Diana's Choice

Scene 6

(Jake is seated at his desk, feeding some medical data into the computer. He pauses and toys with his phone. He drafts a text message.)

'I hate seeing you hurt like this Deedee.'

(His finger hovers over the send button, he hesitates as someone knocks at the door.)

Jake: it's open

Man enters, he's wearing rugged skinny jeans and a white Tee.

Visitor : Hi,is Diana here?

Jake: Who are you?

Visitor: James. My name is James

Jake stands up abruptly. His first instinct is to pin the bastard against the wall.

Jake: You're not welcome here.

James: She's not answering her phone so I came to fetch her.

Jake: ( Angrily) You've got some....

(The door opens again, interrupting. Diana and Gracie walk in.)

Diana: (Flustered) Jamie...what are you doing here?

James: You're not picking my calls babe. I was worried.

Diana: (Hurriedly) Let's go...

(They both walk out. Jake Sits down, swallowing a lump.)

Gracie: Well?

Jake: I'm good.

Gracie: No you're not.

Jake: (Curses) Of course I'm not. This sucks. I need a beer.

Gracie: It's five. Let's go. Your brother is waiting for us. There'll be others. Have an open mind.

Jake: He's abusing her. I hate that.

Gracie: She refuses to talk about it. I spent the whole day begging her to go make a statement.

Jake: Screw staying uninvolved, I'm calling the cops. Gracie he didn't even seem remorseful about her black eye and swollen face.

Gracie: Are you doing this for her safety or to prevent her from going to spend a night with him?

Jake: Both.

(He dials the number and reports the incident. He listens in as the police officer speaks over the phone. )

Gracie: So?

Jake: The useless buggers can't intervene unless it's an ongoing crime.

Gracie: (Stands firmly in front of her) Jake, you're my brother-in-law and I like you a lot. As a professional, you know Dee is going to be more trouble than she's worth coz she's wounded. I am begging you to drop it. There will be other girls. Don't emerse yourself into her currently messy world. I'll offer the needed help to her but until then, cut your losses, I beg you.

Jake: (Sits back, dejectedly) Do you think I'm also fucked up for wanting her?

Gracie: Don't internalize it, man. Being rejected by a wounded woman isn't your fault. She's having a battle with her identity. She can't see you, you make her uncomfortable. Mr. Dirty boxers is familiar because that's how she understands....

(She pauses, stands up abruptly) Holy moly!

Jake: What?

Gracie: He's not the one abusing her! Not yet.

Jake: Come on..I cleaned the bruises myself.

Gracie: (Breaks down) Poor baby. How did I miss this?

Jake: Care bringing me up to speed?

Gracie: (Faces him squarely) I know this sucks to hear J, but I think it's best for her to stay with 

James for now.

Jake: Hell No!

Gracie: Trust me on this. Please don't interfere. I promise I'll handle it.

Jake: (Stands up meaning to storm off. Then turns).I am not buying this. I think sometimes it's in order to save people from their own silly selves.

Gracie: (Rubbing his shoulder gently) You couldn't save your mom from your violent Dad Jake. It wasn't your responsibility, you were a child. You've got to let this go..this obsession with saving damsels in distress.

Jake: Joe told you?

Gracie: Of course, he's my husband. Let's go watch that game. I will call her and remind her she has us if she needs us. But let the guy host her. It will give her a month of relative safety, I hope.

(Jake nods reluctantly. They leave the office for the parking lot.)