning)
Born ready. But Dawn? Promise me you'll talk to Seth, yeah?
DAWN HARTWELL
(nodding)
I promise. Thanks, Trish.
YOU ARE READING
Masefield Avenue: Episode 14,431
General FictionIt's the 20th August 1999 it's Oliver and Kathy's wedding day, which brings the entire community together apart from the selected few
