SEA GLASS
SEA GLASS
Welcome back!
Below you’ll find my first ever published screenplay!
It has been a long time since I have published on here and for a few reasons. After publishing my last short story I decided to try my hand at script writing, with the intention of publishing it a couple weeks later. As one might expect, this proved to me far more difficult than expected as it is a different medium. After weeks of work, I finished that script titled Godsend which may appear here at some point. But I wasn’t happy with it so I started the next one, this script.
As this is my second attempt at script writing, don’t expect it to be as “polished” as some of my short stories were. But I do think that a lot of the lessons I have learned over the last five years of writing translate well into script writing. It is essentially telling a story in a slightly different way.
Why did I want to write a script? My dialogue sometimes feels sloppy or boring and I thought the best way to practice this was to write in a way that almost exclusively focuses on dialogue and so that is what I have done in the last few months. So despite there being little in the way of published stories, I have been working on this.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this one.
JUNE 2025
EXT. BEACHSIDE PARKING LOT - NIGHT
A car sits in an empty parking lot illuminated by a single flickering street light. Sand has collected around the wheels of the old car. Inside a slight glow seeps out.
CUT TO:
INT. SAMANTHA’S CAR - NIGHT
Samantha is a girl in her mid twenties with straight blonde hair and tanned skin. She’s slight of build but with the powerful shoulders of a swimmer.
The interior of the car from the front seats back is set up with a bed and a couple of plastic boxes overflowing with clothes.
Samantha sits cross legged in the light of a small lamp wearing a summer dress.
For a long moment she stares into the distance.
Then she grabs her phone.
Arranges her pillows as a stand.
Clicks record on the camera app.
SAMANTHA
(Mysteriously)
Welcome back...
(Checks watch)
To my diary.
Samantha rummages in her clothes box.
Pulls out a hairbrush.
SAMANTHA
If you’re watching this, and you haven’t sorted your shit out...
(Mirthlessly)
You’ve sorted it out. You don’t live in a fucking Subaru, you’ve found a way to live without the fear that mother is going to figure out, well everything.
She begins brushing her hair.
Suddenly points at camera.
SAMANTHA
(Accusingly)
Don’t you laugh, this is just as much your fault as it is mine. So yeah, chew on that!
Cringes.
Reaches to press stop.
Changes her mind.
SAMANATHA
Mother always said I could talk to her about everything. But I can’t, so I’m stuck with you. And I hope you like me enough not to show anyone else these videos, but I’m hoping that you turn out to be the person you think you can be. So you wouldn’t do that.
(Seriously)
Would you?
Drops brush.
Lifts lipstick to her mouth.
SAMANTHA
If you’re famous, you definitely can’t tell anyone about this.
(Beat.)
If you’re an actor. The dream of course. If you’re that, it’s because I taught you how to lie.
Samantha cocks her head to one side, smearing lipstick across her cheek.
Ignores it.
SAMANTHA
You probably don’t remember, but I learnt it trying to fit in. Failing to keep a job and ending up living in my car.
(Upbeat)
I would say it couldn’t get any worse but I’m not on the street just yet.
Samantha discards the makeup.
Pulls out a wipe.
SAMANTHA
Anyway, you might be wondering where I am going that I need dress up? Well, I’m going to meet a guy.
Beat.
SAMANTHA
Yes a guy! And before you ask, no, he doesn’t know this. But he is cool. Guys can be cool if kept at arms length.
Samantha sprays perfume on her wrists.
On the pillow.
Beat.
She laughs.
Tucks it away.
SAMANTHA
I just have to keep it together for him. Just as I’ve done before. Lie after lie.
Points at her reflection on the screen.
SAMANTHA
One day, these are gonna catch up with you.
(Beat.)
Oh and Sam? Yeah, if you ever tell mother about this. I’ll kill you.
CUT TO:
EXT. BEACHSIDE BAR - NIGHT
In the background a bustling beach bar plays music.
Down on the beach, cushions and small tables are set out next to the lapping water. A candle burns on each.
Couples lay beside one another talking quietly.
ALEXANDER, tall and slim with short cropped hair lounges sipping a beer.
SAMANTHA watches from a dozen paces away.
She looks down at her summer dress.
Straightens it.
Takes a deep breath.
ALEXANDER.
(Without looking)
Hi.
Samantha falters.
Approaches.
Clutches handbag to her chest.
SAMANTHA
How did you see me?
Alexander looks over his shoulder.
Grins.
ALEXANDER.
In the reflection of the glass.
He raises the glass.
Samantha perches on the remaining cushion.
Arranges her dress.
SAMANTHA
Really?
ALEXANDER.
No.
Alexander takes a sip.
SAMANTHA
You started without me.
Alexander shrugs.
ALEXANDER.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to be alone all night. I thought I might as well get on with it.
SAMANTHA
(Blushing)
Sorry, I was... late at work.
Alexander nods slowly.
Tall, male WAITER appears in front of the table.
He crouches down.
Takes a deep breath.
WAITER
Spirits, beer, cocktails? Food? I’ll tell you, the Grey Lantern is a local favourite, lemony but with a...
Alexander raises a hand.
Smiles.
ALEXANDER.
Just drinks. Please.
WAITER
Of course.
SAMANTHA
Wine. Chardonnay. A Glass
The waiter bobs his head.
Dissapears.
ALEXANDER
How was work?
SAMANTHA
Work?
ALEXANDER.
You said you worked late.
Samantha clasps her hands.
SAMANTHA
Oh yes. Yes, it was fine. But let’s not talk about that. How about you?
Alexander looks at her for a long moment.
Nods.
ALEXANDER.
I bought some new tools. Shovel and old bits from my neighbour. Saves me borrowing them all the time. And I can now do different jobs as well.
Alexander rubs his hands.
ALEXANDER.
It’s harder though. My arms hurt every day and I fall asleep as soon as I lie down. But...
SAMANTHA
But it’s honest work. Satisfying?
Alexander pauses.
Nods.
ALEXANDER.
It is. It’s just, I used to earn in a day what I now earn in a week. It’s getting better but... well, I need to sell my flat.
SAMANTHA
Oh, that’s terrible for you.
ALEXANDER.
(Mirthfully)
Nah, it was far too big anyway. It’s not like I’m going to be homeless.
(Seriously)
I was thinking of moving further out. If I keep up this gardening business, I’ll be closer to work as well.
Samantha shifts uncomfortably.
ALEXANDER.
Everything okay?
She nods.
The WAITER appears again.
Places a glass of wine on the table.
Bobs his head and is gone.
SAMANTHA
Thank you... How fancy is this place? I’m used to the places where they slam it down so hard I wonder if their fist is going to go through the bar.
ALEXANDER.
It’s fancy for here. But that’s what the beach does. Adds a bit of charm to an otherwise regular place.
Samantha nods.
Looks out into the darkness.
ALEXANDER.
Come on, tell me what’s on your mind.
SAMANTHA
I’m sorry, I’m just distracted today. I wish I could...
Samantha lies back in the beanbag.
Sips wine.
ALEXANDER.
You seem more distant. Every time. Like you’re fading. If I may be blunt.
Beat.
SAMANTHA
That’s fair.
She turns to him
SAMANTHA
Why do you still meet me then? I know I’m odd. Don’t tell you much. But why hang on?
Alexander lets his head lean back.
Takes a sharp breath.
Grins
ALEXANDER.
Direct. But again, it’s fair.
(Turning to Samantha)
I’m running away from the old me and that leaves me without my old friends, hangouts and hobbies. Everything exciting. I guess you’re the only anchor I have right now.
Samantha places her glass on the table.
Laughs.
SAMANTHA
If I’m your anchor, you’re doomed.
Alexander smiles.
ALEXANDER
Maybe. But I think you’re running from something too, though you won’t tell me what.
Samantha tenses.
SAMANTHA
(Harshly)
Like what?
Alexander glances at her.
ALEXANDER.
Don’t pretend like it’s nothing. I learned enough in my time dealing when someone was lying.
(Winces)
Or, at least not telling the full truth.
Samantha looks away.
Puts a hand on her handbag.
SAMANTHA
Right.
ALEXANDER.
I was just saying...
SAMANTHA
You were just saying that I am a lier. Well... No, it doesn’t matter.
Samantha stands up.
Alexander scrambles to follow.
Reaches out a hand.
ALEXANDER.
Hey, I just...
SAMANTHA
Let’s pay the bill. I’m not feeling too good. I just need some time.
ALEXANDER.
It’s paid already. The owner. He owes me one.
Samantha slings her handbag over her arm.
SAMANTHA
I thought you were past that sort of thing. Dealing and that.
Alexander laughs.
ALEXANDER.
No, I cut his grass in exchange for a few drinks a week. Turns out bartering works for other jobs too.
Samantha nods.
Begins to walk along the beach.
Alexander follows, grabbing his coat.
They walk until the music fades behind them.
Samantha stops.
SAMANTHA
Sorry about that.
Alexander reaches out and squeezes her hand.
ALEXANDER.
Forgotten already.
Samantha looks out to the sea.
SAMANTHA
I have an idea.
ALEXANDER.
What?
SAMANTHA
The sea.
ALEXANDER.
What about it?
Samantha hesitates.
Drops her purse to the sand.
Slips of her sandles.
ALEXANDER.
It’s cold...
Samantha takes his hand.
SAMANTHA
(Whispers)
I know.
Alexander hesitates.
Kicks off his shoes and drops his jacket.
Beat.
Samantha stumbles into the waves, Alexander in tow.
ALEXANDER.
Aghhh. Cold.
SAMANTHA
Delightful!
The pause knee deep.
Face each other.
Beat.
Samantha splashes Alexander.
Giggles.
Alex steps closer.
Wipes his face.
ALEXANDER.
(Whispers)
You’re still not cold?
Samantha shakes her head.
Alex grins.
Gently pushes her.
She stumbles.
Grabs his arm.
They both land in the water with a splash.
Flailing limbs and a moment later, both are standing again, completely wet, clothes stuck to their skin.
ALEXANDER.
It was too tempting.
Samantha takes his cheeks in her hands.
Pauses.
Alexander leans closer.
SAMANTHA
(Whispers.)
I’m cold now.
She drops her hands.
Turns towards the beach.
SAMANTHA
Until next time.
Alexander watches her go.
Runs a hand through his hair.
ALEXANDER.
(To himself)
Until next time indeed.
CUT TO:
INT. SAMANTHA’S CAR - DAY
It is early morning and the sunshine shines through the open windows of Samantha’s Subaru.
She lies among messy sheets.
Usually she is up by this time, in case anyone sees her sleeping in the car and recognises her.
Her blonde hair is messy.
She rolls over.
SAMANTHA
Agh!
Samantha rubs her eyes.
Sits up.
Scans.
SAMANTHA
Fuck. It’s already light.
She pats her bed.
Finds her phone.
Glances at it.
Throws it back on the bed.
SAMANTHA
It’s been like two days. I must have said something to upset him. Maybe...
She climbs into the driver’s seat.
Reclines the chair.
Jams her phone in the sun visor.
She looks in the mirrors.
Over her shoulder.
Presses record on her phone.
SAMANTHA
(Squinting)
Apologies for the angle, I just do not feel like getting up properly.
She flicks her hair.
SAMANTHA
He’s just a man. And here I am messing up my routine just because he hasn’t texted.
Beat.
SAMANTHA
I almost told him. I almost told him everything when we were there in the water. He must have sensed something and decided he’s had enough. I wasn’t careful enough.
Samantha takes a breath.
Bares her teeth and looks closer at the camera.
Sighs.
SAMANTHA
And what’s all this bullshit about moving on from his past. Sounds like something every dodgy guy would say just to get in be with a girl.
Scratches her chin.
SAMANTHA
Except most would have given up by now.
Winces.
SAMANTHA
Maybe he has.
(Pause)
Maybe I should have texted.
(Frustrated)
Aghhhhhh!
Samantha runs her hands through her hair.
SAMANTHA
What are you doing with your life, Sam? Hell why do you even entertain his games.
Samantha looks over her shoulder.
Lets her head roll back so she’s staring at the roof.
A tear runs down her cheek.
SAMANTHA
And what if he found out? What then? If I don’t care, then why not just tell him everything?
Beat.
SAMANTHA
No. Definitely not.
Samantha reaches over and grabs her bedding and a duffel.
Begins to stuff one into the other.
Samantha’s phone buzzes.
She freezes.
Glances back at it.
SAMANTHA
Finally.
She settles in the car seat.
Takes her phone down.
Squints at the screen.
SAMANTHA
(Slowly)
Guess who I just bumped into?
(Exasperated)
Well bloody tell me then? God, I hope it isn’t mother.
Her phone buzzes again.
Samantha curses.
SAMANTHA
My fucking brother. Of course. Oh god, that useless twat will have things to say about me for sure.
She taps back into her phone.
She waits.
Staring patiently at the phone.
SAMANTHA
(Slowly)
He said he hasn’t seen you in ages. Doesn’t know where you live either. Haha, he seems a bit crazy though.
Samantha sighs.
Throws her phone onto the dashboard.
SAMANTHA
Forget it. It’s too risky. What if he figured it out and told him. He’d just tell mother. God. No.
(Disgusted)
Mother would just send Christine bloody Roberts over to check up on me. The perks of having a police officer as a family friend.
For a long while Samantha sits where she is.
Stares into space.
Her phone buzzes again.
She reaches out.
Pauses.
Grabs it.
SAMANTHA
A fucking picnic!
(Quietly)
You really surprise me every day. Gangster turned hippie or what?
She puts her phone down.
Continues packing up her bedding.
SAMANTHA
Come on you have an interview. Not that they’ll even look at me twice. But you can try.
She throws the duffel onto the passenger seat.
Grabs her clothes from the bed.
Stops.
SAMANTHA
And no, I’m not going to a picnic.
She sighs.
Grits her teeth.
Picks her phone back up again.
CUT TO:
EXT. BEACHSIDE - DAY
The day is warm but cloudy.
A wind blows sand across the empty dunes.
Samantha wears a white summer dress.
It flaps in the wind.
SAMANTHA
(Nervously)
Where the hell is he?
She pinches her cheeks.
Laughs.
SAMANTHA
There will be more questions this time. Just go home.
Beat.
SAMANTHA
Is that...
Samantha squints into the wind.
SAMANTHA
It’s him.
She watches as Alexander approaches.
His t-shirt flaps in the wind.
ALEXANDER.
Hey.
Alexander pulls Samantha into a hug.
Samantha hesitates and puts her arms around him.
He pulls back.
Looks at her with a slight frown.
SAMANTHA
It’s a little windy, don’t you think?
Alexander tilts his head.
ALEXANDER.
(Slowly)
I know a good place. Out of the wind. And you live by the beach.
The two begin to walk into the wind.
Samantha’s hair whips around.
Both hands on her dress.
Alexander appears unfazed.
SAMANTHA
I don’t live on the beach.
Alexander laughs.
ALEXANDER.
You might as well. This is date number eight? And every time has been by the beach or on it.
Samantha forces a grin.
SAMANTHA
I see. Yes, someday we should branch out. Go to the park or something.
ALEXANDER.
The only other option I have is that you’re a mermaid.
SAMANTHA
More like a siren.
Alexander barks out a laugh.
Samantha keeps her face straight.
Beat.
Alexander glances at her.
Samantha laughs.
SAMANTHA
Is this the place?
They are approaching an upturned rowing boat.
Its colourful paint is peeling, exposing wood underneath.
Alexander nods.
Drops his bag to the ground.
ALEXANDER.
Look okay?
SAMANTHA
Yeah, perfect. Out of the wind too.
They both sit looking out.
The beach stretches into the distance.
A haze of sand and sea spray.
ALEXANDER.
So. Mermaid or siren?
Samantha puts her hands on her bare knees.
Looks out to sea.
SAMANTHA
If I told you, you would run away.
Alexander leans his head back against the boat.
ALEXANDER.
What if I didn’t. What if you told me and I didn’t run away.
Samantha tenses.
Looks away.
Beat.
SAMANTHA
I didn’t have time to get any food, but I brought you something.
Samantha fishes in her waist belt and pulls out a necklace.
It is simple, a brown cord with a single piece of green sea glass on it, in the shape of a bent triangle.
She holds it for a second.
Passes it to Alexander
Alexander holds it aloft.
Grins.
Puts it around his neck and tucks in beneath his shirt.
ALEXANDER.
I love it.
SAMANTHA
Green is for new beginnings.
Alexander hesitates.
Leans closer to Samantha.
She swallows.
Closes the distance.
Kisses him quickly.
Retreats.
ALEXANDER.
I brought some food.
He begins pulling out food from the bag.
ALEXANDER.
Bread, cheese. Some snacks. Your favourite crisps.
He spreads the stuff out on the sand before them.
A seagull lands almost immediately off to the side.
Watching.
SAMANTHA
How do you know about this place?
She pulls out the bread and some cheese.
Alexander shrugs.
ALEXANDER.
I came to the beach to escape. Nobody knew me here. I never did business here. My flat was... well the centre of it, my car as well.
Samantha nods slowly.
SAMANTHA
How long were you a dealer? And, yes I know you stopped because it was unethical and you wanted a new start, but why really did you stop?
Beat.
ALEXANDER.
I hated myself.
Beat.
ALEXANDER.
I don’t know when it happened but... I grew to hate myself. I thought I could be who I wanted to be, if I forced myself. But the more I resisted my better judgement, the bigger the rift inside me grew.
Alexander takes a handful of crisps and crosses his legs.
ALEXANDER
Don’t ignore the festering wound. It won’t go away.
He winces.
SAMANTHA
What if it isn’t that you hate yourself, but that you were embarrassed? What if your parents found out?
Alexander pauses mid mouthful.
ALEXANDER
Mmm. Good point. I was very careful to be certain that they would never find out. My brother knew, but he would never tell. God, now you make me think of that... Would he?
Samantha shifts uncomfortably.
Brushes crumbs from her hands.
SAMANTHA
No, of course not.
For a while they sit in silence.
Watching as a seagull edges closer.
SAMANTHA
That would probably put off most girls.
Alexander looks up at her.
ALEXANDER.
Dealing?
SAMANTHA
Yeah.
ALEXANDER.
And yet it doesn’t scare you off. Why?
SAMANTHA
So why do you go into so much detail so fast? I think you told me on the first date. I’m not complaining, I just wonder if people don’t give you a chance because of it.
Alexander shifts uncomfortably.
ALEXANDER.
I won’t wait until the tenth date to tell that part of me. If you don’t like it, that’s fine. I’ll understand.
SAMANTHA
I still find that... interesting.
ALEXANDER
The dealing?
SAMANTHA
No, that you are honest about it.
Alexander laughs.
Relaxes.
ALEXANDER
Good. Because most of the girls that are interested in me, in my past are the exact people I’m trying to rid my life of.
SAMANTHA
Well, I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.
ALEXANDER.
Are you waiting for the tenth date?
Samantha pauses, crisp half way to mouth.
SAMANTHA
What do you mean?
Alexander smiles cautiously.
ALEXANDER.
Or do you plan on never telling me?
SAMANTHA
You know, I am a bit like you in some ways.
ALEXANDER.
New beginnings?
SAMANTHA
I would lose everything if they found out. They would be... so disappointed. Just so...
ALEXANDER.
They might be.
Samantha crosses her arms across her chest.
ALEXANDER.
But they’d probably rather know the real you than have no part in your life.
SAMANTHA
(Tense)
Did you tell your parents? Even now that you’re reborn and everything.
Alexander grimaces.
Shakes his head.
ALEXANDER.
I told you.
(Beat.)
If you tell me, your parents would not find out either. I don’t know them and if you didn’t want me to tell...
SAMANTHA
No!
ALEXANDER.
I see.
Samantha pulls her knees up into her arms.
SAMANTHA
(Heated)
Is this why you invited me on another date after I left the last one? To question me? See if I am a good fit for your new life?
Alexander sighs.
ALEXANDER.
I don’t think like that. But if this is to continue, I’d prefer if we didn’t play games. Secrets are fine but the gap between us won’t get any smaller if we aren’t forthcoming.
SAMANTHA
I’m not here to fulfil your dreams of a perfect girlfriend. Maybe I am a siren. Maybe not. That’s for you to decide.
Samantha stands up.
Alexander begins to rise.
SAMANTHA
I feel a bit sick, I think I ate something wrong last night. Just... Thank you for the picnic.
ALEXANDER.
Wait, I...
Samantha shivers and looks away.
SAMANTHA
Look, I’m not ready for this.
Samantha turns away.
Pauses.
Glances back.
Walks away into the wind.
Alexander remains, half way to his feet.
The seagull suddenly lands onto of the bag.
Grabs the remainder of his sandwich.
Looks at him.
ALEXANDER.
Well, mr Gull. I’m thinking that your advice to be completely honest might be flawed after all.
Beat.
The seagull flies off.
Alexander touches the sea glass hanging around his neck.
CUT TO:
INT. SAMANTHA’S CAR - EARLY MORNING
The light is low inside the Subaru and Samantha’s bed is set up in the back.
She sits in the passenger seat staring at her phone set to record.
She is dressed in loose shorts and hoodie.
Her face is barely visible.
She looks grave.
SAMANTHA
I should have stayed.
(Deflated)
There is no way I’m facing him again. I’ve walked away from the date two times. That has to be a sign.
Beat.
She laughs coldly.
SAMANTHA
He was worrying about my past. And yet, didn’t care that I ran away.
She runs her hands through her hair.
SAMANTHA
Maybe he did care and just didn’t say.
(Exasperated)
But no, that’s not like him.
Samantha glances into the back of the car.
The bed is still made up despite the sun being up.
Everything is a mess.
SAMANTHA
Girl, one day you gotta get it together.
(With a sigh.)
Today is not that day.
Glances at the phone.
Grimaces
SAMANTHA
Why do I even record these things, it’s not as if I’m really going to keep them. Or show anyone. Or...
Samantha closes her eyes.
Shakes her head.
SAMANTHA
Get a grip.
She climbs over the seat into the back.
Begins stuffing clothes into a box.
SAMANTHA
You know what? I did the right thing walking away. He could be dangerous and...
(Pause)
He might have told people. Mother might have found out.
Samantha pauses to look towards the camera.
SAMANTHA
What if I just did it? Just told her. Why do I even care?
She grimaces.
Drops the shirt in her hand.
Clambers back into the passenger seat.
Grabs her phone.
Stops the recording.
Scrolls through her phone.
Finds her contact named mum.
SAMANTHA
Well, here goes.
SAMANTHA
Hey mum, it’s Sam here. I hope you guys are well. I promise I’ll be back this year for Christmas.
She pauses.
Pauses.
Restarts the recording.
SAMANTHA
Hey mum, there is something I need to tell you.
Samantha grimaces.
Closes her eyes.
SAMANTHA
You’re going to ask me why I didn’t tell you sooner. What I did with all that money for college. Why am I not at college? Why you haven’t heard from me for months.
Samantha opens her eyes.
Looks around.
SAMANTHA
And it doesn’t really matter why it happened but it did. I’m not at college. I’m not in my flat.
(Laughs)
I haven’t had a place of my own for more than a year now. In fact...
Samantha takes in a sharp breath.
Leans back.
SAMANTHA
(Shaky voice)
I... I live in my...
A tear leaks from her eye.
Her face twists.
She grabs her phone and deletes the recording.
SAMANTHA
No.
She wrings her hands.
Sirens sound in the distance.
Looks around.
SAMANTHA
What is that noise?
Shakes her head.
SAMANTHA
What about telling him first?
(Pause.)
No.
She sighs deeply.
Relaxes.
Tenses.
SAMANTHA
I could at least call him. Message him. I don’t have to tell him anything. He seems to want to still meet me despite that.
She grabs her phone again.
Dials.
Puts the phone to her ear.
Beat.
SAMANTHA
(To the phone)
Hi, Alex? It’s Sam here. Samantha, Look, don’t hang up, I just wanted to say that I...
(Confused)
Who’s this?
Samantha straightens slowly.
Grips the door handle.
SAMANTHA
Oh. The police? Oh, em...
She holds the phone away from her ear.
Looks at it as if on fire.
Puts back to ear.
SAMANTHA
No, I don’t, I was... My garden. He does some gardening for me.
Samantha grimaces.
SAMANTHA
No, I have nothing to do with him...
(Beat.)
Okay. No, no, sorry. Bye.
Samantha clicks hang up.
Holds the phone carefully.
Sets it down.
Leans back.
SAMANTHA
(Softly)
For a second there I thought they were for me.
She sighs and stretches.
Pauses.
Looks over her shoulder again.
SAMANTHA
(Worried)
The police...
Samantha grabs the door and pushes it open.
Outside, at the other end of the carpark, two police cars stand with lights flashing.
A small crowd has gathered.
SAMANTHA
They’re not for me...
(Shocked)
But what if they’re for him?
CUT TO:
EXT. THE BEACHSIDE CARPARK - DAY
This is the carpark where Samantha lives.
Two police cars are parked at the edge of the carpark and several policemen walk wander around, speaking into radios.
Two other police stand, talking to Alexander.
A dozen onlookers watch as he is questioned.
Samantha watches from afar.
She still wears her pyjamas but seems to have forgotten about them.
Moves to get a better view.
SAMANTHA
Shit. That is Alex.
She doesn’t move.
SAMANTHA
And that is Christine.
(Whispers)
Christine who knows mother.
Samantha glances around.
SAMANTHA
God, what if she sees me?
The crowd is slowly growing as more people stop to watch.
Another police car pulls up.
Samantha turns around.
Begins walking towards her car.
Stops.
SAMANTHA
I have to know what it’s for.
She won’t even recognise me anyway.
Samantha reaches into the backseat of the car.
Grabs a cap.
She retraces her steps.
Peers past the onlookers.
POLICE OFFICER
...Witnesses have placed you at the scene. Both claim you were present at those exact times.
ALEXANDER.
I was on a date. I can get the restaurant staff...
POLICE OFFICER
We have asked the owner already. He and his staff deny seeing anyone of your description.
ALEXANDER.
The bastard.
POLICE OFFICER
Do you understand the severity of these accusations? If you are not willing to provide his or her details...
ALEXANDER.
No. I don’t want her involved.
POLICE OFFICER
Otherwise we will have to proceed with the available evidence. If you were willing to pursue more...
ALEXANDER.
No, no. I understand.
The three begin to walk towards the police car.
Alexander moves freely with them.
One hand below his chin.
SAMANTHA
(Whisper)
The sea glass.
Alexander looks up.
Alexander and Samantha meet gazes.
He turns away.
Lets go of the necklace.
SAMANTHA
(Loudly)
Excuse me?
Nobody acknowledges her.
Samantha breaks through the crowd.
Pushes to the front.
SAMANTHA
Hey! Excuse me?
The police turn to look at her.
POLICE OFFCIER
Ma’am, do you have a problem? Can you not see we are busy here?
Alexander turns around.
His face is forced composure.
ALEXANDER.
Samantha. It’s okay. I’m sorry.
Samantha opens her mouth.
Closes it.
Swallows.
POLICE OFFICER
Who is this? Do you know her?
SAMANTHA
(Breathlessly)
I was there. That night. I can prove it.
ALEXANDER.
Sam, this isn’t to do with you. You said... did they call you here?
Samantha ignores Alexander.
Glances at the police officer.
SAMANTHA
Christine?
The police officer looks up.
Her gaze falls on Samantha
CHRISTINE
My, this isn’t the Samantha I knew, but... That’s you, isn’t it?
Samantha winces.
Alexander looks between them.
A worried look crosses over his face.
SAMANTHA
(Nodding)
I have texts, I can say what we did. What do you need?
Christine looks at her for a long moment.
Glances at Alexander
CHRISTINE
This is the girl you went on a date with? Samantha.
ALEXANDER.
Yes, but...
CHRISTINE
(To Samantha)
Do you have evidence?
(Softer)
Do you really want to get involved in this?
SAMANTHA
Yes.
CHRISTINE
(Seriously)
And you are willing to stand in court for him?
Samantha hesitates.
Balls her fists.
SAMANTHA
Yes.
Christine nods.
Straightens her cap.
Produces a notebook.
CHRISTINE
Address. Place of work. I need them both. Contact numbers and copies of the evidence.
Samantha’s breathing quickens.
She blushes.
SAMANTHA
I... Can’t give you that.
Christine lowers his notebook.
Raises an eyebrow.
Looks at the crowd.
CHRISTINE
You can write it down if you like.
SAMANTHA
No, no, it’s just that...
CHRISTINE
If you’re not willing to give me these details, you are not prepared for what they will ask you in court. I assure you they will be much more thorough.
Alexander begins shaking his head.
He steps towards Samantha.
Christine puts a hand on his shoulder.
Alexander winces.
ALEXANDER.
No, Sam. Look, I promise you this is all a big mistake, but I won’t get you involved.
Alexander looks between Christine and Samantha.
Samantha takes a breath.
Shakes her head.
Looks away.
SAMANTHA
I’m homeless, I don’t have an address.
Beat.
Christine opens her mouth.
Pauses.
Nods slowly and raises her notebook again.
Samantha glances at Alexander quickly.
He keeps a straight face.
CHRISTINE
Place of work...
Samantha shakes her head.
Ignores Alexander
SAMANTHA
I’m out of work. I had a job. I just lost it. A while ago.
The police officer looks up at her.
Nods.
CHRISTINE
(Concerned)
Maybe it’s easier if you just come with us now...
SAMANTHA
Just stop.
A tear runs down Samantha’s cheek.
Christine looks uncomfortable.
CHRISTINE
Do you have any belongings you’d like to take?
SAMANTHA
No, it’s in my car. Over there.
The police officers and Alex look over to her car in the corner of the carpark.
ALEXANDER.
I...
Samantha wipes the tear away.
SAMANTHA
(Harshly)
I don’t want your sympathy. If I did I would have told you before.
Alexander swallows.
ALEXANDER.
(Softly)
No, no. Thank you, I appreciate you doing this for me.
Samantha blinks.
SAMANTHA
What?
ALEXANDER.
You can help. Prove me innocent. And you don’t even know me that well. You don’t seem like the type to trust easily.
SAMANTHA
I’m not. But... Alex?
ALEXANDER.
Uh huh?
SAMANTHA
I lied when I said I don’t want to be involved in your problems.
ALEXANDER.
You did?
SAMANTHA
Yes I did.
Alexander smiles softly.
Christine watches quietly.
The crowd is silent.
SAMANTHA
I want to become one of them.
Alex coughs out a laugh.
ALEXANDER.
(Smiling)
You want to become one of my problems?
SAMANTHA
Exactly.
Samantha steps forwards and takes his face in her hands.
FADE OUT.