External shot showing Stace walking up to the front door.
Cuts to the inside lounge where Elias sits on a sofa and reads.
Stace knocks on the door, and he lowers his book, putting it next to him.
Elias
Who's at the door at this time of night? Amelia, can you get that?!
Amelia, his personal servant yells back.
Amelia
(Muffled)
Yes, master!
Sitting and waiting, leaning back in his seat.
Elias
(Thoughts)
Knowing my luck, it's one of those old-timer businessmen...
After a moment more, Amelia steps through the door with Stace following.
Amelia
Master, Stacy Baker wants to speak to you.
Elias sees Stace standing to the side.
Elias
Oh. Not as old as I thought.
Stace
(Confused)
Excuse me?
Elias
Nothing.
He stands and Amelia moves out of the way.
Amelia
I'll leave you both alone.
Amelia leaves the room.
Elias
So, who are you and why do you wanna speak to me?
Stace
Because, I think the way Princess River treated you was uncalled for.
Elias
How do you... Know about that?
Stace
Because I was her friend.
Elias
(Laughs)
Oh, good! For a second I thought you were another stalker. Had too many of those.
He looks at Stace hard.
Elias
You're not a stalker, right?
Stace
What...?! No! Of course not. I just want to talk to you.
Elias
Okay then. What about?
Stace
My "friend" was terrified of being seen with you because of your personality. Which I think isn't justified. So I was wondering if you'd maybe... Like to hang out sometime?
Elias
Oh. Like a... Date? Sorry, but I barely know you. And I don't really have the time for romance, with running my dad's business and all that... Stacy? Your name was Stacy, right?
He rubs the side of his neck.
Stace
(Blush)
Yeah, it was. And I wasn't meaning like a date.
She glances off briefly before looking back.
Elias
Then a friendship? Is that what you mean?
Stace nods.
Stace
Yeah... And you're not really my type anyways.
She looks at his mildly insulted expression.
Stace
(Flustered)
I-I mean- I don't want you as a boyfriend, but as a friend friend!
She says this with overexaggerated bodily movements, showcasing how flustered she is.
Elias
(Laugh)
You know? I'd like that.
He gives a warm smile.
Stace
Oh! T-Then it's settled.
She reaches out her hand, and they shake on it.
Stace
Well, I... I'd better get back to the castle. I work there, and it's very demanding.
Elias
No problem. Stop by when you come up with a date for our... Meeting? Ugh, that makes me sound like one of those business snobs my dad left me to work with.
He rolls his eyes.
With one last smile exchange and Stace giving a nod, she starts to leave through the lounge door before turning back and smiling at him one last time.
Stace
Oh, and when we do, call me "Stace".
She proceeds to leave afterwards.
After Stace walks out the nearby front door, Amelia returns.
Amelia
So, what was that about, Master?
Elias
Nothing much.
He sits back down, still smiling.
Amelia
(Inquisitive)
Judging by your expression, it must've made you happy.
Looks up at her with a grin.
Elias
It did.
Camera cuts away on his face.
YOU ARE READING
Like a River Page One
Mystery / ThrillerRiver Lucrece, a princess from the island kingdom of Lupresia (Lou-Pre-Zha), off of the west coast of the mainland, receives pressure from her father, the king, Phosphorus Lucrece, to wed and bear an heir thanks to his own failing health. In an earl...
