Creampie
In the quiet of a sprawling suburban neighborhood, young April, played by the captivating Alina Lopez, ascends the grand steps of an imposing house. Just another day, another job for this teenage babysitter, right? But the stage is set for anything but ordinary. The house, vast and impressive, hints at the wealth of its owner. Who lives here, and what secrets hide behind those closed doors? April knocks, and the door swings open to reveal a charming man, portrayed by the seasoned Dick Chibbles. "Mr. Perry?" April asks, her smile bright and eager. "Yes, that's me. You must be April, welcome!" he responds, his tone warm and inviting. April steps inside, ready to meet the children she'll be caring for. But first, she finds herself drawn into a conversation that feels a touch too personal. The living room becomes a stage for their exchange. April shares her story, her dreams of a career in fashion, her struggle to raise her younger brother after their parents' passing. Trent, sympathetic yet probing, asks about her heritage, her hobbies, her school life. April, slightly uncomfortable but ever polite, answers each query. She's here for a job, but it seems Mr. Perry has more than childcare on his mind. When April inquires about Mrs. Perry, Trent's response is evasive. She won't be home anytime soon, he says. She's at work, he explains, a deadline to meet. April, unaware of the tangled web she's stepping into, smiles and heads off to meet the children. Behind her, Trent watches, his gaze lingering. "One hell of a mother..." he murmurs, a hint of longing in his voice. Hours later, the house is quiet, the children tucked into bed. April, alone in the living room, tidies up. She picks up a drawing, a family portrait in crayon. A man, a woman, three boys, all smiling. But there's another figure, scribbled over in dark crayon. "Mom," it's labeled. April's brows furrow. What does this mean? Curiosity piqued, April pulls out her phone, her fingers dancing over the screen as she types Trent Perry's name into the search engine. An obituary pops up. His wife, gone. A chill runs down April's spine. What is going on in this house? Behind her, a movement. Trent, looming in the doorway, his expression menacing. April whirls around, startled. "What the hell is going on here?" she demands, her voice shaking as she holds up her phone, the obituary glowing on the screen. Trent's face crumples, grief washing over him. "Listen, I can explain..." he begins, his voice a plea. April hesitates, her hand on the doorknob. She remembers her own loss, her parents' deaths. She gives Trent a chance to explain. And what a story he tells. Years of trying for a baby. A wife lost in childbirth. A son born, but a daughter longed for. A wet nurse, Claire, who stepped in to help. Two more sons born, but no daughter. And now, Claire is gone. April listens, her heart aching for Trent's loss. But what does he want from her? When he asks her to be the one to give him a daughter, April is shocked. She refuses, but Trent is persistent. He doesn't need her love, he says. Just her womb. Nine months of her life. In return, he'll pay for her college, her brother's school. Money is no object. April is torn. This is a lot to ask. But she needs the money. Her brother needs her. Her dreams are at stake. She asks how much Trent can offer, her voice barely a whisper. The deal is on the table. The stage is set for a decision that will change everything. Trent approaches April, his eyes meeting hers. A mutual understanding passes between them. Without a word, he takes her by the arm, leading her upstairs. The house is silent, the secrets of the past locked away. But the future? That's yet to be written. And as April follows Trent, her heart pounding, the audience is left on the edge of their seats, wondering what the next act will bring. Will April go through with it? Will she give Trent the daughter he so desperately wants? The stage is set, the actors are in place. The rest is yet to unfold.
