An Almost Perfect Thing Read Free

contracts.
    GREG
    But—
    CHLOE
    I'll be back Monday at noon. The first article can go out on Saturday.
    GREG
    I'll have to talk to my editor but—
    CHLOE
    I liked how you called me Miracle Girl. I like how it feels in my mouth. Chloe Evans. Miracle Girl. See ya Monday.
    SCENE THIRTEEN
    Shift. To the audience.
    GREG
    And so it begins.
    CHLOE
    I get what I want.
    MATHEW
    I go to the library every day now. To watch over her.
    GREG
    My editors are worried about the legalities of it. They talk to their lawyers. The police are actually happy—
    MATHEW
    Her dad doesn't even walk her home anymore. I watch her walk home all alone.
    GREG
    We all assume there's a dangerous person on the loose. But no one can get mad at her for not giving up that person because she's probably a victim of unimaginable trauma. So now everyone's going to be looking at me.
    MATHEW
    She just seems so sad. So lonely.
    GREG
    My editor: "Don't fuck this up, Greg." My colleagues: "Who'd you sleep with to get that?" The people: "Greg who?" Everyone thinks I'm going to screw up.
    CHLOE
    Everyone thinks I'm going to slip up.
    MATHEW
    I spend hours—
    GREG
    Researching.
    MATHEW
    Planning.
    CHLOE
    Deciding.
    GREG
    Past cases. Stockholm syndrome. Victims of violence. Sexual abuse. I have to do her story justice. I have to do her justice.
    MATHEW
    I'll take such good care of her. Teach her everything I know. Give her the proper meals, books, lessons.
    CHLOE
    I'm excited.
    MATHEW
    Nervous.
    GREG
    So nervous. It isn't right. A series shouldn't be published as you go.
    MATHEW
    Because anything could go wrong.
    GREG
    I don't get to plan it out. She could just quit and then—
    MATHEW
    But I feel like I have a duty to her.
    GREG
    To help her.
    MATHEW
    To save her.
    GREG
    And if this is what she wants then—
    CHLOE
    Miracle Girl Speaks.
    GREG
    The first article comes out. I write about what it feels like to be back in the world. How she spends her days. What she thinks of her social workers, her tutors.
    MATHEW
    Her dad—
    CHLOE
    I won't talk about my dad. Ever.
    MATHEW
    I'm teaching him a lesson.
    GREG
    We run a big picture to go with it. People react instantly. They feel—
    CHLOE
    I feel—
    GREG
    Compassion
    MATHEW
    Motivated.
    CHLOE
    Powerful.
    GREG
    Like I have purpose.
    MATHEW
    For the first time in a long time.
    GREG
    For the first time in a long time.
    SCENE FOURTEEN
    Shift. GREG's condo.
    GREG
    I tried to call you. We really should meet in my office.
    CHLOE
    I like it here. Everyone liked the article.
    GREG
    People are impressed by you.
    CHLOE
    People are dumb. What did they think? I'd come back some idiot?
    GREG
    They're just surprised that—
    CHLOE
    Well they shouldn't be.
    GREG
    Right. Do you want anything? You comfortable? Today's a big day. The first day we get into your story. You ready for that?
    CHLOE
    You seem nervous.
    GREG
    Why don't we just dive in? I'd like to start with you telling me about the last day you were seen.
    CHLOE
    Can't. Could lead you to who it is.
    GREG
    So you do admit that you were taken.
    CHLOE
    Duh.
    GREG
    Had you ever seen or spoken to this person before?
    CHLOE
    Never said that.
    GREG
    So you didn't know them?
    CHLOE
    Never said that.
    GREG
    Okay… Take a minute and try to figure out a way to tell me about that day without any incriminating evidence. You can describe if he put you in a car, if he wanted to show you something in his house. I'm not saying that's what it was, but those kinds of details will help paint a picture of—
    CHLOE
    How do you know it's a he?
    GREG
    That's just an example. You can write it out first if that's easier. Make some notes. I'll wait.
    CHLOE
    I don't want to write it out. That's why I have you. My turn. You get to ask questions, I get to ask questions. You want me to feel comfortable, don't you?
    GREG
    Of course but—
    CHLOE
    Then I need to get to know you. My turn—
    GREG
    But you haven't answered my question yet.
    CHLOE
    Yes, I did. I said I can't