FICTION S1 | E3
Not Far Behind BY MARK ZION
necessarily require separation. However, what Gwen doesn’t
[SCENE 1: Anderson Apartment]
know is that Jessica is trying to persuade Bentley to propose An aroma of chocolate flapjacks fill the apartment. Unlike the
in subtle ways. But her efforts tend to go up in smoke. The
weird dream they had, the Andersons now have exciting news
same smoke that seem to hinder Bentley to make the move.
to celebrate - in real life. Well, the celebrations can commence as soon as Gwen tells her husband the crazy-good news. Sean
BENTLEY: (pops up on an incoming video call)
had just arrived home. He seems a bit edgy. He takes off his
JESSICA: (mutes the tv series she’s watching, finally decides to
leather jacket and collapse himself onto the couch.
answer) BENTLEY: (relieved to see his girlfriend’s face) Jess, are you
GWEN: (inquisitive) Hey, how did it go?
okay?
SEAN: (passive) I didn’t go through with the sale.
JESSICA: (stares at the mute tv, prolonging her attempt to
GWEN: Was he not happy with the offer?
speak)
SEAN: Well, he wasn’t genuinely interested in the business,
BENTLEY: Look at me. Let’s talk. Please.
that’s for sure.
JESSICA: What do you want, Bentley?
GWEN: What was the intent of your meeting, then? Where is
BENTLEY: I want us to start over.
he from?
JESSICA: (annoyed) You don’t say… 7 years in the making.
SEAN: (pensive, with a sigh) His name is Derrick Phillips. He
BENTLEY: (reaches for an object on his bedside table) Before
claims to know my dad.
you say anything, let me show you something…
GWEN: (scoffs) So? Your father probably recommended the
JESSICA: (her eyes instantly catches the little glossy black gift
sale to him?
box in Bentley’s hands - gasps)
SEAN: Derrick says he’s my uncle. My dad’s long lost
BENTLEY: (excited in anticipation for Jessica’s reaction) Are
brother…
you ready?
GWEN: (caught off guard) Say what? How?
JESSICA: No! Wait… We can’t do this through a video call!
SEAN: Yeah, he used the offer for the Barbershop as a mask to
BENTLEY: (chuckles) You know lockdown only ends on the
meet his “nephew.”
21st, right? JESSICA: (jittery) It’s okay, I can wait. Put that away. Let’s talk
[SCENE 2: Jessica’s Commune]
later, I need to shower quickly. Then I’ll text you later, okay? BENTLEY: (baffled) Okay, sure. Love you later, then.
Jessica is still avoiding her boyfriend Bentley. He left her
JESSICA: (blows him a kiss and ends the call) Oh - my -
several messages but she resists the urge to respond. Her best
goodness. I can’t breathe! I need to call Gwen!
friend Gwen often reminds her that disagreements doesn’t
kréhon SWIFT
40
issuu.com/krehon
