Challenge #11 - Unfinished Thoughts
[ROSE and MADELINE are at a cafe. There is a stiffness between them. MADELINE has a parfait with an iced coffee and ROSE has an omelette and a cappuccino. They are both genuinely nice to the wait staff and fake nice when they talk to each other.]
MADELINE
I do want to thank you for making room in your busy schedule to have this breakfast and I’m so glad we have been able to get this all out in the open.
ROSE
Yes, well, as you know that’s not my preference but it’s not a surprise that wasn’t a factor in your calculations.
MADELINE
Sorry?
ROSE
Do you feel like you’ve told me anything I didn’t know or suspect? Do you really think Jacob was convincing about “tennis lessons”?
MADELINE
I was teaching him tennis at first.
ROSE
How long did that last?
MADELINE
There’s no need for that, Rose. What’s done is done. And now we’re here.
ROSE
And why are we here?
MADELINE
I told Jake I wanted to be the one to tell you. I think we can both agree that he is not the best about delicate subjects.
ROSE
Yes, I think we can agree that’s why we are here and not in divorce court.
MADELINE
So, we haven’t been together since you reached out to me, I want you to know that. Jacob was not honest about your arrangement and I took a step back because I wanted you two to figure out your new normal and if I would be a part of it.
ROSE
Which I appreciate.
MADELINE
And I want to still give you that time, however there is a new… element to consider.
ROSE
Yes?
MADELINE
I am three months pregnant and the only person I’ve been with the past year…
ROSE
Is Jacob.
MADELINE
That is correct.
ROSE
Well, congratulations.
MADELINE
Thank you. It’s quite a shock!
ROSE
But a welcome shock.
MADELINE
Yes, of course, a welcome shock.
ROSE
I’m very happy for you. Let me cover breakfast so you can save up for diapers.
MADELINE
I’m sorry?
ROSE
I’m sorry. Did you think Jake getting you pregnant was going to be a big revelation for me? I mean this in the nicest possible way but once your husband cheats on you, I challenge you to be shocked by any additional complications.
MADELINE
My baby is not a complication.
ROSE
To you. I am glad to get the news from you because I doubt Jake would have told me until I was invited to the kid’s high school graduation party, but as far as the conversations I’m having with my husband about whether he will continue to fill that role for me, you don’t get to have any additional input into that decision.