James enters stage left. Jolie enters stage right. James is dressed in a tuxedo, Jolie in a wedding dress. They enter backs to one another finally bumping into each other. Jolie screams and faints into James’s arms. Stage goes fades to black.

Fade in. Jolie is lying in James’ arms. She wakes up.

Jolie: James! (She hugs him) I can’t believe it’s you. I thought I was the only one. You don’t know how terrified I’ve been wandering through this house for what seems like forever. Where did you come from? How long have you been here? Why is this happening to us?

James: Jolie, calm down. It’s going to be okay. I’m just so glad we found each other. I’ve been looking all over for you.

Jolie: It’s strange isn’t it...how there’s no concept of time in here...it could be days, it could be months...I have no idea. This is definitely not a normal house. There are no windows or doors or anything leading out of here. I’ve been looking everywhere for a way out but it’s hopeless.

James: I must admit, this is all very bizarre, but where there’s a way in there’s a way out. We just haven’t been searching hard enough. (He pulls Jolie to her feet)

Jolie: But, how did we get in here in the first place James? I remember us sitting in that beautiful warm, red restaurant...

James: Fork in the Road.

Jolie: What?

James: That was the name of the restaurant.

Jolie: No it wasn’t. It was called Bend in the Road.

James: Are you sure? I could have sworn...

Jolie: I’m absolutely positive. I even remember the sign had this beautiful scenic picture with a curved paved road leading off into the sunset. It was a gorgeous sign.

James: Well, it really doesn’t matter.

Jolie: Of course it matters. It matters because that’s where we both disappeared and ended up trapped in this cold and miserable house.

James: Okay, okay, it was Bend in the Road. Anyway, we were sitting having dinner and then poof I ended up here lying on the dusty floor. The funny thing is that it seems as if something has been erased from my mind, like my brain has been tampered with. One moment we were together than we were apart.

Jolie: Yes, that’s exactly what I remember. We were having dinner and we were discussing something...something important but I can’t remember what it was. James, wait. Where did you get that tuxedo?

James: I didn’t know I was wearing one.

Jolie: How could you not know you’re wearing a tuxedo?

James: How could you not know you’re wearing a wedding dress?

Jolie: What? Wait a second…you don’t suppose that…

James: No way, no way! There’s no way we could possibly be married...don’t you think we would remember our own wedding?

Jolie: Well, we don’t remember how we got here

James: No, we are definitely not married. That’s just crazy.

Jolie: Are you saying it would be crazy to marry me?

James: No, no, of course not, it would be an absolutely sane thing to do, in fact it would be wonderful. But marriage at our age? We’re young and we’ve only been dating for a little more than a year now.

Jolie: Try almost two years...it’s been 19 months James. Besides most of our friends are already married, in fact we’re among the few who aren’t.
James: Oh come on Jolie, you cannot be serious. We’ve never really talked about the subject of marriage before, but now when we’re trapped in this strange house...

Jolie: I’ve brought up the subject of marriage many times but you never wanted to discuss it. You changed the subject or said we’ll talk about it later. I didn’t want to push you...I thought it was a place that we would both come to naturally...but now I’m not so sure.

James: But, but...there are so many things that I want to do before I get tied down to the old ball and chain.

Jolie: Ball and chain? Is that what you think it would be like being married to me...trapped, like we are in this house?

James: Of course not Jolie, it was just a figure of speech. But don’t you want to travel, see the world...party? You know, just have fun before we have do all that married stuff like go to stuffy dinner parties, buy a house, pay all those bills.

Jolie: You know when we’re married we can still have fun. Contrary to what your stupid buddies tell you marriage isn’t the end of life.

James: I do want to get married. In 3 or 4 years we can...
Jolie: 3 or 4 years? That’s when I thought we’d start having a family.

James: A family? Hold on there Jolie you are going way to fast for me. I can’t have kids! Can you really see me being a father; being a role model...don’t you find that kind of scary?

Jolie: I can’t believe we’re having this conversation. This is not how it was supposed to be. How can we be completely divided on such an important issue? Please tell me this is not how you feel.

James: Why are you all of a sudden changing on me? Look, I think being in this crazy house for who knows how long has made us just a little bit edgy.

Jolie: I don’t think that’s it James. You know what? Maybe you feel like I’m changing because this is the first time that you’ve bothered to listen to my opinions or what I have to say. To think that the only time we can have a serious conversation about our future is when we’re trapped with nowhere to go. What have we been doing for the last year and a half?

James: I don’t know about you but I thought we were dating. Hanging out with friends, having a good time...that’s what dating is all about. It’s not about pressuring someone into doing things they don’t want to do.

Jolie: Oh well I’m sorry for pressuring you but hey I live here in the real world where adults think dating is about growing to love each other and depending on each other and being able to talk about anything. If we can’t agree on something as important as this...

James: Then maybe we shouldn’t be together.

Jolie: I can’t believe you just said that.

James: I’m sorry Jolie. I didn’t mean it to come out that way. Look instead of wasting time arguing we should be looking for a way out.

Jolie: A waste of time huh? You think our future is a waste of time? Well you know what, we don’t seem to be working very well together as a couple James so why don’t you go one way and I go the other and see if we can try and save ourselves - separately.

James: Fine. I’m out of here. (He exits)

Jolie: Fine. (James exits stage left. Jolie breaks down and cries.) This can’t be happening. I thought I knew him. I thought we wanted the same things. He never mentioned anything about not wanting to get married before. (Notices a full length mirror and walks over to it) This is a beautiful dress. Take a long look Jolie because this is probably the last time you’ll ever see yourself in a wedding dress. Funny how it fits me perfectly though…

Shyanne enters and stands behind Jolie. Jolie sees her in the mirror and jumps.

Jolie: Oh my gosh. You startled me. I didn’t think there was anyone else here…Wait a second, where did you come from? Do you know the way out of here (grabs Shyanne)

Shyanne: Of course I do.

Jolie: Oh, what a relief. We’ve...I mean I’ve been wandering through this house for what seems like forever. So, please tell me how do you get out?

Shyanne: Not so fast. (Pause) Have you ever met my mother?

Jolie: What are you talking about? When would I have met your mother? I’ve never even met you before.

Shyanne: Well, if you had met my mother she would have told you that in life nothing is free. In fact the more you want something, the more expensive it becomes. Do you believe that?

Jolie: Wait a second; are you saying I have to pay for simple directions on how to leave this place?

Shyanne: My dear, the directions aren’t simple, in fact they’re very complicated, and I don’t tell you anything until I get paid.

Jolie: But I don’t have any money.

Shyanne: Well, then you don’t get the directions. (She pulls a folded piece of paper from her pocket and waves it in the air, Jolie dives at it) Uh, uh, uhhh. No directions until you pay up.

Jolie: I don’t believe this. I need to get out of this house. I have no money, I have no idea how I even got here...my purse is probably floating somewhere in oblivion for all I know. Just give me the directions...I’ll pay you later.

Shyanne: That really is a beautiful wedding dress you’re wearing. It must be worth quite a bit of money.

Jolie: I really wouldn’t know, I don’t know where it came from.

Shyanne: I thought so. Give me the wedding dress.

Jolie: What?
Shyanne: I said, give me the wedding dress.

Jolie: But, it’s mine.

Shyanne: No, it isn’t. It belongs to me, so hand it over.
Jolie: If it belongs to you then why aren’t you wearing it?

Shyanne: There’s been a mistake.

Jolie: You don’t think I ought to be married?

Shyanne: If you ever want to get out of here, I suggest you give me that dress...now.

Jolie: But I like it, it looks good on me.

Shyanne: It doesn’t matter if it looks good or not, the fact is you don’t have the right to wear it. It doesn’t belong to you. Now if you don’t give me the dress I won’t give you this, and you will be locked in here forever. (Jolie thinks for a while, than removes the dress.)

Jolie: Now give me the directions. (Shyanne is preoccupied with looking at the dress) I said give me the directions!

Shyanne: Oh right, here. (Jolie opens it up, it is a blank sheet)

Jolie: There’s nothing on this. It’s blank.

Shyanne: Blank huh? Well what do you know? Don’t look at me. It’s not my fault that piece of paper is blank. I wish it could have worked out better for you. (Starts to walk away)

Jolie: This wasn’t the deal. Give me back the dress.

Shyanne: It isn’t yours to take back. Don’t blame me because you don’t know what you want. Do you really think this wedding dress is going to solve all your problems? You’ll have to dig much deeper than that.

Jolie: The only problem I have right now is you. You’ve stolen something that belongs to me and I want it back. (Shyanne and Jolie fight over the dress. James enters)

James: Jolie, Jolie! What do you think you’re doing? Get off of her! (he pulls her off of Shyanne)

Jolie: Not until she gives me back my dress! (Breaks free of James and grabs Shyanne again)

James: Look at me, look at me! Are you out of your mind?

Jolie: What do you think you’re doing?

James: Trying to bring you back to your senses. Have you gone mad? We’re in some weird place; I go for a few minutes, and you’re already attacking this innocent lady. Ma’am are you hurt?

Shyanne: I think I’m okay, just a little groggy. (He goes over to study her)

James: I apologize on behalf of Jolie, I don’t know what’s got into to her. She’s usually not like this.

Jolie: Don’t you say I’m sorry. I’m not sorry at all. You come charging in here assuming that I’m in the wrong without even bothering to ask what’s going on. Do you even know what she did to me?

James: Did she attack you?

Jolie: No…but she said she’d give me the directions out of this place for the wedding dress I had on. I gave it to her and the piece of paper she gave me was blank. She lied to me!

James: That still doesn’t give you the right to hurt her. Besides, why do you care so much about the wedding dress anyway, it’s not even yours? What’s the big deal?

Jolie: I…I liked it. It was mine! I wanted it! I deserved it!

Shyanne: I just wanted it because the dress looked like the one my mother wore when she got married. Her dress got ruined in a drunken brawl on her wedding day, and she hasn’t found a dress like it since. When she sees it she’ll be so happy! She would want me to wear it when I get married.

Jolie: She’s lying! I know she’s lying. I can’t believe you’re taking her side James. Don’t you trust me?

James: I do trust you…I just don’t know if you’re thinking clearly right now. What’s happened to you, are you feeling all right? (Walks over to her and grabs her hand)

Jolie: (pulls away) Yes, I’m feeling all right. Don’t talk to me like I’m a child. I know exactly what I’m thinking and I know exactly what I’m seeing – betrayal.

James: I don’t know what’s come over you but you need to cool off. Like I said before, maybe a combination of being trapped in this house and us fighting is making you a little bit crazy...

Jolie: Or could it be the fact that we’re breaking up. (Pause) You know what, keep the stupid wedding dress. It’s not worth this much effort. Besides, I’m tired of arguing. We’re not a couple anymore James, remember, so we don’t have to fight anymore we can just walk away. (She walks out)

James: Jolie wait, I...(runs after her, but Shyanne stops him)

Shyanne: I think I’m feeling a little better now, although I’m still a little shaken up.

James: I really am sorry about my girlfriend’s behaviour.

Shyanne: But, she’s not your girlfriend anymore, is she? I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to sound so blunt it’s just that she said....

James: I know, I know...we had a fight and we...You know, she’s never like this. I’ve never seen her so...angry. She’s always been such a sweet and calm girl. Never one to fight back...

Shyanne: It’s funny how people change isn’t it.

James: I don’t know if she’s really changed, I just think being here has got her scared half to death and it’s making her behave irrationally. I really should go find her; I hate to think she’s wandering around upset and all alone...

Shyanne: But you’re not behaving irrationally, are you James? And you’ve been trapped in here just as long. You’re exactly the same person you’ve always been. I mean sometimes when you’re dating someone, even if it’s been for a year or two, there are still layers underneath the surface that you haven’t had a chance to peel back yet. Layers that could reveal rather disturbing qualities that you never even knew existed and then all of a sudden you’re not sure this is someone you want to spend the rest of your life with let alone the next few days.

James: We were happy, though. She’s right; I never wanted to discuss marriage. What guy does? I would always find a way to change the subject. We were having so much fun I didn’t think she’d care when we got married.

Shyanne: I think it’s horrible when women pressure men into marriage. You were part of that relationship too. You should have a say in which direction it goes, shouldn’t you?

James: Well ya but...

Shyanne: And let’s face it, you’re such a smart and good-looking man, I mean you could have anyone. She should be happy to have you instead of making you feel guilty.

James: Well, I did have a lot of girls after me...

Shyanne: I can imagine. A guy like you doesn’t want a complicated, layered girl like Jolie. You want someone who’s easy going, happy to just sit and listen to all the smart and clever things you have to say. Someone that will cook a nice, hot meal for you and cater to your every need.

James: There are women who do that?

Shyanne: Of course there are. They’re floating around everywhere.

James: Jolie hates cooking, she’d rather order in. I guess sometimes that kind of annoys me. Although just the other night we ordered Chinese food and just sat on the beach by the water talking and listening to music. It was nice. You know we never run out of things to say. She can be so sweet, one time…

Shyanne: Oh, come on James she nearly attacked me...who knows what would have happened if you didn’t come along. And did you see the way she spoke to you...I couldn’t imagine speaking to someone I care about that way.

James: But I...

Shyanne: You can’t deny that there’s something about your relationship with Jolie that just isn’t right. Think back to when you were young. Remember talking with your friends about the kind of girl you wanted. She would be simple, laid back, easygoing and fun. Do any of those qualities describe the way Jolie has been acting? You didn’t want to end up like your parents, who were always fighting, never agreeing on anything. Remember how you used to climb out on the roof almost every night just to escape their constant bickering. You vowed that your life would be different. Life often repeats itself. We make the same mistakes over and over again although we’ve been warned a thousand times. Don’t you want to break the cycle?

James: There is no way I’m going to end up like them. I’ve never had a serious relationship before Jolie, I was too afraid. But when I met Jolie…something about her was different. There was something refreshing about her. Could I have been wrong? Maybe she isn’t who I thought she was…or maybe I’m still afraid.

Shyanne: Or maybe you were deceived James. It happens all the time. A woman pretends to be something she’s not just to trap a man and as soon as she has him her true colours show...or lack of colour.

James: I can’t think...Don’t you think the air is getting thin in here? I’m feeling light-headed.

Shyanne: I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m so glad we met James. I guarantee things will be better for you from now on. Everything you think you want, you’ll get.

James: What? I have to talk to Jolie. We have to sort things out.

Shyanne: She isn’t right for you. You’ll end up disappointed. All you have to do, my dear, is look into my eyes and you’ll see a beautiful, bright future ahead where everything will be perfect.

James: Perfect?

Shyanne: Perfect. (Puts her arms around his neck)

Jolie enters, not seeing James and Shyanne yet.

Jolie: This is hopeless, absolutely hopeless. (Sees James) Well don’t we move fast? When one door closes another door opens. (James jumps away from Shyanne)

James: She means nothing to me.

Shyanne: Of course I do. We’re going to get married.

James: This isn’t true. I never wanted this.

Jolie: You don’t want anything. You don’t want her, you don’t want me.

Shyanne: Don’t take it personally, dear. You just aren’t good for him. You’re not good for each other.

Jolie: But I put my heart and soul into this relationship and it’s disappearing before my very eyes. You’re doing this. This is your fault.

Shyanne: I’m not doing anything. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. This is what you truly desired? Don’t you remember?

James: Stop. Please. I need to think.

Lelange: Did someone say they needed a drink?

James: No, I…actually now that you mention it…

Shyanne: You just had to come, didn’t you? You couldn’t let well enough alone.

Jolie: Who are you?

Lelange: I make the most delicious drinks.

Jolie: Do you know the way out?

Lelange: But why would you want to leave?

Jolie: Because…because I’m tired and I don’t like this feeling of being trapped, this feeling of not knowing the answers to anything. I just want to go back to where it’s safe.

Lelange: But, it is safe here. If only you could look deeper and try to see past the walls and…stay and have a drink. You’ll feel much better.

Shyanne: If she wants to leave let her.

James: Jolie, don’t leave. Stay with me.

Jolie: But, why should I stay? Tell me why I should stay James.

James: Because, I…

Lelange: Because you love her. Say it’s because you love her, just like in the movies.

Shyanne: Oh, be quiet. You shouldn’t be here anyway. You have no right to interfere.

Lelange: Oh, don’t be mean, Shyanne. You know this isn’t meant to go just one way.

Jolie: It’s true, you love me? You’ll marry me then.

Lelange: Oh, I just love weddings. Endless love bound together by one sacred vow never to be broken.

Shyanne: Oh, wake up and smell the rotting wedding cake. No one takes vows seriously anymore.

James: But, I’m not ready for marriage. Jolie, won’t you budge just a little on this one? I do want to get married eventually but I need to be sure…I need…

Lelange: What he really means to say is that he wants to build your love on a strong foundation first. A house takes time to build, Jolie, and if its foundation isn’t as solid as a rock it will only crumble.

Jolie: Why put off what we could do now? It doesn’t make sense. Yes, we must get married. Where is that dress? I need my dress.

Lelange: But, the dress is gone, Jolie.

Shyanne: Yes, it’s gone. You didn’t think you could will it away and then get it back when you felt like it. Around here you get punished for your mistakes.

Jolie: What do you mean it’s gone? It was just here.

Shyanne: That was ions ago, Jolie. That moment is gone.

James: Never mind the dress. I love you. That should mean more than some stupid dress.

Jolie: If you loved me, you’d marry me.

James: Jolie, be reasonable, I…

Shyanne: Stop forcing her to do something she doesn’t want to do. Just let her go!

Jolie: You conniving little beast. I know exactly what you’re trying to do.

Shyanne: Whatever do you mean?

James: Lelange what do you have to drink?

Jolie: Yes, one drink, and then I’ll leave. You’ll tell me the way out won’t you Lelange.

Lelange: If you really want to leave…

Jolie: I want out.

Lelange: Are you sure that…

Jolie: Please don’t drag this out any further than it has to go. Please…

Lelange: Well, let me tell you what we have on tap. A warm, red cinnamon cocktail called Bend in the Road. And, a cool, white wine spritzer called Fork in the Road. Well which one is it?

Jolie: I…I don’t know.

James: Either do I.

Shyanne: It really isn’t that hard boys and girls. Just pick one…pick the first one that comes to your mind.

Lelange: Why don’t I just surprise you? I’ll be right back. Shyanne you’ll help me bring them in won’t you.

Shyanne: Oh no you don’t.

Lelange: Shyanne…you’ll help me…

Shyanne: I suppose my work here is done. (Shyanne and Lelange exit)

Jolie: Something just isn’t right here. There’s something I’m not remembering. Why are you being so stubborn about this James? Why?

James: I don’t know. That restaurant…this just doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t. Why do you want to marry me? What do you love about me?

Jolie: How can you ask such a question? (Grabs his hands) You are the most caring, giving person I have ever met. We never run out of things to talk about. You know, sometimes I wonder if we’re on the same level intellectually…you say the stupidest things sometimes…

James: What did you say?

Jolie: What do you mean what did I say…I said you were the most caring…

James: No you said we weren’t on the same level intellectually…that I say stupid things.

Jolie: I..I didn’t say that did I? I swear this house is doing strange things to me…I’m not thinking straight.

James: What else don’t you like about me?

Jolie: I love everything about you James! Isn’t that what I just said? I mean your friends can be annoying, and your wardrobe is disgraceful…I really don’t know how I could spend the rest of my life with someone who wears ripped jogging pants everywhere he goes…

James: You’ve never said anything about them before…didn’t you once say they were cute?

Jolie: What were cute?

James: Jolie what is going on with you? If this is your way of trying to convince me to marry you…

Jolie: Oh now I have to convince you. You know maybe we should stop talking about this.

James: Maybe you’re right because this is getting really weird…you know, if I had known you felt this way I never would have bought that ring, I never…

Jolie: Ring?

James: What ring?

Jolie: You said something about a ring.

James: I did?

Jolie: (Pause) Oh my goodness, oh my goodness. (Stumbles over to a chair and sits down)

James: Jolie what is it…what is it? (Crouches down beside her, holds her hand)

Jolie: It’s all coming back me. It’s all becoming horrifically clear. You don’t remember do you? The restaurant…the chocolate mousse…the ring…

James: The chocolate mousse…the chocolate mousse all over the white tile floor. (Long pause. Stands up and walks away)

Jolie: You asked me to marry you, in the restaurant. Didn’t you? (Walks up to James and touches his arm. He flinches and walks away)

James: When I met you I thought you were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. After I had fully convinced myself I could never fall in love, that I would be a bachelor for life you came along and no matter how much I fought…

Jolie: Oh and you fought…

James: I just couldn’t resist you.

Jolie: You asked me to marry you.

James: And you said no.

Jolie: I was wrong. I was so wrong. I…I felt trapped, I felt like I couldn’t breathe…but now, I want to take it back. I want to marry you. I love you.

James: And it’s that easy, is it? Do you know how long I carried that ring around in my pocket...just waiting for the right time to ask you? I thought that you were it. That everything I had ever wanted was wrapped up in you…in us. But it wasn’t me that was scared, was it?

Jolie: I just want things to go back to the way they were before. I want to go back to Fork in the Road and say yes this time…say yes to our future.

James: I thought it was Bend in the Road.

Enter Lelange and Shyanne.

Lelange: Okay, here we go, drinks all around! Hey why so glum? (Looks at Jolie and then James) Hmm, I sense some tension. Well nothing a good drink won’t cure. (Passes out drinks)

Shyanne: If only it was that simple. (They all drink)

Jolie: This is water.

Shyanne: Ya, so?

Lelange: I’m sorry Jolie. What did you think it was going be?

Jolie: But you said…you said…

Shyanne: You don’t look so well.

Lelange: You’re turning green!

James: I’m sure she’ll be fine. She’s just coming to her senses, that’s all. (Puts hands in pockets and finds something in it. Pulls out a ring box) What the…?

Jolie: My ring! (She grabs the box out of his hand)

Shyanne: I don’t think so. Open it up.

Jolie opens the box. It is empty.

Jolie: Where is it? (Walks over to Shyanne) I know you have something to do with this. Where’s my ring?

Shyanne: Why, right where it belongs. (Holds up her finger with the ring on it)

Jolie: That’s my ring! (Lunges at Shyanne and tries to pry ring from her finger)

James: Jolie! Stop it! I said stop it! It’s not your ring anymore.

Jolie: James listen, you have to believe me. I love you. I want to be your wife. I want to make you happy. You can’t just give up on us like this. It can’t end like this.

James: The thing is that it has already ended this way. It’s impossible to change things. The story has already been written. This is the final chapter.

Jolie: But I don’t want it to end this way. I know that if we could just get out of here, out of this house we could work things out.

Shyanne: You don’t even know what you’re saying do you? Out of this house means out of this relationship.

Lelange: What she means is love is a house with no windows and no doors - with no way out. If you find a way out…well it just isn’t love is it? You can leave whenever you want Jolie. You always had the chance to leave but something must have been holding you back? Won’t you fight for this? Won’t you?

Jolie: I am fighting! How dare you imply that I’m not fighting? But this house can’t be good…it’s messing everything up.

Shyanne: (Links arms with James) You’re right Jolie. It’s time to leave.

Lelange: No! You can’t leave! You mustn’t leave, Jolie. (Grabs Jolie’s arm)

James: (touches Jolie’s face) I can’t believe how you beautiful you are. I can’t believe you’re leaving me.

Jolie: I’m not leaving you. We can leave together. It’s this house. It’s so cold in here, I can’t breath it’s so cold in here.

James: Really? It feels like a clear, warm summer day to me. You don’t belong here. You should go home, you’ll catch your death. (takes off jacket and puts it over her shoulder and kisses her) Sweet dreams. (Takes Shyanne’s hand and walks away. Jolie runs after them)

Jolie: No, no, no! (Doesn’t catch up to them and turns around and walks back to centre stage crying)

Lelange: (Sits her down in a chair and sits next to her, puts head on shoulder) There, there Jolie, it just wasn’t meant to be is all. And really weddings are quite the hassle. All those broken plates and the frosting is usually way too sweet and the best man always loses his hat. At the end of the day you just want to go home and flush your wedding dress down the toilet.

Jolie: It doesn’t matter. Nothing matters anymore. He’s gone and nothing matters. Everything is ruined. Ruined!

Lelange: Oh you’re probably right, of course. You’ll never find someone else. He was the best of the best…well so I hear anyway and you just made the wrong decision. What a horrible time to make a wrong decision. I mean to choose the long way to work when you’re late is bad enough and putting too much vanilla in the cookie batter could be a disaster…but when it comes to choosing one’s life partner you really have to be on your toes for that one…you make the wrong choice and you ruin your life, as is the case in your situation.

Jolie: You know, you’re really not helping. Oh just go away. Go away!

Lelange: Well, this is the thanks I get for all I’ve done for you. (Gets up) You’ll be begging me to make you drinks later, I guarantee it and you know what? I won’t be here and you’ll be sorry. (Starts to walk away) You’ll be sorry. (Repeats, “you’ll be sorry” over and over in a singsong voice, music fades in, as the set changes back into the restaurant)

(Jolie is sitting at a table with Lelange and she is now dressed normally. James is sitting at a table with Shyanne. They are on a blind date)

Lelange: For goodness sakes Jolie, it isn’t all that bad. So, you missed a page on your final lit exam. I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Besides, this is your last exam for the semester. Just think about all the fun we’ll have this summer lying on the beach, hitting all the music and film festivals. I’m so glad we’re done. If I never see another Shakespeare play again it’ll be too soon.
(Jolie, looks up and looks around confused)

Jolie: I think I just blacked out there for a second. I had the strangest feeling that I was somewhere else.

Lelange: You really have been studying too hard. Jolie, you have to loosen up. That guy over there has been staring at you since he got in here. Dare I say, I think he likes you.

Jolie: He seems familiar.

Lelange: Maybe he’s in one of your classes. Either way he’s cute as ever.

Jolie: It looks like he’s on a date.

Lelange: But he doesn’t seem to be having much fun. Look he just looked over here again.

James: Excuse me. What did you say?

Shyanne: I said have you done much travelling as well?

James: Oh, sorry, um, no not really. I tend to stick close to home. Maybe in a couple of years or so when I’m finished school I’ll go to Europe or something

Shyanne: You really must go to Europe, darling. It’s beautiful. London is simply delightful. I make it a point to go at least once a year to do my fall shopping. I don’t think there’s a better place to shop. Well, Paris and Italy are a close second. I mean one summer I was looking for the perfect black dress for my aunt Sylvia’s wedding and…(cuts back to Lelange and Jolie’s conversation)

Jolie: He seems lonely.

Lelange: He looks bored out of his mind is what it is. You should try and get his attention or maybe slip him your number when his date isn’t looking.

Jolie: I’m not going to do that! He’s on a date for goodness sakes. This is ridiculous. It’s getting late. We should get the bill. Waiter!

James: I assume we should get going. I have an early class tomorrow.

Shyanne: But I thought you said the semester was finished. You said you had your last exam yesterday.

James: Yes, I did say that didn’t I. Well, it’s this summer course that I’m starting on…ancient pottery. It’s supposed to be really interesting.

Shyanne: Frankly, it sounds made up. You know if you weren’t having a good time you should have just said so.

James: No, that’s not it, it’s just that…

Waiter: Can I get you two anything else?

Shyanne: Just the bill please.

Jolie: The two of them don’t seem to be getting along do they?

Lelange: Which exactly why I think you should make a move. He’s looking over here again.

(Jolie and James look at each other. Everyone around them freezes. They walk over to each other)

Jolie: Hi.

James: Hi. Don’t I know you from somewhere?

The End

11/22/2004

Posted on 11/23/2004
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