A Simple Love Story

15-DANIEL'S OFFICE-THE NEXT MORNING

Daniel is sleeping. A syringe and tourniquet next to him. Little bottles, cotton.

SANDRO Daniel, get up. Daniel.

Daniel stirs.

SANDRO You have an eight o'clock class.

DANIEL What is it?

SANDRO It's your survey class.

DANIEL I need a shower.

SANDRO There's no time for your shower. There's no time. Wash in the bathroom.

DANIEL Are you sure it's my survey class?

Sandro gathers the drug tools.

DANIEL Don't touch that! What?

SANDRO Sorry.

DANIEL What are you doing?

SANDRO Cleaning up.

DANIEL Leave it.

SANDRO The dean is in the hallway. I'm just cleaning up a little.

DANIEL I'll do it.

SANDRO Go wash.

DANIEL Just leave it. Don't touch it!

SANDRO Alright.

DANIEL Did you talk to the dean? Don't lie.

SANDRO I wouldn't lie to you. Yes. I told him about the girl.

DANIEL Thank you.

SANDRO That's all, though.

DANIEL That is all you told him.

SANDRO You are killing yourself my friend.

DANIEL That's none of your business. In fact, you know what?

SANDRO What.

DANIEL Why don't you get the fuck out of my office.

SANDRO I think if you will get a little distance—

DANIEL Did you have an appointment scheduled with me? No. No you don't.

SANDRO Just a little distance from your present life, and come back.

DANIEL Now I'll thank you for that wonderful advice, professor, but leave.

SANDRO Hide that.

DANIEL What's the point.

SANDRO He doesn't know about it.

DANIEL Yes, thanks for not telling him everything! Get the fuck out of here.

SANDRO I will go, hide that.

DANIEL Don't touch it!

SANDRO Fine.

DANIEL If you touch it again I'm going to slap you in the face.

SANDRO Okay.

DANIEL You act like a bitch and I am going to slap you like a bitch.

SANDRO The dean is outside.

DANIEL You think I care about the dean?

SANDRO He's right outside your door.

DANIEL Oooh, the dean.

SANDRO The dean.

DANIEL Send him in on your way out.

Sandro leaves.

DANIEL Come in if you're coming in.

The dean comes in. He sits in the chair that Rachel sat in.

DANIEL How are you?

DEAN Fine. How are you?

DANIEL Were you thinking of sitting in on my class?

DEAN I'm sure that would be interesting, but no, thank you.

DANIEL You're welcome to drop by anytime.

DEAN I'll keep that in mind.

DANIEL I don't think I'm having class today, though.

DEAN No.

Daniel sits at his desk, straightens his shirt.

DEAN I have something to ask you. I'd like if you'd be calm about it.

DANIEL Fire away.

They both smile.

DEAN May I have your keys?

Daniel fishes for them.

DANIEL I'll send someone by to pick up my books.

He gives over his keys.

DEAN We'll send them to you.

The dean stands, waiting for Daniel to leave first. Daniel stands, he takes America's paperweight off his desk and leaves.