(JOSH is dressing in front of mirror [audience], dancing uninhibitedly to the music plays on his boom box. A knock.)
JOSH
Enter at your own risk!
KRISTY
(Entering with a vase of fresh flowers. Sets it down. A beat. Turns off music)
You’re getting ready?
JOSH
Gettin’ there.
KRISTY
(Turning music off)
Why didn’t you wake me?
JOSH
What for?
KRISTY
I was going to pick up your tux.
JOSH
Dad got it.
KRISTY
Wow! Pretty sharp, for a rental.
JOSH
He splurged.
KRISTY
It’s new? That’s crazy! When are you ever going to --
JOSH
-- He insisted.
KRISTY
What about my deposit?
JOSH
Ah, I dunno. Guess he put it toward the purchase.
KRISTY
(Under her breath)
What a waste.
(A beat)
Want me to press the jacket?
JOSH
Doesn’t need it.
KRISTY
Are you hungry?
JOSH
Nope. What’s up with you? You look sick.
KRISTY
No, just waking up. I was outside all day, mulching my beds -- that sun’s scorching my perennials! I came in for lunch and fell asleep on the couch. . . I was dreaming. . .
(Shivering)
. . . that it was winter – why’s it so cold in here?
JOSH
I turned up the air.
KRISTY
The wind was blowing, bitter cold, and there was snow on the ground. . . but when I went into the back yard I saw that all my flowers – you know, where the lilac bush is? – were in bloom! All these stems of. . . white peonies bursting wide open. . . huge, radiant, blossoms. . . I pressed my face into one. . . I can still smell it. . . They were blooming through the gate, and all along the path, and I was showing them to. . . to your father. . . and worrying. . . They’re blooming too early, I said -- or is it late?. . . And, you know what he said?
JOSH
No, but I have a feeling you’re going to tell me. . . . (to read more)
Copyright by Kelly DuMar, published by Heuer Publishing.