Diana's Choice

Scene 5

(Morning, Diana gets into work a little late and hurries to the break room after changing into her scrubs. She hasn't had a meal. She hopes the makeup is concealing her black eye and gash in her cheek from the previous day's violence. She reaches for a coffee cup and then turns towards the coffee maker. She bumps into Jake.)

Diana: (Hurriedly) Morning

(He steps back and stares from her damaged phone to her face. He puts his coffee cup down and takes her hand.)

Jake: (Gently)Come with me.

Leading her to one of the dressing rooms. He orders her to sit and brings out a first aid kit.

Diana: ( Resisting his touch) I'm fine, what are you doing?

Jake: (Gently) Shhhhh...( He sits across her and slowly cleans the heavy makeup off her face, exposing the raw and now inflamed wounds.Tears well up in her eyes and she lets them fall. He cups her cheek for a long minute maintains a straight face as he let's her cry. Then, he gently clears the pus building up, and dresses the wounds.)

Diana: (Mortified)You don't have to.

Jake: (Taking her shattered phone. Stares straight into her eyes)Dee, He's not going to stop.

 People like that don't stop. Is this how you want to die?

Diana: You don't understand...its very complicated. Please let it go.

Jake: (Sits back and places his hands on his head.) Deedee, if you don't report this to the police, I will.

Diana: Please don't. I beg you. It's not as easy as you think.

Jake: Dee, I am not going to mind my business until we're typing RIP on your social media page. You have today to report this assault.

(He walks over to the kitchenette and brings her coffee and a donut.)

Jake: Here, eat something. You look famished.

(He waits patiently until she's done eating.)

Jake: If you want my company I'll drive you to the station. But I will not abet domestic violence.

Gracie walks in and finds them seated. Jake stands up and leaves.

Diana breaks down and Gracie holds her, letting her cry.

Diana:(Sobbing) I need help, I can't take it anymore...