Mermaid Date
by Michelle Stiles
(Photo credit: Jennifer Stiles Photography)
DIEGO (20s), adventurous, attractive, and fit Filipino man with curly hair sets the table for dinner. His cousin MARISOL (late 20s), petite Filipino woman with a bit of edge helps out.
MARISOL
You need more napkins?
DIEGO
No I'm good. Thanks again for helping out and making your famous paella. I can't cook to save my life.
Diego CHUCKLES. Marisol shakes her head.
MARISOL
You got that right!
Marisol LAUGHS.
MARISOL
She must be really something special huh?
DIEGO
Yes. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever met in my life! Long wavy hair, loves the ocean, has a great laugh. (BEAT) I feel really connected with her y'know?
MARISOL
If I wasn't mistaken I'd say you've got a mermaid for a girlfriend!
Marisol CHUCKLES.
DIEGO
Yeah pretty much! If there were such a thing.
MARISOL
Guess that's my cue! Good luck Diego. Call me later to let me know how it goes.
DIEGO
Will do. Love you cuz.
In walks Diego's girlfriend CELIA (20s), gorgeous blonde undercover mermaid on her land legs with a sexy mysterious air about her. Her windswept hair cascades over her shoulders. Diego has stars in his eyes when he sees her.
DIEGO
Hey baby. You look beautiful.
Celia blushes at the compliment and hugs Diego tight. Diego guides Celia to the TABLE and pulls out a chair for her. Celia takes her seat.
Diego withdraws a small MATCHBOX from his pocket and lights the center candle for romantic effect. Celia observes the table in awe.
CELIA
Such a wonderful display.
DIEGO
It's not much but thanks.
Diego blushes as he POPS a bottle of CHAMPAGNE. Celia jumps up out of her seat at the sound. Diego CHUCKLES.
CELIA
That scared me!
Celia joins in Diego's laughter.
DIEGO
(laughs)
Don't worry it's just champagne (BEAT) not a gunshot.
Diego pours CHAMPAGNE into CHAMPAGNE FLUTES and proposes a toast.
DIEGO
To you.
They CLINK glasses and take a sip. Celia opens her eyes wide.
CELIA
Oh wow! Bubbly! I like it.
Celia downs the glass.
CELIA
Yum!
Diego GIGGLES.
DIEGO
You're so cute.
He pours Celia more CHAMPAGNE. Diego serves up a dish of PAELLA for Celia and then one for himself.
CELIA
OOH! I love mussels!
DIEGO
Yes me too. Paella is the best.
Celia shoves the full MUSSEL SHELL into her mouth. Diego's jaw drops. She moves it from cheek to cheek and spits out the empty MUSSEL SHELL back onto her plate.
Celia looks up at Diego confused.
CELIA
What?
DIEGO
(laughs)
I've never seen anyone eat a mussel like that.
Celia appears embarrassed.
DIEGO
No it's OK. I just don't want you to choke.
Diego gives a smile of reassurance. Celia relaxes and sips more CHAMPAGNE. They continue with their meal.
END SCENE.
