By James Atkins (New-Whisper-Spring)
HOUSE INT DAY
In the kitchen, MARIE, a 20 plus year old, is reading a cooking recipe book. She turns it upside down. Enters JAMES. Also in late 20s, James is wearing a suit and an untied tie around his neck. He is typing on his phone.
Marie
Morning Honey
James
(looks at the book) Morning Babe. Having trouble?
James places phone on counter to tie his tie. Marie Puts book down on counter.
Marie
I want to cook a cake or pie; so I’m trying to figure out how far the eggs should be separated. What are you in such a hurry for?
Phone vibrates. James picks it up and types on it.
James
I have to do some errands for work and get some groceries for dinner.
Places phone on the counter.
Marie
Awe, you have to have everything perfect for Mommy?
James pulls tie tight.
James
Yes, and you should too. You’re meeting my family for the first time, tomorrow.
Phone vibrates. James picks it up and types in it. Marie follows the phone with her eyes as it is placed back onto counter.
Marie
Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the food shopping and you do your job thing.
James
(smiles) Thanks Baby.
James and Marie kiss.
You are the best girlfriend in the world!
Marie
(with sarcasm) Yay! Super Girlfriend!
James
Oops, almost forgot my papers.
James exits. Phone vibrates. Marie looks at it and it vibrates again. She picks it up and reads the message on the screen, displaying “meet at new haven park at 2”.
James
[Off screen]
Alright babes…
Marie quickly places phone back on counter. James enters and picks up phone.
James
I’m out.
James and Marie kiss.
Marie
Have a good day.
James exits while typing on phone. Marie walks to window to watch James leave in car. Marie grabs her keys off counter.
NEW HAVEN PARK EXT DAY
There is an image of a cell phone, displaying the time of 2 o’clock. The phone moves out of screen, revealing a rear view of James and an unknown woman on a bench. Marie hides behind a tree. The couple hug each other. Marie looks on with concern. The unknown woman playfully hits James on the arm, and they both laugh.
[Close-up on unknown woman’s lips in slow-motion] The woman moves close to James’ ear, as if to whisper something.
Marie takes a couple of steps forward from tree. James pulls out a ring box out of his pocket and opens it towards the unknown woman.
Marie
No!
In surprise, Marie grasps her mouth. The couple turns around toward Marie. Marie quickly turns away from couple, bumps face-first into tree, and falls on her back.
James
Marie? Marie!
He leaps over bench and runs and kneels over Marie.
James
What are you doing?
Marie sits up.
Marie
Oh I didn’t know your job meant you meeting another girl in the park.
Unknown Woman runs into scene, looking down at Marie.
James
This is Linda…
Marie
Oh you must be James’ sister! I’ve heard so much ‘bout you.
Linda
(laughs) Hey there crazy lady.
Marie
Didn’t think you were going to be here so early?
James helps Marie stand up.
James
Yeah, Linda surprised me too”
Linda
Yep. Just getting a fresh start on Spring break. Wanted to get first dibs on that cake of yours.
Marie
(to James) Oh you told her about the egg cake. Yeah, well what’s up with the ring?
James and Linda stare at Marie with smiles.
Marie
Oh… awe honey.
(begins to cry)
I didn’t know what was going on.
James and Marie hug.
James
Girl, you know you don’t have to worry about anything. I love you.
Marie
I love you too.
James and Marie kiss.
James
Did you get the food?
Marie
No, we should do that.