Anything beyond a friendship had never existed. My heart thought it had finally found its true companion in you.
Chelsea’s breathing has become heavier, and her eyes look back and forth at each of Andrew’s.
CHELSEA
Your just like every other middle aged man, trying to rekindle his youth with a beautiful young woman such as myself. (Her voice breaks as she speaks)
A tear rolls down Andrew’s cheek as he hangs his head, looking again at the card still in his right hand. Andrew looks back up at Chelsea.
ANDREW
Believe me, if all those endearing young charms, which I gaze on so fondly today, were to change by tomorrow and disappear in my arms, like fairy wings fading away, you would still be adored, as this moment you are.
Andrew wipes the tear from his cheek, reaches for Chelsea’s hand and places the card in it. Chelsea is still looking at Andrew’s face.
ANDREW (CONT'D) I’m sorry I’m not what you are looking for.
(MORE)
ANDREW (CONT'D)
I hope your future holds the love you seek, and I hope your search is more successful than mine.
Andrew turns and walks around Chelsea and through the exit of the courtyard. Chelsea remains standing with her back to the exit. Nina follows Andrew out of the courtyard. Camera shot of the sidewalk outside. Nina puts her arm across his shoulders as they walk up the street.
Camera shot back in courtyard. Rebecca walks over to Chelsea. For a moment, she stands in front of her. Chelsea walks to her and Rebecca wraps her arms around her, with Chelsea crying on her shoulder.
Act IV
Scene 1
INT. CHELSEA’S TOWNHOUSE NIGHT/ CHELSEA’S PARENTS’ KITCHEN NIGHT
CHELSEA’S TOWNHOUSE
Chelsea is sitting on her bed talking on her cell phone. The only light in the room is the lamp on the night stand.
CHELSEA
I hope your not going to try and defend him, too.
CHELSEA’S PARENTS’ KITCHEN
Camera shot of Mollie sitting at the breakfast bar on her cell phone. It is set on speaker. Kyle is standing at the counter opposite Mollie.
MOLLIE
Chelsea, sweetheart. I think you are blowing this a bit out of proportion.
CHELSEA’S TOWNHOUSE
CHELSEA
He was stalking me!
CHELSEA’S PARENTS’ KITCHEN
MOLLIE
What you accuse of stalking we used to call courtship.
KYLE
Today, I would be slapped with a restraining order for the way I pursued your mother when we first met.
MOLLIE
Your father sent me love letters and poems. He sent me flowers, and he waited outside my window after our first date.
CHELSEA’S TOWNHOUSE
CHELSEA
Well, those were different times.
CHELSEA’S PARENTS’ KITCHEN
KYLE
In some ways, maybe. But when it comes to the heart, nothing changes. And true romance is timeless.
MOLLIE
Did Andrew have some diabolical plan which included you being nearly killed in a car accident? I don’t think so. But it wasn’t just a coincidence he was there either. It was that romance that put him there when you needed him.
CHELSEA’S TOWNHOUSE
Chelsea sits silent, tears welling up in her eyes.
CHELSEA’S PARENTS’ KITCHEN
MOLLIE
Honey, your Dad and I can’t tell you what to do or how to feel. Just don’t build that wall around your heart so strong that you can’t get out.
CHELSEA’S TOWNHOUSE
CHELSEA
Okay. I’m going to turn in now. Love you both.
CHELSEA’S PARENTS’ KITCHEN
MOLLIE
Love you. Good night.
CHELSEA’S TOWNHOUSE
CHELSEA Good night.
Chelsea turns the phone off and sets it on the night stand. She sits for a moment, then reaches over and turns out the light.
Scene 2
INT. ANDREW’S A