ACT I

It has been two weeks since Andre had met Maria and he has been searching for her since he forgot to take her number. He finally meets Maria at school's amphitheatre watching a play by the drama class on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.]

ANDRE: Hi, Maria [Smiling]

MARIA: Hi Andre

ANDRE: I had searched the whole campus for you since our encounter. [Exhaling] Just wanted to exchange numbers with you if you wouldn't mind.

MARIA: Of course not, give me your phone and I will save mine on it. [Typing] Done.

ANDRE: I was wondering whether if this Saturday we could meet….

MARIA: To meet for a date. [Interjecting]

ANDRE: I wouldn't call it that; let's just assume it as a hangout.

MARIA: I see but don't count your chicks before they hatch. I'll check my schedule for the week and inform you whether I might have a Saturday to spare.

ANDRE: [Exhaling] well no problem would calmly wait for your reply.

[They proceeded to watch the play attentively because they were looking for loopholes to criticize.]

ANDRE: I forgot to inquire from you what you're reading at this college.

MARIA: [Pausing] Actually I'm reading medicine, precisely into cardio thoracic surgery. What of you?

ANDRE: Me, well I'm currently reading law.

MARIA: [Confused] Why the word, currently?

ANDRE: Simply because as a matter of fact, I wanted to read English in order to mask my French accent but after some consideration I decided to dive into law.

MARIA: [Relieved] that's quite an explanation you got there.

ANDRE: If I may ask why medicine or precisely why do you want to study on cardio thoracic surgery?

MARIA: My prime reason is mainly because growing up with my parents both being medical surgeons, I became accustomed to the mention and sight of blood. And my love for blood made to love the profession, a cardio thoracic surgeon which would allow me to operate on the CNS of humans and also see blood.

ANDRE: I understand your reason, Maria.

MARIA: Hope you don't consider me to be a creep?

ANDRE: Certainly not. I wouldn't even dream of calling you a creep even in my death. Your radiant black beauty overshadows your sense of bloodlust. Since the very instant my eyes met yours, I felt a connection. For the past two weeks since our encounter, I've always had dreams of you kissing me with your soft and enticing black lips of yours. I would be willing to take a bullet in my chest just to have you.

MARIA: I'm speechless with what you just said, I can't give you an answer yet or I would give you an answer on Saturday during the hangout.

ANDRE: I don't what it to be like I'm threatening you to answer but just relax and scrutinize the information I just gave you. And when you're ready to give an answer, let me know.

[ANDRE and MARIA both exit from the amphitheatre as the curtains are drawn on the play.]

MARIA: Catch you another time, I've got lecture to attend at this moment. [Hugging ANDRE]

ANDRE: [Returning the Hug.] Alright, bye.

MARIA: Bye bye.

[Right after lecture MARIA heads off to her room which she shares with her best friend ELIZABETH.]

MARIA: Howdy ELIZABETH.

ELIZABETH: Good, how was the play?

MARIA: [Confused] which play ….. Ooh you mean the Romeo and Juliet. It's great, wait where you there?

ELIZABETH: Why wouldn't I if I was playing the role of Juliet or you failed to notice me since you were busily chatting with the hottest boy on campus, ANDRE MARTINEZ.

MARIA: I'm sorry, LIZ

ELIZABETH: Wait a sec, is ANDRE by any chance the guy you told me about.

MARIA: [Smiling] Yes it's him alright.

ELIZABETH: Oh my little angel has found her love. [Laughing]

MARIA: ELIZABETH, could you care to listen to what I'm 'bout to say concerning ANDRE.

ELIZABETH: [She stops laughing] carry on girl, I'm all ears.

MARIA: As you say, the reason is that ANDRE wants to date me. And I don't know whether to say yes or no to his proposal. His motive I don't know but his love seems genuine and I was wondering whether you could guide me in choosing the right answer.

ELIZABETH: Do you love him?

MARIA: Yesss!

ELIZABETH: If yes then why do still need my help? Or your instincts say otherwise.

MARIA: Sort of like that. I want to date him but there's an odd aura around him which I find difficulty in understanding.

ELIZABETH: The only advice I can give to you is to stay alert when around him because recent cases of dead black females like us are all over the news these days.

[MARIA and ELIZABETH had been best friends since MARIA and her family moved from Ghana to UK which was when ELIZABETH was in grade three. The two are more of sisters than best friends.]

MARIA: I would always be on alert when around him from now on, so don't worry about me at all.

ELIZABETH: If that's what you want then I worry anymore. Nevertheless if you ever want my help, feel free to tell me. [She changed into her night gown and took out her journal to continue with writing the play she had been writing before MARIA walked in. MARIA's phone began to ring and she picked the call.]

MARIA: [On phone] Hello.

CALLER: Is this MARIA?

MARIA: [Still on phone] Yes and who am I speaking to?

ANDRE: It's me ANDRE.

MARIA: Sorry for not recognizing your voice.

ANDRE: [Coughing] never mind, just calling to check on you.