Message
From An Angel
By:
Monica Edwards
Inspired
by True Events
Act
I
We open on a shot of a computer, with a
young woman sitting across from the screen typing. She has red hair and green
eyes, she's about 23 years old and her name is Mariann. She is typing
feverishly on the computer. Move in to see what she is typing, she is online
and her screen name is MareGathersWords:
(On
Screen)
OneArmedRussian:
You can't just up and LEAVE me! We're best friends! I
even
told you I loved you, and you said you loved me, is that not enough
to
keep us together?
MareGathersWords:
Yeah I know but my mom doesn't want me talking to you any
more.
OneArmedRussian:
Screw your mom! Make your own decisions!
MareGathersWords:
I'm sorry I can't continue with this...it's over between us, Eve
OneArmedRussian:
One day you are going to meet someone on here that isn't
going
to be so forgiving.
MareGathersWords:
I'll take that chance...now leave me alone!
OneArmedRussian:
Screw you bitch!
A note comes up on the
screen that OneArmedRussian has signed off. Mariann sits back in her chair and
takes a sip of her diet Cherry Coke and sighs. A few feet behind where the desk
and chair sit is a couch, an older woman sits there watching TV, she is
Mariann's mother, Judy.
Judy:
Did
you tell her to leave you alone?
Mariann:
Yeah
but I doubt she'll listen, she didn't
the
last five times I told her to leave me alone.
Judy:
Well
if she does anything else we'll call
the
police. And that will be the end of that,
right?
Mariann nods slightly
and stands up and then stretches her arms out in front of her. She picks up her
diet Cherry Coke and finishes it and heads into the kitchen to drop it in the
trashcan. Her dog follows her and after she throws away the Coke she gets down
and pets the little Beagle on it's head.
Mariann:
Hey
there Snoopy, want to come to bed with me?
Snoopy barks and wags
his tail. She smiles and heads out of the kitchen back through the room where
her mom is watching TV and towards the stairs.
Judy:
Going
to bed already?
Mariann:
Yeah
I'm tired
She pauses and walks
to the couch and gives her mom a kiss on the cheek and a quick hug before
heading back towards the stairs.
Judy:
Goodnight
then
Mariann:
Goodnight
She walks up the
stairs and we follow her up into her room. The walls are a purplish color and
on the shelves around her walls are filled with My Little Pony paraphernalia. A
small twin bed rests against the back wall and across from the bed there is a
desk with another computer. She enters the room and yawns slightly before
walking over to the computer and sitting down at the desk. She sits there for a
moment staring at the monitor before leaning in and turning it on. Once it is
on and all booted up she signs on to the Internet and goes to ERHeadquarters.com.
(On
Screen Notice)
"You
have a new private message from:
Angel
Click
here to accept Private Message"
Mariann smiles and
clicks open the message. The message opens and Mariann starts to read it out
loud, but quietly to herself.
Mariann
(reading):
I
saw your profile and it said you like to Role-play
So
do I! If you are interested in chatting with me
then
send me a message back.
Signed:
Angel
Mariann laughs
slightly and leans in and starts to type a response, saying it out loud as she
types but we can also see the words on the screen.
Mariann/MareGathersWords:
I
know that it's you Eve, don't make me change my
screen
name again.
She clicks send. The
message closes and brings her back to the Private Message area and she sits
back in her chair. After another moment she signs off of her computer and turns
it off. She gets up and walks over to her bed and lays down on it. She calls
her dog and he comes running into the room and jumps up onto the bed. She pulls
off her shirt and pants and tosses them aside, so now she's in her bra and
panties. She slowly pulls down the covers and slides under them. She reaches
down and pats Snoopy on the head before pulling the covers up over her body and
closing her eyes.
Close up on the clock
by her bed on a small table with a lamp, slowly it transitions from midnight to
eleven o'clock the next morning.
Pull back to reveal
Mariann sleeping on her bed, after a moment (about 30 seconds) the radio clicks
on and starts playing. She groans and rolls over and looks at the clock. She
hits the snooze alarm and then sits up and rubs her eyes. She lies back on her
pillow for a moment and then sits up, the dog gets disturbed and hops off the
bed and leaves the room. She walks into the bathroom, which is connected to her
room, and picks up her toothbrush and puts toothpaste on it. She starts
brushing her teeth, as she does that she walks back over to her computer and
turns it on. She returns to the bathroom sink, spits, rinses her mouth and then
goes back to the computer. Once again she signs online and goes to
ERHeadquarters.com.
(On
Screen)
"You
have a new Private Message from:
Angel
Click
here to accept Private Message"
Mariann sits down at
the computer and rolls her eyes when she sees the Private Message notice but
she clicks on it anyway.
(On
Screen from Angel)
I
don't know who this Eve person is but I can assure you I'm
not
her. Anyway, if you want to put me on your buddy list my
name
is WaxAngelWings.
Signed:
Angel
Mariann shrugs and
quickly adds the name to her buddy list. She then stretches her arms again and
gets up and walks over to the dresser that is pushed up against the left wall
right by the door. She opens one of the drawers and pulls out a T-Shirt and
some jeans. She gets dressed and heads out of the room, leaving the computer
on. She walks out into the hall and then to the left and down the stairs. She
walks past the other computer downstairs by the TV and into the kitchen. Her
mom, Judy, and her dad, James, are sitting at the table eating. James is busy
reading the paper as Judy eats a bowl of cereal. Mariann comes up behind her
father and gives him a kiss on the cheek.
Mariann:
How's
the job search going daddy?
James:
As good as it's ever going to get.
He sighs and sets the
newspaper down and then grabs his mug of coffee and takes a sip. Mariann frowns
and starts going through the cabinets above the sink to scrounge up some
breakfast. She grabs a box of Pop Tarts and takes out one pack and then puts
the box away. She opens the pack and breaks off a piece of the toaster pastry
and pops it into her mouth.
Mariann:
There's
nothing in the paper today either?
James:
Nothing
worth pursuing.
She sits down at the
table, next to her dad, across from her mom and breaks off another piece of Pop
Tart and puts it in her mouth.
Judy:
Come
on Mare, don't eat those nasty things
let
me make you something.
Mariann:
No
this is fine really; I'm not that hungry anyway
Judy:
You
should be eating something healthy
Mariann:
Mom...
She looks at her mom
with an eyebrow raised
Mariann:
Why
do you buy them if you don't want me
to
eat them?
Judy rolls her eyes,
but then takes in a deep breath and looks like she's about to change the
subject of the conversation.
Judy:
Did
that Eve girl talk to you anymore last night?
Mariann:
No,
but I did get a message from someone
named
Angel
Judy:
It's
probably her...just be careful.
Mariann:
Mom,
not everyone online is out to get me
Mariann takes another
bite of her Pop Tart and stands up. She goes over to the coffee maker and gets
out a mug and pours herself a cup of coffee. In the background her mom lights
up a cigarette and stands up to clear her bowl and put it in the sink. Mariann
watches her and takes a sip of her black coffee and makes a face.
Mariann:
I'll
never understand how people can drink this stuff
black.
Judy:
Then
why do you even try?
They both laugh and
Mariann goes to the fridge and gets out the milk and adds some to her coffee.
She then goes to the table and adds in two heaping spoonfuls of sugar to her
coffee.
Mariann:
I
think I'll look for a job today. You know to
do
my part and help out with the family.
James:
No
need to do that honey, everything
is
under control.
Mariann stirs her
coffee and looks at him skeptically.
Mariann:
We've
been living off of savings for how long?
James:
There's
more then enough...
Mariann:
I
know I know...but I feel like I should help out
I
live here too you know.
Mariann picks up the
newspaper that her father has set down and starts to skim over the classified
ads herself. After a moment she stops and sets the paper down, she points to an
ad, getting her mother's attention.
Mariann:
Look,
a receptionist job I could do that
Judy leans over the
table and looks at the ad. She gets up with her empty bowl of cereal and walks
over to the sink and sets her bowl in it and starts running the water.
Judy:
I
bet you'd be good at answering phones
Mariann:
There's
a website address, I think I'll
go
check it out right now.
She sets the rest of
the Pop Tarts down on the table and grabs the paper and heads out of the
kitchen.
Transition to scene 3:
In Mariann's room where she is sitting at the computer. Just before she is
about to go to the website a message pops up informing her that WaxAngelWings
has signed on. She smiles slightly and clicks on the name to open an instant
message. The instant message opens and she starts to type.
(On
Screen)
MareGathersWords:
Hi, this is Mare I got
your
private message from
ERHeadquarter.com,
do you want to chat?
She hits enter, and
the message sends. A moment later a response pops up.
(On
Screen)
WaxAngelWings:
Sure, my name is Angel
Transition to a shot
of Mariann sitting at the computer typing, conveying that as she is typing time
is passing, maybe an hour or hour an a half passes. Show the clock on the
computer, or the clock on the wall fading in and out of time to convey this.
Mariann suddenly looks up from the computer and to the clock on the bedside
table and sighs, realizing that about an hour has passed.
(On
Screen)
MareGathersWords:
Well I have to go I'm supposed
to
be looking for a job right now.
WaxAngelWings:
That's cool, what kind of job are
you
in the market for?
MareGathersWords:
Just a basic receptionist job
WaxAngelWings:
Well have fun with that :-)
MareGathersWords:
Thank you. Talk to you later
WaxAngelWings:
Bye.
Mariann quickly looks
up the website address from the job add in the paper. She skims over it and
finds a phone number. She grabs a near by pen and paper and writes it down. She
then signs off line and sits back in her chair. She picks up the phone and
starts to dial the number...
Transition to Scene 4:
Mare coming down to the kitchen. Judy is in there making sandwiches for lunch.
Mariann walks in with a smile on her face and a bounce in her step. She notices
Mariann and turns around with a plate holding a sandwich in her hand.
Judy:
What
are you so happy about?
Mariann takes the
plate with the sandwich on it and sits down at the table. She picks it up and
takes a bite.
Mariann:
I
just got a job interview for tomorrow
For
the receptionist job.
Judy:
That's
great Mare!
She comes up behind
Mariann and gives her a hug around the chair. Mariann puts her hand on her
Mom's arm and smiles.
Mariann:
I
can't wait! I'm going to nail this interview
and
get the job.
Judy:
How
much does it pay?
Mariann:
Mom,
don't worry about it, it'll be enough
money
for all of us to live on for a while.
She picks up the
sandwich and takes another bite. Snoopy walks in and comes over to Mariann,
sits, and looks up at her. Judy turns her back to make another sandwich and
Mariann rips off a piece of hers and holds it out to the dog.
Judy:
Don't
feed the dog under the table.
Mariann turns and
looks at her mother whose back is still too her and laughs slightly.
Mariann:
How
did you even know?
Judy:
I
can sense those kind of things, never
underestimate
a mother's intuition
Mariann rolls her
eyes, feeds the Snoopy anyway, and stands up, picking the sandwich up with her.
She starts to head into the other room, which is connected to the kitchen. The
dog trails behind her hoping for more food. Her dad is sitting on the couch
across from the TV reading a book.
James:
So
you got a job interview huh?
Mariann:
And
you were listening to us in the kitchen
He puts the book down
on his lap and looks at her and smiles.
James:
As
I said before, you don't have to get a job.
Mariann:
And as I said, I want to.
She puts her hand on
his shoulder and pats it softly. He puts his hand on hers before picking up his
book again and starting to read. Mariann sighs and then heads towards the
stairs and starts to walk up them, Snoopy is close behind. She goes into her
room and sits down at the computer again. She stares at it for a moment before
switching it on and sitting back in her chair. She takes another bite of her
sandwich and then rips off another corner and gives the piece to Snoopy. She
leans down and pets the dog on the head.
Mariann:
I
love you Snoopy, yes I do...yes I do!
She leans in and gives
him a kiss on the nose. She sits up, takes another bite of her sandwich, and
looks at the computer. She signs back online, her buddy list comes up and
WaxAngelWings is on. She smiles and then an IM pops up, one from Angel.
(On
Screen)
MareGathersWords:
You're still on?
WaxAngelWings:
You know it; I practically live online when I'm
not
in class.
MareGathersWords:
Really? What kind of classes are you taking?
WaxAngelWings:
Psychology, I'm majoring in it at Michigan State
MareGathersWords:
Michigan? Really? I live in Kalamazoo!
WaxAngelWings:
That's so cool!
Cut back to Mariann
who is smiling now. She finishes her sandwich and holds out her hand for Snoopy
to lick.
(On
Screen)
MareGathersWords:
I called about the job and got an interview
WaxAngelWings:
Cool! When do you go in?
MareGathersWords:
Tomorrow...I can't wait.
WaxAngelWings:
Well good, I hope you get it. I have to go now,
I'm
starving and they are only serving lunch until 2:00
MareGathersWords:
Okay then, talk to you later!
WaxAngelWings:
TTFN (Ta Ta for now)
MareGathersWords:
Bye!
Transition to scene 5:
The next morning. The alarm goes off, it's 10:30am, Mariann gets up and walks
into her bathroom. She gets undressed and into the shower. She closes the
curtain so we can't see what's going on in there. She hums a little tune,
cleans herself, washes her hair and gets out of the shower after grabbing a
towel and wrapping it around herself. She goes to the sink and picks up her
toothbrush and puts toothpaste on it and starts to brush her teeth. As she is
doing that she walks back into her room to the dresser on the right side. She
opens it up and pulls out some clothes and then tosses them on the bed. She
walks back into the bathroom, spits in the sink, cleans her toothbrush, puts it
back and then rinses out her mouth.
Cut to Mariann coming
out of her room. She is dressed in a navy blue pants suit with a lavender top
under her blazer and matching high-heeled shoes. Her red hair is dried out and
hanging down just a little over her shoulders. She goes down the stairs and
into the kitchen where her mom is at the sink doing dishes and her dad, once
again, is sitting at the table reading the paper. She walks over to the coffee
maker and takes a travel mug from the overhead cabinet and sets it on the
counter. She pours some coffee into it.
Judy:
Good
morning Mare.
Judy turns away from
the dishes; Mariann walks over to her and gives her a kiss on the cheek. Her
dad grumbles something that might be a good morning but we can't really make it
out.
Mariann:
Good morning Mom...
She goes over to her
dad and leans down and gives him a kiss on the cheek too.
Mariann:
Good morning Dad.
She walks to the
refrigerator and opens it up. She takes out the milk and adds some to her
coffee mug. Then she walks back over to the table, uncovers the sugar bowl, and
adds two heaping spoonfuls and stirs it around.
Judy:
Can
I make you anything to eat?
Mariann:
No,
I have to be leaving soon, and anyway I'm
way
to nervous to eat anything. I'd probably just throw
it
up anyway.
James:
You
should eat something.
He says this as he
peers at her from over top of his newspaper. She looks at him and smiles. She
puts the lid on the coffee mug, after taking the spoon out, and takes a sip of
the coffee. She looks at her watch and then stands up.
Mariann:
I
really should be going.
Judy:
Good
luck with the interview honey.
James:
Not
that you need it.
She smiles at both of
them and waves slightly and then heads out of the back door.
Transition to scene 6:
Mariann is sitting in some sort of lobby/waiting room. Behind a counter and
some frosted glass sliding windows there is a receptionist talking loudly on
the phone.
Receptionist:
...so
then I said, I'm a lesbian that's all there is to
it...
Mariann looks at the
figure behind the glass and sighs slightly. She looks uncomfortable being
there, listening to this woman going on and on about her life story.
Receptionist:
No...I
told him that he didn't make me that way
but
he's a guy so what are you going to do?
Mariann sits up a
little and clears her throat, she looks at her watch again and then around the
room nervously. From behind the glass another blurry figure appears. They talk
softly for a moment and then the glass window slides back and the receptionist
sticks her head out.
Receptionist:
Dr.
Chesterfield will see you now, You
can
go into his office, just through that door
She motions to a door
a few feet away from the glass panels...She's all attitude and even rolls her
eyes ever so slightly.
Receptionist:
It's
the last door on the left
Mariann:
Thank
you.
Mariann stands up and
walks to the door on that the woman motioned to. She opens it and steps inside.
She walks down a short hallway to the last door on the left. It's open and no
one is inside so she steps in and sits down at a chair in front of the large
oak desk that occupies most of the space in there. She looks around the room.
After ten seconds or so, Dr. Chesterfield enters the room. He's a short guy,
bald, wearing a suit. He shuts the door behind him. [There's room for more
dialogue here, but I'll get back to that later]
Dr.
Chesterfield:
You
must be Mariann Lovett.
Mariann:
Yeah
that's me.
He walks over to her
and holds out his hand for her to shake. She stands up and shakes his hand
firmly. He motions for her to sit back down and she does, he takes his seat
behind the desk. He pulls his chair up and folds his hands on top of the desk.
Dr.
Chesterfield:
So
you are here about the receptionist position?
Mariann:
Yep
She smiles nervously.
Dr.
Chesterfield:
So
what are your qualifications?
Mariann:
Well I worked for my dad in his office when he
ran
a small business.
Dr.
Chesterfield:
What
kind of business was it?
Mariann:
Just
special products in caring for horses and
other
livestock.
Mariann keeps eye
contact with him even though it's obviously hard for her, she's a rather shy
person, we can tell that by her soft voice, it's definitely softer then the
voice she uses to talk to her parents.
Dr.
Chesterfield:
Interesting,
do you own any horses?
Mariann:
We
used to but then my dad went out of business
and
we couldn't really afford it anymore.
Dr.
Chesterfield:
So
you have experience with filing, sorting, that sort of thing?
Mariann:
Yes, I did a lot of that, plus taking orders over the phone
Dr. Chesterfield nods
slightly. Mariann smiles and straightens out a bit, sitting up more in her
chair.
Dr.
Chesterfield:
How
much schooling have you had?
Mariann:
Just
high school I'm afraid. But I'm a really good worker,
my
dad can attest to that.
She sounds a little
more eager now, like she wants really wants to prove it. She leans forward just
slightly and Dr. Chesterfield lets out a small chuckle.
Dr.
Chesterfield:
I'm
sure he can, you seem like an honest young woman
Mariann:
Thank
you.
Dr.
Chesterfield:
Well
I still have to see a lot of people for this position but
I
will keep your name at the top of the list.
Mariann:
Thank you, thank you very much Dr. Chesterfield
[There's room for more
dialogue here, but I'll get back to that later]He stands up and so does she. He
holds out his hand for her to shake and she takes it and shakes it again. He
smiles and walks over and opens the door for her. She walks out into the
hallway and as soon as she hears the door shut she does a little happy dance
and then smiles and heads out of the office.
Transition to scene 7:
Mariann comes in the door with a big smile on her face. She walks into the
living room and sees her Mom sitting in a chair knitting. She looks up and
takes off her glasses.
Judy:
So
it went well I take it?
Mariann:
Yeah,
he said he'd keep my name on the top of
the
list.
Judy:
That's
great!
Mariann walks over to
her and gives her a hug, a white cat, Evita, pads into the room and starts to
rub up against Mariann's leg.
Mariann:
Are
you hungry? I bet you are...
She says to the cat,
and then leans down and picks her up and nuzzles her face into the cat's. Evita
meows and she puts her down.
Judy:
I
didn't feed her yet, although she is your cat, I shouldn't
have
to feed her at all.
Mariann:
Yeah
I know, I'll go feed her. Where's dad?
Judy:
In
the kitchen looking through the classifieds again
Mariann nods and heads
into the kitchen, Evita follows her. She goes to the sink and then gets down
and from under the cabinet she pulls a bag of cat food. She walks over to a
dish on the counter and pours some in.
James:
How'd
the interview go?
Mariann:
Great!
Any luck on your end?
James:
No
just more of the same
She puts the food away
and then goes over to her dad and gives him a kiss on the cheek. He smiles and
then goes back to reading the newspaper. She walks over to the counter where
Evita is eating and pats her on the head.
Mariann:
Good
girl, you were hungry weren't you?
She heads out of the
kitchen and into the living room and back up the stairs until she gets to her
room. She steps inside and goes to the computer and turns it on. She sits down
and as she waits for it to boot up she leans over to the radio and turns it on.
When the computer is all booted up she signs online. Her buddy list pops up,
WaxAngelWings is on.
(On
Screen)
MareGathersWords:
I see you're on again
WaxAngelWings:
Again? I never went to sleep. I had to pull
an
all nighter to study for my psych test.
MareGathersWords:
Well I hope you ace it.
WaxAngelWings:
You had that job interview today, how did it go?
MareGathersWords:
Great! The guy said he would keep me on
the
top of the list
WaxAngelWings:
Way to go!
MareGathersWords:
Thanks
Mariann sits back in
her chair and there is a noise on her computer. She looks at it; it was her
buddy list telling her that OneArmedRussian has just signed on. She sighs and
rolls her eyes.
Mariann:
Guess
I didn't take her off my buddy list
She goes and quickly
deletes the screen name from her buddy list. Just as she is doing this a
message pops up, it's from OneArmedRussian
(On
Screen)
OneArmedRussian:
I hope you’re happy, I moved to Kzoo for you!
MareGathersWords:
WHAT?!
OneArmedRussian:
Remember when you said you loved me and all that bullshit? And
Then
you asked me to move here? Well two weeks ago I signed a lease for a year
in
an apartment not to far from you. I can't just back out of the lease...
MareGathersWords:
Well don't come near me, or I will have the police on your
ass
SO FAST!
OneArmedRussian:
Don't worry I don't want anything to do with you! I just hope
you're
happy is all.
MareGathersWords:
Go AWAY!
OneArmedRussian:
FINE! See you in hell bitch!
Mariann angrily clicks
the message away and then sits back in her chair and folds her arms over her
chest. There is a ring from her computer, it's WaxAngelWings.
(On
Screen)
WaxAngelWings:
Well I have to get going, psych test and all...
MareGathersWords:
Okay, I hope you get a good grade on it!
WaxAngelWings:
Me Too...TTYL (talk to you later)
MareGathersWords:
Bye
Mariann turns off her
radio and signs off of her computer. She sits there for a moment with her arms
folded and a pouting look on her face, she's still upset about Eve
(OneArmedRussian). Evita pads into the room and comes over and jumps onto her
lap. She pets the cat for a moment before lifting it up and setting it on the
ground as she stands up. She walks out of her room and down the hall, in a big
huff. She goes down the stairs and finds her mom who is sitting in her chair
knitting still.
Mariann:
Eve
moved here.
Judy:
What?
Mariann:
Well...
She looks at the couch
across from her mom, there's a newspaper on it so she moves it over and then
sits down.
Mariann:
About
a month ago I guess I fell for her and told
her
I loved her, she said she would move here
for
me. Two weeks ago she signed a lease for
an
apartment here in Kzoo. She said she can't
just
back out of it, so she's coming here.
Judy:
Why
did you tell her you loved her?
Judy doesn't sound too
happy with this, in fact she sounds down right pissed off. Mariann looks down
at her hands and sighs loudly.
Mariann:
At
the time I thought I did love her, I mean
maybe
I am a lesbian...I don't know I've never
been
with a girl, and I've only ever been with
one
guy and he broke my heart!
Judy:
Don't
talk like that! You AREN'T a lesbian! Don't
even
think that way! I won't let Eve CONVERT you,
her
or ANYONE!
She throws down her
knitting and heads into the kitchen. Mariann takes in a deep breath and gets up
and follows her mom. Judy is in the kitchen standing at the sink with her back
towards Mariann.
Mariann:
Mom...
Judy:
I
don't want to talk about this any more
Mare.
Just let it go!
Mariann:
No
one is going to covert me mom, I just don't
know
if...
Judy:
If
what? If you're a lesbian or not? I can tell you
right
now, YOU'RE NOT!
She keeps her back to
Mariann, she sounds as if she might be crying a little. This subject is very
touchy with her. Mariann walks up behind her and puts a hand on Judy's shoulder.
Judy turns and looks at her, or glares at her more like it.
Mariann:
Okay,
I won't let it happen again. I thought I was
in
love with Eve but I guess I was wrong.
Judy:
Good
She pulls Mariann into
a hug, we can see Mariann's face and she rolls her eyes just slightly as her
mom takes her into her arms.
Judy:
Now...
She pulls away from
Mariann and looks her right in the eyes...
Judy:
If
this Eve woman comes near you, you
just
tell me and I'll take care of it, Okay?
Mariann:
Okay
mom...I love you
Judy:
I love you too, now what do you want
for
lunch?
Transition to scene 8:
It's a few days later, Mariann is lounging on the couch mid-afternoon, the cat
is lying on her stomach and she's flipping through channels on the TV. Judy
walks in with a sandwich on a plate and sets it down on the coffee table in
front of Mariann. Mariann reaches for it lazily and then groans when she can't
reach it.
Mariann:
Can't
reach mom!
Judy sighs, she picks
up the plate and hands it to Mariann.
Mariann:
Tank you
She sets the plate on
the floor next to the couch and picks up the sandwich and takes a bite out of
it.
Judy:
It's
been three days, and you still haven't
gotten
a call back from that job interview...
Mariann:
He'll
call, I know he will, just...
As if on cue the phone
starts ringing. She gets up quickly, knocking the cat from her stomach, and
runs into the kitchen and picks up the phone.
Mariann:
Lovett
residence...
She looks at Judy who
followed her in there.
Mariann:
Uh
huh, yeah...8:00...alright I'll be there
Thank
you.
She hangs up the phone
and turns to her mother.
Judy:
Well?
Mariann:
I
got the job!
She squeals with
delight and so does her mother. They join in a happy hug and Mariann pulls away
and looks at her.
Mariann:
I
told you I'd get the job! I can't wait to tell
Angel!
Judy:
Angel?
That girl you've been talking to online?
Don't
let this turn into another Eve situation
Mariann:
I
know, I won't.
She kisses her mom on
the cheek and then rushes up to her room. Off of Judy's smiling face we Fade To
Black.
Scene 9: Six Months
Later...(Words at the bottom of the screen) Shot of a car pulling into the
driveway to Mariann's house. She gets out of the car and heads inside; she's in
a black pinstripe business suit. She walks inside and shuts the door behind
her. Once again Judy is sitting in her chair knitting. She looks up and takes
her glasses off.
Judy:
How
was work today?
Mariann:
Boring...but
it's Friday so I got a pay check!
She pulls an envelope
from her purse and shows it to her mom.
Judy:
Spend
it all on yourself this week, not us.
Mariann:
You
say that every week mom
Mariann rolls her eyes
and starts to walk into the kitchen. She opens the fridge and starts to look
through it to find some food. She gets out an apple and closes the door and
takes a bite out of it. She walks out of the kitchen and back into the living
room where her mom is.
Mariann:
I'm
going upstairs to shower, I'll be back
down
soon.
Judy:
Okay
hun.
Mariann goes up the
stairs and into her room. She pulls off her shirt so she's in her bra and then
goes over to the computer and turns it on. She goes into the bathroom and
starts the shower, she signs online and looks at her buddy list. No one is on
so she goes into the bathroom and shuts the door.
Transition to Scene
10: Mariann comes out of the bathroom in a robe, with her hair up in a towel.
She sits down at the computer and a message pops up, it's from WaxAngelWings.
(On
Screen)
WaxAngelWings:
Mare? We need to talk.
MareGathersWords:
Sure, what about?
WaxAngelWings:
I think I like you, well more then LIKE but not exactly
LOVE...you
know what I mean?
MareGathersWords:
Oh?
WaxAngelWings:
Look, it's weird for me too, I've never really LIKED another
woman
before, but there's just something about you that...I don't know what
I'm
talking about; I'll shut up now.
MareGathersWords:
No don't, I feel the same way about you.
WaxAngelWings:
Really?
Mariann sits back in
her chair and leans over and turns the radio on, softly though. She looks
around and takes in a deep breath before leaning in to type again.
(On
Screen)
MareGathersWords:
Yeah just don't tell my mother
WaxAngelWings:
Don't tell mine either...LoL, Hey do you have a
microphone
for your computer?
MareGathersWords:
No, why?
WaxAngelWings:
Well I have one, and if you got one then we could actually
TALK
over the computer.
MareGathersWords:
OMG (oh my god) That's a good Idea, I just got paid
today
actually, I think I'll run out and get one right now!
WaxAngelWings:
Really?
MareGathersWords:
Yeah I know of a store that's open till nine, I'll be back
in
like an hour okay?
WaxAngelWings:
Cool! Talk to you then!
MareGathersWords:
Bye!
Mariann smiles and
turns off the radio. She turns off the computer and stands up. She walks over
to her dresser and pulls out some clothes to wear, with a smile on her face.
Transition to scene
11: Mariann is stepping into a computer store somewhere, she walks all the way
inside and starts looking at the signs in the isles to find the microphones.
Eve:
So
does the battery run out quickly on this one?
Eve is standing by a
display of digital cameras and she's looking at one of them. There is an
attendant with her explaining stuff to her. Mariann sees her and looks at her
for a moment, not yet recognizing her but she can tell she's familiar.
Clerk:
Yeah
but you can recharge it...
Eve:
Well
which one has the longest life span when it comes
to
batteries?
Mariann goes to walk
past her, then turns and actually looks into her eyes and blinks a few times.
Eve sees her too and smiles slightly, almost a wicked smile. Eve is about 5' 9
and considerably taller then Mariann; she has long brown-layered hair and
bright green eyes, she's about 21 years old.
Mariann:
Eve?
Eve:
Great,
didn't think you'd ever come in here. Besides
doesn't
your DADDY get you all your stuff? With the
amount
of time YOU spend online I'm surprised you
actually
left the house.
Mariann glares at her
for a moment and clenches her teeth, then her jaw relaxes and she takes a deep
breath.
Mariann:
I
have a job now you know. Anyway you're supposed
to
stay the hell away from me.
Eve:
I
was here first, so maybe YOU should be the one
who
leaves!
Eve turns her back to
Mariann and starts to look at the cameras again. The attendant looks at the
both of them as if he's wondering if a fight is going to break out or
something.
Mariann:
Fuck
you!
Eve:
FUCK
YOU!
Clerk:
Hey!
Settle down or I'll ask both of you to leave!
Eve folds her arms
over her chest and glares at Mariann, she then turns back to the clerk and
picks up a camera.
Eve:
I
guess I'll take this one, anything to get away from
that
lying sack of horse shit.
Clerk:
I'll
meet you up front by the registers.
Eve smiles and then
walks past Mariann and towards the registers at the front of the store, Mariann
rolls her eyes and sighs before walking down one of the isles by herself.
Transition to Scene
12: Mariann is back at her computer, the microphone is all hooked up and she is
sitting there staring at the screen when WaxAngelWings appears back online.
(On
Screen)
WaxAngelWings:
Hey, back already?
MareGathersWords:
Yeah, I got the microphone
WaxAngelWings:
Good! Now all you have to do is click that
little
button that says, "Talk" at the bottom of the IM.
Mariann moves the
mouse over to the talk button; she hesitates for a moment and then clicks it. A
little note comes up to inform her that the computers are connecting. There is
silence for another moment. Then a message pops up and says they are connected.
(Voice
Only)
Angel:
Mare?
Mariann:
Angel?
They both laugh, sort
of nervous laughter at hearing each other for the very first time.
Mariann:
There's
something I've been wanting to ask you but
I
kept forgetting.
(Voice
Only)
Angel:
Sure
go ahead and ask
Mariann:
Is
your real name just Angel or is that
short
for something?
Angel:
My
real name is Angelina but my friends have
always
just called me Angel.
Mariann smiles and
nods and reaches to turn on CD Player that's sitting on her desk. Billy Joel's
"To Make You Feel My Love" Starts to play, LOUDLY. Mariann jumps and
quickly turns the music down to a more tolerable level.
(Voice
Only)
Angel:
You
never told me you liked Billy Joel
Mariann:
Oh
god yes, I love him. He's brilliant!
(Voice
Only)
Angel:
Oh
definitely, I totally agree with you there. I love
this
song too, I mean it's so passionate. Maybe this
can
be like...our song?
Mariann looks at the
screen for a moment and then to the CD player, she looks at if she's thinking
about it for a moment.
Mariann:
Yeah
it's perfect
(Voice
Only)
Angel:
It's
basically saying exactly what I would do to be
with
you.
Mariann blushes, and
the song continues to play in the background. Angel starts to sing with it, she
has a beautiful voice, by the way.
(Voice
only, Singing)
Angel:
The
storms are raging and the rolling seas
And
on the highway of regret
The
winds of change are blowing wild and free
You
ain't seen nothing like me yet
Mariann:
(Singing
slightly)
I
could make you happy, Make your dreams come
true,
there's nothing that I would not do, go to the
ends
of the earth for you
(Voice
only, Singing)
Angel:
To
make you feel my love
Angel
And Mariann:
There's
nothing that I wouldn't do
To
make you feel my love
The music ends and they
both go silent for a moment, before breaking out in laughter. Mariann reaches
over and turns off the music.
Mariann:
You
have a beautiful voice, Angel.
(Voice
Only)
Angel:
Thanks,
I don't really sing in front of other people
I
always thought I sucked.
Mariann:
No
you totally don't! You should sing all the time
I
could listen to you forever!
(Voice
Only)
Angel:
I
like your voice too, it's very soothing.
Then there is a long
pause, well for about 6 or 7 seconds, there's a deep breath on the other end of
the microphone and then a slight laugh.
(Voice
Only)
Angel:
I
think I'm falling in love with you Mare
Mariann looks a little
startled and quickly turns down the speakers on her computer, she gets up and
goes over to the door, she sticks her head out into the hallway and looks
around, there's no one there. She takes a deep breath and goes back into the
room and shuts the door behind her. She sits back down at the computer and
leans in to the microphone.
Mariann:
I
think I feel the same way Angel.
Transition to scene
13: The next morning. Mariann comes out of the bathroom dressed in jeans and a
T-shirt, it's Saturday so she doesn't have any work. She walks out of her room
and down the stairs and into the kitchen where Judy is cooking some eggs.
Mariann sits down at the table, where a plate is already set and looks at her
dad who is going through the newspaper again.
Mariann:
Dad,
I got a job so you wouldn't have to look
for
one
James:
No
offense honey, but we can't live off of a secretary's
salary.
Judy:
But
we do appreciate your help.
Judy comes over with
the pan of scrambled eggs and serves some to Mariann, then to James. She then
gives the last little bit to an empty plate across from Mariann and sets the
pan back on the stove and sits down to eat.
Mariann:
I
ran into Eve the other day
Judy looks up from the
bite she was about to take, she looks angry.
Mariann:
Don't
worry I told her to fuck off, she won't bother
me
any more, but she lives here now, how can I
expect
NOT to see her?
Judy:
How
do you know she's not stalking you?
Mariann:
Well
I haven't seen any cars following me to and from
work,
she hasn't called me or written me a letter, I don't
think
that she's stalking me...I really don't.
Judy:
Well
if I see her around here I'm calling the cops. She's
the
tall girl from Cleveland right? The one with brown hair...
Mariann takes a bite
of her food and chews it slowly.
Mariann:
Right,
just don't go getting all paranoid about any
women
with brown hair that come around here.
James:
Yeah
the mail lady has brown hair
He looks at Mariann
and winks and they both laugh. Judy rolls her eyes and goes back to eating.
Snoopy walks into the room and sits by Mariann's chair. She reaches over and
pets the dog on the head and takes another bite.
Judy:
Don't
pet the dog at the table, he'll think you're gonna
give
him something
Mariann:
But
I'm not
She sticks her head
right down next to Snoopy's and nuzzles her nose against his
Mariann:
Isn't
that right Snoopy...Yes it is!
Judy:
How's
that Angel girl you talk to?
Mariann looks up from
the dog and her smile fades just slightly, she looks like she was just caught
doing something bad.
Mariann:
Well...I
think I'm in love with her
Judy:
MARIANN LYNN LOVETT!
Mariann:
What?!
I can be in love with whomever I want!
Judy:
Not
with a woman! James! Do you hear what your
daughter
is saying?!
James sets his
newspaper down and glares at Mariann. Mariann looks down at her plate and
pushes the eggs around for a moment.
James:
You
stay away from this Angel girl, what if she
turns
out to be like Eve?
Judy:
You
go to the computer right now, write her an E-mail
and
tell her that you don't love her!
Mariann:
BUT THAT'S NOT TRUE!
Judy:
It
is true! Do you want to go to hell? Huh? Cause that's
what's
going to happen in you find yourself in bed with
another
woman!
Mariann stands up and
clears her plate dumping it into the sink with a loud clatter. She walks back
over to the table and slams her fists down onto it.
Mariann:
I
can love whoever I want! And you CAN'T stop me!
Judy:
Oh
yes I can, you live in this house...MY HOUSE, you
aren't
going to ANYTHING I don't like!
Mariann:
FUCK
YOU!
James looks up at her,
he stands up and backhands her across the face. Mariann grabs her face and
starts crying. She looks at her mom who gives her a stern warning look.
Judy:
Get
on that computer and tell her! I'm going to
watch.
Mariann:
Fine...FINE!
I'll tell her I can't talk to her anymore!
Judy:
Good!
And NO leading her on or telling her it's my fault
that
didn't work with Eve, and that sure as hell won't work
with
her!
Mariann, still holding
her face where she was hit, walks into the other room where the family computer
is. She turns it on, and looks at Judy who followed her in there. It boots up
and she signs online, Angel is on her buddy list.
Judy:
Go
ahead, IM her.
Mariann sighs loudly
and double clicks on the name to bring up an IM box. She slowly starts typing
her message, Judy reads it aloud as she types.
(Reading)
Judy:
Hi
it's Mare, Look I can't talk to you anymore, I'm sorry
Mariann looks at Judy
for approval, she nods and Mariann sends the message. There is a pause and then
a reply message.
(Reading)
Judy:
Wax
Angel Wings says: What the hell? I thought we had
something
going on between us!
Judy glares at
Mariann, Mariann starts to type again.
(Reading
as she types)
Mariann:
There
is no more us, I'm sorry but we cannot be together
I
made a mistake and I thought I loved you but I really don't.
You'll
get over me though, we've only known each other for
6
months.
(On
Screen)
WaxAngelWings:
6 months is a LONG time Mare! You can't
just
TELL someone you LOVE them and then stop talking
to
them the next day!
MareGathersWords:
You'll get over it...really. I have to go
WaxAngelWings:
Don't leave me hanging here...don't you
FUCKIN
DARE!
MareGathersWords:
Bye Angel
She clicks the exit
screen and then signs offline. Her mother is standing behind her with her arms
folded over her chest.
Judy:
There,
and I expect no more talk about LOVING
another
woman!
Mariann:
Fine,
Whatever. Can I go to my room now?
Judy:
Go...no
getting online either.
Mariann:
Fine
it's not like I want to anyway
She gets up from the
computer and slowly heads up the stairs. She goes into her room and shuts the
door and locks it. Her computer is already on, she walks over to it and signs
online even though her mom told her not to.
(On
Screen)
WaxAngelWings:
What was with that bullshit a minute ago?
MareGathersWords:
It's not bullshit I really don't love you
WaxAngelWings:
Then why did you say it in the first place?
MareGathersWords:
I don't know, sometimes I just get into
a
place where I'm vulnerable and I say things I don't mean
WaxAngelWings:
Well I still love you
MareGathersWords:
I have to go
WaxAngelWings:
Don't you leave me like this Mare, Don't you
do
it!
MareGathersWords:
Bye!
She signs off line and
turns off her computer, she then gets up and walks over to her bed and falls
down on it face first into the pillow.
Transition to Scene
14: Mariann wakes up and the window shows that it's dark outside. She yawns and
stretches and stares out of the window for a moment when she sees a white blob
in the yard. She rubs her eyes and gets up and leaves the room. She walks down the
stairs and goes outside to the back yard. The white blob, which is lying under
a tree, looks like her cat, Evita, but something's wrong, she's not moving.
Mariann:
Evita?
Mariann runs over to
her and gets down. Evita's neck is twisted and her eyes are all glossy and
dead.
Mariann:
Oh
God! EVITA!
She gets down and
picks her up and takes her into her arms. She holds Evita close, rocking back
and fourth and crying. After a moment of doing this she gets up and walks back
inside, still holding the cat in her arms. Judy looks up from her knitting and
sees Mariann with the cat.
Judy:
Is
that...Evita?
Mariann nods and then
starts crying again. She walks over to her mom who gets up and puts an arm
around her.
Mariann:
I
think she fell out of the tree back there and broke her neck
She sniffles and then
bursts out into sobs, pressing her face into her mother's shoulder. Judy wraps
her arm around Mariann and strokes her hair softly.
Off of this Scene FADE
TO BLACK.
End Act I
Act II
Scene 1: It’s the next
morning and Mariann is standing outside by a small pile of dirt, which is
Evita’s covered grave. A few tears run down her face and she looks up at the
sky and takes a deep breath and sighs. Judy comes out of the back door and
walks over to Mariann and puts a hand on her shoulder.
Judy:
I
think you should come in now
Mariann:
She’s
dead mom, she’s dead and she’s not coming back
Judy:
I
know, but you’ve been standing out here for two hours
I
think it’s time you came in.
Mariann:
Okay
just give me one more minute
Judy nods and then heads back into the house. Mariann looks at the flowers in the garden next to the grave. She picks one and puts it on the mound of dirt. She puts her hand on top of it for a moment, before getting back up and walking inside. James is sitting on the couch reading a book. She walks over and sits down next to him; he puts his book down and looks over at her.
Mariann:
I had her ever since she was a kitten, and now she’s gone
James frowns and then moves over so he’s sitting next to her, he puts an arm around her and she rests her head on his shoulder, her lower lip starts to tremble just slightly.
James:
I know, and we’re all going to miss her honey she was a great
Cat.
Mariann whistles and the Snoopy comes running into the room and to the couch where they are sitting. He puts his head on the couch next to Mariann’s leg and she pets him softly.
Mariann:
I love you Snoopy…I love you so much.
She slides off of the couch and gets down on the floor next to him and starts to pet him more.
James:
Why don’t you go and take him for a walk, I bet he’d
Like that.
Mariann:
Sure why not
She gets up from the floor and walks over to the front door where Snoopy’s leash is hanging from a hook on the wall. She takes it off the hook and Snoopy comes running over to her. She snaps his leash on and opens the front door.
Mariann:
I’m going to take him to the big park okay?
James:
Are you sure you’re up to walking that far?
Mariann:
Yeah it’s only a mile, I’ll be fine
James:
Have fun
Mariann waves goodbye to him and then steps outside of the door with the dog in front of her.
Transition to Scene 2: Mariann is walking down the street when she comes to a large field that’s lined with trees. She walks over to a bench that’s set up there and takes Snoopy off his leash and lets him run free. She sits down and watches him running and playing off in the distance.
Eve:
SYDNEY!
Mariann turns and sees that it’s Eve and then glares at her. Eve sees Mariann glaring at her and starts to walk towards her. She pulls a pack of cigarettes from the bag around her shoulder and takes one out. She puts one in her mouth and puts the pack away. She pulls out a lighter and lights the cigarette and smiles at Mariann.
Eve:
Why are YOU here?
Mariann:
I’m walking my dog
Mariann motions to her dog off in the distance.
Eve:
Well I’m doing the same thing
She sits down on the same bench that Mariann is on. Mariann moves as far away as possible from Eve and folds her arms and pouts.
Mariann:
Why are you everywhere I go?
Eve:
I’m not everywhere you go, this dog park isn’t far from
Where I live so I take my dog here.
Mariann:
You’re stalking me
Eve laughs and shakes her head slowly.
Eve:
Did your mother tell you that?
Mariann:
Shut up!
Eve:
I’m not stalking you, I have a job and a dog, and I don’t
Need you.
Eve whistles and her dog comes running towards her, it’s a chocolate lab by the way. She leans down and clips the leash onto the dog but remains sitting.
Eve:
Look, I loved you, or at least I thought I did. I uprooted my life,
Alienated my family, and came here knowing absolutely
No one but you. Now the one person that I connect with the
Most thinks I’m stalking her.
Mariann stays silent and looks down at her hands she then takes in a deep breath
Mariann:
Well my mom…
Eve:
You’re mom what? Is it YOU who doesn’t want anything to do
With me? Or is it her?
Mariann:
You’re crazy…you know that?
Eve:
No I’m not. I’m 21, living by myself, I have a job and my own
Place. You on the other hand, are 23, living with your mom,
And can’t make your own choices. You can’t run away from
Yourself, Mare.
Eve stands up and tosses the finished cigarette out behind the bench. She looks at Mariann and then rolls her eyes and starts to walk away.
Mariann:
Wait…Eve…
Eve stops and turns around and looks at her
Mariann:
If you only understood my living situation then you’d know
That…
Eve:
Know that what? You’re mom isn’t going to be around forever
Sooner or later you are going to have to make your own choices.
Mariann:
My mother has a good 30 years left on her…
Eve laughs again, a short burst of laughter like she can’t believe what she’s hearing
Eve:
So when you are 50 you’ll start making decisions for yourself?
Listen to me…START NOW! You have a job, get your ass out
Of their house! They won’t DIE if you aren’t around
Mariann:
But my mother…
Eve rolls her eyes and throws her hands up in exasperation
Eve:
Your mother, YOUR MOTHER…do you even HEAR what you
Are saying? Are you THAT blind? Get some fucking help Mare.
Mariann:
But I love her
Eve:
I love my parents too but you don’t see me hanging on my mother’s
Every word like it was scripture! I’m going, if you ever want to talk
Seriously send me an E-Mail…it’s the same address it’s always been
Eve turns away and walks off down the field. Mariann watches her for a moment before whistling and calling her dog back over to her. Snoopy comes running to her, she looks in the direction of Eve one more time and then snaps the leash back on her dog. She then turns and starts to walk off in the opposite direction.
Transition to Scene 3: Mariann enters the house, she kicks off her shoes and takes the leash off of Snoopy and hangs it up by the door. She looks like she might have been crying on her way home, during the walk. She wipes her face and sniffles and goes into the kitchen where her mom is.
Judy:
How are you doing? Any better?
Mariann:
No
She takes in a deep breath and lets it out as a sigh. Judy lights a cigarette and sits down at the table where she has a book set out with a glass of coke next to it. Mariann sits down across from her and looks down at the table not saying anything.
Mariann:
Mom, I can’t do this any more…my life totally sucks
Judy:
Oh Mare…
She looks up from her book and reaches across the table to take Mariann’s hand, Mariann reaches over the table and offers her hand to her mother. They connect.
Judy:
I know it seems bad right now, with Evita dying and all
But things will get better I promise.
Mariann:
I’m not talking about…never mind you wouldn’t understand
Mariann squeezes her mother’s hand slightly and stands up. She leaves the kitchen and goes up to her room where she sits down at the computer and turns it on. She turns on her CD player and Billy Joel’s “To Make You Feel My Love” starts playing. She starts to cry softly, putting her face into her hands. After a moment she looks up and wipes her face and signs online. Instantly a message from Angel pops up.
(On Screen)
WaxAngelWings: We need to talk!
MareGathersWords: I told you I’m not allowed to talk to you anymore
WaxAngelWings: Why the hell not? You better start explaining yourself
Before I do something else you’ll regret…
MareGathersWords: Something else?
WaxAngelWings: TELL ME WHY YOU CAN’T TALK TO ME!
MareGathersWords: Cause my mother told me not to, I’m not explaining
It any further! I’m blocking you now…
WaxAngelWings: Don’t you DARE, don’t you FUCKING DARE!
Mariann looks away from the screen and then quickly moves her mouse and clicks the blocking function on the bottom of the IM.