[‘So This is Love’ from Disney’s Cinderella plays as lights rise on a white tableclothed table. ELLA and CHARLIE are looking at the menus.]
CHARLIE
I’m really glad you were able to meet up!
ELLA
Me too! It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to get out.
CHARLIE
I know what you mean. It’s so hard to make time to meet new people- if it’s not work, it’s family or-
ELLA
No, I mean I’ve been literally locked inside the house. For years.
CHARLIE
I’m sorry…?
ELLA
The only reason I was able to get out is because after my stepmother took back her permission for me to leave and locked me in the basement, a fairy let me out through the basement window. Thank god the inspector forced my stepmother to put an egress window in!
CHARLIE
Wow, that is… That is rough.
ELLA
Oh, by the way, I don’t think I’ll be able to do the movie after dinner. I have to be home by midnight.
CHARLIE
Early day tomorrow.
ELLA
No. Well, yes. I have to get up to make breakfast for my stepmother and sisters at 5:00am because they require a freshly-made buffet every morning, but I have to be back by midnight because otherwise I’ll be forced to take a pumpkin home. And I don’t think that’ll be as fast as the Prius.
CHARLIE
Uh… okay… would you like to start with an appetizer? I hear the ceviche is good here.