THE DANCE
SCENE ONE
Set in Georgia, 2005.
Friday evening at Brownville Hospital. Dr. RAYMOND, 28, is in his office. He puts away his stethoscope and sighs heavily. As he sits down, his friend and colleague, Dr. WILSON, 30, knocks hastily and enters the office.
DR. WILSON: Good evening, Dr. Raymond. Finally our hectic day is over!
Can we start making plans for our trip?
DR. RAYMOND: It’s still early. We’ll head to the United Kingdom after a week.
We’ll stay there for a month. I’m excited about it.
The problem is I’m worried about my girlfriend Amanda.
DR. WILSON chuckles.
DR. WILSON: Are you afraid she might change her mind about you?
Or worse, that she could cheat on you?
DR. RAYMOND shakes his head.
DR. RAYMOND: No. I’m worried her love for me might fade away.
As you know, we haven’t been seeing each other for long.
And I don’t want to lose her.
DR. WILSON smiles and pats DR. RAYMOND’S shoulder.
DR. WILSON: You won’t lose her if you act quickly and wisely.
I have a suggestion. Tomorrow is my brother’s engagement party.
Invite Amanda over. Then I’ll tell you what to do.
DR. RAYMOND frowns, puzzled.
DR. RAYMOND: I have no clue what you’re planning to suggest.
But I’m ready to approve it if it will bring Amanda and I closer.
DR. WILSON: It will definitely strengthen your love.
Let’s pass by the mall on our way home.
SCENE TWO
The next day in the evening, DR. RAYMOND holds AMANDA’S hand as they walk to DR. WILSON’S home, where his brother’s engagement party is taking place.
The venue is a dazzlingly decorated garden, with soft, colorful lights. Cool music plays in the background. A few guests have arrived.
DR. WILSON comes to meet DR. RAYMOND and AMANDA, carrying two glasses of wine. He offers them the wine.
DR. WILSON: Hello Raymond…and Amanda…you look stunning.
Welcome to the party!
You’re one of the most adorable couples around!
DR. RAYMOND greets DR. WILSON, forcing a smile. He looks tense.
AMANDA: We appreciate your warm reception, and your amazing words
concerning us. Actually I’m flattered.
Raymond and I just met a few months ago…
DR. WILSON interrupts heartily.
DR. WILSON: That doesn’t change anything! If both of you were really meant to be
together, time cannot be a significant factor.
Amanda smiles. She’s just about to respond when DR. RAYMOND suddenly speaks up, looking unhappy with DR. WILSON’S statements.
DR. RAYMOND: The music is wonderful, and I’m sure
Amanda would love a dance before the party begins.
Come along honey, let’s go.
DR. RAYMOND puts his arm around AMANDA’S shoulder.
DR. WILSON looks surprised and taken aback by DR. RAYMOND’S response.
DR. WILSON: Alright then, go ahead.
AMANDA tries to smile at DR. WILSON but he looks away and walks over to welcome other people.
AMANDA looks at DR. RAYMOND, who nods at her, but still looks tensed up. When they get to the dance floor, DR. RAYMOND takes AMANDA’S wine glass from her hand. He places it and his own glass on a nearby table.
DR. RAYMOND walks back to AMANDA‘S side. He takes hold of her hand, getting into a comfortable dancing position.
DR. RAYMOND: This is our first dance. Do you know how happy that makes me feel?
AMANDA: I know, because I’m glad we are together.
But I just thought you could have been more polite to Dr. Wilson.
DR. RAYMOND: Don’t mind him. He’s my best friend and he knows I like to be serious
sometimes. Shall we enjoy our first dance now?
AMANDA agrees hesitantly.
AMANDA: Certainly.
Together with a few other couples, DR. RAYMOND and AMANDA dance to the music. Amanda is still hesitant. She doesn’t give DR. RAYMOND all her attention. She keeps looking around, trying to catch DR. WILSON’S attention.
DR. RAYMOND ignores AMANDA’S restlessness at first, but when she misses a step and almost trips over him, he stops, slightly annoyed.
DR. RAYMOND: Amanda! What are you thinking? Aren’t you loving the dance?
AMANDA looks at him sternly.
AMANDA: I think we owe Dr. Wilson an apology. He’s been so kind to us…
DR. RAYMOND grabs her arm firmly.
DR. RAYMOND: We don’t owe him anything! You’re vexing yourself unnecessarily.
Come on, let’s continue. Don’t spoil this wonderful time.
AMANDA silently frees herself from DR. RAYMOND’S grip. She starts hurrying towards the edge of the garden where DR. WILSON is. He is talking on the phone but he finishes as AMANDA hurries towards him.
DR. RAYMOND runs after AMANDA.
DR. RAYMOND: Amanda! Stop!
AMANDA looks back. As she does, she trips on her high heels and falls down. People at the party gasp in shock.
DR. WILSON and DR. RAYMOND rush towards AMANDA. DR. WILSON examines her.
DR. WILSON: Oh no! She’s unconscious!
Furious, DR. RAYMOND takes up AMANDA in his arms. He speaks angrily to DR. WILSON.
DR. RAYMOND: This is all your fault! Your suggestion put me under pressure, and
thought I was rude to you! She was running to apologize!
Now look at the outcome!
DR. WILSON is speechless with astonishment. He doesn’t say a word as DR. RAYMOND carries AMANDA to a quiet spot in the garden.
Meanwhile, DR. WILSON hurries to the house.
DR. RAYMOND puts AMANDA in a comfortable position.
In a few moments, DR. WILSON comes back with a fan. He gives it to DR. RAYMOND.
DR. WILSON: This will greatly help while you give her first aid.
Thank goodness she hasn’t been injured.
DR. RAYMOND: Thank you, my friend. I’m terribly sorry for being angry at you.
DR. WILSON nods and walks a bit farther.
DR.RAYMOND fans AMANDA gently. He speaks to her.
DR. RAYMOND: My love, please wake up! I need you!
My world would be cold and dreary without you!
At that moment, AMANDA coughs. She opens her eyes. DR. RAYMOND smiles at her.
DR. RAYMOND: My angel! Finally you’re awake! Thank heavens!
AMANDA smiles back at him. He helps her stand up.
AMANDA: Darling, thank you for taking care of me.
I want to assure you that I’ll love you forever, from the depths of my
heart.
And I’m sorry – I shouldn’t have overreacted like that.
DR. RAYMOND touches her hair lightly.
DR. RAYMOND: You’ve done nothing wrong, sweetheart. You were right.
I’ve already apologized to Dr. Wilson.
Now I know I really love you.
I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you.
You’re everything I’ve ever dreamed of and more.
You are my life. No one can take your place in my heart.
DR. RAYMOND gets down on one knee. He takes out a diamond ring from his pocket. He stretches out his hand, while AMANDA looks at the ring, amazed.
DR. RAYMOND: Amanda Gillian, will you be my wife?
AMANDA nods excitedly, her face radiant with joy.
AMANDA: Yes Dr. Raymond! I will!
DR. RAYMOND puts the ring on AMANDA’S finger. He stands up, then gives her an affectionate kiss.
DR. WILSON and the guests at the party clap for the newly-engaged couple.
THE END.