EXT. THE PARK – MORNING

Cedric, James and Jasmine are jogging in the early morning.

JASMINE

So are we all set for Friday?

CEDRIC

I guess. Kyle's pretty much gotten everything arranged with Spice and the band.

(To James)

So you'll be taking her there as planned?

JAMES

Yeah. Kyle's booked the reservation for me, right?

CEDRIC

Yes. It's under your name.

JASMINE

This is so thrilling! I'm sure she'll be so pleased.

CEDRIC

Any other contingencies we have to think of?

JASMINE

Not that I can think of.

JAMES

Actually, yes.

CEDRIC

What?

JAMES

What if I can't make it?

CEDRIC

Why not? Come on, don't disappoint her again.

JAMES

Seriously. I mean, I don't know if something will come up. I think Heather's got a doctor's appointment on Friday afternoon.

CEDRIC

Same game plan. Only I'll take her.

JAMES

Okay. I'll let you know though. I really feel so crappy about this.

CEDRIC

You never know, it may turn out to be even more of a surprise to her.

JASMINE

Well, I guess we're all set then. This is so fun!

CEDRIC

She's missing out the fun, huh? If only she could plan her own surprise party.

EXT. OUTSIDE ALEXIS' HOUSE – FRIDAY EVENING

Cedric's car pulls up outside the house. He walks up the driveway and the door opens just as he's about to ring the doorbell. Alexis is wearing a simple dress, with her hair down.

ALEXIS

I knew it. I just knew it.

CEDRIC

Sorry. Something came up. Heather was rushed to the hospital about an hour ago.

ALEXIS

Oh dear… is she alright? How is he doing?

CEDRIC

I don't have all the details. He didn't say. But he's staying at the hospital to accompany his mom and her.

ALEXIS

Maybe we should…

CEDRIC

(Gripping her shoulders and looking into her eyes)

No, dear. It's your birthday. He promised you a night out, and you'll get it, even if you have to accept from simple old me.

ALEXIS

Of course I will.

(She tiptoes to give him a peck on the cheek.)

CEDRIC

So, shall we?

Alexis takes his hand and they walk down the driveway to his car.

ALEXIS

I've been thinking over what you said the other day.

CEDRIC

What I said the other day about what?

ALEXIS

The thing you said about true love.

CEDRIC

Really.

ALEXIS

It makes sense.

CEDRIC

And?

ALEXIS

And… nothing really.

They pull up outside Spice.

INT. SPICE – CONTINUOUS

Alexis and Cedric enter the building. Soft music is playing, and the place is dimly lit with yellow lights and candles. A waiter approaches them

WAITER

Do you have a reservation?

CEDRIC

Yes, the reservation is under the name of James.

WAITER

Ah, right this way, sir.

They follow the waiter to a table for two set up in a private, cosy corner. Alexis looks around curiously.

ALEXIS

I'm not under-dressed, am I?

CEDRIC

No, you're not. You look stunning.

ALEXIS

It just seems like such a formal place. Oh look – is that a little stage?

(They start flipping through the menu)

CEDRIC

Formal? It's not really. Yeah, there'll be a band playing later on, if I'm not mistaken.

ALEXIS

Oh, what fun!

CEDRIC

So how do you feel, turning another year older?

ALEXIS

Still rather the same, I guess.

CEDRIC

Okay – I have a good question. How has the year been for you? How would you rate it?

ALEXIS

Wait, wait… I have a question first… are we ordering?

CEDRIC

Oh yes, I clean forgot! Have you decided what you want yet?

(He signals to the waiter, who comes over)

ALEXIS

I think I'll just have the Alfredo.

WAITER

Yes, sir?

CEDRIC

We'd like to order. She'd like the Alfredo, and I'll take the steak – medium rare.

WAITER

Drinks, sir?

ALEXIS

A juice would be good... orange.

CEDRIC

And a Coke for me.

WAITER

Will that be all?

CEDRIC

Yes.

The waiter leaves.

ALEXIS

Where were we?

CEDRIC

The past year – how has it been for you and how would you rate it?

ALEXIS

That's a tough one.

CEDRIC

I know. I never ask easy questions.

(He smiles)

ALEXIS

(After a long pause)

It has been a pretty good year, I suppose. Meeting you, James – the whole gang in college. I love you guys. The journey with James was something awesome.

CEDRIC

Even now?

ALEXIS

Now. Well… At least it's something new, isn't it? I'm settled in my heart and mind. My decision has been made. So, well, life's life. Things happen. No big deal. I think I've really grown. Not really grown up like, as in… adulthood or something. But matured… you know… like growing wiser, learning how to deal with things. Yes.

CEDRIC

I didn't know you before college, but yes. I do agree. You have changed a lot from when I first met you until now.

ALEXIS

For good or for bad?

CEDRIC

I'd say for good. For very good. And what do you see for the coming year?

ALEXIS

(Laughing)

Are you interviewing me or something?

The waiter arrives with the food and they start eating as they continue to talk.

CEDRIC

Maybe.

(poses with the fork in hand poised like a microphone)

So Miss Alexis, what do you have to say for yourself?

ALEXIS

(She laughs)

I don't know. I really don't. I haven't thought about it. And I'm not intending to. At least, not tonight. Tonight's for reflecting, I guess. For thinking of the past, and being grateful for all the great and beautiful things that have happened to me. Like you.

CEDRIC

Me? What did I do?

ALEXIS

You were just really there when I needed you the most. I want to thank you for that. You're just one of the best buddies a girl can have. You really listen and care. You're just really special, you know?

CEDRIC

It wasn't a big deal.

ALEXIS

You didn't need to be, you know. You could have just gone on with your life. You didn't have to listen to my sob stories and drama.

CEDRIC

But I wanted to.

ALEXIS

I think that's the thing about you. You really do care for your friends.

In the background, the band starts playing some jazz standards. Alexis listens appreciatively.

ALEXIS

Hey, isn't that your brother round by the bar?

CEDRIC

(Turning to look)

Oh, hey it is. I guess he knows the musicians or something.

ALEXIS

That's cool.

CEDRIC

Do you want to sit around here?

ALEXIS

We could… but I was thinking it would be nice if we dropped by and looked in on James and his family.

CEDRIC

Alright. Just sit here a while. I'll just go and settle the bill then.

Cedric leaves and walks towards the counter. Alexis leans back and listens to the band.

FRONTMAN

Just right now, we're going to sing a special song to a special someone. You'll know who you are.

The band strikes up a jazzy rendition of Happy Birthday. Alexis looks surprised for a moment, but decides it can't be her.

A man comes in carrying a birthday cake with lighted candles.

FRONTMAN

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to Alexis… happy birthday to you!

Alexis sits up, stunned. The man reaches her table with the cake.

JAMES

Happy birthday, babe.

He puts the cake on the table. Alexis jumps up and hugs him.

ALEXIS

Oh, James! Gosh, this is so unexpected… I thought you were at the hospital… with Heather… and… how is she? I mean, what…

(She starts to tear)

JAMES

Hush, babes. Heather's perfectly fine.

ALEXIS

But Ceddy said… and…

She turns around to realise that she's surrounded by her friends. Cedric is smirking at the side. He shrugs.

CEDRIC

Sorry. A little bit of deception.

ALEXIS

Gosh, I mean like… all of you planned this?

JAMES

Just for you, babe. It was Jasmine and Cedric's idea, really.

ALEXIS

Thanks… I mean… really… I love you guys…

JASMINE

We know. We heard.

ALEXIS

Heard?

JASMINE

You were on candid camera.

ALEXIS

Cedric, how could you? You actually taped that up? Man, that interview thing was for real? Oh gosh, how did you rig this up?

CEDRIC

Only with the help of Kyle the amazing.

TRIXIE

Hey, are you going to blow out the candles or not?

ALEXIS

The cake! The cake… I forgot!

JAMES

Make a wish, babe.

She closes her eyes, and then opens them and gives an enormous blow.

ALEXIS

I just did.

(She sneaks her hand around his waist and looks up at him.)

CEDRIC

Cake time!

The waiter takes the cake away. The 8 of them – Cedric, James, Alexis, Jasmine, Trixie, Mark, Gary and Maya take seats around the table. The waiters have already added tables and chairs. There is general chatter as they settle in. James stands up and taps on the water glass.

JAMES

Listen up! Today we celebrate the birthday of someone really special to all of us. A round of applause for Alexis!

CEDRIC

Speech! Speech! Speech!

The others take up the chant.

ALEXIS

Come on… you just over heard my wonderful interview with Cedric.

GARY

No, that doesn't count! We want a speech!

James stands beside her with his arm around her waist.

JAMES

Babe, you can't disappoint your fervent fans.

ALEXIS

But what do I say?

MAYA

Anything, Lex! You're good at speeches, remember?

ALEXIS

Alright, alright… Thank you all for being here… for planning this for me… I really appreciate the thought and effort. Even from Kyle over there who doesn't actually know me! And the band! You're superb!

I seriously don't know what to say now. Uhm. If this were the Grammy's… I give up.

(She sits down)

CEDRIC

(Leaning over towards her and hands her a rose)

Here, this is for you. Happy birthday, Lex.

EXT. THE PARK – LATER

James and Alexis exit James' car. They walk up to their familiar spot and sit on the grass, watching the stars.

JAMES

Sorry I couldn't take you out to dinner. Heather had a check up and it took much longer than usual. I didn't want to derail their plans by delaying everything.

ALEXIS

It's alright. I still enjoyed myself.

JAMES

Could I just ask you something?

ALEXIS

(Leaning on him)

Ask away. What's on your mind, Mez?

JAMES

I couldn't help but being a little confused about what you said to Cedric earlier.

ALEXIS

Confused? Your fault for eavesdropping. What did I say anyway?

JAMES

Not quite confused. A little worried maybe. You know the part… where…

(He stops uncertainly)

ALEXIS

Where?

JAMES

You were thanking him for being your best buddy or something like that. What did you really mean?

ALEXIS

Hah. You're worried, aren't you? You're scared that I've fallen for him and that you've lost.

JAMES

Frankly… a little… I mean…

ALEXIS

Hah! That serves you right for listening in to what I assumed would be a private conversation.

JAMES

(He pulls away slightly)

So do you really mean… Is this it? Or…

ALEXIS

Wait.

(She puts a finger to his lips.)

First of all, what's your definition of true love?

JAMES

My definition?

ALEXIS

Yeah, what do you think true love really is? A feeling? A period in time? What? I know you've said before, but I want to know again. What do you really truly think?

JAMES

That's a difficult one. Sometimes I don't know what I really truly think.

ALEXIS

Take your time. We've only got all night.

JAMES

True love. The word is there – to be true. To be faithful to someone. No matter the circumstance. But what is love, really, than what I've always said? To want someone enough that you would give them everything that is the best for them. To give them everything that will ever make them happy. Completely. Giving yourself wholly and totally to that one person. And staying true. There can be no halves in love. It has to be all. Or nothing.

ALEXIS

What if giving them everything that is best for them would make you totally miserable? What would you do?

JAMES

Then true love would do it. Only because true love wouldn't be happy if his love wasn't happy. It's like… if your parents didn't love you, they wouldn't set rules for you or punish you. They'd just let you grow up selfish and horrible and… mean. Unless you were naturally an angel. Which we really are not. But no, they want the best for you – so they do things that make you miserable. And it makes them miserable too. Or like…

(He watches Alexis' face nervously as she remains silent for a long time.)

This is it, isn't it? If Cedric is really the one that you want, I guess I'll have to accept it. He does make you happy, doesn't he? I don't want to come in between you and your ideal of happiness.

ALEXIS

Oh James. You're just too sweet, you know that Mez?

(She reaches up and touches his face.)

Shh… don't say anything. Just let me talk. There was a time, when you were so distant, and Cedric was just too real and all there. I wondered then – what if? What if he was really the one? What if you didn't care about me anymore? What if you really had found your happiness with Heather, and just didn't know how to tell me? Would I just try to hang on and be cast aside? Or should I strike off on my own and make my own happiness?

(He opens his mouth, but she doesn't let him start)

Shh… wait. I was just messed up. Then there came your letter. It blew up my whole world. I couldn't believe that my worst nightmare was coming true. I was so bitter I thought I would rather just break it off on my own rather than wait for you to drop the bombshell that I obviously wasn't meant to know about yet. It was devastating for me. I guess for you too. But I didn't want to care I didn't want to feel.

And then I learnt the truth about who Heather really was later on. I was still wondering, though. I was still bitter. And then Ceddy said something that really hit me on the head.

I asked him that question – the one about true love. He said it's about making a commitment and sticking to it. It's a promise – of being faithful to each other. And I came to a conclusion.

(She stops and searches his face.)

JAMES

(A trifle huskily)

What was that?

ALEXIS

A while ago, I made a commitment, and a promise. I don't want to go back on that. I think that being faithful isn't that you're never tempted, or that you're some kind of person with angelic thoughts and motives. Being faithful doesn't mean that you're a super hero and will never ever think of liking anyone else ever again. I feel that being faithful, is really choosing to ignore all the other distractions that come your way, even whilst acknowledging that those distractions are real. But it's a primarily a choice. It's a difficult choice. I'm not saying it's not. And truthfully, I do have to admit that in some ways, Ceddy is just… I don't know how to put it. He's one of those guys that's always there for you. And he really cares. He listens. In a way, I do like him. But in so many other ways, I do believe that you're the one for me. Even though I know things aren't great now. Things are in real fact, falling apart.

But! Listen to the but. I choose to honour that promise I made you a long time ago.

As long as I breathe…

JAMES

As long as I live…

ALEXIS

You're mine.

JAMES

You're beautiful.

He puts his arms around her.

JAMES (V.O.)

Love is nothing to the world

A hug and kiss means nothing much

But when I kiss you

I want to kiss you forever

They get up and walk to the car, holding hands. The sprinklers turn on and they laugh, chasing each other through the falling water.

JAMES (V.O.)

When I touch you

I want to touch you forever

When I know you

I want to know you forever

INT. ALEXIS' ROOM – CONTINUOUS

She takes out her diary and lies on her stomach on the bed. She bits the end of her pencil, taps it on her chin and then starts writing.

JAMES (V.O.)

Time comes and goes

Friendships live and die

But when I love you

I want to love you forever

INT. JAMES ROOM – CONTINUOUS

He lies on his bed, with his hands behind his head, with a smile on his face. He picks up his hand phone and dials her number. He talks for a while.

JAMES

Only you.

INT. ALEXIS' ROOM – CONTINUOUS

She puts down the phone and then keeps the diary. As she passes by her table, she stops to look at the photo frame on her table that holds his picture and smiles widely. She switches off the light.

THE END