- FADE IN:
- INT. THE ATTIC - NIGHT
- The Attic is a small cafe and bookstore that maintains a slightly exclusive feeling.
- Everybody knows everybody with the exception of the occasional stranger who stumbles into shop.
- This evening, soft light from tea lights and wicker lamps illuminate the space.
- ESHE, the owner, sits perched on the bar, reading a book, her spiky silver hair contrasting with her smooth, chocolate skin.
- ANGIE sits on a love seat in the corner.
- She holds a glass of wine in one hand.
- MARLEN is perched on the the ample arm of the chair.
- ANGIE
- Ok, what exactly are you saying?
- She takes a careful sip of the wine.
- Marlen takes a deep breath.
- MARLEN
- I know we both have feelings for each other, but I can't date you.
- ANGIE
- You won't date me?
- MARLEN
- Ok, won't, fine.
- ANGIE
- Because you happen to be a Christianist hypocrite and I choose to keep a healthy dose of skepticism in my life.
- MARLEN
- That's not fair. Don't lump me in with the religious right just because...
- ANGIE
- Because you won't date me since I choose not to believe in your God? I think that gives me plenty of reason to lump you in with every other theocratic...
- MARLEN
- Please, Angie.
- ANGIE
- We're quite possibly perfect for each other except for this and you're going to let your superstitions get in your way?
- MARLEN
- Not fair.
- ANGIE
- Sorry.
- MARLEN
- You don't sound like it.
- ANGIE
- Look...
- MARLEN
- It's like this...my spiritual journey or whatever you want to call it, is really important to me. And yeah, we're so perfect; but if you don't get where I'm coming from spiritually, if you can tolerate, but not really understand why I choose to worship my God, then there's a huge piece missing. It's not a judgment on your beliefs.
- ANGIE
- Like hell it isn't.
- MARLEN
- I don't know what else to say. Maybe I am a jerk, but I you know I was in the friendship simply for the sake of friendship. I never tried to preach, I've listened, we've discussed...and yeah, I hoped we'd end up together.
- ANGIE
- Then why aren't we?
- MARLEN
- I can't do it. If there's one thing I think a couple should share, it's the direction they're heading spiritually, with or without a deity. And if I believe that an essential part of a relationship is two people involved in prayer and relationship with God, how do I reconcile that in a relationship with you?
- Angie stares at him, her fingers tight around the stem of her glass.
- She pulls it back, as if contemplating tossing it into Marlen's face.
- MARLEN
- Don't.
- She stops, then looking straight into his eyes, slowly and deliberately stands, and tilts the glass into his lap.
- With measured steps, she walks away from him, leaving him to stare after her, the stain of wine spreading down his pant legs.
- FADE TO BLACK.
Friday, September 5, 2008
249. Incompatible - Leslie
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