"A Long Night"

Characters:

TOM: A tall, thoughtful man in his early thirties who lives alone.

HALEY: A close friend of Tom's, about 30 also. She has a child-like way about her that brings out Tom's protective side.

Tom and Haley have been friends since college and now live a few towns away. Tom has been there for Haley through many ups and downs.

.............................. .............................. .

(A phone rings in a nice living room with a couch, antiques, book shelves. A man picks up.)

TOM: Hello?

HALEY: Tom.

TOM: Haley?

HALEY: It's me.

TOM: Hey! Long time no hear! What's going on?

HALEY: Tom, I just... (she takes a deep breath)

TOM: Honey, what's wrong?

HALEY: I was just... really upset, so, I called.

TOM: I'm here. Talk to me.

HALEY: It's Jacob. He's... I'm so worried right now. He was supposed to come home hours and hours ago- he's traveling, but still, he should have called by now.

TOM: (He sits, with the phone cradled against his shoulder.) Jacob- that's your boyfriend now, right?

HALEY- Yeah, my boyfriend. My... Jacob.

TOM: Got it. Do you want me to come over?

HALEY: No, just talk to me a little, okay? I've got to take my mind off this or I'll go insane.

TOM: I'm sure he's okay, hon. I'm sure he just got delayed somewhere.

HALEY: That's good you're sure, cus I'm not really sure of anything. (she begins to cry, softly) Tom, he's so, so good. You know? If something happened- I can just see him stopping to help someone in trouble and getting hurt, or stabbed, or mugged because he's being a good guy.

TOM: You're letting your emotions run away with you. It's way too early to freak out about that stuff.

HALEY: No, I know, I just... need to hear his voice. You know? I need to know that he's okay.

TOM: He'll call, Haley. You should get off the phone, he might be calling you right now.

HALEY: No, I have call waiting. Don't go right now, please.

TOM: (Gets comfortable) Okay.

HALEY: (Making an effort to sound more upbeat, though her voice cracks) So what's new with you? Anything?

TOM: Well, I got promoted in December. Not sure if I told you.

HALEY: Yeah, to... systems something?

TOM: Systems Analyst.

HALEY: Is it as boring as it sounds?

TOM: (smiles) Pretty much.

HALEY: Do you think I should call the airport?

TOM: You're really freaked out, huh.

HALEY: I've been praying. I actually got down on my knees and prayed.

TOM: Hon, you're getting yourself worked up about this.

HALEY: No, you don't get it. I mean. Sorry,

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