Writings on the Wall - The Writer

APRIL: I'm ok. I know you've been pretty busy with your book. How's that going?

It's coming along, I hope. I'm really nervous about it honestly.

FRANKIE: No. And I've never heard you talk about your mother like this before.

It's difficult.

APRIL: You didn't know I was coming tonight, did you? Raquel didn't tell you?

No... but I'm really glad that you came, and I didn't mean to be awkward earlier.

APRIL: Woah, so cool. (beat) Well it was nice talking to you. Sorry again about the music. (APRIL starts to leave.)

Of course! I'm sorry too. I mean- it's all good. Have a good morn- evening!

CAROLYN: Sure, let's plan on sometime next week?

Of course.

(The music gets louder, impossible to ignore.)

Oh my god, why do people not know how to keep their music down? Have they never heard of common decency? (Takes a deep breath, rises and heads out the door, only to immediately return, petrified). It's April! Of course it's April. Of course this is the first time I actually have to talk to her.(THE WRITER pauses.) No, I can do this. I can do this.

APRIL: I got a job offer at a marketing firm.

Oh that's...cool.

APRIL: Oh fun! Where have you gone?

Oh! All over. Most recently uhh... (panicking) Bali! I got to climb up a volcano super high up. It was a sunrise trek, so the 4 am climb was unbearable, but so worth it for the view.

APRIL: Woah... sorry... I just-You surprised me.

Oh, nonono, that was my fault. I-I don't know what I was thinking.

(RAQUEL storms up to THE WRITER) RAQUEL: I need to talk to you.

Oh, ok. What's up?

(Chess style)

Okay, let's try this again. I just need to focus.

(THE WRITER dashes back to their room and starts pacing, and talking to themselves.)

THE WRITER: That was awful. I've never been to Bali! Oh God! Do I have to put Bali in the book? Stupid. Stupid.

APRIL: What? But I like-

The book. You like the book. (WRITER leaves APRIL)

CAROLYN: I thought I might be hearing from you today. I know it looks like a lot of red all over that thing. But that's a good thing. It means it's better, way better.

What did you think of the beginning this time? Did I do what you wanted-

APRIL: I can tell. I mean, every page is just so raw and honest. It takes a lot of courage to be so vulnerable. It's really admirable.

(guilt is shining through) Oh yeah, thanks. I'm- I'm glad you liked it.

FRANKIE: This book is really something.

(laughing) Took me long enough, right?

FRANKIE: Died quickly. "It happened so fast." That's what you always told me. But mine -

Frankie, I never meant to hurt you. I just needed something more -

CAROLYN: (rolls her chair onstage, reading/writing the edits) This part is much better. It really catches the reader's attention.

Great. Just great.

DAD/1: I love you, my boring son.

They'll think I'm a ******* loser. (brainstorming) Suddenly! My whole family appeared, including all my cousins, all my cousins. Even the morally questionable ones. Things were going great until my cousin Steve said-

(First line, party scene)

This doesn't even feel real. I just never thought-

APRIL: You do, you've overcome so much. I mean with all this pressure, and your mom...

What are you trying to say?

CAROLYN: There you are! I've been looking for you. People are dying to meet you! (laughs) I'm so proud of you, you really pulled through.

Yes, thanks to you.

COUSIN STEVE/4: I think it's about time I run for office-

No one said a word. Until my cousin Tom-

FRANKIE: I mean, there's so many stories about your life I've never even heard about.

Oh, really? I thought I was more open about my life.

RAQUEL: Darling, you don't have to worry about rent this month. I already took care of it

Oh, um... you really didn't have to...

FRANKIE: Who knows. She died before she could tell me.

Oh, yeah... I'm sorry.

APRIL: How could I not? What can I say, you're easy to like.

Oh...uhm. (laughing) What's that supposed to mean?

THE REFLECTION: Park...

Creepy.

CAROLYN: You should fix (1) this moment here. It's not capturing (5) my attention (4). Doesn't feel true (3) to the rest of the book.

That was literally the one part of this book that was actually true.

FRANKIE: You're lying to everybody here.

You're causing a scene-

FRANKIE: You're an *******. (FRANKIE exits)

Frankie! Wait! Are you- (but they're gone) Are you going to say anything? Oh God.

(APRIL goes into their apartment, leaving THE WRITER out in the hall. THE REFLECTION enters again, standing opposite THE WRITER. They look at one another.)

Goddammit!

RAQUEL: You know exactly why. Frankie told me everything. I can't believe you would do something like this.

I had to. The book wasn't interesting enough.

CRITIC 3: (Beat) Your struggle with your mother's death was very touching. I'm sure she'd be very proud of you.

I hope so.

CAROLYN: Your last book was pretty successful for a first-timer, especially at your age. And so unlike anything people have read. People want that. And this (pointing to the outline)isn't it. Frankly, it's boring. People are going to put this down after the first page if your hook isn't strong enough.

I know, (thinking quickly) but, you see, this was the first step in my writing journey... it would segway into a lecture I attended taught by Stephen King. He was the one who told me to pursue writing-

APRIL: But it's your party!

I know...

FRANKIE: Do not tell me to calm down.

I made something of her death. Honored her.

APRIL: You have a very interesting life.

I really don't.

FRANKIE: You're pathetic.

I think you need to calm down.

CAROLYN: The pen thing was cute, but it won't put you on the Best-Seller list. Let me know when you have the chapter revised starting with the Stephen King-bit.

I will.

THE REFLECTION: Amusement park

I'm 23...

CAROLYN: How old are you now?

I'm 25.

APRIL: Well I should get back to...

I'm a writer!

FRANKIE; What?!

I'm sorry, Frankie-

RAQUEL: Please? It's all on me, nothing too extravagant. You can't disappear into your writing cave forever. The outside world is waiting for you!

I'm sorry, I'm just really in the middle of something right now.

APRIL: Where is this even coming from? I thought we had a connection. Earlier you seemed-

I'm sorry. It's not fair to you.

CAROLYN: Well, I guess I'll find out when you send me the next section. Oh! You changed all the names for privacy, right?

I'm still working on a new way to weave in the party scene?

CAROLYN: Great. Gertrude out front will help you schedule your next appointment. I'll see you soon, good luck!

I've never met Stephen King.

FRANKIE: Well, I can think of one thing that might be going your way. Today, April waited around our door for a full minute before going into her apartment. Maybe she was hoping you were home.

I've talked to April like once and I could barely say "Hi!". It was probably just a coincidence.

APRIL: No, sorry, that sounded condescending... I just think you're impressive. Your honesty is brave. That's what I'm trying to say-

I-I can't do this.

REFLECTION: (to THE WRITER) Why are you doing this?

I... because... because I need to. It needs to be perfect and it's just not. (THE WRITER moves to continue the birthday scene.)

REFLECTION: So what are you going to do about it?

You know what, to hell with the truth.

FRANKIE: Exactly! Live a little. Go flirt with the bartender and say something stupid. Get drunk. Think of it as inspiration for your next book. RAQUEL: You guys have as much as you want. (FRANKIE runs to the bar.)

You're seriously not gonna drink tonight?

FRIEND 1: Stop.

What?

FRANKIE: (creepy Dracula voice) Halloween is right around the corner. Oh, what should I wear? Vampire or Devil?

Well that was shit.

APRIL: I thought we were celebrating - didn't something good happen with it?

(blushing) My editor liked my recent edits, that's all. Raquel is making it out to be a bigger thing than it is.

RAQUEL: Aw, babe, cmon, what happened?

Am I boring?

THE REFLECTION: Such is life.

But it's not enough.

FRANKIE: Yeah, show them! Well, I'll let you get back to it then. I'm gonna have a snack! (exits)

(THE WRITER sighs and walks over to their desk. They glance at the manuscript and start writing edits in their journal, a little frustrated. They flip through the manuscript for a minute, and one edit in particular seems to catch their eye. They swipe the manuscript off the table angrily. THE WRITER begins to read aloud the critiques as they write the remarks on) THE WRITER: "Boring", "hook" (after a beat) "Stephen King." (Reflection) What now?

THE LOVER: I had a really nice time too.

(THE WRITER simultaneously leans in towards APRIL, but APRIL stops them gently.)

FRANKIE: I know. This "illness"...

(defensively) I never say exactly what it was.(FRANKIE shake their head.) What?

FRANKIE: Hey come on, It's not that bad. As my Mom always said, it's better to keep people on their toes than have them asleep on the ground.

(laughing): What the hell is that supposed to mean?

(THE WRITER is pacing, wringing the book edits in their hands. Nervously, they cross to the phone and call CAROLYN.)

(on the phone) Hi, Gertrude, it's - yes. Yes, if you could? Does she have a minute? Yes, I'll hold. Thanks.

FRANKIE:(reading dramatically) It was Monday. The sky was slate gray, and rain pattered throughout the streets as I boarded the bus. Honk Honk, the bus startled me. I took my seat next to an old man and contemplated my life. Tick Tock, time passes. I am at work. Tick Tock, I hate my job. Tick Tock, I board the bus. Honk honk, the bus scares me again. I sit next to the same old man, Gerry Ealman. Tick Tock, I am home. Crunch crunch, I eat dinner. Tick Tock. I sleep. ZZ ZZ I snore- This has been my life for the past 2 years. Until one day, I missed the bus...

(snatching it from their hands) You know what, I was trying something different. I'll revise it a bit and get back to you!

APRIL: Oh! Uhh that's fun. What are you writing?

A book... about... my life and... travels.

CAROLYN: Alright. I think we are on pace for the deadline so just keep cranking out the pages. I'll have Gertrude put you in my calendar. Goodbye, now.

Alright.

RAQUEL: Wouldn't dream of it! But, if you're all set here (looks over at APRIL) I'm going to head home and start my 12-step skin care regiment. (RAQUEL walks away)

And I don't need you to set me up.

FRIEND 1: (singing drunkenly) 'Uptown Girlllllll. She's been living in her uptown world'

And a very questionable game of charades going

(As THE WRITER types, the set begins to change.)

Anddddd....DONE!!! (When FRANKIE and RAQUEL walk in) The book is finished. Hey! Do you guys want to go out to brunch?

ALL FRIENDS: 'Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday to you Happy -

Birthdays have always been a big thing in my family. It was the same every year, relatives, friends and lots of food. I looked forward to it all year, but this year was different.

THE REFLECTION: It was just a pen. You don't even have it anymore.

But I did actually get it on my birthday. So it's not a complete lie? (THE REFLECTION gives them a rueful look.) I'm not a huge partier. I have zero game. I'm not a law-breaker. I don't see my family anymore and once I got a pen for my birthday that didn't mean anything but I carried it with me all through college only to lose it in traffic at the corner of 9th and 23rd my first week in Manhattan.

FRANKIE: C'mon your life isn't that boring. It's... average. But in a happy, good, wonderful way.

But isn't average boring? I mean... I put a lot into that book.

RAQUEL: So you pretend that your mother died the EXACT same way Frankie's mom did? That is beyond messed up.

But the book is so much better with it.

RAQUEL: What makes you think you're boring?

Carolyn said what I wrote wasn't very interesting.

(THE WRITER is sitting at their desk, working. Music is playing across the hall. THE WRITER is obviously frustrated. They shake it off and continue to focus.)

Damnit, I just can't get this to sound right. I can't even hear my own thoughts.

RAQUEL: Okay, good. I'm gonna head to bed. Let me know when you take your next monthly break from writing.

Deadline.

FRANKIE: But you're a fiction writer? You create such intricate worlds and stories.

Everyone has a story to tell, so why not tell my own if I have the chance? Now I feel like I have something to prove.

CAROLYN: Overall though, not bad, more your style. Just see if you can add some more...

Excitement

FRIEND 2: Make a wish!

Here I was, freshly 19, my first birthday away from home. So I did what everyone else always did, I threw a party. It was just a small party, something really simple. I crammed a couple of my friends into my dorm room to celebrate.

RAQUEL: Can we read what you've got so far?

Here's a section that isn't completely covered in red yet.

(FRANKIE walks over, holding a copy of the book) FRANKIE: Hey.

Hey!

APRIL: Hey, what's up?

Hey! I hate to ask, but do you mind turning down the music a bit? It's just hard to focus with all the noise.

APRIL: Thanks! Whatever you're having is fine.

Hey, one more of these please.

APRIL: Hey!

Hi, April! So crazy running into you here.

(THE WRITER and THE REFLECTION pause and take a breath. THE WRITER dismisses THE CHARACTERS again.)

I am 23 years old and it's my first birthday in the apartment-

FRANKIE: No, it can only mean that she is hopelessly and passionately in love with you and wants to marry you and- (silence) Oh my god, you're blushing.

I am not. I said that she was cute twice, we're not in love.

FRANKIE: Yet! RAQUEL: Hey, it'd be worth a shot. Something to take your mind off things, y'know?

I can't afford to take my mind off of things. I need to make this book happen! Book equals money, money equals next book which equals better advance for said book, which will mean more faith in my work and growing popularity, which in turn becomes actually making a living writing books. And then! I'll have something to offer a potential date

RAQUEL: We're gonna go get food. Do you want to come? We miss you! FRANKIE: Yeah, you've been shut up in here for over a month.

I can't. I need to keep working. I'm so close to getting this where it needs to be. My editor is expecting the next section tomorrow.

RAQUEL: Well, wonders never cease my dear.

I don't know, maybe later.

FRANKIE: (nods) Not mine. It took forever... but she still left a mystery or two. (Beat) She would've loved your first book, you know. She was always into that nerdy stuff. Why are you writing a memoir now?

I don't know. I guess I just want to try something different.

CAROLYN: I like this here... I mean this volcano in the Bali section ... It's really good. Have you ever told me this story before?

I don't know... I don't think we've -

RAQUEL: (brightly) Are you enjoying yourself? How's it going over there? Wink.

I don't need you to take care of me all the time.

CAROLYN: But I really like these parts with your girlfriend. I'm interested. Did I meet her last year? Are you two still together?

I don't-

CAROLYN: No, stop.

Is something wrong?

FRANKIE: Did you really think I wouldn't notice? I know I'm not some hotshot storyteller like you, but... I just can't believe you would do something like this.

It did happen, Frankie. My mom, she -

FRANKIE: I thought it was pretty good! Hey, maybe I can narrate your audiobook!

It doesn't matter how good you think it is, nothing is getting published until Carolyn likes it. I thought everything was going to go smoothly, but now with all of this I just feel like nothing is going my way.

THE BARTENDER: Doesn't ring a bell.

It had a goose as a character, well, it was a talking goose, you know personification? It was a foil to my gunslinging bounty hunter character- (THE WRITER notices the shot being poured) Oh, I didn't order anything yet.

CRITIC 1: Well, we know you're a hot ticket so we'll let you get going. Go soak up this glory, kid. And we'll see you when the followup is released!

It was great talking to you.

REFLECTION: (sighs) Boarding a plane, guys... C'mon.

It was like any old teenage party.(coming back to the present) That's too boring. Relatable, but boring. It was any old teenage party... Until...

(THE WRITER runs to the walls and writes "Bali", THE WRITER is sitting at their desk. As they speak, THE CHARACTERS enter.)

It was my 19th birthday and I was hosting a party to celebrate. The party was going well, my friends were drunk and singing horrible karaoke.

THE REFLECTION: NASTY NINETEEEEEEEN!

My parents rented out a huge house for us, and I invited every person my age within a ten mile radius. It was the ultimate rager. Things were going great until-

(WRITER stands in the middle of the stage, the CHARACTERS lined up on opposite sides them. Through the sequence, THE WRITER and THE REFLECTION are often in tandem.)

It was my first birthday away from home.(THE WRITER begins to place the CHARACTERS in their positions. He steps back and watches as they begin to create the scene.) No. (Everyone shifts back to their starting positions). It was the first birthday I spent with her. (THE LOVER comes forward.) I was so nervous. She walked in and... No. It has to be somewhat real, right? Something vaguely close to the truth.(THE CHARACTERS look at THE WRITER. THE WRITER begins to move them around again.) It was my - I don't remember.

FRANKIE: You don't get to be sorry. Do you have any idea how painful this is for me? I opened up to you, and you took this awful thing that happened to me and my family and you're capitalizing on it.

It was only one small part of the book.

RAQUEL: You screwed up. I can't even be around you right now.

Just when my life is going somewhere, you all turn on me. (Scrambling) You and Frankie are just jealous that I'm making something of myself.

FRANKIE: I couldn't care less.

Let's go somewhere and talk.

APRIL: Oh yeah for sure. I'm sorry about that. I'm not used to shared walls. I grew up in Montana where my only neighbors were telephone poles.

Montana, wow that's far. What brings you out here?

THE REFLECTION: Undisclosed location?

My favorite bar.

CAROLYN: Heart. This is a memoir. You need to take the reader along for the ride. Be vulnerable, you know? Honest. You can't hide behind your fantasy with a book like this, you know what I mean?

No - I mean yes, I know what you mean.

FRIEND 2: Oh, wait, you're for real?

No dying today. (THE CHARACTERS reset themselves) It was my 19th birthday, and I was throwing the ULTIMATE birthday party.

FRIEND 1: Damnit! That was my gift. (FRIENDS laugh)

No matter how practical or ridiculous the gift, I made a mental note to send a thank you later. Eventually, the smallest gift was left. It was a pen. I held it in my hands, studying it closely, captivated. It brought me back to-

THE LOVER: Thank you. I'm April. It's nice to meet you.

No real names.

FRIEND 1: Oh, oh! Dying! I mean, no, choking! Choking! (friend 4 falls to the ground.)

No, no, no. Too dark.

FRANKIE: Did yours give you any bits of wisdom before... passing away?

No. It happened so fast, I don't think she ever thought about doing that.

THE REFLECTION: Yeah, it's my favorite bar.

Nope, underage.

COUSIN TOM/5: You know what? So will I, but I'm the one who's gonna win.

Nope. No politics.(brainstorming) It was the night of my 20th birthday, but none of my friends were there to celebrate. So I walked to...

FRANKIE: (Beat) Yeesh, we were only thinking of dinner and a movie or something.

Not with the price of popcorn being what it is. It's more than my - Rent! (to RAQUEL) I might be a little short this month. I promise when the book is done -

(A knock on the door snaps WRITER away from the birthday scene. THE WRITER goes to the door and receives another package from THE MESSENGER.)

OK, before I open this, I am telling myself now that no matter what is said, no more lies.

APRIL: (slightly awkward) Raquel invited me.

Oh, I mean, yeah. Of course she invited you! (Very awkwardly) It's been so long since I've seen you! How are you doing?

RAQUEL: I need to at least stay sober enough to deal with Frankie. (WRITER and RAQUEL look at FRANKIE who is already basically drunk)

Ok yeah maybe that's for the best.

RAQUEL: Really, it's no big deal.

Ok, thanks.

(APRIL moves closer to WRITER, very interested. They smile at each other.) APRIL: I'm gonna go get us some champagne, okay?

Okay.

RAQUEL: Come on. We're not in high school. You're an adult. Just go have a conversation. FRANKIE: Yeah, it will be great. You're a writer. You have a way with words.

Okay. (FRANKIE gives them a push Okay, I'm going.

CAROLYN: I like this opening a lot more. I also really enjoyed what you wrote on page 34...

One second... (moves the phone away from mouth) page 34... page 34...

(APRIL sees THE WRITER from across the room, they start to make their way over to them.) APRIL: The book is amazing!

Thanks... I worked really hard on it.

RAQUEL: Are you insane?? Did you even think about how this would affect Frankie? He had to relive their mom's death reading that chapter, and you didn't even think twice. All we wanted to do was support you, and you left Frankie to the wolves.

Raquel-

CAROLYN: See, now that's good. I like that. Expand on that.

Really?

CRITIC 1: We're writers as well.

Right.

(Lights up on The Pink Armadillo, a hip joint. Popular music is playing and lots of fun colorful lights are on. This is not THE WRITER's usual scene.)

Seriously? The Pink Armadillo? You guys judged me when I chose a pottery painting class the last time we celebrated and this is what you pick?

CAROLYN: Good job (Lover) bringing this part to life (2). I can picture this as I'm reading.

She's only mentioning the fake parts.

THE BARTENDER: Not for you.

So anyway, I'm working on a memoir right now. Y'know, just telling people my life story.

APRIL: It means I think you're fascinating. This book shows a whole new side of you that I want to get to know. This is the first time I've gotten to see who you truly are, and I've never felt that before. Do you want to go out and get drinks some time, just the two of us?

So... a date?

CAROLYN: The reader wants something memorable. Keep me posted. Make those changes and send the next section ASAP. We can talk in two weeks, let's say?

Sounds good.

CAROLYN: I said stop.

Stop? No, I was going to say 'It brought me back to my'-

APRIL: That sounds celebration-worthy to me. (places hand on shoulder) You're too modest. (This seems like a moment to the writer but A shakes it off and takes off their coat.)

THE WRITER: (blushing) Can I buy you a drink?

FRIEND 4: THE COPS ARE COMING! EVERYBODY! SCATTER!

THE WRITER: Everyone did indeed scatter. I ran out the backdoor. But I wasn't fast enough

APRIL: No, I mean, I got curious. I'm not usually a sci-fi person, but I'm actually really into it!

THE WRITER: Oh, well, thank you. It means a lot.

CAROLYN: It's your life, your story. If you think you can make it work, let's take another look at it.

Thanks.

CRITIC 1:(interrupting) Amazing job, kid. I didn't think you could top your last book, but you really stepped up to the plate. CRITIC 2: I agree. It was just so captivating, you had a great hook in each chapter.

Thank you, thank you. It means a lot, you have no idea how crazy this journey was.

CAROLYN: It will be a better start to your book. How about we save your birthday idea for later? Here. (hands back copy of the outline)

Thanks.

THE REFLECTION: That'll be nice.

That would be nice. (they glance towards APRIL's apartment. They go back to the walls and stare. They write something illegible on the wall.) (Transition. A MESSENGER arrives at the apartment. THE WRITER answers the door and is handed a manila envelope. It's the latest edits. THE WRITER opens the package and quickly scans over the pages which are again covered in red.)

APRIL: You can tell me more about your life... I mean if there's anything I don't know already-

There's plenty.

RAQUEL: I'm sure that's not what she meant. Your writing is always incredible! Maybe it's just a little miscommunication

The direct quote was 'Frankly, it's boring.' I don't really think they were miscommunicating anything

FRANKIE: Yeah because that was boring. This is so much more fun!

This isn't really my scene.

THE REFLECTION: (to COP) I plead the 5th. (COP takes REFLECTION away)

Ugh, I sound like a punk. Next. (THE CHARACTERS reset) It was a quiet Friday night. No alcohol. No drugs. Just familial love. It was all wholesome, nothing nasty. My family and I were gathered around our kitchen table doing a 2000 piece puzzle. It was at that moment I realized, my mom and my grandma were my best friends.

THE REFLECTION: Can I walk you home? (THE REFLECTION and THE LOVER take each other's hands and walk across the stage as THE WRITER and APRIL do the same.) (THE WRITER and APRIL are back in the hallway. THE REFLECTION and THE LOVER enter opposite them, still holding hands.)

Um...it was really nice to get to hang out with you tonight.

FRIEND 1: Drink up, you old geezer!

We drank, we ate, we laughed... the usual decor of a party. Then came the highly anticipated event of any birthday party: presents.

FRIEND 4: Open mine next!

We ooh'd at the new record my sister sent me (FRIENDs ooh) and we laughed at the pack of underwear my mother had gifted me. (FRIENDS laugh)

CAROLYN: It's not wrong, it's just.... A pen? Are you making the hook of your first chapter about a pen?

Well, it's actually an interesting story. You see, I -

THE REFLECTION: Wow. Your promise lasted all of 30 seconds.

What am I supposed to do? Tell me!

THE REFLECTION: (to THE WRITER) And we are back to the pen?

What's wrong with the pen? I don't understand.

REFLECTION: Why are you doing this?

What?

FRANKIE: It's not shit, it's gothic vamp.

What? No, I just came back from Carolyn's, that was shit.

APRIL: It's okay, don't worry about it. (beat) You know, I actually started reading your first book.

What? Oh, you don't have to do that.

RAQUEL: I can't live with you anymore.

What? Why?

FRANKIE: Well, I'm gonna go pick up pizza! Hawaiian good for you? RAQUEL: Oh no! Only interesting people eat Hawaiian pizza!

You doing standup now?

FRANKIE: Fine, but please take a shower at least. RAQUEL: I'll bring something back for you.

You don't have to do that.

THE BARTENDER: That is so interesting. Y'know what would be really interesting though? Your drink order.

Y'know, if books aren't really your thing, then you should check out the movie version of it

RAQUEL: Just some good news from this one's book editor. (RAQUEL spot someone across the room) Oh dear. (to WRITER) Darling, if you'll excuse me, I need to speak with someone. (RAQUEL takes FRANKIE with them and they head across the room. Bartender looks toTHE WRITER.) THE BARTENDER: You're writing a book?

Yeah, I am.

THE BARTENDER: That's nice! Good for you. So, what would you like to drink?

Yeah, I mean my last book was a Sci-Fi novel called Light as a Feather... it was a New York Times bestseller... you've probably heard of it.

RAQUEL: (interrupting THE WRITER) Hey, could we get a round of margaritas? We're here for a good time tonight! FRANKIE:(to the Writer) Hey, look who just walked in! (THE WRITER looks over at the door and sees APRIL walking over)

Yeah, uh, cool.

THE BARTENDER: Wait, there's a movie based on your book?

Yeah, well I mean it's not out yet obviously. But it sounds like we might get Meryl Streep in it.

RAQUEL: Why would I be jealous of you? You have nothing I want. I liked you better when you wrote about aliens and talking birds. This book has changed you. You threw away everything for what? This?(gestures around them) (beat) My stuff will be gone later tonight. (RAQUEL exits.) (APRIL comes up to WRITER.) APRIL: Are you heading out already?

Yeah.

RAQUEL: You made it home!

Yeah.

APRIL: It's okay, don't worry about it. (awkward pause) I guess I'll see you around.

Yeah. Have a good night.

CAROLYN: I know you have it in you.

Yes. Thank you. I'll talk to you soon then?

RAQUEL: Oh hey April! How's it going? (THE WRITER reacts, tripping, flailing, trying to hide, mouthing no no no! RAQUEL laughs.) RAQUEL: I'm just kidding. Trying to keep things interesting!

You are the worst.

CAROLYN: It's a lot better this time... this romance that's building here... I like it. And the cliffhanger at the end of Part 1... I didn't know you had it in you. I mean sure, it's one thing to do it in a scifi novel, but this... Now I know what inspired it!

You do?

THE LOVER: I grew up in Montana-

where my only neighbors were telephone poles. (beat) That was so cute. It's a good line. Will she remember? Well... writers pull dialogue from people around them all the time!