Marco: He’s fine.

STAGE DARKENS, CURTAIN CLOSES

ACT I : SCENE v

(Curtain opens. Scene is set as MARCO’s house. MARCO is sitting on the couch. ALESSIO is at the piano)

Marco: Well that went worse than horribly.

Alessio: I thought it went pretty well. (ALESSIO smiles) And to think, you didn’t kill each other.

Marco: Let me guess, I suppose you’re going to tell me that’s a good start? (ALESSIO moves to the arm of the couch)

Alessio: It’s an awful start. (ALESSIO pats MARCO on the shoulder) But considering it was you, I expected much, (long pause) much worse.

Marco: You weren’t even paying attention. You were gallivanting with the writer.

Alessio: (Gets up from arm of couch) To keep her out of your hair, of course. Not to mention she can give me some insight into what those romantic types want.

Marco: Are you suggesting there’s something you don’t know?

Alessio: No, I’m suggesting that there’s something you don’t know.

Marco: (hangs head frustrated) If you know everything, why don’t you just help me instead of creating more chaos.

Alessio: (Paces behind the couch, puts hands on the back of the couch near MARCO) Because I like chaos.

Marco: But it’s not that simple, Alessio. (Stands up) It’s just not that simple. Everything is not as easy as you think it is! (MARCO walks towards ALESSIO. ALESSIO jumps off the back of the couch and runs away from MARCO) I’m sorry that I’m not some heartless, conniving, smooth-talking sex-monger! I’m sorry that’s not the case for me! I can actually care for someone. (Sits back down on the piano and strikes a few notes) But at least I’m not afraid of that.

Alessio: (Sincerely) I’m sorry, Marco. (Stars smiling. ALESSIO walks behind MARCO and pats him on the back) I know how women hate you.

Marco: (Gets up furiously) You can’t even take my anguish seriously!

Alessio: (Backs away) But you’re just so funny.

Marco: (Runs to door, but not the front door. MARCO opens door) Get out. (MARCO points to open door. Small room has a broom.)

Alessio: Are you putting me in the broom closet? (MARCO grabs ALESSIO by the arm and locks him in the broom closet. From in the closet, ALESSIO’s voice is muffled.) There are some awful cobwebs in here.

Marco: Be quiet! I put you in there so I can be alone with my thoughts.

Alessio: Outside works just as well.

Marco: I can’t talk though things by myself. There would be no point in throwing you out, because I’ll need you in a little.

Alessio: If I complain enough about how dark and dirty it is in here, will you let me out?

Marco: No, I’ll just clean my closet after you fall asleep. (MARCO pauses. Inaudible, angry, muffled voice. Door shakes) I try to be charming, but her viper tongue (ALESSIO laughs) poisons the attempt with the vile things she says. And it only reminds me of the horrible things she’s said and done to me before. I try to be nice, but I have to insult her back or her wits beat mine. I need to find a way to… I really can’t put this in a nice way… to shut her up until she likes me again. Oh, no.

Alessio: (interrupting, still muffled) What?

Marco: I am a hopeless romantic. You’re right. For the first time in, ever I think, you’re actually right about me.

Alessio: (interrupting, still muffled) This can’t be good.

Marco: For eleven years I’ve spent my life chasing a dream. I need to wake up. You needed to tell me I was dreaming

Alessio: (Opens door and starts to slink away) I should leave before you make some point. Glad we could talk it over though.

Marco: I’m not done yet. (Points to the couch) Sit down.

Alessio: (Almost mumbles to himself) As long as you don’t start playing piano.