"Angel Faces: Part 2"

“Angel Faces: Part Two”

Scene 1

(The year was 1983. The gym was packed and noisy. The grunts and groans of people lifting weights echoed across the gym. Sweat and water dripped off the steel structures. Men took off their tops to reveal their solid physique, even more so as women entered the gym. It was almost like watching peacocks exhibit their glory to potential suitors. The receptionist giggled as one of the body builders whispered in her ear. He flexed his large arms and tensed his abs. Brian was focused on the treadmill. He increased the level after each minute making the run more intense. He was determined to beat his personal best, which he was on course to do. The music pumping through his headphones seemed to spur him on. Public Enemy’s ‘Bring the noise’ seemed to give him the push that he needed. He looked at the time left, he counted down from ten backwards to zero. He pushed the stop button. He fist pumped when he realised he hit his target. He skipped off the treadmill and sat on a bench at the side. He removed his headphones to watch the television screen in the gym. Reagan gave another public address to America.)

Reagan: The leading scientists have told us that marijuana, grass, pot whatever you want to call it is probably the most dangerous drug in the United States and we haven’t begun to find the ill effects of it.

Nick: Can you believe this guy? He’s so pressed about pot but what about him sending US forces to Lebanon. This asshole is killing more people than weed ever could. But what can I say? Politics was never for me. Haha.

Brian: Stick to body building haha! Stick to what you know that’s my advice.

(Nick slaps Brian on the back and laughs heartily.)

Nick: What’s your plans today? Your living the life now, your killing the stock market and climbing the property ladder. Life is sweet, and you got your sweet lover Tracy waiting for you at home.

Brian: Yeah life is ok I guess.

Nick: (Sings) Love is in the airrrrr!

Brian: Haha! We will catch up soon Nick. I’ll see you next time.

(Brian pushes through the revolving doors. He couldn't help but notice the lady at the desk staring at his arms as he walked past. He caught eye contact with her and blushed bright red. He walked briskly to his chevy parked outside. Two young boys ran up towards him.)

Billy: Hey Mr!

Brian: Hey Billy! You kids stay out of trouble right?

Chuck: Wow! That car looks like the Bat mobile!

Billy: He’s going back to his huge mansion like Batman. My dad says you should be the Mayor!

Brian: Far from! I’m rushing home now you kids run along.

(Brian hopped in his car and started the engine. Before he drove off he checked his phone and saw two missed calls from Tracy. He called her.)

Tracy: Let me guess you were at that gym again?

Brian: It’s good for stress.

Tracy: Stress? What is stressing you Mr?

Brian: Just some lady called Tracy. She gives me a headache daily.

Tracy: Cheeky!

Brian: I’m coming home now, I’ll be there shortly.

(He hung up the phone and sped off.)

Scene 2

(Brian typed in the code at the front. He heard a click as the password was accepted. The gates swung open and he entered the mansion. The cool summer breeze swept through his hair. He admired the bright stars dotted across the sky. He swung a bunch of red roses as he walked up to the front door. He entered and Tracy rushed from the sofa to embrace him. He smiled at the bunch of flowers and kissed him.)

Brian: You missed me huh?

Tracy: Just a little. I ordered some Chinese for you. It’s sitting on the table.

Brian: (Laughs) I don’t think I would recommend Chinese food after a gym session.

Tracy: You go to gym too much anyway.

Brian: How has your day been?

Tracy: It’s been great. Went to work came home and chilled

Brian: I was thinking, I’ve got a much more prominent position, maybe I can pull some strings and you can get a higher position? If we put our heads together we can get that house on the hill you’ve always dreamed of.

Tracy: I’m happy where I am now. Derrick treats my quite well over there, the money is ok, I’m not in a rush to move anywhere.

Brian: Ok it’s just food for thought.

(Tracy raises her head and smiles as she watches Brian eat the Chinese.)

Tracy: Mr healthy is enjoying.

Brian: You’re an enemy of progress. How you do feel today? You throw up again today?

Tracy: No I’m fine that was just some badly cooked steak. I’m fine now.

(Brian pressed the answer machine button.)

Derrick: Hey Tracey I was wondering if you have checked out the graphs and done the test yet? We need to know the results urgently. Please contact me or Sue when you get this.

Brian: Derrick is taking that role seriously huh? Why couldn’t he just email you? That’s how it is I guess when you get that role you have to take it with both hands.

Tracy: I know it’s my fault, I went home sick yesterday so I didn’t get the chance to check the mail and he will take the slack. I’ll sort that out tomorrow.

(She walks over to Brian and kisses him on the cheek and walks up to bed. Brian empties out the food into the bin and takes out the garbage. He quickly showers and hops into bed, he falls asleep instantly. A hummer passes the road blazing loud music and Brian wakes up instantly. He looks over and smiles as Tracy is fast asleep. He slides out of the bed and heads to the toilet. He looks into the mirror and lets out a yawn. He looks over at the trash and mutters as he notices how full the trash can is.)

Brian: My goodness this is filled with crap.

(He turns to use the toilet. He washes his hands and reaches over to dry his hands with the towel. He notices an unfamiliar packaging at the edge of the bin. He squints his eyes and takes a closer look. He takes out a packet which reads ‘home pregnancy test kit’. His throat starts to dry up immediately, his stomach drops and he begins to panic. He rummages through the rubbish and reaches at the bottom and pulls out the small tube. There were three green dots. Brian froze. He swung the door open and switched on the lights.)

Tracy: Brian I’m trying to sleep hunny. What you looking for?

Brian: You evil piece of...

Tracy: Huh.

Brian: You bitch! Get out of my house!

(Brian throws the test at her. He picks up the trash can with the rubbish and launches it at her.)

Tracy: Wait Brian I can explain!

Brian: What is there to explain? We have been together two years and we haven’t slept together. You insisted on staying celibate and this is the thanks I get!? Derrick? Derrick!

Tracy: It’s not what it looks like!

(Brian picked up her suitcase of clothes and threw it down the stairs. He rummaged through his wardrobe and began launching all her possessions down the stairs.)

Brian: I’m going to count to ten and when I get to zero I want you out of my house.

Tracy: But Brian!

Brian: No! I trusted you! You’re just like the rest of them! I thought you were different, but you’re just the same.

End Scene

Scene 3

Nick: 140 kg? Are you sure you don’t need help.

Brian: Nick please don’t ask me questions I just want to lift.

Nick: Bad day at the office huh?

Brian: Grrr! One, grrr, two, three…three..woah!

Nick: Woah!!! Brian your going to get injured brother!

Brian: You know what I’m out of here.

Nick: Brian!

(Brian storms out and hops into his car. His phone rings.)

Brian: I swear to God if this is Tracy one more time I‘m going to get a restraining order.

(His mother’s number flashed on his phone.)

Brian: Hi mom!

Jenifer: Brian it’s your Dad’s 50^th this week-end! I know you pull the strings over there you can come over and at least show your face.

(It had been a while since Brian had seen his parents. It could lift his spirits, his parents did not know how serious he had been with Tracy so he knew they wouldn’t ask many questions about her.)

Brian: Yes no problem I’ll fly out tomorrow

End Scene

Scene 4

Guests: (Sings) Happy Birthday dear Kevin, happy birthday to youuuuu!

(Everybody whistles and claps. Brian embraces both of his parents. He had not been this happy since him and Tracy ended. He was around family and laughter. He felt as though a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Though he had climbed great steps in his career he still felt the pressure to deliver for the company and his own business. But today he did not have a care in the world.)

Jennifer: Lovely to see you Brian. I wish you could come up more.

Brian: I will definitely make more effort in the future. It’s just that it gets so busy.

Jennifer: I know I know. This is what we wanted for you.

(She smiles. Brian felt warmth and joy spread through every nerve in his body. He felt safe and appreciated. The door bell rang.)

Kevin: More guests? I feel like a celebrity!

Jennifer: I’ll answer the door birthday boy.

(She walked over to the door and pulled it open.)

Jennifer: Helen! You came! How nice to see you!

(Brian’s stomach immediately dropped. He stood frozen as Helen glided effortlessly through the room. He was livid. She walked in like she owned the place. She was too familiar, too comfortable in her surroundings. Memories and emotions started to flood back. A few years ago this was the woman that he loved, he adored everything about her, he was going to make a lifetime commitment to her but she left him.)

Jennifer: Brian! It’s rude to stare.

Helen: Hi.

(Brian nodded his head. He walked over to the table and poured himself a glass of wine.)

Jennifer: Brian I thought you weren’t drinking tonight?

Brian: One glass won’t hurt anyone.

(People started to filter out of the house and say their good byes. The house was eventually empty just leaving Helen, Brian and his parents.)

Helen: I guess I’ll have to leave now.

Jennifer: Don’t be silly we still have plenty of food and drink.

(Helen looks toward Brian who has his back facing her. He was now on his third glass of wine.)

Helen: Umm, I’ll call a cab.

Jennifer: (Whispers) Ok have it your way, but your always welcome here. I know you and Brian have had your small problems but look at me and Kevin still going strong. Life has a funny way of turning around completely.

(She winks at Helen.)

Jennifer: Goodnight Brian, I and your father are off to bed.

(Kevin and Jennifer head upstairs and close their door behind them.)

Helen: How’s it going Brian? Heard your Mr Big shot in New York

Brian: I’m doing ok. You have a cab number?

Helen: Isn’t that your Bentley parked outside?

(Brian looked at her with a straight face.)

Brian: It’s my Dad’s I bought it for him last year. Let me me find you a cab number.

(He fumbled around looking for his phone, he scrolled through his phone for a local cab number. Helen walked towards him and stood in his face.)

Helen: Brian we need to talk.

Brian: There’s nothing to talk about. I found a cab number.

(Helen licked her lips and stared in his eyes. The eyes she had grown to love were now empty and cold but she knew she could penetrate the barrier.)

Helen: Listen to what I have to say and I’ll leave.

Brian: You have one minute.

Helen: I can’t go back into the past and change things but I am sorry. I know I hurt you badly, I can’t change that, but at least we can be civil or at least try to.

Brian: Why did you come here? Did you know I would come here? Is this some sort of sick joke?

Helen: Honestly? Your mother invited me. We still talk even though we had our own problems, she treats me like I’m her own…

Brian: Daughter? Haha

Helen: You could say that.

Brian: Unbelievable.

(Helen drew closer to him, took his hands and stared into his green eyes.)

Helen: Brian I know you still have a soft spot for me, you can try and hide it but we both know it’s still there. Maybe we could try and work on us again.

Brian: What happened to your giant of a boyfriend?

Helen: Huh?

Brian: You think I don’t know. You were with him at the airport.

Helen: That was my business partner.

Brian: Sounds like pleasure to me.

Helen: Look the whole point of this is to leave things in the past and move forward. You know what? Talk is cheap I’ll prove it to you tomorrow. Your mother said your around for another week in I’ll come and pick you up.

(Brian thought about the offer but he was unsure. She had left him to rot in New York. He had managed to pick himself up, rise out through the weeds and dirt but he had his concerns.)

Brian: Hmm.

Helen: What have you got to lose?

Brian: I almost lost everything because of you.

Helen: Brian! This is as hard for me as it is for you.

Brian: Hmm. Ok. One dinner and that’s it.

Helen: Deal.                                                                                      

End Scene.

Scene 5

(Over the next few months Helen and Brian had rekindled their flame. He was always tied up with work but Helen always flew in to see him and spend time with him. She paid for most of her expenses herself. This impressed Brian and she appeared more financially secure and independent. Even more focused than Tracy. He had quickly forgotten her wrong doings. Brian held her hand and stared at the bright lights beneath them.)

Brian: That big building is me and the other building is you. Both standing strong, we can be shaken but never broken.

Helen: You’re so sweet. I know we have had our problems but sometimes you have to go through these things to learn.

(Brian kisses her softly on the lips.)

Brian: I love you Helen.

(Helen turns away from him and smiles. A large aircraft flew above them as they lay on the dry grass. New York was busy as usual. Young couples walked through the park whilst teenagers crept out in the open space to play baseball. Brian admired his surroundings, he was overwhelmed by the peace he felt in his heart.)

Brian: Well! Would you look at that!

Helen: What?

Brian: That billboard over there. There is a production of Julius Caesar coming to the theatre.

Helen: I had no idea you were into classical theatre.

Brian: We should go and watch it!

Helen: That would be the 100^th re make. Spare me, we all know how that story ends. Haha. Let’s go,

Brian: Yes Maam. Your still dropping me home?

(Helen spins around and smiles at him.)

Helen: You trust my driving skills?

Brian: Just about.

(Helen takes Brian to the car and hops in. She speeds through the city.)

Brian: Easy Tiger I might throw up!

Helen: Stop being a baby, I'm only driving like this because you have your business meeting tomorrow.

Brian: I intend to make it to that meeting alive.

(They arrive at Brian’s apartment, it stood tall. He owned it but rented it out to businessmen who travelled to New York. He rarely stayed there but it was convenient as he often held meetings not too far from there. Helen’s phone vibrates.)

Brian: Your phone is ringing.

(Brian yawns.)

Helen: Go in and sleep Mr Mayor.

(She kisses his cheek.)

Brian: Goodnight.

(Brian walks into his apartment and heads straight to the toilet. He yawns and stretches as he looks into the mirror. An eerie sense of anxiety creeps over him. He mulls over his doubts and confusion. He questions why Helen didn’t answer her phone? Why didn’t she just answer it? Has she got something to hide? He brushes these thoughts off and heads to the kitchen. He looks outside the window and notices Helen is still in the drive way. He rubs his eyes and notices she is on the phone. An immediate sense of suspicion takes over him. She puts her phone down and peels off into the night. Brian dashes to the table and grabs his car keys. He jumps into the front seat and turns on the ignition. Dolly Parton’s ‘Here you come again’ blared from the speakers. Brian carefully drove at a safe distance so Helen could not see him. Her car twisted and curved through the city. He noticed she went through a few red lights. Heavy rain is beating down on the streets of New York, the rain rattled off his windows.)

Brian: Where the hell is she going? She lives on the other side of town.

(Brian slows down as Helen slows down. Her car parks up outside a driveway. He steps out and makes a call. A tall bearded man comes out of the house. She runs towards him and embraces him passionately. The unnamed man holds her face and stares into his eyes. Brian stares at the sight, every particle of his body contaminated with rage. He sits watching in the driver’s seat. They are having an animated conversation. The heavy rain does not ruin the flow of their conversation. Brian slowly opens the car door and walks towards Helen’s car.)

Brian: Helen!? What the hell is this?

Helen: Brian! What the hell are you doing here! You freak! Did you follow me?

Brian: Turns out my suspicions were right! I knew something was up when you didn’t answer your phone!

Helen: I’m sorry Marcus.

Brian: Your saying sorry to this guy?

Marcus: Hey man! Get off my property!

Brian: Listen! You son of a…

Marcus: Hey little man. Don’t raise your voice at me. I’m going to call the police.

Helen: Brian just go! Please!

Brian: I thought you changed? I thought we could have gone somewhere. How could I have been so stupid?

Helen: Brian!

Marcus: Dude, your not welcome here.

(Thunder rumbles and the rain beats even harder. All three of them are drenched from the rain. Brian looks helplessly as Marcus holds onto Helen. They both walk into the house. Brian walks backwards towards his car and weeps. He sinks on his knees, tears continue to stream from his eyes. He notices a brick on the floor. He picks it up and hurls it at Helen’s car window. The alarm sounds, he quickly jumps into his car and peels off.)

End Scene.                                                                             

Scene 6

(A year later, Brian was sat at his table surrounded by businessmen and investors. The room was quiet and the tone was solemn. There was no banter or jokes, everything was strictly business. Charts. Numbers and graphs could be seen on the projector.)

Brian: That will be all gentleman, we are making baby steps but it can’t be rushed. As long as we continue carefully we will reach our goals. You can all go.

(Everyone stood up and nodded their heads in acknowledgement. Chairs scraped the floor and rustles of paper could be heard. They all slowly left the room. Over the past year Brian had gained superior success in the stock market and set up various businesses. Since his break up from Helen he felt that focusing his attentions on making profit and expanding his business was the best way to forget her. He still deeply loved her but was no longer tempted to contact her.)

Ana: Mr Grant I was wondering if I could have a second?

Brian: Sure

Ana: I wanted to discuss some of these balance sheets with you.

Brian: Your mentor should be helping you with this, I’m happy to help but maybe another time would be better.

Ana: Perhaps I could send you an email?

Brian: That would be better. You’re an intern correct? Be sure to chase up your mentor as well or change them if need be.

(She smiles at him and turns at walks off. Her ginger hair bouncing as she walked down the corridor. Brian’s face remains stern. The day was busy and the offices were packed. People were talking loudly over others in the office. Each person trying to broker deals. Brian walked through the offices talking to his employees, advising them and in some cases shouting at them. The time was 4.45pm. He usually stayed until 7pm but he was extremely worn out from the long week. He walked back into his office and to his shock he saw Ana the intern sitting in his computer chair.)

Ana: Hi.

Brian: What the hell?

Ana: Oh, I sent you my email but you didn’t get back to me.

(Brian stares angrily and opens his door and points to the offices.)

Brian: In case you haven’t noticed it’s very busy.

Ana: I realise that but even when their busy you could take time to help me.

Brian: You don’t get what you want by walking into people’s office and making demands.

Ana: Sometimes you need to be persistent to get what you want. I’m simply taking a leaf out of your book.

(She smiles.)

Brian: Look Ana.

Ana: Look it’s nearly time to go why we don’t discuss the balancing sheets over coffee. It will be completely professional. Deal?

Brian: Professional?

Ana: Yes, professional.

Brian: Deal.

(Later that evening Ana and Brian are seated in the corner of a local coffee shop. They had spreadsheets and balancing sheets in front of them. Brian spent a good hour lecturing. Ana quite enjoyed it, she too wanted to be successful but needed the guidance. She was also enjoying his company.)

Waiter: Excuse me Sir, would you and your girlfriend like another coffee.

(Ana giggled.)

Brian: What? She’s not my girlfriend

Waiter: Sorry I just assumed.

Brian: Assumed? Don’t assume. Never assume.

(The waiter walks off embarrassed.)

Ana: What was that about? You were quite quick to deny that.

Brian: But it’s true.

Ana: But still, you seemed insulted.

Brian: I thought we were talking about figures not relationship statuses.

Ana: Fine.

Brian: I think I’ve helped you enough today.

(Brian gets up and storms out the shop. He feels his phone vibrate as he walks up the street. He sees a message from Ana. “Thank you handsome, that was really helpful. I hope to repay your kindness one day. I’ll take you out sometimes when your free?”. Brian replied saying “Thanks, but no thanks”.)

End Scene

Scene 7

(The next few weeks were as busy as ever. Ana frequently tried to contact Brian by email or via text but Brian did not reply at all or took his time to reply. He used the busy schedule as an excuse. It was clear that Ana was interested in him but he was not interested in her. He refused to be involved with another woman. Though Ana was genuine and courteous and also very good looking he had no room in his heart for her. His heart was cold, he felt nothing.)

Jane: He is a rich and lonely guy.

Fran: Yeah! I haven’t seen him smile in over a year, he gets the job done but he is so depressing. His office feels like a morgue for goodness sake.

(Ana walks in.)

Jane: Totally, Brian Grant is depressing.

Ana: Maybe if you put your head down and focused on yourself you wouldn’t care about what he’s doing. If it wasn’t for him none of you would be in the position your! Am I right?

Jane: Another intern trying to climb the ladders of success! Don’t worry honey he doesn’t care about your pretty face, he doesn’t look at me or any of us.

Ana: I’m more than a pretty face! Mr Grant has helped me and all of you so it’s better to say something positive than negative.

(Ana turns to the door and notices Brian as he staring in disbelief.)

Jane: Sorry Mr. Grant.

(Jane shuffles and looks down on her feet.)

Ana: Sorry.

Brian: I heard raised voices from upstairs.

Ana: Sorry we will get back to work immediately.

(Brian sat back in his office and stared at his phone. He read through all the messages from Ana. He had declined at least ten dates from her. Giving her varying excuses. He had never seen anyone defend him as passionately as she had just done. He rocked back and forth on his chair in deep thought.)

Brian: (Mumbles.) What’s the worst that could happen?

 (He texts her asking to meet up at a local Italian restaurant, to which she responds with an instant ‘Yes’.)

Scene 8

(Four months later and Ana and Brian are dating. Brian was intrigued by Ana and her ambition, she didn’t seem intimidated by his wealth and success. She was driven herself. In some ways he felt she complimented him perfectly, their ambition and drive rubbed off on each other. However, he was still sceptical about her. He put minimal effort into spending time with her and communicating with her. He cared about her but he still had his doubts.)

Ana: That was nice!

Brian: I couldn’t eat another bite.

Waiter: I hope you enjoyed your meal.

Ana: No way Phil! Is that you? When did you start working here!

Phil: Ana!?

(Brian stared in bewilderment as she got up to hug the waiter.)

Phil: Hey

(He shook Brian’s hand.)

Ana: How long have you been working here?

Phil: I just moved out here from Michigan. I’m studying!

Ana: That’s great! I hope you’re working hard! No partying!

(Phil laughed and hugged her. He walked back to the kitchens. Ana noticed Brian on his phone, he was pretending to be texting.)

Ana: That was my friend from high school.

Brian: Friend yeah?

Ana: Umm yeah, I can have friends can’t I?

Brian: Hmm.

Ana: What does that mean?

Brian: Nothing

(Ana rolled her eyes.)

Brian: I’m going to the toilet I will be back in a second.

(Brian walked briskly to the toilets, once he finished he washed his hands and returned to the restaurant. He came out and could not see Ana. He looked around the room and couldn’t see her anywhere. He walked over to the bar and tipped the waiter. As he turned back he saw Ana hugging another gentleman. A short mixed race man, he looked to be in his early 20s. He wore a leather jacket and baggy jeans. He wore a jubilant expression on his face. A familiar feeling of rage and disgust crept into Brian as he stared at Ana talking to the stranger. He strode towards them. Ana turned and noticed Brian walking towards her. She pointed at him smiling.)

Ana: This is the man I’ve been telling you about! Brian this is Lucas.

Lucas: I’ve heard so much about you.

(Brian grunts in response. Ana frowns at his reaction.)

Ana: This is my half-brother Lucas.

Brian: Ok. Are you ready to go now? I have to be up early.

(Ana and Lucas look at each other in confusion.)

Ana: Umm I guess.

(A long moment of awkward silence.)

Lucas: I’ll be off sis! I have a date anyway. Nice to meet you sir.

(Brian leads Ana to the car and drives off. Ana is silent throughout the whole car journey. She is simmering with anger and embarrassment. Ten minutes later they reach his apartment. Brian parks up and they enter the apartment.)

Brian: You left your folder here, you can get it if you want.

(Ana nods her head. She heads to the table and takes her folder.

Brian: I would offer you a lift but it’s getting late. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.

Ana: What the hell is wrong with you?

Brian: Huh?

Ana: You know what I mean. You have a high IQ but you suck at looking after a woman.

Brian: What do you mean?

Ana: Look I’ve been good to you since I’ve met you but I get nothing but the cold shoulder. You’re a nice guy but maybe your not worth it. How can you embarrass me like that in front of my friend and my own brother!

Brian: I don’t know what your talking about.

Ana: Look Brian I want this to work but you have some serious issues.

Brian: I need to go to sleep its late.

Ana: It’s not always about you!

(Ana starts crying. Brian stares at her blankly. His eyes cold and his posture remains nonchalant.)

Ana: I’m going now!

Brian: Tommorrow I will…

Ana: No as in I’m going, I’m walking out, so what is it Brian? You going to let me walk?

End Scene.