Goodbye in Caviar & Banana's

Scene by Mandy & Brandon
INT CAVIAR & BANANAS – LUNCH TIME

PEOPLE ARE MILLING AROUND LOOKING AT MENUS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE SHOP. A PAIR OF MEN SIT NEAR THE WINE RACK SPEAKING IN A FOREIGN TONGUE, DEBATING SOMETHING, GESTURING. BARISTAS STRAIGHTEN THE DISPLAY RACKS AND JARS, HELPING CUSTOMERS FIND THE CORRECT ORDER. CHEFS IN THE REAR OF THE STORE CALL OUT ORDER NUMBERS AS THEY ARE PREPARED. IT IS THE LAST DAY OF CLASSES AT COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON AND SAMANTHA HAS JUST FINISHED PACKING TO GO ON A BACKPACKING TRIP TO ALASKA BUT SHE IS MEETING HER BEST FRIEND, GEORGE, WHO IS MOVING TO NEW YORK TO WORK BEFORE GRAD SCHOOL, AT CAVIAR & BANANAS FIRST.

SAMANTHA IS ALREADY HOLDING HER CAVIAR & BANANA WRAP AND BRAND WATER BOTTLE. SHE IS LOOKING FOR A COUNTER SPACE TO EAT. GEORGE COMES IN.

GEORGE:
Wow, you already ordered. That was fast. I thought we were eating together?

SAMANTHA:
We are, but I have to catch my plane soon. A month in Alaska George! I’m so excited but I have no idea what I’ll need so I’ve packed everything.

GEORGE:
Definitely add something warm. I Googled last night for you, cause I know you wouldn’t, and the high right now in Alaska is 24 degrees.

STUNNED, SAMANTHA SITS QUIETLY FOR A MOMENT.

SAMANTHA:
A high of 24? Maybe I should’ve gone to New Zealand.

GEORGE:
No, you wanted to see the polar bears and Northern Lights remember? All the pictures you wanted to take?

SAMANTHA:
Yeah, but 24 is cold. Anyway, did you talk to your roommates yet? You were supposed to Skype with them yesterday right?

GEORGE IS MOVING IN THREE DAYS AND FOUND ROOMMATES ON CRAIGSLIST WHOM HE’S NEVER MET TO SHARE THE APARTMENT HE’S RENTING.

GEORGE:
I was supposed to yeah, but the power went out on their block to we couldn’t. I’ll be meeting them in three days anyway so it’s ok. I’m sure it’ll be fine.

SAMANTHA:
Go get something to eat and I’ll grab the counter by the window that just freed up.

GEORGE:
Ok, I’ll be right back.

SAMANTHA SITS IN FRONT OF THE WINDOW AND BEGINS TO EAT HER WRAP AS GEORGE GOES TO GET APPLE JUICE AND THE CHEESE TOASTIE. WHEN HE RETURNS, HE SITS ON SAMANTHA’S LEFT AND SPOTS THE BICYCLERS WHO JUST STOPPED OUTSIDE.

GEORGE:
Oh my gosh. Those guys would make Lance Armstrong proud.

SAMANTHA:
Seriously! All those bright colors and look at his crazy helmet!

GEORGE:
Stop giggling! They’re coming in.

THEY TRY TO KEEP STRAIGHT FACES AS TWO BRIGHTLY DRESSED BIKERS COME IN WEARING EXTREMELY TIGHT SPANDEX CLOTHING, HOLDING THEIR SPECIALLY DESIGNED AERODYNAMIC HELMETS.

SAMANTHA:
I have got to get a picture! Tell me when he’s not looking.

GEORGE EVER SO CASUALLY TURNS AND PEEKS AT THE MENU IN FRONT OF THE BIKERS.

GEORGE:
Take it now! They’re paying for whatever they got.

SAMANTHA SNEAKS HER PHONE OVER HER SHOULDER AND SNAPS A QUICK PHOTO.

SAMANTHA:
Rebecca would never believe this unless I got a photo.

GEORGE:
Don’t you think it’s funny that you and your sister trade weird photos instead of just talking to each other?

SAMANTHA:
No. It’s just the kind of relationship we have.

HAVING FINISHED THEIR LUNCHES, GEORGE AND SAMANTHA PAUSE REALIZING SHE IS ABOUT TO GET ON A PLANE AND FLY ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN JUST A FEW HOURS.

GEORGE:
Do you need some help getting to the airport? I can give you a ride? Help you on the plane?

SAMANTHA:
Actually, yes. That would be great. I hadn’t figured how I was getting there yet.

GEORGE:
Of course you hadn’t.

SAMANTHA:
Well, don’t be mean. You offered after all. I can’t believe how many times I have to change flights.

THEY STAND UP AND GATHER THEIR TRASH BUT GEORGE PAUSES BEFORE WALKING TO THE CAN.

GEORGE:
I’m gonna miss your ditzyness.

SAMANTHA:
I’m gonna miss… just you. You help me keep my life in order George.

GEORGE:
I know.

HE SMILES AND WALKS TOWARD THE DOOR HOLDING IT OPEN FOR HER. THEY WALK DOWN THE STREET TOWARD SAMANTHA’S APARTMENT.

Let’s go put your crap in the Subaru. How many suitcases did you pack?

SAMANTHA:
One giant backpack… and a few smaller ones.

GEORGE:
And you have no plans as to where you’re gonna stay?

SAMANTHA:
Nope, not after the first three nights. That’s what makes it fun though! It wouldn’t be backpacking if I stayed in hotels the whole month.

GEORGE:
True. Just be careful. And let me know when you get to know Connecticut in June or July.

SAMANTHA:
You know I will. I’ll want to show you all my pictures of polar bears and lights.

END SCENE