MindyLu
Brighter Pursuits
Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 623
Location: Mississippi
|
 Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 3:46 pm Post subject: The Wedding Party (Mindy's Screenplay which is a WIP) |
 |
|
WARNING THIS IS LONG!!
The Wedding Party
©Mindy Starnes
2008
Cast of Players:
Michelle Isabella Moriano
Jane Ameila Moriano
Mitchell (Mitch) Stockton
Jake Bradford
Alfonso Moriano
Raquel Moriano
Wrigley Field - Chicago, Illinois.
Early afternoon on a Wednesday.
Michelle Moriano: So when am I going to get to meet this guy?
Jane Moriano: Soon.
Michelle gives her sister a pointed looked.
Jane: OK...OK I hate it when you look at me like that you remind me of m...
Michelle: Don’t say it!
Jane: Actually tomorrow night I was hoping you wouldn’t mind going to dinner with me and Mitchell at The Village because Mitch’s best friend is getting back in from his business trip tomorrow and since he’s Mitch’s best man and you’re my maid of honor we thought it would be nice if all of us could get together.
Michelle: Sounds great. You know I mentioned the other day after I got in that I had a meeting with Caroline at the Moka Gallery . Well she looked at my stuff and wants to have a show for me as soon as possible.
Jane: OH Michelle that is absolutely wonderful I know how much you’ve dreamed of that.
Michelle: I guess I can have you to thank for it.
Jane: Yeah because it if wasn’t for me calling to tell you Mitch had proposed and I needed your help planning the wedding you would still be in Paris.
Michelle: Well thank you sis.
Jane: So how soon is the show.
Michelle: It is September12th.
Jane: No..September 12th.
Michelle: Yeah. I know it is only three weeks away so that doesn’t give me enough time to plan this but I have to start spreading the word and of course the gallery is going to advertise...
Michelle pauses to take a long look at Jane who seems to be hyperventilating.
Michelle: Jane are you alright? You seem upset.
Jane Takes several deep breaths.
Jane: Well it is just that Mitch and I had something already planned for that day.
Michelle: Well can’t you take just a minute and stop in for the show.
Jane: Well we have had this planned for two weeks now.
Michelle: I don’t believe this...classic Jane Amelia Moriano.
Michelle gets up and stumbles her way past the fans and makes her way to her car in the parking lot Jane follows her.
Jane: Michelle wait. Michelle please wait up.
Michelle reaches her car and finally snaps around.
Jane: Why wouldn’t you stop. And why are you mad?
Michelle: Why am I mad? Before I answer that please tell me what is sooo utterly pressing that you can’t be at your little sister’s first ever gallery show? HUH??
Michelle stares down her sister and crosses her arms in front of her chest.
Jane: W..well Mitch is taking me on a yacht ride with a wonderful meal to celebrate our one month anniversary of being engaged.
Michelle makes a gagging noise.
Michelle: Please stop. That is why I’m mad.
Jane: Well he has already paid for the boat and we will be the only ones on it.
Michelle: So let me get this straight you and Mr. Perfect are going on a yacht ride to commiserate you being engaged for one month but you can’t come to your sister’s gallery show, a show I might add that she has been dreaming of since she was a little girl.
Jane: Well Mitch surprised me with this the night you got in and he had been planning it since the day after the engagement. And I just learned of yours.
Michelle: Are you listening to yourself? You can go on a yacht ride any damn time but I only get one first gallery showing. This is sooo you.
Jane: What is that supposed to mean?
Michelle: That everything has to be about you and what you want. In case you haven’t noticed you called me about your engagement and asked me if I could help you with the wedding and within three days I was back home all because you are my sister and you asked me to. That’s what sisters do for each other...well most sisters because it is always what I can do for you. Do you ever stop to think of something nice you can do for me.
Jane: Please don’t be upset Michelle this was already planned.
Michelle: So some things can change Jane. The show is from 7 to 12 and you mean to tell me you can’t squeeze in an hour for me. To come and be apart of something that I’ve dreamed of since I was 5 after dad took me to the Art Institute of Chicago to see the work of Georgia O’Keefe. While you were dreaming of your fairy tale wedding I was dreaming of a having my work hung a gallery. You can be soo petty sometimes.
Jane: Me? Petty? You’re the one who wants me to cancel a special night with Mitch.
Michelle: Yes, Jane you are petty because you can’t see what this means to me. Ya know I should have stayed in Europe and let mom help you plan this because you know what my next stop was before coming home for good was? Tuscany. Something else I’ve dreamed of. But yet again even after I told you I could come after that...
Jane: That would be six months from now.
Michelle: See there you go being petty again. You said you wanted a Valentine’s day wedding. I would have been home in time for the wedding. Look I’m tired and me standing her arguing with you isn’t making it any better. Please come to my show but then again God forbid I mess up your plans. Ya know Jane other people have dreams to.
Jane: Mi...
Michelle: Don’t say anything else. I’ll see you tomorrow for the dinner.
The Next night.
The Village Restaurant - Chicago, IL
Mitchell Stockton: Here they come. Please be nice to Jane and her sister because if you don’t I will have to kick your ass.
Jake Bradford: OK OK calm down...damn I dropped my phone. Jake turns away from the table to search for his phone.
Michelle and Jane walk towards the table occupied by Mitchell and Jake.
Michelle: Where is my phone. Michelle starts to ramble through her purse looking for her phone while Jane grabs hold of her elbow and guides her towards the table. Once Jane and Michelle reach the table Mitchell reaches out for Jane’s hand and places a kiss on her cheek.
Mitchell: Hey babe.
Jane: Hey.
Jane gestures to Michelle.
Jane: This is my sister Michelle.
Mitchell: Hello
Michelle raises her hand slightly in recognition of Mitchell’s greeting.
Jake: Found it. Michelle: Got it. Jake and Michelle say their lines at the same time.
Jake turns around.
Mitchell: Jake this is Jane’s sister Michelle.
Michelle looks up from her purse.
Jake and Michelle: YOU!!!
Jake and Michelle point at each other over the table.
Mitchell: You two know each other?
Michelle: Unfortunately yes.
Jake: Whatever hag.
Michelle: HAG?!?! I’m only 25 years old you...you...
Jake: *smirks* Yes?
Michelle: OH I loathe you.
Jake: Same here sister.
Jane: Would someone please tell me what the heck is going on here?
Michelle: Jake and I dated in college for a few weeks.
Jake: It felt like a month.
Michelle: Try a year.
Mitchell: Whatever happened in that amount of time to make you hate each other?
Michelle: We had sex..
Jane: Oh. Oh. Ohhhhhhh
Jane puts her hand over her mouth as she comes to the sudden realization of who Jake is.
Jane: So he’s the one you lost your virginity to?
Michelle: JANE!! Could you say it a little louder I don’t think the guy at the back of the restaurant by kitchen heard you?
Guy at the back of the restaurant by the kitchen: Yes I did.
Michelle covers her face with her hands.
Mitchell: Well I don’t see why that is so bad.
Michelle: That wasn’t the bad part. The bad part was when I went to surprise him a couple of nights later I found him in bed with an idiotic cheerleader.
Jake: She was very smart.
Michelle: Hmph! Her name was Taffy and she had a 1.7 GPA.
Jake: How did you know that?
Michelle: I worked in the registrar’s office. I looked it up. And I bet the only reason she even had a 1.7 GPA was because YOU WEREN’T THE ONLY ONE SHE WAS BLOWING.
Michelle’s voice steadily gets louder and on the last line she punches the air with her finger at Jake.
Mitchell: OK everyone could we please calm down.
Michelle pulls Jane aside.
Michelle: You don’t expect me to stay here with him do you?
Jane: Yes please do this for me.
Michelle looks pointedly at Jane.
Michelle: Don’t you dare throw down that card you hear me.
Jane: Fine but you already said you would do this.
Michelle: Yeah that is before I knew he was going to be here.
Michelle flings her arm in the direction of Jake.
Jane: You will just have to get used to it because he is Mitch’s best friend and best man. Could you please just tolerate him until after the wedding and after that I couldn’t care less if you ever speak to him again.
Michelle: Fine. But I absolutely refuse to speak to him outside of anything to do with the wedding.
Jane: But Michelle..
Michelle: Don’t “But Michelle” me. Take that or I get on the next plane to Tuscany.
Jane: OK you win.
Jake pulls Mitchell Aside.
Jake: You don’t expect me to say here with her do you?
Mitchell: Yes. Let’s all sit down now before they throw us out.
Mitchell pulls out the chair for Jane. Mitchell and Jake sit at the same time. Michelle remains standing.
Jake: If you’re waiting for me to pull your chair out you will be waiting for a long time. But hey while you’re up why don’t you get us some bread.
Jake grins widely. Michelle yanks her chair out and quickly sits in her chair.
Maitre de: What can I get you to drink?
Michelle: Cosmopolitan please.
Jane: I’ll have the same.
Jake: Beer.
Maitre de: What kind?
Jake looks at Michelle.
Jake: One that has alcohol in it.
Michelle rolls her eyes.
Mitchell: We will have red wine. Thank you.
Maitre de: I will give you a minute to look over the menu.
Michelle and Jake glare at each other over their menus when a noise breaks the silence
“When a girl walks in with an itty bitty waist and a round thing in yo face....”
Michelle: Oh brother
Jake: Excuse me.
Phone continues to ring.
Mitchell: I told you no interruptions.
Jake: But this is important.
Jake gets up and heads for the front of the restaurant.
Michelle: Excuse me I need to go to the ladies room.
Mitchell automatically stands when Michelle rises. Michelle heads to the bathrooms at the front of the restaurant passing Jake on her way in and she catches part of his conversation
Jake: Babe I told you I had to go to dinner with Mitch tonight to meet his fiancé and...Jake pauses for a second before continuing her sister.
Michelle gives Jake a pointed look and continues to the bathroom where she appraises her looks in the gold gilded mirror. She braces herself against the sink and takes several deep breaths remembering her Yoga.
Michelle: What do you wanna bet that was Taffy and if wasn’t it was some other sugary named girl. He is sooo transparent. OK you can do this Michelle. You can do this for your sister. He just likes to get a rise out of you.
Michelle reaches in her purse for her lip gloss and applies some and takes one last long deep breath and poking her head out of the door to see if Jake has already made his way back to the table.
Michelle: Of course I couldn’t get that lucky. In a low muted whisper.
Jake: Candy I will be home in a couple of hours.
Michelle can hear some loud yelling coming from Jake’s phone. And suddenly a devious idea pops in her mind and she can’t talk herself out of doing it. She walks up behind Jake and wraps her arms around him and whispers right by the phone so Candy is sure to hear her.
Michelle: Jakey honey please come back to bed I’m getting cold lying here all by myself. Said in a very light breathy voice.
Michelle backs away from Jake but the noise from the phone could probably be heard by the guy at the back of the restaurant by the kitchen so Michelle looks in his direction and he toasts his glass at her and she smiles back. Michelle could make out a few of the words coming from the phone.
Candy: Who the hell was that Jake? You are a liar. You are not with your friend Mitch instead your entertaining some...some...some skank.
Michelle can’t contain herself - she places a hand over her mouth giggling into it. Another very loud screech from the phone and all is silent. Jake closes his phone very loudly, places it in his inside coat pocket and sharply turns to Michelle.
Jake: What the f**k was that?
Michelle: Oh you’re not mad are you Jakey?
Jake’s face turns read. Michelle brushes past but Jake grabs a hold of her upper arm.
Jake: You... Said through gritted teeth.
Michelle: Now you know how it feels jack ass. Now let me go or you can know for certain that little Jake...and I emphasize little...will never stand at attention again...got it?
Jake pauses for second. Michelle and Jake stare each other down. Michelle tries to yank her arm to break Jake’s grip.
Michelle: I guess your wanting to test that theory of mine.
Jake releases Michelle’s arm. Michelle makes her way calmly back to the table. Jake shakes his coat front and goes back to the table.
Mitchell: Where have you two been? Making up?
Jake and Michelle: No.
Maitre de: Are we ready to order?
Mitchell: Let’s see I want the clam chowder instead of a salad and I’ll have the steak. Medium well. with a side of the roasted potatoes.
Jane: I would like the Caesar salad and the chicken alfredo. No side dish.
Jake: I would also like the clam chowder and I’ll have the lobster tail with the side of marinated vegetables. I would like extra butter and lemon.
Michelle sits in a daze looking at her menu. She doesn’t even notice that everyone has turned their eyes on her. It takes Jane kicking her to awake her from her reverie.
Maitre de: And you miss?
Michelle: Oh. Yeah right. Me. I’ll have the...um...the...um...the minestrone soup and the honey orange glazed pork with a side of the roasted potatoes.
Maitre de: My name is Victor if you need anything else let me know.
Victor starts to collect the menus. He takes all but Michelle without a problem. He places his hand on it and instinctively she pulls back. A tug of war over the menu continues until finally Michelle realizes what is happening so she releases the menu and because Victor had started pulling it towards him again it smacked him right in the face. Michelle throws her hands over her mouth.
Michelle: Oh. My. Gosh. I’m sooo sorry Victor.
Victor: I will be right out with your opening courses.
Victor snapped on his heel and made his way to the kitchen. And Michelle leans on the table and places one hand on her forehead.
Jane’s Apartment that night.
Jane unlocks the door to her apartment and enters with Michelle following behind her. Jane goes into the kitchen, gets down two glasses, reaches into the refrigerator, pulls out a jug and pours them some juice.
Jane: What in the world was the matter with you tonight?
Michelle: I honestly don’t know Jane. I felt like I was possessed by something and I feel that something was the bumbling accident prone girl I used to be in high school.
Jane walks into the living room and hands Michelle her glass.
Michelle: Thank you.
Jane: Look I’m sorry about Jake. You never told me much about him except the sleeping with him part. Why did you never tell me about him cheating on you.
Michelle shrugs her shoulders.
Michelle: I didn’t feel the need for you to say ‘I told you so’.
Jane: What makes you think I would say that? Especially if you were upset.
Michelle: I don’t know Jane. I felt like it was my first real adult choice and that I made the wrong one. I didn’t want to be chastised for it like I was a little kid again. I’m going to go get in my pjs.
Jane: Me, too.
Michelle and Jane go into their rooms to put on their pajamas. Jane goes back into the kitchen and goes into the freezer and retrieves two small pints of ice cream. She gets two spoons from the drawer as Michelle is walking back into the living room.
Michelle: How did you know I needed some cookies ‘n cream?
Jane: I know you don’t give me much credit but you are my sister and I know you like to eat ice cream when you’re depressed.
Michelle: That’s most of the female population sis.
Jane laughs.
Jane: Touche. So tell me more about your relationship with Jake.
Michelle sighs.
Jane: OK do not be like that. I just need some information ya know the down low!
Michelle: Please don’t try to sound hip ever again it scares me and little children.
Michelle pauses contemplating whether or not to tell her sister about the incident at the restaurant and she decides to hoping it might take Jane’s mind off her relationship with Jake.
Michelle: I did something I probably shouldn’t have done back at the restaurant.
Jane sits up on the couch intrigued by this admission.
Jane: What?
Michelle: When both Jake and I were gone from the table he was talking on the phone with his girlfriend, fiancé, wife whatever she is to him. Well I got ready to walk out of the bathroom when I was struck with this idea that I just couldn’t talk myself out of.
Jane: Well what did you do.
Michelle: I’m getting there. I walked up behind Jake and whispered in his ear, the one he had the cell phone to, and said something along the lines of ‘Jakey are you coming to bed’.
Jane: You didn’t.
Michelle: I did.
Jane: Why?
Michelle: I...I...I don’t know. I mean opportunity was knocking. OK so it was practically beating down my door so I yanked it open. Now that I think about it, it wasn’t the most wise or mature thing to do but the girl he hurt back then, the one I thought I had buried, reared her jealous poofy head at me.
Jane looked at Michelle stunned yet appalled.
Michelle: Don’t look at me like that you sooo remind me of...
Jane: Don’t you dare say it.
Michelle: Whatever would that be?
Jane: That I look just like mom.
Michelle: See what you know Miss Smarty Pants. I was actually going to say that you looked just like dad which in my opinion is a scary prospect than looking like mom. I mean dad has the brows and the...
Jane: Stop.
Michelle and Jane both break into a fit of laughter. Jane is the first one to sober up.
Jane: So quit changing the subject and tell me exactly what happened between you and Jake back in college.
Michelle inwardly sighs why did she think for a minute she could fool her sister she was after all a therapist.
Michelle: Do you have to know?
Jane: Yes I do.
Michelle: Remember I am not and I repeat I am NOT one of your wacked out patients.
Jane: I know. Start out with how you met.
Michelle: Well a long time ago in a far away land called Princeton, New Jersey...
Jane: OK quit being a smart ass.
Michelle: Holy cow did you just cuss.
Jane: Yes.
Michelle: Oh I’m so proud my big sister is finally growing up.
Jane: Your changing subjects again.
Michelle: You’re worse than mom.
That cause Jane to look at Michelle with an irritated look.
Jane: Are you ever going to tell me what happened between the two of you?
Michelle: I was hoping I wouldn’t but since you are so ruthless in your intent to find out this information I think it is best if I just tell you and end the torture.
Jane: Good. So go ahead.
Michelle. Well as you know it was my sophomore year at Princeton. I was walking to my English class and me being me I was digging in my bag for my book instead of looking where I was going and I ran right into the back of him. He turned around really quick. He immediately didn’t say anything but gave me an appraising look. I immediately apologized and explained what I had been doing. He told me it was OK he knew what it was like to have your mind on something else. He introduced himself and so did I. I told him I had to go or I would be late for Dr. Hogan’s class and Dr. Hogan did not tolerate tardiness.
Jane: He couldn’t have been that bad.
Michelle: He locked his door. Anyway. He asked if he could walk me to my class and I accepted. On the way there we talked about our favorite spots on campus, teachers, classes and stuff like that. Well at the door to Dr. Hogan’s class he asked if he could get take me out to coffee and I accepted. We met a couple of days later at a small coffee shop right down the street from campus and we talked and I found myself falling in love with him...
Jane: OH Mich...
Michelle: Please if you really want to hear my sordid little tale you need to quit interrupting. OK where was I...OH yes...I already found myself in love with him. Over the next few weeks we went on dates and I considered him my boyfriend even though we had never called each other that. Well after one particularly romantic evening we went back to his private room and...well you know..
Jane: Had sex.
Michelle: Yes and I only did it because I fancied myself in love. I mean how did I really know what love was he was the first guy to show any interest in me but I digress. After that night, I called him and he told me he had a huge project due and needed to focus all his time on it because it was 35% of his grade. Little did I know his project was a bubble headed, big boobed cheerleader named...Taffy. OK how can you take anyone seriously with the name Taffy and how she got into Princeton I will never know. I think her dad paid off some alums. And there you have the tale of me and Jake are you happy.
Jane: Yes. I really wish there was something I could do but he is Mitch’s best friend and I can’t tell him he can’t be his best man.
Michelle: Look Jane I understand but I will grin and bear it and I will just keep picturing Tuscany when I have to look at him.
Jane: What was your initial reaction when you saw him?
Michelle: I told you I’m not one of your cracked out patients.
Jane: I know but I just want to know. Ya know a sister’s curiosity.
Michelle: I don’t know. Rage, anger, hurt, excitement. What the weird thing was is I immediately thought how do I look? I know I shouldn’t care what he thinks but I don’t want to be that girl he met and was able to walk all over.
Jane: I think he realized that with your little stunt. Well I am going to hit the hay...
Michelle: Hit the hay. Who says that besides people who take out their teeth?
Jane: Shut up. I have some wacked out and obviously drugged out patients to see tomorrow.
Michelle: Well you’re the one that prescribes them with the happy drugs.
Jane gets up to go to her bedroom.
Michelle: Hey Jane.
Jane: Yeah.
Michelle: Look I’ve been thinking do you know where Jake works.
Jane: OH Michelle you’re not going to stalk him are you.
Michelle: Hardly. Look I want to go apologize to him and maybe see if he would like me to talk to his girlfriend, fiancé whatever and explain the situation. Ya know be the adult. The bigger man or woman in this case.
Jane: I don’t know where he works but I’ll call Mitch and get the information and leave it on the kitchen table. Night.
Michelle: Night and thanks.
Jane continues to her room. Michelle turns out all the lights in the apartment and checks to make sure the door is locked and then she heads to bed too. She goes through her suitcase to find a scrapbook. She flips to the middle and stares at pictures of her and Jake. Tears start to well up and she slams the book shut and she gets in bed.
The Moka Gallery - around 10 am on Monday
Hugh Michaels: OH my gosh hi Michelle.
Hugh trots over from behind his desk. He places his hands on her shoulders and gives her two air kisses. One on each cheek.
Hugh: It is soo good to see you again. I’ll go buzz Caroline and let her know you’re here.
Michelle walks around looking at the art.
Hugh buzzes Caroline on the speaker phone.
Hugh: Caroline, Michelle Moriano is here to see you.
Caroline Hartford: OK Hugh I will be right down.
Hugh: She’ll...
Michelle: ...be right down.
Hugh swats his hand in front of his face as if he is shooing a fly.
Hugh: How did you know?
Michelle: You had it on speaker.
Hugh gets this look on his face that says “Duh I’m an idiot” He takes his right and makes the shape of an “L” with his thumb and pointer finger and places it against his forehead.
Hugh: Can we say LOOOSER this morning. I’m just kind of out of it you see...
Hugh’s face distorts into anger and sadness all at once.
Caroline is coming down the steps from her office.
Caroline: OH gosh Hugh please if you are going to go into another fit please take it in the back room where people cannot see you.
Hugh rushes from behind his desk and towards the back of the gallery.
Caroline reaches out her hand towards Michelle. Michelle accepts and they shake.
Michelle: What’s with him?
Michelle gestures towards the back of the gallery where Hugh had exited.
Caroline: Do not get him started. His boyfriend left this morning and he took his collection of Barbara CDs or something.
Hugh marches back into the front of the gallery.
Hugh: He not only took Barbara but he took Judy.
Michelle turns around.
Michelle: He took your Judy Garland CDs.
Hugh: What makes you think it was Judy Garland...huh..because I’m gay.
Michelle: I just...
Hugh: No it wasn’t CDs Judy was my teacup poodle.
Hugh bursts into tears and runs towards the back of the gallery.
Michelle: Poor guy.
Caroline: You better not tell him that because...
Michelle and Caroline can hear Hugh’s sobbing.
Caroline: He will talk your ear off. Anyway back to more important matters
Hugh yells from the back.
Hugh: Judy is important.
Caroline yells back.
Caroline: I know but this isn’t about you it is about Michelle’s opening.
Silence comes from the back of the gallery.
Caroline: Sorry. Ok I have your invitations and I have placed an ad in the Trib and the Sun so hopefully we will get a great turnout. So you just need to get those invites to any family members OH and I am sending some out to some collector’s who have bought works similar to yours before. Do you have an idea of the kind of catering and layout you would like to have?
Michelle: Just simple fare. I mean my works aren’t too complex and I think the layout and the food should be simple.
Caroline: Simple it is. How about just some hor’ devours and a selection of wines?
Michelle: Sounds good to me.
Caroline: Well as soon as Hugh can get through five minutes without breaking into a diva fit I will get him to contact the caterer and have everything set up. Are you excited?
Michelle: You have no idea how I’ve dreamed of this.
Caroline: Well hopefully you will have more in the future.
Michelle: Me too.
Caroline: Alright. I will contact you if I need any more information or heaven forbid something goes awry. OH yes the printers have picked up your films to make the portraits and they will go straight to the framers.
Michelle: This is all really happening.
Caroline: Yep.
The phone rings.
Caroline: I better get that I have no idea how long Hugh will be having his nervous breakdown. Goodbye Michelle.
Michelle: Bye.
Michelle and Caroline both wave over their shoulders. Michelle leaves the gallery.
Downtown Chicago.
We enter a nice, large office overlooking the city of Chicago. We hear Jake’s voice coming from behind the large chair facing the windows.
Jake: I told you Todd we will get the Masterson account if it’s...
The intercom buzzes and Jake turns around in his chair.
Jake: Hold on Todd. Yes Carrie.
Carrie White: Mr. Bradford there is a Michelle Moriano to see you.
Jake: I knew it was only a matter of time.
Carrie: Excuse me.
Jake: Nothing
Carrie: What should I tell her?
Michelle walks around the outer office looking at the art the walls.
Jake: OH right. Send her in. Hey Todd like I said don’t worry about the Masterson account it will be ours.
Michelle enters the office and Jake hangs up the phone.
Michelle: I see your still arrogant.
Jake: Not arrogant just confident in my abilities. Well enough chit chat so what brings you to my office?
Michelle goes to speak but Jake throws up his hand.
Jake: Let me guess you want to actually offer me what you suggested the other night at the restaurant.
Michelle: NO. Look Jake I just came to apologize and tell you that I’m sorry about the other night and what I did was very childish. Also, I was wanting to know if you would like me to talk to your girlfriend for you and explain the situation to her.
Jake: That won’t be necessary.
Michelle: OK good so she didn’t break up with you.
Jake: No but I was planning on dumping her anyway.
Michelle. OH. Do you mind me asking why?
Jake: Well she is getting old.
Michelle: OH so she is older than you.
Jake: No. I’m getting tired of her she is getting boring.
Michelle: So you mean like you get tired of a pair of shoes or a piece of furniture. You were thinking of her like she is a piece of property.
Jake: Look...
Michelle stops him by raising her hand.
Michelle: I don’t want to hear your idiotic excuse. I can’t honestly believe I felt bad for what I did the other night. You haven’t changed since college if anything you are worse. You know I will be soo glad when this wedding is over and I want have to see you again.
Michelle walks to the door and opens it but stops and turns toward Jake.
Michelle: You wanna know something Jake. You are going to end up alone. And before you even say anything yeah you may have a constant string of women to warm your bed now but did you stop to think about what will happen when your 60 and there is no one to change your diaper. Have a nice life.
Michelle leaves Jake’s office and as soon as she walks outside she takes a deep breath to clear her head and is assaulted by all the smells of Chicago. She has missed her hometown. She looks at her watch and notices that it is almost twelve so she decides to go her favorite pizza place and get herself her first deep dish pizza in 4 years. She loved to travel but she loved Chicago more.
Tony’s - Lunchtime.
As Michelle walks in she is greeted by the bell over the door. The guy at counter looks up to see who has come into the restaurant. His eyes get big with recognition.
Mario Giovanni: Is it who I think it is. (Said with an Italian accent.)
Michelle: You bet.
Mario yells to the back of the restaurant.
Mario: Tony. Vincent you gotta come see who the cat drug in.
A man’s voice comes from behind a plaid curtain.
Tony Giovanni: Who is it Mario? I was finally getting the best of Vincent at that Xbox.
Mario leans over the counter.
Mario: Mark got him that for his birthday and he can’t stop playing it.
Michelle just smiles.
Suddenly the plaid curtain is moved and an older gentleman makes his way out to the front of the restaurant. Tony stands there speechless. He blinks once, twice, three times.
Tony: Is that who I think it is?
He takes his glasses off to wipe them with the towel from his apron pocket.
Tony: Is that little Michelle Moriano.
Michelle smiles.
Michelle: It sure is Uncle Tony.
Tony: Well I’ll be. Get over here and give your old Uncle Tony a hug.
Michelle goes behind the counter where she is given a huge bear hug from Tony. Suddenly the plaid curtain moves again.
Vincent Mizzoni: What is all this interruption Mario your father and I had a game going?
Vincent looks to see who Tony has in his arms.
Vincent: Blessed be is that you Michelle.
Michelle: It’s me.
Vincent: Get over here.
Michelle gives Vincent a hug and he kisses the top of her head.
Vincent: Where have you been?
Michelle: Here, there and everywhere.
Tony: Why don’t you come in back and tell us all about it. Mario get Michelle here her favorite.
Mario: It is still sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers and mushrooms right ‘Chelle.
Michelle laughs at her nickname.
Michelle. Yes and I haven’t been called that in a long time.
Tony: That is because you’ve been gone way too long. Mario the pizza.
Mario: Right away pop.
Mario rushes to make the pizza while Michelle, Tony and Vincent go back behind the plaid curtain. Michelle whistles.
Michelle: This is a sweet setup ya got here.
Tony: Yeah Mark got this for me because guess he thought it would be funny at first I was mad but me and Vincent here have a rivalry going on.
Michelle: I imagine so.
Vincent: So Michelle what have you been up to the past four years. Every now and then we would hear from your parents about some new placed you had traveled to.
Michelle: I’ve just been taking pictures.
Tony: I remember when you were six years old you came in here with your first camera taking pictures of everything. I never thought in a million years that you would be running all over the world doing it but hey no matter what you wanted once you set your eyes on it you got it.
Michelle: Not everything.
Tony: Well just about. Hey you wanna play.
Michelle: Sure Uncle Tony.
Mario comes into the back. Michelle and Vincent are having a fierce racing competition.
Michelle: Hey Vinny you can’t do that. Tony he can’t do that.
Vincent wins the game.
Michelle: You know the only reason you won is because you cheated.
Vincent: I did not cheat young lady.
Tony stands up and slaps Vinny on the back of the head.
Vincent: Hey what did you do that for old man?
Tony: Who you callin’ old? And that was for cheating.
Vincent: I didn’t cheat.
Mario: OK Pops and Vinny before you get into a battle royale the pizza is ready.
All four go into the front of the restaurant. Mario goes to help a customer while Michelle, Tony and Vincent go sit at the table where Mario has placed their pizza and some drinks.
Michelle: OH my gosh that smells heavenly. I haven’t had a deep dish pizza in four years.
Tony: Well eat up.
They all start to fill their plates and eat.
*Cut to the street*
Michelle, Tony, Mario and Vincent are all standing outside the restaurant.
Michelle: Well I gotta go Jane is waiting for me I presume.
Tony: Don’t be a stranger ya hear me. And if you can’t come by to see us because you miss us the pizza will be on the house.
Michelle: Awww Uncle Tony you don’t have to bribe me to come and see you but free pizza is always good.
Michelle hugs all three men and she heads off down the street. Her phone rings to the tone of Bach’s Tocatta in E Minor. She looks at the caller I.D. it is Jane.
Michelle: Hi you’ve reached one eight hundred do me right. How can I serve you today. *Said in a very breathy tone*
Jane: OH MY GOD...
Michelle: Jane would you relax it was just a joke. I think maybe you need to take some of those happy pills you give your patients.
Jane: Would you please shut up? Where have you been? How much longer are you going to be because my engagement party starts in three hours.
Michelle: Ok sis take a deep breath in. I am only four blocks from your apartment. And I was visiting with Uncle Tony.
Jane: OK. Good see you in a bit.
Michelle shakes her head while closing her phone.
Michelle: My sister has officially become her best patient.
Jane’s Apartment
Around 4pm
Jane: HOLY CRAP...Michelle I am totally freaking out. I can’t decide which dress to wear or which shoes. Should I wear my hair up. Or down. Or up.
Michelle takes her sister by her shoulders and shakes her.
Michelle: Snap out of it. Deep breaths
Jane takes some deep breaths.
Michelle: Good. Now sweety this isn’t your wedding day so there is no need to be freaking out. It is just an engagement party.
Jane: Just an engagement party. Ugh...
Jane stomps off into her room. Michelle goes into the guest bath.
An hour and a half later.
Michelle comes out of her room out into the living room. She eyes the glass in her sisters hand.
Michelle: You haven’t started drinking have you.
Jane giggles.
Jane: Don’t be ridiculous this is just grape juice.
Michelle makes an “O” with her mouth.
Michelle: Come on let’s go we don’t want to be late and we’ll stop and get you some coffee on the way okay.
Jane: OKEY DOKEY SMOKEY BEAR.
Jane starts to laugh uncontrollably.
Michelle and Jane’s Parent’s House
It is located in a very upscale suburb.
As Michelle and Jane pull into the driveway a woman comes flying out of the house and stands on the front steps with her hands on her hips. Michelle and Jane get out of the car.
Raquel Moriano: Just where have you two young ladies been?
Michelle and Jane get out of the car and their mother turns and goes back into the house without waiting for a response. Michelle and Jane look at each other and they both roll their eyes.
Raquel: I saw that. Don’t think for one damn minute that I didn’t see that.
Michelle and Jane enter the house and Michelle shrugs her arms.
Michelle: See what mom?
Raquel turns and shakes her finger at Michelle.
Raquel: Don’t get smart with me missy. You think because you go gallivanting around the world you can do whatever you want. I don’t have time for this. The caterer was late and decorator got the wrong colored flowers but we will have to make do.
A man’s voice comes from the kitchen.
Alfonso Moriano: Raquel....you better get in here.
Raquel: Il signore lo aiuta
Raquel heads to the kitchen. Michelle leans over to her sister and whispers.
Michelle: I think mom has finally flipped her lid and she could use your services.
Raquel from the kitchen.
Raquel: I heard that.
Michelle rolls her eyes again.
Raquel: I saw that too.
Michelle just shakes her head while her and Jane head into the kitchen.
Michelle: Daddy.
Alfonso: Chelle belle.
Alfonso grabs Michelle into a huge hug.
Michelle: Man that nick name of mine seems to be popping up more than news of Britney in rehab.
Alfonso and Michelle burst into a huge fit of laughter.
Jane: Daddy what was the big emergency?
Jane is more sober now thanks to 4 cups of coffee but she still seems a bit wobbly.
Alfonso: Something about not enough sauce or something.
Raquel: Why don’t you two take your coats and purses and either hang them up in the entry closet or up to your rooms.
Michelle and Jane both head upstairs to their rooms.
Michelle: Man what does mom think this is the Smithsonian.
Michelle lays her coat and her purse on the bed and looks around the room. It is filled with her pictures and awards from school. Jane peeks in from the doorway.
Jane: You know how sentimental mom is. I think she saved everything of ours.
Michelle: If you ask me it is a little creepy. Man mom has some serious stalker tendencies.
Raquel: I heard that. *Said from downstairs*
Jane: How does she do that.
Michelle: I have no idea.
Raquel: Come on girls move your asses we have guests arriving any minute. *Said from downstairs*
Michelle and Jane head down stairs.
Cut to a house full of people walking around chatting, drinking and snacking on hor’ devours as the waiters and waitresses pass by.
Michelle: So Mitch where’s your worst man?
Mitch: My worst man?
Jane elbows Michelle.
Jane: I think who Michelle was referring to was Jake.
Mitchell: Oh yeah right. He said he would be here later.
Michelle: What? Later? Is he too good to come to your engagement party? Well that low down...
Jane elbows Michelle again.
Michelle: Stop doing that. *Said through gritted teeth.*
Jane: Well quit acting like a two year old.
Michelle: Whatever. I’m going to talk to dad.
Michelle begins to wind her way through the crowd of people. The doorbell rings why Michelle is near it. Raquel yells out to her.
Raquel: Michelle please be a dear and get the door.
Michelle: Yes mother.
Raquel: Thank you.
Michelle opens the door and on the other side is Jake.
Michelle: I’m sorry you have the wrong party. The frat party is down the street.
Michelle slams the door in his face. Her mother comes rushing over after seeing what happened and the door bell is rung again.
Raquel: What in God’s name has gotten into you?
Michelle: I think I may be drunk.
Raquel opens the door.
Raquel: Hello.
Jake: Hi. I’m Jake Bradford. I’m...
Raquel: ...Mitchell’s best man. Come in.
Raquel shuts the door.
Raquel: Michelle would you please show Jake where he can lay his coat?
Michelle: I’d be delighted. *Said sarcastically*
Michelle and Jake go the guest bedroom at the back of the house. They enter a room full of coats and purses. Jake begins to pull off his coat and Michelle begins to leave the room.
Jake: Well Candy broke up with me.
Michelle stops and turns back around.
Michelle: And you think I care because...
Jake: Well you obviously care or you wouldn’t have done what you did the other night or come by my office to patch things up.
Michelle: Look Jake while I know that you will thank me later on it really was an awful thing for me to do but I have my revenge so all is right with the world.
Jake: We aren’t in college anymore Michelle.
Michelle: OH we’re not so that explains you having Sir Mixalot as your ring tone.
Jake: It’s fun and it was only set for certain people...Look anyway how do you know I didn’t love her.
Michelle: OH PALEASE...the only person you love is yourself and did you stop to think for one second to evaluate the fact that I might have loved you.
Jake: We were in college.
Michelle: I know that but you were the first guy to ever show any interest in me.
Raquel: Michelle where are you.
Michelle: I’m coming mom monkey boy needed my help taking off his jacket.
Jake: Real mature.
Michelle: Oh I do try.
Michelle and Jake head back into the front of the house.
Raquel: Good now we are going to do the toasts. So whose going first.
Michelle and Jake: Me.
Michelle: Ladies first.
Michelle makes a sweeping bow and Jake just rolls his eyes.
Jake: Fine I’ll go first.
Raquel gathers everyone’s attention.
Raquel: OK everyone we are here tonight to celebrate the future of my beautiful daughter Dr. Jane Moriano and her finace Mitchell Stockton. Now Mitchell’s best man has a few words.
Jake: Thank you Mrs. Moriano. Well what can I say about Mitch...I won’t say anything too embarrassing. I’ve known Jake since he moved in next door when we were in third grade and we’ve been pals ever since. Knowing Mitch has made me a better person and if I may be so bold to say that he has won the lottery in fiances with Jane. To Mitch and Jane.
Michelle gulps down her glass of champagne and waits for all the cheers to die down.
Michelle: Well I’ve known Jane my whole life. She has been my support through so many things that if it wasn’t for her I might not be standing here today. She has loved me unconditionally albeit sometimes she can be a little selfish I still love her. And Mitch really is one lucky son of a bitch for getting my sister because she is the greatest. To Jane and Mitchell.
Michelle raises her glass and after the shock ebbs over her saying “son of a bitch” everyone cheers and takes a sip and Michelle realizes she has no champagne left.
A few hours later. All the guests have left
Michelle: Mom I’m going to stay here tonight is that alright. Hey do you still have some of my old pajamas or can I borrow some of yours.
Raquel: I have already put a pair of mine in the bathroom upstairs and there are extra toothbrushes in the cabinet by the sink.
Michelle goes upstairs and into the bathroom to change and brush her teeth. She goes into her room where she is met with a very unwelcome guest.
Michelle: What are you doing here.
Jake: Just trying to get a feel for the real Michelle Moriano.
He is stumbling over his words and he really struggles with “Moriano”.
Michelle: No seriously.
Raquel walks in.
Raquel: OH I offered to let Jake stay the night here because...Raquel makes a drinking motion with her hand.
Michelle: OH brother. OK well show him the guest room.
Raquel: I was going to.
Jake: You were a geek.
Michelle’s cheeks get red.
Michelle: Yeah and I’m guessing that is better than being an ass hole.
Jake laughs.
Jake: So easy to rile up.
Raquel: Come on Jake let me show you to the guest room.
Jake: No I want Michelle to do it.
Michelle: No he can fall out on the floor as far as I’m concerned.
Raquel: Michelle.
Michelle: Mother.
Raquel: Don’t start.
Raquel drops the pajamas and things she had in her arms on the floor and throws her hands up in the air. Jake lays on the floor and he puts his head on the pajamas and falls asleep. Michelle gets herself ready and goes to bed.
Michelle is dreaming. She is back at Princeton there is no one there and she keeps running and running and then there is Jake she is running towards him....
Jake: Hey there sugar.
Michelle hesitantly opens her eyes to see Jake laying in her bed and looking at her. She closes her eyes but then snaps them back open.
Michelle: WHAT THE HELL!
Jake makes a shushing sound and places his finger over her mouth.
Jake: You will wake everyone up.
Michelle tries to push Jake away.
Michelle: Get off of me!
Jake takes a handful of Michelle’s hair and smells it.
Jake: Hmmmm...you smell really nice.
Michelle once again tries to push him away and this time she is successful.
Michelle: You are seriously drunk. Look just roll over and go to sleep and leave me alone okay.
Jake nods his head vigorously in agreement.
Jake: You got it chief.
Michelle: Okay sparky.
They both go to their side of the bed and fall asleep.
Next Day
Michelle wakes up and notices that Jake isn’t in the bed or on the floor.
Michelle: Good he left.
So she makes her way downstairs to the kitchen to get some coffee and she is greeted by an unpleasant sight.
Jake: Good morning sleeping beauty.
Michelle: What are you still doing here.
Jake sweeps his arm over the table.
Jake: Having breakfast as you probably could already tell. I must say Mrs. Moriano you make a killer blueberry pancake.
Raquel: Why thank you Jake. The key is that I put just a touch of blueberry marmalade in the batter and then I put in some whole blueberries.
Jake: Well that is incredible. Mr. Moriano now I know why you stayed married to her all this time.
Alfonso: If you like her blueberry pancakes you ought to try her homemade lasagna that also has her award winning tomato sauce.
Jake: Award winning?
Raquel: I won the Illinois state cook off with it. I use it in my lasagna, my spaghetti, my ravioli and pretty much all of my pasta dishes.
Jake: I guess I will have to come over for dinner then.
Raquel: Well me and Al were thinking of inviting all of you over for dinner.
During this whole back and forth Michelle has been rooted to one spot just staring unbelievably at Jake and her parents. She is finally brought out of her revery.
Raquel: I’ll be Michelle do you plan on standing there all day.
Michelle: Yes.
But as soon as it is said she makes her way to the coffee pot that is completely empty.
Michelle: What happened to all the coffee?
Jake turns around in his chair.
Jake: Oh sorry about that I wasn’t sure when you were going to be up.
Michelle gives Jake a dirty look.
Raquel: Sit down sweety and have some breakfast and I’ll make some more. You want plain or hazelnut.
Michelle: What is there no more French Vanilla.
Raquel: No sorry that was the last of it.
Michelle: Fine I’ll take Hazelnut then.
Michelle sits down at the table and stares over all the food that is there looking for the banana bread pancakes.
Michelle: Um mom did you make your banana bread pancakes.
Raquel: Yeah I know how much you love them.
Michelle: Well I don’t see any.
Jake is quickly eating his food and Michelle looks at him.
Michelle: You.
Jake: Me?
Michelle: Yes you. You ate all of the banana bread pancakes.
Jake: Oh sorry about that.
Michelle: Ugh...
Michelle gets out of her chair and begins to storm off.
Jake: What’s the matter with her?
Michelle whips herself around.
Michelle: What’s the matter with me. WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH ME!! You suddenly appear back in my life and you...you...
Jake: I what?
Michelle: Aghhh you ruin everything. You ruined me...
Jake jerks out of his chair and walks towards Michelle.
Jake: I ruined you? What is this 1650? You made that choice with me Michelle.
Michelle: I know but I confessed to you that I had never had a boyfriend that I had *Michelle’s voice suddenly gets lower* never...you know.
Raquel: May I ask what this is all about?
Michelle: Nothing mom. I just knew Jake a long time ago and at first I liked him but we separated on bad terms and now well I...I just don’t like him. I’m going back to Jane’s.
Michelle storms back upstairs to change clothes while Jake turns to face Michelle’s parents and he shrugs his shoulders then slowly walks back to his chair and sits. He picks back up his fork and takes a bite.
Jake: Man these banana bread pancakes are gooood. No wonder Michelle loves them so much.
Silence stretches the air.
*We cut to Michelle upstairs who has already pulled on her clothes from the night before*
Mumbling while walking down the stairs and back into the kitchen...
Michelle: I don’t believe this. I don’t believe it. First he drinks all the freakin’ french vanilla coffee and then ho ho then he eats all of the banana bread pancakes...my f**king banana bread pancakes.
Raquel: Honey here is your coffee. I put it in a Thermos. Oh and Jake has offered to take you to Jane’s.
Michelle: No I’m cool. I’ll just hitchhike I am pretty sure that would be a lot safer.
Jake: Look Michelle let me give you a ride home.
Michelle looks as if she is weighing the decision in her mind.
Michelle: FINE. Let’s go.
Jake: But..
Michelle: I don’t care. I want to go now and it’s the least you could do since you *gritting her teeth* ate all of the banana bread pancakes.
Jake: Fine, fine let me get my coat.
Jake leaves to get his coat.
Raquel: Just what in blazes is going on between you two.
Michelle: Nothing mom.
Raquel: Michelle Isabella Moriano I’m your mother and I know when your lying.
Alfonso: Chelle Belle you better just tell her now it will be less excruciating that way.
Raquel gives Alfonso a pointed look. He shrugs his shoulders.
Alfonso: What? *sounding incredulous*
Raquel snaps her attention back to Michelle.
Raquel: Also even if I wasn’t your mother I could tell there was something going on between you two. Almost like sexual tension.
Michelle: MOM PLEASE! If there is any sort of tension between Jake and myself it sure as hell isn’t sexual but pure, blind hatred.
Raquel: Your wrong there sweety.
Michelle: No I’m...
Alfonso: Yeah you are.
Michelle turns and looks at her father.
Michelle: Oh no not you, too, I always thought you were on my side Daddy.
Alfonso: I am sweetheart but when your wrong, your wrong.
Michelle: Okay where is he it can’t possibly take that long to find a coat.
As soon as Michelle snaps around to go look for Jake she runs right into him. Jake starts to laugh.
Michelle: Just what is so damn funny.
Jake: This...*Jake motions his hand between the two of them* don’t you remember this is how we met.
Michelle: Ugh yeah I remember but it is also something I would like to forget and even with a sister as a therapist I haven’t been able to accomplish that. Can we please go now?
Jake’s expression turns into disappointment.
Jake: Yeah let’s go. |
|
