The Bruises
Scene from Acting & Voice Studios collection. 12 lines, 3 characters.
Full Script
(to Dale)
Rose: Let's get her to the house. Dale starts to walk Gloria back up the stone path. Rose hangs back and grabs Louise by the arm.
Rose: Never speak my sister's name to her again. Understand? Louise nods. Rose turns and heads back up the path. EXT. MANOR HOUSE - DUSK -- ESTABLISHING Bathed in the blood orange moon rising. A flock of geese take to flight. INT. MANOR HOUSE, UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DUSK OBSCURE POV FROM THE CORNER OF THE CEILING as Rose exits Gloria's room, tea cup and saucer in hand. Something is watching her. Louise stands in the hallway as Rose quietly shuts the door.
Louise: How's she doing?
Rose: She's better. Resting.
Louise: I'm sorry about what happened at the lake. I didn't bring up Kathleen. Your mother--
Rose: It's done. I keep telling her these annual memorials are too traumatic. It's like she's only comfortable when she's torturing herself... Or the rest of us.
Louise: It's hard for people to let things go.
Rose: John in particular. 13. Louise stays silent.
Rose: I saw the bruises. Nothing from Louise.
(looking at her phone)
Rose: I didn't believe John's ex wife at first either. No one deserves to be treated that way, Louise. No amount of money is worth it. I have enough to worry about keeping this family together, I don't want to have to look after you too. Where the hell is he, anyway? He better be back when Billie and that boyfriend of her's get here tomorrow. Rose walks away texting on her phone. Louise just glares at her. A beat, and the phone in Louise's pocket vibrates. John's phone.
Louise: Rose: Where are you? By the way, PLEEAASSEEE don't marry this girl!
(sotto)
Louise: Bitch. Louise: Louise is the love of my life! Please look after her, I had to head back to NYC for business. Please explain to mother! A beat before and Louise adds -- Louise: And please tell her I love her! OFF STAGE Rose lets out an annoyed shriek that could break glass. Louise just smiles. Point - match. INT. MANOR HOUSE - MAIN HALL - NIGHT Shadows dance on the cold castle walls. Dale is tending to a blaze in the enormous fireplace. 14.