AIRPORT LOUNGE - AFTERNOON
KATHY enters the airport lounge. She has her boarding pass in her hand, and is carrying magazines, a bottle of water, a mobile phone and a bag. She looks around to see where to sit, and makes it obvious that there are only two chairs 'vacant' (ie: we are to assume the rest of the chairs are taken). These two chairs are side by side. She is obviously tired, and looking forward to a bit of down time before she has to get the plane. She sits in one of the chairs, exhales with relief, kicks off her shoes and puts her bag, magazines etc. in the chair beside her. She takes a welcome sip or two of her water, and picks up one of the magazines and lazily starts flicking through it. After a short time, she folds the magazine in her lap, and closes her eyes. ALISON enters the area, similarly laden with things, and looks around for somewhere to sit. There's only the one chair. She heads for it, but sees the magazines etc. on it. She then looks at KATHY to see if she could ask for her to remove them from the chair. KATHY looks up at precisely this moment. Their eyes lock. It's obvious KATHY isn't going to welcome ALISON to sit in the chair next to her. ALISON tries to turn the other way, but there's nowhere else for her to go. Tension in the air. ALISON: Sorry, but there's no other chair and it's going to be a long wait. KATHY looks around. KATHY: Maybe I can find somewhere else. She starts gathering up her stuff. ALISON: Don't worry ... I'll stand. KATHY knows this is ridiculous. KATHY: No, I was just ... I'm a bit tired ... wanted to spread out a bit that's all. The air is icy. ALISON: That's ok. I don't mind standing. ALISON starts to walk away. KATHY has gathered up her stuff. She gestures to the chair. KATHY: All yours. KATHY turns her body away from the spare chair. ALISON: (smile) Thanks. ALISON sits. There's a very uneasy energy between them. V/O: Ladies and gentlemen in Lounge 23, we thank you for your patience. Your flight will be ready to board in approximately 15 minutes. BOTH of them registers frustration at this announcement. 15 minutes can be a long time. ALISON reads her magazine, and glances at KATHY's back occasionally. KATHY is uncomfortable - in more ways than one. ALISON: Thanks. KATHY: It's a public space. The chair is as much yours as mine. KATHY wriggles uncomfortably in her chair. She has to sit up because the position of turning away is hurting her back. She stretches a bit. ALISON capitalises on the adjusted body position to attempt a conversation. ALISON: (nervous smile) How are you anyway? KATHY: (fake smile) Good, thanks. Silence ALISON: That's good. Silence ALISON: You look great. KATHY looks away. END OF FIRST PAGE |