Characters:
JASON: Early 30s, handsome, successful, and charming. He is the perfect gentleman, always dressed to impress, with a contagious smile.
LUCY: Late 20s, beautiful, confident, and strong-willed. She is an independent woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it.
WAITER: Young Man in his early 20's dressed in a white shirt and navy blue trousers with a matching navy blue bow tie. He looks confident.
Light comes on in a fancy restaurant at the roof of a skyscraper, overlooking the beautiful view of the city skyline. The stage is set with a table for two, candle lit and decorated with red roses. There is a band at the side playing a soft and tender tune to compliment the night and the colourful lights are dimly lit to create a romantic atmosphere. The natural breeze was enough to make one sleep in an instant.
(JASON and LUCY enter the restaurant, hand in hand, smiling and laughing. They are both dressed to impress, and their love and affection for each other is palpable.)
LUCY: (excitedly) Jason, this place is amazing! The view is amazing and breathtaking!
JASON: (smiling) I'm so glad you like it, Lucy. I wanted tonight to be special for us.
LUCY: (looking into his eyes) It already is. As long as I'm with you.
(They sit down at the table)
JASON: (picks up the menu) So, what would my love like to order?
LUCY: (looks at the menu) Hmm, I think I'll have the steak.
JASON: (smiling) A good choice. I'll have whatever she has.
(The waiter enters, holding a tiny book and a pen)
WAITER: (smiling) Good evening, sir and madam. May I take your order?
JASON: (smiling) Yes, we'll both have the steak.
WAITER: (nodding and jotting their orders down) Excellent. And would you like some drinks to start with?
LUCY: (calmly) I would just have a glass of water
JASON: (smiling) just water, how about some red wine?
LUCY: (shakes her head)
JASON: (to the waiter) Okay, I'll have a whiskey on the rocks.
(The waiter takes a little how and exits)
LUCY: (smiling) So babe, what do you have planned for us tonight?
JASON: (smiling) Well, I have a surprise for you after dinner. But let's not rush things. Let's just enjoy this moment.
LUCY: (smiling) I like that. I love surprises.
(The waiter returns with a glass of whiskey and water. Serves them and exits again)
(They clink their glasses and take a sip)
JASON: (smiling) You know, Lucy, I love you so much. I can't imagine my life without you.
LUCY: (smiling) I love you too, Jason. You complete me. (stretches her hand to reach his)
JASON: (smiling) I have a question for you. (Pauses, reaches for his pocket and brings out a ring) Will you marry me?
LUCY: (surprised) Jason! (Pauses) I don't know. I mean, we've only been together for two years. (Retreats her hands)
JASON: (disappointed) What do you mean, you don't know? I thought we were on the same page here.
LUCY: (defensively) I just think we need to take things slow, that's all. I don't want to rush into something and regret it later.
JASON: (pauses then gives a frustrated look) I don't understand. I thought we had a future together.
LUCY: (trying to calm down) Jason, let's not ruin this evening with a fight. Can we just enjoy our dinner and talk about this later?
JASON: (sighing) Fine.
( Waiter re-enters with their orders. Serves them again and exits. Band continues playing as the couple reach for their dinner in silence, the mood now tense)
LUCY: (breaking the silence) Jason, I'm sorry. I just need some time to think about everything.
JASON: (sighs) It's okay, Lucy. I just wish you could see how much I love you and how much I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
LUCY: (sadly and in a low tone) I know, Jason. I know you do. But I just need some time.
JASON: (sighs again) I understand. But the thing is I don't think I can keep waiting forever, Lucy. I need to know where I stand in your life
LUCY: (drops her cutleries and looks furious) I just need some time! Is that so hard for you to understand?
JASON: (exasperated) Lucy, I can't keep doing this. I can't keep waiting for you to make up your mind.
(They stare at each other, the tension between them becomes more palpable)
JASON: (sighing, he drops his cutleries too and pulls off his napkins) You know what, I think it's time we go our separate ways, Lucy.
LUCY: (tearfully) But…
Jason: (cuts in) No buts please. I can't have it anymore.
LUCY: (stands up angrily) Have a great life Jason. (Picks up her purse and stomps off the stage)
(Jason stares into space as she walks away. Light fades.)
The end.