Scene 6

[The sun is pouring into the room as Elizabeth dresses for the day. She glances down at the vent, a hopeful look in her eyes, wishing that Vincent would call up.]

Elizabeth: Vincent? Are you there?

(After a few moments of silence she kneels beside the vent and calls again.)

Elizabeth: Vincent, are you there?

(The light from the sun shines down into the basement. All she can see is a cluttered mess, but no sign of Vincent, she sighs deeply, leaving the room. She walks down the long staircase, and heads for the large front doors. Her mother is busy getting ready to buy a new dress. She passes her and walks out of the door. She walks down the walk, when she hears footsteps behind her, she turns, and sees Lilia running after her.)

Lilia: There you are.

Elizabeth: You were looking for me?

Lilia: Of course. You are my best friend, but you don’t like to leave that house.

Elizabeth: Best friend?

Lilia: Yes, of course. What did you do last night?

Elizabeth: Nothing.

Lilia: You did nothing? You must have such a boring life. Why not come to a party with me tonight?

Elizabeth: I’m afraid I cannot.

Lilia: You’re parents wouldn't care. They allow you to walk out the door alone. And they trust me.

Elizabeth: It’s not my parents.

Lilia: No? Then what is it?

Elizabeth: I cannot go.

Lilia: I don’t see why not. You don’t have much of a life.

Elizabeth: Perhaps not. Perhaps it isn’t much of a life, but it is still the one I have had for 17 years.

Lilia: You’re being silly. You have a secret you are keeping from me.

Elizabeth: I have a right to my own secrets.

Lilia: No you don't , not as long as we are best friends. You must tell me everything.

Elizabeth: No, I don't have to.

Lilia: Don't argue with me.

Elizabeth: Then tell me the secret name of your brother.

Lilia: I don't want to...

Elizabeth: And why not? I thought that we were best friends.

Lilia: I will not utter the name of that awful creature. His name would be a curse on my breath.

Elizabeth: Now you're being silly.

Lilia: You're not behaving like a very good friend.

Elizabeth: I apologize.

Lilia: I will forgive you. But perhaps you would like to come to the party?

Elizabeth: Why would I want to?

Lilia: Because, you need some excitement. Please, come to my home tonight.

Elizabeth: Fine then, I will.

Lilia: Splendid.



Scene 7

[Elizabeth is greeted at the Calvery’s door by Lilia, who leads her into the ballroom. It is filled with lively people, all dressed in their finest, dancing and drinking. Elizabeth looks very unhappy.]

Lilia: Talk to people. That is the reason you came here. And dance. You need some friends other than just me.

(Elizabeth walks through the ballroom uneasily, glancing this way and that at the people having fun. She stops at the end, where she is met by a large picture of a handsome, young face. A white face, dark eyes, high cheekbones and a wide jaw are framed by beautiful wavy locks. The expression of the man is of sadness. Lilia approaches her from behind.)

Lilia: Why are just staring at that? You have been standing there for five minutes already.

Elizabeth: Who is he?

Lilia: Why do you care about that?

Elizabeth: He is so beautiful.

Lilia: Ha ha ha. If you saw what he looks like now, you would not say such a thing.

Elizabeth: Is it your brother?

Lilia: It is. I think he is the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen.

Elizabeth: Well, He is the most beautiful person I have ever seen.

Lilia: You have not seen very many people, princess. But obviously you forgot about me, your best friend. I am much more beautiful than that rat.

Elizabeth: Why do you hate him so much? Just because he is ill?

Lilia: Not just ill. Ugly, and he never speaks.

Elizabeth: Because he hides from you?

Lilia: I know where he is. I lied before. But I assure you, it was only to protect you, princess. I didn't want to frighten you because we had just met.

Elizabeth: I see.

Lilia: You want to see him now, don’t you? You won’t think him so gorgeous when you see his new face.

(Elizabeth is led out of the ballroom and down a dark, smelly hallway. At the end, and ugly door with a cold door handle is pushed open by Lilia. They enter a small, dark room, a slumped figure sits on a chair on the other side. Lilia flips the light switch on. Standing by the door as Elizabeth draws closer to him.)

Lilia: Don’t touch him.

Elizabeth: Of course not.

(Elizabeth kneels down, looking at his face almost hidden my a white sheet placed over his entire body. She pulls the blindfold back, getting a little reaction from Lilia. The once wavy locks are now revealed as short and messy, stuck to his scalp. His eyes are blindfolded and his skin looks almost gray. He isn’t moving. Not an inch. Not even to breath. She reaches out to touch his face with her hand, but Lilia is behind her and tears her away from the body, throwing the sheet on top of him again.)

Lilia: What did I tell you? Is he not the most ugly thing you have ever seen.

(Elizabeth remains silent)

Lilia: Quite amazing how much he has changed? Though I think he was always ugly, he is even more ugly now. I hate him.

Elizabeth: No. He isn’t ugly.

Lilia: Are you crazy?

Elizabeth: I think he is beautiful.

Lilia: You’re just saying that. He can’t hear you, you can be as honest as you want. But even if he can hear you, it doesn’t matter. He can’t do anything to you, or hurt you because of it.

Elizabeth: You’re wrong Lilia. I would kiss his face if you wouldn’t stop me.

Lilia: Disgusting.

Elizabeth: I’m sorry.

Lilia: No, you ruined my whole night. Just leave.

Elizabeth: Fine...



Scene 8

[Elizabeth arrives at home, shutting the door quietly behind her. She hears her parents talking in the living room and decides to listen in.]

Rafaela: It really is awful. That poor girl.

Jonathan: Stop worrying about it. Elizabeth can be her friend now.

Rafaela: But to have your parents love the other sibling more than you. It must have been awful.

Jonathan: Why do you show this concern for that girl, but you can’t even be bothered with anything your daughter might be doing. Did you know that she went out tonight?

Rafaela: Of course I know! She went to that poor girl’s house. Well, at least that rotten son of theirs is dead, now they can show Lilia the love she deserves.

Jonathan: Maybe you should try the same for Elizabeth.

Rafaela: Elizabeth is fine. She is my favourite daughter, she has no competition.

Jonathan: But this girl apparently has no competition anymore. So why are you concerned about her?

Rafaela: Just be quiet. I am going to sleep.



Scene 9

[Elizabeth walks into her room. She is immediately met with that singing again. Vincent is humming a sad tune. She sits down beside the vent. Taking off her heavy dress]

Elizabeth: Vincent…

Vincent: Elizabeth. You weren't there. I've been calling for you for so long.

Elizabeth: I’m sorry. I was over at a girl’s house.

Vincent: I see. Did you enjoy yourself?

Elizabeth: No…

Vincent: Why not?

Elizabeth: Because she hates somebody so much, that does not deserve that hate.

Vincent: Why does she hate this person?

Elizabeth: I don't know. But I told her he was beautiful. And she wanted me to leave.

Vincent: I am sorry Dear, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth: I’m sorry I wasn't here, Vincent. I wanted to be here for you, but I felt as if I really should go to the party.

Vincent: Don't worry about it.

Elizabeth: Thank you for not being angry with me.

Vincent: Of course not. But please tell me more of your day.

Elizabeth: I don't really want to talk about that right now.

Vincent: I understand.

Elizabeth: I am afraid of how my relationship with this girl will go farther, she scares me.

Vincent: I would protect you if I could.

Elizabeth: But I sense I am not the one who needs the real help. Any person forced to have feelings of such strong hate must be unfortunate.

Vincent: Then you wish to help her?

Elizabeth: If only I could, but I don't know how.

Vincent: You seem to be a wonderful person. I am certain you would be able to help her. Who is it she hates so deeply?

Elizabeth: Her brother, whose name she will not even mention. I saw his body, he is wretched and dead. Yet they keep him under a white sheet in one of their rooms. When I lifted the sheet off of him, her eyes ripped away immediately.

Vincent: What a sad story.

Elizabeth: Indeed. Thinking about that family makes my heart ache.

Vincent: Then you will be seeing more of this girl.

Elizabeth: Only if she allows it. I angered her greatly when I spoke of her brother.

Vincent: I pray she will forgive you soon.

Elizabeth: Yes, so do I.



Scene 10

[Elizabeth is sitting on the bed in Lilia’s bedroom, awaiting Lilia’s arrival. Lilia walks in to the room carrying a tray of tea and cookies.]

Lilia: Oh! Elizabeth! Such a delightful surprise!

Elizabeth: I meant to apologize.

Lilia: Apologize? For what?

Elizabeth: Didn't I anger you last night?

Lilia: Only for a moment, dear friend. I could hardly stay angry with you. We are best friends after all, isn’t that right?

Elizabeth: Well I suppose it is Lilia…

Lilia: So if I may ask, princess, why are you here today?

Elizabeth: Oh… (she looks down at her hands folded in her lap) Just for the apology, Lilia, dear.

(Lilia laughs, setting the tray down on the side table next to the bed.)

Lilia: Such a kind girl. I hardly deserve a friend like you, isn’t that right?

Elizabeth: N-no… Lilia, do you ever go to see your brother?

Lilia: Certainly not, I don’t visit that wing of the house.

Elizabeth: Well, isn't he dead?

Lilia: Where did you hear that?

Elizabeth: My parents spoke of it and I heard. Doesn't he have a gravestone you family visits, even if his body resides in you home?

Lilia: Certainly not. My brother is not dead. What a sick thing it would be if a family kept the dead body of their beloved son in their home?

Elizabeth: That may be… However I can't judge what things your family may do.

(Lilia pulls a chair next to the bed and sits on it.)

Lilia: Don't worry about that anymore. You don't want to truly hear of the most unfortunate and evil happenings of this household do you? Have some tea and forget it all. I even brewed it myself, because, princess is much too special to have her tea brewed my mere servants, isn’t that right?

Elizabeth: I wouldn't say so. Who but servants serves a princess?

Lilia: Oh, but you are the best of all princesses, dear. And so you deserve only the service of a best friend, no?

Elizabeth: No… (takes a sip of tea)

(Lilia watches Elizabeth intently as she drinks her tea)

Elizabeth: You aren't having any?

Lilia: I'm not thirsty.

(Elizabeth finishes her tea in silence.)

Elizabeth: Then perhaps I should be leaving

Lilia: Certainly not! Don't go yet, we are only starting our fun.

Elizabeth: Fun? My- (holds her hand to her head.) I feel so dizzy.

Lilia: Really? Already?

Elizabeth: What? (passes out)