Mermaid Date

Mermaid Date 

by Michelle Stiles

(Photo credit: Jennifer Stiles Photography)

INT. DIEGO'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

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.

The doorbell RINGS! Marisol begins to rush off.

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.

Marisol gives Diego a PECK on the cheek before she exits out the back door. Diego shapes up his hair then answers the front door.

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.

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