Putting a ring on it!
There’s nothing artificial about Paula and Marko’s insemination plan after they sleep together and end up engaged!
7de Laan Weekdays SABC2 (*192) 18:30
Thursday 26 May is a big day for Paula (Diaan Lawrenson): it’s the date of her insemination appointment and with Marko’s (Francois Lensley) help, she’ll soon be a mom. But there’s a hiccup… “Paula’s nerves are shot,” says Diaan. “She was stressed about it and she was in a fender-bender on the way to the doctor. She then wasted so much time on the phone with her insurance that she was late.”
Marko’s waiting back at her flat to comfort a teary Paula. “She’s emotional and tells him about her awful day and that she never ended up getting the treatment,” Diaan says. They share an intimate moment while Paula’s crying on Marko’s shoulder and they land up in bed together, because on Friday 27 May Marko emerges from Paula’s bedroom buttoning up his shirt...
The surprise sex confuses Paula, says Diaan. “She cares about Marko and she has feelings for him, but they’re friends only at this stage.” Later that evening, Marko returns to Paula’s flat and begs her to give them a chance. “Marko sees a future for them,” Francois says. They dated in 2012, before Paula chose her now-ex-hubby Altus (Heino Schmitt), over Marko. “He knows that she’s not yet as head- over-heels for him as he is for her, but he believes that if they’re in a relationship, he’ll make her happy.”
Paula shares the news with her bestie Aggie (Mimi Mahlasela) on Monday 30 May and there’s another bombshell: she’s engaged! Viewers won’t see Marko’s proposal – like the rest of Hillside, we’ll just hear about it. Aggie isn’t the only one who thinks that it’s madness though: Marko’s pals share her sentiments. “They think that it’s a rash decision,” Francois says. “Everyone thinks that they’re making a mistake, but the pair don’t let it get to them.” Later on Monday 30 May, Marko takes Paula ring shopping and he’s just as excited on Thursday 2 June when he offers to go with Paula to her doctor to see if she’s pregnant. Paula’s worried that one romp isn’t enough for her to fall pregnant, but Marko’s optimistic that nature’s run its course. Hmmm…
Diaan, who’s finished filming on 7de Laan, says that viewers won’t be happy with Paula’s exit storyline at the end of June. “Paula doesn’t have a happy ending,” she previews. “But I hope I’ll be able to return in my guest spots and give her a happier storyline down the line.” Bonita told Vince the truth about Bobby, Hilda opened up about her teenage pregnancy, and Paula and Marko’s feelings grew. Felicity’s rushed to the clinic, and Diederik knows that it’s just a matter of time before his lies get the better of him. Tarryn’s furious when Errol misses their date, Willem wants to take the Meintjies family to court, and Paula is stressing about her insemination appointment.
Paula tells Aggie that she’s engaged, Vanessa tells Charmaine exactly what she thinks of her sister-in-law Bonita, and Pulane and Kim gossip about Paula’s news. Charmaine isn’t happy that Errol’s spending the night in Tarryn’s room, and Bonita tries to fix things with a stubborn Vanessa. Elsewhere, Diederik tells Pulane about the lies he’s told and asks her to pretend to be his wife so that he doesn’t lose an important contract for Bruynwaves. Felicity tries to get Vanessa and Bonita on speaking terms, Tarryn wants to move out of Charmaine’s house, and Vince admits to Felicity that he’s struggling to get over his kidnapping. Diederik later confronts Paula over the mess that she’s made for Marko. Xander gives Errol an earful about sleeping with Tarryn, and Vince tries to convince Vanessa to forgive Bonita. Matrone’s shocked at news that Marko’s engaged, and businessman Chris Welman causes chaos at the Deli, upsetting Gita. NB! See more on p71.