A New Kind of Relationship (Romance) For complete script, please contact

A New Kind of Relationship Copyright (C) 2014
By O'Shea Wright




FADE IN. INT - MARIA'S BATHROOM - LIGHTS ON - NIGHT

MARIA has just ENTERED in from a night with her male partner, BRYAN, who is another guy that she has given a chance to show her that they are the one for her, but, he has failed as many have.

MARIA is at her bathroom sink she is LOOKING into the mirror with a wet face from crying.

MARIA
(In anger and sadness)
Another one... Another man who can't realize a good woman... Another failed attempt at finding Mr. Right.
(She screams)
Another one.

She LOOKS down as if she is LOOKING down the sink drain.

MARIA
(To God)
God, I know you have a perfect man out there for me, but father, I can not find him. I am so sick of being hurt over and over and lied to by these men. I just need some assistance in the man department. Please help me out, because this just is not working for me.

The house phone rings

MARIA
(Answers the phone)
Hello?
Oh, hey Olivia. Just got back from a date with Bryan.
I know, you keep telling me he is the wrong one, but its over for us now anyway.
We could get lunch tomorrow and I can tell you all about it.
All right.
Yup
I'll talk to you tomorrow.

She HANGS UP the phone

MARIA
(She takes a deep breath)
I cant deal with this stress
(She goes to her bedroom and gets in the bed)
Lets hope for a better tomorrow.

FADE OUT

FADE IN. INT - MARIA'S BEDROOM - DAY

MARIA'S cell phone rings

It's OLIVIA

MARIA
(Awakes from sleep and grabs cell phone off of her nightstand next to the bed)
Hello?
Yeah, I know we're meeting for lunch.
Huh?
It's 12:00?

TAKES a LOOK at her alarm clock to see the time

MARIA
Oh!
(Smiles)
I'll be there in like 15 minutes.

She quickly GETS OUT of bed and THROWS on a sweat suit and BRUSHES her teeth. Then, she HEADS for the door to meet OLIVIA

MARIA
(Before she gets in her car, she calls Olivia)
Olivia, where are we meeting?
Okay, I’m on my way now.

She GETS IN her car and HEADS to the restaurant.

CUT TO. EXT - PARKING LOT OF METROPOLITAN AMERICAN DINER AND BAR - CONTINUED

MARIA PULLS IN the parking lot and parks next to OLIVIA'S car.

She ENTERS the restaurant, being GREETED by the waiter at the stand.

MARIA
Hello, I'm here to meet somebody.
(Spots Olivia)
Oh, there she is.

The waiter nicely POINTS her into the direction of OLIVIAS table


OLIVIA
(When she spots Maria coming to her table, she rises)
Hey Maria?

They each KISS both sides of the cheek

OLIVIA
Sit down.

They both take a seat

OLIVIA
So what's up, tell me about the date?

MARIA
(Sighs)
Where do I start? When he picked me up, he was looking good. I really was expecting a nice night. Then, we get in the car, he pulls off. As soon as he pulls off, his phone rings. He doesn't answer. I'm thinking, like, “okay, maybe it's just not important.” But, his phone kept ringing! And, he never answered. He looks at who's calling and then just turns back. Now, his phone kept on ringing, so, I told him to just answer it and he's like, “Oh, no its nobody important.” So, I’m like, if its not important why do they keep calling you?
(To Olivia)
I know it was a female. And I understand that he may have friends, but. No, no, no. Friends don't call your phone like that!

OLIVIA
So, please tell me you ended it?

MARIA
Oh, yeah. That phone kept ringing, so i just said I'm gone! I got out of that car and i just said deuces!

OLIVIA
So, was that the end of it?

MARIA
(Giggles softly)
I wish. After that, my phone rung off of the hook for the whole night. But, I finally answered it. I said, "You better have a damn good reason for calling my phone like this?" And he's all, "baby, i would never do that to you. I would never have another female calling my phone like that." And, i think all of that was a bunch of B S, so i hung up.

OLIVIA
Yeah girl, I think you handled that right.

MARIA
I'm not a fool, and before you think you’re going to play me like that, I will drop kick yo' ass to the curve.
(She says smiling.)
But, seriously Olivia, I’m tired of these men doing us good, loyal girls like this-

The server ARRIVES and the ladies TURN their attention to him

SERVER
Good afternoon. Welcome to Metropolitan American Diner and Bar. What can I get for you ladies to drink?

OLIVIA
I'll have a margarita

MARIA
Same here

The server WRITES down the orders and GOES to get the drinks

OLIVIA
(Turns to Maria)
So, what are you going to do now?

MARIA
I'm not really sure. I guess I have to wait for Mr. Right to come. In the mean time, I'll just have to focus on my career.

OLIVIA
Yeah, well, in due time, both me and you will find Mr. right. We just got to be patient.

The server COMES with their drinks.

SERVER
Here you ladies go.

The SERVER HANDS them their drinks

OLIVIA
Thank you.

MARIA and OLIVIA TAKE their drinks.

SERVER
Now, have you ladies decided what you would like to eat?

MARIA
Um.
(Looks at menu)
Yes, I would like the sesame glazed tuna with tempura broccoli

SERVER
(Writes down order)
(Turns attention to Olivia)
And for you ma'am?

OLIVIA
Can I have, your herb encrusted Scottish salmon.

SERVER
(Writes down order)
Okay, I shall have your meals shortly.

The SERVER EXITS from their table

There's a pause between the two for two seconds

MARIA
So, anyway, I’ve decided to just focus on my career. The boss is really drilling me and the other employees, so, I’ll just give my all to my job and give up on looking for now. These men are really messing with my nerves, you know?

OLIVIA
Yeah, I know what you're saying. It'll be Okay though. Like I said, in due time.

About five minutes into their conversation, in WALKS a group of three men. One who is African American, dressed in a kango hat and a p coat. (DERRICK). FOLLOWING him is a man of a light skin complexion (James) and a man of a dark skinned complexion (EZEIKIEL). MARIA NOTICES DERRICK at the front desk and she GLARES for a while...

OLIVIA
(To Maria)
Maria? Maria?

MARIA
(Shakes her head getting out of her daze)
Oh
(giggles)
I'm so sorry.

OLIVIA
(She laughs)
You okay?


MARIA
(She looks at Derrick)
Yeah, I'm okay. It's just him!!

OLIVIA
(She looks at Derrick and then looks back at Maria)
Girl, you can't. Not now

MARIA
I know. But girl, he is cute.

MARIA GIGGLES and LOOKS back at DERRICK

At that moment, the waiter at the front desk DIRECTS the men to their seats. They PASS MARIA. While PASSING, DERRICK LOOKS at MARIA and asks, “how you doing?” MARIA quickly LOOKS back at OLIVIA and STARES at her in surprise.


OLIVIA
(Laughs with her hand in front of her mouth)
I think he noticed you.

MARIA takes a DEEP BREATH
MARIA
He is cute
.
CUT TO. INT – METROPOLITAN AMERICAN DINER AND BAR - CONTINUED.

The three guys WALK to their table being GUIDED by the waiter

DERRICK
(Talking to his two friends)
Hey yo bro's?
Did y’all see her? She was gorgeous!

JAMES
True story bro, and her friend wasn't half bad either.

They get to their seats, once they are seated, the waiter GIVES them their menus


WAITER
I will give you gentlemen a minute to decide on your drinks.

The waiter WALKS away


EZIEKIEL
(To James and Derrick)
Hey yo!
Why don’t y’all send em something to drink?

DERRICK
True that brotha man! Let's look at these menus..

Both DERRICK and JAMES LOOK at the menus, SCANNING for a nice, sweet, romantic drink. JAMES comes across red wine.

JAMES
Hey yo Derrick! We can send them red wine.

DERRICK
Facts bro. That’s as sweet as it gets.

DERRICK LAUGHS.

DERRICK SPOTS another waitress WALKING near where they are seated

DERRICK
(PUTS his hand out to the waitress in a "I need you gesture")
Excuse me ma'am!

WAITRESS
(Walks up to Derrick)
Yes!

DERRICK
Can I order one thing of red wine thrown in some ice for those ladies right over there?

DERRICK POINTS toward MARIA and OLIVIA)

WAITRESS
(Takes a quick glance at the woman he points to and then back to Derrick)
Oh, yes sir you can. Shall I tell them you sent it?

DERRICK
Yeah, but tell them it came from me and my partna right here
(Puts his arm over James)
And I appreciate it.

WAITRESS
(Smiles)
Of course sir!

For the next five minutes, the men SIT quietly AWAITING for the waitress to bring the ladies their wine. When the waitress finally GETS to the ladies table, She PRESENTS the bottle of red wine in ice. MARIA and OLIVIAS table is four tables down from JAMES, DERRICKS, and EZIEKIEL.

WAITRESS
(Before presenting the bottle of red wine)
Excuse me ladies?

MARIA and OLIVIA LOOK UP

MARIA
Yes?

WAITRESS
Those men right over there
(She points to Derrick and James)
The man in the hat and the light skinned fellow, they wanted me to bring you this.

She PRESENTS the bottle of red wine

MARIA and OLIVIA both LOOK at each other with a SHOCKING SUPRISE upon their faces

OLIVIA
Oh
(Giggles)
Well tell them we said thank you!

WAITRESS
Of course

The WAITRESS WALKS to EZIEKIEL, DERRICKS, and JAMES TABLE

WAITRESS
(To Derrick)
The ladies wanted me to tell you thank you!

DERRICK
No, thank you! Have a good day!

The WAITRESS SMILES, and then WALKS AWAY

DERRICK is STUCK STARING at MARIA and MARIA is stuck staring at DERRICK, while they each SMILE at one another.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN. EXT - METROPOLITAN AMERICAN DINER AND BAR. LATER

MARIA and OLIVIA EXIT the diner and WALK to the parking lot. They WALK to OLIVIA'S car.


MARIA
I had a good time. Thank you for inviting me Olivia. I needed to talk to somebody before i went crazy.

OLIVIA
You already know Maria. I don't need you going crazy on me
(LAUGHS.)
Well, look. I'll give you a call sometime tonight.

MARIA
Okay, ill talk to you later then.

They part ways. OLIVIA gets in her car and pulls off. MARIA WALKS toward her car, PASSING the front entrance almost BUMPING into DERRICK, JAMES, and EZIEKIEL as they EXIT the diner..

DERRICK
Oh,
(He laughs while lightly grabbing her arm.)
Be careful.

MARIA LAUGHS in shyness.

JAMES
Hey, yo Derrick. We'll see you later bro.
(Taps Eziekiel on his chest)
Come on Eziekiel

DERRICK is still HOLDING MARIA'S arm as there is a silence between the two.

DERRICK
(Shakes his head trying to get out of his daze.)
Uh, I’m sorry.

He LAUGHS and RELEASES her arm

MARIA
Oh, no it's okay.

She tries to WALK away.

DERRICK
Um! Hold on Ms.

SHE TURNS BACK

MARIA
Yes?

DERRICK
What's your name?

MARIA
Maria
(She puts her hand out for a handshake)
And yours?

DERRICK
Derrick. Why haven't I seen you around town before?

MARIA
I'm barely in town. I'm either at work or home.

DERRICK
Oh okay.

MARIA RUSHES to her car

MARIA
(As she is walking away)
Well, I’ll see you later.

MARIA PULLS off and DERRICK is stuck standing with a smirk on his face

FADE OUT.

FADE IN. INT - MARIA'S CAR - LATER

She makes a phone call to OLIVIA

MARIA
(With phone to her ear as she waits for Olivia to answer)
Olivia?

OLIVIA
Hey Maria, what's up?

MARIA
I bumped into him!


OLIVIA
Who?

MARIA
The guy in the hat back at the diner.

OLIVIA
(Giggles)
What happened? Did he romance you? I seen how he was looking at you.

MARIA
(Laughs)
Girl, he grabbed my arm so gently and was like "be careful." It felt so good hearing him say that. His voice was so deep, I could tell he was a different kind of guy. It seemed that way anyway. Just that quick display of his personality, just seemed so good.

OLIVIA
Okay. Did you get his name?

MARIA
Yeah, it's Derrick. But, I got nervous, so i hurried to my car. I thought he was very attractive when i first saw him and yeah, i wanted to talk to him, but, i don’t know. Just when we were face to face, it just seemed like I didn’t know what to do.

OLIVIA
How did he seem?

MARIA
He seemed chill. I don't know, but chemistry was definitely drawn between us. Something about him just felt different.

OLIVIA
Well that’s good. Maybe all men aren't dicks after all.


MARIA
(Laughs)
I didn't say all that now. Who knows, this guy could be a player like the rest of them.

CUT TO. INT - DERRICK'S CAR - LATER - CONTINUED

DERRICK RIDES with the music low. He is listening to Joe's CD, titled "My Name is Joe" on the last track, "I wanna Know."

DERRICK
(Voice over)
Maria. Maria, Maria, Maria. There's something about you. You just seem different.

DERRICK'S cell phone rings, it is JAMES and EZIEKIEL. EZIEKIEL'S cell phone is on speaker and in the middle of the two front seats

EZIEKIEL
(Laughs)
Yo bro! What's up? How was it my man?

DERRICK
What?

JAMES
(Laughs)
Ain't no what man. You know what we talking about. With the little shorty back at the diner. What happened?

DERRICK
Man. Let me tell you now brotha, she was something serious. I mean, y’all seen how she looked, but yo, I’m not even talking about that. Her voice? sweet like cherry pie.
(Laughs)
Her walk, astonishing! She was all that.

EZIEKIEL
(Laughs)
My man! I could tell she was feeling you from the beginning. You got the digits?

DERRICK
(Sighs)
Na. She was in a rush for some reason. But, it's cool. By the grace of God, I’ll see her again.

FADE OUT

FADE IN. EXT – EARLY AFTERNOON - PARK

MARIA is JOGGING. While she is JOGGING, a man STOPS her.

DANIEL
(Stops Maria)
(Breathing hard from jogging)
Excuse me.
Whoa, I’m sorry, let me catch my breath.
(TAKES a deep breath)
You're beautiful. What's your name?



MARIA
(Catches breath)
Maria. Yours?

DANIEL
Daniel. And may I say, it is lovely to meet you. You from around these parts?

MARIA
Yeah. Right around the corner actually. Just enjoying this beautiful weather.

DANIEL
Smelling the flowers?
(Laughs)
No, I’m kidding. So no disrespect, but are you single?

MARIA SMILES

CUT TO. INT – MARIA'S HOUSE – AFTERNOON – LATER

MARIA ENTERS into her house. She gets a call from OLIVIA.
MARIA ANSWERS

MARIA
Hey Olivia!
(Sits on the couch)
I have something to tell you!

OLIVIA
Well, now I'm in suspense.
(Giggles)
What is it?

MARIA
I met this guy while I was on my jog. Olivia, he was so handsome. We're going on a date this weekend.


OLIVIA
Oh, well okay. Well make sure you tell me how it goes. You think he's different from Bryan?

MARIA
I hope so. I can't deal with none of these losers anymore, I need something new. A real man. A man who doesn't mind opening the door for me. Or doesn't mind pulling out my chair.

OLIVIA
(Giggles)
You sound like a girl from back in the day. Our parents time.

MARIA
Well yeah, back then, men were sincere. Men didn't mind being faithful and keeping their women happy. Nowadays, men just want to be players for some unapparent reason. I don't know.

OLIVA
You right though. Men have become worthless. Not worthy of any of us good woman. But, maybe this new guy takes the cake.

MARIA
I sure hope so.

FADE OUT

FADE IN. INT – RESTARAUNT – NIGHT - LATER

MARIA and DANIEL SIT across from each other in a booth.

DANIEL
So, beautiful. How long have you been single?

MARIA
Only a little while now. I just ended a relationship that was about a month long.

DANIEL
Oh! Are you ready to be out with a guy already? I know some people need time to heal their heart.

MARIA
Oh, no I’m okay. I'm a very fast healer.
(laughs)
But how about yourself? How long have you been single?

DANIEL
(Wipes his hands with a paper towel that is found on the table)
Well, it's actually been a while. Some years now.

MARIA
You're attractive. How come?

DANIEL
I don't really know. I just never been the dating type. But, I’m trying to change my ways. A man's got to find love right?

MARIA
(Smiles)
Yes he does.

At that moment, DERRICK, EZIKEIEL, and JAMES WALK into the diner. As soon as they do, MARIA NOTICES DERRICK. As, the waiter WALKS them to their seat, DERRICK NOTICES MARIA. He APPROACHES.

DERRICK
Um, Maria right? How's it going?

MARIA
(Lightly giggles)
It's going fine. How you doing?

DERRICK
Oh, me, I’m fine. Just been working.

DANIEL COUGHS up and EXTENDS his hand to SHAKE DERRICK'S hand.

DERRICK
(To Daniel)
Oh, my apologies.
(Shakes his hand)
How you doing?

DANIEL
I'm doing well.

MARIA is nervous

MARIA
Oh, um. Daniel, this is Derrick. Derrick, Daniel.

DERRICK
It's nice to meet you Daniel. You guys enjoy your meal.

HE EXITS from the table.


DANIEL
Who was that? A friend?

MARIA
Not even, more like an acquaintance.

DANIEL
Oh, Okay. He seems cool.


MARIA
Yeah he does.

CUT TO. INT - OLIVIA'S HOUSE – NIGHT – NEXT

A knock on the door comes, and OLIVIA answers

OLIVIA
Oh, hey Maria. Wasn't expecting you. How'd the date go?

MARIA
Excellent. But guess who showed up?

MARIA GOES to SIT on the couch

OLIVIA
Who?

OLIVIA SITS down beside her

MARIA
Derrick!

OLIVIA
Oh
(Laughs)
What happened?

MARIA
He came over to me. He looked good just as he did the night that we met. I think he wasn't expecting me to be there with a guy though. It's like he just came over to where I was and didn't even notice Daniel.

OLIVIA
That's love
(Giggles)
Kidding. What did he say?

MARIA
Nothing much. Just a casual "how have you been." That was all. When he saw Daniel he did his greeting, and then he went to his seat.

OLIVIA
Sounds like he didn't want you there with another man.

MARIA
You think?

OLIVIA
Oh yeah. He was having a conversation with you and then he notices you're friend and then he leaves. He didn't want you there with him. But, never mind that. The date was good?

MARIA
(Smiles)
Yes. It was everything I imagined. Good conversation, great eye contact, and he even opened the door! It was good. We're going out next weekend too.

OLIVIA
Well, hopefully, he's the one.

FADE OUT

FADE IN. INT – BACK AT THE RESTARAUNT - NIGHT - NEXT

DERRICK, EZIEKIEL, and JAMES are seated.

DERRICK is not EATING his food and JAMES and EZIEKIEL notice.

EZIEKIEL
(To Derrick)
Bro! What's up, you ain't eating your food?

DERRICK
(Shakes head to come back to reality)
My bad man, It's just I seen that girl again. And i don't know why, but it just didn't feel right seeing her with another guy.

EZIEKIEL
Yeah, i seen her too bro. I know what you saying. You was feeling her the other night and it's hard to get her out of your mind.
(Laughs)
I know the feeling homie. Seeing her with another guy just feels wrong to you. I get it.


DERRICK
(Shakes Eziekiel's hand)
You feel me?

EZIEKIEL
Fa sho.

DERRICK goes back to EATING his food while still in thought.

CUT TO. INT – BOWLING ALLEY - NIGHT

DANIEL and MARIA are bowling.

They are already in the middle of a game. MARIA is beating DANIEL by three strikes

MARIA HITS another strike and RAISES both of her hands in a victorious manner.

DANIEL COVERS his mouth with one hand as he is seated

DANIEL
Damn, you know, a heads up would've been nice.
(Laughs)
I didn't realize you were a professional.

DANIEL PASSES MARIA as he goes up to bowl.

DANIEL PICKS UP a bowling ball

DANIEL
(To Maria)
You ready for this? I know its over, but, I can still bring some points to my name.

DANIEL LAUGHS, TURNS TOWARD the pins and GETS in a bowling stance. He then ROLLS the ball, only to get a gutter.

MARIA GOES to give him a HUG

He HUGS her back

DANIEL
What's this for?