Bittersweet Candy Bowl

39. Love My Way, original chapter posted 6/27/07

Page 8 of 22

Transcript

*Tess and Paulo sit at their table. Paulo holds his head in his hands, tears welling in his eyes. The sound of a song comes through the noise of the crowd behind them. Tess and Paulo look up, recognizing the song.*
Paulo: … Oh..

*Paulo lifts his head and stares mournfully into the distance.*
Paulo: A slow dance..

Tess: Come with me!
*Paulo looks up, startled, as Tess gets up on her feet.*
Paulo: ?

*Tess looks over her shoulder at Paulo. She smiles warmly.*
Tess: C’mon.. this is SUPPOSED to be a night for us to enjoy ourselves.. So let’s dance!

*Tess stands by the table, holding her hand out to Paulo. He looks up at her with wide eyes.*
Paulo: …

*Tess smiles gently, her hand outstretched.*
Tess: Please?

*Paulo looks bashful.*
Paulo: …

*Paulo reaches out and takes Tess’ hand.*

*Paulo and Tess make their way from their secluded table to the dance floor. Several other couples are dancing, arms around each other.*

*Paulo turns to Tess, taking her hand. He frowns nervously. Tess smiles encouragingly.*

*Paulo and Tess begin to dance. Paulo is sweating and smiling nervously.*

*Paulo shuffles his feet as he dances, wobbling. Tess notices.*
Tess: ..?

*Paulo staggers and falls face-first into Tess’ chest. He turns red, frowning. Tess is startled.*
Tess: Paulo?

*Paulo springs back from Tess and defensively crosses his arms in front of his face. He scowls.*
Paulo: Slow dancing is STUPID, alright?!
*Tess looks at him with wide, startled eyes.*

*Tess tries to hide a smile, blushing.*
Tess: … (snerk)

*Paulo turns away from Tess and scrunches his eyes together with a petulant pout.*
Paulo: Why are we copying all these mushy idiots anyway? C’mon, let’s do the robot!
*Paulo holds his arms out rigidly, starting to dance. Tess giggles, covering her mouth with her hand.*

*Tess leans on Paulo’s back, laughing. He glances back at her, raising an eyebrow in surprise.*
Tess: Oh, Paulo!

*Tess holds her face against Paulo’s shoulder, smiling.*
Tess: Why didn’t you tell me you were having trouble? I’ll teach ya..