Bittersweet Candy Bowl

41. Invitation, original chapter posted 12/7/07

Page 12 of 20

Transcript

*Tess unties the ropes wrapped around Lucy.*
Tess: Ah!

*Lucy glances unhappily behind her at Tess, who is smiling. The rope falls to the ground.*
Tess: I forgot to untie your--

*Lucy spins around and punches Tess in the face, knocking her backward. Tess staggers back.*

*Lucy stares at Tess angrily, shaking out her hand.*
Lucy: At least THAT’S not something you can take away from me!

*Tess holds her head and looks at Lucy with worry.*

*Lucy glares at Tess, rubbing her knuckles. Tess holds both hands out to Lucy, gazing at her in concern.*
Tess: Lucy!! You seem real tense!

*Tess smiles and reaches her arm out to Lucy, who continues to glare.*
Tess: C’mon, a few massages by the beach could really soften ya up!
*Mike, nearby, chats on the phone with Sandy. He smiles happily, not paying attention to Lucy and Tess behind him.*
Mike: Yeah!! She’s paying for everything.. She sits at our lunch table..

*Mike continues to talk to Sandy on the phone. Behind him, Lucy glowers and grabs Tess’ arm and twists it with a “SNAP”. Tess grimaces, shocked.*
Mike: Really! And I have a little money saved so we can go do whatever you want, just as long as your mom says-- yeah-- I..
*Mike slowly stops smiling.*

Mike: What?

*Tess winces, holding her wrist up to her face.*
Tess: Lucy, please! Just let me help you!

*Lucy pulls back her fist.*
Lucy: You wanna know what really helps?

*Tess turns away from Lucy, who scowls and begins hitting Tess in the back. Tess cringes, covering her head protectively.*

*Lucy hits Tess violently as Tess cringes and cries in pain. Mike turns toward Lucy and Tess with his ears down.*

*Lucy and Tess stop and stare at Mike.*

Tess: .. Mike?
*Mike looks at Lucy and Tess with big, teary eyes. He’s shaking, arms hanging loosely in front of him.*