by Alissa King

Created on: August 16, 2009

"See You in Heaven"

Characters:

BETHANY: A world-weary barmaid.

FRANK: A good natured regular at Bethany's bar.

JULIAN: A mysterious stranger.

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

(A tired bar maid wipes down the counter before closing time. Only a few regulars have stayed for the last call.)

Frank: You look like hell, Bethie.

Bethany: (blowing her hair out of her eyes) I'm suprised you haven't gone blind yet, Frank.

Frank: I probably will if you pour me one last Scotch.

Bethany: You're a beer man, honey. Don't put on airs.

Frank: Whose takin' you home tonight, darlin'? Am I the lucky guy?

Bethany: Keep dreamin'. (It is said with a little smile, no rancor)

Frank: I do, you know. I do.

Bethany: Want me to call you a cab?

Frank: Naw, by the time I walk down to the curb where I parked, I'll be good to go.

Bethany: Remind me never to get on the road at closing time.

Frank: (pointing one finger and exaggerating slurred words and a drunken manner) Bethie... neverrr... get on da road with- with- (he bobs for a second and then recovers) with a handsome drunkard.

Bethany: You're not particularly drunk or handsome, Frank... I hate to break it to you.

Frank: (sighs) I'll bear up under it somehow. Really, though, I can give you a lift. No funny stuff.

Bethany: I need the walk, Frank. I need the moonlight.

Frank: What a romantic. You're bound to be abducted-

Bethany: No alien could ever get that lucky.

Frank: (serious for a moment) I don't mean alien's. Even looking as bad as you do, you're an easy target for some randy guy looking for trouble.

Bethany: You charm my very heart, Frankfurt. You really do. Now, no more of your syrupy sweet talk. The hideousness of my person can be described in better detail tomorrow. Get outta here. Shoo.

Frank: (stands up and pulls his wallet out, laying fresh bills on the counter) Keep the change, darlin'. Get a cab. (He smiles, tips an imaginary hat and leaves the premises)

Bethany: (counting the money) I'm not gonna get very far on $3 bucks, big guy. Men.

(She puts the money in an open safe, shuts it, neatens some bottles, takes off her apron, tosses her towell over her shoulder and closes the place up.)

Ah sweet freedom! (she lifts her tired hands to the sky for a moment and drinks in the night. She begins to walk. It is a quiet walk, and the moon is a constant fixture high in the background. A shadow is leaning against a building up ahead, and she stops about a block

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next Page >>