Simon Says – Dinner Party

FADE IN:

INT. DINING ROOM – EVENING

GERALD sets silverware at the dinner table. He’s a slender man in his late fifties. He has light brown hair and wears a large pair of glasses.

The dining room is plain with a large wooden table and matching chairs. There are four chairs set around the table, but there are four more lined along the far wall.

Gerald sets silverware at all four of the spots with chairs. Gerald looks down at his hand. He has enough silverware for another two spots. Gerald looks up towards the kitchen.

GERALD: How many are we expecting?

FRIDA steps into the kitchen doorway. She’s in her mid fifties. He hair is dark, and she has a small frame.

FRIDA: I told you we have four guests. With us that makes six spots to set at the table.

Gerald looks over to the chairs along the wall.

GERALD: I suppose I’ll have pull two of the chairs out.

Frida nods. She points to the table.

FRIDA: Exactly. Set the table then bring the chairs over.

Frida walks back into the kitchen.

FRIDA: I have to watch the pudding.

Gerald sighs when Frida disappears. He shifts over a couple of the table settings then places the last two sets of silverware. Once they’re set, Gerald walks over to the chairs by the wall.

He grabs one of the chairs and begins to lift it. He groans and drops the chair. It topples over as Gerald grabs at his back.

Frida sticks her head back into the room.

FRIDA: I swear if you’ve gone and hurt yourself again.

Gerald turns, still holding his back. He stretches and sways side to side.

GERALD: Just forgot to give it a stretch first.

Frida regards Gerald suspiciously. Gerald grins. He lifts his arms and waves them from one side to the next. He bounces his hips then does a turn.

GERALD: See? Excellent working order.

Frida shakes her head then disappears again. Gerald exhales. He holds his right hand on his back as he reaches down to pick up the chair.

He lifts it, flipping it upright. As he leans on its back, he checks towards the kitchen while regaining himself.

After some time, he straightens and drags the chair to the table. He twists it around and pushes it into its spot.

Frida steps out of the kitchen with a freshly baked pudding in her hands. She stops when she sees Gerald. She counts the chairs then looks back to Gerald.

FRIDA: Still one more.

Gerald holds up his hand. He walks back towards the next chair.

GERALD: It’s coming over right now.

Frida sets the pudding down.

FRIDA: Good. I won’t have anyone feeling like they weren’t expected at my party.

Gerald drags the second chair over.

GERALD: I’m sure the invitation let them know they were expected.

Frida shakes her head.

FRIDA: Put on some music.

Frida returns to the kitchen. Gerald sets the last chair in its place.

GERALD: I won’t be able to hear them talk with a soundtrack.

FRIDA (O.S.): Then make sure it’s a record you like.

Gerald rolls his eyes. He walks to a large record player off to the side. He lifts it open and puts a record on. Old rock and roll music fills the room.

Gerald smiles as he lowers the lid. He turns to see Frida returning with a pork roast.

FRIDA: Couldn’t you pick something less heavy?

Gerald rocks his hands at his sides.

GERALD: Not when I’ve got some partying ahead.

Frida shakes her head, sets the roast down on the table, and takes a step back. She looks over the table settings.

FRIDA: Perfect. It’s going to be a perfect night.

Gerald walks to the table. He rests his arms on the back of one of the chairs.

GERALD: Good. Good. I’m glad.

They both stand there a moment.

FRIDA: Well, we’re all here. Honey, you should take your seat.

Gerald looks gestures to the chairs.

GERALD: Where should I sit?

Frida sits in the chair at the one end. She looks to Gerald and gestures to the opposite end.

FRIDA: Well, there’s only one open seat, darling.

Gerald nods.

GERALD: How silly of me.

Gerald walks to the end of the table. Frida looks to the empty chair he was leaning on.

FRIDA: I’m sure Henriette appreciates not having you breathing down her neck anymore.

Frida smiles. She stifles a laugh then shakes her head.

FRIDA: He can’t hear you over the music.

Frida gestures to her ear.

FRIDA: His ears haven’t aged as gracefully as ours.

Gerald takes his seat. He looks over to Frida, and she turns to him.

FRIDA: That right, honey?

Gerald nods.

GERALD: What was that?

Frida smiles.

FRIDA: Henriette said you picked a good record.

Gerald looks to the empty chair.

GERALD: It’s my favourite.

Gerald looks back to Frida. She smiles.

FRIDA: Let’s get started then.

Frida picks up the pork roast.

FADE TO BLACK.