Beginner English Language Learner Script
ACT ONE
SCENE I
"FIRST MEETING"
(Lights up. Paul and Sasha are browsing around a bookstore. Each carries a handful of books, paying little attention to those around them. It’s cold outside, so they are bundled in hats, gloves, scarves and winter coats. As they browse, they collide, dropping their books. They each bend to retrieve them.)
Paul: I’m so sorry—
Sasha: I’m so sorry—
(They laugh)
Paul: (looks at the book in his hand and reads) “Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul”. I think this is yours.
Sasha: Ah, yes. Thank you. Sorry about that. (She reaches for her book)
Paul: (hesitates before releasing book) I’m Paul, Paul Oaks.
Sasha: (takes book) Nice to meet you, Paul Oaks. (Turns to leave)
Paul: And you?
Sasha: (turning back) Excuse me?
Paul: (smiling) What’s your name?
Sasha: (frowning) why?
Paul: You almost knocked me over. The least you could do is tell me your name.
Sasha: What!? I did not—
Paul: (laughing) I’m kidding! I’m kidding.
Sasha: (smiling reluctantly) Jerk.
Paul: (surprised) Jerk?
Sasha: (embarrassed) I’m so sorry! It just came out—
Paul: (laughing) It’s alright. I’ve been called worse. And something tells me you didn’t mean it to be rude.
(Sasha nods, visibly relieved)
Paul: So…are you gonna tell me your name, or do I have to guess?
Sasha: Sasha. It’s Sasha.
Paul: (extends a hand) Nice to meet you, Sasha (still holding her hand). What would you say to coffee?
Sasha: Nothing. I’ve never heard a coffee talk back.
Paul: (smiles) Okay, well, what would you say to drinking coffee? With me?
Sasha: I don’t know…
Paul: C’mon. Let me make up for sending you flying. And if you want, you can even tell me all about that book you’re writing. I love stories.
Sasha: (shocked) How’d you know I was writing a—
(Paul glances pointedly at her Chicken Soup book)
Sasha: Oh. Right. Well, I guess one coffee couldn’t hurt.
Paul: Great! (Pulls out his cell) What’s your number? I’ll call you and we can set up a date.
Sasha: Six, five, zero—
Paul: Wait, wait. I’m slow with this thing.
(Sasha smiles)
Paul: Okay. Six, five, zero—
Sasha: Seven, three, four, six, three, four, seven.
Paul: Six, five, zero, seven, three, four, six, three, four, seven?
Sasha: Correct.
Paul: Perfect. I’ll call you.
(Sasha starts to protest)
Paul: I know, I know. Guys say that all the time and then don’t. But I will. I promise.
Sasha: (smiles) I’ll hold you to that.
Paul: Please do. (Winks) See you soon, Sasha.
Sasha: Goodbye, Paul.
(Lights down)
SCENE II
"FIRST DATE"
(Lights up. Sasha sits in a restaurant at a table set for two, nursing a glass of wine. Periodically she checks her watch and glances around the room.)
Paul: (flying into his seat) I’m so sorry I’m late!
Sasha: That’s okay.
Paul: There was some sort of crazy accident.
Sasha: Oh no. I hope no one was hurt.
Paul: Someone was being taken away in an ambulance, but the car itself didn’t look too banged up so, here’s hoping. (Picks up a menu) So, have you ordered yet?
Sasha: Food? No. But I did get you a glass of this excellent Pinot. I hope you don’t mind…
Paul: Not at all. Thank you.
Sasha: You’re welcome.
Paul: Anyway, I’m glad you agreed to meet me on a Thursday. I know it’s not quite the weekend, but I’ve been looking forward to this all week.
Sasha: (smiling shyly) Me too.
Paul: (nodding toward her menu) Have you decided on something? This is one of my favorite places to eat, so I already know what I’m getting.
(Sasha nods.)
Paul: Great. (Signals the waiter)
(The waiter approaches with order pad and pen.)
Paul: I’ll have the lasagna Bolognese with extra meat. But light on the garlic. (Winks at the waiter.)
Waiter: Certainly, sir. The lasagna comes with a complimentary side soup or a salad. Which one would you like?
Paul: Hmm, I think I’ll take the…salad.
Waiter: Very well. (Takes notes, then turns to Sasha). And how about you, my dear?
Sasha: I think I’ll have the pesto gnocchi and garlic bread. Heavy on the garlic. (Winks at the waiter.)
Paul: (laughing) I stand corrected. Though you can’t blame a guy for trying!
Waiter: (chuckles politely) Of course. Would you like the soup or the salad?
Sasha: I’ll have the salad as well.
Waiter: Very well, my dear. (Nods at both of them) Your order should be up soon. (Waiter exits.)
Sasha: So, Paul, what do you do?
Paul: I work in Finance. Nothing exciting. Just managing other people’s money. A regular old businessman. How about you?
Sasha: I’m a high school teacher.
Paul: Oh? What subject? English, math…
Sasha: French, actually.
Paul: (surprised) French? La langue d’amour?
Sasha: (excited) You speak it?
Paul: I wish. I dated a French girl once, and she taught me a few words. But nothing stuck.
Sasha: Oh. That’s too bad. That would’ve been hot.
(Paul whips out his phone and starts pushing buttons.)
Sasha: What are you doing?
Paul: Buying Rosetta Stone.
Sasha: (laughs) No need. I think you’re pretty hot already.
Paul: Really?
Sasha: Would I be here if I didn’t?
Paul: (teasing) I just assumed you were taking pity on me.
Sasha: Hardly. Something tells me you know exactly how attractive you are, and that you use it to get away with quite a lot.
Paul: (mock-offended) I would never—
Sasha: Yeah, yeah. In fact, I’m sure you go around picking up girls in bookstores all the time.
Paul: Only the pretty ones.
(Sasha rolls her eyes.)
Paul: But, seriously. While I have been known to lay the charm on thick, it’s certainly not how I spend the majority of my time. Though I do enjoy hanging out at the bookstore.
Sasha: Oh? Why’s that?
Paul: (shrugs) The everyday can become tedious. I like to get lost in worlds other than my own.
Sasha: (nods) I feel the same way. You’ll rarely find me reading something other than fiction. I find present day life to be depressing enough.
(The waiter brings their food, refreshes their drinks, and exits.)
Paul: About time! I was ready to start snacking on the inside of my cheeks.
(They eat a few bites in companionable silence.)
Paul: So, what kind of movies do you like?
Sasha: Movies? Well…I tend to watch a lot of romantic comedies and dramas – I’m a woman after all. But I also love action films, particularly any film involving kung fu or martial arts.
Paul: (teasing) Why, because of all the buff dudes you get to see with their shirts off?
Sasha: (sticks out her tongue) That too, but mostly because I took martial arts as a kid. So I’ve always been a fan.
Paul: A woman who can handle herself. I like that.
(Sasha smiles.)
Paul: So, what’s your take on scary movies?
Sasha: Hate them.
Paul: Why?
Sasha: They freak me out. Logically, I know they’re not real. There’s a camera there, green screen and special effects. But in the moment, all my mind can think is “run and hide”.
Paul: It can’t be that bad. When was the last time you saw one?
Sasha: Three months ago, with my best friend. She dragged me to see some crazy story about demonic possession. I almost crawled into her lap I was so scared. I was squeezing her hand for dear life, burying my head in her shoulder…You would’ve thought I was in the movie.
Paul: That’s it, then.
Sasha: That’s what?
Paul: (winks) Our next date.
(Sasha groans.)
(Lights down.)
SCENE III
"SHOPPING TRIP"
(Lights up. Sasha and her best friend Maria are trying on clothes in a department store. Sasha is preparing for her trip to France. They are each in their own dressing room, talking through a shared wall. A salesperson hovers in the vicinity.)
Maria: So, how’d it go?
Sasha: How did what go?
Maria: Duh! The date from hell.
Sasha: (laughs) Actually, I had a surprising amount of fun.
Maria: You’re kidding.
Sasha: Nope. He was funny, friendly. A little forward too, which I kinda liked.
Maria: Wow. Who knew you knew how to have fun?
Sasha: Ha, ha. I have a lot of fun.
Maria: Yeah…Walking around with your nose in a book doesn’t count!
Sasha: Blah, blah, blah. (Opens her door and steps out wearing a cute dress.) What do you think of this one?
Maria: (sticks her head out) Hmm. I dunno. I think the green one would look better on you. And maybe the next size up? Let it drape a bit so you don’t feel too constricted.
Sasha: You may be right. (Beckons the salesperson) Do you have this dress in green, and in a large? I think this one’s a little too small.
Salesperson: Really? I think you look great. The neckline is very flattering, and the way the hem hits you really elongates your legs. You look stunning.
Sasha: Wow, thank you. (Glances at Maria) Apparently you did a good job picking this one.
Maria: Did you doubt me?
Sasha: (laughs) When it comes to clothes? Never.
Salesperson: Can I help you ladies with anything else?
Maria: I think we’re done for now. Thank you.
(Salesperson exits.)
Maria: (grumbling) I still think you should try the next size up.
(Sasha laughs.)
Maria: (throws hands up and goes back into dressing room) Whatever!
(Sasha admires herself in the mirror.)
Maria: Back to what’s important: this guy and your impending trip. Are you excited for your birthday?
Sasha: Are you kidding? I’ve studied French my entire life. I was made for this! I just can’t believe this is my first time going.
Maria: And I can’t believe you’re going without me. I’m your best friend!
Sasha: (regretfully) I know. I’m sorry. By the time I thought to invite you it was too late. All the prices had gone up, the hotel was booked…
Maria: (teasing) Blah, blah, blah. Excuses, excuses. (sticks her head out and smiles reassuringly) Look, just make sure you climb the Eiffel tower, down some wine and a box of French artisanal chocolates, and eat like, forty croissants for me.
Sasha: (giggling) Ok! I think I can promise that.
Maria: Good. Now tell me more about this guy…
(Lights down.)
SCENE IV
"VACATION"
(Lights up. Sasha arrives at the Citadines hotel in Paris, in the 16th arrondissement. She is checking in for her six-night stay.)
Receptionist: Bonjour Madame. Welcome to Les Citadines. How can I help you?
Sasha: Hi. I would like to check into my room. I’m a little late. There was a problem on the metro.
Receptionist: Was it the grève again?
Sasha: The grè—? Oh, a strike. No, I think a train broke down.
Receptionist: Ah, yes. That’s alright. Can I have your first and last name please?
Sasha: Sure. Sasha Wilson.
Receptionist: (typing) And can I please see a photo ID and a credit card?
(Sasha digs into her purse and removes her wallet. She takes out her ID and credit card and hands them over.)
Receptionist: Thank you. (types some more) Hmm. I see we have you down for a total of six nights. Is this correct?
(Sasha nods.)
Receptionist: (types some more before looking around with a frown) Uh-Oh.
Sasha: Is something wrong?
Receptionist: Are you traveling alone?
Sasha: Yes. Is that a problem?
Receptionist: Not exactly. It just seems all we have left are king size beds.
Sasha: (frowning) Well, I made these reservations a month ago. So I don’t mind, as long as there’s no extra fee involved…
Receptionist: (typing furiously) It does seem to be an error on our part – busy season and all. I’m sure my supervisor won’t mind me waiving the standard charge—
Sasha: Thanks. I appreciate it.
(Sasha’s phone rings.)
Sasha: (answers) Hello, this is Sasha? (Listens) Oh, hey Paul…I’m doing well, and you? Actually, I’m on vacation…I’d love to, but I’m traveling. In another country…Yeah, I’m in Paris! My first time…Hopefully…When I get back? Sure, why not…Sounds good. Talk to you later…Bye (hangs up)(to receptionist) Sorry about that.
Receptionist: (nods) Of course. (Presents an envelope to Sasha) You are all set. Here are your keys. You will be on the seventh floor, room 7150. You’re free to take your luggage with you now, or we can have it sent up. There is a complimentary breakfast from six to eight-thirty daily, as well as coupons for our in-house restaurant. Housekeeping cleans between the hours of seven and noon unless specially requested. If you don’t want them to come in, just hang the sign provided outside your door. (Hands her a map) Here’s a map of the centre-ville – center of town. If you have questions about fine dining, museums, etc. please do not hesitate to ask.
Sasha: (beams from ear to ear) Wow, thank you!
Receptionist: (smiles and nodes) Enjoy your stay.
(Lights down.)
SCENE V
"SECOND DATE"
(Lights up. Paul sits at a bar nursing a whiskey, neat. He is waiting for Sasha to arrive, who has just returned from her trip to France. He does not worry or fuss, he expects her to show. He enjoys the people-watching as he waits.)
(Sasha enters.)
Paul: (stands) Welcome Back!
(They hug.)
Paul: How was your trip?
(They sit.)
Sasha: It was fantastic!
Paul: (smiles) That’s great.
Sasha: I still can’t believe how long it took me to get there. Practically my entire life!
Paul: What did you do?
Sasha: (excited) Everything. At least that’s how it felt. I saw the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. I went to the top of the Eiffel Tower – I even ate at their restaurant, the 58 Tour Eiffel. I had coffee at the café from that movie Amélie, I saw two castles, took a boat on the Seine…the list could go on and on. It was just beautiful. The countryside was scenic, the streets were picturesque…Even the weather was surprisingly nice.
Paul: Wow, sounds like you had an amazing time.
Sasha: Definitely. Though I did almost get hit by a car.
Paul: What? How’d you manage that?
Sasha: (laughs) It was silly, really. It was when I first arrived. I had literally just stepped out of the airport. For some reason, I’ve spent all this time assuming people drove on the left side of the road, like in England—
Paul: Oh no…
Sasha: So naturally I was looking the wrong way when I stepped off the curb…
(Paul bursts into laughter.)
Sasha: (gives him side eye) It’s not that funny.
Paul: (tries to stop laughing) You’re right! You’re right. I’m sorry. But hey, at least he missed!
Sasha: (rolls her eyes) Whatever. (smiles) So, what have you been up to?
Paul: Nothing too exciting.
Sasha: Nothing?
Paul: Well, you’ve been gone this whole time. How could it?
(Sasha laughs.)
Paul: Seriously though, I have been helping out a friend. He recently lost his job, right on the heels of his girlfriend kicking him out…so he’s staying with me.
Sasha: I’m so sorry. That’s too bad.
Paul: Yeah. He’s a great guy, just a bit down in his luck.
Sasha: Yeah, it happens. (Looks at her watch) So, what time is this movie I don’t want to see?
Paul: (laughs) Nine o’clock. What time’s it now?
Sasha: Just after eight-thirty.
Paul: (stands and puts on his coat) I guess we’d better head out then.
Sasha: (standing) Remind me again why we’re going to see this?
Paul: (winks) So you have an excuse to get close to me tonight.
Sasha: (laughs) If that’s all you want, you could’ve just asked! (She wraps her arm around his waist and lays her head on his shoulder)
(Paul puts his arm around her shoulders)
Paul: (kissing the top of her head) I’ll remember that for next time.
(Lights out)
THE END
