BRIEF ENCOUNTER
SCENE ONE
INT. Living Room, Day
A
plush yet cosily furnished living room. BEN is in his early twenties;
friendly, well groomed, loquacious. ALICE, his mother, is approaching
50, but well-dressed, posh and distinctly middle class. CHARLOTTE is 20,
red haired and opinionated. Ben sits on the sofa with his arm around
Charlotte, facing Alice who is perched upon the edge of an armchair. A
smart oak coffee table lies between them, with a teapot and saucers laid
out neatly upon its surface.
BEN
Yes,
Tiffin will be ten on Friday. We’ve always had dogs, ever since I can
remember. It’s nice to have some company, isn’t it girl?
Ben ruffles the dog’s head affectionately.
ALICE
Mmm. We had our first Dachshund when Ben was first learning to crawl.
CHARLOTTE
Bit thoughtless that wasn’t it?(awkward pause) I just mean, I thought that you weren’t supposed to have animals around babies, in case they, y’know, attack them or something.
ALICE
Oh, have no fear Charlotte, I wouldn’t let anything vicious near my little boy.
BEN
Aw,
Delilah was a little thing, she wouldn’t have hurt a fly. In fact she’d
probably have run away from one! Oh I wish you could have seen Delilah,
you’d have loved her, Charl.
ALICE
He’s always had a soft spot for bitches.
An awkward silence fills the room. An angry red flush begins to rise on Charlotte’s cheeks. Alice leans back in her seat, smug.
CHARLOTTE (gritted teeth)
Look, I’m sure I didn’t mean to offend you but I won’t-
ALICE (serenely)
Yes, Ben loves his dogs.
BEN
When
it comes to pets, I’m firmly in the dog camp. Charl’s a bit undecided,
aren’t you baby? She’s got a cat, Mel, who’s just given birth to her
first lot of kittens, so she’s somewhat biased at the mo.
ALICE (sweetly)
Ah, yes, I should have guessed you were the catty type Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE
Well, I wouldn’t say that exactly…
BEN (appalled)
Mother!
ALICE
Don’t
fuss, Ben dear. Charlotte knows I didn’t mean to offend her. Besides,
she’s old enough to take a little joke. You have developed a sense of
humour by your age, surely?
CHARLOTTE
I can take a joke as well as the next woman. Better I’d say.
ALICE
I
see you’ve finished your tea, Charlotte. I do hope it was to your
taste; you see I only had semi-skimmed milk in the house, and I know how
conscious you are about your weight. Very sensible if you ask me, and
I’d hate to jeopardise your diet routine before it has chance to take
effect. I’d offer you another, but I presume you must be on your way, and I’d hate to keep you.
BEN
No
it’s okay Mum, Charlotte is staying for dinner. She finished her shift
at work earlier, and I can drive her home so she needn’t fret about bus
times or taxis and all that nonsense.
CHARLOTTE
No Ben, it’s okay, maybe I’d best be going.
BEN
But
Charl! Really you must stay, Dad will be home in another half hour, and
you’ve got to try Mum’s lasagne, it’s the best outside Italy.
CHARLOTTE
I’d love to but I’m not feeling great.
BEN
You should have said baby, I hope you’ve not caught anything.
CHARLOTTE
Maybe I’ve got a cold coming on. After all, it’s pretty chilly in here, don’t you think Alice?
Alice
finishes her cup of tea and places it carefully back on the saucer. She
lifts the teapot and refills her cup. She puts in a splash of milk from
the
ALICE (mildly)
I
can’t say that it’s affecting me that much Charlotte. You must be more
susceptible to the frost we get down in these parts. You do look out of
sorts, now that you mention it.
BEN
Oh sweetheart, I didn’t realise you felt the cold so badly; I feel pretty toasty. It’s just like on that trip to the lakes;(To Alice) she had a cough for a week afterwards.
But maybe some warm food would help?
CHARLOTTE
Best not. It’d probably choke me.
(BEAT)
…as I, um, I’m feeling rather sick.
BEN
Oh
baby, I’ll get you a glass of water. Maybe it’s all the stress you’ve
been through today, after that encounter you had at work. (to Alice) Charlotte had a bit of an ordeal today at the salon she’s been helping out at.
ALICE (drily)
An ordeal? You don’t say. Do tell.
END SCENE
SCENE TWO
INT. SALON – DAY
EARLIER THAT DAY
ALICE
sits on a chair, flicking through a magazine and waiting whilst the
stylist jots something in her diary. CHARLOTTE is sweeping up hair left
by the previous customer.
STYLIST
Can I get you a cup of tea madam?
ALICE
Yes please.
STYLIST
Charly, one tea, and if you could take this lady’s coat.
CHARLOTTE
I’m on it Kay.
The stylist takes Charlotte to one side.
STYLIST (undertone)
Look,
when’s there’s a customer in the room, I’m Katherine to you. It looks
unprofessional, and you know what women like her are like. They like
things to be proper, and who knows, we might even get a decent tip out
of it. That coat alone probably cost a month of my wages.
CHARLOTTE
Bit of cash and a perm and they think they’re the queen.
Charlotte turns to go back to Alice who is glancing through her handbag. The stylist grabs her shoulder.
STYLIST
I
mean it Charly, you’re on a warning as it is. You’ve already asked to
leave early, and I don’t have a problem with that, but only once you’ve
dealt with this customer’s every, and I mean every, whim. Understand me?
CHARLOTTE (impatiently)
I got the message.
Charlotte rushes to help Alice off with her coat, rather hurriedly, yanking her arms out.
ALICE
A little less haste and a little more care might be in order, thank you young lady. (to the stylist) Teenagers these days seem to be all rush and no respect.
Standing
at behind Alice, still holding up the coat, Charlotte scowls and opens
her mouth to retort. She closes her eyes briefly and takes a long breath
in, steeling herself. She plasters a big smile across her face, and
removes the coat from Alice’s other arm carefully.
CHARLOTTE
My apologies madam. Do you take sugar in your tea?
Alice picks up a magazine, barely glancing at Charlotte.
ALICE
No sugar. I’m trying to cut down.
(to Stylist) Diabetes. I can’t cut down on all my little luxuries, but I’m learning to like my tea unsweetened.
STYLIST
I’m
more of a coffee drinker myself, but it has to be nice and milky. My
boyfriend drinks it black as hell, but I can’t bear anything stronger
than a Mocha!
ALICE
Oh
yes I agree with you there, though I don’t drink coffee very often; the
occasional cup when I go to my sister’s, and on Christmas morning. And I
simply can’t drink it late at night.
STYLIST
Oh, I’m just the same. Wide awake for hours. I do like a nice cup of Earl Grey tea before I go to bed though.
ALICE
I
couldn’t drink it before bed, I find I’m rather susceptible to
caffeine. But I do love a cup of Earl Grey. It’s so refreshing, isn’t
it?
STYLIST
Oh absolutely madam. In fact…
Charlotte enters the room, holding a mug of tea. She places it in front of Alice with a smile.
STYLIST (cont.)
Actually, we’ve changed our minds; we’ll have a cup of refreshing Earl Grey. In fact, make it two.
CHARLOTTE (scowling)
But I’ve just made-
STYLIST
Charly. Tea. Please.
Charlotte
seizes the first mug of tea, looking surly. Some of the tea sloshes
over the rim of the mug, on to the floor. Alice politely pretends not to
notice.
STYLIST (cont.)
Mop that up plea-
CHARLOTTE
Alright, alright, I’m going as fast as I can.Charlotte leaves the room, muttering irritably to herself. Alice purses her lips, gives the stylist a knowing look. The stylist forces an apologetic smile on to her face to hide her grimace. She begins to comb Alice’s hair.
STYLIST
I am so sorry about that Ms… (glances down at wedding rings) Mrs…
ALICE
Bradbury.
STYLIST
Then I do apologise Mrs Bradbury. Charly seems to be… out of sorts today. She’s not usually so… um…
ALICE
Outspoken? Uncouth? Or perhaps clumsy.
STYLIST
Well I, ah… you’re not one of our regulars are you, Mrs Bradbury?
ALICE
No,
usually I take my custom to the salon down Abbot Street; nothing
personal you understand, it just so happens to be right next to where I
have my art classes, so it’s far more convenient. I rarely venture down
to this part of town anymore; it’s just all students and nightclubs
these days.
STYLIST (disappointed)
So we won’t be seeing you often then? I do hope Charly hasn’t made you feel-
ALICE
Oh
no, it’s nothing like that. But Angela has been doing my hair since I
was a blushing bride, so you understand how it is. I’m only here today
because my son rang me last night
to let me know that he would be catching a train home this morning, and
would it be alright to bring his girlfriend over for dinner.
STYLIST
Men are all the same, they think we just snap our fingers and everything’s ready and waiting for them.
ALICE
Well, he’s been working so hard since he graduated with his first. He’s been ‘on placement’, as they call it, with a very
successful and high ranking accountancy firm. He’s always been such a
bright boy, and a charmer, I couldn’t let him down. I haven’t met his
lady friend yet, but apparently she’s planning a career in the arts.
STYLIST
Both highfliers then! You must be very proud.
Charlotte
re-enters the room. Silently she puts down the teas, and begins to mop
the floor sullenly. Alice surreptitiously wipes around the rim of the
mug.
STYLIST (cont.)
And
naturally you want to be looking your absolute best. Well, I don’t know
whether you had anything in mind, but I think a few lowlights might
just add a touch of depth to your hair, often in the winter months hair
can start looking a tad dull…
ALICE
I don’t want anything too extreme, but perhaps, a little colour-(sips tea, grimaces)Is there milk in this tea?
CHARLOTTE
Yeah, earl grey, skimmed milk, no sugar. That okay for you?
ALICE
I don’t usually drink skimmed milk, but I suppose, yes, it will be ‘okay’ for me.
CHARLOTTE (undertone)
You’ll live.
ALICE
I’m sorry? Did you say something?
CHARLOTTE
Skimmed is all we have in madam. I’m sure you’ll get used to the taste. Might even do you good.
ALICE
And what, pray tell me, do you mean by that?
CHARLOTTE
Well, there’s no shame in watching your weight when you reach a certain age.
STYLIST (appalled)
CHARLY!
ALICE (flushed)
I may be a little more… voluptuous
than most of the ironing boards that seem to pass for women these days
but at least I can boast a little more decorum and civility as well!
CHARLOTTE (sweetly)
I do hope I’ve not offended you ma’am, I was just trying to make you feel better about the milk. Every cloud has a silver lining eh?
Shakily, the hairdresser resumes her work, whilst Charlotte returns the mop and bucket to the back room.
STYLIST
So… lowlights? Maybe the caramel or the-
ALICE
Yes, yes, fine. The caramel will do.
STYLIST
Please excuse-
ALICE
I
suppose you picked up that girl from the university. I hadn’t realised
their standards had dropped so. I should think a little more carefully
about your staff next time.
Charlotte stands in the doorway, scowling, holding a box of bottles. The stylist hurries over and takes it from her.
CHARLOTTE
‘That
girl’ is an undergrad, yeah, though not at the uni here. I’m just
staying in this bloody city to look after my aunty. Not that that’s any
of your business.
ALICE
Do you speak like this in front of her? The poor woman must be mortified.
CHARLOTTE
She doesn't mind actually. She needs company now that her wife's passed away.
ALICE
Really? Well, with that kind of background I'm not surprised you're the way you are.
CHARLOTTE
And tell me, really pray do, what you mean by that? What ‘kind of background’?
ALICE
I
don’t know what you’re implying; I have no issue with homosexuals as
long as they don’t feel the need to thrust their sexuality in our faces,
but there has to be a line somewhere. I pity you young woman, you’ve obviously led a very misguided life.
CHARLOTTE (outraged)
I’VE
led a misguided life?! You with your ignorant, small minded homophobic
opinions, looking down your nose at me and my family, can’t even bear to
touch something I’ve touched in case it gives you bloody liberal germs.
ALICE
I’m not going to stay here and listen to thi-
CHARLOTTE
Well
maybe you should and you might learn something for once. Someone should
have told you a long time ago. There’s more to life than tea and
lowlights and Roger’s new jag and what’s Kate wearing. The height of
scandal is no longer Lady Chatterley. Stop judging other people and
maybe they won’t judge your snooty nose and fat arse.
Alice splutters in shock and horror. The stylist stands speechless at the outburst. Charlotte is red faced, and near to tears.
CHARLOTTE
What’s
the matter, choking on that plum in your mouth? I didn’t think people
like you still existed. I’m not ashamed of my family, and they’re not
ashamed of me. Not sure yours could say the same of you.
ALICE (indignant)
Well
I’ve never been so insulted in all my life. You may think you’re very
clever now, but an attitude and a mouth like that won’t get you far in
this life. I know where girls like you end up, and it’s only a-
CHARLOTTE
Oh screw you!
Trying
to conceal her angry tears, Charlotte storms into the back room, grabs
her coat and leaves the salon, slamming the door on her way out. Silence
in the salon. The stylist tries to comb Alice’s hair, but she jerks her
head away angrily.
STYLIST (anxiously)
I can only apologise most profusely and I assure she won’t have a job here any longer. Your colour half pr-
ALICE
Job
or no job, that girl is an affront to civilised society and I thank god
that I never have to hear her loutish opinions or see that vulgar red
hair again. As for you, you may be a talented hairdresser, but you are
weak and ineffectual as a manager. I shall not be recommending your
salon any time soon.
END SCENE
SCENE THREE
EXT. PARK - DAY
CHARLOTTE sits on a bench, drying her eyes with her sleeve. She is on her mobile.
CHARLOTTE (into phone)
-she
was looking at me as if I was a flea she’d found in her rotten fur
coat; that was when she even noticed I existed. The old cow.
The indistinct muffles of Ben can be heard on the other side of the phone.
CHARLOTTE (cont.)
I
know, I know, I shouldn’t have gone off on one. I just wanted to leave
early to spend more time with you, and she was being really difficult,
and when she said that I just… you know since Gina’s gone I’ve been a
bit touchy about her and aunty Mya-You must hate me. No, you must. I’m such a- I am! An embarrassment; I should learn when to shut my big gob.
More garbled talk can be heard through the phone. Charlotte smiles and blushes.
CHARLOTTE
Do
you really mean that? Yeah, yeah, I guess I do. Well, what’s the point
of believing in something if you don’t stand up for it? Aww, love you
too baby. Oh really? Friar Street?
Charlotte stands up and cranes her neck to see over some bushes, and grins.
CHARLOTTE
I
can see you! Oh, shut up you. Maybe I’ll dye it again. Or p’raps not.
Cheeky bugger! Shouldn’t you be focusing on where you’re going? Hey?
Charlotte
looks around. A bike swerves into view, with BEN on. He drops his
mobile phone into his shoulder bag and waves. Charlotte grins and runs
to hug him.
BEN
There’s my fiery little monster! Picked any more fights with OAPS?
Charlotte smacks him playfully on the arm.
CHARLOTTE
Shush you!
BEN
Anyway, we’d best be on our way.
Charlotte
balances herself on the back of Ben’s bike, holding on to Ben’s waist
for support. They turn out of the park and ride down a lane.
BEN (cont.)
It’s not too far, even when I’m carrying your heavy bottom.(he laughs) Best not be late for mother or else second helpings will be out the question, and trust me, you don’t want to miss out on mum’s cooking.
CHARLOTTE
Leave
my bottom out of it! Food sounds good though, I’m pretty hungry. And I
want to make a good impression on your mum and dad. I hope they like me.
BEN
Of
course they will Charlotte, don’t worry. Mother is always going on
about me finding myself an attractive, intelligent young lady.
CHARLOTTE (teasingly)
But you’ve settled for me instead?
BEN
Now it’s your turn to shut up. She’s going to love you.
END SCENE
SCENE FOUR
EXT. BEN’S HOUSE DAY
CHARLOTTE
and BEN stand holding hands outside a large detached house with a
gravelled drive and a well-manicured lawn surrounded by large conifers.
The bike is propped against a wall. Ben raises his hand to knock at the
door.
BEN
Ready baby?
Charlotte takes in a deep breath, then nods.
CHARLOTTE
Ready for anything. That’s me.
Ben
knocks at the door, and smiles at Charlotte, who returns it nervously.
He squeezes her hand and she prepares a big friendly smile as the door
opens. Inside stands ALICE, a delighted smile on her face and her hair a
distinctly lighter colour one side than the other. She eyes widen, her
smile freezes and her jaw locks as she recognises Charlotte. Charlotte
gives a squeak of horror and the smile slides off her face. Noticing
nothing, Ben beams.
BEN
Mother! Oh it’s been agggges!
He
steps forward and embraces his mother, who glares at Charlotte over his
shoulder. Charlotte shakes her head, indicating she didn’t know.
ALICE
It’s wonderful to see you darling, but I must ask wh-
BEN
How
remiss of me, mother, this is Charlotte. I’ve told you so much about
her, and it just so happens she’s staying with family in the city at the
moment, so I thought, perfect timing!
ALICE
Ben I think perhaps-
BEN (happily)
She’s
such a busy girl, what with all her plays and lectures and odd jobs I
can barely pin her down in one place! But I knew you’d just love to meet
her, mother.
Alice
looks at her son, then at Charlotte. Charlotte looks pleadingly at her,
gripping Ben’s hand tightly. Alice purses her lips. Charlotte takes a
deep breath and steps forward.
CHARLOTTE
I love your son very much, Mrs-, erm, Alice. I hope you can excuse my er… discourtesy in not getting to know you sooner.
She holds out a hand. Alice looks at it, then at Ben.
ALICE
I
have been told today that I am close-minded and have old fashioned
ideas, to paraphrase the exact wording. But let it never be said that I
am rude.
She takes Charlotte’s hand and shakes it extremely briefly.
ALICE (cont.)
I think you’d best come inside and have some tea, and you can tell me about yourself Charlotte, before I pass judgement on you for your discourtesy, as you put it.
The three of them step into the house, Ben standing between the two women, smiling.
END
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