by Kerri Philpott

INT. BACKSTAGE – VENUE. DAY

Table are set up. The lasagna is in the middle of a large table. Plates and cutlery have popped up. A large assortment of soda cans is also on the table. Lucas is seated at a separate table, eating. Joey sits next to him, with Michael across the table. Mike has finished serving himself and is about to join the table. Stephen is mixed in with the crew at the food table.

What time is it?

Time for Pepto Uncle Mike. Get a grip.

Michael pushes his plate aside and lets his head drop onto the table. Stephen arrives and takes a seat.

What’s with him?

You ask Stressboy.

Michael lifts his head.

How does your father do this? We are never gonna get any school in today. He’s gonna kill me.

It’s one day.

Well it’s not like we did a helluva lot yesterday either.

Language.

Michael groans and drops his head onto the table again. After a few minutes, he turns – but does not lift – his head toward Stephen.

It’s Dallas next, right?

Cut to:

EXT. DALLAS HOTEL. DAY

Michael is standing on a balcony on the upper floors of a high-rise hotel. He is talking on his cell phone.

Maggie? No, the boys are fine. Monkeys like Bry described, but fine. Is he there Mag? I gotta...it’s only the second city...I know...overwhelming? Yeah, you could say that. Of course I know it’s okay to feel that way. It’s just...Maggie, I don’t think we’re getting as much schoolwork done as we should. I have a friend here in Dallas. She’s a teacher. I was gonna call her...

INT. DALLAS VENUE. DAY

Crew members are setting up. Michael is using the apron of the stage as an “office.” He’s got the binder and assorted papers spread out. The boys periodically whiz by on their rollerblades. Toby approaches from the wings.

There’s someone looking for you Stressboy.

Michael shoots him a dirty look.

You’d prefer I call you Uncle Mike?

If it’s a man, you’ve never heard of me. If it’s a woman, she’s here to save my live, so let her by.

Whatever you say.

He walks away and the boys race by Michael again.

Hey Uncle Mike! Watch this!

No, no watch this! If you break something, who is gonna play the drums tonight?!

You can!!

Oh, ha ha! You are beyond funny you little monkey!

Lucas skates over to this uncle.

You used to be fun.

That was when I used to be just your uncle. Now I’m a substitute father, caterer, shrink, teacher...

Whine, whine, whine Hawthorne. I swear. You never change.

Michael looks over to see that VALERIE LINCOLN – a tall, willowy brunette with shoulder-length, curly hair and dark eyes – has entered and approached the stage. Trailing along behind her is a 13-year-old carbon copy, MADELINE KELSEY LINCOLN.

Hi Val, hi...

Kelsey!

Oh-kay, hi...Kelsey.

He looks at Valerie curiously. She shrugs it off. Lucas watches Kelsey closely. She’s dressed in black jean cutoffs and a Dallas Cowboys t-shirt. Mike skates over to Stephen, who is watching the entire scene from a safe distance.

You hear that?

What?

Cupid’s arrow when it whacked old Lucas.

Ya think?

Lookit him...

She’s a girl and she’s not hyperventilating or screaming. I’d stare at her, too...

Mike...Danielle...?

What?

She didn’t scream.

Mmm...thunk. Think he knows what’s happening to him?

Maybe.

Guys! Come over here!

You talkin’ to us?

No, I’m talking to the “E” crew behind you! Get over here!

Mike and Stephen skate over to join the group. Stephen waves his hand in front of Lucas’ face. Mike’s resulting laugh comes out in the form of a tiny snort.

Aw, geez. Women on the premises. Try and remember your manners, huh? This is Valerie Lincoln and her daughter... Kelsey.

Nice to meet you. Any friend of Uncle Mike’s...

...is usually a former client. In this case though, I am also an old, old friend.

And a teacher.

Mike looks at his uncle suspiciously.

I’ve been authorized by your parents to ask Valerie, and Kelsey, to join us on tour. Valerie would be your tutor... if she accepts.

Sure, what the hell?

Language.

Now you’re getting the hang of it Uncle Mike.

Do you mind me asking what your qualifications are?

Thanks to your brilliant uncle, I just completed a master’s degree in education.

So that makes her hilariously overqualified to teach your junior butt.

Ready here boys!

Saved by sound check! Come on Lucas!

Huh?

Sound check! Let’s go!

Lucas skates off with his brothers, but looks behind him a couple of times to check on Kelsey’s presence.

INT. CONCERT VENUE – STAGE

The boys shed their skates and take their places in their socks.

I know your mother buys you shoes!

Ready here Harry!

Michael, you’re awfully close to the speakers. I think it would probably be in your best interest to move.

Michael realizes she’s right, quickly gathers up his things and joins Valerie and Kelsey in the front row of the audience as the boys begin to play Thinking of You. Lucas is playing a little louder than usual, which distracts Stephen and Mike, who look at Lucas and then exchange looks with each other.

It’s the girl!

Probably!

They continue the song. Lucas continues to pound.

We have to talk to him!

Later! Sing!

They finish the song, and the “audience” applauds.

Harry, you gonna need acapella levels?

What am I, the new guy?!

Bless you Harry!

Lucas scrambles down off the drum riser. Stephen and Mike corner him before he can get too far.

Don’t hurt me.

We’re not gonna hurt you.

We’re just gonna talk to you.

In private.

INT. VENUE – FLOOR SEATS. DAY

As the boys are leaving the stage, Kelsey gets up from her seat.

I’m gonna look around, okay Mom?

Valerie looks at Michael, who shrugs. Valerie frowns at him and shakes her head a little.

Okay honey, just stay out of everybody’s way.

Not a problem.

Michael watches Kelsey walk away and then turns to Valerie.

When did she start going by Kelsey?

About two seconds after she realized I was going to take this job.

But I like the name Madeline.

So do I. But so do your nephews.

Huh?

Michael...honestly. Side two of the first album. Right there, big as day...

One of their songs is called Madeline...

Oh lord...

Cut to:

INT. VENUE. DAY

The brothers are sitting side by side in the cheap seats. They are leaning back in the chairs and have their feet up.

This is kinda cool. To see the stage from here. Feels...real.

It is real. This is a lotta fun, but it’s also our job. I mean think about the difference between Dad and Uncle Mike doing the same job.

Uncle Mike is a basket case.

And Dad is sick.

Think of all the shows we’ve played with other acts. Have you ever seen a road manager that wasn’t one or the other? It’s like so much to think about and no way is it all in “the binder”.

So...no...losing it. At least when we’re...on stage.

Yeah. We gotta stay focused there. Off stage we can be nut jobs. You get my drift Luke?

Think so.

Make sure.

Or ask for help. This girl is going on the road with us. She looks about the same age as you. Her mom will probably wanna teach you at the same time.

Hadn’t thought about...that.

Yeah...actually...me either.

INT. HOTEL ROOM. DAY

Lucas and Kelsey are on either side of the table. Valerie is at the head of the table examining Lucas’ books and work. Lucas looks a little squirmy.

Okay, I know where to start with you Lucas. You’re more or less the same level as M... Kelsey, which is one of the reasons I decided to take this job.

Great. Me and Kelsey are the same level. Isn’t that great guys?

Stephen, who is working on his laptop on one couch, and Mike, who is reading on the other, look up.

S’great Lucas!

Yeah. Now you have a classmate...

Stephen looks down at his keyboard and smiles. When he looks up, Mike is shaking his head.

Cruel...

INT. BUS. THE NEXT DAY

Michael is in the back with Stephen and Mike. Lucas sneaks over to Mark, who’s just sat down in the driver’s seat.

Pull out.

Huh?

Close the door and pull away...please?

Lu...cas...

It’s okay, you can.

And what about Valerie? And Kelsey?

They’re riding on the other bus.

Oh, nice try, but your uncle said they’re coming with us.

Lucas exhales loudly and flops into the closest seat.

Do you see them coming yet?

As a matter of fact...

I’m gonna be in my cave.

Lucas gets up and goes to his bunk. He climbs into the bed and slides the door closed. Stephen, who has witnessed Lucas’ withdrawal, looks out the buss window and sees Valerie and Kelsey carrying their luggage to the bus.

Oh, that would explain it.

What?

Stephen points to Lucas’ closed bunk and then moves his head towards the approaching figures of Valerie and Kelsey.

Uncle Mike, Valerie and Kelsey are here.

Great!

Michael goes to the front of the bus. He and Mark get off to help Valerie and Kelsey with their things.

Luke, we told you to be careful. That doesn’t mean you have to go into hiding.

Yeah. We know you like her.

Shut up!

Mike shakes his head. Kelsey climbs onto the bus. She’s wearing shorts again and a Beach Boys t-shirt inherited from her mother. A heavy-looking knapsack is slung over her shoulder. She looks at Mike and Stephen.

Hi.

She looks at the nearby couch and lifts her knapsack off her shoulder a little.

Can I?

Oh sure.

She puts down the knapsack. Kelsey looks at Stephen and Mike, then looks around the bus, searching for Lucas.

Where’s...?

Stephen and Mike raise their hands and point to the closed curtain.

Hi Lucas.

INT. BUS. LATER

Stephen is working on his laptop. He is editing a document which contains the lyrics for More Than Anything. Mike suddenly appears and plops down next to him. Stephen lowers the screen so he can’t see.

What? What are you working on?

Nothing really.

If it was really nothing, you’d let me see it.

Uh...

Is it lyrics?

I...well...

What is wrong with you? Let me see...

Stephen reluctantly restores the screen.

If you laugh, I’ll toss you out the window.

Calm yourself.

He takes the laptop and reads. He looks at Stephen analytically a couple of time while he’s reading it. When he’s finished, he pauses for a moment before handing the computer back.

You write it for her?

She...hasn’t seen it yet. I told her it was a poem though.

So is there music?

Yeah, but...

But what?

It’s for...I wrote it...on the piano.

Mike nods, taking in the knowledge.

Hmm, then you should play it on the piano.

What?

Yeah. Show everybody how multi-talented you are. You play it. Alone. At the piano. And me’n’Lucas will go take a break backstage.

Don’t you wanna hear it first?

Yeah, sure, how ‘bout at sound check?

Really?

Steve, I know we razz each other like a lot, but have I ever messed with you about music?

Stephen thinks about it.

Come on, even when you wrote that thing for what’s-her-face...?

Kathy Piper.

Oh, yeah, Kathy Piper, that’s her. I liked that. Once you got beyond the fact it was for Kathy Piper, it was a great song. And I told you that! Remember?

I guess.

I guess? Oh, I am wounded. I was even gonna tell you we should drag that one out of the dust and see what we could do with it now.

Why don’t you just wait and hear this one first?

INT. BUS. LATER

Kelsey and Lucas are sitting across from each other at the table working on something. Valerie hovers nearby.

Finished Lucas?

I think.

Let me check it, huh?

Um, sure. I gotta...

He points towards the back of the bus.

Yeah, sure, go ahead.

Lucas walks towards the back of the bus calmly. He passes Stephen, who is reading, and Mike, who is looking up words in a dictionary.

Help me.

He walks by them and goes into the bathroom. Stephen and Mike stop what they’re doing and look up. Mike looks at the bathroom and then looks at Stephen and smiles. They wait until Lucas comes out of the bathroom.

Okay, rewind.

Help me. Call a rehearsal or something. Uncle Mike’ll believe you, I have never wanted to practice soooo badly.

Lucas! Good job buddy!

Not gonna do it, are ya? Guys?!

Nope. Gotta face it, her, Luke, or it’ll break you.

Kay...just tell me one thing?

Shoot.

Do they always smell like...?

Smell?

She smells?

No, not smells smells, but...

Forget it.

Lucas goes back up to the front of the bus and sits down at the table.

Our baby...

Growing up...

INT. DRESSINGROOM. NIGHT

As Lucas and Mike go through their show prep, Stephen is checking the phone line in the room and setting up his computer. He opens it, boots it up and goes online. He brings up the Yahoo home page and goes to chat rooms, and finds a private room called HomeSweetH-ome. He enters the room and finds one user, called Dad.

Okay, come on, he’s here.

Mike and Lucas crowd around Stephen. As Bryan types, Stephen reads it.

Hi guys.

Hi Dad.

Stephen types what Mike says.

Are you in the dressing room?

Of course.

Stephen types what Lucas says.

Just checking if you’re on schedule. How’s the new tutor?

No homework on the first day, she could be lulling us into a false sense of security though.

Stephen sends it and Mike laughs when he reads it.

Is Mom there?

Stephen types Lucas’ question.

Yes. She says hi and she loves you.

Tell him something good about Uncle Mike, so he doesn’t worry.

Uncle Mike is doing a lot better that Valerie is here. Toby still calls him Stressboy, but things are lots better than before.

I’m sure he’s thrilled by that. What’s up with Lucas?

Stephen and Mike look at Lucas.

Stop that. Can I have some time here?

By all means...

He gets up from the chair and lets Lucas sit down.

Some private time I meant. Why don’t you two go review the set list?

A little harsh there Lucas, but we’ll chalk it up to hormones and you won’t be punished...

...this time.

Mike and Stephen go over to the couch and start reviewing the set list. Lucas turns his attention to the screen.

Dad, I need to talk to you about something.

What is it?

I wanna talk about girls.

Okay, I knew this was coming.

Well, you’ve probably had this conversation at least twice before, so I was hoping you’d be able to tell me something.

Like?

Is it supposed to feel like this?

Describe, “like this”.

It’s, I dunno, like being sick, and happy, and confused and you wanna talk but everything that comes out of your mouth doesn’t sound as good as it did in your head...

That’s girls Lucas. They’ll do that to you.

But why?

That’s the way God made them.

Oh great. That’s the answer? That’s not an answer!!

Okay Dad, I’m gonna go warm up and let Mike type.

Your turn!

Lucas gets up from the chair and Mike takes his place. As Mike begins typing, Michael comes in.

What’s up?

We got Dad in a chat room and we’re just talking to him now.

Good idea. What’s the long face for Lucas?

I asked Dad a question and he didn’t answer it like I wanted.

What was the question about? Can I ask?

Girls.

Girls?

Girls...

And you asked?

I asked him to explain them.

Michael’s eyes grow wide and he looks at Stephen, who shrugs.

That’s a really hard question you know.

I’m beginning to realize.

Okay, I’m done.

That was short.

Well, we talk to him, like every day.

True.

Stephen goes over and takes his place behind the computer.

Hi Dad, it’s me Stephen.

Mike said the demo came out nice.

Yep, it did.

Any other new material?

Maybe...we’re working on stuff. Were you able to find out about The Radiators?

Not yet, I’ll let you know.

Toby enters the dressing room.

Food’s here.

Food, no explanation needed. Take me to it.

You comin’ Steve?

Right behind you, I just hafta do something.

Don’t take too long.

Nope. Anything you want to say Uncle Mike?

Tell him I’ll e-mail later. And then come eat.

Everyone leaves. Stephen is alone in the room.

Uncle Mike says he’ll e-mail you later. They want me to come and eat now. So maybe I’ll e-mail later.

I’ll keep my eye out for it. Have a good show. Bye.

Bye.

Stephen logs out of the chat room and opens up the Hotmail login page. He logs into his mailbox. A message from Cori is, of course, waiting. First though, he opens Microsoft Word and the document containing the More Than Anything lyrics. He then goes back to the Hotmail page and opens Cori’s letter.

I can’t wait to read it. Send it as soon as you can.

Stephen hits reply. Once the screen has appeared, he goes back to Word, selects the lyrics and cuts them out of the document. He goes back to Hotmail and pastes them into the body of the letter. He adds something underneath.

I don’t have time to write too much now, but I’ll be online later. I hope you like it. Love, Stephen.

Stephen goes up to the subject box and types The Poem in the subject line, then hits send. Once the mail has gone, he closes down the computer and runs out of the room.

INT. DINING HALL. NIGHT

Stephen enters the room and surveys the situation.

Tobe, whatta we got tonight?

Barbecue ribs, corn on the cob...

Nuff said.

Stephen goes over to the food table and serves himself. With his plate in one hand and a soda can in the other, Stephen turns and searches for a place to sit. He looks at one table full of crew and then looks at the other. Valerie and Kelsey sit on one side. Mike sits opposite Kelsey, with Michael sitting next to him and Lucas sitting next to Michael. Stephen goes over to the table and sits next to Valerie, across from Michael.

Enjoying the ribs Uncle Mike?

Mmhmmm.

Two syllables. People, people, people, I am trying to get some table talk going here...

I like the ribs Stephen.

Kelsey, good, thank you for participating. They are good, aren’t they?

Uh-huh. DO you guys eat like this all the time?

Pretty much. We’re growing boys. Right Mike?

Growing boys.

My brother the parrot. Honestly Kelsey, they do know how to carry on a conversation.

What else do they know how to do?

Good question Kelsey. Isn’t that a good question boys?

Stephen kicks Mike under the table and throws a napkin at Lucas.

Boys, tell the lady what we do when we’re not performing, studying or feeding our faces.

Roller blading.

Saw that.

Continue Mike, that was a lovely start.

Then there’s soccer, swimming...

And these two, they’re both outstanding artists.

Thank you Stephen.

You’re very welcome Mike, as it’s completely true. Oh, and Lucas regularly whips our butts when we play video games.

Kelsey can be a little commando when it comes to video games.

Mom!

Well, it’s true! You made that one boy cry when you were playing...what’s it called?

Lucas looks up from his plate and watches Kelsey out of the corner of his eye.

It’s got a female name I think.

Zelda?

Zelda! That’s it, isn’t it M...Kelsey?

Yes mom...

Lucas’ eyes light up.

Hey, the M...what does it stand for?

Valerie opens her mouth to speak and Kelsey purposely cuts her off.

Lucas, do you play Zelda?

We have it on the bus, if you...I mean, uh, maybe sometime...we, uh, could play.

Sure, that’d be cool.

I’ve been asked to inform you chocolate cake is now available.

Cake.

Chocolate cake.

Both Lucas and Kelsey stand up, pushing their chairs back.

Race ya?

You’re on! Go!!

Both take off in the general direction of the food.

Well, how dissatisfying. I still want to know what M means.

He looks at Valerie, who gets a little nervous.

Michael, didn’t he say chocolate cake? I know that’s one of your favorites. Why don’t you come and get some with me? Michael?!

Oh, yeah.

Both get up and follow the same path as Lucas and Kelsey.

That’s not the first time she’s slipped.

You mean with the M thing?

Yeah. You’ve heard it, right?

Stephen nods.

Oh, somebody’s hiding something...

INT. BACKSTAGE. JUST BEFORE THE SHOW

Lucas paces, drumsticks in hand. Mike is talking to the other keyboardist, and a technician beings Stephen his guitar. Mike finishes his conversation and approaches Stephen, who is running over some chords.

That was a good thing you did at dinner, even if I do end up with a honking bruise on my shin as a result.

Was that a compliment?

Basically.

Stephen’s fingers continue to slide gently over the frets and Mike watches Lucas get himself psyched up for the show.

So you still didn’t answer me about the song.

Yes, I did. You just weren’t listening.

It should be in the show. It’s gorgeous.

Not yet.

Toby comes by trailed by all sorts of crew members.

Five minutes to first positions guys!

Kelsey approaches Lucas.

Hey, you goin’ out front?

Well, I was wondering if I could stay back here...maybe...

Think so, you just have to stay out of everyone’s way. Hey Toby?!

Cut to:

INT. VENUE. NIGHT

SFX: screaming fans

The guys are set up for their acoustic set. Kelsey is behind the curtain, directly in Lucas’ eyeline.

Okay, now it’s time for Lucas’ song. You guys wanna hear Lucas sing?

SFX: crowd screams even louder

Lucas counts down and begins to sing Man From Milwaukee.

INT. HOTEL SUITE. NIGHT

The door flies open and Stephen bursts into the suite carrying his computer.

That was the ... longest ... encore ... of my life! NOBODY touch the phone!

He goes into one of the bedrooms and shuts the door behind him. The others - Mike, Lucas, Michael, Valerie and Kelsey – pause in the suite’s foyer.

He’s, um...

...got to...has a...

It’s a, uh, Internet thing.

Valerie and Kelsey exchange looks.

INT. BEDROOM. NIGHT

Stephen’s modem is dialing into the server. He is growing impatient as the seconds pass.

Come on, come on, come on...

The default screen comes on when the system connects. Stephen immediately switches over to Hotmail. He logs in and waits for his in-box to come up. When it appears, a single red arrow beckons, and the one piece of new mail is, of course, from CoriP. The subject line reads – O...U... Stephen stares at it for the longest time before opening it. He grips the computer with both hands as the message appears If wishes...

...could come true...I would be there right with you. Sorry, but I’m not the beautiful poet you are. I love the poem and I love you. It’s hard to believe I could say that. I mean I’ve never seen you, but I mean that in a physical sense. I’ve seen you. You’ve seen me. We’ve made sure of that in the words that we’ve used. The words in your poem were so beautiful and intimate...I cried some of the most joyful tears...I love you Stephen.

I love you, too.

He hits reply and waits for the screen to come up. Once the screen is up, he moves his cursor into the body of the message.

Cori, all I wanted to do was send you that poem. When I finished it, I knew I had to. But once I sent it, I had trouble doing anything and everything else. I just wanted to know what you thought. I don’t know where anyone else in my family is or what they’re doing, and I think I’m hungry, but I don’t care. I can’t believe we went only six months ago, and because of Empire Records. Isn’t that the movie we were talking about? I love you, too...more than anything. Stephen.

In the subject line, he types – Always. Then he sends the letter. When he returns to his in-box, there is another letter from CoriP waiting. The subject line says P.S. Stephen opens it without hesitation.

Remember when we were talking about the pains of being the oldest? I just found out I have to take my little sister to the Hawthorne concert. They’re coming to town next week. Not that I don’t like them, but my sister’s one of those screaming 13-year-olds you see in all the videos, and to be sandwiched in the midst of all that...maybe if they played a sit down show for like older people I guess. I dunno. My mom just told me I gotta take Libby. Peace, Cori.

Stephen stares at the screen, stunned.

Oh my God...

This can’t be happening...no, no, no....

Oh my God!

He leaps oup and goes out into the main room.

INT. SITTING/LIVING ROOM – HOTEL SUITE. NIGHT

Stephen bursts out of the room to find Lucas and Kelsey watching extreme sports on TV.

Would you do that?

Of course.

Of course? You want to rock climb?

And sky dive.

Ooh, we did that! Well, kinda. They strapped us into these harness things and then dropped us off like a crane I guess it was...it was kinda like flying.

Did you like it?

Are you kidding?

Lucas!

What?

Where’s Uncle Mike?

In a meeting with Toby and Valerie.

And Mike?

Prowling for food.

Did he take someone with him?

Mark I think.

So, in other words, no adults.

What are we? Chopped liver?

No. 13. You are 13. I need an adult!

He turns and goes back into the bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

What’s that about?

A girl.

Of course. Do you know her?

No, but neither does he.

Get outta here!

No, he met her on the net.

Well, there’s lotsa ways to meet people. You think he likes her?

Mmhmmm.

You can tell.

How?

The way he acts. He’s different.

Better different? Shiny, in the words of REM?

Like he’s got those twinkly Christmas lights on the inside. And I’ve noticed, after he’s been talking to her, he does a lot of songwriting. It’s like she’s his inspiration.

Like a...

...muse.

Lucas and Kelsey are surprised to see Stephen standing in the doorway watching them and obviously listening to them.

How long have you been there?

Long enough to know that maybe I don’t need the others. You were spouting some deep stuff.

At last, my true power is recognized. What’s got you spazzed out big bro?

She’s coming to a concert.

Which concert?

She’s going to be at the concert in New Orleans.

Who’s going to be at the concert in New Orleans?

The groups turns to find that Mike has now entered the suite and the conversation.

It’s that girl, isn’t it?

Sit, sit, Stephen could use us all in his time of need.

Mike joins the group.

It’s that girl you wrote the song for, right? Cori?

What song?

The ballad at sound check.

You wrote that song for her? That was great!!

Her name is Corinne, but people call her Cori. And she’s coming to the New Orleans concert.

Cori’s coming to the New Orleans concert?

Michael and Valerie are revealed as the next people to have entered the room.

Okay, everyone’s here now, so why don’t I just spill my guts? Come on in Uncle Mike, Valerie...

Stephen waves them over to one of the free couches, where they take a seat.

Gah, I don’t know where to start.

How about her name?

Right. Veronica Corinne Patterson. But she goes by Corinne and most people call her Cori.

Good. Good start. How’d you meet her? I mean besides the computer.

Chatroom. Movies. She started talking about Empire Records and I like that movie.

You like Liv Tyler.

I thought it was the other one – Renee Zellweger. She kicked ass on that song at the end.

Shut up! Whose story is this?

You story...

Thank you. So we started talking. That night it was for like 2 hours, and we’ve been e-mailing and chatting ever since.

And he wrote her a song.

Was that the one I heard you doing after soundcheck?

Stephen nods.

I was listening to that. The lyrics are simply beautiful Stephen.

Stephen’s cheeks flush red and he hangs his head a little in embarassment.

Has she heard it?

Heard it? Um, well, she thinks it’s a poem.

Why?

Because I told her it was.

Why did you tell her it was a poem?

She doesn’t know who I really am.

Did I suddenly develop a hearing problem? Could you repeat that?

Stephen hesitates.

He said she doesn’t know who he is.

The entire room is silent.

Then, who does she think you are?

Me...Stephen...

Stephen what?

Stephen Gregory...

Two out of three names...no Hawthorne?

No Hawthorne.

None of this?

Stephen shakes his head.

Oh my...

That’s bad, isn’t it?

No...no, no. Just, uh, gimme...give us a little time to think. And don’t reply to the message about the concert. Not yet.