EPISODE 297
Written by: Bre L Drew
June 17, 2024
Last Time on Town and Country
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For four years, Tanner, Tommy, Elijah, and Aaliyah attended Sampson University, where they have been through several trials and tribulations that led them here to graduation.
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Martha told Samuel she would talk to Murray about him, saying that Samuel called her when she was with him and SJ.
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Sean surprised Tricia by signing the divorce papers.
SAMPSON UNIVERSITY
On this rather beautiful afternoon in Radcliffe, Kentucky, students, faculty, friends, and family gather at the outdoor stadium on the campus of Sampson University to witness their loved one's graduate. Among them are Sean Lockhart and Louise Saunders Lockhart.
"I can't believe we're about to be parents of a college graduate," Sean notes.
To him, it still seems like five minutes ago, they were new parents bringing their fraternal twin daughters' home from the hospital after they were born, but now they have become women overnight.
"Please don't make me feel older than I already do," Louise protests. "It's going to be thirty years next year since I came across that very stage."
In 1995, Louise graduated from Sampson with a degree in agricultural studies. But the familiarity of the campus brings all of it back.
"You'll never be old to me," he winks charismatically.
"You have some brownie points coming your way."
The two get closer to where they want to sit as Sean gazes at her intently. "Well, hopefully, what I'm about to tell you will give me more bonus points."
"Oh, what is that?" She queries cautiously.
"I signed the papers,"
The announcement takes Louise by surprise, even though she knew he and Tricia were divorcing; she had known he hadn't gotten around to doing so until now.
When they decided to get back together, one of her provisions was that he was officially divorced before they became physically intimate; however, she was happy that he took the step for them to move forward.
Meanwhile, nearby, in one of the campus buildings where the graduates are hanging out until the ceremony begins, down the hall in the women's restroom, Lenny Lockhart is helping her sister put the graduation cap on her head in front of the mirror.
"Hold still, hold still; all right, I got it," Lenny tells her.
Tanner gazes in the mirror, looking every bit as the graduate in her mostly unzipped black gown reveals her honor's sash and white cocktail dress.
"Thanks for the assist."
"No problem,"
The brunette turns to face Lenny.
"I know today is a big day for me, but I don't want you to think...
Lenny sets her finger on her sister's mouth. "I know what you're gonna say, and today should be about you and Elijah. And anyway, it's not like I'm not going to have cancer tomorrow or the day after that."
Tanner still isn't used to Lenny using black humor lately, though after getting the news, her initial treatment didn't destroy enough of the cancerous cells, resulting in her now being on an intense round.
She places her hands on her sister's arms in a supportive manner. "I know it doesn't look like it now, but somebody in this family will be a match; you just have to believe."
Lenny couldn't help but start crying, which made Tanner unknowingly tear up.
The sisters embrace each other.
"No more tears after we leave this room. Unless they are happy ones, okay," Lenny voices.
"I promise," Tanner says to her.
HOME FARM: GUEST HOUSE
Jordan Covington couldn't resist finding her husband incredibly sexy, especially while tying his necktie in their bedroom of the two-story guest house they reside in with their son on his family's estate.
"You're all set," she declares, slowly letting go of him.
"Thanks," he tells her.
"If you need any help getting dressed or undressed, I'm your girl," she hints suggestively.
Tommy half-suppresses his humor at his wife's suggestion. Despite having unresolved feelings for Tanner, there's no denying his wife is stunning, but he knows he's still in marriage for the sake of their little boy.
The two walk down the stairs into the living room, where Jeremy is all dressed, and Tommy's cap and gown sit on the couch's armrest.
Jordan scoops up the growing toddler, while the cacophony of the doorbell causes Tommy to go to obtain the door.
"All hail the graduate!" Max Covington exclaims
Tommy's siblings and sister-in-law step inside the house, each offering him a hug.
"It's not like I'm not happy to see you all, but I thought we were going to meet on campus."
"Well, we thought we would come and all ride together; besides, it's not every day when your baby brother graduates from college." Courtney Covington Sullivan says this while she goes to her nephew, who grabs her nose, which makes her laugh.
"I bet you miss Steven since he's been away," Jordan says.
"I do, but luckily he will be home tomorrow. He's having a good time with Evan down in Orlando."
Her husband and his mother went to Florida for his son's elementary school graduation and are spending time with him since he doesn't get much time with him.
"Thank you for coming," Tommy tells them.
"We wouldn't be anywhere else," Shauna Covington remarks.
"We've come a long way from you being the wiseass that got kicked out of boarding school, haven't we?" Max mentions
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"A wiseass? Me?" Tommy feigns modesty. "But seriously, that feels like a lifetime ago."
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"Tell me about it," Shauna comments.
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She was with Max when he discovered his brother came to town, as she was the one that saw him when she was working as the interior decorator of the estate. She would've never imagined she would marry Max or be unfaithful to him, though she tries to shake that last thought out of her head since it isn't the time or place.
Jordan grips the strap of her purse. "We should get going."
The six exit the guest house, going to their respective cars, which they use to leave the estate.
At the mansion, Daniel Covington stares out of the window by the front door, knowing today is when his youngest offspring are graduating. Although he hadn't been invited, a part of him wishes he could be there, knowing he lost that privilege when he gaslit Jordan.
The vehicles go by the house on their way off the grounds, leaving him alone since his mother went to spend a few days away at Martha's Vineyard with her socialite friends.
SAMPSON UNIVERSITY
More people start to populate the stadium once Sarah Lynn, Martha, and SJ Saunders arrive.
Samuel Gupta notices them and motions for her to come over.
"Mom, can you watch SJ for a few minutes?"
"Sure, no problem," the family matriarch says, taking the five-year-old boy's hand.
They briefly greet her boyfriend and then head towards Louise and Sean.
She is thankful that the two are doing better since they were able to clear up the miscommunication between them.
They soon let go of one another.
"How is everything going?" he asks her.
Martha tucks a small strand of her short hair behind her ear. "Not bad,"
"Did you talk to Murray?"
She had discovered her child's father hadn't told her about Samuel calling her when they were at the hotel pool.
"I wanted to do it, but Murray left town unexpectedly."
"What happened?"
"Something about an emergency had to do with one of his artists, so he left for LA yesterday. But I intend to talk to him when he gets back and clarify where we stand."
Samuel puts his arms around his girlfriend. "Good, because I'll be damned to let that man come between us."
"I bet your father is smiling down on all of us this day," Sarah Lynn says to her daughter and former son-in-law regarding her late husband, Peter.
"Oh, I hope so," the younger blonde woman notes.
Not only is she thinking of her graduate daughter, but also her other daughter, who's battling cancer.
"Everything will work out; we just have to have faith." Sarah Lynn says assuredly
"I agree with your mother," Sean responds, putting her arm around the woman he loves. "And besides, Lenny wouldn't want us to feel sorry for her, especially not today."
A few moments of silence follow before SJ decides to say something.
"Aunt Louise?"
"Yes, sweetheart," she answers.
"Is Tanner still your child when she graduates?"
The inoffensiveness of that question makes the adults around him feel less tense, as it is mostly amusement they now exhibit.
"No matter how old or big you get, you will always be your parent's child, no matter what."
He innocently shrugs, like small children do when they're bound to forget this conversation happened when they're older.
Brynn and Nathaniel Barker appear, exchanging friendly greetings with their son's girlfriend's family and longtime acquaintances.
"Boy, it still seems like yesterday we were all together to witness the kids graduate from high school," Nathaniel mentions.
The English literature professor is in his faculty cap and gown.
"It does, doesn't it?" Sean reacts
Brynn's natural, vibrant red hair illuminates even more in the sun. "All of our children have so much to look forward to."
The Lockhart's couldn't help but think of Lenny, not knowing whether or not she will have a future, even if they're determined to convince her of that.
"Sean, Louise, I'm so sorry," Nathaniel says regrettably.
"And please allow me to extend that; if there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask," Brynn adds.
"We appreciate it, Brynn," Louise says respectfully.
The Barkers part ways as Nathaniel needs to get ready before the commencement while Sarah Lynn takes SJ to the restroom, which isn't too far.
Sean lifts his head, noticing someone heading their way. "Don't look now."
But Louise does so anyway.
Jai and Mala Gupta walk hand in hand with one another, which causes discomfort between them.
"Look, we don't want any trouble," Sean says defensively.
The Guptas trade confused glares.
Last year, Sean and Louise made out in her bedroom, which was unbeknownst to them. Aaliyah filmed them and showed the video in front of everyone at Louise and Jai's engagement party as a ploy to reunite her parents, which worked.
"I think the world has bigger problems than what happened last summer," Jai clarifies.
"I don't we were expecting that kind of response." Louise proclaims.
Mala maintains her grasp on her beau's hand. And today is about children, not our discord."
"Well, I think we all can agree on that," Louise states.
Several undergraduates congregate in the lecture hall in one of the campus buildings, including Elijah and Tommy.
"Soon, we're finally free from this place." Tommy says
"Speak for yourself; you might be done with higher learning, but I'm on break until law school starts." Elijah reminds him. "But there were times I thought I wouldn't make it."
In their freshman year, Elijah struggled with alcoholism, resulting from academic pressure, so much so that he nearly lost his life getting behind the wheel while drunk, which was a wake-up call for him.
"But you're on the other side of it."
"And I owe it all to you guys, and most importantly, Lenny, you didn't give up on me when I wanted to give up on myself."
"And look at you now; you're about to be a lawyer." Tommy chuckles good-naturedly.
Out in the hallway, Tanner and Presley McKnight exit from their hug.
"I'm glad I was able to catch up to you before it got crazy around here," the reverend tells his girlfriend.
"Yeah, me too."
"I better let you get to it, but I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. I know you have a lot on your mind, but don't forget to take a moment for yourself."
Tanner genuinely smiles at her boyfriend.
Tommy walks out of the classroom but stops himself, noticing his ex-girlfriend speaking to her older boyfriend.
"You always know the right thing to say," Tanner tells him.
She leans in to kiss Presley, which Tommy couldn't help but wish he was on the receiving end of instead of his brother-in-law.
As Presley heads out of the building, Aaliyah Gupta sets foot into the hallway with her heels clacking against the linoleum floor. She notices different gatherings of her peers laughing and talking, making her miss all of the time she had with her friends before she managed to alienate herself from them.
Tanner turns around and sees her estranged best friend.
"Hi,"
"Hi," Aaliyah retorts awkwardly. "I'm surprised you're even speaking to me."
Tanner folds her arms across her chest. "Look, I'm still pretty upset with how you handled everything, but I guess I don't feel the need to avoid you every time you come my way."
Aaliyah emits an exhale. "Small mercies, eh."
Tanner decides to bridge the gap of uneasiness between them.
"I heard about you and Lorenzo; I'm sorry."
Aaliyah had found out that her boyfriend of nearly four years had been seeing someone else behind her back for three months.
"I bet you and Lenny think I probably deserve it after what I've done."
Tanner is about to say something when Professor Barker's voice penetrates throughout the atmosphere.
"Okay, graduates, let's start getting in order before we head out to the stadium."
Slowly students begin doing what they're told while Tanner and Aaliyah join the others in their black attire.
***
Precisely an hour later, the stadium is full of spectators, in addition to the rows of students also sitting and waiting for their names to be called momentarily.
Dr. Joyce Detweiler, the dean of the university, takes her position at the podium.
The white woman in her sixties, sporting a platinum blonde bob, speaks into the microphone.
"Before we call the undergraduates to receive their diplomas, I want to say a special message to the class of 2024 for never giving up despite how hard the path was to get here; you never did, and I must commend you on that."
A round of applause can be heard throughout the audience.
"So, let's not keep you all waiting as I call your name and receive your degree."
By now, the first two rows had already taken their places.
Alana Adamson, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science...
"Elijah Barker, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science."
Applause and smiles are exchanged from the audience, including Lenny and Brynn, while Nathaniel, who is on stage, doesn't hold back his happiness at handing his son his degree, to which he gives him a huge hug, knowing the struggle for him to get here.
Deon Copeland, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre...
"Thomas Covington, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration."
From her seat, Courtney records her brother receiving his degree on her iPhone, happily cheering along with Max and Shauna while Jordan excitedly points to him as Jeremy waves to him, which Tommy waves back to his son.
Tanner is happy for her first love, knowing this is a big deal for him.
Marina Frost, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Studies...
"Aaliyah Gupta, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Merchandising and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration."
Jai and Samuel clap as Mala is on her feet; despite wishing she would've attended Yale. But she is still proud of her daughter as the young woman accepts the diploma that she holds up.
Several more names with their degree programs are called,
"Tanner Lockhart, Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences."
Presley, Sarah Lynn, Martha, SJ, Lenny, Sean, and Louise all cheer as she receives her degree from Nathaniel, whom she also embraces.
The part of the ceremony soon concludes.
"Once again, congratulations to the class of 2024."
They now shift their tassel on their cap to the correct side to indicate they have graduated.
The crowd disperses as photos and videos begin being taken.
Elijah volunteers to capture a photo of Tanner, Lenny, Sean, Louise, and Sarah Lynn together.
Another photo is taken with Brynn planting a kiss on Elijah's cheek, and another is with both of his parents.
Elijah and Tommy then take one together.
Shauna takes one of Max, Courtney, and Tommy, and then one with Jordan and Jeremy.
Concurrently, Courtney sends something on her phone.
In his home office, Daniel hears the notification, and he then presses the clip of Tommy getting his degree on stage.
He then looks at the framed picture of his late wife, Keri, on his desk. "Our little boy did it."
Though he does wish he could've witnessed it in person, he is grateful that at least he was thought of.
The photo op begins dying down as one of the last ones is taken with Elijah, Tanner, and Tommy.
Elijah notices Aaliyah standing across from them, sensing she feels left out. He quickly motioned for her to come over.
Aaliyah waves her hand flippantly, but she sees all three of them are cool with it, so she goes over to them.
Sean uses his iPhone to take it as the four of them position themselves as Tommy puts his arm around Tanner, which Jordan doesn't miss, and she turns to her brother to silently indicate they possibly have a problem regarding their partners.
The four of them smile as the picture is taken, unaware of what lies ahead for them all.
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END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Will finds out about Jacques and Emma's elopement.
Joel reveals more of his past to Thora.
Shauna confronts Courtney.
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