Scene 8

Lights up on the Anicon kitchen. Paulína and Tatjana dote about the kitchen as always, Fulke sitting in his high chair. A knock.

PAULÍNA

That must be Idida and Jehan.

Tatjana moves over and opens the door for them. They enter, and Jehan swings the door shut behind them. They're wearing backpacks, and Idida swings hers down to the ground. Paulína walks over to them, drying her hands.

TATJANA

You're leaving today?

IDIDA

Yeah...I just couldn't wait around any longer.

JEHAN

We couldn't.

IDIDA

(smiles)

Right.

JEHAN

(to Tatjana)

Could I use the restroom quickly?

TATJANA

Of course. Go ahead.

He swings his bag down and strides off stage. Paulína turns to Idida.

PAULÍNA

"We"?

IDIDA

(shrugs)

I don't know how long it'll take for him to get over me. It will take a while, no doubt. I will never see him the same way, and I think he knows that. He's my friend, though. I won't deny that. It's been a few months. I think he deserves that much.

TATJANA

So where are you going?

IDIDA

Wherever the road takes us.

TATJANA

(grins)

Ooh, that's so mysterious!

IDIDA

(laughs)

Well, we don't know.

She takes a seat, grinning at Fulke. Paulína takes a seat across from her.

PAULÍNA

Refresh my memory. Why are you going on this madcap adventure again?

IDIDA

Well, Jehan needs a break. He doesn't hold any position or anything, but he might when we get back. I can't stand being around here. Too many...too many bad memories. I need a break, too.

Jehan reenters, and Idida rises.

IDIDA

Are you ready?

JEHAN

I am if you are.

Idida turns back to Paulína and Tatjana. She steps forward and gives Paulína a hug.

IDIDA

I guess this is goodbye.

She steps away.

PAULÍNA

Don't forget to write.

IDIDA

I'll remember.

She moves over and hugs Tatjana.

TATJANA

Be safe.

IDIDA

I will.

They break apart, and Idida rubs a tear off Tatjana's face.

IDIDA

Don't worry. It's not forever.

Tatjana steps forward and gives Idida another hug. Once they break apart, they're both sniffling. They smile at each other, and Idida turns to Jehan and they start moving toward the door. Unbeknownst to anyone,Ludovic enters silently into his room.

LUDOVIC

Have fun, Idida.

Idida's eyes widen and she whips around to face Jehan. Ludovic exits.

JEHAN

Is something wrong?

IDIDA

Did you just say something?

JEHAN

No. Is something wrong?

IDIDA

No...no, I don't think so.

JEHAN

Come on.

He takes her hand and they exit together. Tatjana Paulína embrace.

BLACKOUT.