CSS Dialogue Sample 2

SCENE: DARAN (late 20's/early 30's) stands dumbstruck in the living room having just been unexpectedly invited to stay at the home of his ex-girlfriend Mitzi Doherty, by her grandmother, Eileen. He paces the living room momentarily, marveling at the overall décor. Finally, he notices the “TV” still on and crosses back to the sofa. He sits there, “watching.”

VAL enters, peculiarly, at the top of the stairs. She is dressed in an elegant red evening gown that accentuates her figure in all the right places. She spots Daran sitting on the sofa. She regally descends the staircase to the living room floor, her entrance not unlike that of the glamorous star of a classic Hollywood motion picture. She silently and purposefully crosses down to the sofa and stands behind Daran. She seems puzzled that Daran has taken no notice. She silently motions to the stairwell, indicating the regal entrance that Daran has missed. He is still oblivious. Val quickly re-traces her steps, mentally. After a moment she slaps her forehead with realization. Finally, she raises her hands - palms flattened toward the audience - and parts them, as if opening a large patio window. Val steps forward "through" the now-open "archway."

VAL
(In a sultry voice)
What's happenin', hot stuff?

DARAN
(With a start)
AGH!

Val lets out a girlish giggle, pushes the "windows" behind her closed with both hands, and crosses left around the recliner to lounge on the arm of the sofa beside Daran.

Daran takes a moment to collect himself and get a good look at the woman now lounging beside him.

DARAN
That settles it. I am definitely dreaming.

Val picks up the bag of crackers and starts crunching away.

VAL
Under ordinary circumstances, I'd be inclined to agree with you. However, these are not ordinary circumstances. And you are most definitely not... dreaming.

Val notices the TV and leaps off the arm to sit beside Daran, excitedly staring at the "TV."

VAL
Ooh! They didn't say who the father of Reva's baby was yet, did they?

DARAN
I beg your pardon?

VAL
Weren't you watching? Damn! Hope I remembered to set my TiVo!

DARAN
Who... are you?

VAL
(Slightly disappointed)
You don't remember? That's odd. Usually, I leave a greater impression.

DARAN
Wait a minute.
(Studying her)
You know, now that you mention it, you do look... sorta familiar...

VAL
Maybe this'll help.

Val rises, clears her throat, and begins to smack her lips, as if chewing a wad of gum. She pulls her hair up with one hand and mimes holding a drinks tray with the other. She speaks in a nasally, "dumb dame" voice, a la Gracie Allen.

VAL
What can I get ya to drink, hon'?

DARAN
(Realizing)
Oh my God! That was you?

VAL
Yep! Clean up pretty good, don't I?

Daran rises and crosses away from the sofa, laughing with a giddiness bordering on insanity.

VAL
OK, OK. It wasn't that funny.

DARAN
(To the sky)
OK. That's enough. I'd like to wake up now.

VAL
I told you, you're not dreaming.

DARAN
Oh, yes I am. And, for a while there, I was more than willing to just go with the flow and let it all happen. But then, you showed up. Suddenly, all the credibility's just gone right out the window.

VAL
(More insistent)
You're not dreaming.

Daran crosses back to Val and stands nearly nose-to-nose with her.

DARAN
Fine. Then I'm hallucinating. Either way, you're not here.
(Indicates living room)
You're up here...
(Indicates head)
And I'm not listening to you anymore.

Daran turns away from Val. Val taps Daran's shoulder. Daran turns back to Val and she slaps him. Hard! Daran flies back and lands on the couch. After a moment, he looks up at Val, rubbing his cheek.

DARAN
OWWW! What did you do that for?

VAL
Dramatic effect.

©2004 David W. Dietz III