GOLD, GLASS AND US

It’s a beautiful Sunday evening in California, USA. (Chloe, a gorgeous 25-year-old lady, with beautiful hair; long, black deep-curls reaching her upper back, her slim pointed nose elegantly placed at the center of her round face, with her slightly slim but plump lips and beautiful brown doe eyes you can get lost in if you stare at them for too long. She is laying calmly on the rooftop of her home where she lives with her Mum and Dad, (although her Dad is mostly out of town. Even right now) staring wondrously at the stunning Sunday-evening sunset . . . Dylan, (Her male Best friend, handsome, tanned, body-built, brown hair, black round eyes) walks towards her and lays quietly beside her on the roof.) Chloe - You’re here (She smiles and turns towards him) Dylan - Hi! I’m here (They both chuckle) . . . what’re you doing up here? (He looks at her-curiously) Chloe - I’m watching the sunset. As I usually do every Sunday. Dylan - How come I’m just knowing about this? Chloe - Well, you don’t usually come this early for the Sunday family dinner. Why so early today? Dylan - Ahh, I just thought to help mother out with the meals today. You know, it’s like my way of thanking her for feeding me dinner every sunday. (He chuckles slightly) Chloe - That’s a good thought. You know how she loves to cook dinner herself on Sundays. She says that even though we are wealthy, she should still do things for herself every now and then. Dylan - Yup, I agree. That’s a really selfless thing to do. In fact, she’s rounding up now and asked me to call you down. Chloe - Yeah, I was actually helping her with the meals earlier on but she usually let’s me come up here once the sun is about to set. She knows I love watching it set on Sundays. (She shines her white teeth enthusiastically) Dylan - Mmm (He sounds in agreement) . . . How about Derek? - your one-time groom-to-be (He nudges her playfully) Chloe - Argh! (She exclaims and sits upright ) Not you too Dylan! You know how much I despise Derek. If not because mum is trying to match-make us, I’d have slit his throat a long time ago. (She says as she moves her right thumb from the left side of her neck to the ride side. Indicating a slit throat) Dylan - Whoa, whoa, whoa! (He sits up too) Let’s take it down a notch (He gestures for her to calm down) Chloe - I didn’t mean it literally, I’m just kidding. But you know how much I despise him. I’m only trying to put up with him because of mum. Dylan - But you know you can’t do this forever. You’re going to have to tell mother how you feel about him because she’s already talking ‘Wedding plans’ (He whispers the last two words next to her ear) Chloe - What?!! Are you for real?! (She looks shocked and perplexed) Dylan - Yup! I overheard my mum talking to her on the phone and they were even choosing a color theme. My mum suggested green and ash. Chloe - Oh come on, you have to be kidding me! Me?, and th . . . th . . . that jerk? (She sputters in anger) And besides, I don’t even like green (Imitates puking) Dylan - Well, I don’t think my mum knows that. You better do something. Chloe - Yup. And quick! (The rooftop door creaks open. Mrs. Anderson enters) Mrs Anderson - What are you both still doing here? (Looks at Dylan) I asked you to get her. Dylan - I’m sorry mother, we just got caught up in a conversation. Mrs Anderson - That’s fine. Just come down and let’s eat. Okay? Chloe - Okay Mum. Dylan - Okay Mother. Chloe We better get going (They both head downstairs together to join Mrs. Anderson at the dining area. Chloe - Ouuuu, mum this looks so good. (She looks at the food sumptuously) Dylan you should definitely try this. Mum added her top secret special spice (She looks at him with assurance and makes an ‘OK’ sign with her fingers) Dylan - Oh come on, I don’t need your affirmation before eating your mum’s food. Even if it was made underground, I’d eat it as long as she cooked it. (He smiles at Mrs. Anderson and she smiles right back. (Mrs. Anderson closes her eyes indicating that she is about to begin a prayer. Chloe and Dylan see this and immediately do the same.) * * * * * Chloe - Thank you mum, I really enjoyed the meal. Dylan - Thank you so much mother. It tasted lovely. Chloe - Dylan, help me with the dishes will you? (They head over to the kitchen to get the dishes done and get back on the dining) (They all sit back and discuss various topics. Laughing, gesturing, and making beautiful memories) . . . (The laughter died down softly) Dylan - I should probably get going now before it gets too late. ( He glances at his wrist watch) Mrs. Anderson - Yes, you should. And Chloe here has to get ready for her date with Derek tomorrow. (She grins at Chloe, who looks back at her with mixed emotions of confusion, anger and disbelief all at once, being held back in every way possible) Dylan - (Chuckles softly, trying to hide his confusion) What do you mean mother? Mrs. Anderson - Oh you know Derek, the billionaire son who lives down the block. He’s definitely into Chloe, so I set them up on a date tomorrow at 7pm. You know it’d be lovely if you two end up together. Wealthy plus Wealthy is always the best match, so one doesn’t have to depend on the other, don’t you think? (She looks over at Chloe, trying to get a confirmation) Chloe - (Nods slowly) Dylan - (Interrupts) Ah yes, mother. I totally agree (He’s says trying to cover up for Chloe) Mrs. Anderson - (Laughs dramatically) That settles it then. I’m excited! My only daughter is getting married. ( She leaves the room giving both a thumbs up, while they forcefully smile back) Dylan and Chloe - Argh! (Chloe rests her head on the table in frustration. Dylan - What are you going to do, mother is really pumped up about this. Chloe - What other choice do I have? (She mumbles with her head still faced towards the table) Dylan - (Walks over to her and rubs her back) You’ll be fine. * * * * * (Outside, close to Dylan’s car, they stand side by side. Dylan is getting ready to head home. Dylan - Try not to overthink okay? Chloe - Okay, I’ll try (She looks at the ground slowly) Dylan - Who knows, you might end up falling for Mr. Handsome (He chuckles slightly) Chloe - (Chuckles) C’mon Dylan, you know that’s not possible Dylan - Just believe. He winks at her. Chloe - (Smiles) You need to get going, it’s getting late. Dylan - Okay fine, I’m going. Always and forever Chloe - Always and forever Bye (Dylan gets in the car, waves at her and drives off. She goes back into the house) [*In Chloe’s Head : Hm, Dylan looked quite hot this evening. And the way he always comforts me, when he rubbed my back it felt so good. Wait!, what am I doing? He’s your best friend girl keep it together.* ] (She sighs and climbs the stairs to the house. She gets in and walks straight to her mum’s room, where Mrs. Anderson is sitting at her vanity doing her night-time skincare routine. Chloe - Mum you’re getting ready for bed already? Mrs. Anderson - Yes darling, it’s been quite a long day. See you in the morning. Chloe - Alright mum, that’s fine. Goodnight. Mrs. Anderson - Goodnight Baby. (Chloe closes the bedroom door and heads for her own bedroom. She enters her bedroom and throws herself on her bed. She stayed still for about two minutes and then headed towards the bathroom to take a shower and get ready for bed.) * * * * *