Bet on This Love
by Peter Stevens
November 2014
click here if you prefer the PDF version
Images of Toronto in Fall. What a nice place to live.
Leaves falling in Trinity Bellwoods Park.
A small, professional camera crew wearing headsets are shooting B-roll.
They're trying to get a close up of a leaf at the moment it falls off a branch.
They try various tricks to loosen a leaf.
We never see their faces.
(Imagine the layout of LEMCHE's apartment)
HANNAH enters. She is 25, a comedic improvisor
HANNAH walks to the bedroom. She changes her clothes from audition mode to nice-to-be-home mode.
Images from HANNAH and KYLE's apartment. Travel photos of the happy couple.
HANNAH sits at the kitchen table and works on her laptop.
KYLE enters. HANNAH doesn't look up from laptop.
HANNAH
(neanderthal grunt)
KYLE
(grunt)
They grunt back and forth in neanderthal speak.
This continues for much longer than we expect.
As improvisors, they are both quite happy to step inside a joke and play. They make each other laugh. They make themselves laugh.
They kiss hello.
HANNAH
How was your day?
KYLE
(grunts)
HANNAH
What do you have?
KYLE
Dinner.
KYLE puts a butcher shop bag in the fridge.
HANNAH
I saw the bag.
KYLE
Mmm hmm.
HANNAH returns to laptop.
She's irked because she does the budget. KYLE teases.
HANNAH
How much was it?
KYLE
Free. I walked in there and they were like “take anything you want."
KYLE holds up grapes.
HANNAH
Are you kidding me?
KYLE
I know. I've lost my mind.
HANNAH
Grapes in November?
KYLE (sings)
November grapes... nothing like a November grape.
HANNAH
How much were they?
KYLE
You don't want to know.
HANNAH
You better enjoy each one.
KYLE walks around the apartment. Opens the window. Closes the window.
He puts some grapes next to HANNAH.
HANNAH
No thank you.
KYLE makes sounds to get her attention. He wants her to throw a grape his way.
HANNAH
I'm working.
KYLE
(in a very strange voice)
Anyone want parsley?
HANNAH
(strange voice)
Parsley.
KYLE
It's parsley season.
HANNAH
Parsley season is when things are happening.
KYLE
Um.. do you happen to have...
HANNAH
Are you looking for...
TOGETHER (KYLE and HANNAH)
Parsley.
KYLE walks to the washroom. He looks in the mirror for a long time and smiles. And nods.
KYLE back in the kitchen. Looks at HANNAH who is working on her laptop.
HANNAH
What?
KYLE shakes his head. He walks to the bedroom and changes.
He returns to the living room. HANNAH has put her laptop away. She is on the ground doing push-ups.
HANNAH
98... 99... 100.
KYLE
Impressive.
HANNAH walks to KYLE.
HANNAH
Just pushing the irons.
KYLE
Maxing the glutes at home?
HANNAH
Yeah, they kicked me out of the gym.
KYLE
Oh?
HANNAH
I crushed the equipment. Like this.
Puts her hands on KYLE's shoulders and squeezes.
KYLE
Ahhhhhh...
HANNAH
I wouldn't crush you.
KYLE
Whew.
HANNAH
I'll never crush you to death.
KYLE
That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.
HANNAH
I love you.
KYLE
I love you.
HANNAH
Where's my laptop?
KYLE
It's not open.
HANNAH
What? Look.
KYLE
Oh!
HANNAH
It's sealed away?
KYLE
Oh my god. Oh my god. Eye contact.
Eye contact intensifies.
HANNAH
I know.
They stare into each other's eyes.
KYLE
This must be what it feels like to be a laptop.
HANNAH
This is amazing. I've never seen your face before.
KYLE
Six years and you never peaked?
HANNAH
This is the first time I've seen your face in six years.
KYLE
And?
HANNAH
I'm not going to lie.
KYLE
Uh-oh.
HANNAH
This is the best face.
KYLE
Wow.
HANNAH
I know.
KYLE
You're pretty close to this face so lucky it's a good one.
HANNAH
I am pretty close.
KYLE
Your nose almost touching my eye.
HANNAH
Great.
KYLE
Fits right in there?
HANNAH
Imagine it did fit? It's a key and your face opened up?
KYLE mimes his face opening. They both make the sound.
KYLE
HANNAH, what's happen-
Face vault opened, revealing:
HANNAH
Whoa. Gold. (beat) Oh no.
KYLE
Oh no?
HANNAH
I forgot.
KYLE
You forgot.
HANNAH
I need my laptop.
KYLE
But it's away.
HANNAH
But I need it.
KYLE
What about the face?
HANNAH
Oh yeah...
KYLE
Wait is this a joke?
HANNAH
Yes? But no. Sowwy.
KYLE
Ok.
HANNAH
I actually forgot to send something important. I had a good talk with Diane and now things are looking good.
HANNAH back on her laptop. KYLE watches her.
KYLE opens the fridge and takes things out to make dinner.
KYLE looks and HANNAH not there. She is doing push ups.
HANNAH
99... 100.
KYLE
I thought you had work.
HANNAH
I'm doing it. Just had to do a quick set.
KYLE
You're getting so buff.
HANNAH
I'm working right now.
KYLE reacts. Mumbles.
KYLE
I see how it is.
KYLE gets out pans. Cutting board. Starts chopping.
HANNAH
What are you up to tonight?
KYLE shrugs.
HANNAH
Let's have sex tonight. Okay?
KYLE
Sounds great.
HANNAH
I love you.
KYLE
I love you.
They return to their tasks.
HANNAH
Hey.
HANNAH throws a grape and KYLE tries to catch it in his mouth. It hits the floor.
KYLE
I'm still eating that.
HANNAH
Wash it first.
He doesn't.
HANNAH
You're gonna die.
She goes back to work.
KYLE
You had a good talk with your agent?
HANNAH
Yes. We agreed on a few things and she got me in with Cameron which is very good. I got the sides to something that looks good.
HANNAH continues to type.
HANNAH
What's up with you?
KYLE
Nothing.
HANNAH
What'd you do today? What?
HANNAH closes her laptop lid.
KYLE
Davis is quitting.
HANNAH
Oh no. I know Davis. He's the short one?
KYLE
Yes. Davis the short one.
HANNAH
We like Davis.
KYLE
Not any more we don't.
HANNAH
I hate him. I've always hated him.
KYLE
Work is going to slog this month. No one is trained.
HANNAH
Oh no.
KYLE
It's all landing on me. There's forty-seven fridges, two restaurant renos...
HANNAH
Davis can't quit.
KYLE
He pretty much has. He did a half day.
HANNAH
Do you want me to beat him up?
HANNAH rolls up her sleeves, gets up and goes to the door.
KYLE
No.
HANNAH
I'll do it. Honestly? He's dead.
HANNAH opens the door.
KYLE
No, no.
HANNAH
Don't try to stop me.
KYLE
No, stay.
Door closes. KYLE hugs HANNAH who doesn't hug back because she is still joke primed to fight.
HANNAH
I can't stay. I'm boiling up right now. I'm going to snap his bones.
KYLE
“Snap his bones"?
HANNAH
I know. I kinda disturbed myself with that. But I said it and I'm doing it.
KYLE
We like Davis.
HANNAH
We do?
KYLE
He's good.
HANNAH
You're sure?
KYLE
Yeah.
HANNAH
You just saved his life.
HANNAH sits back down.
KYLE
I saw him in the morning and I told him to stay for the fall. He was like, “why?"
HANNAH
Oh no.
KYLE
We laughed. It sucks to work a job where you can't answer that. (pause) I'm just feeling off because I've got double the work. It's fine.
HANNAH has gone back to working on her laptop.
KYLE
A lot of people have it worse than me. So much time goes by. When was 2009? I'm like did I spend all that time thinking about ovens and fridges? I don't know. I don't know.
KYLE watches HANNAH work.
KYLE
...and that's the most important thing I've ever told anyone.
HANNAH
I was listening.
KYLE
Oh?
HANNAH
You said you have double the work.
KYLE
After that.
HANNAH
You said...
KYLE
I had this whole speech about what it means to be human. It was very moving. It rhymed.
HANNAH
Say it again.
KYLE
You missed it.
HANNAH
I was listening.
Pause.
KYLE
You'd really beat up Davis for me?
HANNAH
You know it.
KYLE
Really? Because you didn't put your shoes on so I figured you were bluffing...
HANNAH
Okay.
HANNAH closes laptop, puts her shoes on.
KYLE
Alright, alright.
HANNAH
Nope, he's done. Shoes are on.
KYLE
What's your plan?
HANNAH
I'm going to walk across Toronto yelling, "Davis!" Anyone who looks at me. Boom.
KYLE
Okay, it's a good plan. Don't go.
KYLE holds HANNAH.
HANNAH
My shoes are on.
KYLE
I know this is for real. You're a firecracker.
HANNAH
I need a kiss or I'm going to murder someone.
In each other's arms. They kiss.
HANNAH
Honestly? One more kiss.
They kiss.
HANNAH
Where am I? What happened?
KYLE
You were in a fit of rage.
HANNAH
I was? And you are... Bronston? I see that on your name tag.
KYLE
Yep, it's me, Dempster Bronston.
HANNAH
Oh, Dempster... I remember being angry...
KYLE
Yeah, I kissed you and it broke the spell. It was like Sleeping Beauty.
HANNAH
But with anger.
KYLE
Yes.
HANNAH
Wait, I was under a spell?
KYLE
Yes.
HANNAH
How'd you know I wanted to be kissed?
KYLE (in creepster voice)
Uh-oh.
HANNAH
You can't just do that.
KYLE
But I'm your prince.
HANNAH
So? I didn't consent.
KYLE
But... I'm a prince.
HANNAH
Well, you're not above the law.
KYLE
Uh-oh. Prince Dempster's a pervert.
HANNAH
I'm pressing charges.
KYLE
Prince Dempster in... jail?
HANNAH
Yep. What's this?
HANNAH mimes finding a little bag.
KYLE
What?
HANNAH
Cocaine? You smuggling cocaine?
KYLE
Officer, you put that there.
HANNAH
You're going down, buddy!
HANNAH skips back to work.
KYLE
I like the idea of the cops giving a prince a hard time.
HANNAH
Wooooooo! I have to warn you. I am wired.
KYLE
I got a text from you that said this was not a good day.
HANNAH
Yes, that was after the first audition. I guess I'm happy to see you. Also, a lot of sugar in the last hour.
KYLE
Can we talk?
HANNAH
Talk talk? Yes. Let me hit send.
HANNAH goes to laptop.
KYLE in the kitchen. Looks at the clock. It's close to go time.
HANNAH
Hey.
KYLE
Hey.
HANNAH
Hey.
KYLE
Hey.
HANNAH
Sorry about Thursday.
KYLE
No worries.
HANNAH
I'm sorry. Were you mad?
KYLE
Uh...
HANNAH
You were mad.
KYLE
It wasn't our best night.
HANNAH
I was stressed.
KYLE
Really?
HANNAH
It's so embarrassing to be stressed. (nerdy stressed character) Email, email, gotta do the email.
KYLE
(joins in nerdy stressed character) Gotta get this data going.
HANNAH
Data data gotta send these databytes!
KYLE
Where'd my email go? I hit send. The internet signal must be reverse bouncing!
Too close to home.
HANNAH
I didn't say that.
KYLE
(laughs)
Uh-oh.
HANNAH
The internet was being wonky.
KYLE
“Wonky"? (nerdy voice) What's with my wonky modem?
HANNAH
I know how the internet works.
KYLE
I know you know.
HANNAH
What?
KYLE
What?
HANNAH
What do I know?
KYLE
What?
HANNAH becomes super dramatic. Head down. Fake bawls.
HANNAH
You don't think I know anything.
Looks up. Continues to fake bawl.
KYLE
Oh no.
HANNAH
You don't think I know the internet.
KYLE
This is a nice stress free evening.
HANNAH
You brought up my bad audition today. I'm vulnerable.
KYLE
Ah.
HANNAH
And now I find out you hate me. You've always hated me. Everything makes sense now. (Gasp) You hate parsley?
A weird moment. Quiet. KYLE stares. HANNAH joke writhes. Stops. Looks at him.
The game stops.
HANNAH
You do hate me? (beat) Hello?
KYLE snaps out of it.
HANNAH
Too much?
Back to game.
KYLE
Hold on. I'm getting a call. Hello? Oh, it's the guy who invented the internet. Ya-huh?
HANNAH
Tim Berners-Lee? Or Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn?
KYLE
All of them. Conference call. Yes I will tell her that. Yes. The internet guys wanted you to know that you know the most about www dot coms.
HANNAH
That's a weird reason to call. What do you think?
KYLE
I think you're brilliant.
HANNAH
Oh stop.
Indicates that he should keep going.
KYLE
You know all the websites. You know all the downloads. And you were right. The internet was wonky on Thursday. That's the other thing the guys on the phone said. The internet was wonky on Thursday but only a genius would notice.
HANNAH
Okay. You did good. Hold on. Sent.
HANNAH is done with the laptop.
HANNAH
Let's talk talk.
Laptop away. KYLE glances at the clock.
They change locations to sit together.
HANNAH
You were thinking about work.
KYLE
Yeah. I need to talk to you about something.
HANNAH
I need to as well. You go first. I'll go first. I have bad news. I lost my phone. I know. Scandal. I left it on the subway. I think. I don't know. What do you think? I called the TTC but I don't know. Do I get a cheap phone or do I need a good phone for work? Could be $50 for a cheap one. But that's like a rock with an antennae. Is it a bad idea to buy an iPhone off kijiji? I'm stressing a bit but this is no stress night. It'll be okay. I made a mistake but it's okay. Magda said I could use her phone for the next two months while she's away. So there's that.
KYLE
I've been thinking.
HANNAH
(joke)
Uh-oh.
KYLE
I think we're on really different paths.
Pause.
HANNAH
In our jobs?
KYLE
More than that.
HANNAH
What are you saying?
KYLE
I think we should break up.
HANNAH
???
KYLE
I don't think we should break up we are breaking up. (beat) I'm breaking up with you.
HANNAH begins to cry. FREEZE FRAME.
HOST (V.O.)
What we're watching is real. It involves real people. Real emotions.
Minimalist aesthetic. Large window overlooking Toronto.
HOST stands, business causal, barefoot. Looking out over the city.
HOST, 48, media mogul, divorced thrice, an earnest lover of history. Charismatic self-described "enlightened ruler" -a cheesy Richard Branson giving honest, emotional advice.
HOST (V.O.)
What if I told you that you could win $100,000 and all you had to do was be in love? Real Love.
KYLE being interviewed.
The crew wiring the apartment for video.
Later. KYLE and HANNAH in apartment.
The secret earpiece being placed in KYLE's ear. The crew is in a van.
CONTROL
Test. Test. Can you say your name and, "I'm on Real Love"?
HOST (V.O.)
KYLE knows we're watching.
KYLE
I'm KYLE and I'm on Real Love.
Freeze frame of HANNAH.
HOST (V.O.)
HANNAH doesn't know that we're going to put their love to the test.
The view from hidden cameras, giving us different angles of what we've already seen.
INT. CONTROL ROOM
Crew with headsets and monitors in the dark game show control room.
HOST (V.O.)
When KYLE broke up with HANNAH the game was on.
Soft triple BEEP.
A CREW LEADER with headset explains the challenge to KYLE.
HOST (V.O.)
KYLE knows he has to stay with HANNAH for ten minutes.
CREW LEADER
I has to be clear.
KYLE
It'll be clear.
CREW LEADER
If it's not clear it's over.
KYLE's face.
HOST (V.O.)
After that time he must leave the apartment.
HANNAH crying.
HOST (V.O.)
If HANNAH physically stops him from leaving then the couple wins the first challenge.
KYLE sitting for the pre-game interview.
KYLE
I don't know where the cameras are hidden.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
What's going through your mind?
KYLE
It's all good.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
Nervous?
KYLE
Whatever, right? I have a pretty good idea about the first challenge.
INTERVIEWER
How far will you go?
KYLE
All the way to $100,000. I will do anything for that money.
INTERVIEWER
What about your relationship?
KYLE scoffs.
Picking up where we left off:
HANNAH
What are you saying?
KYLE
I think we should break up.
HANNAH
???
KYLE
I don't think we should break up we are breaking up. (beat) I'm breaking up with you.
HANNAH
No. What are you saying?
KYLE
We're broken up now.
HANNAH
Don't make jokes like that. I'm scared.
KYLE
It's okay. We're okay.
HANNAH
What do you mean? I don't feel well.
KYLE
It's okay.
HANNAH
I don't feel okay. What... why...
HANNAH cries.
KYLE stands up.
HANNAH cries more.
HANNAH
Are you leaving?
KYLE
No. I'm just...
HANNAH cries. Starts to wail. Uses a pillow to stifle yelling.
KYLE
Hey...
HANNAH
What? I'm going to cry.
KYLE
I know.
HANNAH
What is going on? What did you say? You said we're breaking up.
HANNAH walks to the washroom to blow her nose.
KYLE alone. Looks around for cameras.
HANNAH
You were getting dinner ready. What happened? Is it because you missed the grape? That was your fault that was a good throw.
KYLE
It was because of the grape.
HANNAH
You can't make jokes. I can make jokes. You can't.
KYLE
Okay.
HANNAH
No. I don't want to be like this. Let's talk. What is this? You're sure of this?
KYLE
Yes, I'm sure.
The same clip of KYLE sitting for pre-game interview.
KYLE
I will do anything for that money.
INTERVIEWER
What about your relationship?
KYLE scoffs.
KYLE
You have no idea how in love we are. HANNAH and I are (locks his hands).
INTERVIEWER (V.O.)
You seem confident.
KYLE
Yeah. We're in love. We know we're in it. Together. For life. I'm not worried about us. I'm worried she's gonna know something is up.
INTERVIEWER (V.O.)
You think she'll figure out it's a game show-
KYLE
Yeah. She's the puzzle master. They said if she figures it out it's over.
INTERVIEWER (V.O.)
What do you think this will do to your relationship?
KYLE
Honestly? Nothing. I love HANNAH. HANNAH loves me. Nothing is going to change that. We've been through a lot. A lot. We have this [eye contact]. Everything around can be a shitstorm. Doesn't matter. It comes back to this. [eye contact]. We know.
KYLE looks at the clock.
HANNAH
(in control)
Okay. You're sure. You don't have to explain yourself. That's your choice. I can't control that. I think you can understand why I'm emotional right now. This is news to me. And I'm allowed to cry. We've been together for a long time. You're right. It's okay. (losing control) I don't want this to be happening. Hold me.
HANNAH and KYLE hug for a long time.
KYLE unsure how to proceed.
HANNAH moves to the corner, becomes a ball, and cries to the wall.
KYLE watches.
KYLE
I didn't think you'd take it this badly.
HANNAH laughs a bit.
HANNAH
What is going on?
KYLE
It's okay. Stop crying.
HANNAH and KYLE looking at each other. HANNAH starts to cry.
HANNAH
I knew this was going to happen.
KYLE
What? No. What are you talking about?
HANNAH
I don't know. I don't care.
KYLE
What do you mean?
HANNAH
Leave me alone.
KYLE
What did you say?
HANNAH
Don't touch me.
KYLE
Hey. I love you.
HANNAH
Don't say that. I love you. Why are you doing this?
KYLE
Hey.
HANNAH
Don't say things to make me feel better.
KYLE
I'm not.
HANNAH
Yes you are.
KYLE
I do love you.
HANNAH
Yeah? Well, great.
KYLE
Hey.
HANNAH
Why are you still here?
KYLE
Because.
HANNAH
Go! Get out!
The clock.
KYLE
No.
HANNAH
Fine, I'll get out.
KYLE
Whoa, whoa.
HANNAH
Who says "stop crying"?
KYLE
What? You're crying so much.
HANNAH
Are you insane?
This upsets KYLE.
HANNAH
I'm sorry. You know what I meant.
KYLE
It doesn't matter. I know. You're upset.
HANNAH
And you're not.
KYLE
Yeah, I'm upset. In a different way.
HANNAH
Is this about Thursday?
KYLE
What are you talking about?
HANNAH
What are you talking about? I'm trying to make sense of things.
KYLE
It doesn't make sense.
HANNAH
Well, who's leaving?
KYLE
No one has to leave. It's our apartment. How do we know who has to leave?
HANNAH
That's really great observational comedy.
KYLE
Tough crowd.
HANNAH
Is this a joke?
KYLE
We don't have to be so grim.
HANNAH
I don't want to be here.
KYLE
Wait. Let's wait for a bit. Together. Please?
HANNAH
Why? You've thought about this and I don't know what's going on right now. I don't think this is a good place for me to be.
KYLE
Stay.
HANNAH
For what?
KYLE
Let's talk about it like you wanted.
HANNAH
Okay. Talk.
KYLE
I don't know. You know I'm not good at this.
HANNAH
Where are you at? Are you having doubts? Are you sure?
KYLE
It's definitely over.
HANNAH
Okay.
KYLE
We're definitely broken up. That has to be clear. Break up. That's clear?
HANNAH
You're saying you feel sure.
KYLE
I don't know.
HANNAH
Okay. You're not sure.
KYLE
Yeah. What do you think?
HANNAH
It doesn't matter.
Long eye contact.
HANNAH
What?
Soft TRIPLE BEEP that only Kyle can hear.
KYLE looks at the clock.
KYLE
I feel like I should go.
HANNAH
Fine. Go.
KYLE
But I don't know if you want me here.
HANNAH
I don't control you. Do what you want.
KYLE
Yeah. I want to stay but maybe I should go?
KYLE gets up to go.
HANNAH
Then go. Go. I don't want you here if you don't want to be here. Go ahead. You know where I am.
KYLE looks at HANNAH.
HANNAH
What do you want from me?
KYLE
I'm going to go?
KYLE puts his shoes on.
HANNAH
Are we ever going to talk?
KYLE
I feel like now is the time.
HANNAH
Where are you going?
KYLE
I don't know.
HANNAH
Stay. We'll figure it out.
A longer soft BEEP.
KYLE
I do really want to stay. But...
KYLE looks at the clock. It changes to 6:27pm.
HANNAH sits on the couch.
KYLE looks at the door.
KYLE opens the door and steps out.
Door closes.
HANNAH opens it.
They look at each other.
HANNAH holds KYLE in the hallway.
Ca-ching. KYLE knows they have won money for the first challenge.
HANNAH and KYLE hugging.
Hug continues as KYLE carries HANNAH into the apartment.
HANNAH
I love you.
KYLE
I love you.
HANNAH
Okay.
HANNAH heads to washroom.
HOST
You have won $10, 000.
KYLE paces.
HOST
This next challenge will bring you to $35, 000. HANNAH must break something.
Behind the mirror video in washroom shows HANNAH blowing her nose and trying to regain composure.
KYLE looks around the apartment.
HOST
You can stop and keep the money. Or risk it and continue. You have five minutes to decide.
We join HANNAH who is collecting herself. She returns.
HANNAH
Hey.
KYLE is touching the TV. He looks at the clock.
KYLE
How are you feeling?
HANNAH sits.
KYLE
I understand that you're mad.
HANNAH
I'm not mad.
KYLE
Maybe you should be.
HANNAH
Why?
KYLE
I don't know.
HANNAH
I mean, anger is part of what I feel. I'm trying to be emotionally mature...
KYLE sets the table with two plates.
HANNAH
What are you doing?
KYLE
I thought... I'm going to be here for dinner?
KYLE gets two glasses as well, setting one near HANNAH.
HANNAH moves her glass and plate away.
HANNAH
Okay. You're here.
KYLE
Yes.
HANNAH
We love each other.
KYLE
Yes.
HANNAH
You broke up with me.
KYLE
Yes.
HANNAH
What's going on?
KYLE
Well... why did you get so mad?
HANNAH
It's frustrating.
KYLE
What would make you more mad?
HANNAH
Don't worry about upsetting me. Focus on being honest. That's all that matters. I'm not going to get upset.
KYLE
Really?
HANNAH
Well, I might get upset. Like you said, it's gonna be okay.
KYLE
Right.
Flutter BEEP.
HOST (V.O.)
One minute to decide.
KYLE
I have to tell you something.
HANNAH
Tell me.
KYLE
I don't know what to say.
KYLE looks down. Breathes for a long time.
HANNAH
Hey.
They make eye contact for a long time.
KYLE
Yeah?
HANNAH
Yeah.
KYLE
We're good, right?
HANNAH
Yeah.
KYLE
Yeah...
BEEP.
KYLE
Okay. We're gonna do this.
HANNAH
Talk to me.
Pause. Eventually...
KYLE
I want you to know that you have full right to be very angry about this. Very angry...
HANNAH
Okay...
KYLE
I did something that's going to...
Long pause. HANNAH anxious.
HANNAH
What did you do?
Long pause.
HANNAH
Is there someone else?
Long pause.
HANNAH upset.
KYLE nods, going with it.
HANNAH
What?
KYLE
I know.
HANNAH
What!?!
Freeze frame.
HOST
Do you want to know the difference between good TV and great TV?
The HOST.
HOST
I've produced a lot of successful television. I'm proud of that. A lot of people ask me what's the secret. And I tell them about this painting in the Louvre that I saw when I was twenty-one.
Ary Scheffer's The Ghosts of Paolo and Francesca Appear to Dante and Virgil (1835)
HOST
Virgil is giving Dante a tour of hell and they're staring at Paulo and Francesca. That's good TV.
HOST
I found true love. Three times. Three divorces. It's hard to explain unless you've been there. It's like... “oh nothing is true."
HOST looks at the camera.
HOST
I know what you think of me. I want you to know that I want to believe in love. I'm not a cynic.
HOST
This is personal. That's my voice in there. I'm trying to drive a wedge between them. I want to know. I want to see if they can survive what I couldn't. Is there a love that can't be broken?
HOST
Is it ethical? I don't know. Is it important? Yes. To me.
HOST
Good TV makes you curious, “how's this going to end for them?” But great TV? You need to know for you. Not them. You.
Where we left off...
KYLE
Yes.
HANNAH
What?
KYLE
I know.
HANNAH
(deflated)
Oh... oh no... what?
KYLE
You're going to be really mad when you find out who it is.
HANNAH
(heated)
I don't want to know. I don't want to know who it is.
KYLE
It's bad.
HANNAH
What happened?
KYLE
It's...
KYLE gets another glass and fills it.
HANNAH
Are you full on seeing someone?
KYLE
Do you want some water?
HANNAH
Why would you do this?
KYLE puts a glass of water in front of her.
HANNAH moves it away.
KYLE puts it back.
KYLE
Here's some water.
HANNAH
Are we talking or what?
KYLE
Relax.
HANNAH
Don't tell me to relax.
KYLE
Here's some water, relax.
HANNAH
(angry)
I don't want water.
HANNAH puts the glass down.
KYLE walks around the apartment looking for something breakable.
HANNAH
Can you sit and talk?
KYLE
I told you this was going to make you mad and this isn't even half of it.
HANNAH
How long has this been going on? A week? A month? A year?
KYLE
It's bad.
HANNAH
What? What is this? You've been lying to me?
KYLE gets another glass of water for HANNAH.
HANNAH
What is this?
Pause. HANNAH won't take the water.
HANNAH accepts the glass.
KYLE
I lied to you so much. I was seeing someone else.
HANNAH
What? Talk to me.
HANNAH sets the glass down roughly but no break.
KYLE
I don't know.
HANNAH
Stop moving around. Why do you keep looking around?
KYLE
You're mad so be mad.
HANNAH
KYLE, please don't tell me how I'm supposed to feel.
KYLE
(laughing)
Argh. I don't know.
HANNAH
What is going on?
KYLE
I don't know. What's going on with you? I'm like, ‘I cheated. I lied to you'. And you're all calm-
HANNAH
Can you sit and talk with me?
KYLE
Can you stand and move around? You're always telling me I'm not emotional-
HANNAH
I never said that.
KYLE
So now I'm expressing. I'm mad.
HANNAH
Okay.
KYLE
If you're mad let's be mad together.
KYLE laughs.
KYLE
This is frustrating.
HANNAH
What's frustrating?
KYLE hands HANNAH a plate.
KYLE
This situation. Here. Throw it. You'll feel better.
HANNAH stares at KYLE.
KYLE
Okay. Let's talk. (they sit) I need to tell you something. Let's be honest. What upsets you most about this?
HANNAH
I don't know. I feel sad that you don't want to be with me.
KYLE
Okay. But what about upset?
HANNAH
Okay.... and I feel mad that you lied to me.
KYLE
The lying makes you mad.
HANNAH
Yes. I'm allowed to be angry.
KYLE
That's what I'm saying.
HANNAH
How do you feel?
KYLE
I feel anxious because I know the worst is yet to come.
HANNAH
Have you been anxious for a while?
KYLE
Maybe...
HANNAH
You haven't been yourself lately. Like this year.
KYLE
Really?
HANNAH
I thought you were unhappy because your job.
KYLE
What?
HANNAH
Y'know, it's not working like we thought. You're full-time but we're no better off with the car... but you were unhappy with me.
KYLE
No. That's not it.
HANNAH
It's not?
KYLE
Lies make you mad. I'm anxious because this is a place where I’ve told a lot of lies. This apartment. And you're gonna be mad.
HANNAH
No.
KYLE stays silent.
HANNAH
No, KYLE. (rising anger) You were with her in our apartment?
KYLE
I don't know what to say.
HANNAH
Why would you bring her here? On this couch?
HANNAH stands.
KYLE
You have a right to be mad.
HANNAH
Yeah. I know. Don't tell me “I have the right to be mad". I'm mad.
KYLE
I was just saying you have the right.
HANNAH
I don't care. That's why you're acting so weird. Everything here reminds you of her.
KYLE
Well...
HANNAH
Did she drink out of our glasses?
KYLE
HANNAH...
HANNAH slams the glass down.
HANNAH
Tell me she was not in our bedroom.
KYLE
I'm sorry. You're right. She probably ate off this plate.
KYLE tries to hand the plate to HANNAH.
HANNAH
Get it away from me.
KYLE
There's been lots of lies.
HANNAH
Why do you keep looking around? What are you looking at? What? What? (beat) You can't be serious. I'm going to...
KYLE
I know. This is what I was worried about.
HANNAH
(horrified)
Who is that? Is that her?
KYLE
That's her. That's the girl I cheated with. I made that for her.
HANNAH
That's me.
KYLE
No.
HANNAH
You said you made this for me for my birthday.
KYLE
I made it for her but she didn't want it.
HANNAH reeling.
HANNAH
You lied to me.
KYLE
Relax.
HANNAH
I can't believe this. I can't believe you.
KYLE
Do you want me to take it down?
Pause.
KYLE
Should we take it down?
HANNAH throws the painting off the wall. It survives.
KYLE
It's yours. You have the right to do what you want to your-
HANNAH breaks the shit out of the art.
She smashes it until she is exhausted on the floor.
Cha-ching.
HANNAH
What happened? I lost my phone and I was going to get a new one.
KYLE
The way I look at it is: the only fights we have are about money. It's things like the grocery bill or I can't buy the shoes I want. I mean, I can, but it has to be a whole conversation. You gotta talk to the Minister of Finance.
KYLE
I wouldn't say we're on a tight budget but we are. She wouldn't want me to say that so... I didn't. (winks)
KYLE
HANNAH's $25,000. Student debt. I'm $15,000. Then a line of credit. It's embarrassing. Hers is $9,000? Mine was about $7500 but it's paid down. It's funny talking about it because I thought we'd be back to even now. I've been working steady for a few years -but we got the car...
KYLE
I don't think I'm supposed to say those things on TV.
INTERVIEWER
Why?
KYLE
You're not supposed to talk about money? I don't know how any of my friends are making it work. I always thought if everyone talked about it we would literally rob every bank within the hour.
KYLE
We love each other but it's hard. What does debt-free love look like? I don't know. I want get me some of that. HANNAH deserves that.
HANNAH is on the floor with the smashed art.
HANNAH
What do you want?
HOST
You have won $30, 000.
KYLE
What?
HANNAH cleaning up.
HANNAH
So we're over? You're full on seeing someone else?
KYLE
That's not how it is.
HANNAH
I'm trying to figure out if we're over. It doesn't mean that we have to be over.
HOST
Do you want to continue?
KYLE
I don't know what to say. I don't want to mess anything up. I mean, more than it is.
HANNAH
All I'm saying is there was someone else for me too.
HOST
The next challenge is-
KYLE
What? What?
HANNAH
I never told you.
KYLE
What did you say?
HANNAH
I'm sorry.
KYLE
No. Don't say that. Did you say you cheated on me?
HANNAH
I'm sorry.
KYLE
You didn't say that. No. What?
This is bad. What?
KYLE looks around.
HOST (V.O.)
KYLE, you're still on...
KYLE
Wait, wait, wait. Hold on. No. What is this? Who was it? Who? No. Who was it?
HANNAH
Don't do this.
KYLE
Do I know him?
HANNAH
Don't.
KYLE
Have I met this person?
HANNAH
I didn't ask you who it was. It was a long time ago.
KYLE
When? I have to guess? Monday? Tuesday? Wednesday?
HANNAH
It was once. A very long time ago.
KYLE
Great.
HANNAH
What?
KYLE
This whole relationship has been a lie?
HANNAH
No. I love you.
KYLE
I know. I love you. Why do you think I'm upset?
HANNAH
You made it clear you broke up with me.
KYLE
Whatever.
HANNAH
What are you talking about, “whatever"?
KYLE
I'm confused. HANNAH, level with me. Did you cheat on me?
HANNAH
Yes.
KYLE
Is this real?
HANNAH
It was six years ago.
KYLE
This is messed. This is not...
HANNAH
What does it matter now?
KYLE
It matters.
HANNAH
It was a mistake. What I'm saying is, when it happened I knew.
KYLE
What happened?
HANNAH
It was second year. Everyone in Ensemble was ‘open relationships and freedom' and I didn't know what I wanted...
KYLE
Second year?
HANNAH
And after it was so clear. We were in love and that's what I wanted.
KYLE
Someone in the acting program? (beat) Alain?
HANNAH
No.
KYLE
Benny?
HANNAH
No. Benny? God, no. Who do you think I am?
KYLE
I don't know any more.
HANNAH
Benny?
KYLE
Did you sleep with your prof?
HANNAH
No. Stop guessing. Ms. Landy did second-year ensemble-
KYLE
The glasses guy-
HANNAH
Can you stop? You accused me of sleeping with a 65-year-old woman.
KYLE
(joking)
Well, did you?
Pause.
HANNAH
It was after that Halloween.
KYLE
What Halloween?
HANNAH
When we had the fight? The flat tires. We got stranded on the 401.
The memory causes an abrupt tone shift.
KYLE
The flat tire wars.
HANNAH
That was our first real fight.
KYLE
That was legend. You yelling at me.
HANNAH
You were yelling at me.
KYLE
Yelling over an old, garbage car.
HANNAH
Hey. Ol' Jetty was always there for us.
KYLE
Yeah, except when you needed to turn left the full way.
HANNAH
She never got a flat when I was driving.
KYLE
Oh, I see, I was doing a specific kind of flat tire driving that's what did it.
HANNAH
It wasn't about the flat. It was raining and you wanted to stay.
KYLE
I can fix a flat tire.
HANNAH
How did that work out for you?
KYLE
The spare was flat.
HANNAH
Oh.
KYLE
That's not on me.
HANNAH
Why'd you put it on?
KYLE
‘Cause you couldn't tell. Who keeps a flat spare?
HANNAH
Who tells their date, “I hope you brought walking shoes"?
KYLE
I didn't say that.
HANNAH
You did.
KYLE
Then it was a joke.
HANNAH
Easy tip to tell when something is a joke (listens) see no laughter?
KYLE
You gave me the silent treatment for a long time.
HANNAH
You're lucky I'm talking to you now.
KYLE
You're lucky you were dating someone who has friends.
HANNAH
Oh, really?
KYLE
Yes, I was very popular.
HANNAH
Right.
KYLE
As I recall, I called a friend and got him to bring us a tire that we could use.
HANNAH
No. I called.
KYLE
So you're the tire expert now?
HANNAH
You talked to him but I called him.
Pause.
KYLE
ANDRE... ANDRE?
Tone shift back.
HANNAH
What are you thinking?
KYLE
Part of me is, whatever it's six years ago. And part of me is, now I have to find him and beat him up.
HANNAH laughs but KYLE isn't joking.
HANNAH
The only reason I brought it up was that, when it happened, it made things very clear to me what I wanted.
KYLE
I did not expect ANDRE.
HANNAH
What are you thinking?
KYLE
He gave me a pair of basketball shoes that were too big for him. Was that to throw me off?
HANNAH
We're over?
KYLE
You cheated on me.
HANNAH
You cheated on me.
KYLE
It's different. Give me a second.
KYLE leaves the room.
KYLE in the washroom.
HOST (V.O.)
You've won $30 000. Do you want to stop the game? KYLE, I can see you in the mirror.
KYLE (mouthing the words)
Is this part of it?
HOST (V.O.)
No, KYLE. This is not part of the game.
KYLE looks into the mirror.
HOST (V.O.)
Do you want to hear the next challenge?
KYLE nods “yes".
HOST
You can win $55 000 if you-
HANNAH in the living room.
KYLE returns.
KYLE
Hey.
HANNAH
Hey.
KYLE opens HANNAH's laptop.
HANNAH
I'm sorry. But I don't want to let myself get pushed around.
KYLE
HANNAH, I've made a mistake but I'm going to make it better.
HANNAH
I don't think this is a good place for me to be right now.
KYLE
I need you to be here.
HANNAH
I don't know if I want to be here.
KYLE
I don't know what's going to happen. One thing that is very clear to me is: I love you. And it's time to go big. So, two things.
HANNAH
This is so confusing.
KYLE
Do you still talk with ANDRE?
HANNAH
No.
KYLE
Do you know anyone who does?
HANNAH
I don't know.
KYLE
Can you check?
HANNAH
Why?
KYLE
We need to contact him.
HANNAH
No we don't.
KYLE
Yes. I've thought about this.
KYLE is texting someone and looking at the clock.
HANNAH
What?
KYLE
We have to get a hold of him. Now.
HANNAH
Why?
KYLE
Can you just post to all your friends and ask?
HANNAH
What's going on with you?
KYLE
We need ANDRE to come here.
HANNAH
I'm leaving.
KYLE
We both need to be here.
HANNAH
Why?
KYLE
You were right. Here it is. You're right. Cheating on you made it clear to me that I love you.
HANNAH
Okay.
KYLE
But now it's not that easy.
HANNAH
I shouldn't have said anything.
KYLE
No. It's good that you did.
HANNAH
Why?
KYLE
I have a good reason I need to think of how to say it. (pause) We've had this barrier between us for six years and now we can clear it up.
HANNAH
How? KYLE, you went into the bathroom and now you're a completely different person.
KYLE
I don't know. I don't know where I'm at. I don't what's going on. But I know what we're going to do.
HANNAH
What?
KYLE
We have to get ANDRE to this apartment. Yes!
HANNAH
What?
KYLE
ANDRE's number.
HANNAH
You're calling him?
KYLE
You have to convince him to come to the apartment. Please.
HANNAH
No.
KYLE
I really need to make this right. And that means I really need you, and I, and ANDRE in the same room to figure this out.
HANNAH
I don't think that's healthy.
KYLE
Well, it's very important to me.
HANNAH
Why?
KYLE
We're adults. We can sit in a room and it will be good for us-
HANNAH
Is this something you read about?
KYLE
What?
HANNAH
I'm surprised that you're talking about conversation and healing-
KYLE
Yes. Healing. That's what this is about. See? You have the words for it.
HANNAH
This is honestly something you think is a good idea?
KYLE
I'm being so honest with you right now.
HANANH
I don't want to do this.
KYLE
I don't want to do this either. It has to be done.
KYLE on the laptop.
He plays dance music.
He plays a video of ambient people talking.
KYLE
ANDRE? Is this ANDRE? ANDRE this is KYLE. From uni? We played basketball? Remember you brought me a tire on the 401? Yeah. No, I don't need a tire. Hey, are you in Toronto? You are? Where? Why do you live in the East end? Gross. (laughs) You gotta come to our apartment right now. Right now. We've got a reunion going on. Everyone. I haven't seen you ever. HANNAH hasn't seen you. Yeah. I'm putting you on speaker.
HANNAH
Hey, ANDRE.
ANDRE
Hey, HANNAH.
HANNAH
Are you coming over?
ANDRE
Hahaha, now?
KYLE
It's crazy here. Right now. How quickly can you get to Landsdowne and Dupont?
ANDRE
Pretty quickly actually. I'm in the car on the Danforth.
KYLE
Yes! On the phone while driving? ANDRE. Living on the edge.
ANDRE
Aw yeah, more than you know.
KYLE
Right. You gotta stop by right now.
I'm gonna text you the map. Get here. I want to see you. HANNAH wants to see you.
ANDRE
Who else is all there?
KYLE
Everyone! See you!
KYLE hangs up.
KYLE (to HANNAH)
Dinner?
The behind the scenes studio.
The staff watches HANNAH and KYLE.
UNDETERMINED SCENE
Knocking.
ANDRE
Hey, what's up? Did I miss-
HOST
You have won $55,000.
KYLE
Thanks for coming, ANDRE. You can go.
ANDRE
What?
HANNAH
We invited you here for a discussion.
KYLE
But you can go.
ANDRE
What's going on?
KYLE walks to ANDRE.
KYLE
I don't know. Maybe something that two people in the room know about but the other doesn't. Maybe you'll find out in six years.
HANNAH
KYLE.
ANDRE
Are you going to hit me?
HANNAH
No he's not going to hit you.
KYLE
Yes.
HANNAH
KYLE, no you're not.
KYLE
Yes I am.
ANDRE
In the face?
KYLE
Probably.
HANNAH
No you're not.
KYLE
HANNAH, it's fine.
ANDRE
Now?
KYLE
Not now.
ANDRE
You want to stretch?
KYLE
I'm going to choose when.
ANDRE
Okay. But I don't want to be thinking about.
KYLE
Tough.
ANDRE
Are you gonna hit me today?
KYLE
Maybe.
ANDRE
One day you see me in Toronto you're going to run across the street and hit me?
KYLE
Yeah. Or not.
KYLE walks away.
ANDRE
Good to see you two. I hope it works out for you. I'm sorry for what happened.
HOST
You can win an extra $15 000 right now.
KYLE
Wait.
HOST
ANDRE has to answer “yes" or “no". Ask him “do you love HANNAH?"
KYLE starts to laugh.
KYLE
ANDRE? Do you still have feelings for HANNAH? Yes or no. Do you love HANNAH?
HANNAH
What is wrong with you?
ANDRE
Why?
KYLE
Let me be clear. I do not care about your answer. I only care that you answer. Yes or no? (pause) Yes or no?
ANDRE
Well obviously because I won't answer there are some feelings-
KYLE
Yes or no?
ANDRE
Yes. But I know that it's from a certain time-
KYLE
Great. That's all. Good seeing you. Thanks for coming on such short notice.
KYLE opens the door for ANDRE.
ANDRE
I'm sorry for what happened. You guys were always a great couple. I've been cheated on and it can really stay with you. You don't trust in the same-
KYLE
Don't care.
ANDRE leaving.
KYLE
I liked you, ANDRE. You remember we used to play pick up on lunch? With Danny? And Sam Clement? Those were great games. I thought we'd at least do a threes tourney. What happened?
ANDRE
I went to a different a gym.
KYLE
I never knew why.
ANDRE leaves.
HANNAH goes to the bedroom and packs.
HOST
KYLE, you have won $70,000. There's one challenge left.
KYLE
Let's do it.
HOST
$100, 000 if HANNAH says "I hate you."
KYLE
HANNAH?
HANNAH enters the room and packs her laptop.
HANNAH
I can't believe you.
KYLE
Wait. Can you give me five minutes? I need less than five minutes.
HANNAH
That was manipulative for what? So you could be this macho loser?
KYLE
Please.
HANNAH
And for what?
KYLE
Please stay.
HANNAH
This isn't good for anyone right now. I'm going to go. We can talk later.
KYLE
If seven years of us together meant anything to you, please stay for three minutes.
HANNAH makes it clear she consulted the clock.
HANNAH
Three minutes. What was that?
KYLE
You were right. You deserved this. You're a bad person.
HANNAH
What?
KYLE
You're being so stupid right now. You did this.
HANNAH
Why are you saying these things?
KYLE
You're a slut.
HANNAH
What did you call me?
KYLE
Yeah. I don't know.
HANNAH
I can understand that you're upset but you think I'm going let you throw abusive language at me?
KYLE
I hate you.
HANNAH
Yeah?
KYLE
Yeah.
HANNAH
How can you say that?
KYLE
You make me sick.
HANNAH
I don't know what happened to you.
KYLE
You did. I hate you.
HANNAH
This whole time you've been saying "I love you, I love you". You're so manipulative.
KYLE
I can't stand you. Go already.
HANNAH
You just asked me to stay.
KYLE
Well, I can't stand the sight of you. I hate you.
HANNAH
You're so messed up.
KYLE
Yeah?
HANNAH
You hate me? Perfect. Because I h-
KYLE
Out. We're out. It's over. Game over. We're out. We're taking the $70, 000.
KYLE hugs HANNAH.
HANNAH is not hugging back.
KYLE
I love you.
Hug ends.
KYLE
It's over. We're on a game show. All of this and it's over. We didn't break up.
HANNAH
What?
KYLE
It's a game show. This wasn't real. There are cameras. Hidden cameras in our apartment. I don't know where.
KYLE cups a hand over the ear bud.
KYLE
Where is one? It's over... it's somewhere over here. There's lots. It's okay. We won. We won $70 000.
HANNAH
What is going on right now?
KYLE
I'm not breaking up with you. Are you kidding? I love you.
They embrace.
HANNAH
You said you hated me.
KYLE
I know. They made me do all these things.
HANNAH
Who did?
KYLE
The game show. Here.
He hands the earbud to HANNAH.
HANNAH puts the earbud in.
HOST
Hello, HANNAH. You've won $70, 000 on our game show.
HANNAH takes the earbud out and stares at KYLE.
She puts the earbud back in.
We are with KYLE so we don't know what the host is saying.
HANNAH
Are you watching us right now? (Pause). No. (Pause). Yes, I remember.
KYLE jumps up. We follow him to the bedroom where he searches the closet.
KYLE finds a cheap, blank canvas and pencils.
He returns to the main room. He immediately sets up the canvas and begins sketching HANNAH.
The earbud is on the table.
HANNAH is standing, facing away.
HANNAH
You lied to me.
KYLE
I know it was crazy. For the game show. Are you serious? I love you.
HANNAH
I love you.
KYLE
Yes.
HANNAH
What about everything that happened?
KYLE
I know. It's over.
HANNAH
I knew something was going on. This was so strange. It was a nightmare.
KYLE
I know. It was awful. This was you.
HANNAH
What were you thinking?
KYLE
Honestly? I don't know.
HANNAH
Can you stop?
KYLE puts the canvas down.
HANNAH
Why did you do that to me?
KYLE
I know. The whole time I was sure you were going to figure it out. How did you not know something was up?
HANNAH
You were being so strange.
KYLE
Yeah.
HANNAH
You told ANDRE to come to the apartment.
KYLE
That was weird. Why would I do that?
HANNAH
I don't know.
KYLE
I would never call you a slut.
HANNAH
You did.
KYLE
For the prize money.
HANNAH
It's a TV show?
KYLE
Yeah.
HANNAH
Why? Why would you... TV!?! TV!?! This is for TV? This is for TV? This if for TV? This is for TV?
KYLE
I'm sorry.
HANNAH
Are they watching this?
KYLE
I don't know.
HANNAH
You don't know.
KYLE
Probably.
HANNAH
Yeah. Why is that? Because I cried and now I'm mad and that's good TV.
KYLE
I understand that you're upset because you're really emotional right now.
HANNAH
I'm glad you understand.
KYLE
I think it's important to remember that we won $70, 000.
HANNAH
No. We can't keep the money.
KYLE
Yes we can. We won.
HANNAH
What did we win?
KYLE
$70 000.
HANNAH
You lied to my face-
KYLE
to win-
HANNAH
You humiliated me for what? For money.
KYLE
(disagrees)
When you put it that way.
HANNAH
How do you put it?
KYLE
Easy. We won $70 000.
HANNAH
(peak fury)
Look me in the eyes and tell me ‘we won'.
Pause. Death stare.
KYLE
We w- (beat) I feel like I'm missing something.
HANNAH
We can't accept that money. How are we going to spend it?
KYLE
You know.
KYLE mimes spending money.
HANNAH
We're always going to remember this.
KYLE
That's the great thing about money. It doesn't matter how you made it.
HANNAH
Tell them you're not taking it.
KYLE
What?
HANNAH
They're watching us. Tell them you're not taking the money.
KYLE
HANNAH.
HANNAH
KYLE. I'm serious.
KYLE
I'm not going to do that.
HANNAH
When did everything become about money?
KYLE
That's the world we live in.
HANNAH
What are you saying?
KYLE
What?
HANNAH
You're so unhappy with your job-
KYLE
Oh? I'm not?
HANNAH
It's done things to you that you don't see.
KYLE
That's what makes it a job. They have to pay you to be there.
HANNAH
Quit.
KYLE
Right. You can't live in a bubble.
HANNAH
Is that what you think I am?
KYLE
You want to have this argument on TV?
HANNAH
Let's stop because you're uncomfortable.
KYLE
I was uncomfortable the whole time. I'm sorry.
HANNAH
I hear you. You apologize because I'm upset.
KYLE
Yeah.
HANNAH
You think this is all okay. You don't see any line you've crossed.
KYLE
What do you want me to say?
HANNAH
Say you won't take the $70 000.
KYLE
No. You want me to say I'm a sell out?
HANNAH
Say you won't take the $70 000.
KYLE
Fine, I'm a sell out. Let's keep the money.
HANNAH
You are a sell out.
KYLE
Harsh.
HANNAH
It is harsh. And it's true.
KYLE
Really.
HANNAH
You sold yourself out and now you think everything is for sale.
KYLE
We're all sell outs. You're auditioning for commercials.
HANNAH
What does that mean?
KYLE
Your job is to be a liar. You did that toothpaste commercial for whatever and you don't even use that toothpaste. You lied to the world.
HANNAH
At least I didn't give up.
KYLE
I gave up?
HANNAH
You stopped writing. You started a job you hate-
KYLE
It's called growing up.
HANNAH
Some things are not for sale.
KYLE
Maybe you should stop acting if all you're doing is selling toothpaste you don't use.
HANNAH
Are you getting paid to try and hurt me or is this for free now?
Pause.
KYLE
I am a sell out. I have changed. I bet on our love.
HANNAH
Tell them you don't want the money.
KYLE
This was a mistake. I admit it. I'm sorry. I made a mistake. Look at us. This is so good.
HANNAH
What's good about this?
KYLE
This is the worst it has ever been with us and I don't care. I love you. HANNAH, I love you more than anyone ever has loved anyone... ever.
HANNAH
“Anyone ever anyone ever"?
KYLE
Everything is going to be okay. And we have $70, 000.
HANNAH
I love you.
KYLE
That's what I'm talking about.
HANNAH
But love is more than saying I love you.
KYLE
Yes.
HANNAH
Love is what you do.
KYLE
Yes.
HANNAH
So tell them you're not taking the $70 000.
KYLE
No. I'm sorry. I made a mistake. I'll never do it again.
HANNAH
Get out right now. Or stay.
KYLE
I'm staying.
HANNAH
Then tell them you're not keeping-
KYLE
I'm staying and we're keeping the money. We can have both.
HANNAH
We can't have both.
KYLE
I don't want to make another mistake. I love you. You know that I love you.
HANNAH
It's not what you say. It's what you do.
KYLE
I just want some good to come out of this.
HANNAH
Leave. Get out of the apartment.
KYLE
You want me to go, I'll go.
HANNAH
Go.
KYLE puts his shoes on.
KYLE
I love you.
HANNAH
I love you.
KYLE
I'm leaving but I'm coming back.
HANNAH
If you leave you're not coming back.
KYLE
We can have both.
HANNAH
We can't have both. You love me or the money.
KYLE
You and the money. (Beat) I mean I love you not the money but we keep the money.
They look at each other for a long time.
KYLE opens the door and steps out.
The HOST is there.
KYLE looks to HANNAH.
HANNAH picks up the ear bud to show KYLE.
HANNAH
Double or nothing.
KYLE shocked.
HANNAH
I thought you'd choose me over the money.
KYLE's face drops.
MUSIC plays.
HOST holding a large cheque for $140, 000. He rips it up.
Flashback to HANNAH with the ear piece in her ear and KYLE out of the room to get the canvas and pencils. She talks to the HOST for a while before placing the earbud down.
Return to KYLE and HANNAH devastated but taking it well.
The HOST shows the couple to a camera lens.
KYLE and HANNAH wave goodbye.
TITLE CARD: Six Years Later.
HANNAH and KYLE sitting together. Different haircuts.
Cameras not live. Camera off. KYLE and HANNAH getting comfortable in chairs.
Same old KYLE and HANNAH. They get along.
KYLE
Should I cross my legs?
HANNAH
You do whatever you need.
KYLE
What about this?
HANNAH
That's perfect.
KYLE
I think I ripped these pants.
HANNAH
I heard a rip.
KYLE
Is this going to be a problem? Are you filming anything from down?
JUMP CUT TO: Interview. Cameras live.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
You are both debt free?
KYLE
Yes, we are debt free.
HANNAH
I am debt free.
KYLE
As am I.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
How did that happen?
KYLE
Some nice person went online and started a thing...
HANNAH
Crowdsourced a fund. And they raised about...
KYLE
$70 000.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
Did you deserve that money?
KYLE
I don't know. We took it.
HANNAH
I was touched that so many strangers were moved by what happened. People wrote some nice things.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
What did they write?
HANNAH
Really sweet things.
KYLE
Some people wrote some not so nice things.
HANNAH
Well, yeah. But I think that has to do more with them than us.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
Did you stay together? That's the question everyone's wondering.
HANNAH
We did, right after.
KYLE
We were together for another two years.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
Then what happened?
Awkward. They laugh.
HANNAH
We broke up. And we have our own lives now.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
Who ended it?
KYLE
Um...
HANNAH
We didn't plan how to talk about this. Maybe we should have.
KYLE
Yeah.
HANNAH
I'm not comfortable getting into it.
KYLE
Yeah.
HANNAH
Never again.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
Did the show have anything to do with it?
KYLE
No.
HANNAH
Yes.
HANNAH
I mean there were other things later on that contributed more.
KYLE
Yes. I think we moved past the show thing.
HANNAH
We lived under the shadow of it for a long time. We talked about it. We put it aside.
KYLE
You forgave me for it.
HANNAH
Yes. We forgave each other.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
I understand that the two of you have never seen the episode that aired?
HANNAH
That's right.
INTERVIEWER
We actually have it here. We could watch it and you could do commentary.
HANNAH
Not a chance.
KYLE
I kinda feel like I am watching it in my head. All the time.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
What do you think of love now? Big love?
HANNAH
What do you mean?
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
Do you believe in big love?
KYLE
Big love?
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
The love that they talked about on the show. A love that "endures all"?
KYLE
That's a big question.
HANNAH
I've thought about this a lot. I know my answer.
KYLE
I haven't really thought about it. I want to say yes... so... yes.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
You said that you've given thought to an answer?
HANNAH
I have. It might not be an answer to your question but it's what I want to say. There's this beautiful beach in Thailand. It's on an island. Paradise. And people started going-
KYLE
Ko phi?
HANNAH
Ko phi.
KYLE
We went there.
HANNAH
Yes. That was our relaxing getaway. Actually, your parents got us those tickets from their miles.
KYLE
Big ups Mom and Dad.
HANNAH
That was very generous. Thank you again, Paul and Sheila. But, paradise beach. You'd probably recognize Ko Phi from photos.
KYLE
They shot a Hollywood movie there.
HANNAH
Everyone who has seen photos of this place wanted to go.
KYLE
Was that where I was naked in the water?
HANNAH confused but then starts laughing.
HANNAH
Oh yeah!
KYLE
This was a debacle. I'm out there.
HANNAH
You don't have to tell this story-
KYLE
It came up. Do you want to hear it?
HANNAH
You wouldn't just walk out-
KYLE
We'll get there. Casual swim. Boom. A big wave hits me-
HANNAH
There were no waves-
KYLE
There was something-
HANNAH
It was a lagoon.
KYLE
Freak lagoon wave. Boom. Swimming trunks gone. I'm in the nude.
HANNAH
He wouldn't get out of the water.
KYLE
There were a lot of people there on the beach. On vacation. They don't want naked me. Out there.
HANNAH
Dangling.
KYLE
They don't want dangles in paradise.
HANNAH
That was very sweet of you.
KYLE
I'm trying to do the right thing. So HANNAH gives me a broken glass bottle-
HANNAH
You told me to give it to you.
KYLE
I said-
HANNAH
You pointed at the garbage and said, “pass me something to wear".
KYLE
True. So, I'm holding a good-sized broken glass bottle right near my zone.
HANNAH
The point of the story was that the beach was a mess.
KYLE
Filthy. I came out like, “what's that smell?"
HANNAH
You stank.
KYLE
I stank.
HANNAH
There was all this garbage on the beach.
KYLE
There was a lot of trash.
HANNAH
People ruined it.
KYLE
I did. I left my swimming trunks there. That's litter.
HANNAH
That's true.
KYLE
You could have handed me a shoe or a plastic bag or probably someone else's shorts washed up.
HANNAH
Gross.
KYLE
There were lots of options.
INTERVIEW (V.O.)
So are you saying that traveling together causes tension in relationships?
HANNAH
I'm saying that when you see paradise you want to share it with the world. (beat) Don't.[[Slugline Settings BPC01]]