The Plan
The Plan Script
Written by Vic
Part 1: The Airport 12:00am
This is a story about two people. Given great power, but at the end both were corrupted by it. Love was a game to them. This game though, had no winners or losers. Just consequences. A never ending game.
It’s Midnight. Slow rain is coming down on the San Francisco city night. Only sound around is the song playing from the car stereo. “Love is a losing game/ Love can be a shame/I know of a fool you see/For that fool is me.” Anthony is sitting in the car waiting nervously at the airport. Heart beating fast. Palms are getting sweaty. Breathing is out of place. Constantly checking his phone waiting for her message. It’s been so long since he’s seen her. Anthony has been waiting for this moment. He made it happen. It was a complete dream to him. Anthony couldn’t stop looking at the exit door on his right waiting for her to come out. He stared so much at the exit he began to get a neckache. Anthony keeps playing these scenarios in his head. “When she comes out I will rush to her and pick her up from her feet. Kiss her, tell her how long i’ve waited for this one moment. Seven years in fact. Make it as dramatic as possible.” Suddenly Anthony sees her. There she was, Mary. To Anthony she looked even more beautiful than before. He wanted to rush out and play out the scenarios he had in mind. But Anthony was paralized after laying eyes on her. He managed to get out of the car and go up to her. Anthony didn’t see where he was stepping or cared that he left the car door open with the keys in the ignition. Distracted. Type of distraction that kills people. Anthony, filled with this overwhelming happiness. As if life was this fair. This just. For Anthony, in that second it was. Anthony believed in the impossible because it was standing right in front of him. His hope and faith came back. He worshipped her. She was his belief system. Approaching Mary, Anthony froze and stood there. Completely forgetting what he had planned to do. He just looked at her as if she was a treasure he's been searching for his whole life. In a way she was.
Anthony:
“Wow, I mean look at you. You are flawless my God.”
Mary:
“Shut up and help me with my bag silly.”
Anthony:
“Yes of course, let me hold that for you. Haha, was yellow the only color you could find? This suitcase is so bright, there's no way you could’ve lost this. Wait, why does it feel empty?
Mary:
“Can you mind your own business? Haha, that’s my friend's suitcase and she has a thing about bright colors. Don’t pick on me, pick on her. Yea, I didn’t bring much with me since I'm going back soon.”
Anthony:
“You’re leaving again? Why? What for? I mean, Isn’t your life here?
Mary:
“I have nothing here. Plus I fell in love with the island. You’re always welcome to visit. It’s just time for me to do something with my life. Something for me. I’ve never done that for myself.”
Anthony becomes silent. He had his plan, but never bothered to think about hers. She had her own plans. Anthony had so much to say to her, but was stopped by what Mary just said.
Part 2: The Ride Back 12:23am
They drove back to oakland. Anthony is dropping Mary off at her place. Anthony wants her to spend the night with him, but isn’t able to put together the right sentence to ask her. He drives as slow as possible to spend more time with her. The setting is consumed by silence. Anthony turns up the music on the car stereo to break the tender silence. ‘’At Last/ My love has come along/ My lonely days are over/ And life is like a song.’’ Quiet as he sinks into the music and it’s lyrics. Oh how relatable at that moment. Life was like a song. His love had come along. Anthony takes quick glances at Mary. To Anthony she looked so beautiful under the moonlight. Her hair was so long, voluminous and bright. Anthony implanted those small images of her into his heart. His memories. Most treasured ones. The ones he could never forget. Tried to memorize every detail of her. To remember her well. Cause deep down, he knew at the end that’s all he might have left from this. Memories. Anthony is quiet. His emotions, so loud.
Mary:
“I haven’t seen you for so long, you have nothing to say to me?”
Anthony:
“It’s not that, I’m sorry. I hate thinking that you have to leave again. So quickly. I just want you to know that I can take care of you while you try to figure out what to..’’
Mary:
“ Oh Anthony stop. You and every other guy. Then you put them to the test and they run at the first sign of trouble. Men are just little kids that lie to you so they can get what they want. Men are all talk. I wish someone would just do without painting a picture perfect dream about it first.”
Anthony:
“Well, Goddamn beautiful. You really have your guard up. I don’t blame you. Men really are flawed. Not sure what it is. We could have the perfect girl in front of us and for some reason we still need a little more. I think we’re just greedy. Prideful. Lustful.”
Mary:
“So if you’re aware of the piece of shit that you are, why do you live like one?”
Anthony:
“Excuse me? How am I a piece of shit?
Mary:
“I’m not saying you’re one now. But you chose to be one before. For so long until I said no.”
Anthony:
“One time Mary? I was a fucking kid. Stupid too. I guess it had to happen. It woke me up. From my prideful illusion. First thing I saw was you walking away. For good. All I've been doing is searching for you since you woke me from my own stupidity. I found you and now I just wait. Hope that you still care.”
Mary:
“Why not do something about it?”
Anthony:
“Have I not been trying to show you for the past seven years? The calls, letters, messages, gifts. The visits. I have put my whole life on hold just to focus on getting you back. You are my history. My destiny. Why else is life bringing us together throughout these years? This shit is not luck. It’s destined. If you were to see the things i have done just to get you to sit here next to me. You would run from me. You’d think I'm crazy. And honestly, I am fucking crazy. I went crazy the moment I lost you. I snapped. I fucking broke. I cursed the universe for not letting me know what I had in front of me at such a young age. Have I not been clear with you for the past 7 fucking years Mary? Don’t give me that.”
Mary:
“Can you keep your eyes on the fucking road crazy. Thank You.”
Anthony.
“Mmm. You don’t hear me do you?’’
Mary:
”I do, but why should i believe you?”
Anthony:
“Don’t believe me. Believe these actions for these past 7 years. Believe the shape my life is in. Why is my life ready to have you around? Why is it set up just for you? I mean Goddamn Mary, It’s so set up for you that if you stepped into my home you’d think you’d be stepping into your own home. Everything is ready for you. Let me care for you. The past 7 years I have been building the perfect plan for us, the perfect person for you.”
Mary:
”I guess i wasn’t paying attention. But fuck you Anthony, seriously. What do you want me to do with this now? Why didn’t you do something before?”
Mary played along. Pretending she didn’t know Anthony has been wanting her back all this time. See here's the thing about Mary. She knows what Anthony wants. She plays along pretending she doesn’t hear him. Why? To use him? Maybe. I mean she did need a ride from the airport. See every time Mary needs a hero, Anthony is always there. She loves that. That feeling. Not him. Ever since Anthony hurt her that one time, she hasn’t been herself. She's angry. Now, she holds the power. And she abuses it. But she can’t figure out if it’s all revenge or the fact that she can’t depart from Anthony for good.
Anthony:
“You just said it Mary. You weren’t paying attention. I have been around. Like a dumbass I would go see you whenever you broke up with whoever the fuck you were with at the time. You know, every time you told me you had somebody new, I’d find someone too. Show her off to you in hopes you’d burn in jealousy. But it was clear you didn’t give a fuck. ”
Mary:
”You’re fucking crazy. How was I supposed to know that’s what you were doing? I thought you were just trying to hurt me. I was jealous… And it made me hate you more.”
Anthony:
“You’re never clear with me Mary. Never. What is this? What are we doing here? 7 fucking years i’ve been chasing you trying to finally start over. Fresh. But you just leave me here with no answers and only call when you need me. What is that Mary? That’s fucked up. Playing with me. Using me and i fucking let you. Just because it’s you.”
Mary takes a look at Anthony. Not saying anything back. Grabs him by the hand. As if It was so normal. Automatic almost. Not only did she hold his hand. She squeezed it. Rubbing his hand with her thumb. Passionate. Mary knows the power she has over him. She loved it, not him. She loves the fact that she has a hero at her call. Ready to save her at any moment. Mary felt no shame. Mary felt no guilt. Mary didn’t care about anything, but her plan. Any conversation she has with Anthony that night is just to keep him under her trance. To fool him. That’s why Mary didn’t respond to him. She never does. She knows what he wants. She could simply say no and let him live again. But she loves the control. She didn’t know why she led him on. Maybe it was payback for what he did to her in the past. Maybe Mary just didn’t want to let him go. Whatever the reason Mary wasn’t about to dive in with him to try to figure it out. Deep down I guess you can say she felt bad for him. Mary saw the pain in his eyes and heard it in Anthony's voice. Deep down she felt bad maybe because she still wanted him. Mary knew this might be the last time she saw him. She couldn’t help herself.
Mary:
“Can we go to your place?’’
Anthony:
“Ah, yea sure.”
Part 3: Outside 1:00am
They're quiet until they arrive at Anthony's place. When they arrive, they walk up to the house with their arms around each other. If you saw them from a far you’d think they’d just tied the knot. But really they were tangled in knots. Anthony felt like he was dreaming. They told him this was impossible. She wouldn’t come back. And there she was. Right in front of him. There was something there too. Mary, Anthony and their plans. See, she had her plan. Sticking to it no matter what. He had his plan. Which he thought was coming alive. Little did he know she was in total control of that.
Mary:
“Why did you stop walking? I’m freezing, let's go inside.”
Anthony:
“I know i’m sorry, I just want to take a look at you for a second. I’ve played out tonight for so many years. Let me just... Wow. You truly are a work of art. When God made you he truly took his time. Used his best tools. Made no mistakes.’’
Mary:
“That’s sweet, but can you maybe look at me inside? I’m very cold!
Anthony:
“Haha, yea come in.”
Part 4: The Kitchen 1:13am
They walk inside. Take off their coats. Settle in the living room. Anthony goes to the kitchen and grabs a bottle of red wine. Mary looks around the living room. Analysing the items Anthony had around. Anthony places two wine glasses on the kitchen counter next to the red wine bottle. Mary walks towards Anthony.
Mary:
”That’s a lot of books. You know how to read?”
Anthony:
“Ha ha very funny. Here look at this book. It’s about a woman called Sunny. She reminds me of you. It’s based on your life a lot. How you keep running away, searching for the right place, but can’t find it. How you give yourself away to whoever you love at the time so much they can’t help but take advantage. You make it so easy for them. How great you are with the world.”
Mary:
“Don’t be comparing me to other girls.”
Anthony:
“ Why do i tell you things?”
Mary:
“Im kidding. Didn’t know you thought about me so much. Come here.”
Mary gets close to Anthony. Anthony's heart beating so much you can hear it pumping in their quiet setting. Unable to breathe properly. Mary puts one hand on his cheek. Anthony wraps her in his arms.They kiss. Again, passionate. As if it was normal. But it was far from normal. Deep down Anthony knew this was temporary. Once again. Mary knew that too. So what was this? Who knew. One thing was clear. This little moment was a movie. They get settled. Mary plays music off her phone. She's not too fond of the quiet.
“Put your head on my shoulder/ Hold me in your arms, baby/ Squeeze me oh so tight, show me/ That you love me too….’’
Anthony: “Did you want a glass of wine?”
Mary: “Yea, pour me a glass. I hate today’s music. Some R&B is still okay, but nothing compares to this.”
Anthony: “God, I love when you talk music. And yes, you’re so right. Thank God for H.E.R, Weeknd, Jorja Smith. So many more. But nothing like this.”
Mary: “Do you still write?”
Anthony: “Let’s not talk about that. That’s just for me. And we’re changing topics. So, how’s the wine?
Mary: “Mmm whatever. I love what you write to me. So, I was just curious to dive in more. The wine is perfect. I taught you well.”
Anthony: “Yea you taught me a lot of things. Taught me not to give up. And you were right. It does pay off at the end.”
Mary: “I didn’t realize what you were trying to do all these years. I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. You hurt me Anthony. It fucked me up.”
Anthony: “Yea. It fucked both of us up.”
Mary: “I mean, what do you want me to say? I’m moving across the country in a week. Plus, I have my life to think about Anthony. Can’t keep giving out my trust like that. I have to care for myself. It’s just not the right time.”
Anthony: “Seems like it never is huh? I can’t stop you from wanting to do all those things for yourself. I respect it. I support you.”
A long pause. Anthony looking down at his wine glass. Half empty. Sinking himself in the music playing off her phone. “Oh! Carol/ I am but a fool/ Darling I love you/ Though you treat me cruel/ You hurt me, and you make me cry/ But if you leave me, I will surely die.” Mary, staring at Anthony. Confused because she's never felt this warmth with anyone else. She was unfamiliar with it. She was so mesmerized at the fact that she had so much power over Anthony. Of course power corrupts. And hers was corrupt. She had a plan. She was sticking to it. Anthony had a plan too. She ripped it apart in front of him. The silence between the two. It stayed as an unwanted guest. Anthony looks up at Mary as she pours herself another glass. The sound of the wine being poured into glasses. The music in the background. Those sounds defined the night. Emotions so strong they needed wine to tame them down. Anthony didn’t say a word. He walked up to Mary and began to kiss her as if she was his. Maybe she was. Maybe just for that night.
Part 5: The Room 2:16am
Sharing bodies. Defining love. Laid together but stayed up all night. Talking. Remembering. Holding. Anthony kept staring at the clock, knowing his time was running out. He was so in love he was careless. Almost at fault. He didn’t care that night was unprotected. He was fine with the outcome. The idea of it. Anthony was so comfortable because he thought this is what she wanted. I mean why else would she let it happen? To get hers? Can’t be? She’s aware of what he’s feeling. That she’s not the only one with a plan. He has his plan too. She’s aware of it. Still, she lets him sink deeper.
The sun begins to peek through the window. She needs to go home now. Anthony takes her. He has this smile on his face. A smile of hope. A smile of victory. He thinks he has her back. He felt the weight of the world off his shoulders. A new beginning was at play.
Part 6:The Answer 6:07am
In the car Anthony turns on the car stereo. Songs speaking to him again. “Time, it done left you with a broken heart/ Hardly excuses how you play with mine/ Mindin’ my business and you show up/ Up to no good, I should've seen the signs.” He became daring. Starts to spill his heart.
Anthony:
“You are my dream. The key to my home. My history. Half of my soul. The one I love.”
Mary:
“Hey, before you drop me off can we go to the drugstore? I need to buy something.”
Anthony:
“..Yeah. What’s Up? If you don’t mind me asking.
Mary:
“Don’t play, I need to buy the pill silly.”
Anthony’s heart sinks. The world stops spinning. His plan. Crubbling right in front of him. Chills through his body.
Anthony:
“Are you fucking serious? Do you think you can keep doing this shit? For a third time Mary? What the fuck Mary that can’t be healthy. I mean what? You don’t even want to try this out? We can do this. I’m here Mary.”
Mary:
“I am not having a kid right now. That’s just crazy.”
Anthony:
“So what was that last night? You keep doing the same shit. Lead me to believe one thing then ask me to drive you to the fucking drugstore. That’s sick Mary.”
Mary:
“I can go by myself, you can just drop me off.”
Long pause.
Anthony:
“No, I’ll take you. Last time Mary. Fuck you for this. This can’t be right with life. One time, okay i get it. Three times? Come on. What Are you doing to me?
Mary:
“I just like having those nights with you.”
Anthony:
“I’m not your fucking toy.”
Mary:
“You’re my favorite toy.”
Anthony:
“Oh.. God. You’re fucking cold.”
They arrive at the drugstore. They park. Silent at first. She’s the first to break it. Anthony is done. She has exposed her true self. The devil in a red dress. Questions have been answered. He can see it clear now.
Mary:
“Are you coming with me?”
Anthony:
“No.”
Anthony takes out his wallet and hands her the money. She takes it with pleasure. The feeling a spoiled child feels whenever they get their way. Anthony, disgusted.
Anthony:
“Can’t believe I’m paying for this shit.”
Mary gets close to him and gives him a kiss on the cheek with a smirk on her face. A smirk the devil has when he gets his way. The kiss felt so cold on his cheek. A kiss from death.
Part 7: The Last Ride 6:38am
Anthony was done talking. There was a stranger in his car. Be Careful what you wish for. He turned up the stereo loud. Mary. Unbothered. Uncaps her water bottle next to Anthony. Takes the pill and drinks it in front of him. No emotion. “I was like a shepherd boy/ Searching for his lamb/ Here and there and everywhere.” Silent was the drive. Not a word was said.
Part 8: The Drop Off 6:50am
Mary:
“Well thanks for last night and the ride and…. (she waves the plan b box in front of him) you know.”
Anthony didn’t have the strength to look up and see her. She wasn’t there anymore. Nothing was.
Mary:
“No kiss goodbye?’’
Anthony turns to face her.
Anthony:
“Fuck you Mary. Just get out. Wait, but thank you.. I have my answers.”
Mary:
“Look. I’m not trying to hurt you. I just... “
Anthony:
“What? You just what?”
Mary looks at Anthony. Puts her hand on his cheek. Smiles.
Mary:
“You know we’re destined to do this forever. You know what this is. What we are. What I do. You’ve always known. But you continue to lie to yourself. I tried to tell you before and you just ignore the fact. I didn’t play you. You played yourself. You took that gamble. I shouldn’t have fueled your illusion, but. I couldn’t help myself. The way you love me.. I became greedy and addicted to it. So, I guess i’m sorry for that. But everything else. All that other pain. You are causing yourself. So hear it from me one last time. You love me. I don’t love you. I love how you make me feel. The history between us. Our secrets. Our story. But you? It’s clear that I don't. Why else do I use you?”
Anthony smiles.
Anthony:
“So there it is. Damn. Thank you.”
Mary:
“It’s clear now? I know it’s clear with me.”
Anthony takes her hand.
Anthony:
“Yea, it is. Take care. I think our story ends here.”
Mary:
“We said this before. Destiny gets the last laugh.”
Anthony gives her one last hug and watches her go into her house. He sits in the car for a while. Separation anxiety. The definition of a fool. Begins to miss her. Pushes away the idea of never seeing her again. He won’t move on. He knows there’s nothing here for him. Maybe he lost his mind at that moment. Knowing his dream would never come true. Insane one would call it. Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. No self control; he takes out his phone and calls her.
Mary answers the call.
Mary:
“Miss me already?”
Anthony:
“You’re right. We’re destined to do this forever. I’ll see you on the island.”
Mary calmly laughs over the phone.
Mary:
“Oh Anthony. I’ll see you there then.”
Part 9: What is this?
When he had the power. When he had her at his feet. He paid it no mind. Took it for granted. He thought this was a given. Then he lost her love. Without it he became powerless, weak. He realized he needed her love and attention to survive. To live. He searched for her everywhere. He found her. So distracted by the fact that he found her, he didn’t bother to ask her where her love was. The real item he was searching for. Not her. Her love. When he found her she saw that he was weak. Vulnerable. She began to sense this new power he brought to her. The attention. The affection. His words. She fell in love with that power. Not him. Now that she was in control she had choices. Destroy him or give him his power back. She never chose. Distracted by the power he was giving her. She spent so much time admiring the power and not choosing that the power ran out. He was dead. Now she's left with nothing. She took all his power. To maintain it she had to make a choice. Never did. Left him to die, slowly and painfully. Victims of love. Victims of themselves. See, love can be beautiful. It can also be war.
Written by Vic
Part 1: The Airport 12:00am
This is a story about two people. Given great power, but at the end both were corrupted by it. Love was a game to them. This game though, had no winners or losers. Just consequences. A never ending game.
It’s Midnight. Slow rain is coming down on the San Francisco city night. Only sound around is the song playing from the car stereo. “Love is a losing game/ Love can be a shame/I know of a fool you see/For that fool is me.” Anthony is sitting in the car waiting nervously at the airport. Heart beating fast. Palms are getting sweaty. Breathing is out of place. Constantly checking his phone waiting for her message. It’s been so long since he’s seen her. Anthony has been waiting for this moment. He made it happen. It was a complete dream to him. Anthony couldn’t stop looking at the exit door on his right waiting for her to come out. He stared so much at the exit he began to get a neckache. Anthony keeps playing these scenarios in his head. “When she comes out I will rush to her and pick her up from her feet. Kiss her, tell her how long i’ve waited for this one moment. Seven years in fact. Make it as dramatic as possible.” Suddenly Anthony sees her. There she was, Mary. To Anthony she looked even more beautiful than before. He wanted to rush out and play out the scenarios he had in mind. But Anthony was paralized after laying eyes on her. He managed to get out of the car and go up to her. Anthony didn’t see where he was stepping or cared that he left the car door open with the keys in the ignition. Distracted. Type of distraction that kills people. Anthony, filled with this overwhelming happiness. As if life was this fair. This just. For Anthony, in that second it was. Anthony believed in the impossible because it was standing right in front of him. His hope and faith came back. He worshipped her. She was his belief system. Approaching Mary, Anthony froze and stood there. Completely forgetting what he had planned to do. He just looked at her as if she was a treasure he's been searching for his whole life. In a way she was.
Anthony:
“Wow, I mean look at you. You are flawless my God.”
Mary:
“Shut up and help me with my bag silly.”
Anthony:
“Yes of course, let me hold that for you. Haha, was yellow the only color you could find? This suitcase is so bright, there's no way you could’ve lost this. Wait, why does it feel empty?
Mary:
“Can you mind your own business? Haha, that’s my friend's suitcase and she has a thing about bright colors. Don’t pick on me, pick on her. Yea, I didn’t bring much with me since I'm going back soon.”
Anthony:
“You’re leaving again? Why? What for? I mean, Isn’t your life here?
Mary:
“I have nothing here. Plus I fell in love with the island. You’re always welcome to visit. It’s just time for me to do something with my life. Something for me. I’ve never done that for myself.”
Anthony becomes silent. He had his plan, but never bothered to think about hers. She had her own plans. Anthony had so much to say to her, but was stopped by what Mary just said.
Part 2: The Ride Back 12:23am
They drove back to oakland. Anthony is dropping Mary off at her place. Anthony wants her to spend the night with him, but isn’t able to put together the right sentence to ask her. He drives as slow as possible to spend more time with her. The setting is consumed by silence. Anthony turns up the music on the car stereo to break the tender silence. ‘’At Last/ My love has come along/ My lonely days are over/ And life is like a song.’’ Quiet as he sinks into the music and it’s lyrics. Oh how relatable at that moment. Life was like a song. His love had come along. Anthony takes quick glances at Mary. To Anthony she looked so beautiful under the moonlight. Her hair was so long, voluminous and bright. Anthony implanted those small images of her into his heart. His memories. Most treasured ones. The ones he could never forget. Tried to memorize every detail of her. To remember her well. Cause deep down, he knew at the end that’s all he might have left from this. Memories. Anthony is quiet. His emotions, so loud.
Mary:
“I haven’t seen you for so long, you have nothing to say to me?”
Anthony:
“It’s not that, I’m sorry. I hate thinking that you have to leave again. So quickly. I just want you to know that I can take care of you while you try to figure out what to..’’
Mary:
“ Oh Anthony stop. You and every other guy. Then you put them to the test and they run at the first sign of trouble. Men are just little kids that lie to you so they can get what they want. Men are all talk. I wish someone would just do without painting a picture perfect dream about it first.”
Anthony:
“Well, Goddamn beautiful. You really have your guard up. I don’t blame you. Men really are flawed. Not sure what it is. We could have the perfect girl in front of us and for some reason we still need a little more. I think we’re just greedy. Prideful. Lustful.”
Mary:
“So if you’re aware of the piece of shit that you are, why do you live like one?”
Anthony:
“Excuse me? How am I a piece of shit?
Mary:
“I’m not saying you’re one now. But you chose to be one before. For so long until I said no.”
Anthony:
“One time Mary? I was a fucking kid. Stupid too. I guess it had to happen. It woke me up. From my prideful illusion. First thing I saw was you walking away. For good. All I've been doing is searching for you since you woke me from my own stupidity. I found you and now I just wait. Hope that you still care.”
Mary:
“Why not do something about it?”
Anthony:
“Have I not been trying to show you for the past seven years? The calls, letters, messages, gifts. The visits. I have put my whole life on hold just to focus on getting you back. You are my history. My destiny. Why else is life bringing us together throughout these years? This shit is not luck. It’s destined. If you were to see the things i have done just to get you to sit here next to me. You would run from me. You’d think I'm crazy. And honestly, I am fucking crazy. I went crazy the moment I lost you. I snapped. I fucking broke. I cursed the universe for not letting me know what I had in front of me at such a young age. Have I not been clear with you for the past 7 fucking years Mary? Don’t give me that.”
Mary:
“Can you keep your eyes on the fucking road crazy. Thank You.”
Anthony.
“Mmm. You don’t hear me do you?’’
Mary:
”I do, but why should i believe you?”
Anthony:
“Don’t believe me. Believe these actions for these past 7 years. Believe the shape my life is in. Why is my life ready to have you around? Why is it set up just for you? I mean Goddamn Mary, It’s so set up for you that if you stepped into my home you’d think you’d be stepping into your own home. Everything is ready for you. Let me care for you. The past 7 years I have been building the perfect plan for us, the perfect person for you.”
Mary:
”I guess i wasn’t paying attention. But fuck you Anthony, seriously. What do you want me to do with this now? Why didn’t you do something before?”
Mary played along. Pretending she didn’t know Anthony has been wanting her back all this time. See here's the thing about Mary. She knows what Anthony wants. She plays along pretending she doesn’t hear him. Why? To use him? Maybe. I mean she did need a ride from the airport. See every time Mary needs a hero, Anthony is always there. She loves that. That feeling. Not him. Ever since Anthony hurt her that one time, she hasn’t been herself. She's angry. Now, she holds the power. And she abuses it. But she can’t figure out if it’s all revenge or the fact that she can’t depart from Anthony for good.
Anthony:
“You just said it Mary. You weren’t paying attention. I have been around. Like a dumbass I would go see you whenever you broke up with whoever the fuck you were with at the time. You know, every time you told me you had somebody new, I’d find someone too. Show her off to you in hopes you’d burn in jealousy. But it was clear you didn’t give a fuck. ”
Mary:
”You’re fucking crazy. How was I supposed to know that’s what you were doing? I thought you were just trying to hurt me. I was jealous… And it made me hate you more.”
Anthony:
“You’re never clear with me Mary. Never. What is this? What are we doing here? 7 fucking years i’ve been chasing you trying to finally start over. Fresh. But you just leave me here with no answers and only call when you need me. What is that Mary? That’s fucked up. Playing with me. Using me and i fucking let you. Just because it’s you.”
Mary takes a look at Anthony. Not saying anything back. Grabs him by the hand. As if It was so normal. Automatic almost. Not only did she hold his hand. She squeezed it. Rubbing his hand with her thumb. Passionate. Mary knows the power she has over him. She loved it, not him. She loves the fact that she has a hero at her call. Ready to save her at any moment. Mary felt no shame. Mary felt no guilt. Mary didn’t care about anything, but her plan. Any conversation she has with Anthony that night is just to keep him under her trance. To fool him. That’s why Mary didn’t respond to him. She never does. She knows what he wants. She could simply say no and let him live again. But she loves the control. She didn’t know why she led him on. Maybe it was payback for what he did to her in the past. Maybe Mary just didn’t want to let him go. Whatever the reason Mary wasn’t about to dive in with him to try to figure it out. Deep down I guess you can say she felt bad for him. Mary saw the pain in his eyes and heard it in Anthony's voice. Deep down she felt bad maybe because she still wanted him. Mary knew this might be the last time she saw him. She couldn’t help herself.
Mary:
“Can we go to your place?’’
Anthony:
“Ah, yea sure.”
Part 3: Outside 1:00am
They're quiet until they arrive at Anthony's place. When they arrive, they walk up to the house with their arms around each other. If you saw them from a far you’d think they’d just tied the knot. But really they were tangled in knots. Anthony felt like he was dreaming. They told him this was impossible. She wouldn’t come back. And there she was. Right in front of him. There was something there too. Mary, Anthony and their plans. See, she had her plan. Sticking to it no matter what. He had his plan. Which he thought was coming alive. Little did he know she was in total control of that.
Mary:
“Why did you stop walking? I’m freezing, let's go inside.”
Anthony:
“I know i’m sorry, I just want to take a look at you for a second. I’ve played out tonight for so many years. Let me just... Wow. You truly are a work of art. When God made you he truly took his time. Used his best tools. Made no mistakes.’’
Mary:
“That’s sweet, but can you maybe look at me inside? I’m very cold!
Anthony:
“Haha, yea come in.”
Part 4: The Kitchen 1:13am
They walk inside. Take off their coats. Settle in the living room. Anthony goes to the kitchen and grabs a bottle of red wine. Mary looks around the living room. Analysing the items Anthony had around. Anthony places two wine glasses on the kitchen counter next to the red wine bottle. Mary walks towards Anthony.
Mary:
”That’s a lot of books. You know how to read?”
Anthony:
“Ha ha very funny. Here look at this book. It’s about a woman called Sunny. She reminds me of you. It’s based on your life a lot. How you keep running away, searching for the right place, but can’t find it. How you give yourself away to whoever you love at the time so much they can’t help but take advantage. You make it so easy for them. How great you are with the world.”
Mary:
“Don’t be comparing me to other girls.”
Anthony:
“ Why do i tell you things?”
Mary:
“Im kidding. Didn’t know you thought about me so much. Come here.”
Mary gets close to Anthony. Anthony's heart beating so much you can hear it pumping in their quiet setting. Unable to breathe properly. Mary puts one hand on his cheek. Anthony wraps her in his arms.They kiss. Again, passionate. As if it was normal. But it was far from normal. Deep down Anthony knew this was temporary. Once again. Mary knew that too. So what was this? Who knew. One thing was clear. This little moment was a movie. They get settled. Mary plays music off her phone. She's not too fond of the quiet.
“Put your head on my shoulder/ Hold me in your arms, baby/ Squeeze me oh so tight, show me/ That you love me too….’’
Anthony: “Did you want a glass of wine?”
Mary: “Yea, pour me a glass. I hate today’s music. Some R&B is still okay, but nothing compares to this.”
Anthony: “God, I love when you talk music. And yes, you’re so right. Thank God for H.E.R, Weeknd, Jorja Smith. So many more. But nothing like this.”
Mary: “Do you still write?”
Anthony: “Let’s not talk about that. That’s just for me. And we’re changing topics. So, how’s the wine?
Mary: “Mmm whatever. I love what you write to me. So, I was just curious to dive in more. The wine is perfect. I taught you well.”
Anthony: “Yea you taught me a lot of things. Taught me not to give up. And you were right. It does pay off at the end.”
Mary: “I didn’t realize what you were trying to do all these years. I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. You hurt me Anthony. It fucked me up.”
Anthony: “Yea. It fucked both of us up.”
Mary: “I mean, what do you want me to say? I’m moving across the country in a week. Plus, I have my life to think about Anthony. Can’t keep giving out my trust like that. I have to care for myself. It’s just not the right time.”
Anthony: “Seems like it never is huh? I can’t stop you from wanting to do all those things for yourself. I respect it. I support you.”
A long pause. Anthony looking down at his wine glass. Half empty. Sinking himself in the music playing off her phone. “Oh! Carol/ I am but a fool/ Darling I love you/ Though you treat me cruel/ You hurt me, and you make me cry/ But if you leave me, I will surely die.” Mary, staring at Anthony. Confused because she's never felt this warmth with anyone else. She was unfamiliar with it. She was so mesmerized at the fact that she had so much power over Anthony. Of course power corrupts. And hers was corrupt. She had a plan. She was sticking to it. Anthony had a plan too. She ripped it apart in front of him. The silence between the two. It stayed as an unwanted guest. Anthony looks up at Mary as she pours herself another glass. The sound of the wine being poured into glasses. The music in the background. Those sounds defined the night. Emotions so strong they needed wine to tame them down. Anthony didn’t say a word. He walked up to Mary and began to kiss her as if she was his. Maybe she was. Maybe just for that night.
Part 5: The Room 2:16am
Sharing bodies. Defining love. Laid together but stayed up all night. Talking. Remembering. Holding. Anthony kept staring at the clock, knowing his time was running out. He was so in love he was careless. Almost at fault. He didn’t care that night was unprotected. He was fine with the outcome. The idea of it. Anthony was so comfortable because he thought this is what she wanted. I mean why else would she let it happen? To get hers? Can’t be? She’s aware of what he’s feeling. That she’s not the only one with a plan. He has his plan too. She’s aware of it. Still, she lets him sink deeper.
The sun begins to peek through the window. She needs to go home now. Anthony takes her. He has this smile on his face. A smile of hope. A smile of victory. He thinks he has her back. He felt the weight of the world off his shoulders. A new beginning was at play.
Part 6:The Answer 6:07am
In the car Anthony turns on the car stereo. Songs speaking to him again. “Time, it done left you with a broken heart/ Hardly excuses how you play with mine/ Mindin’ my business and you show up/ Up to no good, I should've seen the signs.” He became daring. Starts to spill his heart.
Anthony:
“You are my dream. The key to my home. My history. Half of my soul. The one I love.”
Mary:
“Hey, before you drop me off can we go to the drugstore? I need to buy something.”
Anthony:
“..Yeah. What’s Up? If you don’t mind me asking.
Mary:
“Don’t play, I need to buy the pill silly.”
Anthony’s heart sinks. The world stops spinning. His plan. Crubbling right in front of him. Chills through his body.
Anthony:
“Are you fucking serious? Do you think you can keep doing this shit? For a third time Mary? What the fuck Mary that can’t be healthy. I mean what? You don’t even want to try this out? We can do this. I’m here Mary.”
Mary:
“I am not having a kid right now. That’s just crazy.”
Anthony:
“So what was that last night? You keep doing the same shit. Lead me to believe one thing then ask me to drive you to the fucking drugstore. That’s sick Mary.”
Mary:
“I can go by myself, you can just drop me off.”
Long pause.
Anthony:
“No, I’ll take you. Last time Mary. Fuck you for this. This can’t be right with life. One time, okay i get it. Three times? Come on. What Are you doing to me?
Mary:
“I just like having those nights with you.”
Anthony:
“I’m not your fucking toy.”
Mary:
“You’re my favorite toy.”
Anthony:
“Oh.. God. You’re fucking cold.”
They arrive at the drugstore. They park. Silent at first. She’s the first to break it. Anthony is done. She has exposed her true self. The devil in a red dress. Questions have been answered. He can see it clear now.
Mary:
“Are you coming with me?”
Anthony:
“No.”
Anthony takes out his wallet and hands her the money. She takes it with pleasure. The feeling a spoiled child feels whenever they get their way. Anthony, disgusted.
Anthony:
“Can’t believe I’m paying for this shit.”
Mary gets close to him and gives him a kiss on the cheek with a smirk on her face. A smirk the devil has when he gets his way. The kiss felt so cold on his cheek. A kiss from death.
Part 7: The Last Ride 6:38am
Anthony was done talking. There was a stranger in his car. Be Careful what you wish for. He turned up the stereo loud. Mary. Unbothered. Uncaps her water bottle next to Anthony. Takes the pill and drinks it in front of him. No emotion. “I was like a shepherd boy/ Searching for his lamb/ Here and there and everywhere.” Silent was the drive. Not a word was said.
Part 8: The Drop Off 6:50am
Mary:
“Well thanks for last night and the ride and…. (she waves the plan b box in front of him) you know.”
Anthony didn’t have the strength to look up and see her. She wasn’t there anymore. Nothing was.
Mary:
“No kiss goodbye?’’
Anthony turns to face her.
Anthony:
“Fuck you Mary. Just get out. Wait, but thank you.. I have my answers.”
Mary:
“Look. I’m not trying to hurt you. I just... “
Anthony:
“What? You just what?”
Mary looks at Anthony. Puts her hand on his cheek. Smiles.
Mary:
“You know we’re destined to do this forever. You know what this is. What we are. What I do. You’ve always known. But you continue to lie to yourself. I tried to tell you before and you just ignore the fact. I didn’t play you. You played yourself. You took that gamble. I shouldn’t have fueled your illusion, but. I couldn’t help myself. The way you love me.. I became greedy and addicted to it. So, I guess i’m sorry for that. But everything else. All that other pain. You are causing yourself. So hear it from me one last time. You love me. I don’t love you. I love how you make me feel. The history between us. Our secrets. Our story. But you? It’s clear that I don't. Why else do I use you?”
Anthony smiles.
Anthony:
“So there it is. Damn. Thank you.”
Mary:
“It’s clear now? I know it’s clear with me.”
Anthony takes her hand.
Anthony:
“Yea, it is. Take care. I think our story ends here.”
Mary:
“We said this before. Destiny gets the last laugh.”
Anthony gives her one last hug and watches her go into her house. He sits in the car for a while. Separation anxiety. The definition of a fool. Begins to miss her. Pushes away the idea of never seeing her again. He won’t move on. He knows there’s nothing here for him. Maybe he lost his mind at that moment. Knowing his dream would never come true. Insane one would call it. Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. No self control; he takes out his phone and calls her.
Mary answers the call.
Mary:
“Miss me already?”
Anthony:
“You’re right. We’re destined to do this forever. I’ll see you on the island.”
Mary calmly laughs over the phone.
Mary:
“Oh Anthony. I’ll see you there then.”
Part 9: What is this?
When he had the power. When he had her at his feet. He paid it no mind. Took it for granted. He thought this was a given. Then he lost her love. Without it he became powerless, weak. He realized he needed her love and attention to survive. To live. He searched for her everywhere. He found her. So distracted by the fact that he found her, he didn’t bother to ask her where her love was. The real item he was searching for. Not her. Her love. When he found her she saw that he was weak. Vulnerable. She began to sense this new power he brought to her. The attention. The affection. His words. She fell in love with that power. Not him. Now that she was in control she had choices. Destroy him or give him his power back. She never chose. Distracted by the power he was giving her. She spent so much time admiring the power and not choosing that the power ran out. He was dead. Now she's left with nothing. She took all his power. To maintain it she had to make a choice. Never did. Left him to die, slowly and painfully. Victims of love. Victims of themselves. See, love can be beautiful. It can also be war.
