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Life of Imogen


Bretto

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Story Title: Life of Imogen
Type of story: Long Fic
Main Characters: Imogen Miller, David Miller, Pauline Miller, Roxanne "Roxy" Miller, Madison Miller and a few other characters.
BTTB rating: T
Genre: Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship
Does story include spoilers: Yes
Any warnings: Sexual content, violence and language
Summary: Imogen Miller always resented her older sister Roxanne (or Roxy as her family and friends called her) because she was always "perfect" in the eyes of their parents. Having just returned from visiting Roxy in Summer Bay, will Imogen get the help she needs or will she continue to resent life? (Set in 1993)

Episode 1

Imogen Miller got out of Alf Stewart's car and without saying a word, she grabbed her luggage and waited at the bus depot in Yabbie Creek. She was going back home to Adelaide, home with her parents who couldn't even give a damn about her. In her mind, Imogen was never perfect in their eyes and they had always favoured the older sister, Roxanne. While Roxy had a slim figure growing up, Imogen was overweight and was often bullied at school. Did her beloved parents care? No! They were too fixated on how "perfect" Roxy was. All the time, they would criticise poor Imogen for being useless and clumsy. Sure enough, by Year 10, Imogen started taking aerobics classes and playing netball. The weight was beginning to come off and for the first time since she started high school, Imogen was able to make friends. But still, Imogen resented Roxy for being the "favourite" daughter. When Imogen arrived in Summer Bay, she seized the opportunity to make Roxy feel small and ugly. First, she tried to steal Roxy's boyfriend, Luke Cunningham from her. When that failed, Imogen hid Roxy's silk blouse and exam papers, deliberately set the wrong date on tickets to the local school play and just being cruel, manipulative and selfish. When Imogen deliberately burned Roxy's cakes one afternoon, Ailsa Stewart saw right through Imogen's innocent act and when confronted, Imogen snapped and stormed out of the house. Imogen then told Roxy that she hated her and blamed her for everything that went wrong in her life. When Imogen left, she told Roxy that she would never see her again.

*The coach to Adelaide pulls up*

Bus driver: Everyone get on.

*Imogen chucks her luggage in the baggage hold before entering the coach and sitting down in a seat. As she does, she goes through her handbag*

Imogen: *sarcastically* Oh great! I left my address book behind!

Man: Are you okay, Miss?

*Imogen looks at the man, who is aged in his early 20's*

Imogen: What does it look like?!

Man: Sorry, I just noticed that you were agitated. *looks bewildered*

Imogen: No, I apologise. I've had a terrible time in Summer Bay. I had to spend time with my "lovely" sister, Roxy. She's such a goody-goody it's pathetic!

Man: Oh. Is she your only sister?

Imogen: No, I have a 17 year-old sister named Madison. In fact, all of my sisters are adopted.

Man: And do you hate Madison as well?

Imogen: No! I love her. Roxy caused so many problems for me growing up, it's not funny.

Man: Oh. I'm John, by the way.

Imogen: Imogen.

*they shake hands*

Man: I'm off to see family in Adelaide. You live there?

Imogen: I sure do. *smiles*

Man: Cool. I must say, you've got an excellent figure.

*Imogen blushes slightly*

Imogen: Oh thanks. *smiles*

Bus driver: We're off to Adelaide.

*Imogen decides to have a nap as the coach leaves Yabbie Creek bound for Adelaide*

Several hours later, Imogen arrives back in Adelaide. She gets off the coach, collects her luggage and takes a taxi home.

Imogen: How much for the ride?

Taxi driver: $19.50.

*Imogen pays the taxi driver before she gets out and walks towards her house*

Imogen: *bitterly* Home sweet home.

*Imogen opens the door with her key and enters the house to find Madison coming out of the bathroom*

Madison: Hey Imogen. Welcome home.

Imogen: I have missed you so much, Madison.

*they hug*

Madison: How was Summer Bay?

Imogen: I will tell you later. It's a long story.

*David and Pauline walk over to Imogen*

Pauline: Imogen, your father and I would like a word with you.

Imogen: And hello to you too, Mum and Dad! *rolls her eyes*

David: Imogen!

Pauline: Maddie, why don't you go and make your bed.

Madison: Okay, Mum.

*Madison gives Imogen a sympathetic stare as she walks off*

Imogen: What is it?

Pauline: Roxy phoned last night.

Imogen: Did she now?

David: Imogen, what the bloody hell possessed you to do those things?!

Imogen: OH DON'T GIVE ME THAT! YOU BOTH KNOW DAMN WELL WHAT I'M ON ABOUT! ALL MY LIFE IT WAS, "WHY ARE YOU SO CLUMSY, IMOGEN?", "WHY ARE YOU SO USELESS?", "WHY ARE YOU NOT LOSING WEIGHT?". ROXY WAS ALWAYS THE FAVOURITE DAUGHTER WHO COULD DO NO WRONG!

Pauline: You know that's not true, Imogen. Your father and I love you very much.

Imogen: Do you? I'll believe THAT when I see it!

David: Imogen...

Imogen: As soon as I find my own place, I'm out of here! That will make you BOTH very happy!

*Imogen glares at her parents before storming off*

Pauline: What have we done?

David: Imogen has never been this resentful towards us.

Pauline: We never thought she was clumsy or useless. We encouraged her to take those aerobics classes.

David: I think she needs to talk to someone about her problems.

Pauline: Like a psychiatrist?

David: Yes.

*Pauline and David look at each other sadly*

(Imogen is in her bedroom looking at a photo of her and Roxy when they were younger.)

Imogen: I got what I wanted from you.

*Imogen throws the photo across the room before grabbing a pillow and clutching it to her chest*

NEXT TIME

- Imogen opens up to Madison about her issues with Roxy

- David and Pauline worry about Imogen's mental health

WHEN LIFE OF IMOGEN CONTINUES

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Episode 2

Later that day, Imogen is laying on her bed when she hears a knock on her door.

Imogen: Go away!

Madison: It's me, Imogen.

Imogen: Oh, come in.

*Madison enters the room*

Madison: Are you okay?

Imogen: I'm fine, Madison. What makes you say that?

Madison: I heard you yelling at Mum and Dad. It wouldn't have anything to do with Roxy would it?

*Imogen sighs sadly*

Madison: Imogen, talk to me. This is your little sister speaking.

Imogen: You don't understand what it's like to be ridiculed and bullied all the time. All my life, it was "Imogen, why can't you be more like Roxy?". I tried and I couldn't! Mum and Dad always saw me as clumsy and useless. And did they care that I was being picked on at school because of my weight? No!

Madison: Hey, hey. Calm down. *looks sad*

Imogen: Roxy never cared about how I felt at all, neither did Mum and Dad and I HATE them for it!

Madison: Do you hate me?

Imogen: Oh, Madison. I don't hate you. *looks at Madison with sadness in her eyes*

Madison: Why didn't you tell anyone how you felt?

Imogen: They don't care. In fact, the only one that cares about me in this house is you.

*Madison puts her arm around Imogen*

Madison: I promise it will get better.

*Imogen looks unsure*

Meanwhile, Pauline is on the phone with Roxy.

Pauline: Imogen is starting to really worry me.

Roxy: Did she arrive home safely?

Pauline: Early this morning, but I don't think she'll be living here much longer.

Roxy: What happened?

Pauline: When your father and I confronted Imogen about her behaviour during her visit with you, she lost it. She basically accused us of favouring you.

Roxy: But that's not true. You and Dad always loved us the same.

Pauline: I know, but that's not all.

Roxy: There's more?

Pauline: Imogen's decided to find her own place. She told me and your father that we would be very happy once she moved out.

Roxy: That's terrible. I did recommend to Imogen that she talk to a counsellor or psychologist about her problems.

Pauline: How did she react?

Roxy: She just gave me a filthy look as she packed her bags.

Pauline: I'm sure you two will see each other again.

Roxy: I doubt it.

Pauline: Well, you take care of yourself darling. Okay. Bye.

*Pauline hangs up the phone as David walks in*

David: Who was that on the phone?

Pauline: That was Roxy. I told her about Imogen's behaviour this morning.

David: That girl is really starting to concern me. I mean, she hasn't left her bedroom since she came back. She wouldn't have any lunch.

Pauline: Love, I think Imogen needs to see a psychologist.

*Imogen overhears that as she walks into the kitchen*

Imogen: Talking about me again, are you?!

David: Imogen...

Imogen: I DON'T NEED A PSYCHOLOGIST, ALRIGHT!

Pauline: Imogen, you do not raise your voice at us!

Imogen: Why?! You've been raising my voice at me for god knows how many years! Not only that, but you have ALWAYS compared me to Roxy!

David: That is not true, Imogen!

Imogen: SHUT UP!

*Pauline and David look scared and upset the more angrier Imogen gets*

Imogen: YOU BOTH MAKE ME SICK! YOU DIDN'T CARE THAT I WAS BEING BULLIED BECAUSE OF MY WEIGHT! YOU DIDN'T CARE HOW MUCH IT HURT ME WHEN YOU ALWAYS COMPARED ME TO ROXY! YOU DIDN'T CARE THAT I EXIST, SO WHY GIVE A DAMN NOW?!

*Pauline tries hard not to cry*

David: Imogen, we had no idea...

Imogen: DON'T GIVE ME THAT! OF COURSE YOU BOTH KNEW! THAT'S WHY I HATE YOU BOTH! THE MINUTE I GET MY OWN PLACE, I WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH BOTH OF YOU!

*Imogen storms off*

Pauline: *sobbing* Oh, David.

David: Darling, I think Imogen is sick.

Pauline: How?

David: Mentally.

*Pauline and David embrace*

NEXT TIME

- Imogen catches up with her friends, while giving her parents the silent treatment

WHEN LIFE OF IMOGEN CONTINUES

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Episode 3

That afternoon, Imogen arrives at a café in Adelaide's CBD and meets up with her friends Krista, Jen, Sonya and Whitney.

Imogen: Hey girls.

Whitney: Hey Immy. How was the trip to Summer Bay?

Imogen: Lousy. *gives Whitney a hug*

Jen: What do you mean by that?

*Imogen hugs Jen, Sonya and Krista*

Imogen: Don't get me wrong, the place was beautiful. But it was seeing HER that made my skin crawl.

Sonya: I take it you and Roxanne had a fight.

Imogen: Yes.

Krista: What happened?

Imogen: I wanted Roxy to pay for how she treated me as I was growing up. I did it with flying colours. *smirks*

Jen: What did you do?

Imogen: I hid her favourite blouse before putting it back in the laundry basket. I also stole her exam papers and hid them in one of her folders, tried to steal her boyfriend and burnt her cakes.

Whitney: That's terrible, Immy.

Imogen: She deserved it for making me feel small and ugly growing up!

Krista: You never were ugly, Imogen. What makes you say that?

Imogen: Krista, are you blind? I was fat during the first few years of high school.

Jen: We know. You were teased by the popular girls because of it.

Imogen: Well I showed them, didn't I? Two years of aerobics classes and netball finally paid off.

Sonya: But that still doesn't explain why you did those things to Roxy.

Imogen: Sonya, imagine your parents comparing you to your older sister all the time. It would hurt your feelings quite badly.

Whitney: What did they do? I always thought your parents were nice people.

*Imogen laughs bitterly*

Imogen: You don't know half of what they did to me, Whitney. Every day it was, "Imogen, why can't you be like Roxy?" "Why are you so clumsy?" "You need to lose weight.". I used to cry myself to sleep every night for four years because all I wanted to do was be accepted and loved by my parents. Plus, the bullying at school didn't help matters.

Krista: Imogen, it sounds like you've got serious demons you need to conquer.

Imogen: They reckon I need to see a psychiatrist. HA! I don't need one.

Jen: But Imogen, if you are having these problems you need to talk with someone.

Sonya: Jen's right. It'll do you good.

Imogen: I just don't know.

Whitney: We'll support you all the way.

Krista: Me too.

Jen: Me three.

Sonya: Me four.

Imogen: Thanks girls. *smiles*

When Imogen returns home, she finds her mother in the living room watching TV.

Pauline: Imogen?

Imogen: What?!

Pauline: Could I have a word with you?

Imogen: *coolly* No, I'm about to have a shower.

Pauline: Please?

*But Imogen ignores her mother and walks to the bathroom*

David: *calling out* Imogen, come here please.

*Imogen storms over to the living room*

Imogen: OH WHAT IS IT?! CAN'T YOU LEAVE ME ALONE?! I JUST CAME THROUGH THE DOOR!

David: Don't shout at me, young lady! Your mother wants to talk to you and I expect you to show some respect.

Imogen: You really are a hypocrite, Dad!

David: I'm sorry?

Imogen: You and Mum are suddenly wanting to talk with me after I tried for HOW many years to talk about my feelings?! Get stuffed both of you!

David: You get back here right now. I'm not finished talking with you.

Imogen: WELL, I'M ENDING THE CONVERSATION!

Pauline: Imogen, please...

*Imogen storms into her bedroom and slams the door*

David: This is not like her, love.

Pauline: I think our encouragement has come back to bite us.

David: Imogen needs help and she needs it now!

*Madison enters the house, having come back from visiting a friend*

Madison: What's going on?

David: Imogen's had another mental episode, love. *looks sad*

Madison: She has been like that ever since she came home this morning.

Pauline: Maddie, why don't you go talk to your sister and keep her company.

Madison: I'll try.

*Madison knocks on Imogen's bedroom door*

Madison: Imogen, this is your little sister.

*crying can be heard*

Madison: Imogen?

Imogen: *crying* It's open.

*Madison opens the door to find Imogen bawling her eyes out while clutching a pillow onto her chest*

Madison: Come here. It's okay.

Imogen: I hate them, Madison. I hate living here.

*Madison hugs Imogen and rocks her softly*

Madison: Shush, it's okay.

*Imogen continues to cry*

NEXT TIME

- Imogen decides to spend some quality time with Madison

- Will David and Pauline get Imogen the help she needs before she becomes violent?

WHEN LIFE OF IMOGEN CONTINUES

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Episode 4

The next day is Thursday. Imogen makes herself some jam on toast for breakfast before going to straight to her bedroom.

Madison: Morning Imogen.

Imogen: Oh, good morning. *smiles*

Madison: I take it your still not talking to Mum and Dad.

Imogen: That's right. I don't ever want to talk to them again.

Madison: Well, I'm off to school.

Imogen: Hey, what time do you finish today?

Madison: I finish at 2:30 today.

Imogen: Did you want to go to Westfield Marion with me?

Madison: Of course. I don't have hockey training today.

Imogen: That's awesome.

Madison: Well, I suppose I better head off.

Imogen: Have a great day at school.

*Imogen hugs Madison*

Madison: I will. Bye. *leaves the house*

*Imogen heads to her bedroom and eats her jam toast. A few minutes later, the door knocks*

Pauline: Imogen?

Imogen: *rudely* What?

Pauline: When you've finished your breakfast, I want to take you to see a counsellor.

Imogen: Sorry, I've got plans with Krista. Plus, I've got aerobics today.

Pauline: Imogen, your father and I want you to talk to someone about your problems.

Imogen: I don't care! God, just leave me the hell alone!

Pauline: Fine.

*Imogen hears footsteps disappear from her room*

Imogen: Good. You walk away!

*Imogen grabs her mobile phone and dials Krista's number*

Imogen: Hey Krista.

Krista: Hey Imogen.

Imogen: I'm on my way to aerobics class. Did you want to catch up afterwards?

Krista: Sure.

Imogen: Cool. See you at 11.

Krista: Okay. Bye.

*Imogen hangs up the phone*

At her local gym, Imogen is taking her aerobics class.

Instructor: Okay class. Take a five minute cool down.

*One of Imogen's friends, Mary, approaches her*

Mary: Is everything okay, Imogen?

Imogen: Yeah. Why?

Mary: You looked angry during the workout.

Imogen: Problems at home, Mary. I'm thinking of moving out soon.

Mary: That bad, huh?

Imogen: Yes.

Mary: I'm sure everything will work out for you. You've come so far since we first met.

Imogen: I had zero confidence when I first started aerobics.

Mary: But look at you now.

Imogen: I know. It's a pity my "lovely" parents won't accept me after all the hard work I did to lose that weight.

*Mary puts her arm around Imogen*

Mary: Stay strong.

Instructor: Okay everyone. Return to position.

*Imogen resumes doing her aerobics class*

(When the class is over, Imogen changes out of her gym clothes and into her normal clothes before meeting up with Krista at McDonalds.)

Imogen: How are you, Krista?

Krista: I'm great. I weighed myself this morning and I've lost six kilos.

Imogen: That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you! *gives Krista a hug*

Krista: How are things at home?

Imogen: Still the same. *looks annoyed*

Krista: That's a shame.

Imogen: I don't think it's a shame. I think it's a blessing in disguise that I'm not talking to my parents.

Krista: You don't mean that, Imogen.

Imogen: I sure do. I will never forgive them for how they treated me. It was always about Roxy!

*Krista looks worried*

Krista: Imogen, don't let this bother you.

Imogen: I'll try not to let it bother me.

*But Imogen looks bothered by it!*

At the Miller's, David and Pauline are talking about Imogen.

Pauline: I had a terrible morning with Imogen.

David: What did she do, love?

Pauline: I tried to get her to come with me to see the counsellor, but she just point-blank refused.

David: She is in desperate need of help.

Pauline: I think it's just more than resentment towards Roxy and with us.

David: I know. I just don't think Imogen would survive on her own.

Pauline: Me neither, David.

David: Pauline, I'm worried about Imogen just as much as you are.

Pauline: Maddie seems to be coping just fine.

David: That's what I don't understand. Imogen is getting along great with Maddie, but with us she's being ice cold.

Pauline: Hence why we suggested that she talk to a counsellor or psychiatrist about her problems.

David: I don't want to lose her.

Pauline: Me neither, love.

*they hold hands*

(That afternoon, Imogen is waiting outside Madison's high school, which also happens to be the same high school Imogen went to.)

*Imogen sees Madison come out with the other students*

Imogen: Madison?

Madison: Hi, Imogen.

Imogen: Ready to go to Westfield?

Madison: Absolutely.

*Imogen and Madison take the bus to Westfield Marion. When they arrive, they start looking at the shops.*

Madison: I so want this dress for my 18th birthday party. *points at a purple dress on the display rack at ICE*

Imogen: You don't turn 18 until August.

Madison: But I want it before then.

Imogen: How much is it?

Madison: $35.95.

Imogen: I suppose I could buy it for you.

Madison: Thanks, Imogen. You're the best sister ever! *gives Imogen a hug*

Imogen: You're the best little sister I've ever had. *smiles at Madison*

At 6:00pm, David and Pauline are beginning to get worried as Madison or Imogen haven't arrived home.

Pauline: This isn't like Maddie to be so late home from school.

David: She does know the rules, love.

Pauline: Imogen should be home now too.

David: I know.

*At that moment, Imogen and Madison arrive back from Westfield Marion with an armful of shopping bags*

Pauline: And where have you girls been?! *looks angry*

Imogen: I spent quality time with Madison after she finished school. We went to Westfield Marion and then on the way home, we stopped at that local pizza place.

Madison: Their pizza was absolutely delicious.

David: Madison, we wanted you to come straight home from school today.

*Imogen rolls her eyes*

David: And you, don't roll your eyes at me!

Imogen: Shut up!

David: I beg your pardon!

Imogen: You heard me! I wanted to spend time with my little sister. Is that a crime now is it?!

Madison: Imogen and I organised it this morning. I was going to tell you but my phone died.

Pauline: That is beside the point, Maddie. You BOTH should've told us your plans, especially you Imogen!

Imogen: *scoffs* I just LOVE how you blame me for EVERYTHING that goes wrong in your pathetic little life, Mum!

Pauline: Maddie, go to your bedroom. Your father and I will discuss your punishment later.

*Madison looks at Imogen*

Imogen: Go, it's okay. *gives Madison a sympathetic stare*

*Madison heads to her bedroom*

Pauline: How dare you! Ever since you've come back from visiting Roxy, you have become a disrespectful little brat! I've had it up to here with it! *shows Imogen how fed up she is*

David: You have a mobile phone too, Imogen. You should've let one of us know that you and Maddie were going shopping.

Imogen: I don't HAVE to do anything I don't want to do!

David: Who the hell do you think you are?!

*Imogen smirks at her parents*

Imogen: Just doing what I should've done a long time ago! You only cared about Roxy because she was the "favourite". You never gave a damn about me!

Pauline: That is not true, Imogen! We love you.

Imogen: SHUT THE HELL UP! YOU GUYS NEVER GAVE A DAMN ABOUT ME OR MADISON! IT WAS ALWAYS ROXY THIS, ROXY THAT! WELL, YOU KNOW WHAT? I'M SICK OF IT!

David: Imogen, you need to talk to someone about your problems. You're making life in this house difficult.

Imogen: WELL, I'LL BE MOVING OUT SOON SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ME ANYMORE!

*Imogen storms off as Pauline and David look distraught*

NEXT TIME

- Imogen goes house hunting

- David and Pauline come to the shocking realisation that Imogen may have a mental illness

WHEN LIFE OF IMOGEN CONTINUES

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