Family Ties -- Script

(The scene opens on a small bachelor apartment, with the dark-haired heroine, Kay, looking uneager. She answers the door, and another young woman, Aline, enters the apartment)

Aline: (looking around in distaste) Kathryn. Don’t you think you ought to clean this… place up sometimes?

Kay: (looking annoyed, and clearly trying to hide it)

Aline: (looking superior) I wish you’d let me take you shopping. I saw a dress today, and I really think you could look almost pretty in it.

Kay: (clearly trying to fight her anger) Thanks. But I don’t really have the money. Speaking of which, I should be heading out. I have to work. (avoids Aline’s eyes, clearly lying)

(Aline rolls her eyes and leaves without saying goodbye. Kay starts tidying up, then stops)

Kay: Damn Ali.

(Kay stomps over to a bookshelf and grabs a book about Ancient Sparta and flips to a random page, but is clearly not really reading. She sets the book down with a huff, then grabs her phone and dials a number. The phone is answered on the third ring by a male, and Kay launches right into complaints about Aline without even a greeting)

Milton: (sounding exasperated and a bit amused) Ryn. She’s our sister. She’s not going to change just because you find her annoying. Annoying you is her job. So let’s talk about something else, okay?

Kay: (sighs) Fine, what’s going on with you? How’s work?

(Milton launches into talk about his job, which he clearly enjoys. He talks for a while, with Kay clearly paying little attention, until he changes the subject)

Milton: So, have you decided what you’re going to tell the Museum? Are you going to accept their offer? I mean, it’s an incredible opportunity, and pays way better than Tim Hortons. You got that university degree for a reason, remember?

Kay: (looking uncertain and a bit awkward) I just… I wish it wasn’t so far. I wouldn’t get to see you or Aline, or any of my friends… or Mom and Dad’s graves.

(Milton is silent for a moment)

Milton: (sounding very annoyed) You really think that matters? Mom and Dad’s graves are just graves, Ryn. It’s not like they’re there. They wouldn’t notice that you stopped visiting. And either way, they’d want you to make something of your life, instead of living in a crappy little apartment and working at a Tim Hortons. Stop making excuses not to have to take any risks in your life.

(Milton hangs up and Kay is left staring at the phone, looking conflicted and ashamed. She looks around her apartment and looks even more ashamed. She dials another phone number, and the phone is answered by a professional sounding voice)

Museum Person: Kathryn. Have you decided to accept the Museum’s offer?

END SCENE