Recklessness
This is a story about reckless people in a love triangle. It all starts with Mrs Baldwin having one flaming conversation with her chauffeur. She wants to build a life with him because she is sick of being treated ‘as a slave of pleasure’ by her husband. Despite loving her, Fred (the chauffeur) doesn’t want to run away until he gets rich enough to provide her everything.
Mr and Mrs Baldwin having a brief conversation about Mr Baldwin’s day life out of catskills. When Mrs Baldwin leaves the room, a maid (that used to share some tenderness with the chauffeur) enters and surprisingly tells Mr Baldwin (has a revenge) about the love affair (which she closely followed). Angrily he asks for proof and she gives him a letter written by Mrs Baldwin to the chauffeur. Indignantly he phones the chauffeur and by inventing a strategy he kills him by making the chauffeur drive a damaged car to go get a doctor for Mrs Baldwin. Then Mr and Mrs Baldwin have a pleasant conversation where he makes her confess the affair. Suddenly two men appear in the room carrying the dead chauffeur and when Mrs Baldwin sees her dead lover she goes to her bedroom to kill herself.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Congratulations on getting here
Good to see you in the blog. Looking forward to seeing your dialogues and adaptations of "Reckless" posted here, creatice writing and your ideas for the speaking task in your blog group.
Allyson
Allyson
Assignment three - Synopsis and Radio Scriptwriting
Synopsis:
Radio scriptwriting:
Love and Infidelity 1
SCENE: 2005’S LAS VEGAS HOTEL ROOM BACKGROUND, WITH A LARGE BED AND CRYSTAL LIGHTS.
Alfred: Do you really, erm, love my son?
Martha: Yeah! I’m his girlfriend, innit?
Alfred: But you’re here with me… so why are you betraying him?
Martha: Erm, well, he is betraying me! I know it cos he isn’t the same man and he treats me like a kid!
Alfred: Oh! Relax! Maybe he’s too tired to be with you, or he’s not in a good mood!
Martha: Oh! You’re wrong! I think, er… I think he’s with another woman! Much older than him! I know! He is with another woman!
SOUND EFFECT: PHONE RINGS, IS PICKED UP.
Alfred: Hello?
Kate:(ON PHONE)Is that you, Alfred? It’s me, Kate!
Alfred: Oh! Hello darling!
Kate: How is it going your trip? Tomorrow will you be here for dinner?
Alfred: Well, I think I’ll be there before dinner!
Kate: Oh! Allright! Do y’know where your son’s girlfriend is? He’s worried!
Alfred: Erm, well… I think she’s at her home. Maybe she is angry with him! She said to me on the phone that she thinks he’s betraying her!
Kate: Erm, y’know, they’re kids! They’ll understand each other!
Alfred: OK! So… See you tomorrow!
Kate: Bye!
4/20/2008
Love and Infidelity 2
Martha: So… John is worried! HAHAHA! Yeah, right!
Alfred: Ok! I’ll talk to him about his feelings! But don’t be like that, you’re doing the same thing! You’re here with me!
SCENE: THE NEXT DAY, N.Y. HOME LIVING ROOM BACKGROUND, WITH TWO BIG CHAIRS, A SOFÁ, A TV. AND A BIG TABLE.
Maid: The dinner is ready! Do you wanna eat at this table?
Kate: No, not yet! Alfred isn’t here!
Maid: Allright!
Kate: Not again! He is late, very late! Why does he do this, John? Why?
John: Calm down! Thank God he’s not here! I’ve more time to be with you!
Sound Effect: Kisses
Kate: Don’t do that! Someday he’ll catch us!
John: I don’t care! I love you! And y’know, you’re not my mother!
Kate: OK! But this is not right, innit? I’m sure this will not have a happy ending!
John: Don’t be so hard on me! Don’t think about him! Think about us! Think about our love!
Kate: Do you love me?
John: Yeah! Y’know, since you’ve been here!
Kate: But you were a child, you didn’t know what love meant!
John: Yes, I did! But I was afraid to tell you my true feelings!
Kate: And why are you with Martha?
4/20/2008
Love and Infidelity 3
John: Erm, well, to forget you! I thought you never loved me, but now I know I was wrong!
Kate: Yes, I love you! You’re not like your father! You treat me like a real woman! Have you phoned Martha?
John: No! I sent her an sms to dinner with us and y’know, to tell her that I don’t wanna spend my days with her!
Kate: Oh, please! Don’t talk about us! First, we have to talk with your father about our relationship!
SOUND EFFECT: THE DOOR BELL, DOOR IS OPEN.
Alfred: Good evening! How are you?
Kate/John: Fine and you?
Alfred: I’m ok. So, is the dinner ready?
Kate: Yes! Do you wanna have it?
Alfred: Not yet! I’m going to the library to phone a client!
SOUND EFFECT: THE DOOR BELL, DOOR IS OPEN.
Marta: Hello!
John: Hey Martha!
Martha: Can I talk to you in private?
John: Ok.
SCENE: KITCHEN BACKGROUND, WITH A TABLE, CHAIRS, ETC.
John: Well, what you wanna to talk with me?
Martha: So, y’know that I’m feeling that you don’t love me anymore.
John: That’s not true! I love you!
4/20/2008
Love and Infidelity 4
Martha: You’re a liar! I think you love someone else! Much older than me, erm… and much older than you!
John: Calm down, ok? Believe me, I don’t love an older woman, I love you!
Martha: Ok! So, make me believe what you’ve said! Will you let me see your mobile phone?
John: Ok! See!
SCENE: LIVING ROOM BACKGROUND, WITH TWO BIG CHAIRS, A SOFÁ, A TV AND A BIG TABLE.
John: Uff! Martha is really mad! I can’t tell her that I don’t love her anymore!
Kate: What? What is going on with you?
John: I can’t! Oh! I love you Kate!
SOUND EFFECT: KISSES, SOMEONE RUNS.
SCENE: LIBRARY BACKGROUND, WITH A BIG CHAIR, A TABLE, BOOKS AND A PHONE.
Martha: Alfred! Alfred! I saw! They were kissing! They’re so in love!
Alfred: Who? Who was kissing?
Martha: They! Y’know! Your son!
Alfred: And? Who is kissing my son?
Martha: Your wife! They were kissing! I knew it he was betraying me!
Alfred: I can’t believe it! Call him immediately!
Martha: What are you gonna to do?
Alfred: Go!
SCENE: LIVING ROOM BACKGROUND.
4/20/2008
Love and Infidelity 5
Martha: John your dad is waiting for you in the library.
John: He is? What does he want from me?
SCENE: LIBRARY BACKGROUND.
John: Hey dad! What’s the matter?
Alfred: What’s the matter? What’s the matter?
John: Chill out, will ya?
Alfred: You’ve betrayed me! You’ve been with my wife!
John: What? Who told you that?
Alfred: Who? Your beloved girlfriend, Martha! She saw everything! Your kisses and your “I love you!”!
John: Kate doesn’t love you! She loves me! I make her a true woman and you don’t!
Alfred: Oh! I don’t! And you’ll not love her anymore!
SOUND EFFECT: A SHOT.
Kate: What has happened? Oh my God! What have you done! He’s your son! Why? Why?
Alfred: Why? HAHAHA! You had a relationship with him, so he betrayed me! And he deserves to die! HAHAHA!
Kate: No! You’re a monster! You don’t love anybody, not even yourself!
Martha: What happened? OH! What have I done! Alfred, why did you do that?
Kate: Oh! You told Alfred about our relationship! Now John is dead! Are you happy?
Martha: No! I’ll call the police and tell everything!
Kate: Ah! But now it is too late! Our love is dead and Alfred is mentally ill!
4/20/2008
Love and Infidelity
The Stuart family is apparently normal but this twenty first century family is not normal. Alfred Stuart marries a second time with Kate and his son, John, falls in love with her. They start a relationship and his girlfriend, Martha who has a relationship with his father, tells Alfred what is going on! This event will have a tragic ending! This family will be destroyed forever!
The Stuart family is apparently normal but this twenty first century family is not normal. Alfred Stuart marries a second time with Kate and his son, John, falls in love with her. They start a relationship and his girlfriend, Martha who has a relationship with his father, tells Alfred what is going on! This event will have a tragic ending! This family will be destroyed forever!
Radio scriptwriting:
Love and Infidelity 1
SCENE: 2005’S LAS VEGAS HOTEL ROOM BACKGROUND, WITH A LARGE BED AND CRYSTAL LIGHTS.
Alfred: Do you really, erm, love my son?
Martha: Yeah! I’m his girlfriend, innit?
Alfred: But you’re here with me… so why are you betraying him?
Martha: Erm, well, he is betraying me! I know it cos he isn’t the same man and he treats me like a kid!
Alfred: Oh! Relax! Maybe he’s too tired to be with you, or he’s not in a good mood!
Martha: Oh! You’re wrong! I think, er… I think he’s with another woman! Much older than him! I know! He is with another woman!
SOUND EFFECT: PHONE RINGS, IS PICKED UP.
Alfred: Hello?
Kate:(ON PHONE)Is that you, Alfred? It’s me, Kate!
Alfred: Oh! Hello darling!
Kate: How is it going your trip? Tomorrow will you be here for dinner?
Alfred: Well, I think I’ll be there before dinner!
Kate: Oh! Allright! Do y’know where your son’s girlfriend is? He’s worried!
Alfred: Erm, well… I think she’s at her home. Maybe she is angry with him! She said to me on the phone that she thinks he’s betraying her!
Kate: Erm, y’know, they’re kids! They’ll understand each other!
Alfred: OK! So… See you tomorrow!
Kate: Bye!
4/20/2008
Love and Infidelity 2
Martha: So… John is worried! HAHAHA! Yeah, right!
Alfred: Ok! I’ll talk to him about his feelings! But don’t be like that, you’re doing the same thing! You’re here with me!
SCENE: THE NEXT DAY, N.Y. HOME LIVING ROOM BACKGROUND, WITH TWO BIG CHAIRS, A SOFÁ, A TV. AND A BIG TABLE.
Maid: The dinner is ready! Do you wanna eat at this table?
Kate: No, not yet! Alfred isn’t here!
Maid: Allright!
Kate: Not again! He is late, very late! Why does he do this, John? Why?
John: Calm down! Thank God he’s not here! I’ve more time to be with you!
Sound Effect: Kisses
Kate: Don’t do that! Someday he’ll catch us!
John: I don’t care! I love you! And y’know, you’re not my mother!
Kate: OK! But this is not right, innit? I’m sure this will not have a happy ending!
John: Don’t be so hard on me! Don’t think about him! Think about us! Think about our love!
Kate: Do you love me?
John: Yeah! Y’know, since you’ve been here!
Kate: But you were a child, you didn’t know what love meant!
John: Yes, I did! But I was afraid to tell you my true feelings!
Kate: And why are you with Martha?
4/20/2008
Love and Infidelity 3
John: Erm, well, to forget you! I thought you never loved me, but now I know I was wrong!
Kate: Yes, I love you! You’re not like your father! You treat me like a real woman! Have you phoned Martha?
John: No! I sent her an sms to dinner with us and y’know, to tell her that I don’t wanna spend my days with her!
Kate: Oh, please! Don’t talk about us! First, we have to talk with your father about our relationship!
SOUND EFFECT: THE DOOR BELL, DOOR IS OPEN.
Alfred: Good evening! How are you?
Kate/John: Fine and you?
Alfred: I’m ok. So, is the dinner ready?
Kate: Yes! Do you wanna have it?
Alfred: Not yet! I’m going to the library to phone a client!
SOUND EFFECT: THE DOOR BELL, DOOR IS OPEN.
Marta: Hello!
John: Hey Martha!
Martha: Can I talk to you in private?
John: Ok.
SCENE: KITCHEN BACKGROUND, WITH A TABLE, CHAIRS, ETC.
John: Well, what you wanna to talk with me?
Martha: So, y’know that I’m feeling that you don’t love me anymore.
John: That’s not true! I love you!
4/20/2008
Love and Infidelity 4
Martha: You’re a liar! I think you love someone else! Much older than me, erm… and much older than you!
John: Calm down, ok? Believe me, I don’t love an older woman, I love you!
Martha: Ok! So, make me believe what you’ve said! Will you let me see your mobile phone?
John: Ok! See!
SCENE: LIVING ROOM BACKGROUND, WITH TWO BIG CHAIRS, A SOFÁ, A TV AND A BIG TABLE.
John: Uff! Martha is really mad! I can’t tell her that I don’t love her anymore!
Kate: What? What is going on with you?
John: I can’t! Oh! I love you Kate!
SOUND EFFECT: KISSES, SOMEONE RUNS.
SCENE: LIBRARY BACKGROUND, WITH A BIG CHAIR, A TABLE, BOOKS AND A PHONE.
Martha: Alfred! Alfred! I saw! They were kissing! They’re so in love!
Alfred: Who? Who was kissing?
Martha: They! Y’know! Your son!
Alfred: And? Who is kissing my son?
Martha: Your wife! They were kissing! I knew it he was betraying me!
Alfred: I can’t believe it! Call him immediately!
Martha: What are you gonna to do?
Alfred: Go!
SCENE: LIVING ROOM BACKGROUND.
4/20/2008
Love and Infidelity 5
Martha: John your dad is waiting for you in the library.
John: He is? What does he want from me?
SCENE: LIBRARY BACKGROUND.
John: Hey dad! What’s the matter?
Alfred: What’s the matter? What’s the matter?
John: Chill out, will ya?
Alfred: You’ve betrayed me! You’ve been with my wife!
John: What? Who told you that?
Alfred: Who? Your beloved girlfriend, Martha! She saw everything! Your kisses and your “I love you!”!
John: Kate doesn’t love you! She loves me! I make her a true woman and you don’t!
Alfred: Oh! I don’t! And you’ll not love her anymore!
SOUND EFFECT: A SHOT.
Kate: What has happened? Oh my God! What have you done! He’s your son! Why? Why?
Alfred: Why? HAHAHA! You had a relationship with him, so he betrayed me! And he deserves to die! HAHAHA!
Kate: No! You’re a monster! You don’t love anybody, not even yourself!
Martha: What happened? OH! What have I done! Alfred, why did you do that?
Kate: Oh! You told Alfred about our relationship! Now John is dead! Are you happy?
Martha: No! I’ll call the police and tell everything!
Kate: Ah! But now it is too late! Our love is dead and Alfred is mentally ill!
4/20/2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
ASSIGNMENT THREE - SCRIPTWRITING AND SYNOPSIS
David Douwens de Sousa Craveiro Baptista 22601
It is the new millennium, with all its fashions and trends, which is a constant in the lives of this peculiar couple. Twenty years separating them, and different eras acting on their lives unbalance the scales of their lives that they so eagerly seek to keep balanced. Without regarding consequences, he throws himself into an endless chain of betrayal with the most unexpected of people―another man. Suspicious, she seeks the truth. In spite of the fact that she loves him, revenge is all that runs through her mind after being deceived.
A few minutes later, he arrives.
RACHEL ― Great, thank you very much!
RALPH ― Honey, are you upset?
RACHEL ― Of course not. I’ve told you already I’m doing great, for heaven’s sake!
RALPH ― Doesn’t look like it to me.
RACHEL ― Oh…Is that so?
RALPH ― Yeah.
RACHEL ― Whatever… (Loathing him and with an ironic tone on her voice) Too much work, eh?
RALPH ― What?
RACHEL ―
RALPH ― Oh…Yeah, I’m dead tired.
RACHEL ― Dead tired, eh? (Stressing the word ‘dead’)
RALPH ― Yeah, it was killing…
RACHEL ― You’re getting tired a lot these days… and getting home late…
RALPH ― What do you want me to do? (Stares at the mirror) Gosh, I look terrible! I think I’ll shower.
(A couple of minutes later)
RALPH ― Ah!!! (Yelling) The water is freaking cold.
RACHEL ― (Whispering) Is that so? Serves you right.
RALPH ― (Leaving bathroom) That was terrible!
RACHEL ― (Turning the gas back on) Well, it is working…you know, the gas.
RALPH ― Bah… Nevermind. I’ll give it a look later on. Is dinner ready?
RACHEL ― Well, sure, but I’ve had mine already. You weren’t really expecting me to wait while you were living your life your own way, were you?
RALPH ― What are you talking about?
RACHEL ― You know damn well what I’m talking about! Having you coming home late nearly every single day! This is no hotel you can check in or out whenever you want!
RALPH―But…Honey…So much…
RACHEL ― (Interrupting) Work? Right, I’ve heard it all.
RALPH―What about it? Someone has to raise money for this family.
RACHEL ― Family? Money? We have enough money for the rest of our lives, you know… and Family? We can hardly consider ourselves a family.
RALPH ― Why do you say that?
RACHEL ― Well, it ain’t like you’re really fond of me, is it?
RALPH ― But…Of course I do! I love you, sweetheart!
What’s with this conversation?
RACHEL ― Playing dumb, eh?
RALPH ― Well, how can I? I have no idea what you’re talking about…
RACHEL ― So… you have nothing you need to tell me about?
RALPH ― Should I, though?
RACHEL ― You gotta be kidding me!
RALPH ― Erm…No.
RACHEL ― Ralph, (Irony flowing through her voice) honey, I know about everything… you know… your affair…
RALPH ― Affair? Have you forgotten your pills, or what? Are you going beserk?
RACHEL ― Oh…Yes, sir! (Trying to look mental) All these nights seeing you come home late? What do you take me for? Some whore you can shag whenever you feel like it? Please…PLEASE don’t tell me you actually thought I was naïve enough not to notice it!!!
RALPH ― You’re crazy, I say…erm… You’re definately out of your mind!
RACHEL ― Right! Madness… So, the man I saw you with last night was just my imagination.
RALPH ― You’re insane! Of… Of course it was! Erm… I’m very macho! I’m no fag!
RACHEL ― Are you sure? ‘Coz I believe I saw that very same man in a hotel with you the night before… and guess what? (Closing on him) He certainly looked like Raphael, your bloody assistant.
RALPH ― I’m telling you. It was work that kept my hands busy… and I was a bit pushed for time…so I decided to finish it, which took a while.
RACHEL ― Ok, then (backs away from him ― then towards the entrance hall)
RALPH ― What’s up with you today? Where are you going?
RACHEL ― I’ll be right back, honey. (She stresses this last word rather sarcastically)
(She then grabs a revolver from a drawer)
RALPH ― Erm…What?! (Surprised) What on earth do you think you’re doing? Put that thing down! Are you mad? (She gets closer, as she points it right to his head) I’m…I’m…innocent.
RACHEL ― Sure you are. So… you have no involvements with him, whatsoever?
RALPH ― Please! Darling! Honey! Of course not…
RACHEL ― Oh… I get it. (Raising her tone) So… I’m the liar here, eh?
RALPH ― No, you’re…maybe you’ve mistaken me for someone else…
RACHEL ― Mistaken!? (Shots between his legs ― (He trembles all over) I can recognize my husband when I see him, you worthless piece of shit!
RALPH ― I would never betray you! (Tears falling down his cheeks) I’m no homo…
RACHEL ― (Silence spread across the living room after a loud bang from the revolver. Ralph’s body lay still) Killing, eh? You never mentioned about me ever being killing… (Blows the smoke from the revolver).
Friday, May 16, 2008
Criminal Technology
Criminal Technology
Criminal technology is a play written by Celina Martins in 2008. The play, as far as the genre is concerned, is a play where love, betrayal and crime are joined together, giving the reader a complete sensation of the tragic environment which is about to put an end to all the romance, though naïve, felt throughout the play.
Caroline, the wife of a rich man, owner of a chain of Hotels, finds herself in a loving triangle which turns out to be dangerous and consequently deadly. Full of feeling, passion and revenge, the play invites at any level, in a tremendous drama.
Characters:
Caroline Thompson, wife
Otto Thompson, husband
Jack Wallace, the car park attendant
Cassandra, Caroline’s friend
Nancy Perez, a maid
I Scene (One of Mr. Thompson’s Hotel rooms in Los Angeles. Mr. Thompson, an old, reddish and powerful man of about 55, is the owner of a large chain of Hotels, where he remains the majority of the time. The room is large and cosy. Between two windows there is a fireplace made of marble and right in front of it a potent bed is positioned. Otto Thompson is about to finish tidying up his red streaky tie which matches his black costume and white shirt, while he glimpses his wife. Caroline, a beautiful young woman nearly 23 whose distant eye’s expression seem to speak of the emptiness of her heart is dragged to reality by a sudden hope when she hears the constant comments of her husband)
Otto (nervously looks at the time): I’m already late! Damn these maids! Why can’t they just call someone when they are supposed to? Is that so hard to do? For God sake! The plane is not going to wait for me! (Suddenly stops and looks at Caroline) Are you awake? I’m sorry if I interrupted you! (Cynically)
Caroline: Oh, I was already awake (coldly) That’s fine. By the way, what is that you were saying? You’re leaving? (A fill of hope invades her heart)
Otto: Supposedly I am! The flight is within an hour and I’m still here! Caroline, did you hear me? Oh, I need to call reception. Hope my car is already ready to depart. (He calls reception. While he answers back to one of his employees on the phone, Caroline is full of joy. She tries to hide the smile that suddenly emerges on her face). Well, my dear wife, fortunately everything is set! You know how business works. I’m about to close a very important contract! It’s our big chance to invest in Brazil. I feel so guilty by leaving you here alone… (He leans and kisses her on her face)
Caroline: Oh, do not bother about me! I’ll be fine! Look, I’ll stay here and I promise you I can handle all this here. You see, I’ll be checking up all the details of the Hotel, ok? Oh, you see? I can even pass by the administration department just to see how they’re getting on. I’m so used to seeing you doing this that I got the hang of all this constant process. (He seems suspicious and does not move) Don’t you trust me?
Otto: Honey, it is not that! You see…this requires a lot of efficiency, care and...(tries to find the exact word) KNOWLEDGE! You have none of these things!
Caroline: (Offended) Well, I might never have studied, but one thing I know for sure! Are you ready to leave the management of these Hotels to your stingy, fibbing rude friend? He’s not reliable! Remember the last time he tried to cheat on you in order to get rid of you? Do you call him a friend? (she emphasizes this last word ) Besides, he seems not to understand a piece of the functions here! Better your wife than him, don’t you think? (he looks petrified) Come on! I’ll call you as soon as I detect anything wrong, alright? Let me take the responsibilities! (he does not react) Oh Otto! Don’t you have a flight to catch? (She gets impatient)
Otto (comes down to Earth): Of course! Do I have any choice? Whatever! Please, please, please, call me if anything comes up! I might have gone nuts by leaving you responsible of these matters! (He leaves rapidly. 5 minutes later, Caroline sees him getting into the car and departing. A sudden feeling of joyfulness fills into her heart)
Caroline: Oh! This is our opportunity my love! You and I…finally together! Oh, I can hardly wait! (She rushes to her cell-phone. She dials Jack’s number. Her heart beats frenetically. A very firm, agreeable voice picks up the phone. It’s him.) This is it! He’s gone! We’re safe! Trust me! (silence) What? Are you sure? Oh, this is great news! When and where can we meet? Oh, I miss you so much!
II Scene (Caroline walks impatiently around the Hotel room. An hour has passed since Otto left. Outside, what seemed to become a splendid sunny day turns out to be a cloudy and rainy day. Caroline experiences some shivers. She runs towards the windows to close them. Immediately she shudders by feeling someone grabbing her without noticing. Her heart bursts)
Jack (joking): Do not fear young lady! Your prince charming has just arrived to save you from the hands of the terrible lord who keeps you away from the light of day, in others words: from me! (Caroline smiles and kisses him over and over again).
Caroline: Oh, you silly one! You scared me to death! I thought he had come back, you know? Thought he hadn’t made it! Well, it doesn’t matter! You’re here! Did anyone see you? Is anyone replacing you?
Jack: Yeah, everything’s alright. I told Joe I was feeling a bit dizzy. He suspected nothing. Anyway, there’s not a lot of movement today. Parking can surely wait. I wanted to be with you!
Caroline: I don’t even want to imagine what Otto would do if he found both of us out! You don’t even know what I’ve been going through in my dreams…I mean…nightmares. He’s always there spying on us. His eyes full of anger follow us everywhere. Even in my mind he’s present. Even my only place of liberty and love lets me down! (The tone of her voice grows distressed)
Jack (stunned) Hush, hush, Caroline! What are you saying? Calm down. I cannot bear seeing you like this. I’m here next to you, aren’t I? Nothing can harm you. Mind you, we’re being really careful on this. We’ve been seeing each other for 2 months. No one has ever discovered us…(she interrupts him)
Caroline: …yet! Oh, I fear so badly! Otto is capable of many things. I know him. He might seem a bit dumb, but that is just a trick of his! Seriously! Once he gets the chance…he smashes everyone who gets in his way! (She starts weeping) I don’t want to lose you Jack!
Jack: Caroline, stop it! (He embraces her) I can promise you right here (he looks deeply into her eyes) that once I feel the right time coming we’ll get away from here! We’ll start a new life. My old uncle has a beautiful house in Europe. I’m sure he doesn’t mind receiving us there! Oh, I’ve told him so much about you, Caroline. He is dying to meet you! (His eyes sparkle. Caroline sketches a smile)
Caroline: That would be a dream coming true! I want to be free, Jack. Far away from the world of business, away from the world of corruption. When can we go to Europe Jack? When? (Caroline is overcome by childish behaviour)
Jack: I’m not sure yet. All I can tell you is that I’m giving my best. You see, this is not easy as counting 1, 2, 3 Caroline. We need to plan it really well. We can’t do it alone though. I’m afraid to admit we need an accomplice, but Caroline, people are so hard to be trustworthy!
Caroline: But we have one! My old friend Cassandra!
Jack: I don’t know, Caroline.
Caroline: What? You don’t even know her! She’s so kind! She’s always helped me in everything. She’s never disappointed me. She knows our friendship is everything to me. Jack, to see us happy…she’ll do the whole thing to see us together. I can’t bear all this hidden life. We need to risk it. (She caresses Jack’s face)
Jack (he hastily stands back): What if doesn’t work out?
Caroline (optimistically): Let me talk to Cassandra, alright?
Jack: Okay…meanwhile I’m going to talk with my uncle. The day is near Caroline. You have no idea, my love. (She hastens to his neck and they embrace each other)
Scene III (Caroline walks rapidly towards Cassandra’s office. Cassandra, a tall, slim woman of about 30, blonde and green eyes is sat at her desk talking to herself. She’s so stressed out, looking at the computer, that she doesn’t even notice Caroline knocking. Caroline enters carefully).
Cassandra: (high-pitched voice): Caroline, dear! Thank God you’re here! Oh, please call Otto for me! I just received some important phone calls. Two clients are unsatisfied with out services! Caroline! Our services are considered to be the best! What am I supposed to do?
Caroline (a bit lost): Otto’s not here. He went on a trip.
Cassandra (astonished): Travelling? Well that is a surprise. Why didn’t he warn me? What a lack of respect! (Gets angry) Am I to do all the hard work alone? (Silence. Caroline doesn’t know what to say) For God sake! Where did he go?
Caroline: Oh, now that you ask, I don’t even have a clue. He was already late. He hasn’t even told me how long he’d be away! (Caroline seems worried by this sudden reality. Cassandra gets cranky). But hey, he let me the organization of the Hotel. I’m so used to living from Hotel to Hotel that I can handle it.
Cassandra: Luckily you’ve always been a very good observer…(She doesn’t seem very convinced)
Caroline: Cassandra, I need to ask you a favour…
Cassandra: If I could help…
Caroline: I hope so. You see…I mean…remember the car park attendant?
Cassandra: Hmmm…which one? There are plenty of them in this Hotel, you know?
Caroline: A boy…a very handsome one, actually…
Cassandra: My lucky rascal! Come on, tell me!
Caroline: Jack Wallace! (she immediately blushes)
Cassandra: Hmmm…I guess I see the whole thing.
Caroline: Er…you do?
Cassandra: Yeah. Why would you be blushing anyway? (She starts a never-ending speech). Dear, you should have talked to me! Oh, does Otto know?
Caroline: well…
Cassandra (interrupting her): How long have we been friends? Six years or so? Come on little Caroline! Tell me, what’s up? Oh, the boy took your heart with him? Then you completely fell in love with him, right? (pause) Oh my God Caroline! How long have you been seeing each other? How come I’ve never found out before? Oh, this is more delicate than I thought! You, poor things need my entire help! I know the boy is poor and all that stuff, but love always conquers all, doesn’t it? I’m sure you’re totally ready to leave all this boring life behind in order to be happy for the rest of your life! Am I wrong my dear Caroline? Please, tell me I’m not!
Caroline (takes a deep breathe after this bombarding): Wow…Cassandra, you’re really good at this! I don’t even know what to say!
Cassandra: Don’t say anything sweetheart! Everything is under control!
Caroline: Otto ought to be unaware of this! Did you hear me? Ignorance is bliss! We’re safe as long as he doesn’t know!
Cassandra: Oh no, no, huney! Gosh! Of course! That would be the end of the world! Just relax!
Caroline: Cassandra, the most difficult part is about to come.
Cassandra: What is it dear?
Caroline: He told me he was about to offer us a new life, far away from here…in Europe to be more precisely.
Cassandra: Oh! That is tremendous! Europe! I’ve always wanted to live there! I don’t know if I ever told you, but I’ve been in Paris and Rome and just fell in love with it! Where would you stay then?
Caroline: At his uncle’s house, but he didn’t specify where.
Cassandra: That’s fine Caroline. You have my word, I’ll help you out here (Cassandra gives Caroline both her hands)
IV Scene (Six days have passed since the big revelation made by Caroline. We’re in the Hotel room. Caroline is about to make the list of the most essential things she needs to take with her for the big day. She feels it’s time. Up there night is not afraid to show the millions of beautiful shiny stars. Someone knocks at the door calmly. Caroline answers with a very sticky voice)
Caroline: Who is it?
Nancy Perez: It’s me madam, Nancy. (Caroline quickly hides her list)
Caroline: Oh, come in Nancy.
Nancy: I’m sorry to interrupt you madam, but Mrs Cassandra asked me to deliver you this note.
Caroline: What is it Nancy?
Nancy: I don’t know madam. It’s not of my business (she blushes)
Caroline: That’s fine Nancy. Thank you very much. You may go (Caroline starts reading the note, but she’s interrupted)
Nancy: Er…madam?
Caroline: Yes?
Nancy: I know I shouldn’t say it, but the rest of the personnel and I reckon that we haven’t been well paid lately. I know the madam has always been good to me, but I felt like I had to express my thoughts about this matter…Some queer times are going on here. I’m sorry to ask you…is that the reason why your husband left?
Caroline: That’s enough Nancy! You’re being a bit bold, aren’t you? We’ve always done the best we could to treat you well. Do you have anything to claim?
Nancy: No, madam…but we all think that…
Caroline: Stop it Nancy! We’ll take care of it, alright? In time you’ll have the rest of the cash. You have my word. Ok?
Nancy: I trust you madam. Thank you. I apologise for the inconvenience…(Nancy leaves. Cassandra makes sure she’s alone to read the note: “My little Caroline, I talked to him. He seemed a bit on the defence, but I assured him I was here to make the good role for you. He’ll be with you tonight about 11h00 pm. Make sure you’re alone. I guess he has something to tell you. If you need anything, you know where I am! Love, Cassandra”. Caroline lays on the bed day-dreaming. An hour later, she hears steps on the corridor. It’s him! She rushes to the door)
Jack: Caroline! I need to be quick! (He kisses her) Cassandra told me she has a car waiting for us tomorrow night. Plus, I talked to my uncle 4 days ago. He has already booked the flight tickets! Our time has come sweetheart!
Caroline: Oh, I can’t believe it! I’m so glad! I’ve already started to make the list of things.
Jack: Pragmatic as always (they laugh. They’re so distracted they don’t even notice Nancy behind the door taping all their conversation through video. She leaves slyly with a triumphal look)
V Scene (Cassandra phones Otto from her office. The tone of her voice is extremely cynical): Otto, baby? Oh, I don’t even know how to tell you this…
Otto: What is it princess? You seem a bit worried…
Cassandra: I am baby! It seems that besides some details here at the Hotel concerning clients, you’ll come across another issue, bigger than these I just mentioned
…Oh, I feel so sorry for you!
Otto: Just get straight to the point, will you?
Cassandra: Oh, We’ll finally be together!
Otto: What is that you’re talking about?
Cassandra: You’re “beloved” wife has just been cheating on you right in front of your nose. You’re going to tell me you’ve never noticed?
Otto: Are you sure? Who is the bloody idiot sweetie? Who is it?
Cassandra: Jack Wallace, the car park attendant!
Otto: Arhg! I should have guessed! He spent about a week pestering around my wife and by the time I didn’t even pay attention! I thought he was begging for more money. They’re poor and thankless! After everything we do for all of them! Cassy, are you really sure about this information?
Cassandra: Calm down dear! Of course I am! It’s a reliable source. You wanna see? (Cassandra sends by email the video confirming the two lovers)
Otto (after watching the video. Coldly): I see…My love, this is what you’re going to do. You distract Caroline tomorrow. I’m going to solve this in my own way. I’m taking the next flight back there. You just keep your mouth shut.
VI Scene: (The next day, the big moment is about to come. Caroline and Jack are about to finish packing. They’re nervous and anxious)
Jack: We’re going in my car. You know it, right?
Caroline: Of course honey. I don’t care! We could even go on foot, as long as I’m with you! (She smiles)
Jack: is everything set?
Caroline: yeah! Let me just…(someone knocks at the door. Jack opens it)
Cassandra: Oh, I see you’re almost ready! Caroline, dear, I need to talk to you. Is that ok?
Caroline: Sure Cassandra! Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us! For your sympathy and care! But you need to be quick! Time is lacking!
Cassandra: Sure, sure! Just come with me quickly! I need to give you something. (Looking to Jack) I don’t know if I’ll see you again so…good luck dear!
Jack: Thanks Cassandra…for everything!
VII Scene (Cassandra leads Caroline to her office. Caroline freezes from head to toe when seeing Nancy Perez sat at Cassandra’s working desk listening over and over again to the video about Caroline and Jack. Caroline looks immediately at Cassandra)
Caroline: What is going on here Cassandra? (she does not answer. Caroline seeks Nancy’s eyes) Nancy? Will you please explain it to me? What is this game about?
Nancy: Oh, I’m sorry “madam” (she accents the word). But you see, that is so rude of you. Leaving all your life behind and breaking your promises? Money does not fall from trees! (Caroline is petrified)
Caroline: How dare you?
Nancy: The same way as you dared cheating on your husband and the running way. What an excellent plan madam!
Caroline: Cassandra, do something! (Cassandra limits herself to watching the whole scene) Cassandra! I thought we were friends! (An unexpected voice enters the office)
Otto: Hello pumpkin! I guess you’re beloved Jack is about to leave you…
Caroline: You! What have you done to him?
Otto: Oh, nothing! Why do you always take me so wrong dear? Tonight you’re staying here with me! (He grabs her hurting her arms) Let him wait!
Caroline: Leave me alone! (She hits him. He lets her go. She runs downstairs. She reaches the car park. Otto and Cassandra follow her. She gets into Jack’s car)
Caroline (screaming): Go Jack! Give the ignition! They’re coming after us! Finally we’ll be free! I love you so much! (Those were her last words, for at the first corner, the car suffers a head-on collision with a truck. After the terrible news, Cassandra appears at Otto’s room)
Cassandra: Heard the news?
Otto (without reaction): Yeah
Cassandra: Have nothing to say?
Otto: I killed them both. Revenge is a terrible feeling my love. I just wanted to punish her…not killing her…(he seems to talk without feeling it)
Cassandra: That’s all my fault…
Otto: Why?
Cassandra: I betrayed my best friend just to be with you. I was responsible for her death.
Otto: You’re fired.
Cassandra: Fair enough. (She can’t hold a tear) What about the little maid?
Otto: Just leave immediately out of my way! (He shouts at her. She glimpses him for the last time and finally leaves forever. 20 minutes later an ambulance arrives at the Hotel. A bunch of people circles a dead body belonging to a beautiful blonde woman right at the back of the Hotel)
Otto: (when hearing the news): WOMEN! You all may burn in HELL!
Criminal technology is a play written by Celina Martins in 2008. The play, as far as the genre is concerned, is a play where love, betrayal and crime are joined together, giving the reader a complete sensation of the tragic environment which is about to put an end to all the romance, though naïve, felt throughout the play.
Caroline, the wife of a rich man, owner of a chain of Hotels, finds herself in a loving triangle which turns out to be dangerous and consequently deadly. Full of feeling, passion and revenge, the play invites at any level, in a tremendous drama.
Characters:
Caroline Thompson, wife
Otto Thompson, husband
Jack Wallace, the car park attendant
Cassandra, Caroline’s friend
Nancy Perez, a maid
I Scene (One of Mr. Thompson’s Hotel rooms in Los Angeles. Mr. Thompson, an old, reddish and powerful man of about 55, is the owner of a large chain of Hotels, where he remains the majority of the time. The room is large and cosy. Between two windows there is a fireplace made of marble and right in front of it a potent bed is positioned. Otto Thompson is about to finish tidying up his red streaky tie which matches his black costume and white shirt, while he glimpses his wife. Caroline, a beautiful young woman nearly 23 whose distant eye’s expression seem to speak of the emptiness of her heart is dragged to reality by a sudden hope when she hears the constant comments of her husband)
Otto (nervously looks at the time): I’m already late! Damn these maids! Why can’t they just call someone when they are supposed to? Is that so hard to do? For God sake! The plane is not going to wait for me! (Suddenly stops and looks at Caroline) Are you awake? I’m sorry if I interrupted you! (Cynically)
Caroline: Oh, I was already awake (coldly) That’s fine. By the way, what is that you were saying? You’re leaving? (A fill of hope invades her heart)
Otto: Supposedly I am! The flight is within an hour and I’m still here! Caroline, did you hear me? Oh, I need to call reception. Hope my car is already ready to depart. (He calls reception. While he answers back to one of his employees on the phone, Caroline is full of joy. She tries to hide the smile that suddenly emerges on her face). Well, my dear wife, fortunately everything is set! You know how business works. I’m about to close a very important contract! It’s our big chance to invest in Brazil. I feel so guilty by leaving you here alone… (He leans and kisses her on her face)
Caroline: Oh, do not bother about me! I’ll be fine! Look, I’ll stay here and I promise you I can handle all this here. You see, I’ll be checking up all the details of the Hotel, ok? Oh, you see? I can even pass by the administration department just to see how they’re getting on. I’m so used to seeing you doing this that I got the hang of all this constant process. (He seems suspicious and does not move) Don’t you trust me?
Otto: Honey, it is not that! You see…this requires a lot of efficiency, care and...(tries to find the exact word) KNOWLEDGE! You have none of these things!
Caroline: (Offended) Well, I might never have studied, but one thing I know for sure! Are you ready to leave the management of these Hotels to your stingy, fibbing rude friend? He’s not reliable! Remember the last time he tried to cheat on you in order to get rid of you? Do you call him a friend? (she emphasizes this last word ) Besides, he seems not to understand a piece of the functions here! Better your wife than him, don’t you think? (he looks petrified) Come on! I’ll call you as soon as I detect anything wrong, alright? Let me take the responsibilities! (he does not react) Oh Otto! Don’t you have a flight to catch? (She gets impatient)
Otto (comes down to Earth): Of course! Do I have any choice? Whatever! Please, please, please, call me if anything comes up! I might have gone nuts by leaving you responsible of these matters! (He leaves rapidly. 5 minutes later, Caroline sees him getting into the car and departing. A sudden feeling of joyfulness fills into her heart)
Caroline: Oh! This is our opportunity my love! You and I…finally together! Oh, I can hardly wait! (She rushes to her cell-phone. She dials Jack’s number. Her heart beats frenetically. A very firm, agreeable voice picks up the phone. It’s him.) This is it! He’s gone! We’re safe! Trust me! (silence) What? Are you sure? Oh, this is great news! When and where can we meet? Oh, I miss you so much!
II Scene (Caroline walks impatiently around the Hotel room. An hour has passed since Otto left. Outside, what seemed to become a splendid sunny day turns out to be a cloudy and rainy day. Caroline experiences some shivers. She runs towards the windows to close them. Immediately she shudders by feeling someone grabbing her without noticing. Her heart bursts)
Jack (joking): Do not fear young lady! Your prince charming has just arrived to save you from the hands of the terrible lord who keeps you away from the light of day, in others words: from me! (Caroline smiles and kisses him over and over again).
Caroline: Oh, you silly one! You scared me to death! I thought he had come back, you know? Thought he hadn’t made it! Well, it doesn’t matter! You’re here! Did anyone see you? Is anyone replacing you?
Jack: Yeah, everything’s alright. I told Joe I was feeling a bit dizzy. He suspected nothing. Anyway, there’s not a lot of movement today. Parking can surely wait. I wanted to be with you!
Caroline: I don’t even want to imagine what Otto would do if he found both of us out! You don’t even know what I’ve been going through in my dreams…I mean…nightmares. He’s always there spying on us. His eyes full of anger follow us everywhere. Even in my mind he’s present. Even my only place of liberty and love lets me down! (The tone of her voice grows distressed)
Jack (stunned) Hush, hush, Caroline! What are you saying? Calm down. I cannot bear seeing you like this. I’m here next to you, aren’t I? Nothing can harm you. Mind you, we’re being really careful on this. We’ve been seeing each other for 2 months. No one has ever discovered us…(she interrupts him)
Caroline: …yet! Oh, I fear so badly! Otto is capable of many things. I know him. He might seem a bit dumb, but that is just a trick of his! Seriously! Once he gets the chance…he smashes everyone who gets in his way! (She starts weeping) I don’t want to lose you Jack!
Jack: Caroline, stop it! (He embraces her) I can promise you right here (he looks deeply into her eyes) that once I feel the right time coming we’ll get away from here! We’ll start a new life. My old uncle has a beautiful house in Europe. I’m sure he doesn’t mind receiving us there! Oh, I’ve told him so much about you, Caroline. He is dying to meet you! (His eyes sparkle. Caroline sketches a smile)
Caroline: That would be a dream coming true! I want to be free, Jack. Far away from the world of business, away from the world of corruption. When can we go to Europe Jack? When? (Caroline is overcome by childish behaviour)
Jack: I’m not sure yet. All I can tell you is that I’m giving my best. You see, this is not easy as counting 1, 2, 3 Caroline. We need to plan it really well. We can’t do it alone though. I’m afraid to admit we need an accomplice, but Caroline, people are so hard to be trustworthy!
Caroline: But we have one! My old friend Cassandra!
Jack: I don’t know, Caroline.
Caroline: What? You don’t even know her! She’s so kind! She’s always helped me in everything. She’s never disappointed me. She knows our friendship is everything to me. Jack, to see us happy…she’ll do the whole thing to see us together. I can’t bear all this hidden life. We need to risk it. (She caresses Jack’s face)
Jack (he hastily stands back): What if doesn’t work out?
Caroline (optimistically): Let me talk to Cassandra, alright?
Jack: Okay…meanwhile I’m going to talk with my uncle. The day is near Caroline. You have no idea, my love. (She hastens to his neck and they embrace each other)
Scene III (Caroline walks rapidly towards Cassandra’s office. Cassandra, a tall, slim woman of about 30, blonde and green eyes is sat at her desk talking to herself. She’s so stressed out, looking at the computer, that she doesn’t even notice Caroline knocking. Caroline enters carefully).
Cassandra: (high-pitched voice): Caroline, dear! Thank God you’re here! Oh, please call Otto for me! I just received some important phone calls. Two clients are unsatisfied with out services! Caroline! Our services are considered to be the best! What am I supposed to do?
Caroline (a bit lost): Otto’s not here. He went on a trip.
Cassandra (astonished): Travelling? Well that is a surprise. Why didn’t he warn me? What a lack of respect! (Gets angry) Am I to do all the hard work alone? (Silence. Caroline doesn’t know what to say) For God sake! Where did he go?
Caroline: Oh, now that you ask, I don’t even have a clue. He was already late. He hasn’t even told me how long he’d be away! (Caroline seems worried by this sudden reality. Cassandra gets cranky). But hey, he let me the organization of the Hotel. I’m so used to living from Hotel to Hotel that I can handle it.
Cassandra: Luckily you’ve always been a very good observer…(She doesn’t seem very convinced)
Caroline: Cassandra, I need to ask you a favour…
Cassandra: If I could help…
Caroline: I hope so. You see…I mean…remember the car park attendant?
Cassandra: Hmmm…which one? There are plenty of them in this Hotel, you know?
Caroline: A boy…a very handsome one, actually…
Cassandra: My lucky rascal! Come on, tell me!
Caroline: Jack Wallace! (she immediately blushes)
Cassandra: Hmmm…I guess I see the whole thing.
Caroline: Er…you do?
Cassandra: Yeah. Why would you be blushing anyway? (She starts a never-ending speech). Dear, you should have talked to me! Oh, does Otto know?
Caroline: well…
Cassandra (interrupting her): How long have we been friends? Six years or so? Come on little Caroline! Tell me, what’s up? Oh, the boy took your heart with him? Then you completely fell in love with him, right? (pause) Oh my God Caroline! How long have you been seeing each other? How come I’ve never found out before? Oh, this is more delicate than I thought! You, poor things need my entire help! I know the boy is poor and all that stuff, but love always conquers all, doesn’t it? I’m sure you’re totally ready to leave all this boring life behind in order to be happy for the rest of your life! Am I wrong my dear Caroline? Please, tell me I’m not!
Caroline (takes a deep breathe after this bombarding): Wow…Cassandra, you’re really good at this! I don’t even know what to say!
Cassandra: Don’t say anything sweetheart! Everything is under control!
Caroline: Otto ought to be unaware of this! Did you hear me? Ignorance is bliss! We’re safe as long as he doesn’t know!
Cassandra: Oh no, no, huney! Gosh! Of course! That would be the end of the world! Just relax!
Caroline: Cassandra, the most difficult part is about to come.
Cassandra: What is it dear?
Caroline: He told me he was about to offer us a new life, far away from here…in Europe to be more precisely.
Cassandra: Oh! That is tremendous! Europe! I’ve always wanted to live there! I don’t know if I ever told you, but I’ve been in Paris and Rome and just fell in love with it! Where would you stay then?
Caroline: At his uncle’s house, but he didn’t specify where.
Cassandra: That’s fine Caroline. You have my word, I’ll help you out here (Cassandra gives Caroline both her hands)
IV Scene (Six days have passed since the big revelation made by Caroline. We’re in the Hotel room. Caroline is about to make the list of the most essential things she needs to take with her for the big day. She feels it’s time. Up there night is not afraid to show the millions of beautiful shiny stars. Someone knocks at the door calmly. Caroline answers with a very sticky voice)
Caroline: Who is it?
Nancy Perez: It’s me madam, Nancy. (Caroline quickly hides her list)
Caroline: Oh, come in Nancy.
Nancy: I’m sorry to interrupt you madam, but Mrs Cassandra asked me to deliver you this note.
Caroline: What is it Nancy?
Nancy: I don’t know madam. It’s not of my business (she blushes)
Caroline: That’s fine Nancy. Thank you very much. You may go (Caroline starts reading the note, but she’s interrupted)
Nancy: Er…madam?
Caroline: Yes?
Nancy: I know I shouldn’t say it, but the rest of the personnel and I reckon that we haven’t been well paid lately. I know the madam has always been good to me, but I felt like I had to express my thoughts about this matter…Some queer times are going on here. I’m sorry to ask you…is that the reason why your husband left?
Caroline: That’s enough Nancy! You’re being a bit bold, aren’t you? We’ve always done the best we could to treat you well. Do you have anything to claim?
Nancy: No, madam…but we all think that…
Caroline: Stop it Nancy! We’ll take care of it, alright? In time you’ll have the rest of the cash. You have my word. Ok?
Nancy: I trust you madam. Thank you. I apologise for the inconvenience…(Nancy leaves. Cassandra makes sure she’s alone to read the note: “My little Caroline, I talked to him. He seemed a bit on the defence, but I assured him I was here to make the good role for you. He’ll be with you tonight about 11h00 pm. Make sure you’re alone. I guess he has something to tell you. If you need anything, you know where I am! Love, Cassandra”. Caroline lays on the bed day-dreaming. An hour later, she hears steps on the corridor. It’s him! She rushes to the door)
Jack: Caroline! I need to be quick! (He kisses her) Cassandra told me she has a car waiting for us tomorrow night. Plus, I talked to my uncle 4 days ago. He has already booked the flight tickets! Our time has come sweetheart!
Caroline: Oh, I can’t believe it! I’m so glad! I’ve already started to make the list of things.
Jack: Pragmatic as always (they laugh. They’re so distracted they don’t even notice Nancy behind the door taping all their conversation through video. She leaves slyly with a triumphal look)
V Scene (Cassandra phones Otto from her office. The tone of her voice is extremely cynical): Otto, baby? Oh, I don’t even know how to tell you this…
Otto: What is it princess? You seem a bit worried…
Cassandra: I am baby! It seems that besides some details here at the Hotel concerning clients, you’ll come across another issue, bigger than these I just mentioned
…Oh, I feel so sorry for you!
Otto: Just get straight to the point, will you?
Cassandra: Oh, We’ll finally be together!
Otto: What is that you’re talking about?
Cassandra: You’re “beloved” wife has just been cheating on you right in front of your nose. You’re going to tell me you’ve never noticed?
Otto: Are you sure? Who is the bloody idiot sweetie? Who is it?
Cassandra: Jack Wallace, the car park attendant!
Otto: Arhg! I should have guessed! He spent about a week pestering around my wife and by the time I didn’t even pay attention! I thought he was begging for more money. They’re poor and thankless! After everything we do for all of them! Cassy, are you really sure about this information?
Cassandra: Calm down dear! Of course I am! It’s a reliable source. You wanna see? (Cassandra sends by email the video confirming the two lovers)
Otto (after watching the video. Coldly): I see…My love, this is what you’re going to do. You distract Caroline tomorrow. I’m going to solve this in my own way. I’m taking the next flight back there. You just keep your mouth shut.
VI Scene: (The next day, the big moment is about to come. Caroline and Jack are about to finish packing. They’re nervous and anxious)
Jack: We’re going in my car. You know it, right?
Caroline: Of course honey. I don’t care! We could even go on foot, as long as I’m with you! (She smiles)
Jack: is everything set?
Caroline: yeah! Let me just…(someone knocks at the door. Jack opens it)
Cassandra: Oh, I see you’re almost ready! Caroline, dear, I need to talk to you. Is that ok?
Caroline: Sure Cassandra! Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us! For your sympathy and care! But you need to be quick! Time is lacking!
Cassandra: Sure, sure! Just come with me quickly! I need to give you something. (Looking to Jack) I don’t know if I’ll see you again so…good luck dear!
Jack: Thanks Cassandra…for everything!
VII Scene (Cassandra leads Caroline to her office. Caroline freezes from head to toe when seeing Nancy Perez sat at Cassandra’s working desk listening over and over again to the video about Caroline and Jack. Caroline looks immediately at Cassandra)
Caroline: What is going on here Cassandra? (she does not answer. Caroline seeks Nancy’s eyes) Nancy? Will you please explain it to me? What is this game about?
Nancy: Oh, I’m sorry “madam” (she accents the word). But you see, that is so rude of you. Leaving all your life behind and breaking your promises? Money does not fall from trees! (Caroline is petrified)
Caroline: How dare you?
Nancy: The same way as you dared cheating on your husband and the running way. What an excellent plan madam!
Caroline: Cassandra, do something! (Cassandra limits herself to watching the whole scene) Cassandra! I thought we were friends! (An unexpected voice enters the office)
Otto: Hello pumpkin! I guess you’re beloved Jack is about to leave you…
Caroline: You! What have you done to him?
Otto: Oh, nothing! Why do you always take me so wrong dear? Tonight you’re staying here with me! (He grabs her hurting her arms) Let him wait!
Caroline: Leave me alone! (She hits him. He lets her go. She runs downstairs. She reaches the car park. Otto and Cassandra follow her. She gets into Jack’s car)
Caroline (screaming): Go Jack! Give the ignition! They’re coming after us! Finally we’ll be free! I love you so much! (Those were her last words, for at the first corner, the car suffers a head-on collision with a truck. After the terrible news, Cassandra appears at Otto’s room)
Cassandra: Heard the news?
Otto (without reaction): Yeah
Cassandra: Have nothing to say?
Otto: I killed them both. Revenge is a terrible feeling my love. I just wanted to punish her…not killing her…(he seems to talk without feeling it)
Cassandra: That’s all my fault…
Otto: Why?
Cassandra: I betrayed my best friend just to be with you. I was responsible for her death.
Otto: You’re fired.
Cassandra: Fair enough. (She can’t hold a tear) What about the little maid?
Otto: Just leave immediately out of my way! (He shouts at her. She glimpses him for the last time and finally leaves forever. 20 minutes later an ambulance arrives at the Hotel. A bunch of people circles a dead body belonging to a beautiful blonde woman right at the back of the Hotel)
Otto: (when hearing the news): WOMEN! You all may burn in HELL!
Mysterious train
Hannah glanced nervously at her watch. It was 11h54 and the train for Bangalore was leaving in 6 minutes. She peered along the dimly lit platform searching for a familiar figure in faded jeans carrying a well-worn rucksack. Suddenly a cold breeze rose upon the air and evaded Hannah’s face, making her curly golden hair flutter. A queer feeling went through her entire body. “Where could he be? Time keeps on moving!” she thought while checking the environment around her. The platform was practically empty. She was alone and this bothered her. Her heart thumped more as time kept running. There were only two minutes left before departure but there was still no sign of Harry, her brother. Hannah grabbed her phone tensely. “I’m not going to miss this train for anything in this world! Why can’t that creature be on time just for once in his life?” Her anger kept rising while Hannah dialled Harry’s number. He did not pick up the phone. While Hannah muttered incomprehensible sentences to herself, she did not notice a young man drawing near her from behind. He put his hand on her shoulder. She immediately turned round at him “Harry! Where ha…?” but contained her speech. It was not Harry. This unknown young individual staring at her wearing an elegant black shirt unbuttoned to the chest and dark jeans caused a creepy impact on her. He resembled someone, but she couldn’t exactly tell. After some brief, heavy seconds, the man said:
- I’m sorry if I scared you…but I came here on purpose in order to have a word with you…
- Excuse me, but I’m afraid we haven’t really…
- Met, I know – the word “met” was emphasized – You see, I guess your brother…Harry…cannot make it on time tonight, so he asked me if I could actually accompany you during your long trip – Hannah did not react. She just stood there checking up the man’s traces. He seemed so strangely familiar to her – Hannah, isn’t it? – he asked delicately.
- Yes…but I find this quiet confusing. I don’t know you…
- Oh, I’m Harry’s friend, from University. My name’s Derick. We’re pretty close actually. I see my name has never reached your ears – He laughed freely. Hannah just smiled politely. Harry used to talk a lot about Adam and Ben, but never about this guy before her. Plus, all that conversation seemed to have some kind of irrational state. Her thoughts were interrupted by Derick’s sudden interference – Hey Hannah, the train leaves within less than a minute! Shall we get on?
- Yeah…yeah, sure – she grumbled.
Derrick helped Hannah take her package on to the train. After checking out over the carriages, they finally chose one right in the back. All of them were empty. They sat down in front of each other next to the window. Outside, the moon hid smoothly as the rain started falling with fury. Hannah shook a bit, then wrapped herself more closely. The atmosphere around them was heavy. Within some minutes, Hannah started fighting to keep her eyes open. Nobody talked. The guy just remained staring at her. Hannah kept thinking about Harry. His behaviour had been extremely suspicious. The fact that he hadn’t warned his sister worried Hannah, especially when they were close. “He could have phoned!” At this point Hannah jumped from her seat, grabbed her cell-phone and dialled her mom’s number. It was time to leave her pride behind. After the huge quarrel with her parents, she had promised herself to try live for herself without having to seek their help. Tonight it was another story. It wasn’t about her, but about her beloved brother. Nobody answered the call. Her heart beat uncontrollably. The stranger drew a smile and spoke for the first time since they were on the train:
- Is there any problem Hannah?
- Oh…nothing special…I mean…yes, there is. What did my brother tell you? He’s not answering me! My parents neither!
- Oh…I’m sure he’s alright. He is probably in a better place…
- “What do you mean…?” – She snapped.
- Oh…you know…have you ever imagined a different world…a totally different place beyond our imagination? – There was a very calm and cynical thon on his voice.
- I don’t understand your point…
- It’s pretty simple… - he stood up and locked the carriage door.
- “What are you doing?” – She instantly stood up as well. Hannah’s voice trembled – What is all this about? – He did not answer. He remained in front of the door, back to her, without even moving or making a sound. – Let me out! – She scarily demanded – “Let me out, I said!” – It was useless. Derrick turned slowly round at her. At this point her cell-phoned rang. Hannah shuddered. It was Christine. What a relief!
- “Hello? Christine? What? Why are you crying?”
- Hannah! Some terrible thing has happened! Oh my God… Hannah! – Christine was horrified and cried compulsively- Your p-parents Hannah! T-they…they’re dead! – Hannah yelled in pain. She felt her heard spinning and spinning.
- Where’s Harry, Christine?? Answer me for God Sake!
-Everyone’s dead! They’re all gone! Hannah…there was blood everywhere…Hannah…Hannah… - Hannah switched off her phone. Derrick smiled and started walking towards her. She stood back in terror.
- “Do you believe in God?” – He suddenly asked – “I presume you do by looking at your necklace. But tell me, Hannah. Why believing in a God like him? Does God want our disgrace? Does he want us to walk this bloody world alone?” – By this time, Hannah remained leant on the window. He approached her – A God that abandoned me for damn 25 years? You might not have heard about me before, but I know you Hannah… - A feeling of shock filled her body. Those blue eyes were just like her mother’s eyes. Everything started to make sense! The images of the past appeared suddenly in her mind. The image of her parents fighting about a child was clear even though she hadn’t understood anything at that time.
- You…you… - Tears started falling down.
- "Yes Hannah! They deserved it! It was their destiny for what they’ve done! Now dear sis, I guess we’re running out of time. Shall I introduce you to that mysterious world I talked to you about previously?" – By saying this, he pointed a knife at her that reflected her fear and pain. Five minutes later, a storm surrounded the train as at the same time a dreadful yelling was heard. The rain kept falling for the rest of the night.
Celina*
- I’m sorry if I scared you…but I came here on purpose in order to have a word with you…
- Excuse me, but I’m afraid we haven’t really…
- Met, I know – the word “met” was emphasized – You see, I guess your brother…Harry…cannot make it on time tonight, so he asked me if I could actually accompany you during your long trip – Hannah did not react. She just stood there checking up the man’s traces. He seemed so strangely familiar to her – Hannah, isn’t it? – he asked delicately.
- Yes…but I find this quiet confusing. I don’t know you…
- Oh, I’m Harry’s friend, from University. My name’s Derick. We’re pretty close actually. I see my name has never reached your ears – He laughed freely. Hannah just smiled politely. Harry used to talk a lot about Adam and Ben, but never about this guy before her. Plus, all that conversation seemed to have some kind of irrational state. Her thoughts were interrupted by Derick’s sudden interference – Hey Hannah, the train leaves within less than a minute! Shall we get on?
- Yeah…yeah, sure – she grumbled.
Derrick helped Hannah take her package on to the train. After checking out over the carriages, they finally chose one right in the back. All of them were empty. They sat down in front of each other next to the window. Outside, the moon hid smoothly as the rain started falling with fury. Hannah shook a bit, then wrapped herself more closely. The atmosphere around them was heavy. Within some minutes, Hannah started fighting to keep her eyes open. Nobody talked. The guy just remained staring at her. Hannah kept thinking about Harry. His behaviour had been extremely suspicious. The fact that he hadn’t warned his sister worried Hannah, especially when they were close. “He could have phoned!” At this point Hannah jumped from her seat, grabbed her cell-phone and dialled her mom’s number. It was time to leave her pride behind. After the huge quarrel with her parents, she had promised herself to try live for herself without having to seek their help. Tonight it was another story. It wasn’t about her, but about her beloved brother. Nobody answered the call. Her heart beat uncontrollably. The stranger drew a smile and spoke for the first time since they were on the train:
- Is there any problem Hannah?
- Oh…nothing special…I mean…yes, there is. What did my brother tell you? He’s not answering me! My parents neither!
- Oh…I’m sure he’s alright. He is probably in a better place…
- “What do you mean…?” – She snapped.
- Oh…you know…have you ever imagined a different world…a totally different place beyond our imagination? – There was a very calm and cynical thon on his voice.
- I don’t understand your point…
- It’s pretty simple… - he stood up and locked the carriage door.
- “What are you doing?” – She instantly stood up as well. Hannah’s voice trembled – What is all this about? – He did not answer. He remained in front of the door, back to her, without even moving or making a sound. – Let me out! – She scarily demanded – “Let me out, I said!” – It was useless. Derrick turned slowly round at her. At this point her cell-phoned rang. Hannah shuddered. It was Christine. What a relief!
- “Hello? Christine? What? Why are you crying?”
- Hannah! Some terrible thing has happened! Oh my God… Hannah! – Christine was horrified and cried compulsively- Your p-parents Hannah! T-they…they’re dead! – Hannah yelled in pain. She felt her heard spinning and spinning.
- Where’s Harry, Christine?? Answer me for God Sake!
-Everyone’s dead! They’re all gone! Hannah…there was blood everywhere…Hannah…Hannah… - Hannah switched off her phone. Derrick smiled and started walking towards her. She stood back in terror.
- “Do you believe in God?” – He suddenly asked – “I presume you do by looking at your necklace. But tell me, Hannah. Why believing in a God like him? Does God want our disgrace? Does he want us to walk this bloody world alone?” – By this time, Hannah remained leant on the window. He approached her – A God that abandoned me for damn 25 years? You might not have heard about me before, but I know you Hannah… - A feeling of shock filled her body. Those blue eyes were just like her mother’s eyes. Everything started to make sense! The images of the past appeared suddenly in her mind. The image of her parents fighting about a child was clear even though she hadn’t understood anything at that time.
- You…you… - Tears started falling down.
- "Yes Hannah! They deserved it! It was their destiny for what they’ve done! Now dear sis, I guess we’re running out of time. Shall I introduce you to that mysterious world I talked to you about previously?" – By saying this, he pointed a knife at her that reflected her fear and pain. Five minutes later, a storm surrounded the train as at the same time a dreadful yelling was heard. The rain kept falling for the rest of the night.
Celina*
Make Yourself at Home
Make Yourself at Home
What does the word “home” hold for you? The truth is that its meaning can diverge a bit depending on the cultural traces of each person and considering personal experiences that each of us possess. Therefore, the main point of the next lines is to give a general idea of what “home” actually means, having also the intention of clarifying.
To begin with, the most accessible idea we generally have nowadays of home is that it is a place where we can have our relaxed meals and a place where we have a warming bed waiting for us, among other examples. However, we cannot deny a range of different theories related to the significance “home”. We can illustrate this by bringing back the ways of life of the Romans and Greeks. To these people, home was considered a sacred space where women gave birth and took care of children until they were prepared to face life. But we may not need to look back as far as this situation is still a reality in eastern countries, for instance, where the roles of women are basically focused on bringing up their children at home and doing the housework without having the right to live their lives fairly. So as consider these situations it seems that home has not always been such a pleasant place to be.
On the contrary, home can be considered “home sweet home”. In other words, not everything related to home has a negative perspective of domination or a tendency of repression over others. In fact, home is mostly seen as the perfect place where people usually feel good and comfortable with themselves. Home is the symbol of joy where unhappiness usually does not exist. Home invites people to explore their deepest thoughts and to deliberate their personal decisions in a much better way because home is mainly regarded as a peaceful place. Home is synonymous with privacy, giving opportunity for people to speak their minds freely and to socialize. Home is principally related to family and education. Since we are young we are given rules and good manners of how to behave in society. Those rules we learn with our family, the most important pillar associated with home. Home is like a refuge from society. Plus, it’s a place where we can seek love, support, security, shelter, our intimate space and our well-being. For some moments, home can have a special gift of drawing back.
Nevertheless, home may be linked to a certain mystery where one can behave and decide whatever he wants to without being spied on or judged.
Lastly, how do I see home? “A treasure that has been given to us” is my main thought. The truth is that more than just the place itself, home for me cannot be disassociated from my country, from my city. I am filled with a feeling of patriotism each time “home” is mentioned. Furthermore, “home” is the place that watched me growing; the place that gave me a lot of unconditional love as well as presented me with my first lessons of the world around me as far as life is concerned. In addition, home is where I can be myself. Home is my shelter, my cure for the annoyances of life. Whenever I’m far away from it, it’s like a part of me has been left behind and at the same time an empty feeling invades my heart. I’m lucky to have my own space, my privacy and my family all together at home. Plus, my home is the place that taught me to respect different cultures and different perspectives of life. For example, as my mother is French she has always had the interest to open my horizons to other languages, to other countries and cultures so I have learnt to respect other individuals.
To sum up, we should all express our gratitude everyday just for the simple fact that we have a place that welcomes us and never shuts doors on us. We should all bear in mind that not everyone has the chance to know what home means as far as its metaphorical sense is concerned. We are “born” firstly at home given that it is there that we discover our first steps towards the light that is life. Home is so our cradle for life.
Celina
What does the word “home” hold for you? The truth is that its meaning can diverge a bit depending on the cultural traces of each person and considering personal experiences that each of us possess. Therefore, the main point of the next lines is to give a general idea of what “home” actually means, having also the intention of clarifying.
To begin with, the most accessible idea we generally have nowadays of home is that it is a place where we can have our relaxed meals and a place where we have a warming bed waiting for us, among other examples. However, we cannot deny a range of different theories related to the significance “home”. We can illustrate this by bringing back the ways of life of the Romans and Greeks. To these people, home was considered a sacred space where women gave birth and took care of children until they were prepared to face life. But we may not need to look back as far as this situation is still a reality in eastern countries, for instance, where the roles of women are basically focused on bringing up their children at home and doing the housework without having the right to live their lives fairly. So as consider these situations it seems that home has not always been such a pleasant place to be.
On the contrary, home can be considered “home sweet home”. In other words, not everything related to home has a negative perspective of domination or a tendency of repression over others. In fact, home is mostly seen as the perfect place where people usually feel good and comfortable with themselves. Home is the symbol of joy where unhappiness usually does not exist. Home invites people to explore their deepest thoughts and to deliberate their personal decisions in a much better way because home is mainly regarded as a peaceful place. Home is synonymous with privacy, giving opportunity for people to speak their minds freely and to socialize. Home is principally related to family and education. Since we are young we are given rules and good manners of how to behave in society. Those rules we learn with our family, the most important pillar associated with home. Home is like a refuge from society. Plus, it’s a place where we can seek love, support, security, shelter, our intimate space and our well-being. For some moments, home can have a special gift of drawing back.
Nevertheless, home may be linked to a certain mystery where one can behave and decide whatever he wants to without being spied on or judged.
Lastly, how do I see home? “A treasure that has been given to us” is my main thought. The truth is that more than just the place itself, home for me cannot be disassociated from my country, from my city. I am filled with a feeling of patriotism each time “home” is mentioned. Furthermore, “home” is the place that watched me growing; the place that gave me a lot of unconditional love as well as presented me with my first lessons of the world around me as far as life is concerned. In addition, home is where I can be myself. Home is my shelter, my cure for the annoyances of life. Whenever I’m far away from it, it’s like a part of me has been left behind and at the same time an empty feeling invades my heart. I’m lucky to have my own space, my privacy and my family all together at home. Plus, my home is the place that taught me to respect different cultures and different perspectives of life. For example, as my mother is French she has always had the interest to open my horizons to other languages, to other countries and cultures so I have learnt to respect other individuals.
To sum up, we should all express our gratitude everyday just for the simple fact that we have a place that welcomes us and never shuts doors on us. We should all bear in mind that not everyone has the chance to know what home means as far as its metaphorical sense is concerned. We are “born” firstly at home given that it is there that we discover our first steps towards the light that is life. Home is so our cradle for life.
Celina
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