Season 1
For season 1 transcripts, please go HERE.
Season 2
Transcripts and PDFs available below.
Episode 1: Kirsten – Age 21 – Gothenburg – January 1976
Episode 2: Maia – Age 25 – Kuala Lumpur – February 1995
Episode 3: Johnno – Age 32 – London – March 2002
Episode 4: Emma – Age 35 – Cardiff – April 2012
Episode 5: Katarina – Age 35 – Boston – May 2011
Episode 6: Rachel – Age 32 – Trollhättan – June 2003
Episode 7: Tammi – Age 19 – Paris – July 2018
Episode 8: Claire – Age 34 – Edinburgh – August 2006
Episode 9: Shirin – Age 27 – New York – September 2001
Episode 10: Bri – Age 29 – Auckland – October 2008
Episode 11: Jess – Age 45 – Delgany – November 2019
Episode 12: Olivia – Age 21 – Birmingham – December 2021
Episode 1: Kirsten – Age 21 – Gothenburg – January 1976
Scene 1.0
DIRECTOR
Places, please. We’ll try again everyone. Right. Whenever you’re ready – Take 2.
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000”)
NARRATOR
Episode 1. Welcome to the year 1976. January. Gothenburg, Sweden. Kirsten is 21 years old.
Scene 1.1
(INT. bar, 1970s lounge music, crowd speaking Swedish. KIRSTEN and MANIKA are drinking wine. Both are slightly drunk, and in the middle of a friendly argument.)
KIRSTEN
-but Manika, we cannot accept the way women are still ignored for promotions and kept out of board rooms all while being paid much less than their male peers! The workplace is not equal, it is better than it was but there is still such a long way to go.
MANIKA
I agree, Kirsten! But I don’t see how quotas are the way to go – how are women ever to be taken seriously if we have not earned our positions?
KIRSTEN
But we are not given a chance to earn our positions – don’t you see? It’s as though men are on quota now, and have been for hundreds, maybe thousands of years! Quotas are a way of evening things out so that we *can* earn our positions. Do you want our daughters, our daughters’ daughters to have to deal with this shit?
MANIKA
No, of course not. I just wouldn’t feel comfortable knowing I was quota:d into a position, that’s all. (lights cigarette, smokes)
KIRSTEN
(sobers slightly) That’s fair. I’m not sure I would either. But I believe in the principle. (sips wine) Maybe we should all go on strike like the women in Iceland?
MANIKA
(laughs) Maybe! Though not sure students striking for one day would accomplish anything. We’d only have to catch up on everything afterwards. (smokes)
KIRSTEN
(sighs) Yeah. And all the boys in our year would get ahead. As usual.
MANIKA
Yeah, we’d be the only two on strike… Ugh.
KIRSTEN
Did you get the “mekanik-tenta” back yet?
MANIKA
Yeah. (smokes) Barely scraped by. You?
KIRSTEN
Same. At least we passed! More wine to celebrate?
MANIKA
Absolutely!
(BOTH get up from high metal bar stools, MANIKA takes a final puff and puts out cigarette)
KIRSTEN
Oh! I need to pee, sorry! You wanna get the wine?
MANIKA
Sure. Red?
KIRSTEN
Yes please.
MANIKA
On it.
(Footsteps in two directions. We follow KIRSTEN. Music gets more distant.)
KIRSTEN
(hums ‘Una Paloma Blanca’ as she walks, bumps in to someone) Oh, sorry!
INGA-LISA
(casual, in Swedish) Ursäkta, förlåt!
KIRSTEN
(in Danish) Undskyld- (suddenly feels dizzy) Whoa.(staggers a little)
INGA-LISA
(concerned, in Swedish) Är allt OK? Ska jag- OJ! (catches KIRSTEN) Du ska nog sitta ner. (helps KIRSTEN to bench)
KIRSTEN
(dazed, in Danish) Whoa. Tack. Jag vet inte vad som hände.
INGA-LISA
(in Swedish) Ska jag hämta nån?
KIRSTEN
(feeling better, in Danish) Nej, det är OK. Bättre nu. (smiles) Tack.
INGA-LISA
(smiles, in Swedish) Säkert?
KIRSTEN
(stands up, in Danish) Ja. Tusind tack.
INGA-LISA
(in Swedish) OK. Ta det lugnt.
KIRSTEN
(smiles, in Danish) I lige måde. (starts walking. Mutters to herself) What *was* that. I’m not that drunk.
(opens door to bathroom with several cubicles. Slight echo and music further distanced. KIRSTEN stops by the mirror.)
KIRSTEN
(hums ‘Una Paloma Blanca’ again, turns on tap, splashes water on face, suddenly dizzy again, in Danish) Whoa. Va fan? (suddenly realizes she could be pregnant) Vänta… Idag är den tredje, när… December… Nej, November! Två… tre… fyra…(in shock) HELVETE! (slaps hand on wall) Aj! (rapid breathing, slides down and sits on floor, breathing quiets)
(door opens, MANIKA enters)
MANIKA
Kirsten? (sees KIRSTEN, quick footsteps, bends down, worried) What happened? Are you OK?
KIRSTEN
I’m… (can’t get the words out)
MANIKA
(sits on floor beside KIRSTEN, really scared now) Darling, come here, did someone hurt you?
KIRSTEN
No. I’m… Oh Manika I think I… I might be… pregnant.
MANIKA
(disbelieving sound) Really? (a little relieved) I though you’d been hit or something.
KIRSTEN
Feels like I’ve been hit by something.
MANIKA
Of course you do. But… who?
KIRSTEN
Bengt. In December, before he left for Afghanistan.
MANIKA
Oh. Guess I didn’t realize…
KIRSTEN
It was nothing special. You know.
MANIKA
(gently) I know. So… what are you going to do?
KIRSTEN
(quietly) I don’t know.
MANIKA
OK. (beat) You don’t have to know right now. And it could still be a false alarm.
KIRSTEN
Yeah. It could. Have to see a doctor, I suppose.
MANIKA
You do. First thing Monday.
KIRSTEN
Yeah. (beat, small voice) I’m scared.
(Fade out)
Scene 1.2
(INT. small student room, carpeted floor, daytime, MANIKA is typing a paper on a typewriter, knock on door.)
MANIKA
Yes?
KIRSTEN
It’s Kirsten. Can I come in?
MANIKA
Of course!
(door opens, KIRSTEN comes in)
KIRSTEN
You busy?
MANIKA
It’s fine, it’s just the thermodynamics assignment, it’s not due ‘til Friday.
KIRSTEN
(sits down on bed) Ugh. I haven’t even started mine. Other things on my mind…
MANIKA
Of course. How did it go?
KIRSTEN
All right.
MANIKA
So you *are* pregnant.
KIRSTEN
Yes. As far as she could tell. It’s never completely certain, apparently.
MANIKA
All right.
KIRSTEN
She brought up abortion.
MANIKA
Yeah. How do you feel about that?
KIRSTEN
Remember how happy we were last year when it became legal?
MANIKA
Yeah.
KIRSTEN
I’m really glad it’s an option now. But I’m not a teenager anymore. I need to think this through.
MANIKA
When do you need to decide?
KIRSTEN
Within the next six weeks or so. But sooner is better, she said.
MANIKA
(trying to stay neutral) Big decision.
KIRSTEN
Oh yeah. (pause)
MANIKA
What about your education?
KIRSTEN
I don’t know. I’d need to skip a term, maybe? Or two?
MANIKA
You’ve always been so ambitious.
KIRSTEN
I know. I still am. But I don’t want to make this decision lightly.
MANIKA
I get that. But… this will change… well, a lot of things.
KIRSTEN
Yes. And no. I mean, of course it will, but also… I’ve met many mothers in the Forum, and they seem to manage fine.
MANIKA
Of course. (beat) You still scared?
KIRSTEN
(emotional) Oh yeah. But not… I think if I decide to do this, I think… I will be OK.
MANIKA
Oh I’m sure you will but… (gently) I’m worried you’ll get stuck.
KIRSTEN
(surprised) Stuck how?
MANIKA
Stuck in… being a mum I suppose. That you’ll- that you won’t finish your degree, won’t be an engineer, won’t do all the things-
KIRSTEN
(interrupts, passionate) But of course I will! That’s the whole point! Women today – we can do everything, *have* everything. I can have this baby *and* a career.
MANIKA
Don’t you worry that you’ll-
KIRSTEN
(interrupts) That I’ll what?
MANIKA
That you’ll change your mind? That if you have a baby your priorities will change, *you* will change?
KIRSTEN
I… No. (hesitantly) I don’t.
MANIKA
(Grabs pack of cigarettes, gets one out, lights it, smokes) I’ve told you about my sister Parvani, right?
KIRSTEN
(distracted) Yeah, lives in Bristol. Married… Three kids, right?
MANIKA
Yeah. She used to be… She used to talk about her dreams and her goals all the time. I’m four years younger and I looked up to her so much. She inspired me, you know? I was this awkward teenager, good at maths but not much else, and she was great at… everything. (smokes) Brilliant at languages, social sciences, sports… Always had loads of friends. She talked about being a diplomat, maybe, or a lawyer. Used to tell me all about which schools she wanted to apply to, she planned to study in the US maybe, or try for Oxford or Cambridge… I think she could have had a chance at getting in, too. (smokes) But then she met Sanjay, and fell in love, and they got married when she was 19, and… She stopped talking about… It’s like there wasn’t room for *her* dreams anymore, it was all about the kids, or Sanjay, or the family… (sad) Parvani’s still encouraging when I talk about my ambitions, but it’s like she’s forgotten her own, you know? (smokes)
KIRSTEN
(taken aback) Oh. Yeah, that… Don’t want that to happen.
MANIKA
(smiles) Me neither. So keep that in mind, yeah? (smokes)
KIRSTEN
All right. I will.
MANIKA
(puts out cigarette) I look up to you too, you know.
KIRSTEN
(surprised) To me? (beat) Why?
MANIKA
You are always so… So strong and calm. Certain. All the guys in our year, whenever they try to explain things you already know, or confuse you with tech terms in Swedish, or treat you like ‘just’ a girl, you simply refuse to let them. You so clearly *belong* wherever you go, whatever you do. You make it look easy. Like that time when we were first-years and Lars-Åke slapped your butt. You just calmly *looked* at him and asked him why he did that. You didn’t say anything else, but it was as if the whole lecture hall just held its breath, and his face got redder and redder. And then he apologized.
KIRSTEN
(small laugh) He did. And never tried it again. We’re friends now. (beat) Thank you. I’m… Not always that calm on the inside, you know.
MANIKA
I know.
KIRSTEN
(worried smile) Especially not now.
MANIKA
Yeah. But you have time to think about it. What are you most worried about?
KIRSTEN
I… (pause) I was going to say something about being a single mother, but, you know, that part would probably be OK.
MANIKA
Will you try to contact Bengt?
KIRSTEN
I’ll try, but… He’ll be away until late summer, I think. Don’t really know how to get hold of him in Afghanistan.
MANIKA
No address or anything?
KIRSTEN
Nope. We weren’t- It wasn’t that kind of thing. I’ll talk to him when he gets home, I suppose.
MANIKA
That’s fair. So what *are* you worried about?
KIRSTEN
Practical things, mostly. Like, where would I live? Can’t stay in student housing with a baby!
MANIKA
No, that really wouldn’t work. Against the rules for one thing, and babies aren’t exactly sneaky and quiet.
KIRSTEN
(laugh-snort) Definitely not. And, how would I support us? Can I get paid maternity leave as a student?
MANIKA
I don’t know. Think it’s six months if you’re employed, but, who knows?
KIRSTEN
Yeah. Lots of things to figure out.
MANIKA
Anything else on the worry list?
KIRSTEN
Well… *If* I end up keeping the baby. Am not exactly looking forward to telling my parents.
MANIKA
Will they be angry?
KIRSTEN
Maybe. They’re quite old, and I’m an only child. They’ve always been quite… strict in their ways.
MANIKA
You think they’ll disapprove?
KIRSTEN
Probably. They grew up in the 20s and 30s. It was a very different time.
MANIKA
I can imagine. But if you decide to stay pregnant, you are going to have to tell them at some point. You’re going home to Aalborg this summer, right?
KIRSTEN
I am. If I’m pregnant at that point I’ll be *very* pregnant…
MANIKA
(gently) You will figure it out. And whatever you decide, I’ll help as much as I can.
KIRSTEN
Thank you. (stands up) I’d better get started on that thermodynamics thing.
MANIKA
All right. I’ll get back to work on mine. Dinner at seven?
KIRSTEN
Absolutely. (footsteps, door opens, typewriter starts up again.)
(Fade out)
Scene 1.3
(INT café, afternoon, moderately busy, Swedish voices in background. KIRSTEN and MANIKA are having coffee)
MANIKA
You are sure this is the right thing for you?
KIRSTEN
(smiles) Yes. I feel so much happier now that I’ve made up my mind. (sips coffee)
MANIKA
Good. I’m glad. So… have you told your parents yet?
KIRSTEN
No… Still dreading that part. (sighs) But they’re going to be grandparents, I’ll have to tell them sometime.
MANIKA
Maybe once you have a new place? (sips coffee)
KIRSTEN
Yeah. (beat) Yeah… Speaking of that, tell me about this friend of yours we’re meeting.
MANIKA
(grabs pack of cigarettes) More like friend of a friend. Dagur.(lights cigarette, breathes out smoke) I put the word out you were looking for somewhere, and Anna-Lisa knows him. He runs a ‘kollektiv’ in Haga somewhere, and they have a room open. He’s from Iceland. Artist, I think. I’ve only met him once. (smokes)
KIRSTEN
And he’s meeting us here? (sips coffee)
MANIKA
Yes. (beat) He said he’d meet us at three, so he’s a bit late. I’m sure he’ll be here soon.
(during previous, light bell sound as café front door opens, footsteps, DAGUR approaches)
DAGUR
(energetic, rushed, calls) Manika! Manika! Manika! (DAGUR kisses both MANIKA’s cheeks) So sorry I’m late, I mixed it all up completely (takes off jacket) you said Flygarns Haga on the phone and that’s what I wrote down but as I was heading out today today I was completely sure it was Smålands nation. So whenI got to Smålands at three and they were closed, of course, ‘cause it’s afternoon, and I was like “Why would she want to meet here, it’s closed!” and then I looked around for a phone box but as I was searching in my pocket for change (slight jingle of coins in pocket) I found the note and it of course said Flygarns so I walked as fast as I could and here I am! Brain spaz! (wide smile, quickly dumps bag and heavy jacket on chair) I’m getting a coffee, you want anything? (leaves before getting a response, footsteps)
DAGUR
(distant) (falsely confident in Swedish) Hej. Kaffe, tack?
WAITRESS
(distant, in Swedish) En kaffe… Vill du ha något annat?
DAGUR
(distant) Eh, sorry, excuse me?
WAITRESS
(distant) Anything else?
DAGUR
(distant) No, that’s all right. Sorry, still working on my Swedish! (laughs)
WAITRESS
(distant)(smiles) That’s all right. (pours coffee) Where are you from?
DAGUR
(distant) Iceland. The land of ice and fire. (smiles) And, you know, independent women.
WAITRESS
(distant) Oh yes, the women’s strike!
DAGUR
(distant) (smiles) That’s right. Good for them!
WAITRESS
(distant) Yes. Here’s your coffee. (places cup in saucer on counter)
KIRSTEN
Eh, so that must be-
MANIKA
DAGUR, yes. (smokes)
KIRSTEN
He’s…
MANIKA
(smiles) A lot. Heart’s in the right place though.
KIRSTEN
(a little dubious) Well, that’s the main thing I suppose.
DAGUR
(distant)(casual flirting) You could go on strike right now, you know – wanna take a walk with me?
WAITRESS
(distant)(smiles) Maybe another time. Looks like your friends are waiting.
DAGUR
(distant) Oh! Right, right, yeah. Catch you later!
(footsteps as DAGUR returns, sets coffee cup and saucer on table)
DAGUR
(to KIRSTEN) I’m so sorry! You must be Kirsten! (DAGUR bends down to kiss both cheeks, KIRSTEN makes confused laugh , DAGUR sits down while talking) Wonderful to meet you! Danish, eh? (falsely confident in Danish) Hvordan går det? (laughs) I love København! Tivoli, Kongens Have, such great beer! (chuckles) Oh the stories I could tell! A few years ago me and my friend Brynjar- No. That’s not why you’re here. Shame, it’s a great story! Maybe I’ll tell you later, eh? Now. Let me tell you about our place instead! Manika says you need somewhere to stay?
KIRSTEN
Yes. I do. But-
DAGUR
(warmly) There is room for you with us! You know that saying? (hesitates, tries to remember) Where there’s room in the heart, there is room for the butt! (laughs)
(MANIKA laughs, smokes, puts out cigarette)
KIRSTEN
(slightly confused laugh) Um, no, never heard that. But it-
DAGUR
You should, it’s Swedish! (thinks) Or is it German? Could be Dutch, maybe? One of those! (slight laugh)
KIRSTEN
OK. But it’s not just me, you see, its’-
DAGUR
Ah, you have a boyfriend? Girlfriend? Both? They can come, too!
KIRSTEN
No-
DAGUR
(so enthusiastic he doesn’t stop to listen) We have a big crib in Haga – Skolgatan – it’s on a demolition contract – is that how you say it? (attempts Swedish) Rivningskontrakt? Ah, you know what I mean! They want to tear it down, we want to keep living there. No demolition date set yet, so we should be fine for another few years. So far, so great, eh? Now there are eight of us, we share cooking and the household stuff, and we have a room available from the 25th – Anita is moving to Malmö, sadly, she’s a great artist, but she’s got a hotel job or something down there. It’s a pretty big room, before Anita we had a couple living there, and they certainly didn’t complain! (laughs) We don’t have many rules, we all just try to help out as best we can, it’s all a big friendly, relaxed group. Trying to be like a family, really. From each according to means, to each according to needs, that sort of thing, you know?
KIRSTEN
(finally gets a word in) Yes. That all sounds really good. But you see, I’m pregnant-
DAGUR
(joyful) Oh that is wonderful, congratulations! Ah, it would be so nice to have a baby in the house again! Inga-Lisa’s girl is a toddler now, very curious, wobbles around everywhere. Toddles around? (smiles) Both really! But there is something so soothing about tiny little babies, you know? Unless they’re screaming, but we can handle that too!
KIRSTEN
(very relieved) Are you sure? Won’t a baby disturb everyone?
DAGUR
Ah, we’re used to it. It’ll be fine. What is the baby’s birthday?
(MANIKA laughs slightly)
KIRSTEN
(laughs) September 1st, according to the doctor. If all goes well.
DAGUR
Oh, it will. I am sure. So what do you say. Want to join us?
KIRSTEN
I- I would. I think. Can I come visit?
DAGUR
Of course! How about this Friday? You can have dinner with us! I’m cooking, so dinner won’t be very good, but you can meet everyone, and see the room. Tell you what, come by at five and I can show you around before dinner. Sound good?
KIRSTEN
That sounds perfect. Thank you.
DAGUR
Don’t thank me, thank Manika! It’s all her doing.
MANIKA
I’m really glad this seems to be working out.
KIRSTEN
Me too. Thank you both so much.
DAGUR
Now, let me tell you all about that time I was locked into Kongens Have overnight-
(Fade out)
Scene 1.4
(INT. cluttered apartment with high ceilings and wood floors, KIRSTEN and DAGUR are walking around, opens door)
DAGUR
So through here is the kitchen, Inga-Lisa’s dyeing batik – say hello!
INGA-LISA
(distracted, wipes hands on towel, friendly) Hello! Nice to- Hm ! Haven’t we met somewhere?
KIRSTEN
Hello! Maybe, I think I recognize-
DAGUR
You know each other? That’s w onderful!
INGA-LISA
Not precisely… But I am sure we have met. I’m Inga-Lisa.
KIRSTEN
Kirsten. (realizes) At the bar – a few weeks ago – I fainted?
INGA-LISA
(in Swedish) Ja just det! (to DAGUR) Sorry Dagur! (to Kirsten) You all right now? I was a little bit worried about you.
KIRSTEN
Yes. I… Turns out I was pregnant.
INGA-LISA
Oh I had terrible dizzy spells when I was pregnant with Maria. (warmly) So we might have a baby in the house again? Oh, that would be just lovely.
KIRSTEN
(touched) You are all so kind.
DAGUR
I told, you, right? All a big family!
INGA-LISA
We are! (sound of pot boiling over, in Swedish) Helvete! Sorry, have to deal with this- (pot moved, stove knob turned, in Swedish) Aj!
DAGUR
Need help?
INGA-LISA
No, just have to- (sloshing of water)
DAGUR
Better give her some space. (starts walking)
INGA-LISA
(calls) Nice to meet you Kirsten!
KIRSTEN
(as they are walking away, calls) Nice to meet you too!
DAGUR
And here is the- (exclamation, almost stumbles over cat, cat meows) Oh, meet the cat. It’s her house, really, we’re all just lodgers.
KIRSTEN
(happy) Aw. Hi cat-
DAGUR
You like cats? (does not wait for response) I personally don’t, but she doesn’t really seem to care. Parks herself on my lap every night after dinner. She probably thinks I’m her sofa. (laughs) And here- (door opens quickly, exclaims) Oh! Careful with that door! This is Gunnar, he’s- (sound of rushed footsteps, surprised) off somewhere, apparently. O-kay. He’s probably late for his evening pottery class. Gunnar’s my partner, well one of my partners, he’s very nice when he’s not stressed, I promise. You’ll meet him later, I’m sure. And there’s the telephone if you need to make calls, see, there’s a little notebook beside it so we can all keep a log to split the bill. (stops, KIRSTEN also stops) And now, this, (opens door) this will be your room. What do you think?
KIRSTEN
(a few steps into room, beat) Yeah, this is… this is really nice. It’s big! (smiles, a little misty-eyed) I think I could live here.
DAGUR
Wonderful! I should go make dinner – you want to explore the rest of the crib om your own?
KIRSTEN
All right. Oh! Can I use the phone? I need to make a call. Home. To Denmark. I’ll log it, I promise.
DAGUR
Of course! Please make yourself at home. Welcome!
(DAGUR walks away)
KIRSTEN
(calls) Thank you so much.
DAGUR
(calls from distance, falsely confident in Danish) Det var så lidt!
KIRSTEN
(laughs a little, then lets out breath, lets down shoulders, mutters, relieved) Huh. (beat) All right. Here I go. Calling the parents. (footsteps to corridor outside room, sits down by phone, lifts receiver, calls 12 numbers on rotary dialer, the first is 0045, waits a little, in Danish) Mor! Det är Kirsten. Jag- Ja. Allt er godt. Du, jeg har noet jeg ska fortelle deg-
(Fade out)
Scene 1.5
NARRATOR
Thank you for listening to Y2K: Take 2. This episode was written, produced and directed by Karin Heimdahl. Our intro and outro music is created and recorded by Jake Haws, listen to his podcast “Making Music with Jake Haws” to hear more. This episode featured Charlotte Norup as Kirsten, Sravya Kidambi as Manika, Eyþór Viðarsson as Dagur, Sabina Renck as Inga-Lisa and Silja Lamhauge as the waitress. The drama school director was Sarah Golding, and the narrator Emma Laslett. For more information, please go to Y2Kpod.com or find us on social media @Y2Kpod If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/Y2Kpod Please join us again next month when we meet Maia in 1995.
DIRECTOR
(claps hands) All right, thank you everyone. That’s a wrap for today!
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000” – instrumental)
Episode 2: Maia – age 25 – Kuala Lumpur – February 1995
Scene 2.0
DIRECTOR
Places, please. We’ll try again everyone. Right. Whenever you’re ready – Take 2.
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000”)
NARRATOR
Episode 2. Welcome to the year 1995. February. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Maia is 25 years old.
Scene 2.1
(INT. Art museum Kuala Lumpur, footsteps of MAIA and ANNISA echo on stone floor and voices approach.)
ANNISA
-last item in our Yong Mun Sen collection, we are very proud of this piece in particular. (beat) And over here is our Datuk Lat exhibit, which we have even had some international attention around. (BOTH stop) And that concludes the tour. Do you have any questions?
MAIA
(a little overwhelmed) It’s… it’s incredible. So much…
ANNISA
(pleased) I’m glad you think so. So you won’t be bored, staying here for a month, then?
MAIA
(slight laugh) Definitely not! So much to learn.
ANNISA
We’ve had quite a few students here over the years, I hope we will be able to facilitate your thesis project.
MAIA
I’m sure you will. (beat) Sorry, Annisa, guess I’m still a little dazed from the flight.
ANNISA
Of course. I’ll let you find your hostel and unpack. Come in tomorrow at 9 to meet the rest of the staff, and to get settled in. We usually all have lunch together on Thursdays, you’d be very welcome to join.
MAIA
Sure, thanks. (sight laugh) It’s not like I know anyone here, so I have absolutely zero plans. (smiles)
ANNISA
(slight laugh) Of course. If you like, you’d be most welcome to join us for dinner this Saturday?
MAIA
Thank you, I’d like that.
ANNISA
My sister and I live in Brickfields, if you go by bus it’s about half an hour – maybe forty minutes – from your hostel.
MAIA
Great – that gives me a chance to see the city.
ANNISA
We eat mostly vegetarian and some fish – is that OK for you? I could always order-
MAIA
No, no that’s great, I love vegetarian food. Thank you.
ANNISA
Perfect. Now, if you just come with me, Maia- (BOTH start walking away in opposite direction from where they came) you can pick up your things here, and we’ll get you…
(Fade out)
Scene 2:2
(INT. Apartment building hallway, MAIA’s footsteps. Rings doorbell. Footsteps in socks from inside apartment, door opens.)
ANNISA
Maia, welcome! Come in!
MAIA
(2-3 footsteps) Thank you. Sorry I’m so early, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t late.
ANNISA
No trouble at all, you are very welcome.
MAIA
(Sound of gift basket being handed over) For you, um, I didn’t know-
ANNISA
Oh wonderful, thank you!
MAIA
I’s just some Auckland delicacies. My mom reminded me to bring something, I would probably have forgotten.
ANNISA
That is lovely, and so thoughtful. (beat, clears throat) Could you please-?
MAIA
Oh! Sorry! Shoes. (takes off shoes and places by door) Not used to this yet.
ANNISA
No, Malaysia’s very different from the US I suppose.
MAIA
It is – though I live in New Zealand. Most don’t wear shoes indoors there either, but my family does.
ANNISA
Oh! I thought you were African American?
MAIA
I am! But we’ve lived in Auckland since I was 15.
ANNISA
Of course! (small embarrassed laugh) Sorry!Your accent confused me.
MAIA
(smiles) No worries, happens all the time.
ANNISA
Well, if you come through here… (footsteps from BOTH)
MAIA
(polite) You have a beautiful home.
ANNISA
(polite) Thank you. (sets down gift basket on kitchen counter, much more casual, off in other direction) Tee, our guest is here.
TIA
(calls from other room, preoccupied and a little annoyed) Coming!
ANNISA
(ignores TIA’s tone) My sister will join us soon. Would you like some cordial?
MAIA
Yes please.
ANNISA
(takes out pitcher from fridge, takes out glasses from cupboard, pours two glasses during following) It’s rose flavor, is that all right?
MAIA
Yes, perfect, thank you.
ANNSIA
Are you satisfied with your lodgings?
MAIA
(polite) Yes, my room’s great.
ANNISA
There are always new things to get used to when you travel. (hands over glass)
MAIA
Absolutely. (sip of drink, polite) So have you lived here long?
ANNISA
(beat) Almost two years by now. (sips, calls) Tee, you want some sirap?
TIA
(finishing up something, annoyed at the disturbance, calls from other room) No- Yes- In a minute, just let me finish this!
ANNISA
(calls, annoyed but trying to hide it) All right! (to MAIA) Please, sit down. (BOTH sit at, glasses clink on table, polite) We moved here from Kluang six years ago. I got a job at the museum, and my sister is a medical student. Our parents were worried, two girls living alone in the big city, but we’ve been fine. (sips)
MAIA
Is it far from (hesitates) Kluang- Kluong? I mean, are you far away from your family? (sips)
ANNISA
Quite far. It’s about three hours by road – with traffic, easily four – so we don’t visit very often. How about you? Does your family live close by?
MAIA
They do – I’m lucky I guess. Or, my parents live in Auckland, but my grandparents and the rest of the family are in Ohio, so that’s really far away of course.
ANNISA
So do you visit often?
MAIA
When I can. We used to go once a year but now it’s more seldom. It’s quite a long way to travel!
ANNSIA
Of course. Do you live with your family?
MAIA
No, I live on my own. (doesn’t know what to say) I’m single, so it’s just me.
ANNISA
I’m single too. I like my independence.
MAIA
Yeah. Me too I suppose.
ANNISA
(not really listening) That’s nice. (calls) Tee?
TIA
(still finishing task, really annoyed now) I’m coming!
ANNISA
(to MAIA, polite) Sorry, would you excuse me?
MAIA
Of course. (sips cordial)
(ANNISA’s walks to other room, following conversation is muffled but audible)
ANNISA
(through gritted teeth, in Manglish) Eh, Hello? Tee ah. You’re being super rude to our guest.
TIA
(in Manglish) She was early. I have things to do!
ANNISA
(in Manglish) She is our guestlah, hello also you haven’t even said.
TIA
(sullenly, in Manglish) Fine. I will say hello. But after I need to come back and finish this lab report. Almost finish already.
ANNISA
(lets out breath, in Manglish) Thanks ok.
(Footsteps ANNISA and TIA)
TIA
(polite) Hello, I’m Tia.
MAIA
(gets up, a little awkward) Hello! Maia. That’s me. Yes. Sorry I was so early.
TIA
Nice to meet you. Now-
MAIA
(almost at same time) Nice to meet you- sorry.
TIA
I have to finish up a lab report.
MAIA
Of course. Sorry again.
TIA
It’s all right. See you soon.
(TIA leaves, footsteps, door closes firmly.)
ANNISA
Sorry about that. She’s stressed, heavy courseload. Please, sit.
(BOTH sit down, ANNISA sips drink)
MAIA
I can imagine. Studying medicine must be… can’t even imagine how tough it must be. (smiles)
ANNISA
Yes. She doesn’t mean to be rude, she just… she’s focused. Very good at getting things done, not always great at social niceties.
MAIA
Yeah. (sips) That makes sense. Good thing we’re all different, right?
ANNISA
(smiles, relaxes) True. (sips drink) So what did you think about the Ghani installation? I thought it could tie in with your thesis, with those big sweeping lines and the use of metal…
(Fade out)
Scene 2.3
(INT. Tia’s and Annisa’s apartment, later the same evening, after dinner. Soft background music? MAIA, TIA and ANNISA are all more relaxed.)
ANNISA
(laughing) -so then they said “All we wanted was some lemons!”
(MAIA and TIA laugh)
MAIA
Did they get their lemons in the end?
ANNISA
I don’t know, actually. (smiles) Never found out. (deep breath) I’d better clear the table. (gets up, MAIA and TIA both make attempts at getting up) No, no, you two sit.
MAIA
You sure?
ANNSIA
Small kitchen, only really room for one.
(Plates, glasses and serving dishes being cleared during following)
TIA
All right. Thanks Anni.
ANNISA
You need some downtime, Tee, you’ve been working very hard.
TIA
(affectionately) So have you.
ANNISA
(smiles) Well, this time it’s your turn to sit. (picks up plates, footsteps, faint sounds of water splashing as ANNISA washes dishes by hand, silence as both MAIA and TIA search for something to say.)
TIA (same time as MAIA)
So how did-
MAIA (same time as TIA)
So how is living with-
(BOTH laugh uncomfortably)
TIA
You first.
MAIA
No, you.
TIA
All right. (polite) How did you end up doing your thesis here?
MAIA
(sheepish) It… just happened, really. I’d love to say it’s because I was passionately interested in Malaysian art – and I am, now! – but I just wanted to do something different, so I applied for a scholarship, and this was one of the options. I’ve never been to Malaysia before.
TIA
So what do you think?
MAIA
(smiles) Well, I’ve mostly seen the airport and the museum so far, but everyone’s been really nice.
TIA
(gets interested and stops being polite) Nice? I’m sure they have. But, I mean… What do you really think? What is different, what is interesting, what is… I don’t know, disgusting and smelly and foreign and weird?
MAIA
(taken aback) I…
TIA
(intense) Don’t be polite. Come on.
MAIA
(smiles) The fabrics.
TIA
What about the fabrics?
MAIA
They’re so beautiful. The colors. The sheen. The batik patterns. Mostly the colors.
TIA
On clothes?
MAIA
Clothes sometimes but wall hangings and parasols and tablecloths and lanterns and… there’s just so much more fabric everywhere than I’m used to. So vibrant and tactile.
TIA
Huh. Never thought of that. You interested in fabric?
MAIA
Yes! A lot of my own art is textile.
TIA
Like what?
MAIA
Lately I’ve been really into exploring textile sculpture – making fabric sculptural without any wire or other support structure, it’s a challenge!
TIA
I can imagine. What else has struck you as different here?
MAIA
The crowds. Auckland is a big city, and of course it’s crowded. But… it never seems this crowded. (a little overwhelmed) On the way here… there were just people, everywhere.
TIA
Stressful?
MAIA
N- I mean, yeah. (relaxes shoulders, lets out breath) Stressful. Absolutely.
TIA
I think so too, and I’m used to it. Every day, going to and from university. And how about the traffic?
MAIA
(smiles) Well let’s just say I am very glad I do not have to drive here.
TIA
(smiles) Kuala Lumpur is famous for bad traffic. C’mon, what else?
MAIA
The food! There are just so *many* food smells everywhere, and they’re so strong, and they smell so interesting, and then when they all mix, sometimes… they smell not good… not good.
TIA
(laughs) There we go. Smells bad, right?
MAIA
Well I just…
TIA
You can say it!
MAIA
(smiles) Yup. Sometimes it does.
TIA
Yes! You re-
MAIA
But usually it smells delicious! It’s mainly when Durian’s involved that-
TIA
(exaggerated disappointed sound) You really are just…
MAIA
What?
TIA
(smiles) Annoyingly nice.
MAIA
(smiles) Really?
TIA
(smiles) Yes, really.
MAIA
(smiles) Hm. (breathes in as if to speak and then changes her mind. Smiles.) So… food.
TIA
(beat) Yes. What about food?
MAIA
You eat it, right?
TIA
(amused) I do. Also cook it, quite a lot.
MAIA
Even better.
TIA
Why?
MAIA
You like cooking?
TIA
Yes.
MAIA
(slightly nervous) You wanna teach me to make- (hesitates while trying to think of typical Malaysian food)
TIA
Nasi lemak? Absolutely.
MAIA
(the widest of smiles) You would?
TIA
(smiles) I would. How about Thursday night?
MAIA
I have absolutely no plans.
TIA
Perfect. Be here at seven?
MAIA
Wonderful. Though I might be early again.
TIA
(laughs) I will expect that this time!
(during previous, dishwashing sounds end in kitchen, footsteps, ANNISA enters)
ANNISA
So, how are you two getting on?
TIA
Very well.
ANNISA
(sits down) Oh good! You really weren’t very friendly earlier Tee.
TIA
Sorry about that.
MAIA
It’s fine. You were busy and I was early.
TIA
No, Anni’s right. I was rude. I didn’t mean to be. Sometimes… Sometimes I get so into what I am doing that I don’t really care about anything else.
ANNISA
(friendly teasing) Sometimes?
TIA
(laughs) All right, a lot of the time.
MAIA
(laughs) I get that way too. My friends at uni are always joking they can’t get a word out of me once I’ve started focusing on a project.
TIA
I can definitely relate! So, Anni, Maia’s coming over again on Thursday.
ANNISA
(surprised but pleased) Oh, how nice.
MAIA
Tia’s teaching me how to make Nasi- (hesitates)
TIA
Lemak! Maia’s into cooking.
ANNISA
Wonderful. I think I have a dinner engagement on Thursday, will you be all right without me? (grabs paper calendar, pages rustling)
TIA
Absolutely. We don’t need you.
ANNISA
Rude!
TIA
(smiles) That’s me!
ANNISA
(laughs, closes calendar) Well, seems I *am* busy Thursday night, so have fun without me!
TIA
Don’t worry, we will, Right Maia?
MAIA
For sure.
(Fade out)
Scene 2.4
(INT. Early evening. Apartment building hallway, MAIA walks up and rings doorbell. No response.)
MAIA
(calls) Tia? You there? (to herself) Well I *am* early again… (knocks on door, no response, to herself) Suppose I’ll wait. (pause)
(hurried footsteps, TIA approaches with bags of groceries)
TIA
(rushed) Oh, I’m so sorry, the lines at Jusco where so long today! (fishes out keys from purse, opens door) Come in, please!
MAIA
(smiles) No worries. I only had to wait a few minutes. And I was early again.
(BOTH take off shoes, go inside, TIA closes door, all during following.)
TIA
(rushed) I know, but I said I would expect that! Sorry! I usually enjoy grocery shopping but today I had a lecture running late and had to rush through it – but think I got everything. Come in, to the kitchen!
(BOTH head to kitchen, TIA starts unpacking groceries, some go on counter, some in cupboards or fridge, all during following)
MAIA
What can I do?
TIA
Have a seat for now. Don’t worry, I’ll put you to work in a minute.
MAIA
(sits down on kitchen chair) Counting on it.
TIA
(pauses her unpacking) You want a soft drink?
MAIA
Yes please.
TIA
(hands MAIA soft drink can, continues unpacking) Here you go.
MAIA
Thanks. (opens soft drink and sips)
TIA
(starts setting out mortar and pestle, pans, finishes half-way through MAIA’s next line) So what have you been doing your first week?
MAIA
Well, I’ve been to the National Museum and they gave me access to their textile archives, so I’ve spent a lot of time there researching. Also I’ve been to the Petronas Gallery and the Asian Arts Museum – there is so much to learn! And I’ve been helping set up the new Germaine Koh exhibit with Annisa – it’s incredible, it’s all about knits – I think her work will be central to my thesis.
TIA
Sounds like you squeezed a lot in!
MAIA
Well, I only have a month here, I have to!
TIA
That makes sense. Right, let’s get cooking.
MAIA
(gets up and joins TIA at counter) OK, what do I do?
TIA
I’m putting you in charge of making sambal, see, there’s the recipe (slight paper rustle), I wrote it out in English for you. You can start with these chilis, then those.
MAIA
All right boss! (starts deseeding and chopping chilis)
TIA
(smiles) Am I too bossy?
MAIA
(smiles) Not at all. I have no clue what I’m doing, so orders are helpful! (starts chopping onions)
TIA
Good to know. (starts rinsing rice) Oh, pop those in the mortar and mash them up.
MAIA
OK. (starts mashing together sambal) So what do you do when you’re not studying?
TIA
Well, I do enjoy cooking. And baking. (adds rice to pot, measures water and coconut milk, adds lemongrass, pot starts to simmer)
MAIA
Me too! What’s your favorite thing to bake?
TIA
You’re going to laugh, but I love making American-style chocolate chip cookies. Found a recipe in a magazine when I was a teenager and taught myself how to make them.
MAIA
No arguments here! I love chocolate chip cookies! You make ‘em regular or double chocolate?
(From this point both lose interest in the cooking, it’s still going on but slower)
TIA
Regular I guess. Haven’t thought of changing the original recipe much. Sometimes I add nuts.
MAIA
Well you can’t really go wrong with cookies.
TIA
True. What do you bake?
MAIA
All sorts of things. I love making Lamingtons – you know those?
TIA
No, what are they?
MAIA
They’re kiwi I think – or maybe Australian? Either way, I learnt how to make them as a teenager, after we moved to Auckland. It’s sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut flakes.
TIA
Oh, that sound delicious. Maybe you could teach me how to make them?
MAIA
I would love to. I… (beat) Are you… seeing anyone?
TIA
What- Oh, you mean (slight embarrassed laugh) dating. Um. No.
MAIA
(carefully) Me neither.
TIA
(really nervous) I never have. Seen anyone. I never figured out how. When all the other girls started having boyfriends I just… didn’t. I focused on school and thought it would happen, later, but it hasn’t. It’s like there is an invisible wall between me and… romance I suppose. And I want to get to the other side but I just don’t know how it all works. (embarrassed laugh) Wow. I’ve never told that to anyone before. I mean, I have friends, but just…
MAIA
(surprised, gently) Really? But you are amazing. How could… I am sure there must have been loads of people interested in you.
TIA
Not that I’ve noticed. Oh, sure, some boys have tried, but it’s the really obnoxious types that I don’t even want to *talk* to for longer than five minutes, so…
MAIA
(carefully) Only boys?
TIA
(confused) Yes. Why- Oh. (understands) OH. (very embarrassed laugh) I- I don’t know any girls who like girls.
MAIA
(gently) Well. You do now.
TIA
(surprised but intrigued) Right.
MAIA
You OK with that?
TIA
Yes. Of course. As long as you’re OK with me being… whatever it is I am.
MAIA
(smiles) I like whatever you are.
TIA
I like you too. (sharp intake of breath, hand to mouth) Can’t believe I said that.
MAIA
(smiles) Well. It was nice to hear. (beat) Wanna get back to cooking?
TIA
I think that would be best.
MAIA
All right. Is this sambal looking all right or should I go a bit longer?
TIA
(beat) A little longer I think.
MAIA
OK.
(They cook in silence for a little while, MAIA keeps making sambal, TIA fries peanuts in hot oil, takes them out, adds anchovies to pan.)
TIA
Maia?
MAIA
Yes?
TIA
(nervous but determined) You already know that I’m no good at this sort of thing. So I’m just going to ask. (beat) Were you flirting with me before?
MAIA
(beat) Yes. I was. I will stop if you want.
TIA
No! I- I really liked it. I like you. But I don’t- I have no idea how to- I’ve never been-
MAIA
That’s OK. We can flirt for a while and you can see how you like it.
TIA
(smiles) Yeah. That would be good.
MAIA
So… (joking) Do you come here often?
TIA
(laughs) That’s terrible!
(MAIA laughs)
(Fade out)
Scene 2.5
(INT. Art museum, late afternoon. Annisa’s office. MAIA is typing on a 90s laptop, ANNISA is doing paperwork.)
ANNISA
(orders some papers into a stack) Right. Inventory’s all done. How are you doing, Maia?
MAIA
(typing a few final words) And… there. I think I’m done for the day.
ANNISA
Good. It seems like you are moving along on your thesis.
MAIA
Yes, I’m getting there. And everyone’s been so helpful.
ANNISA
I’m glad. Any plans tonight?
MAIA
Tia’s picking me up in (beat to look at watch) ten minutes. We’re off to Central Market – I need to get some gifts to bring home, so far I’ve only been shopping for myself (slight laugh).
ANNISA
(smiles) Well, have a good time! (stands up, takes a few steps toward door during following)
MAIA
Thanks, we will! (picks up book, slight rustle of page)
ANNISA
(stops by door before opening it) Listen. Maia. (beat)
MAIA
(slightly distracted) Yes?
ANNISA
(hesitant) It seems like you and Tia have been spending quite a lot of time together. (beat)
MAIA
Yes, we have.
ANNISA
Excuse me, I don’t quite know how to ask this but- Are you- (starting over) Tia seems really happy, but I don’t want to pry, I-
MAIA
(gently) I think you’d better talk to Tia, don’t you?
ANNISA
You are right. Forgive me. It’s just… Tia can be naïve about some things. And… (quickly) Please be careful in public, all right? Don’t kiss or anything like that. It’s not safe. Even holding hands, with your short hair and everything… It could be a risk.
MAIA
(taken aback) I-
ANNISA
You don’t have to confirm or deny anything. I will talk to Tia. I only… I love my country, but in this matter… We have far to go. And I don’t want you to put yourselves at risk.
MAIA
(slowly) All right. Thank you.
ANNISA
See you tomorrow.
MAIA
Yeah. See you.
(ANNISA opens door, almost hits TIA, their conversation is slightly distant)
TIA
(exclaims, in Manglish) Eh, watch out!
ANNISA
(in Manglish) Sorry! (concerned) Alamak! You ok ah Tee?
TIA
(in Manglish) Ya, I’m ok, you scare(d) me, that’s all. You leaving?
ANNISA
(in Manglish) Yeah I’m going to meet Lili now. Anyway, Maia’s inside ya.
TIA
(in Manglish) Thanks! See you tonight.
ANNISA
(in Manglish) Bye! (calls, in English) Bye Maia! (footsteps, heading out)
MAIA
(calls) Bye, Annisa!
TIA
(walks into office, happy) Hi! Ready to go?
MAIA
Yeah, can we just- You wanna close the door?
TIA
Sure. (closes door, sits down) What?
MAIA
Annisa’s figured out what’s going on. With you and me.
TIA
Oh. Was she… How did she seem?
MAIA
Fine, I think. It was very brief. I told her to talk to you, and she agreed that was better.
TIA
(relieved but not surprised) Oh good. I’ve been wanting to tell her, I just didn’t know how to start.
MAIA
(smiles) Well now you don’t have to. I think she’ll bring it up.
TIA
(about to get up) OK.
MAIA
Wait, there’s something else. I think the reason she brought it up with me was concern over… well how others would react. Here, in Kuala Lumpur. She warned us not to even hold hands in public.
TIA
(slowly) Right… I haven’t… You make me so happy and I suppose I’ve been living in a bubble these past few weeks. A big shiny joyful glittery bubble… (sadly) Suppose it was bound to pop.
MAIA
(sadly) I don’t want you to feel like that!
TIA
Well, it was going to happen anyway. (thinking) And she is right. I just haven’t been thinking about it in relation to you and me. Us kissing in public could be… People are awful. The laws are very strict. I haven’t been… haven’t been putting labels on us, but homosexuality is against the law.
MAIA
(shocked) Oh wow. I never realized that.
TIA
No. I suppose I never thought about it too much. It didn’t concern me, or anyone close to me. There have been many stories of atrocities, but most of them directed at gay men, not girls.
MAIA
Not sure I feel like a girl. But that is horrible.
TIA
Yeah. It really is. (beat, curious) What do you mean you don’t feel like a girl?
MAIA
I never really have. I know I look like a girl, and all my life everyone’s been telling me that’s what I am. But… I feel like… That’s not the right word, for me.
TIA
(interested) So do you feel like a boy, or a man?
MAIA
No. Well sometimes, and sometimes like a woman, too. But I feel like it’s all just… Like an itchy sweater that’s three sizes too small.
TIA
You feel constrained?
MAIA
Yes! Limited. Like people want to put me in a box and I don’t fit, but they keep jamming me back in. You know what I mean?
TIA
I can imagine. But I’ve never felt that way exactly. Maybe when the older generation try some nonsense about a woman’s place and are shocked that I am unmarried at 26.
MAIA
Yeah. That’s similar, I think. But at least there *is* a box labelled ‘medical student’ you can fit into. Not sure what label I’d have.
TIA
Maybe you’ll find it?
MAIA
(thoughtful) Yeah, maybe. I’ve never put these thoughts into words before.
TIA
I am honoured to hear them.
MAIA
(smiles) You are amazing. (quick kiss) Off to market?
TIA
Yes. (BOTH get up) And just so you know, I will be mentally holding your hand the whole way there.
(footsteps toward door)
MAIA
So will I!
(They open door, walk out, close door)
(Fade out)
Scene 2.6
(INT. TIA’s and ANNISA’s apartment. Afternoon. MAIA and TIA are watching TV.)
TIA
This is nice.
MAIA
It really is. But… (sighs) I think we’ve both been avoiding this. (mutes TV)
TIA
Can we avoid it a bit longer?
MAIA
Well, I’m leaving Sunday. And who knows when we’ll have the apartment to ourselves again.
TIA
You are right. I just don’t know what to say.
MAIA
Me neither.
TIA
All right. How about this. I don’t want this to end.
MAIA
That’s a very good start. I don’t either.
TIA
I want to be with you.
MAIA
And I want to be with you. So how can we make that happen?
TIA
Well, people have long-distance relationships, don’t they?
MAIA
They do. Maybe we start there?
TIA
Yes.
MAIA
I feel- I’ve never felt like this before, about anyone.
TIA
Well, you know I haven’t either.
MAIA
I know. But it’s only been what – three weeks? We can’t jump into deciding everything yet.
TIA
No. But we can still talk about the future. Doesn’t mean we’re setting things in stone.
MAIA
True. All right. Where do you see this going?
TIA
I think we could live happily ever after.
MAIA
I’d very much like that. But… where? How?
TIA
(sighs) Unless they change the laws here, this isn’t the place.
MAIA
No. You are probably right. Being an interracial lesbian couple is not going to be easy anywhere, but it’ll probably be less stressful where we’re not illegal.
TIA
Yeah. So. Auckland, maybe?
MAIA
Or I can move somewhere else?
TIA
Like where?
MAIA
I don’t know. Somewhere. Anywhere. Don’t want you to feel like you’re the only one who has to move.
TIA
I don’t mind. And your family is in Auckland, would be nice to have *someone’s* family nearby.
MAIA
All right. So the very tentative plan is Auckland. I *think* they would give you a work permit, there is always need of doctors.
TIA
Yeah. I have another year of medical school before I start my pre-clinical training. If you’re still putting up with me at that point, I’ll move.
MAIA
If you don’t get sick of me first.
TIA
(smiles) Somehow, I don’t think so.
(BOTH laugh small happy laughs)
(Fade out)
Scene 2.7
NARRATOR
Thank you for listening to Y2K: Take 2. This episode was written and directed by Karin Heimdahl with sound design by Tal Minear. Our intro and outro music is created and recorded by Jake Haws, listen to his podcast “Making Music with Jake Haws” to hear more. This episode featured Shekendra Morgan as Maia, Su Ling Chan as Annisa and Sam Yeow as Tia. The drama school director was Sarah Golding, and the narrator was Emma Laslett. For more information, please go to Y2Kpod.com or find us on social media @Y2Kpod If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/Y2Kpod Please join us again next month when we meet Johnno in 2002.
DIRECTOR
(claps hands) All right, thank you everyone. That’s a wrap for today!
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000” – instrumental)
Episode 3: Johnno – age 32 – London – March 2002
Scene 3:0
KARIN
Hello everyone, Karin Heimdahl here, creator of Y2K. This is the Johnno episode, and for long-time listeners, it will come as no surprise that it needs a content warning. This time it is for emotional abuse, loud yelling and strong language. We have a resource page on the website, where we have tried to list as many hotlines and info-pages and support things we could find. So if you feel you need any resources like that, go to y2Kpod.com[slash]resources and hopefully you will find it there. Please take care of yourself, and if you need to, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.
DIRECTOR
Places, please. We’ll try again everyone. Right. Whenever you’re ready – Take 2.
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000”)
NARRATOR
Episode 3. Welcome to the year 2002. March. London, England. Johnno is 32 years old.
Scene 3:1
(INT. London restaurant, early evening. Low background conversation. Soft music. Footsteps on carpet as waiter walks away.)
JOHNNO
(to JULIA, a little too loudly) He was a bit of a wanker, wasn’t he? As if I don’t know the difference between a Riesling and a Pinot Gris.
JULIA
(hushes him slightly) Well, you got what you wanted in the end.
JOHNNO
Yeah. That’s the main thing I suppose. (grabs wine glass) Cheers, sweetie! Happy six-month anniversary! (BOTH clink wine glasses and sip) Now, where was I before that waiter interrupted us?
JULIA
Um, you’d just described how they made it into the tunnels-
JOHNNO
(in better mood, a little louder than the environment requires)-Right, yes, so the whole thing explodes, but they just make it, and then they fight again, and the parents are killed, the bad guy socks it, and Arnold swoops up the kid and gets out of there, having saved the day. Great film.
JULIA
(smiles) Sounds exciting. (teasing) I thought you only liked indie films, sweetie?
JOHNNO
(slightly annoyed) I can enjoy an action film.
JULIA
(placating) I was only teasing.
JOHNNO
Well it wasn’t very funny.
JULIA
All right. (changes subject) The fish is good.
JOHNNO
Yeah. (petulant) They put too much chili on it though.
JULIA
I like it that way.
JOHNNO
(annoyed) I *don’t*.
JULIA
You could always send it back?
JOHNNO
No. Can’t be arsed. That waiter is a wanker. Never coming here again.
JULIA
I thought you liked the starter?
JOHNNO
It was all right. There are better restaurants.
JULIA
Yeah. (changes subject) So, today I think I finally figured out the theme for my showcase at ICA.
JOHNNO
Oh yeah? What’s it going to be?
JULIA
(passionate) I’ve been thinking a lot about birds in flight, that graceful movement, swooping, and dipping. I want to capture that.
JOHNNO
How’s that going to work on clothes?
JULIA
I’m thinking sweeping, flowy fabrics, and maybe I can create some original prints. I’d like to get some dancers instead of regular models, so they can really make the garments *move*. In my mind right now it is all in black and white, with a graphic feel, you now?
JOHNNO
(not that interested) Yeah, sounds good.
JULIA
(vaguely disappointed, searches for something else to say) You excited about the gig tonight?
JOHNNO
(happier) Yeah, should be good. Great venue, and the main band is fucking brilliant.
JULIA
(smiles) I’m really excited – can’t believe I haven’t been to one of your gigs yet, after six months!
JOHNNO
Yeah, well, took some time for the band to get going again after Dobb left. Hedge’s good, though. Bit full of himself, but all right.
JULIA
(slight laugh) They both have such funny names. They have to be nicknames, right?
JOHNNO
Yeah. Every musician’s got a nickname. The odder the better.
JULIA
So what’s yours?
JOHNNO
(vaguely offended) Well, Johnno.
JULIA
(laughs) ‘Course. No odder than that.
JOHNNO
Yeah. (beat)
JULIA
Anyway. I’m really looking forward to it.
JOHNNO
(smiles) Looking forward to having you there. You can be my groupie!
JULIA
(laughs) Absolutely!
JOHNNO
(kisses JULIA, she kisses back) Julia, my Julia… Well, if you’re really good, I’ll… (whispers the rest, about 15 words).
JULIA
(giggles, turned on) Johnno!
JOHNNO
Ah, you like it.
JULIA
(smiles) I do. And… (whispers the rest, about 10 words).
JOHNNO
(huskily) You are my kind of girl.
(They kiss again)
JOHNNO
So, do we have time for… (beat as he checks watch) Yes, if we’re quick. Let’s find somewhere private, yeah?
JULIA
(smiles, excited) Oh yeah.
JOHNNO
(calls) Could we have the bill please?
(They kiss again, JULIA giggles)
(Fade out)
Scene 3.2
(INT. London bus. Upper level, quite full. JOHNNO and JULIA walk quickly up the stairs, sit down, BOTH are out of breath and giggle a little.)
JULIA
(rushed but happy) Can’t believe we made it, that was some run!
JOHNNO
(elated) Well if you hadn’t distracted me we wouldn’t have taken so long.
JULIA
Or if *you* hadn’t distracted *me*! (happy laugh) Well, we made it, that’s the main thing! We’ll be right on time for your gig.
JOHNNO
(smiles) We will. You are extraordinary, you know that?
JULIA
(smiles) You’re quite something yourself.
(Quick kiss. Contented silence.)
JULIA
So I was talking to Chad the other day about the showcase, and he said he’s doing projected images during his show. Apparently he-
JOHNNO
(suspicious) Who’s Chad?
JULIA
Oh, he’s doing the showcase too, I met him last week.
JOHNNO
What kind of name is ‘Chad’?
JULIA
He’s American.
JOHNNO
Is he gay?
JULIA
I don’t know, that never came up.
JOHNNO
Like him, do you?
JULIA
Yes, I do. He’s funny and kind and he’s a great designer.
JOHNNO
Sounds like a wanker.
JULIA
Johnno! Be nice.
JOHNNO
(angry) You’re the one who started talking about some other bloke all of a sudden!
JULIA
What? Chad? Wait, are you jealous of Chad?
JOHNNO
(angry) Well you make me think I should be!
JULIA
Of course not. What? I can’t even talk about other men?
JOHNNO
I didn’t like *how* you talked about him.
JULIA
This is ridiculous, I’m not staying here (starts to get up).
JOHNNO
(grabs JULIA to make her stay, shouts) No! Don’t leave!
JULIA
(exclaims in pain) My arm! What are you doing?
JOHNNO
(tense) Sit down, everyone’s looking.
JULIA
(sits down) You hurt me.
JOHNNO
I didn’t mean to. You made me angry.
JULIA
Yeah. I noticed.
PASSENGER
(to JULIA) Are you all right, love?
JOHNNO
‘Course she is.
PASSENGER
I asked *her*. You all right?
JULIA
(beat) Yeah. (unhappy smile) Thanks.
PASSENGER
OK then. You take care, you hear?
JULIA
I will.
JOHNNO
C’mon, let’s go have fun at the gig, yeah?
JULIA
(doubtful) Yeah.
(BOTH get up)
(Fade out)
Scene 3.3
(INT. London pub, evening, plenty of people but not packed. Conversations all around, football match on TV in distance. Pub door opens, JULIA and JOHNNO enter.)
JULIA
(placating, a little fed up) -it all sounded good to me.
JOHNNO
(in a bad mood) It was shite. Whole thing was a bloody train wreck.
JULIA
(doesn’t know what to say) If you say so.
JOHNNO
(annoyed) What the hell? You’re supposed to- (realizes they’re in public, sullenly) Thought you said it sounded good.
JULIA
It did, to me. I didn’t hear anything wrong.
JOHNNO
Well, the amps were completely off. And the mix was all wonky – anyone could have heard that!
Listen, I- (interrupts herself, changes tactic) Why don’t you grab that booth and I’ll get the beer?
JOHNNO
Oh, all right. Guinness for me, yeah?
JULIA
Sure.
(JULIA walks away, we follow JOHNNO as he moves across the bar, gets bumped by passer-by)
JOHNNO
(mutters under breath) Excuse *you*. (beat) Wanker.
(Reaches booth, sits down. EMMA walks by, stops)
EMMA
(disbelief) Johnno?
JOHNNO
(surprised) Um, Emma?
EMMA
(wishes she could disappear) Hello.
JOHNNO
(gets up, moves to kiss EMMA’s cheek) Hi-
EMMA
(gut reaction, steps backward) No! I mean, hi, hello, handshake. Handshakes are good.
JOHNNO
(snorts) Oh, all right then. (beat) How are you? This isn’t your usual neck of the woods, is it?
EMMA
Good. I’m good. (beat) No. I mean. Friends. (gestures vaguely) Over there. Cinema. Monster’s Ball.
JOHNNO
Any good?
EMMA
Yeah, very good friends. Oh. Yeah. (Shaky breath) It was all right. How are you?
JOHNNO
Good. Yeah. Good. I-
JULIA
(footsteps, friendly) Oh hello. (sets two pint-glasses down on table) Have we met? I’m Julia.
EMMA
Emma. Nice to meet-
JOHNNO
Julia’s my girlfriend. (gives JULIA a quick kiss)
JULIA
(smiles) Fiancée, actually. Look!
EMMA
(stunned) Oh, right. Congratulations. That’s nice. (faintly) Very nice… ring.
JULIA
Thank you. We’ve only been together for six months, but he swept me off my feet, you know?
JOHNNO
Yes. You’re the girl for me.
EMMA
I should… I should get back to my friends. (beat, polite but slightly pitying) Nice to meet you, Julia.
JULIA
Likewise. (EMMA walks away, JOHNNO kisses JULIA again, they sit) So who was that?
JOHNNO
(in a better mood) Oh, friend of my ex.
JULIA
(surprised) Really? I thought she was off in Hollywood or something?
JOHNNO
(snorts) More like Canada or the like. Doesn’t mean her friends aren’t still here. (sips beer, spits out) What is this? I said Guinness!
JULIA
Sorry, no Guinness. The barman recommended that instead.
JOHNNO
Well what is it?
JULIA
I don’t know. Some other stout.
JOHNNO
Didn’t you ask?
JULIA
He said, but I forgot.
JOHNNO
(sighs) Very well, sweetheart. You do try. And at least you’re pretty. That dress looks great on you.
JULIA
(smiles) Thanks. Still can’t believe you found a vintage dress that fit me.
JOHNNO
Well, I-
JULIA
Sorry sweetie, off to the ladies. Be right back.
JOHNNO
All right. Don’t be long.
(JULIA gets up, quick kiss, footsteps. JOHNNO sips his beer. EMMA returns, decisive footsteps)
EMMA
(high energy, bundle of nerves) I just have to-
JOHNNO
(surprised) Emma! What are you-
EMMA
NO! You shut up and listen.
JOHNNO
What-
EMMA
(high energy, high emotion, controlled volume to avoid making too much of a scene) I said shut up! I’ve worked up the courage now and I am not leaving ‘til I’ve said it. (breathes in) You treated Kat like shit. You manipulated her, and lied to her, and tried to separate her from her friends, and her mother. (breathes in)
JULIA
(comes back, sharp intake of breath) Wha- (stops to listen)
(EMMA and JOHNNO don’t notice JULIA)
JOHNNO
I don’t-
EMMA
You made Kat doubt *everything* about herself. You made her think she was mean, and self-centered, and not clever. You made her leave a job she enjoyed because *you* couldn’t control your jealousy. You crushed her and broke her and made her believe she was worthless, all so *you* could feel a little better about your disgusting self. (breathes in)
JOHNNO
I have no-
EMMA
And on top of all that, you fucking hit her, and you probably did worse things that she hasn’t told me about. You are a useless piece of garbage and you do not deserve Kat or any other partner. (beat) Have you told your fiancée what you did to Kat? What you did to Louise, and to probably whoever you were with before her? Does she know what you are? A vile, selfish monster. A man so weak he has to put others down to feel good about himself. You are a pathetic, whiny, useless excuse of a human being. Go fuck yourself Johnno – I hope I never see you again. (in Welsh) Twll dy ffycin’ din ti! (deep breath, football goal on TV in distance, many excited voices “GOAL”)
JOHNNO
I don’t speak French-
EMMA
Oh, and nice ring by the way. You couldn’t even bother to buy a new one? (turns to leave, spots JULIA, shocked) Oh. (to JULIA) Julia. I am so sorry. (walks away)
JOHNNO
I… (distracted) That was quick.
JULIA
(stunned) What… what…?
JOHNNO
I mean, you were quick. Back from the loo.
JULIA
Oh. Long queue. Not worth it. (shakes head) Never mind. What *was* that?
JOHNNO
I… She’s just drunk. You know. She’s Kat’s friend, Break-ups are always messy.
JULIA
That… that didn’t sound like…
JOHNNO
Emma always was a high-strung bitch. Tried to accuse my mate Simon of assault or something.
JULIA
(slowly, piecing it all together) Simon? I can imagine.
JOHNNO
Come on, let’s go home. Beer’s shite here anyway.
JULIA
(distracted, thinking) Yeah, all right. Let’s go.
(They gather their things, walk toward door, just as pub door opens there is another goal on TV. “GOAL” They walk through, door swings shut.)
(Fade out)
Scene 3:4
(INT. London bus. Late evening. Upper level, empty. JOHNNO and JULIA walk up the stairs, sit down. Silence.)
JOHNNO
Can you believe that? What a bitch. (silence) Emma always was loopy, but this takes the cake. Screaming at me in a bloody pub. Eh? Jules?
JULIA
(thinking) Why would she do that?
JOHNNO
Told you. She’s off her rocker. Always has been.
JULIA
All right, but… Some of what she said…
JOHNNO
(a little menacing) Yes?
JULIA
Some of what she said you did to… Kat… Some of that’s… (trails off into silence)
JOHNNO
What? What are you saying?
JULIA
I need to think about this.
JOHNNO
(angry) What? What’s there to fucking think about?
JULIA
(pause, quietly) Do you never do anything wrong?
JOHNNO
Course I do. Everyone does.
JULIA
OK, like what?
JOHNNO
Um… (lost for words)
JULIA
Yeah.
JOHNNO
(uncomfortable and aggressive) OK, I may not always have been the perfect boyfriend to my ex, but she wasn’t exactly girlfriend of the year either.
JULIA
So what did you do?
JOHNNO
(mutters) She had this way of making me so angry, it was always all about her.
JULIA
So what did *you* do?
JOHNNO
I… Let’s not talk about her anymore. She’s ancient history. It’s you and me now. And you… You are the best girlfriend I ever had. You are perfect.
JULIA
No. I’m not. No-one is.
JOHNNO
You are. (tries to kiss JULIA, she evades)
JULIA
Not right now, Johnno. Did you say the same thing to her?
JOHNNO
I…
JULIA
Johnno, did you… Was it true what Emma said? Did you hit your ex?
JOHNNO
(mutters) Not really. One time. Just a slap. I was angry.
JULIA
(feels like the world is falling apart but tries to keep it together) So you did hit her?
JOHNNO
Yeah. But she hit me too!
JULIA
OK, tell me about that.
JOHNNO
I was just sitting by my computer, we were talking, and all of a sudden she hit me on the back of the neck. I tell you, she was completely out of her mind…
JULIA
Right. And all the other things Emma said? You manipulated her and broke her down, was that true?
JOHNNO
Nah. Just some made-up shit. Girls always say a lot of crap after you’ve broken up.
JULIA
Do they? Or is it just *your* exes, Johnno?
JOHNNO
No, I…
JULIA
What will you say about me if we break up?
JOHNNO
We won’t break up. We’re great together.
JULIA
Are we?
JOHNNO
Oh, come on. You can’t let this… Julia, what are you saying?
JULIA
I’m not saying anything right now. I need to think, that’s all.
JOHNNO
Eh. Ignore them. You’re my sweetheart. Isn’t that enough? (quick peck)
JULIA
(quietly) I don’t know.
JOHNNO
(not listening) Almost home! C’mon! (gets up, starts going down the stairs; JULIA follows more slowly)
(Fade out)
Scene 3:5
(INT. JOHNNO’s apartment in Chalk Farm. JULIA is packing her clothes, walking back and forth between closet and duffel bag, folding and tucking. JOHNNO is sitting on the bed watching her.)
JOHNNO
(sulkily) I don’t want you to go, that’s all.
JULIA
Johnno, we’ve been over this so many times. I need a break. Going to stay with my parents for a few weeks will give me that. Plus I can work on my showcase designs without disturbing you.
JOHNNO
I like it when you’re home. With me.
JULIA
I know, and that’s nice, but I have to do this. For me.
JOHNNO
(annoyed) It’s all about you, isn’t it.
JULIA
Yes, this time it is about me.
JOHNNO
What about me? What about what I want, Julia?
JULIA
You will be fine. You have about a million things planned, it’s not like you’re going to sit here alone.
JOHNNO
No, but… I will miss you.
JULIA
I will miss you too. But we will be OK. (beat) It’s only two weeks.
JOHNNO
It will feel like an eternity.
JULIA
You’re a grown-up, you can handle it.
JOHNNO
(annoyed) Course I can.
JULIA
There you go. (tucks final piece of clothing in, zips up bag) Right. All packed. Time to go. (carries bag into hallway)
JOHNNO
(gets up, follows) Can’t we… Come here… (kisses JULIA) Sweetheart.
JULIA
(evasive) Bye, sweetie. Have a good time while I’m gone. (puts on jacket, starts putting on shoes but stops mid-way) Hang on. (goes quickly into bedroom again, we stay with JOHNNO)
JOHNNO
(calls) Forget something?
JULIA
(comes back out, resumes putting on shoes) Yeah. Mobile. Found it.
JOHNNO
Good. Call me when you arrive, yeah?
JULIA
I will. (quick kiss) Goodbye Johnno. (opens front door, steps out)
JOHNNO
Bye, sweetie. (door closes, mutters to himself) Right. What now… (walks slowly into bedroom; spots something on bed, exclaims) What? What’s that? (picks up small box, opens it) The ring… What? (snaps box shut, takes a few steps toward hallway, calls) Julia? Julia! You (realizes) you forgot… your… ring… Fuck. FUCK! (throws ring box in corner, punches wall)
(Fade out)
Scene 3:6
NARRATOR
Thank you for listening to Y2K: Take 2. This episode was written and directed by Karin Heimdahl with sound design by Tal Minear. Our intro and outro music is created and recorded by Jake Haws, listen to his podcast “Making Music with Jake Haws” to hear more. This episode featured Adam Blanford as Johnno, Gemma Sheldrick as Julia, Robin Howell as Emma and Fiona Thraille as the passenger. The drama school director was Sarah Golding, and the narrator Emma Laslett. For more information, please go to Y2Kpod.com or find us on social media @Y2Kpod If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/Y2Kpod Please join us again next month when we meet Emma in 2012.
DIRECTOR
(claps hands) All right, thank you everyone. That’s a wrap for today!
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000” – instrumental)
Episode 4: Emma – age 35 – Cardiff – April 2012
Scene 4.0
KARIN
Hi everyone! Karin Heimdahl here, creator of Y2K. I wanted to take a moment here at the beginning of episode four to ask for your help. We are recording both a production Q and A where I will answer any and all questions about writing, creating and producing the show, AND several cast and crew interviews, and for both we would love your questions. So please send us anything you’ve been wondering about, either by tagging us or DMing us on social media @y2kpod, or e-mail y2kpod@gmail.com Thank you so much – and here’s episode 4!
DIRECTOR
Places, please. We’ll try again everyone. Right. Whenever you’re ready – Take 2.
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000”)
NARRATOR
Episode 4. Welcome to the year 2012. April. Cardiff, Wales. Emma is 35 years old.
Scene 4.1
(INT. Office building, morning. Outside door opens and EMMA walks in, opens another door, there is some bleed from her headphones, she’s listening to something with an energetic beat. Opens final door, quiet office landscape, someone is on the phone in distance.)
GRAY
Morning Emma!
EMMA
(turns off music, takes off headphones) What was that?
GRAY
(teasing) Where’s my coffee?
EMMA
(laughs) Wherever you left it, Gray! (takes off coat, hangs it, puts purse on desk)
GRAY
(mock sigh, goes to coffee maker, starts making coffee, smiles) Oh well. Coffee service is shocking around here. (coffee maker starts spluttering) How was your week-end?
EMMA
Eh. (makes a disgruntled noise) Usual. Yours?
GRAY
All right. Me and Rhys went location scouting for the ceremony. Shockingly expensive places!
EMMA
I can imagine. They say anything with the word “wedding’ on is ten times as expensive. (small sigh) Not that *I’ll* ever find out…
GRAY
(sympathetic) Didn’t work out with the architect?
EMMA
No! We’d been texting for weeks and it was all flirty and exciting and then when we met she… I don’t know. Guess I didn’t live up to her expectations.
GRAY
But you’re great. Must be something else.
EMMA
Yeah, well. She’s not the first.
GRAY
Bad luck, that’s all. Next time, yeah?
EMMA
(sighs) Maybe.
GRAY
Next time for sure.
EMMA
(changes subject) So, what are we on today?
GRAY
(sighs) Boss has ‘an idea’.
EMMA
Oh no. No no no no.
GRAY
Exactly.
EMMA
Last time we were stuck in a basement looking through files for THREE months.
GRAY
I know. And it all came to nothing.
EMMA
Can we- what can we do?
GRAY
Dunno. Scream?
EMMA
(laughs) Cry?
GRAY
(makes sliding dance move) Dance?
EMMA
(laughs) We’d better! (a few steps, grabs coffee mugs, pours coffee for both, hands mug to GRAY) Here.
GRAY
Thank you. (small laugh) Know it’s dire when you pour my coffee!
EMMA
(smiles) Oh, shush. (sips coffee)
(PRODUCER opens door from inner office, walks out beaming)
PRODUCER
Emma! I’ve had a brilliant idea for Cold Hard Truth! And I want my two best researchers on it! (enthusiastically thumps GRAY and EMMA on the back, they make less-than-enthusiastic agreements) Let me tell you all about it. So. Imagine…
(footsteps as all three move toward PRODUCER’s office)
(Fade out)
Scene 4.2
(INT. Basement archive. Afternoon. EMMA and GRAY are going through files.)
EMMA
(sets down box full of paper with a thump, frustrated) More invoices! Ugh. We’ve been at this for three days now.
GRAY
(resigned) Something tells me we’re only just starting. (sets down file he’s holding) Coffee?
EMMA
Please!
GRAY
On it. There’s some leftover Easter chocolate – it’s over there.
EMMA
Perfect. (takes a chocolate) Mm.
(EMMA opens a new file and starts to leaf through it, GRAY walks to coffee maker and pours two cups of coffee.)
GRAY
So, what are you up to this week? Any fun plans? (walks back, sets down mug in front of EMMA)
EMMA
(distracted) Thanks.
(GRAY sits down, sets down coffee, grabs file)
EMMA
(sips coffee) What was that?
GRAY
Any fun plans? (grabs file and starts leafing through it)
EMMA
(small smile) Actually… I’ve been chatting with this bloke from Swansea, he’s coming over for the Doctor Who Experience this Saturday, so we’re meeting for coffee.
GRAY
Doctor Who geek, huh? You could do worse.
EMMA
I definitely could. (sighs, puts down document) *You’re* in a relationship, Gray.
GRAY
Yeah?
EMMA
You are getting married, even.
GRAY
Well ‘civil partnership’, but yeah. Seems that way. If not, Rhys and I addressed 80 invitations last night for no reason. Do you know how much postage is for 80 cards? Too bloody much, if you ask me.
EMMA
My point is. You should know.
GRAY
Know what?
EMMA
How to get into a relationship.
GRAY
Hang on. You mean- Emma, have you never had a relationship?
EMMA
Only really brief ones. (sighs) I wasn’t interested at first, well, until this year, really. I was just having fun, and I met all sorts of great folks, but… It seems now that I figured out *I* want a relationship, no-one wants to have one with me.
GRAY
(concerned but not sure what to say) Surely it must be bad luck.
EMMA
I suppose. (small smile) Who knows, maybe the geek will be my soulmate.
GRAY
It is definitely possible. And if not, at least you’ll be having coffee.
EMMA
(laughs) True! All right. (stretches) Back to the invoices… (Picks up file again)
GRAY
(sighs) Very well. (picks up file, sighs) This job may be excruciatingly boring, but at least it’s nice and quiet down here.
(distant footsteps, basement door opens, PRODUCER walks in carrying heavy boxes, sets them down noisily on table)
PRODUCER
(booming voice, exuberant) There! Saved you a trip! (beat) This is cosy, isn’t it? You’ve got a good set-up here. And chocolate! Don’t mind if I do. (pops piece of chocolate in mouth, following is muffled) How’s it going? Found anything?
EMMA
(beat) No. It’s quite a lot to go through.
GRAY
I’m still stuck on ‘cosy’. This is a basement. Pretty sure it’s the definition of *not* cosy.
PRODUCER
(loud laugh) Funny, you are. Righto. Best get back. Work, work work, yes? (laughs, starts walking toward door)
(Fade out)
Scene 4.3
(INT. Basement archive. Early afternoon. EMMA and GRAY are looking through files.)
GRAY
(groans, puts file down) I feel sick.
EMMA
(a little distracted) It’s what happens when you have cake for lunch.
GRAY
Wasn’t my fault! (a little petulant) It was Rhys’ idea.
EMMA
Tasting wedding cakes in your lunch hour? Valid choice, I suppose, (emphasis) unless you need to eat some actual lunch.
GRAY
(slight groan) Oh stop lecturing. Distract me instead. How was your coffee date with the Doctor Who geek?
EMMA
(resigned) The date was quite good, I thought. Ghosted me afterwards though.
GRAY
Ugh. I’m sorry. Wanker.
EMMA
Yeah. That about sums it up. (puts down her file) I did sort of meet someone yesterday though.
GRAY
Really?
EMMA
I was at that photo exhibit at the Millennium Centre, and started talking to this woman… Turns out she’s also into urban history, and we had a really good conversation… We talked for ages. And then she gave me her phone number.
GRAY
That’s promising! Did you text her?
EMMA
Not yet. I meant to, last night, but… Completely nerve-wracking. Much worse than texting folks I’ve met online. Higher stakes, you know?
GRAY
Get your phone.
EMMA
No. Not sure if she’s into me – or into women! There was a bit of a flirty thing going on. I think. I hope. Ugh. WHY is this so hard?
GRAY
(mock threatening) Emma.
EMMA
Fine. (grabs phone from purse)
GRAY
Open text messages.
EMMA
(sighs, low phone beeps) Now what?
GRAY
Write.
EMMA
But WHAT?
GRAY
Words are what you’re good at. Write.
EMMA
(unhappy sigh) Fine. Um. (as she’s typing, all typing makes those annoying little phone keyboard beeps) “great meeting you yesterday” (beat, sighs) I am shit at this sort of thing.
GRAY
No you’re not. You’re just stressed about it. How about “Let’s live happily ever after and write historical fiction together”
EMMA
(crumples paper into ball and throws at GRAY) Be serious.
GRAY
(laughs) All right. Um. “want to meet for coffee sometime?”
EMMA
Gah. Isn’t that very… aggressive?
GRAY
No. It’s called communication.
EMMA
Right. “want to meet for coffee someday?” signed “Emma – Cardiff Before Cardiff exhibition” No that’s silly. Just “Emma”. But what if she doesn’t remember me? Ugh. (types) Parenthesis “Cardiff Before Cardiff”. Yeah. (hands phone to GRAY) Is that all right?
GRAY
Perfect. I’m sending it now?
EMMA
All right.
GRAY
(beep) Done! (hands back phone) My good deed for the day.
EMMA
Thanks. (puts phone on table) How are you feeling?
GRAY
Better! Energized by all this excitement. I’ll put some more coffee on. (walks to coffee maker and starts making coffee)
EMMA
Thanks. (small laugh) Ruth was down here earlier, looking for the coffee maker. (smiles) I threw my jacket over it.
GRAY
(stops what he’s doing) Phew! Good job! We deserve it – *they* don’t have to sit in a dusty basement. (resumes making coffee)
EMMA
Yeah. (sigh) I’d better get back to these expense reports. (grabs file)
(2012 text message sound)
EMMA
(continues) Oh! (picks up phone, smiles) It’s her! She wants to meet for coffee! (laughs) But she prefers tea, well I can live that…
GRAY
Aw. True love means making these sacrifices…
EMMA
(happy) Come help me write a reply!
GRAY
(laughs) All right.
(Fade out)
Scene 4.4
(INT. Office building. Afternoon. EMMA and GRAY are in an elevator going down.)
GRAY
Ugh. That was a horror show. Or, um, ‘production meeting’. (imitates PRODUCER) “We need to book that interview and confront the mayor with some Cold Hard Truth”
EMMA
(laughs, imitates PRODUCER) “Evidence! We need evidence!”
GRAY
How about this one “Cold Hard Truth is our flagship production, spare no effort!” (slight laugh) It *is* funny. If only it wasn’t so frustrating.
(Elevator dings and doors open. EMMA and GRAY walk down basement corridor.)
EMMA
(sighs) At least he’s never cross.
GRAY
There is that. Endless optimism.
(Opens door to archive, BOTH walk in)
EMMA
But he wants to schedule this for May, and that will never happen. We’re simply drowning in receipts and invoices and contracts, even if there *are* any corrupt council members – which I highly doubt, all of this paperwork is impeccable – even if there is something, we won’t find it anytime soon.
GRAY
(like a mantra) Unless we’re lucky, unless we’re lucky, unless we are very very very lucky. (to table with boxes of files) If I stick my hand into *this* box and randomly pick out *this* file (does so as he speaks) and pick out (sticks hand in file) *this* document, it will be exactly what we are looking for. (mutters) Exactly what we’re looking for… it’ll be…(holds out document to EMMA) I can’t look, you do it.
EMMA
(takes paper, beat, incredulous laugh) This is an empty page!
GRAY
(laugh-snort, flops down on chair) We are truly doomed.
EMMA
(sits down) We really are. (sighs)
GRAY
Right, that’s it. I’m going to work at Roath Lock instead.
EMMA
Um, yeah. I don’t think they’re hiring researchers, Gray. Or journalists, at all.
GRAY
Stop ruining my fantasy. I can picture it now. Having lunch with a Dalek, the Casualty crew rushing by with someone on a stretcher, and that hottie from that period drama they’ve got, walking up to me, holding a-
EMMA
(laughs) Thought you were supposed to be getting married. Monogamy, no?
GRAY
Shh, fantasy, remember? (sits up) Pretty sure Rhys would forgive me – we agree on that particular hottie. (smiles) Speaking of hotties, how are you getting on with history-woman?
EMMA
(distressed) Don’t remind me.
GRAY
What? I thought things were going really well?
EMMA
It was. For about a week. (deep sigh) We had that talk last night. The “she’s not looking for anything serious” talk. (unhappy laugh) Know that one by heart at this point. Code for “she’s not looking for anything serious with *me*”. Fuck. I hate this.
GRAY
That’s grim. I’m sorry.
EMMA
Thanks. Ugh. I’m not sure I can do this anymore, Gray. I am so tired. And this… being rejected again and again. How do people do it?
GRAY
Maybe they don’t get as… invested as you do, so it doesn’t hurt as much?
EMMA
Maybe. But I feel like… I have to open up, I have to get invested, how else will any relationship have a chance?
GRAY
I don’t know. When I was single (snort) – like back in the 19th century – I wasn’t looking for a relationship, I sort of fell into one, so…
EMMA
If you tell me to relax and take it as it comes I will stab you with a ballpoint pen.
GRAY
(smiles) I won’t. (serious) But I do know that there is an element of luck involved. And timing. Hard to control that stuff.
EMMA
I know. I feel like I am doing all I can. ‘Making myself available’ and all that crap. On about 50 000 different dating sites at this point. I’m… What’s wrong with me? (near tears) Why doesn’t anyone want me?
GRAY
(gently) There is nothing wrong with you. *You* are great. People are shit and don’t know what they want, that’s all.
EMMA
(sad smile) Maybe. Thanks. (deep sigh) Suppose we’d better get back into it.
GRAY
Yeah. (picks up stack of file, dumps on table, grabs one) Ugh. How are you doing on those meeting notes?
EMMA
(opens laptop, types in password) Nothing so far. But at least they’re digital. (tries to be cheerful) No paper cuts today.
GRAY
That’s the spirit. Coffee?
EMMA
Please!
(Fade out)
Scene 4.5
INT. Basement archive. Morning. EMMA is sitting at table.
EMMA
(sips coffee, picks up file of papers, sighs, mutters) More invoices…
(quick footsteps, door opens)
GRAY
(high energy) Good morning!
EMMA
Morning. There’s coffee in the pot.
GRAY
(unfastens bike helmet, unzips light jacket, dumps helmet, bag and jacket on chair) You are a lifesaver! (to coffee maker, pours cup, approaches EMMA) Glorious day!
EMMA
(distracted) Is it?
GRAY
(sets cup on table, sits down) Yes! First time biking to work this year.
EMMA
(distracted) That’s nice.
GRAY
Yes! I am all hyped up and ready to go! (grabs stack of files, thump on table) What delightful documents are we checking today?
EMMA
Invoices. Got a new set of boxes this morning. (beat, puts down file) You are very happy today. Anything special?
GRAY
Thank you so much for noticing. Sunshine, for one. Not exactly spoiled on that front.
EMMA
No, it’s been an unusually rainy spring.
GRAY
Also.. (sheepish) Rhys is away for work so I have a few days off from wedding planning. Terrible, aren’t I?
EMMA
(laughs) Yes. You are. But I get that. Getting close now, right?
GRAY
Three weeks. And two days. I swear, if I’d known how much stress this would be, I wouldn’t have… (smiles) Nah, I would have agreed to it anyway. True love and all that jazz. But it *is* exhausting.
EMMA
I can imagine.
GRAY
We spent all of last night talking about flowers. I mean, I like flowers. But the level of detail…
EMMA
What did you end up going for?
GRAY
I can’t even remember. It’s all a haze of carnations and orchids and baby’s breath at this point. (beat) Purple. I think we decided on purple.
EMMA
(laughs) Purple is good.
GRAY
More importantly, *I* have no plans for tonight, and *you* need cheering up. How about we go down the pub after work, (jokingly) have a Guinness?
EMMA
(smiles) No to the Guinness, yes to the pub! (beat) Thanks. I need something fun.
GRAY
Good. It’s settled. (sips coffee) No new prospects?
EMMA
Not really. No-one interesting. (sighs) Some online messages. From folks looking for their ‘partner in crime’ or a ‘travel buddy’ to join their supposedly adventurous yet down-to-earth lives. They generically enjoy ‘movies’, or ‘music’, or ‘walks in the park’ or – personal favorite! – ‘laughing’.
(GRAY laughs, EMMA joins in a little)
EMMA
(continues) I know it sounds funny, but it’s depressing. Men who can’t spell. Unsolicited dick pics.
GRAY
Hey. How come I never get dick pics?
EMMA
You are not on dating sites?
GRAY
True.
EMMA
(sighs) Anyway. I am not really trying too hard right now. Guess I need a break too.
GRAY
Solid plan. Today, at least, we are taking time off.
EMMA
(smiles) Yes. (beat) Not from the invoices, though.
GARY
Oh yes, the exciting invoices. (sighs, picks up file, sighs, starts reading)
EMMA
Mm. Exciting. (sighs, picks up file, paper rustles)
GRAY
(pause, sips coffee, paper rustles, beat) Hm… (picks up another document) This could… this could actually be something.
EMMA
(distracted) What could?
GRAY
Not to get your hopes up or anything, but… This could lead somewhere. (hands documents to EMMA) What do you think?
EMMA
(reads, mumbles) Councillor L. Jones… Planning Committee… invoice…. This *is* a bit odd. Why would there be an invoice here for this?
GRAY
Exactly. Now, if only we could trace this further. Who authorized this invoice? And why?
EMMA
(opens laptop, types password, clicks, starts typing) Meetings, planning committee… what date was it?
GRAY
(paper rustling) November 27, 2009.
EMMA
(typing) Right.
GRAY
I’ll get on the rest of the invoices around that time. (grabs stack of files from new box, starts leafing through one) Who knows, we might be onto something here.
EMMA
(typing) Fingers crossed.
(Fade out)
Scene 4.6
(INT. Basement archive. Late afternoon. EMMA and GRAY are still going through files.)
GRAY
(puts down fila and stretches) Aaah. (beat) Ow. Twenty days in a dusty basement makes me a *very* dull boy. Neck and shoulders are completely rigid. (keeps doing small stretches and making small pained exclamations)
EMMA
(tired) Yeah. (puts down file and tries stretching too) Ugh. Thought we were onto something, but… Red herring I suppose.
GRAY
If only we could find the authorization document, it has to be here somewhere…
EMMA
We’ve been saying that for *days*. Maybe it doesn’t exist.
GRAY
(gets up, starts walking and stretching) Almost time to call it a day, I think. Or a week-end…
EMMA
What wedding preparation shenanigans are you up to now?
GRAY
Ugh, don’t remind me. Seating plan. 80 of our nearest and dearest and half of them can’t sit near at least one other person… Bit of a nightmare.
EMMA
Well, good luck with that. Sounds… like one of those impossible puzzles.
GRAY
Yes. And not the fun kind. You up to anything special? The Queen’s in town today – you planning a coffee date maybe?
EMMA
(laughs) Oddly not. (beat) But… I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said in the pub the other night.
GRAY
I believe I said a lot of things. For some of them I was quite drunk.
EMMA
You did. And you were. But this… you said something about… not placing my… worth… in the balance. I laughed it off, but… You are right. The rejections really hurt, and they won’t stop hurting, but… I am going to try and not let it… diminish me so much.
GRAY
(smiles) Good to know I say useful things every once in a while.
EMMA
(smiles) Every now and then.
GRAY
Right, one more coffee so we can tackle the final box of the week?
EMMA
Please.
GRAY
(gets coffee pot, refills mugs on table) There you go. (replaces pot)
EMMA
(sits down, drags box toward her, grabs stack of files) Thanks. (sips coffee, takes one file, hands one to GRAY)
GRAY
Thank youp. (sic)(sits down, sips coffee, starts looking through file) Right.
(pause)
EMMA
Wait… (re-checks) This… (calls) Gray! I think this is it! (reads, paper rustles slightly) Jones… That’s the amount… date… This proves the whole thing!
GRAY
(drops his papers and walks over quickly, reads) Planning… 2009… You’re right! (relieved) Thank fuck for that! I was going batty in here.
(footsteps during previous, door opens, PRODUCER enters)
PRODUCER
(in great mood, booming voice) You’ll be happy to know I’ve decided to drop this project. Thank you both very much.
(Emma and GRAY start laughing and can’t stop)
EMMA
(few steps to manager, hands over document, in between giggles) We… We just found it… Here…
(Emma and Gray are still laughing but in that out-of-breath, not so noisy way)
PRODUCER
Ah! (beat) Right. (beaming) I knew you could do it. Well done! (beat) Now, I have a new idea…
(EMMA and GRAY groan)
(Fade out)
Scene 4.7
NARRATOR
Thank you for listening to Y2K: Take 2. This episode was written, and directed by Karin Heimdahl, with sound design by Emmett Moon. Our intro and outro music is created and recorded by Jake Haws, listen to his podcast “Making Music with Jake Haws” to hear more. This episode featured Robin Howell as Emma, Nathan Blades as Gray and Ashley Hunt as the producer. The drama school director was Sarah Golding, and the narrator Emma Laslett. For more information, please go to Y2Kpod.com or find us on social media @Y2Kpod If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/Y2Kpod Please join us again next month when we meet Kat[slash]Ina (EE-na) in 2011.
DIRECTOR
(claps hands) All right, thank you everyone. That’s a wrap for today!
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000” – instrumental)
Episode 5: Kat – age 35 – Boston – May 2011
Scene 5.0
DIRECTOR
Places, please. We’ll try again everyone. Right. Whenever you’re ready – Take 2.
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000”)
NARRATOR
Episode 5. Welcome to the year 2011. May. Boston, USA. Kat is 35 years old.
Scene 5.1
(INT. Fancy restaurant, early evening, ambient jazz music, carpeted floor, low murmur of voices.)
MARIE
Good evening and a warm bienvenue to Chez Renard. My name is Marie, and I’ll be your server this evening. Would you like me to tell you about the restaurant’s history?
KATARINA
(confused but polite) Um… All right?
(Slight groan from ANDY)
MARIE
Ahem. Chez Renard was established in 1962 by chef Jean-Étienne Renard, who had arrived to Boston from the small French town of Saint-Marcel-sur-Aude the previous year. The first few months were-
(ANDY gently clears his throat)
MARIE
As I was saying, the first few months were difficult for chef Renard, as he-
(ANDY clears his throat again)
MARIE
Ahem. Yes?
ANDY
I’m sorry, we’re kind of hungry, maybe we can hear the history another time?
MARIE
(offended but tries to hide it) Ahem. Very well. (clears throat) Let me tell you all about our menu. I see you have booked the twelve-course Les Delices de la Mer taster menu, excellent choice. Would you like me to tell you about all the dishes now, or each one as I bring them out?
KATARINA
I-
ANDY
(quickly) As you bring them out, please.
KATARINA
Yes.
MARIE
(disappointed) Certainly monsieur. Ahem. May I bring you an aperitif, perhaps?
ANDY
(a little nervous) Yes, could we have some champagne, please?
MARIE
Of course, would you like a bottle, or a glass?
KATARINA
(smiles) I’d like some too, so a bottle maybe?
MARIE
Of course, madame. (places wine menu in front of ANDY) May I recommend the Pol Roger Brut Reserve of 2000 vintage? (slight menu movement) It’s this one, here.
ANDY
(slight gasp at price) Um. Why not. (smiles) We are celebrating, after all, right Ina (EE-na)?
KATARINA
(smiles) We are. Hard to believe that 2000 is vintage now.
ANDY
(smiles) Well, in wine anyways.
MARIE
(takes menu) Ahem. A fine choice, monsieur, madame. I will return toute suite with your selection.
KATARINA
Thank you.
(MARIE’s footsteps move away)
KATARINA
(slight giggle, low voice) What’s going on with her? Where *have* you brought me, Andy?
ANDY
(a little stressed) I’ve only been here once, for lunch. I wanted to take you somewhere really nice. The food is supposed to be top notch.
KATARINA
(smiles) It is lovely. Our… ‘server’ seems a little odd, that’s all.
ANDY
(smiles) Agreed. But I don’t think she recognized you, so that’s a plus.
KATARINA
It is! (sighs) Maybe I’m too used to people pandering to me ‘cause of the ‘fame’ thing… You will tell me if I start getting too big-headed, right?
ANDY
(smiles) Sure thing. Don’t think you could get any snootier than Marie there.
KATARINA
(laughs) OK, good to know.
(MARIE approaches again)
MARIE
Here you are, monsieur.
ANDY
Oh. Yes. That looks great.
(MARIE opens champagne bottle, pours a little in ANDY’s glass)
ANDY
(tastes) Yes. Very nice.
MARIE
(pours for both ANDY and KATARINA, places bottle in metal ice bucket) Ahem. Did you know that Pol Roger was Winston Churchill’s favorite champagne?
KATARINA
(polite but tries to control giggle) No.
(ANDY groans slightly)
MARIE
It started back in 1908, and it is estimated that Churchill drank two bottles of champagne a day. When he died in 1965, Pol Roger placed a black border around the labels-
ANDY
(gently interrupts) Thank you, very interesting. I think it’s time for us to make a toast now.
MARIE
(slightly offended) Naturally, monsieur. Ahem. May I ask what you are celebrating?
ANDY
(happy but nervous) It’s our one-year anniversary. (hastily) Of dating, I mean.
MARIE
Ah, félicitations, monsieur, mademoiselle. (to ANDY) You’d better pop the question quick, monsieur, you don’t want this belle demoiselle to get away. If I may, monsieur, we have had many beautiful proposals right here in the restaurant. Ahem. I will return shortly with the first course.
(Footsteps as MARIE walks away, ANDY swallows nervously)
KATARINA
(trying to control epic giggles, low voice) She’s giving relationship advice now? (more suppressed giggles) I mean, who proposes in a restaurant? I’ve never understood that. (faint giggles)
ANDY
(completely taken aback) I… yeah. (strained laugh)
KATARINA
(oblivious) I guess it’s an American thing? Like people proposing at baseball games? I mean, what if they get a no? Or what if the person being proposed to feels like they have to say yes? It seems like too much pressure to me.
ANDY
(trying to regain his composure) Suppose it *is* an American thing. (beat) So, not for you I guess.
KATARINA
(oblivious, laughs) No! Can you imagine? Such an embarrassing spectacle. (smiles) I like us. I like what we have.
ANDY
(smiles, still quite thrown) I like us too. I am very happy I met you.
KATARINA
(smiles) Me too. Did I ever tell you I almost didn’t make it to that fundraiser?
ANDY
No! That would have been… I mean, I would never have dared approach you if I’d known who you were.
KATARINA
(laughs) The distracted professor strikes again!
ANDY
(slight laugh) Yes, I never was one for movies. I’ve tried to catch up, though.
KATARINA
You’re doing great. And it’s good you are not in the… ‘biz’, you know? Means I can be in… (slight laugh) the real world, I guess, with you.
ANDY
(smiles) I am happy to provide some realness.
KATARINA
(smiles) You know what I mean.
ANDY
(serious) I do. (beat) I love you, Ina (EE-na).
KATARINA
(serious) I love *you* Andy. (grabs glass) To us?
ANDY
(grabs glass) To us! (glasses clink softly, they sip)
KATARINA
Mm. That is nice. Say what you like about our new chum Marie, she knows her stuff.
ANDY
She sure does.
(MARIE approaches with two plates and sets them down during following)
MARIE
Let me just move the orchids, like so… Monsieur, mademoiselle, may I present your first course. Ahem. So here we have Cassolettes de Saint-Jacques à la crème safranée…
(Slight giggle from KATARINA, suppressed snort from ANDY)
(Fade out)
Scene 5.2
(INT. restaurant, much later that same evening. New ambient jazz, slightly more boisterous background conversations.)
ANDY
Oh wow. Not sure I can move now.
KATARINA
Me neither. That was a lot of food.
ANDY
Delicious, though.
KATARINA
Yes. (smiles) I’m glad you chose this place. (giggle) And the entertainment was free!
ANDY
(laughs) It was! Think we needed those breaks in-between the courses, actually!
KATARINA
Absolutely. Wanna take a walk or something? To shake down all the food?
ANDY
Perfect. Boston Common is right down the street.
(MARIE approaches)
MARIE
Thank you, monsieur, mademoiselle. It has been a plaisir to serve you. Ahem. If you follow me, I will get your coats.
(ANDY and KATARINA get up, both ‘oof’ slightly as they are so full, all THREE start walking, we follow)
FAN
(approaches, nervous but excited) So sorry to interrupt, but, aren’t you Ina (EE-na) Fischer?
KATARINA
(polite) Yes, that’s right. Hello.
(Surprised gasp from MARIE)
FAN
Hi. Big fan. Loved you in As Stars Align.
KATARINA
(polite) Thank you so much.
FAN
Could I get a picture? I’m Eric.
KATARINA
(polite) Of course.
(Shuffle as FAN gets out his phone and KATARINA gets into position. A few phone camera clicks.)
FAN
Thank you so much! All right if I post it on Instagram?
KATARINA
(polite) Of course.
FAN
Thank you! This is so exciting!
KATARINA
(polite smile) Nice to meet you, Eric. Take care. (to MARIE) Could we get our coats please, Marie?
FAN
Bye! Thank you! (excited squeal, walks away)
MARIE
(flustered) Of course, Miss Fischer, I mean, mademoiselle Fischer, I apologize, I didn’t realize, you look so much *taller* om screen, oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-
KATARINA
(polite) That’s quite all right.
MARIE
(still babbling) -of course we have had quite a few famous guests over the years, Bette Davis was the very first, in 1963, right around the time of “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” – wonderful performance – see? We have our wall of fame over the- (there) Oh! We HAVE to take a picture for our wall! If you just come with me… (starts walking, mumbles) Ina Fischer, mon dieu!
ANDY
(low voice) You don’t have to, you know.
KATARINA
(low voice) It’s all right. Part of the job.
(KATARINA and ANDY start walking towards MARIE)
MARIE
(yelling to someone) Garçon! Over here! Come take a picture! (whispers loudly) Ina (EE-na) Fischer is here! (To KATARINA) Mademoiselle Fischer! Here, right in front of the orchid arrangement, please. Ready? (Does not wait for reply, sing-song voice) Fromage!
KATARINA
(Mumbles through smile) Fromage? (camera clicks)
MARIE
One more! Encore! (camera click) Thank you so much Mademoiselle Fischer, we will be honored to display this on our wall. And please, come again! Sadly chef Renard is not here tonight, but he would be enchanté to meet you.
KATARINA
(smile a little strained) Thank you.
ANDY
(gently) Our coats, please?
MARIE
Pardon, monsieur, of course! (bustles off to get coats)
KATARINA
(relieved) Thank you.
ANDY
(smiles) Anytime.
MARIE
Madame, pardon, mademoiselle Fischer (helps KATARINA into her light jacket, to ANDY) You should do something about that monsieur, didn’t I say so before? (loud whisper) Propose! Ahem. Don’t want her getting away! (helps ANDY into light coat)
ANDY
Right. Thanks.
KATARINA
Thank you. Bye!
(KATARINA and ANDY start walking out, open door)
MARIE
Goodbye, and please come again, it was a true plaisir… (cut to muffled as door closes behind KATARINA and ANDY)
(EXT. evening city street)
KATARINA
(lets out breath, happy) We escaped!
ANDY
(happy) We did! And it’s a nice night – you up for that walk?
KATARINA
Absolutely!
(BOTH start walking, leisurely pace)
ANDY
Guess we are not going back there?
KATARINA
I guess not. Shame, the food was good.
ANDY
Plenty of other restaurants.
KATARINA
Yeah.
ANDY
(pause) Listen, I… (trails off)
KATARINA
What?
ANDY
I thought… (starts over) I mean… Sometimes, despite everything… I guess I am just a typical American guy, you know?
KATARINA
(confused) Yes?
ANDY
And I assume things.
KATARINA
OK, like what?
ANDY
Like… (starts over) We’re in our thirties, and… we’ve been dating for a year and things seem to be going really well…
(They have reached Boston Common)
KATARINA
(oblivious) They are. I love being with you.
ANDY
(smiles) And I love being with you. (beat) So… (swallows nervously) I was planning to… I… (deep breath, stops, pulls KATARINA to stop too) I was going to be that embarrassing, cliché guy proposing in a restaurant tonight.
KATARINA
(shocked) Wha- OH! Oh, Andy, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-
ANDY
(interrupts, very stressed) So, I mean… You don’t have to answer right away.
KATARINA
(still in shock) Right. OK.
ANDY
(very stressed) And I’m not going to go down on one knee or anything, but… Will you think about it? About… our future, if we have one?
KATARINA
Yes. I will. But marriage, I don’t-
ANDY
(interrupts, tries to smile) All right. Not sure my heart could take the end of that sentence.
KATARINA
I don’t want to hurt you. (pause) And… I want us to have some kind of future.
ANDY
I do too.
KATARINA
(small smile) OK. So that’s a start.
ANDY
Yeah. (deep breath) I think I want to… go home and be alone.
KATARINA
You sure? I added you to my hotel room.
(BOTH start walking)
ANDY
Yeah. The train ride will do me good. Time to think.
KATARINA
OK. If you’re really sure?
ANDY
Yeah. It’s been a long night.
KATARINA
So… see you tomorrow, maybe?
ANDY
All right. (small smile) Non-fancy dinner somewhere?
KATARINA
I’d love that.
ANDY
It’s a date.
KATARINA
Good.
ANDY
Here’s my exit. (stops) See you tomorrow. (walks away)
KATARINA
(calls) See you. (quietly) I love you.
(Fade out)
Scene 5.3
(EXT. Outdoor seating area, lunch restaurant near water, midday. Distant chat from other lunch guests. KATARINA and SHIRIN are having lunch.)
KATARINA
-and I made fun of people proposing in restaurants and it turned out that’s what he planned to do last night. Shirin, I feel awful!
SHIRIN
Of course you do. (sighs) American men. They can be as progressive as you please, but when it comes to this proposing nonsense they are all completely brainwashed. Poor things.
KATARINA
(laughs) Sounds like you’ve been proposed to a lot!
SHIRIN
(laughs) Well I am married, so one, obviously!
KATARINA
(laughs) You had a beautiful wedding, but that’s not what I asked.
SHIRIN
(smiles) I think we proposed to each other, actually. But she is American so she did have some odd ideas about weddings… Anyway, where was I?
KATARINA
American men.
SHIRIN
Yes! Before Beth I had two proposals from American men, both sort of out of the blue – I think that’s what threw me the most, I mean, don’t people talk about this sort of thing beforehand? Or is there a schedule I don’t know about? After x amount of months or years together, I should expect to be offered a ring? I don’t get it.
KATARINA
That’s exactly what Andy said! He was like – we’ve been together a year, and we are over thirty, and everything’s going well… I think you’re right, there *is* a schedule!
SHIRIN
A-ha! And the number of months go down if you’re over 30, and up if you’re not getting along well – it’s not a schedule, it’s an algorithm!
(BOTH laugh)
KATARINA
Shirin, I’ve *missed* you! I’m so glad you happened to be in town today!
SHIRIN
Me too. I don’t see you nearly as often as I’d like, Ina (EE-na). You should come hang out with us for a week-end, play with the twins.
KATARINA
I’d love to. Haven’t seen them – or Beth! – since your wedding. How old are they now?
SHIRIN
Almost three. They’re completely impossible, but – lucky for them! – adorable.
KATARINA
(smiles) I can imagine.
SHIRIN
(gently) Are you… I know you gave up the idea of having kids, is that still where you’re at?
KATARINA
Yeah. I’ve closed that book. Other priorities. I mean, imagine if I’d had a kid that one time I *was* pregnant? Be tied to *that* asshole my whole life? (thinks) I don’t think I ever really wanted children, I just got caught up in fixing what was broken. It was probably best it turned out the way it did.
SHIRIN
Yeah. Definitely. So that’s not a factor for you and Andy?
KATARINA
No. We’ve talked about that part, at least. Neither of us want kids.
SHIRIN
All right, just the proposal to deal with then.
KATARINA
Yeah. Or, rather, the “Where is our relationship going?” thing. He’s not setting ultimatums, he just… wants to know.
SHIRIN
That’s fair enough.
KATARINA
Yeah.
SHIRIN
So. What do *you* want?
KATARINA
(sighs) I was sort of hoping to just… go on like we have been. Andy is amazing. I’ve never been with anyone like him. He’s really laidback but he has such integrity, you know? A lot of the men I’ve dated – especially those I’ve met through work – get weird about my job. Either I’m more successful than they are, and they get insecure, or it’s the other way around, and they don’t take my work seriously. With Andy, none of that matters. It’s been such a relief to come here, to Boston, and sink into his couch and his arms for the week-end and hear all about the office intrigue at MIT. Feels real, you know? No spectacle or illusion, just life. (sighs) Though no matter where I live or who I date there will always be an element of long-distance. (beat) As long as I am still getting cast in movies, anyway.
SHIRIN
You think that will stop?
KATARINA
My agent says it will probably peter out. I’m 35, Shirin, not quite the ingenue anymore.
SHIRIN
You’re in your 30s, you’re still young! But I get it. Hollywood standards of beauty and youth, all that rubbish.
KATARINA
Some of my peers are going for TV gigs instead, and it makes sense – if you get a syndicated hit show, you get to stay in one place, and have steady employment for – hopefully! – multiple seasons. But I enjoy the variety of different films, and I like to do indie productions when I get a chance… I don’t know. Oh shit, Shirin, this is turning into some sort of life crisis. What do I want to do? What do I want my life to be? (frustrated laugh)
SHIRIN
Sounds like you don’t want to pursue a TV job.
KATARINA
(sighs) You are right. I don’t. I probably *should* but I don’t want to.
SHIRIN
And it sounds like you want to be with Andy.
KATARINA
I do!
SHIRIN
You just don’t want to say I do.
KATARINA
(laughs) True! You make it all sound so simple.
SHIRIN
(smiles) I get that it’s complicated, but… Your feelings don’t seem very conflicted here. You know what you want. You just need to be honest with Andy about it. Maybe you can figure out a compromise.
KATARINA
Yeah.
SHIRIN
See? Sorted.
KATARINA
Easy-peasy.
SHIRIN
That’s what I’m here for.
KATARINA
Thank you! (beat) Now, enough about me, I want to hear all about this project you are in town for. You’re working with the MFA, is that right?
SHIRIN
Well not yet – have to win the bid first. But, yeah, we’re meeting them this afternoon. They’re opening their new contemporary wing this year and are looking to overhaul their whole visual identity. It’s a really challenging-
(Fade out)
Scene 5.4
EXT. Early evening, city street outside restaurant. KATARINA is waiting for ANDY, she is pacing.
KATARINA
(hums Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep’, the tune that includes “We could have had it all”, stops, sighs, murmurs, in Swedish) Äh, det är jag som är tidig. (deep breath) OK. Be cool. (slight nervous laugh) Cool Kat… Ina… Cool Ina…
ANDY
(slow footsteps) Ina. (EE-na)
KATARINA
Andy. (smiles) There you are.
ANDY
Here I am.
KATARINA
(same time as ANDY)
Do you want to-
ANDY
(same time as KATARINA)
I was thinking we-
(BOTH laugh nervously)
KATARINA
(same time as ANDY)
Say what-
ANDY
(same time as KATARINA)
You go-
(BOTH laugh even more nervously)
ANDY
Go ahead.
KATARINA
No, you.
ANDY
(smiles) I was thinking maybe we could walk and talk? Unless you’re really hungry?
KATARINA
(smiles) I was going to suggest the same thing.
(BOTH start walking)
ANDY
Great minds and all that.
KATARINA
Yeah.
(They walk in silence for a little while, end up by the water)
KATARINA
I was thinking-
ANDY
Wait. Before you say anything. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since last night. I don’t- I would love to marry you, if you’ll have me, and live with you, if you want, but also… I don’t want any of that to put pressure on you. I want you to be happy, and, if I can be a part of your life and part of making you happy, I want to do that, but if not… I will be OK with that. I get that your life is pretty complicated.
KATARINA
It is, but… Can we sit? (BOTH sit on bench) I don’t… (gently) I’ve never wanted to get married. I was engaged once, long ago, got caught up in the romance of it… It was a really bad idea. And yes, my work means I am away a lot, and if we lived together, I think I would be more concerned about that.
ANDY
I get that.
KATARINA
To me, commitment is what we decide it is. You and I, in this relationship. It’s no-one else’s concern. (gently) I… I don’t believe in marriage. And I don’t believe you need it to be happy.
ANDY
(beat, slowly) Well, I definitely know a lot of married couples who are unhappy.
KATARINA
Me too. And happy ones, too, of course, but…
ANDY
So… what do *you* want? (slight laugh) Guess I should have asked that before buying a ring.
KATARINA
Can you take it back?
ANDY
Yeah.
KATARINA
So, what I want… I really like our relationship the way it is right now. Where we each have a home to welcome the other into. And where we make sure to spend time together, but where we also know that we are OK apart. Since I met you… you are always the first person I want to tell when something happens, good, bad, (smiles) silly… There is an… ease that I’ve never experienced before.
ANDY
(smiles) I think I know what you mean. (more serious, thinking as he speaks) So basically you want to stay as we are?
KATARINA
Yes. Would that work for you?
ANDY
(thinks) Yeah. It would. (smiles) I’d like that a lot.
KATARINA
(joyful) You would?
ANDY
(joyful) I would. (thinks) I think I got caught up in… the idea of ‘catching’ you, as Marie from last night would say.
(KATARINA laughs)
ANDY
(continues) But I agree with you. *We* make our relationship and it doesn’t concern anyone else.
KATARINA
(smiles) I’m so happy.
ANDY
(smiles) Would it be OK if we broke the no-PDA-rule just this once?
Kat
(happy laugh, looks around) Well, I don’t *see* any paparazzi, so…
(They kiss, then both laugh small happy laughs)
(Fade out)
Scene 5.5
NARRATOR
Thank you for listening to Y2K: Take 2. This episode was written and directed by Karin Heimdahl with sound design by Tal Minear. Our intro and outro music is created and recorded by Jake Haws, listen to his podcast “Making Music with Jake Haws” to hear more. This episode featured Janis Westin as Ina[slash]Kat, Bailey C. Elis as Andy, Anjali Kunapaneni as Shirin, Shannon Perry as Marie and Harlan Guthrie as Eric the fan. The drama school director was Sarah Golding, and the narrator Emma Laslett. For more information, please go to Y2Kpod.com or find us on social media @Y2Kpod If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/Y2Kpod Please join us again next month when we meet Rachel in 2003.
DIRECTOR
(claps hands) All right, thank you everyone. That’s a wrap for today!
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000” – instrumental)
Episode 6: Rachel – age 32 – Trollhättan – June 2003
Scene 6.0
DIRECTOR
Places, please. We’ll try again everyone. Right. Whenever you’re ready – Take 2.
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000”)
NARRATOR
Episode 6. Welcome to the year 2003. June. Trollhättan, Sweden. Rachel is 32 years old.
Scene 6.1
(INT. Car on highway. Evening. KATARINA is driving, JESS is in passenger seat, RACHEL and baby OLIVIA (age 2.5) are in the back seat. KATARINA and JESS are talking in low voices. We are closer to RACHEL.)
RACHEL
(OLIVIA whines softly, says softly to OLIVIA) Shh, Liv, it’s all right…
JESS
Can’t believe you’re driving now, Ina! Thought you said it would never happen.
KATARINA
(smiles) It never would have if I hadn’t *had to* for work.
JESS
Still can’t believe they made you get an actual driver’s license, don’t they have special effects of something?
KATARINA
Think it was an insurance thing.
JESS
Yeah, OK. (subdued excitement) Oh, I remember that camping place, we must be almost in Trollhättan, right?
KATARINA
(low voice) Yeah. Can’t believe you remember that, Jess, must have been, what – five years ago?
JESS
(smiles) Something like that. It’s great to be back in Sweden, finally!
KATARINA
(teasing) Took you long enough – and a new law – to get you back!
JESS
(laughs, excited) Yes! We can finally get married! (to RACHEL) I’m so excited, Rachel!
RACHEL
(half-asleep) What was that, love?
KATARINA
(concerned) Are we being too loud, Rachel?
RACHEL
(softly) No, it’s all right, Liv’s completely knocked out after the flight. (small yawn) Think I almost fell asleep too.
JESS
Think you did. Don’t blame you! Guess *I’m* just wired.
RACHEL
(smiles) Yeah. Riding that organizing high…
JESS
Yes! I still can’t believe this is actually happening – and that so many of our friends were able to make it. (beat) Are they still behind us?
KATARINA
(beat, teasing) Yep. But my mother does know the way to her own house, you know.
(Soft laugh from RACHEL)
JESS
(distracted, checking her notebook) I know. Let’s see… Emma and Shirin are flying in tomorrow, and Shirin’s guy… You are picking them up in the afternoon, their arrivals are only an hour apart, but Shirin says they can wait… So, you need to be there by 2 pm, Kat, all right?
KATARINA
OK. (gently) We have been over this already.
JESS
I know, just double-checking. I really wish they could all fly in directly to Fyrstad, all this driving time… Oh! Yes – is your new boyfriend coming or not?
KATARINA
(smiles) He is! He’s taking the train down from Oslo. Or was it a bus maybe? Anyway, he’ll be here tomorrow around noon.
JESS
Does he need to be picked up from somewhere?
KATARINA
(hasn’t thought about this) No, he can walk to our house from the station.
JESS
(distracted) Great. All right, adding boyfriend back in… Morten, right?
KATARINA
(smiles) Yes.
JESS
Refiguring the seating chart… It’s only 20 guests – 21 now – but it still needs to be right, you know?
RACHEL
I look forward to meeting him.
KATARINA
Yeah. It’s still quite new. Met when I was filming in Stavanger. He’s a steadicam operator. I like him.
(Exits highway for smaller road)
RACHEL
Suppose he understands your job then.
KATARINA
Yeah. Workplace romance. Trite, I suppose. (slight laugh)
(slows down, turns into residential area)
RACHEL
No, I think it’s nice. So many people meet through work. You spend so much time there, there’s bound to be sparks flying sometimes.
KATARINA
Yeah. You’re right.
JESS
Did you get the napkins I ordered?
KATARINA
(slight laugh) I don’t know, we put everything you ordered in a big pile in the basement, I didn’t dare open anything.
(RACHEL laughs)
JESS
Oh. (makes note) All right, that works.
(turns onto driveway, car stops)
KATARINA
We’re here. (Pulls parking brake)
(seatbelts being unfastened, OLIVIA starts whining, KATARINA and JESS get out of the car and close their doors, JESS footsteps around car, KATARINA to house, climbs outdoor stairs, unlocks and opens front door during following)
RACHEL
(very softly) Hey Liv, it’s all right, mama’s here (carseat belt unsnapping, RACHEL pulls OLIVIA to her, OLIVIA whines, other car pulls up and parks nearby, MAIA, BRI, TIA and KIRSTEN get out, boot is opened, bags start getting unloaded during following)
(Two parallel conversations going on here, one in background, one in foreground)
KIRSTEN
(distant) Let me help you with that-
JESS
(opens car door for RACHEL) You two all right on your own? I need to go check everything.
MAIA
(distant) I’ve got this-
RACHEL
We’ll be fine.
MAIA
(distant, continues) -you can grab the garment bags maybe?
(JESS walks quickly toward house, RACHEL gets out of car with OLIVIA, closes car door carefully)
RACHEL
Oh! Actually, could you-
TIA
(distant) I’ve got them!
RACHEL
(small sigh) Right. (OLIVIA whines, RACHEL bounces her gently) Shh, everything’s all right.
KIRSTEN
(distant) OK, I’ll carry this one.
(Car 2 boot closed)
BRI
(walking up, softly) Hey Rachel. Need anything?
RACHEL
(tired smile) Could you take Liv, please? I have to grab some stuff.
BRI
Course. (takes OLIVIA, who whines a little, starts bouncing her gently, speaks very softly) Hey Liv, it’s all right, auntie Bri (Bree) is here.
(RACHEL opens boot of car 1 and starts rummaging in bags)
MAIA
(passes with bags, low voice) Everything all right?
BRI
(gently) Yes. (smiles) Think Liv’s asleep again.
TIA
(passes with garment bags, smiles, low voice) We’ll be quiet as mice.
(MAIA and TIA walk to house)
KIRSTEN
(comes up with bag, smiles) So sweet. (to RACHEL) Let me take that for you. (takes garment bags)
RACHEL
Thank you. (Grabs other bags, closes car boot 1 gently) You all right carrying Liv, Bri (Bree)?
BRI
(smiles) Yeah, of course.
RACHEL
(small tired sigh) All right, let’s go in.
(RACHEL, BRI carrying OLIVIA and KIRSTEN walk toward house)
KIRSTEN
I’ve made up a bed for you and Jessica in my study, with a mattress for Olivia, so you can go straight to bed if you like, you must be exhausted…
(Fade out)
Scene 6.2
(INT. Kirsten’s house. Morning. Faint voices of JESS and KIRSTEN and bustle from kitchen. RACHEL yawns, opens door of study and walks into kitchen.)
JESS
(high energy) Morning! My beautiful bride-to-be! (quick kiss) I have to run – Kirsten and I are picking up the flowers.
KIRSTEN
There’s coffee in the pot, Katarina will show you.
JESS
All right, let’s go! (puts on shoes, grabs purse) Rache, can you help Ina with the napkins?
RACHEL
(sleepy and confused) Sure.
KIRSTEN
(as she is putting on shoes) For breakfast – have whatever you like from the fridge.
JESS
(opens front door, yells on her way out) Just don’t touch the wedding food! Love you!
(KIRSTEN and JESS leave, door closes)
RACHEL
(quietly) Love you.
(KATARINA comes walking up the stairs, humming Beyonce’s ‘Crazy in Love’, carrying a box)
KATARINA
(stops humming, smiles) Good morning Rachel. You all right?
RACHEL
I… Where is everyone? (suddenly stressed) Where is Liv?
KATARINA
Bri (Bree) took her out in the stroller. Don’t worry! (beat) Maia and Tia are picking up the cake.
RACHEL
(confused) Won’t that- They don’t speak Swedish.
KATARINA
Eh. Everyone speaks English, they’ll be fine. (beat) And you met Jess and my mother on their way out.
RACHEL
Yeah. Jess said something about napkins?
KATARINA
(small laugh) Here they are! (starts walking toward kitchen) Come get some breakfast first.
RACHEL
(follows KATARINA) Thank you.
KATARINA
(sets down box on counter) Coffee?
RACHEL
Yes please! (sits down on high stool by counter)
KATARINA
(takes out mug, pours coffee) Milk?
RACHEL
Black is fine.
KATARINA
(sets down mug in front of RACHEL) Did you sleep all right?
RACHEL
(about to say yes) Ye- No. I really didn’t. (small laugh) Jetlag and Liv being restless… Probably why I slept in. (sips coffee)
KATARINA
No wonder! You must be completely lost in time. Twelve hours time difference is a lot…
RACHEL
Yeah. (smiles) Jess doesn’t seem affected, though.
KATARINA
Oh, she’s running on pure adrenaline.
RACHEL
(laughs) You’re right. She’s going to crash so hard when it’s all over.
KATARINA
(smiles) Yes. (smiles) But you’ll have a few days to rest up after the wedding… Speaking of Jess, I should get started on those napkins. And we should get *you* some breakfast. (walks over to fridge, opens it) What would you like? We have some cinnamon buns that I got for Jess. Or we have cereal, muesli, yoghurt, milk, juice, toast, jam, cheese, fruit, um, there is bacon and eggs, too, if you like?
RACHEL
(queasy from lack of sleep, slight grunt) Um, I think coffee’s enough for now. Maybe later?
KATARINA
(closes fridge) Of course! Why don’t you just sit there with your coffee and keep me company while I fold?
RACHEL
I can help.
KATARINA
(laughs) Jess would tear us both to shreds if we got coffee stains on these! (sits down on high stool by counter next to RACHEL)
RACHEL
(smiles) You’re right. (sips coffee)
KATARINA
(gets out pile of napkins and a piece of paper, starts slowly folding while checking instructions, mumbles in Swedish) Ett till tre och fyra till…
RACHEL
(sips coffee) Looks complicated.
KATARINA
(still folding, distracted) Mm. I’m getting there. Jess wants the napkins to look like butterflies, and she found these instructions online, but I haven’t tried them before… (makes two more folds, holds up butterfly napkin) Ah! There! See?
RACHEL
Oh, that is beautiful! (beat) I love butterflies.
KATARINA
That’s probably why.
RACHEL
(touched) Yeah. I- (beat) I haven’t been that involved in the planning. It all happened so quickly, and I was busy with Liv, and work…
KATARINA
(folding next napkin, quicker now) Jess kind of ran with the planning, huh?
RACHEL
Yes. (smiles) She’s really good at organizing.
KATARINA
(folding) She is. But she can be a bit of a… (stops folding) steamroller? Is that the right word?
RACHEL
(slight laugh) Yes. That *is* the right word. (sighs) Jess figured out that we *could* get married in Sweden, and your mum offered to host the wedding, and I said that sounded great, and all of a sudden there’s a date and plane tickets and guests and an officiant and crates of champagne and… (short barking laugh) butterfly napkins. I guess I haven’t quite caught up, that’s all.
KATARINA
(gently) Makes sense. You should go for a walk or something, to… catch up with yourself, maybe?
RACHEL
(smiles) That sounds great. I’ll help you with the napkins first, though! (drinks the last sip of coffee and puts mug further away on counter, takes napkin from pile) Can you show me?
KATARINA
Absolutely. (takes napkin from pile, starts showing RACHEL) So you start here, and then… Yes, that’s right. And then you turn it over – no, other way, there, and-
RACHEL
(at the same time, folding) Oh!…. OK… (slight laugh)… Right.
(During previous, footsteps up outdoor stairs, knock on front door, door opens)
MORTEN
(in Norwegian, distant) Noen hjemme? Ina?
(RACHEL gets up and refills coffee mug, sips)
KATARINA
(happy but surprised) Morten! (gets up, walks quickly to front door, quick kiss, distant, in Swedish) Hej! Jag trodde du skulle komma vid 12?
MORTEN
(distant, in Norwegian) Jeg savnet deg. Kan jeg gå å legge meg? Jeg sov ikke i går natt.
KATARINA
(distant, in Swedish, surprised) Javisst, men kom och träffa Rachel först.
MORTEN
(distant, in Norwegian, reluctant) OK.
(KATARINA and MORTEN walk over to kitchen)
KATARINA
Everyone else is out doing errands, but this is Rachel, one of the brides-to-be. Rachel, this is Morten, my boyfriend.
RACHEL
(warmly) Nice to meet you.
MORTEN
(uncomfortable) OK.
KATARINA
So why didn’t you sleep last night?
MORTEN
Diablo II.
KATARINA
O-K… Well, you’d better get some sleep now. Come along. (to RACHEL) Rachel, you could have some breakfast if you want?
RACHEL
Thanks, I think I will.
(KATARINA and MORTEN walk to guest room, close door behind them. RACHEL opens fridge)
RACHEL
(mutters) Milk, milk… where’s the milk? (picks up carton, reads)
“mjölk” maybe?
(During previous, footsteps up outdoor stairs, door bursts open, BRI runs in carrying OLIVIA.)
BRI
(stressed) Right, Liv, here’s the toilet, let me help you- Yikes! (small giggle from OLIVIA, calls) Jess? Rache? Need some help in here!
RACHEL
(replaces carton, closes fridge quickly, very small sigh) I’m coming! (walks quickly toward WC)
BRI
Grab some towels! No, Liv, wait-
(Cut)
Scene 6.3
(INT. Kirsten’s bedroom, late morning. Sound of people bustling in other parts of the house. RACHEL is standing in front of a mirror fiddling with her hair. MAIA and TIA are looking out the open window at the garden spot where the wedding ceremony will take place.)
TIA
Such a beautiful day for a wedding!
MAIA
Yes! I love that flower-arch-thing now it’s up.
TIA
(laughs) Well it was a pain to set up, but looks very sturdy now, thanks to you. (beat) Oh, look, some guest are starting to arrive!
MAIA
Wow, they’re… 40 minutes early.
RACHEL
(stressed) What? Already?
MAIA
No worries, Rachel. (slight laugh) They seem happy enough to just sit in the sun.
RACHEL
(stressed) All right. Better close that window, though.
MAIA
Sure. (closes window)
TIA
(happy) Maia, I love this! Everyone’s so happy!
MAIA
(smiles) Yeah. It’s a good energy.
TIA
(low voice) Maybe we should think about it too?
MAIA
(smiles) Tia. Are you proposing to me after eight years?
TIA
(smiles) And what if I am?
MAIA
Well, what if I accepted?
TIA
We would have to live happily ever after!
MAIA
I like that plan.
RACHEL
(hasn’t been listening, frustrated, throws brush on table) Argh. Bloody hair.
TIA
You need help, Rachel?
RACHEL
(stressed) Yes!
MAIA
Want me to get-
RACHEL
(interrupts, stressed) No, she’s helping Jess.
TIA
I can give it a go.
RACHEL
(stressed) Thank you. It keeps sticking up, right there.
(TIA takes a few steps over to RACHEL, MAIA sits down on bed)
TIA
(fiddles with hair, a little hairspray) There. Is that better?
RACHEL
(stressed, looks in mirror, surprised) Yes. (stressed smile) Thanks, Tia. Right. Think I’m done. Do I look all right?
TIA
(teary-eyed with joy) You look wonderful, Rachel.
MAIA
(teary-eyed with joy) Absolutely radiant.
RACHEL
(stressed) I can’t get my necklace right, it keeps going crooked. (fiddles with necklace)
TIA
Your necklace is perfect.
MAIA
(concerned) It is. Are *you* all right?
RACHEL
I-
(knock on door, KIRSTEN pops head in, excited and rushed) Rachel! The officiant is here! (small giggle) She’s carrying a a plastic grocery bag for some reason, but who cares? Thirty minutes ‘til ‘I do’! (closes door, footsteps to study)
MAIA
(calls) OK, thanks.
(RACHEL starts pacing back and forth)
KIRSTEN
(distant, opens study door) Jess! The officiant is here!
JESS
(distant, happy but rushed) Great! Did you move those yellow flowers?
KIRSTEN
(distant) I’ll do it now! Thirty minutes to go!
KATARINA
(calls, distant) Thanks! (to JESS) Sit still, Jess! I’m not done- (rest of sentence is muffled and unintelligible)
(KIRSTEN closes door again)
TIA
Rachel. Is something wrong? (sits down on chair)
MAIA
Come sit.
RACHEL
(sits down on bed next to MAIA, stressed) I… I don’t know. I’m just so… (doesn’t know how to continue)
MAIA
Hey, it’s all right. We’re here.
TIA
Whatever it is, we will help you. (smiles) Need a getaway car?
(RACHEL laughs a little)
MAIA
(smiles) We could whisk you away right now, no-one would ever know!
RACHEL
(smiles) Thank you. I- (beat) I am so glad you two are here (almost in tears)
TIA
(serious) Of course. We couldn’t *not* be here.
MAIA
(serious) We’re family.
(RACHEL starts to cry)
TIA
You know you can tell us anything.
MAIA
Want me to get Jess?
RACHEL
(emphasis) No! I- (can’t get the rest out, small sob)
TIA
(gently) OK.
MAIA
(gently) Is something wrong with you and Jess?
(RACHEL sobs, can’t get words out)
TIA
We’re in your corner, all right?
(knock on door, BRI pops head in)
BRI
Could one of you take Olivia for a bit? I need to touch up my make-up. (OLIVIA giggling, running in corridor, BRI turns, calls) Liv! Stay- (slight groan, then runs after OLIVIA)
TIA
(gets up) I’ll go. I’ll tell them to leave you two alone until the ceremony. OK?
BRI
(distant) Don’t run away from your auntie Bri (Bree)! (lifts OLIVIA up high in the air, she giggles) Wheee!
MAIA
Yeah. Thank you, love.
(TIA walks to door, closes it, walks down corridor)
TIA
(distant, smiles) Hi Liv! I’ve got you. Let’s go look at the pretty flowers! (OLIVIA giggles, footsteps to outside, front door is open)
BRI
(distant) Thanks, Tia! (distant footsteps to study, door opening)
JESS
(distant, bappy and rushed) Bri (Bree)! Did you- (rest of sentence is muffled and unintelligible as door closes)
MAIA
(deep breath) All right. Rachel. I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me.
RACHEL
(deep shaky breath) I don’t know! (small sob) I’m so stressed, and this is all such a… production… And Jess is so (voice breaks) excited (big sob).
MAIA
Sounds like you are very stressed. Have you been sleeping?
RACHEL
No! Bloody jetlag! (laugh-sob)
MAIA
Yeah. It’s been rough for me too, but I don’t have a two-year-old.
RACHEL
(sighs) Liv’s been… not sleeping. And I’ve been the one waking up, mostly. Still, she’s doing much better than me. I… Maia, I feel so lost! (small sob)
MAIA
Aw, come here. (rustle of sitting-down side-hug) You are sleep-deprived in a new country in a house packed with people you don’t know trying to take care of a child while organizing a wedding. No wonder you feel lost. I think anyone would.
RACHEL
(laugh-sob) You have a point.
MAIA
(gently) Are you and Jess having problems?
RACHEL
(beat) No. Not really. She’s so caught up in all *this* that she can’t talk about anything else, but… That will pass. (small sob)
MAIA
It will. (beat) You still love Jess?
RACHEL
Of course.
MAIA
And do you want to marry her?
RACHEL
(beat) Yes. But. (sob) Not like this. It doesn’t feel like *me*.
MAIA
All right. (beat) Do you want me to call it off?
RACHEL
No! That would- I don’t want to hurt Jess like that.
MAIA
OK. That means doing a Runaway Bride is out too.
RACHEL
(shaky smile) Yes. Awful film.
MAIA
It is. (gently) So what are we going to do?
RACHEL
I- I always pictured us getting married on the beach. In jandals and shorts, maybe a BBQ, you know, casual. And (voice breaks) my family would be there. (sob)
MAIA
Yeah. Shame none of them could make it.
RACHEL
They really tried, but it was kind of short notice, and- (voice breaks) I thought I was OK with that, but… (small voice) I just want my mama. (cries)
MAIA
(compassionate) Of course you do. I’m so sorry, Rachel.
RACHEL
(shaky) Yeah. Thanks.
MAIA
(thinks) How about this. You and Jess marry today, in all your finery, and with the butterfly napkins, and the seating plan, and the fine champagne, and the corsages, and the who-knows-what, and *then* you tell Jess that you want a BBQ wedding on the beach back home in Auckland with all your friends and family this summer?
RACHEL
(beat) Yes. I would love that. We could skip the ceremony and go straight for the party!
MAIA
And the best part is, I get to go to both!
RACHEL
(small laugh) That is perfect. (deep breath) Thank you Maia. It was all muddled in my head and I couldn’t figure out why I was so miserable.
MAIA
You are most welcome. And if you change your mind, there’s always that getaway car!
(BOTH laugh)
RACHEL
Good to know. (beat) I must look a mess. (gets up, walks to mirror)
MAIA
You look wonderful.
RACHEL
Just a little tear-stained. Or a lot.(opens small jar, dabs on concealer)
MAIA
Eh. Everyone cries on their wedding day. Practically mandatory.
RACHEL
(smiles) Well, good thing I got that out of the way then. (pats on some powder, turns to MAIA) There. How’s that?
MAIA
Perfect.
(knock on door)
TIA
(subdued) It’s me, Tia. Can I come in?
MAIA
Yes!
TIA
(opens door, a little uncertain) They want you out there in five minutes Rachel. Are you ready?
RACHEL
(smiles) Yes. Yes I am.
(Cut)
Scene 6.4
(INT. Hotel room, very late at night. RACHEL and JESS are just opening the door with a key card that beeps, and are walking in, elated, giggling and a little bit tipsy.)
RACHEL
-speech was so beautiful.
JESS
It was. I mean, she is a pro, but she made me cry all the happy tears. (starts taking out pins and flowers from hair)
RACHEL
Her new boyfriend, though… (sits down on bed)
JESS
(laughs) Yeah. Bit weird, right?
RACHEL
Did you see him during dinner? (takes off necklace)
JESS
No!
RACHEL
He was snoring! Had to poke him! Multiple times!
(BOTH laugh)
JESS
I don’t think she’s serious about him.
RACHEL
No. She’ll be all right. (takes off shoes, sigh of relief) Great to be out of these shoes!
JESS
(smiles) Yeah, my feet are certainly feeling all of that dancing. (takes off shoes) Shirin’s guy seemed nice, though.
RACHEL
Bit quiet, but yeah, nice.
JESS
And Emma’s got a new job in TV, she was super excited.
RACHEL
I hardly got to talk to her, that is great! Do you think Liv’s all right? (brushes hair)
JESS
By now I think she is fast asleep after way too much candy.
RACHEL
(laughs) You are probably right. Bri (Bree) spoils her rotten.
JESS
As is her auntly privilege.
RACHEL
(smiles) Absolutely. Oh! Did you hear? Maia and Tia are planning a wedding too!
JESS
Wait, how did I miss this wonderful news? (takes off jewelry)
RACHEL
Apparently they decided when we were getting ready, I was too wrapped up in myself to notice.
JESS
I love that. Another wedding to go to!
RACHEL
Yes! They’re skipping the legal stuff so it’ll be in Auckland somewhere.
JESS
(joins RACHEL on bed) So much happiness.
RACHEL
And us.
JESS
And us. I am so lucky to be married to you. (They kiss)
RACHEL
Feel like I’m the lucky one. (wry smile) Can’t believe I almost didn’t go through with it.
JESS
(oblivious) With what, love?
RACHEL
The wedding.
JESS
(shocked) What-
(Cut)
Scene 6.5
NARRATOR
Thank you for listening to Y2K: Take 2. This episode was written and directed by Karin Heimdahl with sound design by Emmett Moon. Our intro and outro music is created and recorded by Jake Haws, listen to his podcast “Making Music with Jake Haws” to hear more. This episode featured Felicity Boyd as Rachel, Shekendra Morgan as Maia, Janis Westin as Kat[slash]Ina (EE-na), Karin Heimdahl as Jess, Sam Yeow as Tia, Charlotte Norup as Kirsten, Lorcan Annie Sherry as Bri (Bree) and Dan Frøskeland as Morten. The drama school director was Sarah Golding, and the narrator Emma Laslett. For more information, please go to Y2Kpod.com or find us on social media @Y2Kpod If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/Y2Kpod Please join us again next month when we meet Tammi in 2018.
DIRECTOR
(claps hands) All right, thank you everyone. That’s a wrap for today!
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000” – instrumental)
Episode 7: Tammi – age 19 – Paris – July 2018
Scene 7.0
DIRECTOR
Places, please. We’ll try again everyone. Right. Whenever you’re ready – Take 2.
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000” – instrumental)
NARRATOR
Episode 7. Welcome to the year 2018. Paris, France. Tammi is 19 years old.
Scene 7.1
(INT. Tammi’s bedroom, she is asleep. Rushed footsteps, door opens, HEATHER enters)
HEATHER
(rushed) Rise and shine, Tammi! (opens blind at speed)
TAMMI
(sleepy and angry) What?
HEATHER
(cheerful) You’ve got mail! (throws letters to TAMMI in bed) You really have to decide on college this week, you’re already overdue on some of the offers.
TAMMI
(mutters) S’early. Go away.
HEATHER
Not happening. We’ve let you have *weeks* of staying up all night and sleeping in all day, it really is time you start seeing some daylight.
TAMMI
(whines) But it hurts my eyes…
HEATHER
(laughs) You are turning into a vampire, Tammi! C’mon, get up!
TAMMI
Moooooom!
HEATHER
College! Now!
TAMMI
(grumpily sits up) It’s called university.
HEATHER
(laughs) Whatever it’s called, pick one! And let them know!
TAMMI
(pulls on sweatpants, stands up, affectionately) I hate you.
HEATHER
(on her way out, cheerful) Hate you too! I have to run – see you tonight! (quick footsteps)
MAGNUS
(distant, calls) Heather! You have time for pancakes before you go?
HEATHER
(distant, calls) Sorry darling, have to run!
MAGNUS
(distant, calls) OK, have a good day, love you!
HEATHER
(distant, calls) Love you! (apartment front door opens and closes, distant steps in hallway)
TAMMI
(sits down on bed again, groans, lies back down) Ahhhh…
(hurried steps back, front door opens, hurried steps to other room)
HEATHER
(distant, calls) Hi again darlings, it’s just me, forgot my briefcase! (in TAMMI’s doorway) Don’t go back to sleep again, Tammi, OK? (off again)
TAMMI
(sits back up) I’m up. (beat) I’m up…
(quick footsteps, apartment front closes, distant steps in hallway)
TAMMI
(sighs) Ugh. (gathers up pile of letters from bed and stuffs them into her bag, mutters sleepily) Deal with these later… (groans, lies back down) Ahhhh…
MAGNUS
(distant, calls, cheerful) Tammi! Pancakes!
TAMMI
(sits back up) Ugh.
MAGNUS
(distant, calls) Tammi?
TAMMI
(slowly gets up and starts walking out of room, still tired, calls) Coming, dad!
(Fade out)
Scene 7.2
EXT. City café outdoor seating. Early evening. TAMMI, LOU and PUCK are drinking beer and talking. Murmured conversations in background (French), some traffic nearby.
TAMMI
-and then I cast Enlarge on our Paladin so *they* could fight the giant and said ‘don’t embarrass yourself in front of the wizards’!
(ALL laugh)
PUCK
Tammi! Why didn’t I think of that?
LOU
It’s genius. It’s kind of like when you cast reduce on that volcano, Puck!
TAMMI
(laughs) Tiny lava so cute!
PUCK
(smiles) Ah, you flatter me Lou.
LOU
Only when you deserve it. (sighs) Can’t believe high school is over.
PUCK
R.I.P Dragonfire Siblinghood?
TAMMI
No! We’ll still play! We’ve got weeks left this summer, and there’ll be holidays when we’ll all be back here, and… Discord! People play on Discord!
LOU
That is actually a brilliant idea. (gets out their phone, clicks) Create new server… OK… ‘Dragonfire Siblinghood’… Yes… OK… OK… There we go. Done and dusted.
PUCK
Perfect. The sun will shine on us again!
(LOU and TAMMI laugh)
TAMMI
Yay!(sighs)
PUCK
You OK, Tammi?
TAMMI
My mom ’s on my case again.
LOU
University?
TAMMI
Oh yeah. (sighs) Apparently I cannot spend the rest of my life sleeping. (sips)
LOU
(small smile) Well that is just unreasonable.
TAMMI
That’s what *I* said.
PUCK
Same for me. Part of my morning routine. Get yelled at about the future at 7 am, check. Go back to sleep at 7.15. Check.
TAMMI
(at the same time as last word) Check!
(ALL laugh a little)
TAMMI
Ugh. Wish they would stop obsessing so much about our futures.
PUCK
Yeah. Don’t they get that after – what is it? – twelve years of school we are TIRED?
LOU
Longer – I started when I was five!
TAMMI
Oh, yeah, you start early in Canada. I was six, I think. So thirteen years – fourteen for you!
PUCK
(dramatically) I can’t even *remember* how many years I’ve spent in school.
(TAMMI and LOU laugh)
PUCK
(continues, smiles) Well. No wonder we’re exhausted.
LOU
Well. (sheepishly) I know where I’m going now.
TAMMI
(same time as PUCK) What?
PUCK
(same time as TAMMI) Where?
LOU
(sighs) My dads made me decide yesterday. I’m staying right here. (sips)
TAMMI
(in French) Sciences Po?
LOU
Yup.
PUCK
(whistles) You really are faking this whole slacker thing you know, Lou!
LOU
(smiles) I can be multi-faceted.
PUCK
(smiles) Fair enough. (beat) You feel OK about it?
LOU
I suppose. (sighs) Oh, it’ll be fascinating, and I’ll learn a lot, and get a great job once I’m done et cetera, but… So much *work*.
PUCK
From that place – you could be president of France one day. You want that?
LOU
(doubtful) Maybe? Or just a diplomat in a quiet corner somewhere. Like your mom, Tammi.
TAMMI
Yeah. Not sure I’d describe Paris as a quiet corner, though! (sips)
LOU
That’s true. (thinks) Ugh. We should have organized a gap year or something.
TAMMI
Yes – a gap year of DnD, drinking beer and sleeping late – you think there’s a program for that?
PUCK
(laughs) There should be! That would be the best gap year ever!
LOU
(laughs) It would!
TAMMI
And the only task would be to write and run a year-long campaign.
PUCK
Yes!
LOU
And no dusty lecture halls – *this* would be our HQ!
TAMMI
Perfect! (laughs a little, then sighs) Instead I have to decide which of these dull universities to attend…
PUCK
It might have helped if we’d been more serious when we applied.
LOU
It all felt so distant, then. Like a hazy dream.
TAMMI
Yeah.
PUCK
And now we’re here… Ugh. (sips)
LOU
Unfortunately. (beat) All right. I am going to help you two. (takes out their phone) Let’s make a list.
TAMMI
(doubtful) A list of what?
LOU
Let’s start with you, Tammi. What choices do you have left?
(TAMMI sighs)
PUCK
(sips) You said your mother threw a bunch of letters at you this morning.
TAMMI
Yeah. (sighs, digs in her bag, brings out a stack of envelopes) Now what?
LOU
Open them.
TAMMI
Do I have to?
LOU
How else will you find out what’s in them?
PUCK
Mind meld?
TAMMI
(laughs a little) I wish…
LOU
Tammi.
TAMMI
(sighs) Very well. (opens one, mutters) “Reply online by June 30th to secure your place…” (tosses aside) Too late for that one. (opens new letter) “We look forward to your acknowledgement by July 5th”, too late for that, too… (tosses aside, opens another) July 23rd, that could work… (puts on table, opens another) June 15th – ha! (tosses aside, opens another)… August – eons of time (puts on table, opens another) August again… (puts on table, opens another) June – nope (tosses aside, opens another) July 25th – OK (puts on table, opens another) and this one seems I responded to already… (puts on table)
PUCK
(wry smile) See? You did do *something*.
TAMMI
(slightly sarcastic) Yay me! (sips)
LOU
(grabs pile from table) Let’s see what we have here… (shuffles papers) D’accord… Flinders University… in… Adelaide… Australia, that’s cool.
TAMMI
I guess.
PUCK
Oh! (grabs paper from LOU) Canada! I’ve always wanted to go to Canada!
LOU
(smiles) You can come along when I visit my grandparents sometime.
PUCK
Yes please!
LOU
Deal. Where in Canada?
PUCK
(reads) University of (slight stumble) Saskatchewan. Mm.
LOU
Never been. Heard good things, though.
TAMMI
That’s good I guess. (sips)
PUCK
(keeps reading, a little surprised) Archeology?
TAMMI
(sheepishly) Yeah, so… I’d been watching a lot of Discovery Channel…
LOU
Oh… (surprised) And the Australian one is for (beat) Palaeontology? (shuffles papers again)
PUCK
What even is that?
LOU
Dinosaurs?
TAMMI
(more sheepishly) More or less. Again. Discovery Channel. Besides. I mean… Dinosaurs are basically dragons without wings, right? Dragons are cool.
PUCK
They sure are. As are bowties.
(TAMMI laughs, PUCK and TAMMI clink glasses and sip)
LOU
(goes through papers, slightly distracted) Oh, absolutely. Here’s one in the UK… Birmingham… (paper rustles) Palaeontology and Geology…
PUCK
Where is Birmingham, exactly?
TAMMI
England somewhere.
PUCK
Hm. That could be good.
TAMMI
I guess.
LOU
(reading, papers rustling slightly) This one has an ‘International year’, whatever that means.
TAMMI
Year abroad somewhere I think. That could be fun?
PUCK
Yeah. (shuffles papers they’re holding) I’ve got another one (questioningly) University of (beat) Lund? Where’s that?
TAMMI
Sweden. (sighs)
LOU
Back to the father tongue? (doubtful) Is your Swedish good enough for that?
TAMMI
(small snort) Not sure. My dad wanted me to apply.
PUCK
Right. This one’s ‘Technical Geology’. Starting to see a pattern here.
TAMMI
(smiles) Yeah.
PUCK
(recites song lyric) ‘let’s do it like they do on the Discovery Channel’?
TAMMI
(laughs) Exactly!
LOU
(small laugh) And the final one iiiiiiiiiis (draws out word as they shuffle papers) right *here*. American University Paris. Hm. ‘Environmental Studies’. That’s a bit of an outlier.
TAMMI
My mom wanted me to have the choice of staying here. They didn’t have that many programs to choose from.
LOU
Unless you studied in French. You’d have a ton of options.
TAMMI
I know. My French is OK, but… Seems like even more work.
LOU
(admiringly) Queen of avoiding work, you are.
TAMMI
Hey! King, if I may.
LOU
Of course. Votre majesté.
(ALL laugh, they clink glasses)
TAMMI
Cheers. (sips)
PUCK
(sips, beat) OK. So to summarize: we’ve got rocks, ruins and dinosaurs, some of them in a combo. Any we can eliminate right away?
TAMMI
Sweden.
LOU
All right. (puts one paper aside)
TAMMI
And… here, I think.
(disappointed reaction from LOU)
TAMMI
(continues) Much as I’d love to stay in the same city as you, Lou, I just don’t think I’d have fun at that school. Since I *have* to do this university thing I’d like to go somewhere new.
LOU
(pretend-sob, puts one paper aside, then smile) I get it. You’re leaving me here (jokingly dramatic) all alone….
TAMMI
We haven’t tackled Puck’s list yet, maybe they’re staying here?
PUCK
Nope. Nothing on my *huge* long list of – (pretend-cough) two – options are in Paris.
LOU
(sighs) So I really will be all alone. I will miss you both so much.
TAMMI
(sighs) I will miss you too. But we’ll still hang out on Discord.
PUCK
We will. But… Aah. I don’t even want to think about it.
LOU
(new breath) So let’s not. Right. Canada, Australia or England. Pros and cons, go!
TAMMI
Um. Australia has the best weather of the three I think.
PUCK
Yeah, but also huge-ass spiders.
LOU
Ew. (beat) England’s nearby.
TAMMI
That a pro or a con?
LOU
(small laugh) Depends I suppose.
PUCK
Canada just seems so… interesting.
LOU
Thank you?
TAMMI
Agreed! Though pretty much everything I know is from you Lou, or watching ‘Frontier’, and that’s not exactly comprehensive.
LOU
(smiles) Also Frontier is fiction. Right. This isn’t getting us anywhere. Time for some Google Fu. Puck, you do Canada-
PUCK
(enthusiastic) Yes!
LOU
-Tammi, Australia, and I’ll take England.
(EVERYONE gets out their phones, and in the exchange below vary between mumbling almost to themselves as they read, and speaking louder to the others)
TAMMI
Um…
PUCK
All right… (silently types on phone, mumbles in Dutch) Even kijken wat moest ik hebben… University of Sas- Sas- (in Dutch) Hoe spel je dat?
LOU
Okidoki…
PUCK
(paper rustle as they check spelling) How do you spell that?
LOU
(types on phone) University of Birmingham…
PUCK
Ah yeah, Saskatchewan… Um-hm… Yeah… (in Dutch) Dit kan ik overslaan… Dat is oke…
TAMMI
Adelaide… 22 000 students…
LOU
(in French) 28 000 etudiants…
PUCK
(reads) “Join 25,700 students from 130 countries around the world.” That’s nice.
LOU
Study… “challenging enquiring minds” yeah all right…
PUCK
Right. (mutters, in Dutch) Waar moet ik zien? Zijn naam kan geen schone zijn… Wat is de lay-out…
LOU
Undergraduate study… (mutters, in French) Où est-ce que c’est ca…
PUCK
(mutters) Undergraduate programs… Environment and Health Sciences… Archaeology…
TAMMI
Um…
PUCK
(to TAMMI) Hm, they have Palaeobiology too – is that different from Palaeontology?
TAMMI
(distracted) Guess I didn’t see that. And, I don’t know.
PUCK
There’s a picture of a dinosaur skeleton here, so at a guess not too different. Um. But that’s not what I need….
LOU
Cherchez… OOOOO-kay (types) ‘Geology’ – can’t spell the other one…
TAMMI
…Study at Adelaide… Undergraduate… Find… (types) Palaeon- damn, I can’t spell it either! (paper rustles as she checks)
LOU
Here we go, Palaeontology and Geology…
TAMMI
-tology…
PUCK
Here… Archeology.
TAMMI
“one of the most comprehensive palaeontology curricula in the world”
PUCK
(reads) “focuses on the past peoples of western Canada and the broader Circumpolar North”…
TAMMI
Hm. Sounds like work.
LOU
(reads) “rigorous training in palaeontology”…
PUCK
“excavation of archaeological sites” Hey, this sounds pretty interesting!
LOU
Oh! “rich fossil collections” – you interested in fossils, Tammi?
TAMMI
Sure…. Oh! I remember this – very cool field trips! Kangaroo Island…
PUCK
It’s in Saskatoon, which is (clicks) right in the middle of Canada, sort of.
LOU
(laughs) That’s funny, ‘cause Birmingham is pretty much in the middle of England.
TAMMI
Well, Adelaide is vaguely in the middle of Australia in terms of east to west – though more east – but very much on the southern coast.
PUCK
That means it’s not so hot, right, more temperate?
TAMMI
I guess.
PUCK
Saskatoon is pretty small, population about 250 000.
TAMMI
Adelaide is big – population’s way over a million, 1.2.
LOU
Yeah, Birmingham is around there, too. 1.1. (beat) So. Tammi. Any of this helpful?
TAMMI
Gah. Hearing all this they all seem like so much… work.
PUCK
Should have applied for something easier.
TAMMI
Like what? University seems like a depressing amount of work no matter what you study.
LOU
You have a point. And at least you are interested in these subjects.
TAMMI
(smiles) Or I was when I applied. But am sure I could be again.
PUCK
So *now* let’s look up the important facts – do they have active RPG groups or clubs? What forums are there for players to find groups?
TAMMI
Ooooh, yes! Now we’re talking!
LOU
OK, let’s check that out too!
(Everyone is back on their phones, some phone handling, mumbling)
TAMMI
(reads) Adelaide Uni RPG Club…
PUCK
(reads) Saskatoon Game Store… Looking for RPG groups…
LOU
(reads) Role Players Guild Birmingham…
TAMMI
(reads) Adelaide Roleplaying Community…
LOU
(reads) RPG groups in Birmingham…
TAMMI
(reads) Games World South Australia…
PUCK
(reads) Saskatoon RPG Discord…
LOU
(reads) UK Games Expo Birmingham…
PUCK
(reads) Saskatoon International RPG Day…
PUCK
(same time as TAMMI and LOU) There’s a lot!
LOU
(same time as TAMMI and PUCK) Very cool!
TAMMI
(same time as PUCK and LOU) This is great!
(ALL laugh)
LOU
Seems they’re all pretty good.
TAMMI
Yeah.
PUCK
Hey. We are doing this all wrong. We’re role players, yes?
LOU
Your point being?
PUCK
Dice!
TAMMI
Dice? (realizes) Diiiice. Right. (laughs)
LOU
(laughs) Of course. Ready to roll, Tammi?
TAMMI
Um… Oh why not. But you cannot tell anyone. Deal?
PUCK and LOU
Deal!
TAMMI
(gets out her dice bag) What do you think? D6?
PUCK
D20. Classic. Wait, no, needs to be divisible with 3 – D12?
TAMMI
Yeah that works. (gets out die)
LOU
OK. Give me that napkin. (TAMMI hands over napkin, LOU grabs pen, clicks it, and writes) So, 1-4 – Adelaide, 5-8 – Birmingham and 9-12 – Saskatoon.
PUCK
May the odds be ever in your favor.
TAMMI
(laughs) Thank you. (deep breath, rolls die on table) Seven. What was-
LOU
Birmingham!
TAMMI
Birmingham. (beat) Yeah. OK. (grabs die and slowly puts it back in dice bag)
LOU
Congratulations?
TAMMI
(slight laugh) Thank you. (beat, a little surprised) Feels really good.
LOU
We can visit you and go to the UK Games Expo!
TAMMI
(smiles) Brilliant.
PUCK
OK, my turn.
LOU
So what *are* your choices, Puck?
PUCK
Just the two. Architecture in Amsterdam or Architecture in the US. Cornell.
TAMMI
(surprised) Architecture?
PUCK
Yeah. Think so. I like floorplans.
LOU
I’m more surprised about Cornell – that’s a big deal, right?
PUCK
It kind of is. My parents practically threw a party when they found out. But Amsterdam’s really good too.
TAMMI
Right. So either in Dutch or in English then?
PUCK
Yes.
LOU
Shall we google?
PUCK
(takes out dice bag, picks out die) Nope. I’m ready to roll.
LOU
All right. Go for it.
PUCK
D20. My lucky die. (deep breath) Even is Ithaca, odd is Amsterdam.
TAMMI
(grabs napkin, writes as PUCK talks) Yep. Written down.
PUCK
All right. (rolls on table, astonished laugh) Seven for me too.
LOU
(smiles) Lucky number seven maybe? So, Amsterdam.
PUCK
Yeah.
TAMMI
You happy with that?
PUCK
(thinks) I think so… Yes. Huh. Back to the Netherlands. Cool.
TAMMI
Good. Can we now *please* get back to planning the new campaign?
LOU
Of course.
PUCK
Cheers. To Birmingham and Amsterdam! Hey that kind of rhymes!
TAMMI and LOU
(laugh) Birmingham and Amsterdam! (glasses clink)
LOU
And Paris. (jokingly dramatic) We’ll always have Paris.
(TAMMI and PUCK groan)
LOU
Well *someone* had to say it!
(ALL laugh)
(Fade out)
Scene 7.3
(INT. Tammi’s bedroom, she is asleep. Quick footsteps outside room, door opens, HEATHER enters)
HEATHER
(cheerful) Rise and shine, Tammi! (opens blind)
TAMMI
(sleepy and angry) What?
HEATHER
Today’s the day!
TAMMI
(sleepy and confused) What day?
HEATHER
(sits down on the side of TAMMI’s bed) The day *you* send in your acceptance to university. What did you end up deciding yesterday?
TAMMI
(very sleepy) Um… eh… Birmingham, I think?
HEATHER
Great! (a little stern) Get that in today, all right?
TAMMI
(very sleepy) All right. (beat) Does this mean I can sleep in tomorrow?
HEATHER
(smiles) Talk to your dad – I’m flying to Tokyo in two hours. Back Thursday.
TAMMI
OK. (beat) Mmmm. That means he’ll be stress-baking for days.
HEATHER
Yep. Make sure to hide away some cinnamon buns for me, all right?
TAMMI
Will do.
HEATHER
Thanks. Maybe invite Puck and Lou over for (in Swedish) fika?
TAMMI
Absolutely.
HEATHER
(quick forehead kiss) Take care, sweetheart, time for me to go. (gets up) See you Thursday. (calls on her way out) Love you! (grabs wheeled suitcase, apartment front door opens and closes, distant footsteps fading out)
TAMMI
(calls) Love you Mom! (yawns, sits up, pulls on sweatpants, few steps over to desk, sits down, opens laptop) OK… Better get this over with. (clicks, typing, mutters) Sign in… (click) Your choice… Reply to your offers… Firm choice… Continue… (click) Yes… Send your reply… (click, reads) ‘You have confirmed your place at the University of Birmingham’ (deep breath) OK. (smiles) Hello, Birmingham, I guess… (smiles) Huh. Rocks and dinosaurs. Well, why not.
MAGNUS
(calls, distant) Tammi? I’ve made some brioche, you want one now or later?
TAMMI
(laughs, calls) Now please! I’ll be right there!
(Shuts laptop, gets up, walks out of room)
(Fade out)
Scene 7.4
NARRATOR
Thank you for listening to Y2K: Take 2. This episode was written, produced and directed by Karin Heimdahl. Our intro and outro music is created and recorded by Jake Haws, listen to his podcast “Making Music with Jake Haws” to hear more. This episode featured Anna Jartin as Tammi, Jackie Hedeman as Heather, Björn Heimdahl as Tammi’s dad Magnus, Reguline Pear as Puck and Elissa Park as Lou. The drama school director was Sarah Golding, and the narrator Emma Laslett. For more information, please go to Y2Kpod.com or find us on social media @Y2Kpod If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/Y2Kpod Please join us again next month when we meet Claire in 2006.
DIRECTOR
(claps hands) All right, thank you everyone. That’s a wrap for today!
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000” – instrumental)
Episode 8: Claire – age 34 – Edinburgh – August 2006
Scene 8.0
DIRECTOR
Places, please. We’ll try again everyone. Right. Whenever you’re ready – Take 2.
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000”)
NARRATOR
Episode 8. Welcome to the year 2006. Edinburgh, Scotland. Claire is 33 years old.
Scene 8.1
(INT COMEDY CLUB. Raucous laughter, scattered applause)
CLAIRE
…and I was horrible. (audience laugh) You can laugh, but I really was. (smiles) Still am, really, but that’s a different story-
NIC
(shouting from audience) Still love you Claire! (audience laughs)
CLAIRE
(laughs) Oh, all right then. Phew. (beat) No, but seriously. (audience quiets down) I was a shit person, and drinking made me even shittier. Treated people abominably. People I cared about. People I loved. (beat) Yeah, you’re not laughing now, are you? Real uncomfortable, this bit… (scattered uncertain laughter) I cheated and lied and hid bottles and breath mints everywhere. Here’s a tip, just for you, (lowers voice) Breath mints? They’re shit. (audience laugh, CLAIRE back to normal volume) No, for real. They do fuck-all. (slowly, with emphasis) Fuck. All. (scattered giggles) All they do is make you smell of mint *and* liquor. So if that’s what you’re after, ka-ching! *You’ve* got it. (laughter) Also, it’s not like folks can’t tell when you’re sloshed, you know? Like, yeah I’m smelling minty-fresh while (emphasis) walking into tables and slurring every word so *no-one* can tell (puts finger to mouth) Shhh! (pretend-drunk voice) It’s our little secret, yeah? Nah. Doesn’t work like that. My girlfriend kicked me- (audience member whistles) Ah yes, didn’t mention that, did I? (exaggerated Southern US accent) Big ole queer up here. (scattered cheers) Yeah. Thank you, thank you. Very proud and all that. (minor cheers) Anyhoo, my girlfriend kicked me out after a while. Don’t blame her. I mean, would *you* want to be with someone who is constantly drunk or hungover? Or, in my case, drunk *and* hungover? (scattered laughter) Though they do say I was *way* funnier back then, sorry about that everyone! (laughter, gets signal from RAY to wrap it up) Anyway, I stopped drinking, started improv, found my way to stand up, and here I am. (some cheers) Ah, and that’s my time up, thank you very much, you’ve been fantastic! (applause)
RAY
Thank you so much – the brilliant Claire Reid, everyone! (applause, CLAIRE takes a few steps to go off stage) No, no, stay on for a bit, Claire.
CLAIRE
(stops, takes a step back, stressed) All right.
RAY
Yeah, that’s right. That was a bit of a confession, wasn’t it? Love some honest comedy, me. Kind that makes you laugh and *squirm*. (laughter) Yeah. You know what I mean, don’t you? (Audience member cheers, scattered laughs) You want to come up here and tell us about it? (scattered laughs) No? Haven’t got the guts, have you? (garbled shouted reply, RAY laughs) That’s right. Neither do I. (scattered laughs, to CLAIRE) So, Claire, how was that for you?
CLAIRE
(beat) Terrifying. (scattered applause)
RAY
Aye, I can imagine. Is this your usual set, or where you trying out something new today?
CLAIRE
Um. First time trying this out.
RAY
OK. (to audience) Well, we got an exclusive today, folks! Just for the Fringe. (scattered cheers, to CLAIRE) So how do you feel about the material now, is it staying or going?
CLAIRE
Um. Not sure. Staying?
RAY
(approving) That’s right, you keep ‘em squirming. Well, I for one can’t wait for more.
CLAIRE
(uncomfortable with the praise) Thanks.
RAY
There you have it. You heard it here first. Again – Claire Reid everyone!
(applause, CLAIRE walks off stage, we follow her, RAY becomes a little distant)
MEGAN
(to CLAIRE, nervous) That was amazing!
CLAIRE
(stops) Thanks.
RAY
(distant) Hold onto your hats, people, we have one more set before the break.
MEGAN
(still nervous) How’s the crowd?
CLAIRE
They’re good. Seem to be in the zone, you know.
MEGAN
Good. (beat) I’m so nervous.
CLAIRE
You’ll be great. (beat) Break a leg.
MEGAN
Thanks.
RAY
(slightly distant, continues) Next up in the Fresh Faces of Comedy is someone who is making their Fringe debut today – all the way from the US of A – the fabulous, the hilarious, the one and only Megan [MEE-gan] Roberts! (applause)
MEGAN
(steps onto stage, slightly distant, Scottish accent) Thanks so much. Hello, Edinburgh… (scattered laughs, switches to US accent) No, who am I kidding, right? Just a ‘murican’ up here… (to RAY, jokingly) You ruined my opening joke, Ray!
RAY
(yells from side of stage) No I didn’t – I made it funnier!
MEGAN
(slightly distant, to RAY) Well, for next time, thanks but no thanks! (scattered laughs) Seriously. Very happy to be here in your beautiful city. But, I have to ask, what’s with all the cobble stones? Do you all enjoy twisting your ankles? (scattered laughter) Or is there some sort of trick? Do Scots have unusually strong tendons or something? (some laughs) What is it I’m not getting? Anyways. So, I flew in yesterday, and everyone was saying (Scottish accent again) ‘Oh, you should walk around and discover the city’ (switches back to US) And I did. (beat) In *these*. (audience laughs) So I (demonstrates, exertion in voice) walked… one… step… wobble… another step… wobble (audience laugh) I made it about four feet on the Royal Mile before just giving up! (raucous laughter) And then I had to hobble back to my hotel. Again… (demonstrates) one… step… wobble… another step… wobble (audience laugh)
(CLAIRE laughs. MEGAN and audience fade to backgound as we follow CLAIRE further backstage. Footsteps.)
MEGAN
(distant) Why did nobody tell me to bring walking shoes? I was packing for this trip and wanted to put my prettiest… shoe… forward? Something like that. Actually, come to think of it, the folks who told me to walk around the city were all Americans, (From here overlaid with following conversation between CLAIRE and COMEDIAN 2) not Scots. They were probably all just making fun of the new girl… (laughter)
COMEDIAN 2
(as they walk past) Hey, congrats Claire, that was a great set! (keeps walking toward stage)
CLAIRE
(happy but a little rushed) Ah, cheers! (keeps walking toward dressing room)
COMEDIAN 2
(increasingly distant) Yeah… Good stuff…
MEGAN
(very distant now) Also, did you know there’s a volcano here? *In* the actual city? No-one warned me about that, either…
(distant laughter)
(Opens door to dressing room, as it shuts stage noise disappears)
COMEDIAN 3
Claire, how’d it go?
CLAIRE
(grabs bag) Good, I think!?
COMEDIAN 3
Ah, good on you!
CLAIRE
Thanks. See you later.
(walks out of dressing room again, very distant laughter from stage again as door opens, door closes, CLAIRE walks to stage door, opens it, outside ambiance, some city sounds. NIC is waiting and rushes over)
NIC
Oh babes you smashed it! (quick kiss)
CLAIRE
Really? Good. I feel. It’s all… I did it.
NIC
You did! And they loved it!
CLAIRE
(lets out breath) Never been so nervous in my life.
NIC
Of course you were. It was beautiful.
CLAIRE
(smiles) I did all right, didn’t I?
NIC
Sure did! Let’s celebrate. Where to?
CLAIRE
Wherever you like, Am far too shaky to decide.
NIC
All right, come on! (They walk away)
(Fade out)
Scene 8.2
(INT PUB, crowded, around 10 pm, door opens, CLAIRE and NIC enter)
NIC
(shouting over crowd) Wanna find a table and I’ll tackle the bar?
CLAIRE
(shouting over crowd) Sure.
(CLAIRE makes her way through the crowd, bumps a few people along the way)
CLAIRE
(mutters) Pardon me… Sorry!… Oh excuse you!… Coming through…
JESS
Oh sorry! (beat, very surprised, shouting over crowd) Claire!
CLAIRE
(shocked) Jess!
JESS
(shouting over crowd)(same time as CLAIRE) Good to see y-
CLAIRE
(shouting over crowd)(same time as JESS) What are you d- (doing here)
JESS
(shouting over crowd) Came to see a colleague’s play – kid show – Gruffalo’s Child.
CLAIRE
(shouting over crowd) (still shocked) Yeah, heard that’s good. But… you… you came from New Zealand for a play?
JESS
(laughs) (shouting over crowd) No, I live here now-
CLAIRE
(shouting over crowd) Here?
JESS
(shouting over crowd) -or not here in Edinburgh. in London I mean. Finsbury Park.
CLAIRE
(shouting over crowd) Oh. I- (someone bumps against her) Hey! (no response from the bump-er, annoyed, mutters) Good thing I didn’t have a drink in my hand…
JESS
(shouting over crowd) (carefully) You want to find a… quieter corner? Seems like this is a bit of a thoroughfare.
CLAIRE
(shouting over crowd) Sure. Um, looks like they’re leaving that table over there?
JESS
(shouting over crowd) Great! I’ll just go tell my friend. (footsteps)
CLAIRE
Right. (to herself as she walks away) Jess. (US accent) Holy moly.
(CLAIRE walks to the back of the pub, it’s a little quieter here, sound of 2-3 people leaving while chatting a little, CLAIRE sits down, footsteps)
JESS
(approaches, as she sits down, places her pint on the table) Hi. This is better.
CLAIRE
Yep. (long pause)
JESS
(trying to think of something to say) It’s so nice now they banned smoking in pubs. (sips)
CLAIRE
Yeah. (beat) You always hated cigarette smoke. Remember when- (interrupts herself, pause)
JESS
Mm. Do you… are you performing in anything? Or just enjoying the festival?
CLAIRE
I do stand-up now.
JESS
That sounds like just the thing for you. I bet you’re really good.
CLAIRE
I do all right. Just did a spot at The Ivanhoe.
JESS
Tonight?
CLAIRE
Yeah.
JESS
That’s great! Wow. I’d love to see you perform some time.
CLAIRE
Do you mean that?
JESS
(sincerely) Yes, I do.
CLAIRE
All right. (lightly) I’m sure that could be arranged now you’re in London. I do gigs every month or so, latest was at the King’s Head, which was exciting. And my improv group is doing a show in Brixton next month. Do you still have the same e-mail? I could send you some links.
JESS
Still the same. So, yeah, please. (sips)
CLAIRE
(more serious) Not sure this one would have been for you, though.
JESS
Oh. Why not?
CLAIRE
I… First time I’ve done a set about the, y’know. Drinking. All that shite.
JESS
Oh. Is that… I mean. Is- How is that comedy?
CLAIRE
(small laugh) Well, it’s not funny, well, there are funny bits but… It’s real. People seem to like that.
JESS
I have to see more stand-up, I think.
CLAIRE
Yeah. Yeah. Think you do.
JESS
I mostly go see plays, still. (sips)
CLAIRE
Practically all comedy and improv for me at this point. (beat)
So… when did you move to London?
JESS
November last year. Moved for work.
CLAIRE
And what is work these days?
JESS
I’m a freelance TV writer.
CLAIRE
Oh. Fancy. Anything I would have heard about?
JESS
Few different projects. You may have heard of Northern Lights? It’s a comedy. I mostly do edits and polishing, though, not much original writing.
CLAIRE
Haven’t seen it. But yeah, cool. Enjoying it?
JESS
Yes. Of course, still have my own writing projects brewing as well, but who knows if anyone will ever want those.
CLAIRE
Right. Well. Someday, surely.
JESS
Hope so.
CLAIRE
So, you still with…
JESS
(smiles) Rachel, Yes. We got married a few years ago.
CLAIRE
That’s nice. (beat) Congratulations.
JESS
Thank you. How about you, are you… happy?
CLAIRE
(smiles) Yes. I am happy. (beat) Been with Nic for a few years now. They’re great.
JESS
Good. I’m glad.
CLAIRE
(at the same time as JESS)
Listen, I-
JESS
(at the same time as CLAIRE)
I’ve been wondering-
CLAIRE & JESS
(at the same time) Sorry- (BOTH laugh uncomfortably, pause)
JESS
When I think about us – you and I… It wasn’t all bad.
CLAIRE
Not ‘til I ruined everything.
JESS
Yeah, there was that. (beat) I- Were you- (new breath, quicker) I feel like I should have noticed. You. With the drinking, I mean.
CLAIRE
Ah. Well. (pause) Tried very hard to make sure you didn’t.
JESS
Yeah. Still-
(NIC approaches, sets down drinks on table)
NIC
Here we are… (friendly) Hello, I’m Nic.
JESS
(friendly) Great to meet you, Nic. I’m Jess.
(NIC sits down)
CLAIRE
Nic’s my partner. Jess is (beat) an ex.
NIC
(interested) Drama school Jess?
CLAIRE
Yep.
NIC
(to JESS) Thought you lived on the other side of the world or something? (sips)
JESS
I did. But I’m in London now. Finsbury Park.
NIC
Oh. Cool. We’re in Ealing.
CLAIRE
Were just talking about the good ole days when I was hiding bottles from Jess.
NIC
(sympathetic) That must have been hard. For both of you.
CLAIRE
It was.
JESS
Except I didn’t know about it. I’m… I’m sorry I didn’t get what was going on, Claire. Too wrapped up in myself, I guess.
CLAIRE
(shrugs) Ah. Wasn’t as bad then. Got worse later.
JESS
Right.
CLAIRE
Make no mistake, I was the arse. (brief laugh-snort) Still am.
NIC
(affectionately) Well, you’re *my* arse now. (laughs) *That* came out wrong.
(ALL laugh)
JESS
So, how did you two meet?
NIC
Claire volunteered for Switchboard. I work there.
CLAIRE
We would have probably met through stand-up anyway, at some point. Nic is a brilliant comic. (sips)
NIC
Did Claire tell you about her set today? She smashed it.
JESS
She did. Sounds amazing.
CLAIRE
Well, tomorrow it’s my turn to be the supportive partner. Nic’s doing a show at the Outhouse.
JESS
I’d love to see that!
CLAIRE
You should. They are killing it. It’s all about-
JESS
(interrupts) Damn – I forgot – I’m going home tomorrow afternoon. But maybe some other time? In London I mean?
NIC
Sure.
JESS
Break a leg tomorrow, Nic. I should probably get back to my friend. (gets up) Good to see you are doing well, Claire.
CLAIRE
You mean that?
JESS
Yes. Really good.
CLAIRE
Thanks. You too. (beat) You ever see any of the others? Emma, or Kat? Shirin?
JESS
I do. Emma’s in Cardiff these days, and Shirin’s still in New York. Saw them both earlier this summer. Kat – she goes by Ina now – lives in LA but seems she’s always off somewhere else, so I try to catch her when she flies through London.
CLAIRE
(slightly sad) I lost touch. Except with Lee, I still see him sometimes. But (beat) Ina is some kind of film actor, right? I saw her in… What was that film with the really old orange aliens?
(NIC laughs a little)
JESS
(small laugh) Sedition.
CLAIRE
(wry smile) My one claim to fame I suppose – I knew her way back when…
JESS
(small laugh) She always has loads of stories from various film sets… Fun to hear about but not *quite* as glamourous as you may think. Want me to say hi?
CLAIRE
Sure. Say hello to all of ‘em.
JESS
All right. And say hi to Lee for me?
CLAIRE
Will do. Take care Jess.
JESS
I will. It was great meeting you, Nic.
NIC
Likewise.
JESS
All right. Really off now. Bye you two.
CLAIRE & NIC
Bye!
(JESS walks away, CLAIRE lets out a breath she didn’t know she was holding)
NIC
So… So hang on – did I get this right – you know Ina Fischer?
CLAIRE
I do. Or I did. Flatmates for a while.
NIC
And you didn’t tell me. Why?
CLAIRE
Never came up. More important things from that time to tell you about.
NIC
Yeah. Fair enough. But if *I* had been flatmates with a celebrity, I would have told the whole world.
CLAIRE
(laughs) That’s where we differ I suppose.
NIC
It was nice meeting her. But a little unreal too – always odd to meet folks you’ve only heard about.
CLAIRE
Yeah – it’s like they’re not quite real, right?
NIC
Exactly. But I am glad to have met her. Have I met all your important exes now?
CLAIRE
(thinks) I think you have.
NIC
Good. No skeletons left?
CLAIRE
(smiles) No. You know all about my skeletons. Every single bone.
NIC
(smiles) And you know all of mine. (small laugh) We’re perfect together!
CLAIRE
(suddenly serious) I think we are. I’m lucky you put up with me.
NIC
(laughs) You are! (more serious) As am I. (quick kiss) Refill on that lemonade?
CLAIRE
My turn this time. (gets up) Usual?
NIC
(smiles) Thanks. (footsteps start)
(Fade out)
Scene 8.3
(EXT city street, late evening, CLAIRE and NIC are walking out of the pub, door closes behind them, they start walking at leisurely pace)
CLAIRE
(breathes in) Ah… Bit stuffy in there.
NIC
(breathes in) This is nice.
CLAIRE
Long day.
NIC
Definitely. Tomorrow will be even longer.
CLAIRE
Nervous?
NIC
No. I should be, right?
CLAIRE
Not necessarily. You have everything prepped.
NIC
Yeah. Yeah. I’m excited.
CLAIRE
Good! (stumbles, exclaims) Ah!
NIC
(steadies CLAIRE) You all right?
CLAIRE
Yeah. Bloody cobbles.
NIC
(small laugh) So. I was thinking. Next year, we should- we should do a show together.
CLAIRE
Think anyone would book us?
NIC
If we have a good enough concept. (wry smile) And if I am as much of a hit tomorrow as you were today.
CLAIRE
Oh, you will be. I’ve helped you rehearse, remember?
NIC
How could I forget? Hours upon hours… But that’s what I mean. We always run all our material by each other, and rehearse, and give each other notes. If we were doing something together, that would all be part of the same thing.
CLAIRE
Good point. Right, so what should it be about?
NIC
Let’s brainstorm right now. All right. We should go for the hard stuff, right?
CLAIRE
(lightly) Yep. Trauma. Abuse. (funny voice) Alcoholism.
NIC
(lightly) Gender dysphoria, bullying, homophobia. All right, what else?
CLAIRE
(lightly) Loss, depression, violence, did I say trauma?
NIC
(smiles) You did! Barrel o’ laughs, this one!
CLAIRE
(laughs) Oh yes! We’ll make ‘em laugh and *hurt*!
NIC
God. It’s what we do best!
(BOTH laugh, as they walk further away)
(Fade out)
Scene 8.4
NARRATOR
Thank you for listening to Y2K: Take 2. This episode was written by Karin Heimdahl and directed by Sarah Golding. Our intro and outro music is created and recorded by Jake Haws, listen to his podcast “Making Music with Jake Haws” to hear more. This episode featured Maddy Searle as Claire, Dallas Wheatley as Nic, David Ault as Ray, Bonnie Brantley as Megan, Sarah Golding and Chris Gregory as comedians backstage and Karin Heimdahl as Jess. The drama school director was Sarah Golding, and the narrator Emma Laslett. For more information, please go to Y2Kpod.com or find us on social media @Y2Kpod If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/Y2Kpod Please join us again next month when we meet Shirin in 2001.
DIRECTOR
(claps hands) All right, thank you everyone. That’s a wrap for today!
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000” – instrumental)
Episode 9: Shirin – age 27 – New York – September 2001
Scene 9.0
KARIN
Hello everyone, Karin Heimdahl here, creator of Y2K, with a content warning. This episode takes place in New York, and it starts on September 11, 2001. It does not directly depict the events at the World Trade Center on that day, but it does retell the story of someone who was nearby, and deals with their emotions and reactions. The story also deals with racism. I remember this day very well, and my heart still breaks for all who lost their lives, or their loved ones, on 9/11. I hope this episode will honour them in some small way, but if this story is not for you right now, please skip it and I hope you will come back next month. We have a resource page on the website, where we have tried to list as many hotlines and info-pages and support things we could find. So if you feel you need any resources like that, go to y2Kpod.com[slash]resources and hopefully you will find it there. Please take care of yourself, and if you need to, please, reach out and ask for help.
DIRECTOR
Places, please. We’ll try again everyone. Right. Whenever you’re ready – Take 2.
(MUSIC “Welcome to the Year 2000” – instrumental)
NARRATOR
Episode 9. Welcome to the year 2001. September. New York, USA. Shirin is 27 years old.
Scene 9.1
(dial tone, redirected to voice mail, beep)
SHIRIN
(recorded answering machine message, cheerful) This is Shirin, you know what to do. (beep)
ANSWERING MACHINE
(automated voice) Message. Received. 9.33 am. (beep)
EMMA
(extremely worried) Shirin? Shirin! (anguished sound) It’s Emma. I just heard- Please tell me you’re safe! (mumbles) Of course you are not at home, this is silly. (in Welsh) Beth yffach o’n i’n meddwl! Oh it is all so scary and horrible and… (lets out held breath) Shirin, if you hear this, e-mail me, yeah? Love you! Be safe! (swallows sob) Bye. (beep)
Scene 9.2
(beep)
ANSWERING MACHINE
Message. Received. 9.49 am. (beep)
YASMIN
(extremely worried) Shirin? It’s Yasmin. Mum and dad are frantic – just saw the news – let us know you’re OK, right? (near tears) Everyone sends their love. (beep)
Scene 9.3
(beep)
ANSWERING MACHINE
Message. Received. 10.52 am. (beep)
KATARINA
( bad phone line, very tired, very worried) Holy fuck Shirin, I just heard. It’s Kat. Ina. (short unhappy laugh) Forgetting my own name. This- I- Can’t process- but you *have* to be OK. So. I am going to assume you are OK until I hear from you. I- (someone shouting indistinctly in background, KATARINA turns away from phone, angry) My friend is in (emphasis) New York, give me one minute to check in on her, OK? (back to phone) Sorry. Filming. Yeah. So. You are all right, and that is that. But, you know. Let me know when you can, OK? Love you. (beep)
Scene 9.4
(beep)
ANSWERING MACHINE
Message. Received. 12.18 pm. (beep)
CLAIRE
(worried and shouty) Shirin! What the hell is going on over there? Shout me an e-mail or something when you can. It’s Claire. Yeah. (beep)
Scene 9.5
(beep)
ANSWERING MACHINE
Message. Received. 1.39 pm. (beep)
JESS
Shirin! Jess here. Just woke up to the news. And of course the phones don’t work. I’ll e-mail you too. And I am *willing* you to be all right. You hear that? You, and everyone you care about. (anguished sound) But I know it *can’t* be all right, no matter what. All those people. And- (distant sound of baby crying) Oh, that’s Liv awake again, I have to go. Get in touch when you can? I love you! (beep)
Scene 9.6
(beep)
ANSWERING MACHINE
Message. Received. 3.01 pm. (beep)
YASMIN
(still worried, also tired, evening, sighs) Ah, Shirin. Me again. Yasmin. But you know that. You’ve never felt this far away before – when you can, get in touch, yeah? (scared short laugh as she realizes) Shit. I wonder if I can still come. Apparently all flights are grounded. (more to herself as she realizes) Suppose the question is for how long… Should I even try? Is- Never mind, not important now. I know your office isn’t in the World Trade Center at least, so… but who knows what meeting you had today, or what else is about to happen (smothered sob) Oh, just be OK, yeah? (like a mantra) Just be OK. (faint smile) Nan says you are. OK that is. Not that she knows any more than the rest of us, but… comforting, somehow. So prove her right, Shirin, won’t you? (lets out breath) Love from me and everyone. (beep)
Scene 9.7
(INT Shirin’s small studio apartment. Low regular beep from answering machine, door unlocks, opens, slow tired footsteps in moderate heels, dropping large handbag, sitting down on bed)
SHIRIN
(deep sigh, wince of pain from blistered feet when removing high-heeled shoes) Ahh… (exhausted, to herself) What *is* this sound? (slowly gets up, few footsteps, click on answering machine)
ANSWERING MACHINE
(beep) You have. Twenty-seven. New messages.
SHIRIN
(exasperated sound) Of course.
ANSWERING MACHINE
(beeps) Inbox is at capacity. Delete messages to receive new voicemail.
SHIRIN
Mum (small sob).
(lifts phone off hook)
ANSWERING MACHINE
Inbox is at capacity. Delete messages to receive-
SHIRIN
(jabs answering machine button to shut it up) Aargh.
ANSWERING MACHINE
(beep) You have. Twenty-seven. New messages.
SHIRIN
(frustrated, jabs button) What the-
ANSWERING MACHINE
(beeps) Inbox is at capacity. Delete-
SHIRIN
(jabs button again) (clicks hook again, listens, repeats twice, finally dial tone, mutters) Righty-ho… (dials number, after 7 digits there is a busy tone) What? (clicks hook again, listens, dial tone) O-K… (dials number, after 2 digits there is again a busy tone, throws phone down on hook in frustration) Gah! (gets up, few steps, sound of modem starting, but it is stuck on ‘calling-up’ phase.) Course. (turns off, clicks on modem ag
ain, same result, quietly) Useless piece of junk. (sits down on bed again, sad sigh, very softly) So… I can’t tell anyone, but… I am all right. (pause, corrects herself) Physically all right. (small sob) Did you hear that mum? I am OK. (deep breath) Or I will be. (sigh) Suppose I’ll listen to the (incredulous) Twenty-seven messages… (gets up, presses answering machine button)
ANSWERING MACHINE
Message. Received. 9.33 am. (beep)
EMMA
(start of previous message) Shirin! (SHIRIN starts quietly sobbing.) It’s Emma. I just heard- Please tell me you’re safe!
(Fade out)
Scene 9.8
(INT. SHIRIN’s small studio apartment. SHIRIN unlocks front door and YASMIN and SHIRIN walk in.)
SHIRIN
Here it is. Welcome to my place, Yas.
YASMIN
(footsteps) Oh Shirin, this is nice! (sets down suitcase on floor) Tiny, but nice.
SHIRIN
Yeah, I was really lucky to get it. You want some tea? Have to keep you up until bedtime so you don’t get too jetlagged.
YASMIN
Yes please. (SHIRIN starts making tea) And I’ll stay up, all right. Too much adrenaline after that flight. (sits down on couch)
SHIRIN
Can imagine. How was it?
YASMIN
More security than usual, but also… Everyone seemed so stressed. The airport staff all seemed… scared. Don’t think I’ve ever seen that before.
SHIRIN
In a way I think they wanted to ground the flights forever, but can’t do that, so…
YASMIN
Maybe. (sighs) Everyone at home tried to talk me out of going. Kept saying ‘She’s coming home in a few months, you can see her then’.
SHIRIN
Maybe they were right. (beat) But I’m really glad you’re here.
YASMIN
Well, I had my ticket already, so…
(SHIRIN sobs a little)
YASMIN
(gets up, walks few steps to SHIRIN, continues) Oh sis. I’m so sorry. (They hug, some rustling)
SHIRIN
(small sob) I’m… I’m mostly all right. I was so lucky, you know?
YASMIN
I know. Hey, I’ll finish the tea, you sit.
SHIRIN
All right. (shaky smile, sits down on couch) Bossy as ever.
YASMIN
Isn’t that what big sisters are for? (finishes making tea, brings two mugs, hands SHIRIN one)
SHIRIN
(smiles) Probably. (takes mug) Thanks.
YASMIN
(sits) So. How are you, really? (sips tea)
SHIRIN
I… I’m good. (beat) That’s a lie. (beat) Not good. (controlled breath) Very not good.
YASMIN
(gently) Want to tell me about it?
SHIRIN
I… I don’t know where to start.
YASMIN
You told me some of it over the phone, but I was just so relieved you were all right after all that worry… I don’t think I listened properly.
SHIRIN
(sad smile) I probably wasn’t very coherent. Talking to you, and to Mum, and Nan, and Dad, and everyone, finally, it was… yeah.
YASMIN
(sad smile) Yeah.
SHIRIN
Thanks for coming.
YASMIN
Of course.
SHIRIN
I know. These past few… weeks, is it now?
YASMIN
(gently) Two weeks and two days.
SHIRIN
Feels like more. And less. Feels like I am not quite in sync with time.
YASMIN
That’s fair.
SHIRIN
I’ve been so busy, getting everything on track at work, and volunteering, and letting everyone know I’m all right, and just… I’ve been *doing* and not *feeling*.
YASMIN
Have you talked to anyone about that day? Your colleagues, maybe?
SHIRIN
Not really. Except for. On the day. When… yeah.
YASMIN
What’s it like at your office now?
SHIRIN
In a way, it’s… friendlier. Like we’ve all been through this together, and we are… closer, somehow. Feels like everyone in New York is… caring more about each other, after. Those of us that are (voice breaks) left. (deep breath) Yas, I… I saw… (unable to finish sentence)
YASMIN
Oh dearest. I can’t even…
SHIRIN
I know.
YASMIN
You can tell me. (smiles) Or we can drink tea and talk about the weather.
SHIRIN
(smiles) Tea is good. (sad laugh) And weather. (breat) It was such a glorious day, Yas. Bright blue skies over Manhattan. And I was happy – I love this city so much and that morning, like every morning, I was feeling so grateful to be here. So glad my contract was extended and I got to stay an extra six months. I was looking up at the skyline walking from the subway to the office, like I do every day, and I… I didn’t know it was going to change. Buildings are such permanent-looking things, aren’t they?
YASMIN
(gently) They are.
SHIRIN
And these were so huge and… Like they’d always been there. And would always be there. (breathes to collect herself) I got into work around 8. There was a meeting at 8.30, so I started answering some e-mails and then I was working on a design that was due the next day. That got delayed, of course, later… Anyhow. Meeting started, and we were in the middle of going through the brief from a potential new client when we heard this… sounded like an explosion… like a sound effect from a film, you know? Don’t think I’ve ever heard an explosion in real life before. But we thought it was just a tire blowing from a truck or something. Not sure how we thought that, looking back, but… We didn’t know. So we continued. A little later, someone rushed in and yelled that the World Trade Center had been hit by an airplane. It seemed so… unlikely, even then. Everyone ran out of the conference room and over to the windows. Our office looks out over… or used to. So we had a (hard to get words out) pretty good view. We just stood there, and there was smoke, and fire, and it didn’t feel in any way real… I remember thinking over and over, there are people in there. There are people in there, (voice wavers) dying. And it just didn’t compute. No-one said anything. Think we were all in shock. Then someone said “There are people jumping”… And I saw – there were people falling from the building… (hyperventilating slightly) Such a long fall. It was far away but I could see them. I felt tears on my face but couldn’t remember crying. Someone I barely knew was panicking, saying her husband was in there. People started making calls, but I couldn’t move. And then… There was a sound like a… missile? Again, with the film effects… And the other tower was hit. Huge fire. Black smoke. I think that’s when it hit us all. This wasn’t an accident. (shaky breath) People were flying airplanes into buildings. And we were standing in just such a building. Our fire marshal yelled to evacuate, and we all got moving. I grabbed my handbag from my desk, but didn’t think to change my shoes. Would regret that later. We swarmed into the elevators, against all protocols, obviously, but no-one was thinking clearly.
YASMIN
Of course.
SHIRIN
Street was… chaos. Smell was awful. Mix of people just standing, mouths open, watching, and others moving, north, away. Cars stuck in traffic. Sirens. I lost my colleagues pretty much immediately. Didn’t know what to do, so I followed the crowd north. I did think maybe I should try to get closer, see if I could do something to help, but… I didn’t. I should have, of course. Feel so guilty that I didn’t, but also… If I had, I could have died, too. Who knows. (breathes) I followed the stream of people. Everyone’s face was… So much pain. I started talking to this woman. Nichelle. Turns out she lives just around the corner from here. She’s a bank teller, worked much closer to the towers than me. Her manager had said they should all keep working but she’d snuck out. Said she didn’t feel safe. We stuck together. She offered me her cell phone to call, but turned out her plan didn’t allow international calls, so I couldn’t call you. And pretty much everyone I knew here had been in my office. I knew you’d all be so worried but I thought I’d better just try to get home as soon as possible. (shaky breath) I didn’t know the phone lines would be down once I got here…
YASMIN
You couldn’t have known.
SHIRIN
No. After that, it’s all a blur. Kept thinking, what if they fall over, how far away do we need to get to be out of danger, they were so tall… Then we heard the towers collapse, one after the other, but we were much further away at that point. Saw the cloud of smoke, and dust, and debris… We ended up far enough north east that the Williamsburg Bridge seemed our best option to get home. I didn’t even think to take the subway. (beat) Pretty sure it was closed, anyway. As we got up on the bridge we got a view of the skyline, and it was… It looked so empty. Big pillar of smoke rising up from where the World Trade Center used to be. I still find it hard to understand. (sighs) And then we walked home, Nichelle and I. It took hours, and I had the most enormous blisters. We hugged and exchanged business cards outside her building, and then I… came back here.
YASMIN
That is… I am so sorry you had to go through all that, sis.
SHIRIN
(lets out big sob) Yas. All those people. I can’t… I’ve *been* there. We had a client lunch at the restaurant a few months ago. We had clients with offices in the north tower. Most of them made it out, but… And all my feelings are nothing compared to everyone who lost someone, who’s suffering so much. People who don’t know where their loved ones are, but know they must be gone. I can’t…
YASMIN
Of course, But… You have a right to your feelings, you know? Just because there are so many others in worse pain, doesn’t make your reactions invalid.
SHIRIN
I know. I know… But there is so much to do. What little I can, anyway. You’ll see tomorrow. The city is full of *missing* posters. People hoping against hope that their loved ones are safe, somewhere, somehow. And… It’s still burning. They call it Ground Zero.
YASMIN
I heard. I’m glad you signed us up to volunteer.
SHIRIN
(shaky smile) Least we can do.
YASMIN
Yeah. But when all this has calmed down a little, you need to find some sort of counselor or therapist or something, yeah?
SHIRIN
I just don’t want to take up anyone else’s spot. Someone who really needs it.
YASMIN
Are you sleeping?
SHIRIN
Not great.
YASMIN
Nightmares?
SHIRIN
Oh yeah. (shudders)
YASMIN
Hard to relax?
SHIRIN
(reluctantly) Yes.
YASMIN
Flashbacks?
SHIRIN
(reluctantly) Sometimes.
YASMIN
Then *you* really need it too. (gently) I know what I’m talking about, remember? Promise me.
SHIRIN
All right. (small smile) Bossy boots.
YASMIN
(small laugh) That’s right.
SHIRIN
(smiles) I’ll let you get away with it. This time. (beat) It’s been… So much. Feel better now you’re here though. More grounded.
YASMIN
Good. And if you can’t find someone here, I’ll schedule you in with someone at my practice once you get back to London, all right?
SHIRIN
Yeah. About that.
YASMIN
What?
SHIRIN
Not sure if I can, but… I want to stay here.
YASMIN
(a little worried) All right, but… What’s happening at your company? I heard many are letting people go.
SHIRIN
My company is actually doing surprisingly well. We already had offices in New Jersey, so they could move everyone there. It’s a bit crowded, but it’s fine. And only a few of our clients were actually New York-based, so… Doing better than most, I suppose.
YASMIN
That’s really great. Do you think there’s a chance they’d be able to take you on permanently?
SHIRIN
I don’t know. Trying to get up the courage to ask. But now is not exactly a good time.
YASMIN
No. But there won’t really be a good time for a while.
SHIRIN
You are probably right.
YASMIN
So have you talked to that woman – Nichelle was it? – after that day?
SHIRIN
No. We e-mailed the day after but nothing after that. I keep thinking I am going to see her around this neighbourhood, but so far I haven’t.
YASMIN
Seems like you made a connection.
SHIRIN
Yeah. We did.
YASMIN
Another thing. (sighs) On my way over to the baggage carousel at the airport, this man yelled “It’s all your fault” as he passed me by. It happened so quickly, I didn’t have time to react before he was gone. The people around me looked sort of apologetic but no-one said anything. Has anything like that happened to you?
SHIRIN
(beat) A few times. People who can’t see the difference between Indian and Middle Eastern, I suppose. There is so much fear, so much hatred. And I can understand that. Not that that makes it OK. (sighs) Not that it would be in any way OK if I was Middle Eastern either, of course. It’s really unpleasant, but not sure what to do about it. And most people in New York are really lovely. Much friendlier than before.
YASMIN
I just want you to be safe.
SHIRIN
I know. Not sure anywhere’s safe right now.
YASMIN
That’s probably true. (sips tea) My tea’s gone cold. OK if I make more?
SHIRIN
Of course. Make some for me too.
YASMIN
Absolutely. (gets up)
SHIRIN
Thanks Yas. For everything.
YASMIN
(smiles) Always.
(Fade out.)
Scene 9.9
(EXT. Pavement in Brooklyn, early evening. SHIRIN is walking quickly home, she’s in a good mood.)
NICHELLE
(catching up from behind) Hey! Shirin!
SHIRIN
(turns around) Nichelle!
(BOTH silent for a beat, filled with emotions, then-)
NICHELLE
(same time as SHIRIN) It’s so good to see you again-
SHIRIN
(same time as NICHELLE) So happy to see you again-
(BOTH stop and laugh happily)
NICHELLE
Hug?
SHIRIN
Yes please!
(They hug, rustle)
SHIRIN
How are you? I’ve been meaning to get in touch, but-
NICHELLE
Me too! But there’s so much going on. (beat) I am OK. Well as much as can be expected.
SHIRIN
Know that feeling. I keep starting with ‘great’ and then going downhill from there.
NICHELLE
(brief laugh) Oh yeah – starting with that automatic “Doing good!” to fine – to OK – to “Are you sure you want to know?”
(BOTH laugh)
SHIRIN
So good to see you.
NICHELLE
You too. How are your feet?
SHIRIN
(small laugh) Much better now, thanks.
NICHELLE
Good. Those ridiculous shoes of yours. (small laugh) Pretty, though, I’ll give you that.
SHIRIN
(smiles) So how have you *really* been?
NICHELLE
So-so. Like everyone else I guess. Feeling guilty as hell for not being dead, you know?
SHIRIN
(surprised sob/laugh) Yeah. I do know.
NICHELLE
Lost my job.
SHIRIN
Shit! Was it-
NICHELLE
No, not over walking out that day. They’re not quite that evil. (sighs) They had to let a bunch of people go.
SHIRIN
Are you- will you be OK?
NICHELLE
Think so. My sister is moving in with me, and together we should be able to scrape by ‘til I’ve found a new job.
SHIRIN
Good. (smiles) *My* sister is here too, actually.
NICHELLE
So she made it all the way from London? That *is* nice.
SHIRIN
It is.
NICHELLE
You going back in a few months, right?
SHIRIN
(joyful) No! I just found out today that I can stay for another year.
NICHELLE
(warmly) That is wonderful, congratulations!
SHIRIN
Thanks. Feel bad being this lucky when so many others-
NICHELLE
(interrupts) You stop that right there. You be happy. We need *more* happiness right now, not less.
SHIRIN
(touched) Thank you. Hey… Are you doing anything now?
NICHELLE
I was just on a grocery run, but I could do that later…?
SHIRIN
(quickly) Want to come up and meet my sister? Have some tea, maybe?
NICHELLE
(smiles) I’d like that. Thank you.
SHIRIN
(smiles) Great. It’s this way.
(BOTH start walking)
NICHELLE
Mark my words, you won’t leave next year either.
(SHIRIN laughs a little)
NICHELLE
(continues) You’ve got New York in your bones now, it’ll never leave you.
SHIRIN
You might be right. I do love this city.
(opens door to apartment building, they enter, door closes)
(Scene ends)
Scene 9.10
NARRATOR
Thank you for listening to Y2K: Take 2. This episode was written, produced and directed by Karin Heimdahl. Our intro and outro music is created and recorded by Jake Haws, listen to his podcast “Making Music with Jake Haws” to hear more. This episode featured Anjali Kunapaneni as Shirin, Danyelle Ellett as the answering machine voice, Robin Howell as Emma, Sakshi as Yasmin, Janis Westin as Katarina, Maddy Searle as Claire, Karin Heimdahl as Jess, and Journee LaFond as Nichelle. The drama school director was Sarah Golding, and the narrator Emma Laslett. For more information, please go to Y2Kpod.com or find us on social media @Y2Kpod If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/Y2Kpod Please join us again next month when we meet Bri (Bree) in 2008.
DIRECTOR
(claps hands) All right, thank you everyone. That’s a wrap for today!
(OUTRO MUSIC)
Episode 10: Bri – age 29 – Auckland – October 2008
(INTRO MUSIC)
Scene 10:0
DIRECTOR
Places, please. We’ll try again everyone. Right. Whenever you’re ready – Take 2.
(INTRO MUSIC)
NARRATOR
Episode 10. Welcome to the year 2008. October. Auckland, New Zealand. Bri (Bree) is 29 years old.
Scene 10:1
(INT. Large function room at university. Evening. Party of about 80 people having a sit-down formal dinner. ANTONIO is standing up.)
ANTONIO
(in the middle of a speech) You have worked harder and withstood more ire than anyone I know. There were so many obstacles in your path and you didn’t let them defeat you, you calmly and methodically found another way, built a new path. Your strength, smarts and sheer determination brought you here, and I cannot wait to see where they take you next. You are an inspiration to so many, and what you have achieved today means you will inspire countless more. I am so proud, and so honoured, to be your partner. (Raises glass) To Bri (Bree)! Cheers!
MANY VOICES
To Bri (Bree)!
(Clinking of many glasses, pause, then conversation starts again. ANTONIO sits.)
BRI
(quietly, touched, in Portuguese) Saúde.
ANTONIO
(sin low voice to BRI) Saúde. (sips, beat) Was that all right?
BRI
(touched) It was beautiful. Thank you my darling.
ANTONIO
Of course! You deserve to be celebrated after working so hard for so many years.
BRI
Aw. Thank you. (overwhelmed) I can’t believe it. The PhD is mine. Finally. (beat) I keep having nightmares that someone will take it away from me, like they figured out I missed a high school math class or something, but… It’s real. I did it.
ANTONIO
You did. And I couldn’t be prouder. Doctor Bri (Bree) Annie Shaw. My Doctor Shaw. Suits you.
BRI
(smiles) We’re both doctors now.
ANTONIO
We are. And look around you! All of these folks are here to celebrate *you*.
BRI
(stressed) I know.
ANTONIO
(picks up on her distress, joking) I mean, no they’re not. They’re, um, here to praise someone named… Vee who just obtained their… FLC?
BRI
(laughs) What does that even mean?
ANTONIO
(smiles) I have absolutely no idea. Just wanted to make you laugh.
BRI
(smiles) It worked. Thank you.
ANTONIO
(smiles) Anytime, (in Portuguese) meu amor. (in English) Oh, time for the next speech!
BRI
(smiles) Can’t a girl eat her dessert in peace around here?
ANTONIO
Nope! One bite, and then a new speech!
BRI
(takes bite, laughs, then conversations are quieting) Hush, it’s starting!
(ding-ding-ding of spoon on glass, then (Jess) clearing of throat, then fade)
Scene 10:2
(INT. BRI’s and ANTONIO’s house in an Auckland suburb. Faint sound of two puppies yapping. Late morning. BRI is sitting by her laptop, typing quickly.)
ANTONIO
(casual, calls from other room, distant) Bri (Bree)?
BRI
(distracted, calls) Yeah?
ANTONIO
(calls, distant) Did you walk the dogs this morning?
BRI
(distracted, calls) Wasn’t it your turn?
ANTONIO
(calls, distant) Shit! (in Portuguese) Merda! (calls to BRI, agitated, in English) There is literally shit on the carpet! Come help! (grabs paper towel from kitchen and makes sounds of disgust as he cleans up)
BRI
(gets up, footsteps to other room) What was that?
ANTONIO
(agitated) Poop! (throws paper in garbage) I’m so sick of this, there’s always bloody poop everywhere.
BRI
(like she’s shaking off a dream) Right. How can I help?
ANTONIO
(annoyed) Nothing, it’s done now.
BRI
Right. (beat) OK. I’ll take the dogs out.
ANTONIO
(angry) Can’t believe you forgot to walk them! You know how they are!
BRI
I thought it was your turn?
ANTONIO
(angry) No! I walked them last night!
BRI
All right! I’ll go now.
ANTONIO
(angry) No! I’ll go! (passive aggressive) I always do it anyway.
BRI
(almost in tears) Fine. (turns to leave)
ANTONIO
Hey. (irritation melting away) You all right? You are never this meek.
BRI
Meek?
ANTONIO
You are scaring me now. Come here. (leads BRI to couch) Sit. (BOTH sit.) What is going on with you lately?
BRI
I don’t know. I’m so… (sighs, very upset) They’re puppies, they can’t help it.
ANTONIO
Hey, that’s fine. I know. It’s our fault, not theirs. We forgot to walk them.
BRI
(almost crying) They’re only babies.
ANTONIO
They are. Bri (Bree). My darling. (worried) This can’t all be about the dogs. Talk to me.
BRI
(very upset) You’re right.
ANTONIO
OK. Whatever it is, we can handle it. Yes?
BRI
I- I’m overreacting, I think.
ANTONIO
No such thing. You feel what you feel. (gently) And right now it seems you are feeling panicky.
BRI
Yeah.
ANTONIO
OK. I’ve known you for six years, and this has never happened before. You want me to throw out some guesses?
BRI
Yeah. Please. (breathes)
ANTONIO
Right. So. The major thing to happen lately is you got your doctorate, so it’s probably connected to that.
BRI
Yes. (breathes)
ANTONIO
You’ve been applying for post doc positions. Is that it?
BRI
(very stressed) I sent some off this morning. (breathes)
ANTONIO
OK. Are you worried you won’t be accepted?
BRI
Yes. No. Both. (quickly) I don’t know if that’s what I want to do. But I don’t know what else to do. I feel… (long pause, quietly, calmer) I feel lost.
ANTONIO
That’s OK. You don’t have to decide anything right now. You can take your time to find your way.
BRI
(lets out relieved breath) You are right. (slowly) I don’t have to know.
ANTONIO
Sending off applications is good, but you don’t have to accept if you are offered one, you know.
BRI
(smiles) How come you always know what to say?
ANTONIO
(smiles) Well… I *am* a trained psychologist.
BRI
(chimes in) …trained psychologist. I know. (smiles) But you are also a damned good partner.
ANTONIO
(smiles) Even when I yell at you about poop?
BRI
Especially when you yell at me about poop. (jokingly) Those are your finest moments.
ANTONIO
There you are! I get worried when you stop teasing me.
BRI
(laughs) Good.
(puppy paws approaching, happy yapping)
BRI
Aw, there you are! (continues) I’ll take them out.
ANTONIO
You sure?
BRI
Yeah. It’s a nice day. Spring flowers and sunshine will do me good.
ANTONIO
OK. (quick kiss) I’ll get lunch started. (gets up) Anything you’re in the mood for?
BRI
(thinks) Do we have any fish? Or sea food?
ANTONIO
I’ll see what we have. (walks toward other room)
BRI
Thank you ! (to dogs) All right, pups, time for a walk! (excited yapping) Yeah, walkies!
(Fade out)
Scene 10:3
(INT. Corridor at university. Distant voices. Afternoon. BRI walks quickly, then stops by an office doorway. GAVIN is sitting inside, typing quickly.)
BRI
(knocks on doorframe, from doorway) Hey Gavin.
GAVIN
(stops typing, smiles) Bri (Bree). Kia Ora. Great to see you. It’s been a while.
BRI
I know. Been laying low. Can you spare a minute or are you on a deadline? (beat, sing-song voice) I brought tea.
GAVIN
Course, come in. I’m just editing, it can wait.
BRI
(walks in, pushes door closed, hands over tea, sets down her own styrofoam cup) Here.
GAVIN
Thanks. (sips)
BRI
It’s not the good kind. Vending machine. (sits down)
GAVIN
(smiles) The styrofoam cup kind of gave it away.
BRI
(laughs) Course. Yeah.
GAVIN
So. What’s up?
BRI
Um. Help?
GAVIN
Whatever I can do.
BRI
I- Um.
GAVIN
You um what?
BRI
Oh, Gav. (sighs) I don’t know what to do next.
GAVIN
Ah. Post-doctoral angst.
BRI
(smiles) That obvious? (sips tea)
GAVIN
We’ve all been there.
BRI
(sheepishly) I thought I was the only one.
GAVIN
(laughs) Suppose some folks escape. I certainly didn’t. Spent about three months moping about on my parent’s farm before I figured out what to do next.
BRI
Oh. I remember you being away, but… You’ve always seemed so focused.
GAVIN
Nah. Just good at pretending. Like most people.
BRI
(wry smile) Don’t get where *you* are without some drive.
GAVIN
Oh, always had drive. Just needed direction. (beat) Pretty much like you right now.
BRI
(sips tea) Yeah. You make it sound simple.
GAVIN
I know it’s not. (sips tea)
BRI
(serious) No. It really isn’t. (sighs) I… I did apply for some post docs, but not sure that’s what I want.
GAVIN
Right. So what else is on the list?
BRI
I… don’t know. These last few years writing my dissertation has been… everything.
GAVIN
So maybe stay in academia? Get that post doc?
BRI
Maybe.
GAVIN
All right. What are the other options?
BRI
I… (sips tea) I’ve always wanted to… (sheepish) Save the world I guess? Sound silly, but… I want to do… good.
GAVIN
You could do that through anthropology research, definitely. You have done that already through your work so far.
BRI
Thank you. And I could. Suppose I… Am longing to do something more hands on.
GAVIN
(smiles) After all that writing, yeah?
BRI
Exactly!
GAVIN
I know the feeling. I’ve never been as enthusiastic about sheep shearing as right after I got my doctorate. For me, that passed. For you, well, maybe you need some time to figure it out?
BRI
Yeah.
GAVIN
So what are we talking about here? Greenpeace activist? Volunteering for Save the Children? Community outreach?
BRI
(laughs) All of those sound interesting.
GAVIN
Focus! Define! You know how.
BRI
(deep breath) Yes professor!
(BOTH laugh)
BRI
(continues) Right. (thinks) OK. More community-oriented than activist, I think.
GAVIN
Good. (beat) Go on.
BRI
And not permanently relocating, I want my base here in Auckland.
GAVIN
Right. And what do you want to save? Can’t do everything at once.
BRI
That’s right. (thinks) People, I think. Or animals!
GAVIN
Hm. If you think back to the past few years, what cause has… (thinks) moved you the most? (sips tea)
BRI
Well, there’s the obvious. LGBTQ rights, trans rights, all that. I volunteer with the Rainbow Youth, and I’ll keep doing that whatever else I do. (thinks, then small laugh) Honestly, this year has been all about dogs, for me.
GAVIN
(surprised) Dogs?
BRI
We adopted two rescue puppies, and reading the stories from the shelter… Makes my blood boil.
GAVIN
Would you want that to be your career? With the SPCA? Rescue mistreated animals?
BRI
Maybe? Not sure there is paid work there, though.
GAVIN
Well. Seems you have some more thinking to do.
BRI
I do. (thinks) This has been helpful.
GAVIN
Good. Want to grab lunch?
BRI
Sure. (throws empty cup in bin)
(BOTH get up, and start walking toward the door)
BRI
So. Farm kid, huh? (smiles) I never knew.
GAVIN
Yeah, yeah. (smiles) More to me than creative writing and horror films.
BRI
There definitely is. Thanks Gavin.
GAVIN
No worries.
(Door opens, they walk out, door closes)
(Fade out.)
Scene 10:4
(INT. BRI’s and ANTONIO’s house. Kitchen. Early evening. They are cooking.)
ANTONIO
(frying onions) So what’s Gavin’s ETA?
BRI
(chopping bell peppers) Anytime after 6.30 – he should be here any minute. (few footsteps) Here. (pours chopped peppers into pan)
ANTONIO
Good. (stirs pan)
BRI
(chops tomatoes) He just got back from a conference in Singapore.
ANTONIO
(stirs) Those tomatoes ready?
BRI
Yup. (pours in chopped tomatoes)
ANTONIO
(stirs) So he’ll be jetlagged?
BRI
Maybe a little. (goes to fridge) Want the prawns now?
ANTONIO
In a minute. (stirs gently)
(doorbell rings)
BRI
That’s him now! I’ll leave these here. (sets down bowl on counter next to ANTONIO, quick kiss)
ANTONIO
(smiles) Not so fast! (pulls BRI back and kisses her thoroughly) There! Now you can go. (goes back to cooking, small happy laugh)
(doorbell rings again)
BRI
(happy laugh, calls) I’m coming!
(BRI opens door)
BRI
(continues) Gavin! Welcome! Come in! (quick hug, door closes)
GAVIN
Thanks! (hands over wine bottle) Got you this.
BRI
Thanks. (looks at bottle, joking) Hey, this isn’t from Singapore!
GAVIN
(laughs) No! Good old Gisbourne Chardonnay.
BRI
(smiles) It’ll have to do I suppose. (BOTH move toward kitchen)
ANTONIO
Gavin! Welcome! (quick hug) How was your trip? (goes back to stirring)
(BRI opens cupboard, gets out glasses)
GAVIN
Good. (beat) Hot and humid. Made me long for summer.
BRI
(opens bottle, pours) Not long now! Wine?
GAVIN
Yes please.
BRI
Here you go (hands glasses to GAVIN and ANTONIO) Cheers!
GAVIN and ANTONIO
Cheers!
GAVIN
So, Bri (Bree). I’m really curious now. You still figuring things out? Or did you decide on your next adventure?
BRI
(smiles) I decided. I think.
GAVIN
And?
ANTONIO
(smiles) You’ll have to pull it out of her. Why don’t you two go out on the deck while I finish dinner?
BRI
(laughs) You just want us out of your hair!
ANTONIO
(smiles) Busted! Run along, kids! (quick kiss with BRI)
(GAVIN laughs)
BRI
(laughs, to GAVIN) After you!
(BRI and GAVIN walk to door, walk outside, close door, spring evening in suburb, some birdsong, distant cars)
BRI
(continues) There are blankets over there if you need one.
GAVIN
(sits down on deck chair, sips wine, places glass on table) I’m all right. (slightly surprised) It’s nice.
BRI
Not as hot as Singapore! (sits down on deck chair, places wine glass on table)
GAVIN
(smiles) No. So…?
BRI
I’ve accepted a post doc fellowship, here at the university.
GAVIN
That is brilliant, congratulations!
BRI
(smiles) Thank you.
GAVIN
What’s the project?
BRI
It’s focused in Papua New Guinea. Socio-economic development and inequality among the Boazi-speaking peoples.
GAVIN
Ah, that’s with Busse (bYEW-see), right?
BRI
Yes, do you know him?
GAVIN
A little. Only heard good things. (sips wine)
BRI
Oh good! I don’t know him. (beat) Yet, I suppose.
GAVIN
Also, this means you’ll still be my lunch buddy!
BRI
I will! Though there might be a bit of travel.
GAVIN
Well, that’s exciting.
BRI
It is. Yeah, I’m looking forward to that part. (sips wine)
GAVIN
So turns out you’ll be saving the world through research.
BRI
Well. As much as I can. I’ll try to save some dogs, too.
GAVIN
Oh?
BRI
(excited) We will be a foster home for rescue dogs.
GAVIN
Great. (beat) What does that mean?
BRI
Many dogs need somewhere to stay while the shelter finds a permanent home. That’s us!
GAVIN
That is beautiful. (smiles) And you’re not afraid you’ll get attached to them all and end up with a hundred dogs?
BRI
(laughs) I mean there is always that risk! No, I think we’ll be fine. We’re only going to have the two of our own, so…
GAVIN
Will you have time?
BRI
I think so. I can work a lot from home, when I’m not travelling, and Antonio is completely on board, too. (sips wine)
GAVIN
Sounds like you have it all figured out.
BRI
Yeah. (beat) Thanks for helping me think it through the other day. Hearing you had been through it, too… It was such a relief.
GAVIN
Academia can be very isolating. We’re supposed to only care about formal qualifications, writing articles, showing up in the right publications, jumping through all the hoops… And then we sit in front of our own laptops and write, and write, get more and more stressed and never talk to anyone about it. There is not much space for fostering community, supporting your colleagues, letting them support you… You have to carve that out for yourself. It’s important.
BRI
(smiles) I’ll remember that.
GAVIN
(small laugh) Didn’t mean to make a whole speech about it. Something I’ve been thinking about, that’s all. We have all kinds of support systems around our undergrad students, and then the further you go, the support structures just fall away. (sips wine)
BRI
You’re right. I’ve never thought about it that way. (thinks) Maybe we could do something about that?
GAVIN
Yeah. Subject for our next lunch meet-up?
BRI
Absolutely. (sips wine)
GAVIN
(looks around) So I’m guessing that pile of material over there has something to do with dogs?
BRI
Yes! So we are fencing in the backyard – should have done it before, it’ll be great for our dogs too. And we are turning our spare room into a puppy room! I follow this rescue dogs channel on Youtube and they have so many helpful tips.
GAVIN
It’s great to see you so excited.
BRI
Thanks. (smiles) Who knows, maybe you’ll end up adopting a rescue dog too?
GAVIN
(laughs) No! I don’t have space for a dog! (half-serious, half-joking) You’d better warn me off coming over when you have puppies.
BRI
(laughs) If you say so. I promise I’ll warn you…
(DOOR to house opens, ANTONIO comes out, sets down wine glass on table and sits down in deck chair)
ANTONIO
Dinner will be another few minutes. (kisses BRI, sits down)
BRI
Perfect.
GAVIN
Bri’s (Bree’s) been telling me about the new puppy room.
ANTONIO
(smiles) Finally! A place to contain the poop!
(GAVIN and BRI laugh)
BRI
We should have organized one long ago! Didn’t realize they were a thing.
ANTONIO
Me neither. A toast to that?
(ALL grab their glasses)
ANTONIO
(continues) To no more poop!
BRI and ANTONIO
(laugh, then) No more poop!
GAVIN
Cheers!
ANTONIO
(in Portuguese) Saúde!
BRI
(smiles, to ANTONIO) Saúde my love.
(ALL sip wine)
GAVIN
Did I ever tell you about the time I learned about dagging? So, my brother and I, we were taken out to the farm with my father, and he…
(Fade out)
Scene 10:5
NARRATOR
Thank you for listening to Y2K: Take 2. This episode was written, produced and directed by Karin Heimdahl. Our intro and outro music is created and recorded by Jake Haws, listen to his podcast “Making Music with Jake Haws” to hear more. This episode featured Lorcan Annie Sherry as Bri (Bree), Alexandre Laguna as Antonio and James Cain as Gavin. The drama school director was Sarah Golding, and the narrator Emma Laslett. For more information, please go to Y2Kpod.com or find us on social media @Y2Kpod If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/Y2Kpod Please join us again next month when we meet Jess in 2019.
DIRECTOR
(claps hands) All right, thank you everyone. That’s a wrap for today!
(OUTRO MUSIC)
Episode 11: Jess – age 45 – Delgany – November 2019
(INTRO MUSIC)
Scene 1:0
KARIN
Hello everyone, Karin here, creator of Y2K, and also the voice of Jess. This is Jess’ episode, and I want to give you a content warning. This story deals with a couple separating after a very long relationship, and the emotions and anxieties that can bring out. If this is not for you right now, please skip it, and I hope you will come back next month for our series finale. We have a resource page on the website, where we have tried to list as many hotlines and info-pages and support things we could find. So if you feel you need any resources like that, go to y2Kpod.com[slash]resources and hopefully you will find it there. Please take care of yourself, and if you need to, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.
DIRECTOR
Places, please. We’ll try again everyone. Right. Whenever you’re ready – Take 2.
(INTRO MUSIC)
NARRATOR
Episode 11. Welcome to the year 2019. Delgany, Ireland. Jess is 45 years old.
Scene 11:1
(INT. STUDY. Around 2 am. JESS has been crying for hours, but has now calmed down. She sits down in her office chair, a small sigh-sob escapes, and starts dialing an international number.)
(ring tone, click)
KATARINA
(answering message, cheerful) It’s Ina. Tell me a joke!
JESS
(distressed breath) Ina! It’s me. Jess. I can’t believe I’m leaving you a voicemail. Haven’t done that in… Fuck. Just like all those years ago… Anyways. Do you even listen to voicemail anymore? Call me back, please? Or FaceTime? I know you’re on location so who knows when you’ll be off work but… I really need to talk to you. S-O-S. Right? Love you.
(Click. JESS is muttering to herself)
JESS
(continues) All right. Better message her too… Ina… need to talk… S-O-S…xo… Send…
(JESS’ breathing is getting more rapid and shallow. She takes a few deep breaths.)
JESS
Bri (Bree). Of course.
(speed dials New Zealand number. Dial tone. Ring tone. Rings for a long time.)
ANTONIO
(cheerful, slightly out of breath) Bri’s (Bree’s) phone, hello Jess!
(few distant dogs barking at ANTONIO’s house)
JESS
(taken aback) Antonio, hi… (default polite) how are you?
ANTONIO
(reads Jess’ tone of voice) I’m fine, but how are *you*?
JESS
I’m… We… (holds back tears) Not great.
ANTONIO
(carefully) Bri (Bree) just drove off to pick up some rescue pups, she must have forgotten her phone. (beat) She should be back in an hour or two.
JESS
All right. (small sob)
ANTONIO
(gently) Want to talk about it?
JESS
(sad laugh) You haven’t been my therapist for… almost twenty years now.
ANTONIO
(smiles) That’s right. (gently) And I can’t be your therapist again. We’re family now. But I can be your friend.
JESS
(smothered sob) Thank you.
ANTONIO
So, what’s going on?
JESS
It’s Rachel and I. We’re… (struggles to get the words out) separating.
ANTONIO
(surprised) Oh. I’m very sorry to hear that.
JESS
(starts breathing quicker and more shallowly) Yeah. It’s- (sob)
ANTONIO
Hey. Breathe, remember? (JESS’ breathing calms) What happened?
JESS
Nothing, really. (sad snort) No drama.
ANTONIO
(smiles) You two never were very dramatic.
JESS
(smiles) No. Not like you and Bri (Bree). No explosions. (sad sigh) Maybe that would have been better.
ANTONIO
(smiles) Probably not. Every relationship dynamic is different, and yours seems to have been working for a very long time.
JESS
Almost 20 years…
ANTONIO
(gently) So why *are* you separating?
JESS
It’s probably been coming for a while, but I didn’t see it. We… I suppose we want different things, now.
ANTONIO
Like what?
JESS
We started talking about moving back to New Zealand. Rachel’s parents are getting old, and she wants to be near them.
ANTONIO
And you didn’t want to go?
JESS
Oh, I was completely on board. I am happy here, but I can work anywhere, and I loved living in Auckland. We only moved ‘cause I got that TV writing job.
ANTONIO
(confused) So…?
JESS
It- We- (very sad) Just fell apart.
ANTONIO
In what way?
JESS
We talked and talked… It’s what we do. And… I’m comfortable here, and Rachel wants to build her life in Auckland, and… suddenly the question of *why* I should come with her popped up. It’s… I’ve never even thought about it before. About not being with Rachel. Not for… twenty years. But the question was there, between us, and… It’s like it opened up this chasm. Like everything was all right, and we were happily plodding along together like we’ve always done, and suddenly a rift opened up between us and… Vertigo, you know? It was (voice breaks) shocking.
ANTONIO
I can imagine. Do you think Rachel felt the same way? I mean, was it as shocking for her?
JESS
(thinks) I think so.
ANTONIO
When did all this happen?
JESS
Just now, a few hours ago. Feels like more.
ANTONIO
(gently) So it’s very new. Still more conversations to be had.
JESS
Yes. Absolutely. (cry-snort) About all the practical stuff. (sighs) Twenty years of stuff…
ANTONIO
Yes. And also… (carefully) About your relationship. You could still end up changing your minds.
JESS
(surprised) I suppose. But… No. (thinks) It’s like… the idea is out there now. Can’t be undone. It’s grown too big and strong to put back in the box. You know, sometimes when something has been said, put into words, it can’t be… unsaid.
ANTONIO
That makes sense. But I know what you are like. Don’t close any doors, not yet, all right?
JESS
(sad laugh) You *do* know me. Thanks. You are probably right. (small sigh) I won’t close any doors.
ANTONIO
Good. Do you- Are the emotions there, still?
JESS
I don’t know. I mean, I love her. (emotional) I’ll probably always love her. But passion… all that stuff… we haven’t been there in a very long time. I don’t know. Maybe that happens, in long relationships?
ANTONIO
It can, definitely. And as long as everyone involved is OK with it, it doesn’t have to be an issue.
JESS
Right. And I don’t think it has been, or at least not for me. We haven’t talked about it. Now, though, I’m thinking maybe we should have. Maybe that is part of why… why *we* aren’t… why… (doesn’t know how to continue)
ANTONIO
(carefully) Could be. Could not. You could talk about it. But there doesn’t have to be one specific reason, you know. Sometimes these things just happen.
JESS
I know. I just never thought it would happen to me. To us. (holds back sob)
ANTONIO
Of course not. I’m so sorry, Jess.
JESS
Thanks. (beat) Did I tell you- Or did Bri (Bree)? When Liv was here in July, she told us she’s ace – asexual. I’ll admit I had to read up on it – wanted to be supportive! You know what it means?
ANTONIO
Yes. And Bri (Bree) told me.
JESS
I don’t… That’s not what I am, but… At this point in my life I think I understand where she’s coming from. That side of things doesn’t have to be in focus.
ANTONIO
It doesn’t. I love this conversation around identity and sexuality and what you want that young folks these days are so good at. When I was 20 it was more of a “Are you gay or straight?” and that was it kind of thing.
JESS
I know! Or even that was a stretch – being gay was so othered… And being bi – or trans – like Rachel and Bri (Bree) – wasn’t even part of the conversation. Not that it’s perfect now, of course, but… Some things do change for the better.
ANTONIO
They do. (beat) And no matter how you are feeling right now, you will feel better, and heal, and change.
JESS
I know. Life, right? (sigh)
ANTONIO
Exactly. You will go on.
JESS
I will. We will. Only not together. (swallows hard) I never imagined a future without her.
ANTONIO
Maybe you don’t have to?
JESS
I- what do you mean?
ANTONIO
Maybe you can find a way to be friends, after a while.
JESS
Friends. Yeah. Maybe. Sometimes… Sometimes I think friendships are easier, you know?
ANTONIO
Bound to be. You rarely chafe at each other in the same way when you are friends.
JESS
The closer you are, the more you can hurt each other.
ANTONIO
Yes, but also- It doesn’t even have to be that dramatic. The closer you are, the more strain you put your relationship under, whatever kind of relationship it is. Small, everyday annoyances can grow into bigger issues.
JESS
(small smile) Yeah, I remember that from various flatshares. (hit by a sudden thought) Do you know, I have never lived alone? Always with a room-mate, or flatmates, and then I moved in with Rachel.
ANTONIO
Well, maybe you will try that now.
JESS
Maybe I will.
ANTONIO
And maybe the boundaries between romantic and friend relationships don’t always have to be rigid? As long as everyone’s happy, you make the rules.
JESS
Happy. Yeah. That could take a while.
ANTONIO
I know.
JESS
Thank you for listening, Antonio.
ANTONIO
Any time. I’ll-
(several dogs barking, quick footsteps on gravel outside, door opening, quick footsteps)
BRI
(distant, calls, rushed, happy, half-sings) Tonio? Forgot my phone! Need to call to get directions to- (has reached Antonio) Oh! You’re on the- (surprised) You’re on *my* phone?
ANTONIO
It’s Jess. (to JESS) Want me to tell Bri (Bree)?
JESS
Thank you.
ANTONIO
(gently) Jess and Rachel are separating. I think she wants to talk to you. (to JESS) Take care Jess. (hands over phone)
BRI
(surprised gasp) Sib! (puts down keys, purse on table) Are you- How are you?
JESS
(voice breaks) Bri (Bree). So great to hear your voice. (small sob, breathing gets shallow)
BRI
Oh sib. (gently) Hey. Breathe, remember?
JESS
(small laugh-cry) That’s exactly what Antonio said.
BRI
(jokingly) Well every now and then he has good advice.
ANTONIO
(distant, smiles) I’m still in the room you know!
BRI
(slightly distant, to ANTONIO, smiles) I know. (dogs bark) Want to go feed the dogs?
ANTONIO
Sure. (quick kiss, footsteps to other room)
JESS
Should I call later? Did you have somewhere to go?
BRI
No, it’s fine, it’s fine. I’m picking up a new rescue pup but there’s no rush.
JESS
All right.
BRI
So. Sib. Tell me what happened.
JESS
Nothing really happened, we just… (sob) fell apart… Oh Bri…
(Fade out)
Scene 11:2
(INT. KITCHEN. Afternoon. JESS and RACHEL are loading the dishwasher.)
JESS
(sighs) So. Rache. When should we tell her?
RACHEL
Should we call?
JESS
What if she needs a hug?
RACHEL
Oh shit. (starts crying but holds back) She probably will.
JESS
(sets down the plate she was holding) Yeah. You… Do *you* want a hug?
RACHEL
(almost crying) Yeah.
(BOTH make sad comforting noises as they hug, then release the hug)
RACHEL
(smiles) Remember how we used to say that with Liv when she was little? “Do you need a hug?” And all of a sudden that furious three-year-old just-
JESS
(smiles) Turned into a very small human in great need of a hug.
RACHEL
Yeah. Works for adults too. (starts back up with the dishes)
JESS
Hey…
RACHEL
What?
JESS
We can do the dishes later.
RACHEL
(smiles) Yes. (closes dishwasher, sits at kitchen table)
JESS
(sits down) Oh Rache… (pause) Are we… are we doing the right thing?
RACHEL
I… I don’t know anymore.
JESS
Me neither.
RACHEL
We’ve been talking and talking and… I just don’t see any other way than I did last night. I wish I did.
JESS
I wish I did too. (long pause) How did we get here? I mean… I know how we got here. I just- You’ve been my… family, my… my everything for almost twenty years and now…
RACHEL
(pause, small voice) We’re still… family, you know. We’ll always be family, ‘cause of Liv.
JESS
I know. We will. We are.
RACHEL
We’re still us, you know? We’re no different than we were yesterday.
JESS
Aren’t we? I feel like everything is different.
RACHEL
(sad smile) Maybe it is.
JESS
I don’t know how to live with that.
RACHEL
(voice breaks) I don’t- I will miss you, Jess.
JESS
Oh God, Rache. (sob escapes) How… I…
RACHEL
I keep feeling like I want you to comfort me, but-
JESS
Me too!
RACHEL
(slight laugh) Force of habit I suppose.
JESS
Yeah.
RACHEL
But it’s not fair.
JESS
No. We’ll have to find other ways.
RACHEL
Other people.
JESS
It really sucks.
RACHEL
It does.
JESS
(smiles) So, how is Maia?
RACHEL
They’re good. They were digging a big hole. Tia had impulse bought a cherry tree.
JESS
(smiles) That is lovely.
RACHEL
It is. (longingly) It’s spring there.
JESS
(sad smile) That’s right.
RACHEL
Did you get hold of Ina?
JESS
No, she’s on set. We texted. She’s calling tonight. But Bri (Bree) sends her love.
RACHEL
(touched) Aw. She all right?
JESS
Yep. Still saving the world, one puppy at a time.
RACHEL
(smiles) Seems everyone’s all right. (beat, then slowly) Everyone but us.
JESS
Yeah. (pause) Antonio reminded me that we will heal, eventually.
RACHEL
Seems pretty impossible right now, but good to hear all the same.
JESS
That about sums it up.
RACHEL
So, my lo (love)– (sigh) When *do* we tell Liv?
JESS
We won’t see her until Christmas.
RACHEL
Unless we make a trip?
JESS
The very special “Hello we’re separating” and by the way do you need any laundry taken care of trip?
(BOTH laugh a little)
RACHEL
You’re right. That’s not fair either.
JESS
It’ll be awful whenever we do it.
RACHEL
Won’t it ruin Christmas?
JESS
Maybe. But we can’t pretend once she gets here, so…
RACHEL
Christmas it is. Will be strange pretending over the phone.
JESS
Yeah. But it’s only for a month.
RACHEL
(surprised) That’s right. It’s almost December. (beat) We’ll work through it.
JESS
We will.
(doorbell rings, BOTH make startled exclamations)
RACHEL
Are you expecting anyone?
JESS
No. (gets up) But I’ll get it.
RACHEL
Thanks.
(Footsteps to door, open)
DELIVERY PERSON
(cheerful) How ya doin’? Got a package here for (reads) ‘Jessica Shaw’, is that you?
JESS
Yes, that’s me.
DELIVERY PERSON
Grand. If you’ll just sign here…
(JESS signs on electronic device)
DELIVERY PERSON
Beautiful day, isn’t it ? Not often we get sunshine in November!
JESS
(distracted) Um, no. (beat) Guess I hadn’t noticed. There, is that all right?
DELIVERY PERSON
Yeah. (hands over package) There you go. Right, I’d best crack on. Bye now. (whistles, footsteps down driveway)
JESS
Thanks. (calls) Bye.
(JESS closes door, footsteps back to kitchen, sets package on table, starts opening)
RACHEL
What is it?
JESS
(surprised) It’s from Liv. Why would- (opens) Oh!
(surprised reaction from RACHEL)
JESS
(continues) There’s a card (picks up and opens card, reads) ‘Mum, congrats on the British Book Awards nom! xo Liv’ (pulls out chair, sits down) This… She sent me chocolate.
RACHEL
She’s a good one, all right.
JESS
It’s almost like she knew we’d need cheering up today. I wo- (wonder)
(JESS’s mobile vibrates)
JESS
(picks up phone, continues, to RACHEL, quickly) It’s Liv. Should I…?
RACHEL
(sadly) No.
JESS
You’re right. (deep breath, small beep as answers phone) Liv!
OLIVIA
(on phone throughout, excited) Mum! You got my surprise!?
JESS
I did. Just now. (confused) How did you know?
OLIVIA
(laughs) They sent me a delivery confirmation.
JESS
Of course. Thank you darling. It was a wonderful surprise.
OLIVIA
Oh, good! I saw those and I know you like them.
JESS
I do. I love them.
OLIVIA
I thought you and mama could have some to celebrate your nomination – it’s a pretty big deal.
JESS
It is. And I’m really happy about it.
OLIVIA
Right. (someone calls in distance) I have to run – love you!
JESS
Love you, Liv.
OLIVIA
Kiss mama for me! (click)
JESS
I- Right.
RACHEL
She off somewhere?
JESS
Yeah. Didn’t say where. She… sends her love.
RACHEL
Good. Right. (voice breaks) This is so hard.
JESS
(tears in eyes) Right there with you Rache, (quietly) Right there with you. (lets out breath)
(Fade out.)
Scene 11:3
(INT. Study, late at night. JESS is typing on her laptop.)
JESS
(mutters) Aaargh… another ‘just’. Delete…What is it with that word… (sharp intake of breath, stops typing) Did *not* remember this scene was in here. (small sob) Fuck. Happy couple being happy… Ugh. (breathes)
(Mobile vibrates, JESS picks it up, slight beep)
JESS
(continues, all the emotion) Kat!
KATARINA
(on phone throughout, gently) Oh Jess, you haven’t said Kat in years. This is serious.
JESS
(smiles) Sorry. Ina. My wonderful Ina. (lets out breath)
KATARINA
How are you?
JESS
Bad. Trying to distract myself with editing but it’s not going very well.
KATARINA
(gently) OK. What do you need?
JESS
(pause) Um. (thinks) No-one’s asked me that. I… I need to know that you are there.
KATARINA
I am. I am always here.
JESS
I know. Good to hear all the same.
KATARINA
(gently) Anything else?
JESS
(small sob) Listen?
KATARINA
Of course. (beat) Do you want to come visit?
JESS
I don’t even know where in the world you are.
KATARINA
(smiles) Vancouver. I’d come to you, but we’re shooting for another three weeks.
JESS
Huh. Back to Canada. (beat) Well why not. I’ll check flights.
KATARINA
Good. I’m renting an apartment, so you can stay with me. And I can cook all your favourites.
JESS
Thank you. It’ll be just like old times.
KATARINA
(smiles) Yeah. (beat) So. I am listening.
JESS
(small sob, then deep breath) Well. Rachel and I started talking about moving back to New Zealand, and we…
(fade out)
Scene 11:4
NARRATOR
Thank you for listening to Y2K: Take 2. This episode was written by Karin Heimdahl, and directed by Sarah Golding. Our intro and outro music is created and recorded by Jake Haws, listen to his podcast “Making Music with Jake Haws” to hear more. This episode featured Karin Heimdahl as Jess, Janis Westin as Katarina, Alexandre Laguna as Antonio, Lorcan Annie Sherry as Bri (Bree), Felicity Boyd as Rachel, David Ault as the delivery person and Kirsty Woolven as Olivia. The drama school director was Sarah Golding, and the narrator Emma Laslett. For more information, please go to Y2Kpod.com or find us on social media @Y2Kpod If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/Y2Kpod Please join us again next month for our series finale when we meet Olivia in 2021.
DIRECTOR
(claps hands) All right, thank you everyone. That’s a wrap for today!
(OUTRO MUSIC)
Episode 12: Olivia – age 21 – Birmingham – December 2021
Scene 12:0
DIRECTOR
Places, please. We’ll try again everyone. Right. Whenever you’re ready – Take 2.
(INTRO MUSIC)
NARRATOR
Episode 12. Welcome to the year 2021. Birmingham, UK. Olivia is 20 years old.
Scene 12:1
(INT. Student radio studio, Birmingham University. Evening.)
OLIVIA
(in the middle of a podcast outro) -that’s all for today, I think. My name’s Olivia, thank you so much for listening, and welcome back next week, when we return with the Y2K21 podcast from Birmingham! Here’s the outro. (click, beat) What do you think Tammi? That all right?
TAMMI
(distant, enthusiastic) Absolutely!
OLIVIA
Good. That means we are all set until January. (laughs) Oh! I shouldn’t have said Y2K21! We need to rename it again. Y2K22!
TAMMI
(laughs) That’s even more of a mouthful!
OLIVIA
It is! I’m going to get it wrong so many times… Again!
TAMMI
Want to just rerecord the last line?
OLIVIA
Yup! All set?
TAMMI
Ready.
OLIVIA
(click) Welcome back next week, when we return with the (emphasis) Y2K22 podcast – new year, new name! (click) Think that’ll work?
TAMMI
Perfect.
OLIVIA
We’re getting the hang of this podcasting thing now, I think.
TAMMI
We’re veterans after two years!
OLIVIA
You’re right, we are!
TAMMI
Definitely. (beat) You ready to go? (grabs jacket and bag)
OLIVIA
Yep. (grabs jacket and bag)
TAMMI
Pub?
OLIVIA
Definitely. (beat) Are we the last?
TAMMI
Think so. (checks) No recording lights on. (calling) Anyone there?
BECCA
(calls, distant) Me! Becca!
TAMMI
(calls) OK! We’ll let you close up!
BECCA
(calls, distant) Will do!
TAMMI
(calls) Thanks!
OLIVIA
Who’s Becca?
TAMMI
Station manager. You must have met her at some point?
OLIVIA
Probably. (remembers) Oh, tall, bossy?
TAMMI
That’s her. I could ask if she wants to join us at the pub?
OLIVIA
Yeah, go on.
TAMMI
(calls) Becca? We’re off to the Disgruntled Hare, wanna join us when you’re done?
BECCA
(calls, distant) Um. Sure!
TAMMI
(calls) See you there!
BECCA
(calls, distant) See you! Bye!
TAMMI & OLIVIA
Bye!
OLIVIA
Well, ‘til next year, Burn FM.
TAMMI
Yeah. Good ol’ Burn FM.
(They open door, it closes)
Scene 12:2
(INT. OLIVIA’s and TAMMI’s flat. Afternoon. Tammi’s room. They are playing Minecraft)
TAMMI
-watch out! Creeper!
OLIVIA
(exclaims) Ah!
(a few seconds of frenetic battle)
OLIVIA
Thanks!
TAMMI
There, think that does it.
OLIVIA
(lets out breath) Good! (beat) Can’t believe you talked me into survival mode. I just want to build things. (beat) Look at this mess!
TAMMI
Ah, you’ll sort it out.
OLIVIA
I will. I am.
TAMMI
See?
OLIVIA
Mm. (pause) We *should* be revising.
TAMMI
Eh. Exams aren’t ‘til January. Plenty of time.
OLIVIA
Yeah, but there’s the holidays, and travelling… There won’t be that much.
TAMMI
For *you*. I’ll be in my old bedroom with an endless supply of baked goods and nothing else to do for most of it. My mom’ll be there Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but then she’s off travelling again.
OLIVIA
Won’t any of your old friends be home?
TAMMI
Not the important ones. They’re travelling too.
OLIVIA
That sucks.
TAMMI
Yeah. (shrugs) We’ll meet up another time. And we’re in touch online all the time, so we’re OK. But *you’re* hanging out with a movie star, so I guess you’ll have no time.
OLIVIA
Only for New Years. We’ll be in London, she’s in a play this winter. And she’s not- She’s not a demanding diva like movie actors you read about. She’s like- Anyone else I suppose.
TAMMI
(teasing) If you say so.
OLIVIA
I *do* say- (realizes) Oh, stop it, Tammi! (laughs)
TAMMI
(laughs) O-K.
OLIVIA
Christmas will be odd, though. Without mama.
TAMMI
Well. Auckland is very far away. As you and I well know.
OLIVIA
Yeah. It makes sense. And I got to spend time with her before we moved back here. I’m just- It’ll be- I’ll miss her, that’s all.
TAMMI
Course. But you seem more… OK with it now.
OLIVIA
(sad smile) Maybe. Will never be actually ‘OK’ about it. But am more used to it I suppose.
TAMMI
Yeah that makes sense.
OLIVIA
(mutters) Damned Enderman! Don’t-
TAMMI
(frenetic clicks) There! Got it. Happy now?
OLIVIA
Thanks. Now if I could just…
TAMMI
Here you go!
OLIVIA
Thank youp! (sic)
TAMMI
(small sigh) My mom’s started asking about future plans again.
OLIVIA
Right. What are you telling her?
TAMMI
I don’t know. I’ll apply for a bunch of jobs I guess.
OLIVIA
You don’t sound very excited.
TAMMI
I’m not. I like student life. I mean, what job would let you play Minecraft on a Tuesday afternoon?
OLIVIA
(smiles) True! But I’m excited – excited to start doing some real work.
TAMMI
Like what?
OLIVIA
Well, ideally I’d like to do field work, but that seems hard to get into.
TAMMI
(mildly positive) Yeah, that seems like one of the better options. Did you hear Oscar is only applying for jobs with oil companies? Apparently they pay paleontologists really well. Sounds boring.
OLIVIA
(not really listening) Hm. I’ll be applying for lots of different digs to get some real work experience. I’m excited! Remember the rib bone we found on that field trip?
TAMMI
That *was* thrilling!
OLIVIA
It was! It was the first time for me, unearthing something myself. (wonder in voice) And just… holding this piece of ancient history in my hand… That’s why I want to do this. To feel connected to our planet’s past…
TAMMI
You’re making *me* excited about it now too!
OLIVIA
(small laugh) Well, good. (beat) And if that doesn’t work out, I’m thinking museum work would be really interesting too. (beat) Eventually I think I’ll want to get a PhD.
TAMMI
Yeah. Ugh. Excitement over. That seems like so much work.
OLIVIA
Hey. You’ve almost completed your degree. You *are* doing a lot of work.
TAMMI
(smiles) Yeah. I know. But I’m *used* to this. Not a big fan of new scary things and new scary demands.
OLIVIA
Oh I’m completely with you there.
TAMMI
Scary future is scary.
OLIVIA
It is. Maybe we can apply to some of the same places and if we’re lucky we’ll end up at the same dig?
TAMMI
That would be good. (beat) You see that post from Becca?
OLIVIA
The Burn FM Holiday thing?
TAMMI
You going?
OLIVIA
Maybe. You?
TAMMI
Got nothing else to do.
OLIVIA
(smiles) Except study?
TAMMI
On a Friday night? Nope.
OLIVIA
(laughs) Fair enough. All right, I’ll come.
TAMMI
Oh! Careful!
OLIVIA
Aaah!
(frenetic clicks)
OLIVIA
Damn! (sets down hand control) Right, that is *it*. I’m done with survival mode.
TAMMI
(smiles) Fine. (clicks) Creative mode coming up. (click) Time to build!
OLIVIA
(laughs, picks up hand control) All right. (clicks)
TAMMI
Look, redstone!
(fade out)
Scene 12:3
(INT. Student party, music in background, lots of talking but not too boisterous. Evening.)
OLIVIA
(mid-rant) -and to top it all off then they said my podcast wasn’t ‘real’ because I started off basing it on found audio – implying there was no work involved in it at all.
BECCA
Bollocks. They clearly have no clue what they’re on about.
TAMMI
They’re trolls. Becca’s right. Ignore them, Olivia.
BECCA
You two need to come on ArtiePhartie! Talk about podcasting! Everyone’s starting a podcast these days, give ‘em a how-to!
OLIVIA
(a little uncertain) What’s ArtiePhartie?
BECCA
It’s my show! Burn FM’s flagship! (laughs) No, not really. That’s the news. And sports. And music. Basically everything except my show but I promise it’s damned good. We talk about (funny voice) ‘The Arts’. You should listen. (radio DJ voice) Every Tuesday 9 pm!
OLIVIA
Right. Yes. I will. And thanks, Becca. I’d lo– *we’d* love to, right, Tammi?
TAMMI
Oh, absolutely! Though you might have to edit my stutter a little if I get stuck.
BECCA
Oh. We record live. Usually. But no reason we couldn’t prerecord. Yeah.
OLIVIA
Or the listeners will just have to deal with it. We only very rarely *edit* you for the podcast, Tammi.
TAMMI
That’s true. But prerecorded would probably be less intimidating, for me.
BECCA
Deal! I’ll schedule you in for after exams.
OLIVIA
Perfect. See, Tammi? I’m not the only one thinking about exams.
TAMMI
Oh, I think about them. I just try not to.
BECCA
(laughs) Me too! Bloody exams. Oh well. There’s only two sets left.
OLIVIA
Sets… Oh, sets of exams. Yeah, for us too.
TAMMI
(spooky voice) Future fear!
BECCA
Nah. I’m well chuffed. Uni’s been good to me, but think about it. The real world. Yeah? We could do literally anything! We could go anywhere! Adventures in space and time or time and space! But mainly space, though. Or, earth. Mostly earth, because the earth is *huge*! There is so much for us to discover right here under our feet! Wait. What was- Um- I was thinking- I was thinking- Yes! Opportunity! I found something today. Madagascar! (excited squeal)
OLIVIA
(confused) Madagascar?
BECCA
Yes! You want to go to Madagascar, don’t you?
TAMMI
(small laugh) Becca! You are making no sense.
BECCA
(cheerful) Sorry! Brain spaz! (laughs) Mouth is quicker than my head and my head is quicker than my mouth? Maybe it’s both? Both! But one can’t keep up with the other and sometimes- I just get excited and can’t form sentences. (breathes) *I* want to go to Madagascar!
OLIVIA
That’s… nice.
TAMMI
Becca. Point?
BECCA
Yes! Maevaroano formation. Late Cretaceous. Mainly your sort of thing – dinosaurs! Mahajanga Basin Project. Been going for ages. They have intern positions for graduates – that’s us!
OLIVIA
Right. (mutters) Mahajanga Basin… I think I- (takes out her phone to google)
TAMMI
OK. But Becca, you’re in Archeology – are they looking for interns in both disciplines?
BECCA
They are! Let me send you the link! (gets out phone)
OLIVIA
(excited) I knew I read about this – they found a new fossil mammal there… Adalatherium! (laughs) “The Crazy Beast of Madagascar”. (reads) …also so many dinosaur specimen… Charles Depéret examined the first finds from this area… (exclaims) Becca!
BECCA
Yeah!
OLIVIA
*This* project is looking for interns?
BECCA
Sure are!
OLIVIA
This is incredible.
BECCA
I know! It’s in- Sent- Tammi’s e-mail- It’s in there- I promi- Like- There’s- There’s- There’s e-mails!
TAMMI
(gets out her phone, smiles) Sending it over now Olivia.
OLIVIA
This… (deep breath) I really want this.
BECCA
I know, right?
OLIVIA
I want to go to Madagascar!
BECCA
Told you!
(BECCA and OLIVIA make excited squeals)
TAMMI
(reading on phone) Openings from August… ongoing application until filled… five positions… pay is room, board and pocket money… Duration six to twelve months… Hm. This could work.
OLIVIA
(laughs) It could more than work! This is exactly the kind of thing we were talking about the other day. It could be perfect.
BECCA
It would! It will! (breathes)
TAMMI
You all right there, Becca?
BECCA
Yeah. You know how I get. Get how I know. Ha! Get it? Get it?
OLIVIA
Think I do. Thanks so much for this, Becca. I suppose now all we can do is send in applications, and hope for the best.
TAMMI
Solid plan.
BECCA
Fingers crossed, yeah?
TAMMI
Absolutely. More wine?
OLIVIA
Yes please!
BECCA
Oh yes!
(ALL laugh)
(Fade out)
Scene 12:4
(INT. Campus common room, final day of term. Afternoon. Holiday muzak in background. OLIVIA opens door and walks in.)
BECCA
(excited, calls) Olivia! E-mail! You too?
OLIVIA
(excited, calls) Yes! I’m in! You?
BECCA
Yes! What about Tammi- Did Tammi- Have you seen Tammi yet- Is Tammi- Tammi?
OLIVIA
I don’t know, haven’t talked to her since this morning.
(Door opening, footsteps)
OLIVIA
There she is! Tammi! Over here!
TAMMI
(comes over) Hiya!
BECCA
(excited/nervous squeal) Tammi! Tammi!
OLIVIA
(excited) Did you get an e-mail from the Mahajanga Basin Project too?
BECCA
Come on!
TAMMI
Oh. Don’t think I’ve checked my e-mails today. (digs in bag, fishes out phone, mutters) Here we go… Oh. “Mahajanga Basin Project” (reads) ‘We are pleased to offer you a ten-month intern position! (smiles) This is great! So we’re all going?
BECCA
Yes!
OLIVIA
It’s so exciting! Best Christmas present ever!
BECCA
Hanukkah present for me! But yeah! This is brilliant!
TAMMI
(a little overwhelmed) So this means I don’t have to worry about applying for jobs until later.
OLIVIA
That is exactly what it means.
TAMMI
That’s fantastic.
BECCA
So! Much! Fun!
OLIVIA
Yes! We should start a podcast about it!
BECCA
We should! Academic podcasts! Researchers use them to document projects! You bring the pod know-how, they get exposure. Win-win! (claps) Boom!
OLIVIA
Oooh! That would be perfect. That is my dream – combining podcasting and science! We can at least suggest it.
TAMMI
(not listening) My mom’s going to be so happy.
OLIVIA
Of course she is. But what about you. Are *you* happy, Tammi?
TAMMI
I am! I just didn’t expect this to work out so easily, that’s all.
OLIVIA
Well, it’s all thanks to Becca.
BECCA
You should thank me! (laughs) Nah! You got it on your own merits. Oh! I’m so happy you did.
OLIVIA
So am I. But we wouldn’t have known about it without you. Want to go get some really fancy coffee to celebrate? My shout!
BECCA
(same time as TAMMI) Yes please!
TAMMI
(same time as BECCA) Absolutely!
(ALL laugh)
TAMMI
I want a nutmeg Frappuccino with chocolate sprinkles, you think they have that?
BECCA
(laughing) Let’s test them! Chai chocolate avocado double whipped espresso sprinkled with cinnamon and caramel mixed with a tiny bit of latte and a double espresso shot!
OLIVIA
All right, let’s go! (laughs) I know! Ginger spiced frozen hot…
(ALL laugh, footsteps toward door, opens, closes)
Scene 12:5
(INT. London apartment. Relaxing music in background. Evening. OLIVIA, JESS and KATARINA have just finished eating dinner.)
JESS
(puts down cutlery) That was really delicious, Ina.
KATARINA
Oh good, Jess! That was my plan.
OLIVIA
It worked!
KATARINA
Well, it’s New Years, I wanted it to be special. (beat) Are you sure you’re OK celebrating with us rather than with your friends, Liv? This is not exactly a big exciting party…
OLIVIA
None of my close friends are in Birmingham over New Years, so this worked out perfectly.
JESS
(a little concerned) It did end up being a very quiet Christmas with just the two of us, and now this very small birthday-new-years-celebration. I’m sorry Liv.
OLIVIA
Don’t be sorry, mum! I mean, I miss mama of course, but I actually prefer small gatherings over big parties.
KATARINA
You are very wise.
JESS
(smiles) You always were wise beyond your years, Liv.
OLIVIA
Well, maybe I’m growing into it now? And I’m hoping to go see mama this summer, before I go to Madagascar. Though it’ll be winter there, of course, but… Still nice. I miss New Zealand.
JESS
That sounds like a plan.
KATARINA
I’m actually filming in Australia this summer – or winter there – in Sydney. If I get a chance I’ll try to pop over to Auckland for a few days. Haven’t been since I visited you back in… 2003 was it?
JESS
Something like that. I haven’t been back in a long time either.
KATARINA
You could come visit me in Sydney and fly over?
JESS
Yeah. Maybe.
OLIVIA
Oh, please come, mum. I could take you on my favourite hikes? And you can see Bri (Bree) and Antonio?
JESS
(smiles) All right. I will.
KATARINA
Good. That’s settled. (beat) You want to go put on some coffee, Jess? You *do* want coffee with dessert?
OLIVIA
Yes please.
JESS
Sure. (gets up, footsteps, faint kitchen sounds)
KATARINA
(in low voice) Are you thinking what I’m thinking?
OLIVIA
(in low voice) Think so. They really seem to miss each other.
KATARINA
(in low voice) They do. Or Jess definitely does. Not sure they’d ever get back together, but seems they aren’t happy living so far apart.
OLIVIA
(in low voice) Exactly. Let’s give them a chance to meet up, anyway.
KATARINA
(in low voice) Perfect!
(coffee starts percolating, footsteps)
JESS
All done- What are you two whispering about? (sits down)
KATARINA
Liv was just telling me about Madagascar.
JESS
Oh yes, that is so exciting! I’ve never been to Madagascar.
KATARINA
Me neither. You’ll have to tell us all about it when you get back. Liv.
JESS
And take lots of pictures!
OLIVIA
I will! And we’re starting a podcast about it – the head of the project was really excited – so you can listen to that, too.
KATARINA
(laughs) Feel like that’s a pretty good way of keeping track of what’s going on with you.
JESS
Yes, you’ve trained us well, Liv. We’re all listening now.
KATARINA
Will you keep going with the (hesitates) Y2K twenty…two? podcast as well?
OLIVIA
That’s right! It’s Y2K22 now. I think so. It’s got some nice momentum, and I’m so used to releasing weekly that I think I’d miss it.
JESS
I’d miss it too. But looking forward to the scientific one as well – I bet I will learn *a lot*.
KATARINA
Oh wow, yes, so will I! I’ve never understood your field, Liv, so probably time I got some proper insight!
OLIVIA
(small laugh) This is where I’m imagining that your next novel, mum, and your next film, Ina, will both take place at a dig in Madagascar!
(ALL laugh)
JESS
(smiles) Well. It’s not a bad idea. I’d love to take a research trip there!
KATARINA
Oh, that’s good! And I’d love to play a scientist some day, so who knows.
OLIVIA
I look forward to that.
JESS
(affectionately) You look forward to picking apart all the science in the movie, most likely.
OLIVIA
Well, yes. But that *is* fun.
JESS
I get it. Maybe not the science part, but I pick apart movies for fun too.
KATARINA
I never- (mobile buzzes, she checks, smiles) It’s Andy – I’ll be right back. (gets up, starts walking into other room)
JESS
(calls) Send him my love!
KATARINA
(calls as she walks away) I will! (answers, big smile) Andy… (laughs, walks into bedroom and closes door)
OLIVIA
Anyway. I suppose I get that critical side from you.
JESS
(smiles) Yeah. Through osmosis. Can’t grow up with me without getting that critical eye… Do you- Are you in touch with Mike, these days?
OLIVIA
Now and then. I like him, and we have good conversations, but… I don’t know him very well.
JESS
No. That makes sense. I… Not being the biological parent is… Sometimes I feel like I have to compensate, somehow.
OLIVIA
Mum. No. That’s- You don’t have to do anything.
JESS
Thank you. Doesn’t take away the feeling, though. (sheepish smile) So if I’m overbearing, sometimes, that could be where it’s coming from.
OLIVIA
All right. Good to know I suppose.
JESS
Could also be my anxiety peeking out. (smiles) You never know!
OLIVIA
(laughs) Yeah. (beat) I love you, mum.
JESS
Love you too, Liv. I’m so happy you’ve spent the holidays with me.
OLIVIA
It’s been good. I’m just- Are- Are you all right?
JESS
Well. I’ve been a bit down lately, I guess. My editor is waiting for revisions and it’s been very slow going. You know. Writing is a lonely business.
OLIVIA
Yeah. I know you like living in Delgany [DELL-guh-nee], but… Seems like you don’t have many local friends.
JESS
No. You’re right. Dee and Liz moved this past summer, and it seems… a lot of the others were more Rachel’s friends than mine. Finding new friends in my 40s is proving to be quite a bit harder than it was in my 20s.
OLIVIA
I can imagine.
(bedroom door opens, KATARINA walks out)
KATARINA
I think the coffee is done – you two ready for some birthday cake?
OLIVIA
(smiles) Oh that’s a surprise!
KATARINA
(on her way to kitchen) You didn’t think we’d let you have a birthday without a cake, did you? (faint kitchen sounds)
OLIVIA
But you already got me presents. You are spoiling me.
JESS
That’s the idea. We’re just thrilled a 21-year-old wants to hang out with two oldies like us. (on way to kitchen)
OLIVIA
(laughs, calls) You’re not *that* old, mum!
JESS
(laughs, calls) Now why don’t I find that comforting?
KATARINA
(footsteps, plates and cake platter set down) There we go. (sits down)
JESS
(footsteps, pours coffee for everyone) There… and there… and you… OK… (sits down) Make a wish, Liv!
OLIVIA
(smiles) All right! (blows out candle, the moment is prolonged into slow motion and we hear OLIVIA’s inner monologue) World peace. Always wish for world peace. And no more pandemics. And just… Could everyone I care about please be safe and happy? Also.. (a little emotional) I wish my parents would get back together. Or, if that’s not happening, for them to at least be less miserable than they are now. Right. (beat) Think that’s it. (beat) Happy birthday to me. (the sound around her speeds up again and she blows out the candle)
(KATARINA and JESS cheer and clap)
JESS
May all your wishes come true!
OLIVIA
(smiles) Thanks mum.
KATARINA
(starts cutting cake and serving) One for the birthday girl, one for you, and one for me.
OLIVIA
(tastes) This is delicious! Howd id you know chocolate and coconut are my favourites?
KATARINA
I got the inside scoop. (tastes)
JESS
(smiles) Not exactly classified information. (tastes) But I agree, this is wonderful.
KATARINA
So twenty-one years ago today we were here, in London, celebrating New Years, and Liv, you had just been born on the other side of the world.
JESS
And all I wanted was to rush back there and meet you.
OLIVIA
Well, it’s not like I remember those days. As far as I’m concerned, you’ve always been there, mum.
JESS
Good. Always will be. As long as I can, anyways.
KATARINA
(smiles) Do you realize that this year we’ve been friends for 25 years, Jess?
OLIVIA
Wow.
JESS
That is a long time.
KATARINA
Saving the champagne for later, but we can make a toast in coffee, right?
JESS
(smiles) Of course we can.
KATARINA
Well, grab your cups! (EVERYONE grabs their cups) To the next twenty-five years!
OLIVIA and JESS
(smiling) The next twenty-five!
(clinks of coffee mugs, everyone sips, a lone firework explodes in the distance)
OLIVIA
(excited) Oh, they’re starting already! (gets up, footsteps to window, a second firework explodes, awe in voice) So pretty.
JESS
(slightly distant) Think you’ll have your fill before the night is over.
OLIVIA
Probably.
(KATARINA and JESS start clearing the table, footsteps to the kitchen)
JESS
(distant, during previous) …can you hand me that… Thanks… Where does this go? Oh, there … Pizza maybe?… Movie?…
KATARINA
(distant, during previous) …here you go… oh, watch that!… Think that’s it… Over there, no, yeah, there… So what do you want to do tomorrow?…
OLIVIA
(a third firework explodes, to herself) Beautiful. (small contented sigh) I think- I think everything is going to be all right.
(Music increases, many fireworks, faint echo of the “Welcome to the year 2000” voice from the Prologue… Cacophony of voices from across the show, ending with ‘Oceans of hugs’)
(Fade out)
Scene 12:6
KARIN
(claps hands) All right, thank you so much. That’s a wrap everyone! (beat) Karin here, creator of Y2K. This is it – the final episode ever of Y2K. Thank you so much for listening, and for following our story for the past two years.
First of all thanks to our amazing patrons. Without you, there would not have been a season 2. You not only keep the lights on, you make sure we thrive under those lights.
A very special thanks to our cast, first our wonderful season 1 cast, who started this journey with me, Kirsty, Janis, Adam, Felicity, Shekendra, Anjali, Lorcan, Anna, Maddy, Robin and Charlotte, as well as Natalie, Sarah, Lee and Erin. Thank you all for trusting your talent to an unknown creator.
And, for season 2, so many wonderful voice actors have joined us in delving deeper into these characters and expanding their stories. Thank you to Emma, Sravya, Eyþór, Sabina, Silja, Sam, Su Ling, Gemma, Fiona, Nathan, Ashley, Bailey, Shannon, Harlan, Dan, Elissa, Pear, Jackie, Björn, Dallas, David, Bonnie, Chris, Sakshi, Journee, Danyelle, Alexandre, James and Hem! Over 40 voice actors have helped bring you season 2, and I am beyond thrilled they all agreed to come on board.
Also thanks to our additional sound designers, Tal and Emmett, and to Sarah for directing two episodes that I – voicing Jess – could not have directed on my own. And the biggest of hugs to my dear friend and script editor Lina, who keeps insisting that she *enjoys* helping me figure out plot.
Next up for me, and for our newly minted Y2K Productions, is Chaika, a sci-fi tale of loss, isolation and hope about a woman navigating a post-apocalyptic world. Chaika will release in 2022 – keep an eye out on our website, social media and Patreon to find out when it drops.
Take care dear listeners. Thank you so much. And oceans and oceans of hugs.
NARRATOR
Thank you for listening to Y2K: Take 2. This episode was written, produced and directed by Karin Heimdahl. Our intro and outro music is created and recorded by Jake Haws, listen to his podcast “Making Music with Jake Haws” to hear more. This episode featured Kirsty Woolven as Olivia, Anna Jartin as Tammi, Hem Cleveland as Becca, Janis Westin as Katarina and Karin Heimdahl as Jess. The drama school director was Sarah Golding, and the narrator Emma Laslett. For more information, please go to Y2Kpod.com or find us on social media @Y2Kpod If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting Y2K Productions on Patreon.com/Y2Kpod
(OUTRO MUSIC, Full version of “Welcome to the Year 2000” with vocals)
Y2K Productions 