AI
Joe Adam reappears!
Characters
Emma Ai/ Joe Adams - A girl who recently left the prestigious St Paul Academy. She is now living as a different person and working quietly in a diner; to earn money for her flight ticket to America.
Carina Turner - A young graduate from a beauty academy, who lives alone next to Emma’s room of her apartment.
Eliza Reagan: The girl, whom Emma saved while she was on his way home from work.
Neil Reagan - Eliza's spoiled and a push-over older brother
Bill Horner - A stand-in manager of the diner where Carina and Emma are working; also a 3rd-year mass communication major at Stanford University.
Elaine Lucas - Aaron’s girlfriend and a part-time waitress
Aaron Turner - Carina’s late younger brother, who died in a bike accident 5 years ago
It has been a week since Emma left the academy, she finally settles down in a room of a small apartment somewhere in London city; well for the time being.
Emma: [Grabs scissors from the drawer under the basin then stares at herself in the mirror]
Carina: [Barges into the room and searches for Emma] Emma! Emma! Are you there? Emma!
Emma: [Grads the edge of her hair and quickly cuts it] Here goes nothing.
Carina: [Knocks the bathroom door] Emma? Are you in here?
Emma: Yes, I am. Just give me a minute, I’ll be out in a moment. [Accidentally drops the scissors]
Carina: [Hears the steel sounds] What is going on in there? May I come in?
Emma: Nothing….
Carina: That’s it, I’m coming in. [Barges herself in and sees Emma picking up the scissors on the floor] What are you doing with that and what have you done with your hair?
Emma: [Quickly picks it up] Well…. I just thought of cutting my hair short but I'm not really good at it.
Carina: [Giggles] Oh dear, why didn’t you ask?
Emma: I didn’t want to trouble, you’ve done enough for the past week. I wouldn’t dare to ask more from you.
Carina: It’s not a big deal, Ems. You can always come flying over for help and I’ll always be happy to.
Emma: [Slight smile] Then I would hesitate then.
Carina: Oh dear, look at your once beautiful hair.
Emma: It doesn’t matter anymore.
Carina: [Combs Emma’s hair with her fingers] You’re lucky that I’m a hairstylist, come let me fix it up for you.
Emma: Thank you
Carina: [Rolls up the sleeves of her blouse] Ems, go get my accessory box in my room. It’s on the dresser and at the same time, get ourselves a stool, please.
Emma: Roger that! [Quickly leaves the bathroom and does what she’s been told]
Few minutes later….
Emma: I’m back [Passes the accessory box to Maria and puts the stools down in the bathroom]
Carina: Excellent, let’s get started then.
Emma: Okay [Quickly sits on the stool]
Carina: [Gently combs Emma’s hair with a hairbrush] Your hair’s very soft, what shampoo did you use?
Emma: Just a cheap rose scent shampoo I got from the mart.
Maria: You’ve got such pretty long hair, why do you want to cut off all of a sudden? Honestly, it’s such a waste.
Emma: I've kept it long for almost my entire life so it’s time to change it a little.
Carina: Did you have a reason to keep it long or just for your liking?
Emma: Hmm…I guess you can say I have a reason for that.
Carina: Was it for someone or maybe a boy I presumed?
Emma: I’ve always been a tomboy ever since my childhood. Everything changed when I met him, he told me that I should try keeping my hair long and so I did.
Carina: That’s so sweet.
Emma: [Made a sad smile and nodded]
Carina: Where is he now? Are you both still in touch?
Emma: [Shook her head and speaks sadly] He…he…well he’s not here anymore.
Carina: [Puts down the comb on her lap and pats Emma’s shoulders] Did something happened to him?
Emma: He died in a car accident last autumn.
Carina: [Embraces Emma from the back] Oh you poor thing, I’m so sorry. I really shouldn’t have asked.
Emma: [Sheds a tear and wipes it off] That’s okay, it’s been a long time since I’ve mentioned him. I’m glad you brought the conversation up.
Carina: Emma… what was he like?
Emma: He was dashing, the sweetest and the smartest person I’ve ever met. Also excels in both sports and academics in school…. Even though I didn’t enjoy going for long drives but he loves them so I had to bear it for his sake.
Carina: I see… [Picks up the scissors in the basin]
Emma: What about you, Carina?
Carina: Oh don’t ask, we’ve been arguing after I caught him cheating on me last Friday. That bloody bastard, I never want to speak to him again.
Emma: But you still like him, don’t you?
Carina: [Blushes as she remained silent and starts cutting Emma’s hair]
Emma: I guess I’ll take that as “Yes” then.
Carina: It’s difficult to find a perfect guy, don’t you think?
Emma: That’s what everybody will say.
Carina: At least you’ve met one unlike me.
Emma: That’s not true, I met a terrible bastard too!
Carina: What? But the guy described earlier…
Emma: This time is a different guy, he was a total jerk when we’ve first met! A delinquent! Worst of all he never stops teasing me but…
Carina: [Carefully listening]
Emma: — he was always there when I needed him the most, sometimes he can be nice in another way.
Carina: [Giggles] I’m so jealous of you, Ems. You’ve got everything what all girls ever wanted, a guy who cares and truly loves you.
Emma: That selfish bastard… he…. no way he does! Besides the left me all alone in that dreadful place! I really wanted to go with him, why didn’t he take me with him?
Carina: Listen I think that bastard has deep affections towards you, it’s just that he wasn’t ready to you know, confess yet. That teasing shows it all, Emma.
Emma: You’re right, Carina. I want to hear him say those 3 words coming straight from his mouth! That stupid parting love letter isn’t enough!
Carina: Love letter? So he actually confused, way the go for that guy.
Emma: I will never ever forgive him for leaving me like this. The next time I see, I’m going to kick that his ass.
Carina: [Sighs] Young love.
Emma: What are you sprouting about, Carina? I mean you’re young too.
Carina: I’m almost to my late 20s now, kiddo.
Emma: So what? Age doesn’t really matter, Carina. What matters is your happiness.
Carina: You’ll get what I said when you grow a little older.
Emma: Whatever
Carina: Those boys really chose the right girl. Good for them.
Emma: No way, I’m the worst one they could ever ask for!
Carina: [Shook her head again] From what I heard what those two really love about you wasn’t just your looks but that bright smile of yours. It was the sweetest smile I’ve ever seen.
Emma: [Smiled calmly] Oh yeah they did say I should keep smiling that way all the time.
Carina: I agree with them.
Emma: Everyone did too.
Carina: Then just do what they say.
Emma: I will…
20 minutes later after finishing the haircut
Carina: [Puts down the scissors] It’s done.
Emma: [Opens her eyes and looks herself at the mirror; becomes surprised]
Carina: What do you think? Was it too short?
Emma: No way, I look amazing! Thank you so much, Carina!
Carina: My pleasure, so what is your next plan?
Emma: I'm going to change my name.
Carina: Say what?
Emma: From now on, call me Joe instead of Emma. Okay?
Maria: Why? You’re a girl and Emma’s such a sweet name.
Emma: I'm going to be a boy for the time being until I’ve earned enough money for the air tickets home.
Maria: Home? I didn’t get to ask, where exactly are you from?
Emma: America, I live in a small town somewhere in Michigan.
Carina: I see. That sounds nice.
Carina: But you’re gonna have to work extra hard for that.
Emma: Yes I know it's not going to be easy but I must do it!
Carina: You can work at the diner, where I am. Our part-timer just quit not too long ago, you can go for it.
Emma: For real?
Carina: [Pats Emma’s head] Absolutely lad!
Emma: [Embraces Carina tightly] Oh my god, Carina! I can’t thank you enough! How will I ever repay you?
Carina: You don’t have to, Ems. Umm, I mean Joe. So you can come with me to work tomorrow morning and hopefully you start on that day.
Emma: I’ll do my best tomorrow!
Carina: That’s the spirit, lad! I’ll call my manager right away! [Takes out her phone from her left pocket and starts the call] Plus I'll try to you some guy clothes.
Emma: Oh right.
Carina: In the meantime, you can have my little brother's old clothes. Hopefully, it fits you cause I think they’re almost your size.
Emma: Okay.
Carina: [Leaves the room and goes back to her room]
Emma: [Walks along with Carina to her room]
In Carina’s little brother’s bedroom
Emma: [Enters with Carina and looks around] So this is your brother’s room.
Carina: That’s right [Opens the closet door next to the untouched single bed]
Emma: This room looks so tidy as if it hasn’t been touched for a while but it still spotless.
Carina: [Pulls the drawers] Long story, it has always been the two of us after we’ve lost our parents in a bus accident when he was only 7. After that, One of my father’s distant relative took us in and raised us along with their kids. We didn’t felt like we really belong there, it was hard to live in some else’s roof especially to my little brother. Who cries a lot almost every night, thankfully it stopped after 3 months.
Emma: When was the last time he ever slept in here?
Carina: The last time he stepped into this room was about 5 years ago. When he was around, this room would be like a garbage dumpster; full of dirty pizza boxes, crumbled papers, dented coke cans and of course dirty laundries. That’s a typical boy keeps their rooms. God, it was a nightmare for me to clean his room.
Emma: So what happened to him? Why didn’t he come home?
Carina: [Saddened and sobs] That stupid lad…. he…he…
Emma: [Pats Carina’s upper back]
Carina: [Sobbing] He died…. when he was riding home on that snowy night then suddenly that huge lory just bumped into him like that and just fled. That stinky bastard driver just fled like that and he never even help him or call the ambulance. If he did my brother would have…. been… [Sheds tears that spoiled her mascara]
Emma: [Embraces Carina and pats her back] I’m… I’m so sorry…. I —
Carina: [Wipes her tears with fingers] That’s okay, everyone has a sad backstory in their lives. It’s part of life that we all have to face; can’t run away from it.
Emma: You’re so strong, Carina. I envied you.
Carina: Aren’t you the same? You’ve faced plenty of hardships and look at you, you’re still standing with your two feet, Ems! [Grinned]
Emma: Carina…
Carina: [Going through the drawers and finally finds her brother’s old clothes] Found them! [Tosses them to Emma] Try them on.
Emma: [Catches them] Thanks
Carina: I’ll wait for you outside. [Leaves the room and closes the door]
Emma: [Takes off her clothes and changes to Carina’s brother’s clothes] It fits perfectly.
In the silent living room
Carina: [Gazes at the snowy scenery by the window while holding a mug of hot chocolate] “Hey Aaron, you know what I finally met this girl; who kind of reminded me of you when you were her age. She’s sweet and cheerful one if you’re still here. You'll definitely like her and both of you might get along pretty well”
Emma: [Walks out of the room and quickly approaches Carina] Carina!
Carina: [Sees a vision of her younger brother as a young teen, who turns back to her and grinned in an instant] Aaron...
[Aaron’s vision disappears and Emma’s face returns]
Emma: Carina? Are you okay? Maybe I shouldn’t wear them since it’ll make you sad.
Carina: No, no! It’s okay please keep them.
Emma: Are you sure?
Carina: [Nodded with a gentle smile] Of course if Aaron is still around, he’ll definitely let you have them. It’s yours now.
Emma: Thank you, I’ll cherish them.
Carina: I thought he has given them all away to the orphanage and never thought these would still be lying inside that closet after all these years.
Emma: These might be precious to him.
Carina: Well they were his favourite clothes. You looked almost like him when he wore them those days.
Emma: [Moves around freely] These clothes are really comfy, I really get why your brother loved them.
Carina: [Finishes up her drink and puts the mug on the kitchen basin] Let’s head out somewhere for brunch.
Emma: [Speaks in deep tone] Sure
Carina: [Claps] Wow you’re getting a hang of it.
Emma: I’ve cross-dressed often when I was a kid.
Carina: Really?
Emma: Honestly I felt more relaxed and free as a guy than being a girl.
Carina: Interesting. All right go get your jacket, we’ll be leaving in a minute.
Emma: Roger that! [Quickly goes back to her room to get ready]
As they stroll around the bustling neighbourhood in cold noon
Joe: [Walking with her hands in her pockets]
Carina: It is freezing in America during the winter as well?
Joe: Well yeah it’s almost the same as London.
Carina: [Sees O’Brien’s cafe opposite them and points at it] Let's go there.
Joe: Sure.
Joe and Carina: [Walk towards the restaurant and enters]
Inside the restaurant
Joe: [Takes off her scarf and jacket] It’s warmer now.
Carina: [Sits at an empty space by the window]
Joe: [Sits opposite of Carina and puts down her things] Anything good to eat here?
Elaine: [Approaches them and hands over the menu] Hi Carina, it’s good to see you again. How have you been?
Carina: [Smiled brightly] Marvellous, Eliane. Oh yes, I want you to meet my new neighbour, little Joe.
Joe: [Shakes hands with Elaine with a charming smile] Nice to meet you, I’m Joe Adams. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
Elaine: [Blushed] Yes my name is Elaine Lucas, the pleasure is mine.
Carina: [Chuckles] Oh trying to hit on Joe huh? Poor Aaron’s not going to be happy if he finds out.
Elaine: [Lets go of her hand] Of course not.
Carina: Oh she’s Aaron’s girlfriend.
Joe: I see
Carina: I just told him about Aaron and all.
Elaine: [Sees Aaron’s old clothes that Joe’s wearing] These clothes… aren’t they…
Carina: Oh you remembered.
Elaine: [Saddened] How can I ever forget, they were his favourite clothes.
Joe: I’m sorry Elaine.
Elaine: It’s okay I’m over with that now. Don’t worry about it.
Joe: When did you first meet Aaron? What was he like?
Elaine: He was the kindest, bravest and dashing person. I’ve always loved him when he was riding his superbike with that dark motorbike jacket.
Joe: That’s so sweet.
Elaine: [Changes the subject] Have you guys decided what you’re having?
Joe: [Flips through the menu]
Carina: [Passes the menu back to Elaine] I’ll have the usual.
Joe: [Closes the menu and passes it to Elaine] I’ll go with a Tuna sandwich and a glass of water.
Elaine: Okay then, I’ll catch up with you guys later.
Carina: [Waves] Bye, break a leg.
Joe: She’s a nice person, Aaron’s a lucky guy.
Carina: They been together since they were about your age.
Joe: [Surprised] No way, that’s pretty long.
Carina: That dreadful accident broke those love birds apart ever since then Elaine rarely smiled and opened up to others. During the funeral, she was the only one who cried the hardest; it was hard for her to go through that lost especially it’s someone whom you loved. Aaron meant everything to her; that’s why I occasionally come here or go for a sleepover at her place, just to keep her company.
Joe: She sounded a lot like me; but in my case, I wasn’t able to attend Anthony’s funeral as I was ill for a long time.
Carina: [Pats Joe’s left arm] Poor things.
Joe: I hope you and your boyfriend would make up while you still have a chance.
Carina: [Sighs] I don’t know….
Joe: [Made a slight smile]
Carina: [Sighs while staring by the window for an instant and turns back Joe] At least you were able to move on to another guy, I even convinced her to forget Aaron and move on. I mean she’s still young, there are plenty of opportunities out there, waiting to be discovered. I know it’s really hard well I mean it’s been 5 years. She still wouldn’t let go.
Joe: It was hard going through those times when I’ve lost Anthony; but with the help of my closest friends and also him, I was able to move on. He may not be with us but he still exists right here. [Touches her chest]
Carina: You’re damn right. If only….
Joe: [Turns to Elaine’s direction as she watches her talking to another waiter at the side] Look over there.
Carina: [Turns to the direction where Joe’s facing]
Joe: She did it. Those 5 years was something to her, it must be because of that guy.
Carina: You’re definitely right, I’ve seen him hanging out with her often. So I’ll leave her in his hands then.
Joe: [Nods]
Carina: Thank you for listening, Joe. I’m happy that being able to speak about my brother after keeping it to myself for so long.
Joe: I’m also happy that I was able to share my grief with you.
Carina: [Made a sad smile]
Waitress: [Walks to their table with the food and drinks on the tray and puts them all on the table] Here’s your sandwiches, 1 cup of black coffee and a glass of water.
Joe: [Turns to the waitress and made a slight smile] Thank you.
Waitress: [Blushes and walks away] Enjoy
Carina: [Holds her cup up] This is for Anthony.
Joe: [Raises up her glass up] and Aaron
Carina & Joe: [Toast each other and drinks up]
After brunch and the lunch hour is finally over, both of them walks out of the restaurant
Joe: [Adjusts her scarf]
Carina: [Exhales loudly and stretches her arms]
Elaine: [Grabs Carina’s hands] Thanks for dropping by, Carina.
Carina: [Shook her head] Oh El, I’m glad to see that you’re okay plus Joe and I been watching flirting with that chap in there.
Elaine: Oh well he’s just a friend, he always walks home me after our shifts since his house is near mine.
Carina: [Smirks] Is that so? I’ve seen you two together a few times during your breaks.
Elaine: [Blushes] Umm well…
Carina: [Pecks Elaine’s shoulder] It’s fine, El. Got get ‘em since you like him, don’t you? Don’t hesitate or you’ll regret it.
Joe: [Joins in] That’s right, Elaine. This is your chance, don’t let it be in vain.
Elaine: But…I…I don’t know if I can do it.
Carina: Aaron won’t be happy if you keep staying like this. Go be happy if you can’t do it for yourself then do it for Aaron.
Elaine: [Saddened and sheds a tear] Am I allowed to do it? Am I allowed to be happy again?
Carina: [Pecks her back and pushes her into the restaurant] Of course you can! You bloody rascal! Go to him! Go!
Elaine: [Opens the door and turns back to them] Thank you…
Carina: Run along now and we’ll be on our way.
Elaine: Bye then [Walks in]
Carina: Oh sorry Joe, can you go home without me. I've got an errand to do.
Joe: Okay then, I’ll just wander around the streets and get some groceries for dinner along the way.
Carina: All right, see you at dinner. [Jogs away]
Joe: I guess I’ll get going then [Walks to a different direction]
The next morning at the living room in the apartment
Joe: [Opens the window and breathes out] What great weather to start a new day.
Carina: [Rings the doorbell] Emma? Are you up? We’ll be leaving in 20 minutes.
Joe: [Hears Carina’s voice, walks to the door and opens it] I got, Carina.
Carina: [Enters]
Joe: Have you had your breakfast? I’ve got some french toast on the table.
Carina: [Sits on the couch and yawns] No I’m good, Ems. I just ate some overnight oats.
Joe: [Sits next to her while munching a piece of french toast]
Carina: Don’t worry just take your time, no rush.
Joe: [Finishes her meal and drinks up the entire glass of milk] I’m done. Just give me a minute, I need to clear the dishes and go fetch my coat.
Carina: Calm down rascal. That opening time is at 9am, we still have time.
Joe: It’s 7:40am now, getting there isn’t close right?
Carina: Hmm not exactly, it’ll take about 15 minutes.
Joe: [Quickly cleans the dishes and gets ready to leave]
Carina: [Walks out of the door] Let's go, Emma.
Joe: [Locks the door and walks along with her]
Carina: Today’s a big day for you, your very first job.
Joe: Actually it’s my second.
Carina: Oh, where did you work previously?
Joe: At a doll shop, I was an apprentice of the dolls craftsmanship when I was 7.
Carina: Sounds cool. Have you one on your own?
Joe: Of course I did and also sewed plenty of dresses for it.
Carina: Did you love it?
Joe: Definitely. Not only I’ve learnt craftsmanship; I also learnt other things like playing the violin and Japanese since my master was a Japanese.
Carina: Speaking of violins, I saw a violin case lying at your bedside. Is that yours?
Joe: Duh why else would it be there? It was a Christmas present from my master and also crafted by him.
Carina: That’s amazing. I want to see you play some time but you have to keep it down if you want to practise in the apartment.
Joe: [Thumbs up] Noted.
15 minutes later, they finally reached to the diner “Sinclair’s” and goes through the backdoor
Carina: [Picks up the punch card and punches it then keeps it back on the rack]
Joe: [Walks along with Carina into a small office]
Carina: [Knocks] Bill, are you in? I’ve brought the new guy. May we come in?
Bill: [Opens the door and speaks tiredly, goes back inside then leaned against the desk] Come on in then.
Carina: [Enters with Joe] What’s the matter with you, Bill? Are you all right?
Bill: [Rubs his eyes and drinks a cup of warm coffee] I’ve pulled another nighter for my final project 3 days straight and dad even left me in-charge while he’s gone who knows where again.
Carina: [Crosses her arms around her chest] You’re suited to be the manager than that lazy father of yours, Bill.
Bill: [Yawns] You think so?
Carina: Crystal.
Bill: [Turns to Joe, who’s standing next to Carina]
Carina: [Grabs Joe’s shoulder] Oh yeah, this Joe. He said he’s interested in working part-time until winter break is over.
Bill: [Goes closer to Joe and studies] What’s your last name, lad?
Joe: It’s Adams, sir.
Bill: Why do you want to work here?
Joe: To earn some pocket money and also the money to get the plane ticket home.
Bill: Home where exactly?
Joe: America, sir.
Bill: So you’re an American. How old are you? You looked awfully young.
Joe: I…I am 14, sir.
Bill: [Nodded] Well… aren’t you a little too young to work?
Joe: I really have to, sir. I’m used up almost all of my remaining expenses and I don’t think it can last for 3 days. More importantly, I have to get home before Christmas. I promise I’ll work really hard and I’ll do anything so please let me work here.
Carina: What do you say, Bill?
Bill: A kid huh…. hmm… I don’t know.
Carina: Come on, Bill. You don’t expect me and Suzy to wait for the tables all by ourselves after that tosser left.
Bill: [Changes the subject] Hmmm I’ve just a call that the violinist who’s supposed to perform tonight, he said he got into an accident and won’t be able to make it. This is bad.
Carina: Brilliant cause we have one right here, Bill! [Points at Joe]
Bill: What?
Carina: He just told me that he’s an excellent violinist.
Joe: [Shocked] An excellent one? Oh my god, Carina!
Bill: A violinist?
Carina: That’s right, how about this. If Joe can satisfy all of the customers tonight then you’ll hire him.
Bill: If not kiss that job goodbye. Are you up for it, lad?
Joe: Of course.
Bill: Then good luck practising.
Carina: [Leaves the office with Joe and shuts the door then sighs] Listen up, Joe. You better pass this or you won’t get hired, understand?
Joe: I will, Carina.
Carina: You better start practising for tonight, Joe. Make the crowd cheer for you.
Joe: I don’t know about that… Can I really do it?
Carina: [Grabs Joe’s shoulders] Of course you can, I know you will cause I can see that you’re very experienced and especially your fingers shows everything.
Joe: You’ve found out.
Carina: Obviously.
Joe: I wonder what should I play tonight? Any ideas?
Carina: Don’t ask me.
Joe: What would you like to hear?
Carina: Hmm… some soothing or happy ones.
Joe: I see. I’ll go fetch my violin and practise at the park somewhere.
Carina: Okay, be here by 6pm for the rehearsal and preparations.
Joe: I will see you tonight. [Leaves the diner and jogs away]
In the afternoon at 2pm outside of the bakery
Joe: [Places her left leg on top of her right one while flipping through her music file]
Girl 1: [Approaches Joe’s side and grabs the chair next to her violin] Excuse me, may I take this chair?
Joe: [Looks up to the girl and makes a gentle smile] Of course.
Girl 1: [Blushes and quickly walks away to her table] Thank you.
Girl 2: [Stares at Joe from a far] Oh sweet mama, that boy's a cutie. I've never seen him around before, maybe he's new.
Girl 1: His face was so adorable just like an innocent little boy.
Girl 3: Let's go ask him. [Gets up with the other girls and walks to Joe’s table]
Girl 2: Hello there.
Joe: [Looks up to her and her friends by her side] Umm hi. “After getting my hair done and also putting on some guy clothes. Never thought I would become popular on the spot, kind of drag"
Girl 3: Are you new here? where do you live?
Joe: I live a few blocks away from here.
Girl 1: Where did you’ve before you moved here?
Joe: America.
Girl 3: So you’re an American, that sounds wonderful.
Girl 2: I’ve always wanted to explore America like LA or New York.
Girl 1: So what brings you here in London?
Joe: I've got some business to do that's why.
Girl 3: [Worried] I’m so sorry, we’ve asked so much. Are we bothering you?
Joe: No, not at all. “Well kind of”
Girl 3: That’s great, mind if we ask for your name, please?
Joe: It’s Joe.
Girl 2: Oh Joe, it’s wonderful to meet you.
Joe: Say, ladies, I’ll be performing at a diner called “Sinclair’s” tonight; you should drop by and watch me perform.
Girl 1: Oh wow that sounds wonderful [Notices Joe’s violin case next to her] You’re a violinist.
Joe: That’s right.
Girls: [Nodded excitedly] We’ll be there for you, Joe.
Girl 2: [Looks at the time on her wrist watch] Oh look at the time, we should be heading back.
Girl 3: We’ll see you tonight, Joe. Toodles! [Walks away with the girls]
Joe: [Sighs in relieved] They finally went, now let’s get back to business [Flips through her file again]
Carina: [Sees Joe sitting alone outside of the bakery at the shaded seat and stumps forward] Joe, there you are!
Joe: Carina, what are you doing here?
Carina: I’ve just got my lunch break. How’s the process?
Joe: [Sighs and shook] No clue.
Carina: [Sits next to Joe] You better come up with something.
Joe: I’m on it, Carina. Don’t be such a worrywart okay?
Carina: Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Joe: Do you want a drink or something?
Carina: [Gets up from the chair and walks into the store] Oh yeah I’ll just go grab an iced latte and a bagel.
Joe: Ok
Carina: "I can't believe I'm treating Emma as a guy. Well that's what she wants but I don't know the reason why is she hiding, I’ll ask her about it later."
A few moments later
Carina: [Puts down her drink and cookie on the table] I’m back
Joe: [Munches a doughnut and drink her ice lemon tea] Hey!
Carina: Emma...
Joe: I told you not to call me that, remember? You can only call me that when it’s just the two of us at home, got it?
Carina: Jeez I can't stand calling another girl with a guy name. [Sucks the straw hard]
Joe: Well I’m sorry but please understand my situation.
Carina: Well I like to hear about it as your temporary guardian.
Joe: [Sighs and puts down her cup] The thing is I’m not supposed to be wandering around here.
Carina: What do you mean?
Joe: I left.
Carina: Left? Left from where?
Joe: London’s most prestigious catholic “St Paul Academy”
Carina: Blistering barnacles, I don’t believe it. You’re a rich lady and also smart ass, aren't you?
Joe: No I never was, Carina.
Carina heard it’s difficult to enrol in that academy and yet you left just like that? What is the reason you left?
Joe: Like I said earlier at the office, I want to go back home to America. It’s like living hell in that academy with the sister patrolling the entire academy 24/7. God that really freaked me out at first but I’ve got my ways to survive and sneak in or out. [Shows a peace sign]
Carina: [Pecks Joe’s forehead] You’re a mischievous troublemaker.
Joe: [Chuckles for an instant and stops] They’re still probably tracking me down.
Carina: They?
Joe: My best friends, the teachers or maybe the police. I don’t know.
Carina: Did they know you wanted to leave for America?
Joe: Duh that’s what I’ve written to them after I left the hellhole.
Carina: Do you miss them?
Joe: Hell I do every day.
Carina: When are you going to contact them?
Joe: Probably after I settled down in America.
Carina: Okay then. [Takes another bite of the bagel]
Joe: [Finishes up her drink]
Carina: By the way, I’ve got a friend who works at an airline agency maybe she could help you get those tickets at a cheaper price.
Joe: [Delighted and embraces Carina] Oh my god, thank you so much!
Carina: Anything for my little girl. And also how much do you have left in your hand?
Joe: About 100 pounds left I guess.
Carina: Oh god, you really need that job.
Joe: [Nodded]
Hours later as it is 6pm, Joe, who is well dressed; walks up to the stage while holding her violin
[Customers applause]
Joe: [Holds the microphone] Good evening everyone. [Notices the girls she met this afternoon waving at her and makes a slight smile] I’m going to play a few songs, hope you like them. [Starts playing the violin]
[Everyone watches Joe playing soothing violin music]
Bill: [Watches Joe from the side] “Not bad, let's see if you can attract many customers in"
Joe: [Changes to a higher tune and starts moving freely]
[Everyone becomes impressed and claps louder]
Carina: [Impressed] That boy’s a natural, why don’t stop being stubborn and hire him. Will you?
Bill: [Sighs] Everyone seems to like it.
Pass-biers: [Watches Joe playing the violin from the outside and quickly enters]
Joe: [Keeps playing happily] “Looks like I win the bet”
Lady 1: Wow he's a natural. Let's go to that diner.
[Many customers coming in]
Carina: No way?!
Customer: Excuse me, miss! Can I take my order?
Carina: Of course! [Walks to the customer]
Joe: “Looks like my music did the trick”
After business hours as Bill gathers everyone at his office
Bill: Okay little lad. Want to hear the good news or the bad news first?
Joe: I’ll go with the bad one first.
Bill: [Claps and grinned] The thing is there is no bad news! You’ve passed the test, lad!
Joe: [Extremely happy] Yes! I did it!
Bill: [Grabs Joe’s shoulder] You did great, Joe.
Carina: [Embraces Joe] You were a natural, Joe! So proud of you.
Joe: Thank you all so much. I promise I do my best working here.
Bill: [Nods] We’re counting on you.
Joe: Yes sir.
Bill: Just call me, Bill.
Joe: Ok Bill.
Bill: All right guys, good work for today and I’ll see you all tomorrow.
[Everyone leaves the office]
Carina: Bill, don’t overwork yourself and get plenty of sleep.
Bill: Okay Cari.
Carina: [Frustrated] Don’t call me that, Billy.
Bill: [Frustrated] Same goes to you!
Carina: See you tomorrow, Bill. [Turns to Joe then grabs her hand and leaves the office]
Walking along the sides of the deserted area
Carina: [Hangs her arm on Joe’s shoulder tiredly] I’m totally beat working the whole day.
Joe: Me too after all that performing, carrying that violin hurts my shoulder. Let’s hurry home before it gets any later.
Carina: [Yawns loudly]
Joe: [Hears noises from the opposite side of the street and stops to look at that direction]
Carina: [Drags Joe] What are you looking at?
Joe: [Sees a girl surrounded by two guys] I think that girl seems to be in trouble.
Carina: [Turns to the girl then back to Joe] These guys are dangerous, let’s not get involved.
Joe: [Breaks free and steps back] But Carina, we can’t just leave her like that. There’s got to be a way to help her.
Carina: [Grabs Joe’s arm tight] Joe, no Emma. Remember you’re a helpless girl so stop pretending to be a hero. We’ll quietly call the police and put a stop to it. Do you understand?
Joe: [Breaks free and runs to the scene]
Carina: Joe! Emma! Get back here this instant! Emma!
Joe: [Turns back to Carina while running] Carina, call the cops now!
Carina: You bloody idiot! I won’t leave you!
Joe: I can take care of it, just trust me! I’ve got my ways! Just do as I say! [Turns to the front and runs]
Girl: [Speaks arrogantly while holding a pepper spray] You bastards stay away from me!
Guy 1: [Grabs the girl’s arm by force]
Girl: Let go of me, you punks! Somebody help! Help!!
Girl: I’m sorry, not interested!
Guy 2: Oh come on, I'll be fun [Tries to grab her other arm]
Girl: [Sprays on guy 2’s face] Don't dare touch me with those filthy hands! I’m warning you!
Joe: [Steps in as she crosses her arms around her chest] Let the lady go, boys or you’ll be sorry.
Girl: [Turns to Joe] What? “Who is this boy?”
Joe: [Turns to the girl and becomes surprised as the girl turns out to be Eliza] "Eliza? What is she doing in a place like this?"
Guy 2: Are you trying to a fight with us huh, kid? [Tries to punch Joe]
Joe: [Grabs his arm and kicks his left leg down]
Guy 2: [Fell on the ground]
Guy 1: [Quickly lets go of Eliza’s arm and attacks him with a knife] Why you little brat! You'll pay for that!
Eliza: [Becomes frightened and screams]
Joe: [Punches his stomach real hard and kicks his back down]
Guy 2: [Fell on the ground and quickly tries to grab his knife]
Joe: [Steps on his hand and picks up the knife] You know you shouldn’t be carrying this around or you’ll get hurt.
Carina: [Rushes to the scene with the police] There they are, officers! Hurry!
Policemen: [Rushes in before Carina]
Joe: [Lets go of her feet and walks to the girl’s side]
Two policemen: [Arrests the guys and takes them to the patrol car]
Policeman 3: [Speaks from the glass] You two are under arrest for harassment, take them away!
[Two police car departs]
Policeman 3: [Turns to Joe] Are you okay? That was a dangerous thing for you to do, lad!
Joe: [Chuckles as she touches her head] I’m so sorry officer.
Policeman 3: Don’t ever do anything like that again, understand?
Joe: I understand.
Policeman 3: We will discuss the rest of this case at the station so come with me.
Joe: [Ignores the officer and walks passed him] Policeman 3: [Frustrated] You lad! I need you to come with me to fill up the report.
Carina: [Blocks his way] That’s okay sir, I’ll do it in his place since I’ve witnessed the entire thing too.
Policeman 3: All right then, this way then.
Carina: Hey I’m going to the station for a while, are you okay by yourself?
Joe: What am I five?
Carina: Just be careful out there and don’t get into trouble again, understand?
Joe: Yes mommy!
Carina: [Gets into the patrol car with the officer]
[The last police car departs]
Joe: [Turns to Eliza with a cunning smile as tries to grab her shoulder] Are you okay?
Eliza: [Hits her hand] Don’t you dare touch me, commoner!
Joe: Commoner? Is this how you thanked your lifesaver?
Eliza: Shut up or do I have to report you to the cops too?
Joe: [Places her hands to the back] Fine, I won’t lay a finger on, you happy now?
Eliza: Hmph! [Turns to the other way]
Joe: Well my sister and I were passing by then we happened to witness your little scene so I couldn’t leave you alone with those guys.
Eliza: Thank you so very much but your help wasn’t necessary, I could take care of it myself.
Joe: [Raises her eyebrow up] Oh yeah? I would feel guilty if I ever leave a pretty girl such as yourself standing up to those guys.
Eliza: [Blushes in an instant] You! “This lad may be a sweet-talker but he’s got some great fighting skills with that little hands of his and his looks…”
Joe: [Sighs in relief and walks away] I guess I’ll be on my way then, adios! “Thankfully I’ve taken some karate lessons back in school and watched a few videos of them"
Eliza: Well I should be going! My brother and my friends would be looking for me. So adios! [Walks passed Joe]
Joe:[Turns to Eliza’s direction] Hey it's dangerous for you to walk alone like that. Better not do that if I were you.
Eliza: [Stops and turns back to Joe] So what? I can take care of myself this time, just leave me alone!
Joe: Are you lost?
Eliza: Don’t be ridiculous, of course, I'm not!
Joe: [Slowly walks closer to Eliza] You can't fool me, girl. Just admit it and I can help you find them.
Eliza: [Sighs as she surrenders] Do as you please.
Joe: [Made another cunning smile] Thank you.
Eliza: [Starts walking ahead]
Joe: [Walks next to Eliza with her hands inside her pockets and starts whistling]
Eliza: What's your…?
Joe: The name’s Joe if that’s what you wanted to ask.
Eliza: Right
Joe: Eliza Reagan right?
Eliza: How did you know my name? I haven’t told mine!
Joe: [Shows off her identity card] It's written right here.
Eliza: My identity card! Give that back! [Snatches it away from his hands]
Joe: You know you should keep an eye on your stuff especially something like this; who knows it ended up in the wrong hands.
Eliza: Shut up! "What's with this brat?"
Joe: All right, all right!
Eliza: How old are you?
Joe: 14, you?
Eliza: Oh then we're in the same age.
Joe: "Duh"
Eliza: You live around here, do you? You must know the nearest telephone booth is, right?
Joe: You don’t have a cell phone with you?
Eliza: The batteries died.
Joe: [Sighs and lends Eliza her phone] Here, you can use mine.
Eliza: [Takes it and calls her brother] Hello Neil, where are you?
Meanwhile on the other side of the street
Neil: Eliza, why didn’t you pick up my damn calls! Stair and the others went out looking for you for hours! Where are you?
Eliza: I’m in an alley.
Neil: Where? Is there a landmark?
Eliza: Well…
Joe: [Snatches the phone away and speaks sarcastically with Neil] Hi Neil ~
Eliza: [Tries to grab the phone back] Give that back!
Neil: Who the hell are you? Where’s my sister, you better not lay a finger on her or you’ll be sorry!
Joe: Sheesh how rude, I just lent my phone to your sister as her phone batteries died.
Neil: You bastard!
Joe: Hey listen, do you know the Coles supermarket?
Neil: Well duh, I’m the right opposite of it, so what?
Joe: Okie Dokie, I’ll take her there in a jiffy without a scratch. I promise you that. Bye ~ [Ends the call and slips her phone back to her sweater pocket]
Neil: That bastard! Damn it! [Walks away]
Joe: Let's go then, I’ll take you to your brother. [Grabs Eliza’s hand and drags her]
Eliza: “What’s with him?”
Joe: Judging from your accent, American huh?
Eliza: That’s right. You must be one too.
Joe: Nice but that was a long time ago.
Eliza: How long have you been living here?
Joe: Hmm this area, well not too long ago.
Eliza: Do…
Joe: [Points at Eliza's uniform and pretends to be suprised] Oh that uniform.
Eliza: Oh this... I'm a student of the most prestigious catholic in London called…
Joe: St Paul Academy, yeah I know. I have a friend who goes there.
Eliza: Oh really? Is that person in our grade? I would like to meet him or her.
Joe: Unfortunately he left in the middle of autumn.
Eliza: Well that’s too bad.
Joe: But I know that school is one of the most famous and the richest one school in London. Only the wealthiest ones such as yourself can enrol there.
Eliza: Bingo.
Joe: I've heard that there are plenty of noble cocky brats wandering around the streets; looking down on common people like us. Seriously it pisses me.
Eliza: How dare you say such things.
Joe: Well I believe, not all of them are like that.
Eliza: [Remained silent and stares of Joe’s back]
The Entrance of Coles Supermarket
Neil and the rest: [Standing at the side waiting for Eliza’s return]
Neil: [Looks at his wrist watch] What’s taking them so long?
Alistair: She probably got lost again.
Archibald: [Yawns] Can we go back first? I’m exhausted as hell.
Neil: Oh no you don’t! Aunt Elroy will be pissed if she sees you without us.
Archibald: [Frustrated] Urgh damn it.
Annie: [Pats Archibald’s back] Calm down, Arch.
Archibald: [Squats down and wrapped his arms around his legs] Wake me up when she’s back.
Annie: [Sighs tiredly]
Alistair: It’s getting colder than before. [Shivering and rubs his arms]
Eliza and Joe: [Sees Neil and the others from afar at the opposite side of the road]
Eliza: There they are! [Quickly run towards them]
Joe: [Hides behind the building and watches them from afar]
Eliza: Neil!
Neil: [Turns to Eliza] Eliza! What took you so long?
Eliza: Chill Neil. I’m back safe and sound now, okay?
Neil: [Sighs] Who was that arrogant bastard on the phone earlier?
Eliza: Oh him? [Looks back and notices that Joe wasn’t next to her] Joe? Where did he go?
Neil: So Joe is his name? What about his last name?
Eliza: He saved me and brought me here; I don’t know where did he go, we were together a while ago…
Neil: [Sighs tiredly] Anyways as long as you’re back to us, we can finally return to the hotel without facing the music.
Eliza: I wished I could have asked for his last name.
Neil: Forget it, Liz. It’s not like you guys are going to see each other again.
Eliza: You’re probably right.
Annie: [Shakes Archibald’s arm] Wake up Arch, Eliza is back. We are leaving.
Archibald: [Gets up and stretches his arms and legs]
Alistair:
Joe: [Watching Alistair, Annie and Archibald walking away and saddened] “Archie, Stair, Annie; I’m right here. I missed you all so much, I wish I could get out there and reveal myself to you all but I can’t. This isn’t the right time, wait for me a little longer, I’ll go back to you guys when the time is right. Goodbye and take care of yourself. Please don’t be sad, we will definitely meet again” [Quietly walks away]
An hour later as Emma returns to her room in the apartment
Emma: [Unlocks the door and lays down on the bed, tiredly looks upon the ceiling] I'm finally back after a long tiring day. Never thought I would see those two and Arch and the others in town. What were they up? Maybe Eliza was the one who dragged them, Arch should be complaining in the inside. [Picks up the calendar on the night table and looks at it] Christmas huh? I hope I can be back on time, they’ll be surprised when I get back…. [Slowly falls asleep]
THE END
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