Scene One

INT: Zoo café- end of day. Slightly dark and gloomy

[Shannon (aged 13) sits, legs crossed, facing Dadrian (age 40) They sit on a damp picnic bench, either side of each other. Shannon is sitting near the open edge, while Dadrian sits directly in the middle of the bench with his legs swung ajar, both feet placed either side of Shannon.  Children can be heard singing the chorus of songs like “Yellow Submarine” and “Wheels on the Bus” in discord off screen. A pack of six cupcakes in a pristine white case are placed directly in-between them both.]

Dadrian- Thanks for coming to meet me Shannon, it was very sweet of you. (No teeth smile and looking directly at Shannon)

Shannon- (Laughing through her breath and staring straight at the cupcakes) I’m just glad to finally meet you, Mr Purth.

[Dadrian lightly places his finger underneath Shannon’s chin, raising her head and eye level straight towards his.]

Dadrian- Shannon, please look at me. We have been chatting for ages over the past couple of weeks and I must say, it’s so good to at last see your face.

[Shannon stays silent. She has slowly lowered her gaze to Dadrian’s chest, averting eye contact]

Dadrian- [noticing Shannon is not going to say anything] I love your shirt [Rubs her sleeve and slightly tugs it] Where did you get it?

Shannon- Primark

Dadrian- Well it looks very pretty on you sweetie. Have you tried rolling up your sleeves

Shannon- [Blushing for a couple of seconds while fidgeting in her chair] Ok [Rolls up sleeves]

Dadrian- There you go...  The cupcakes look nice don’t they? Very creamy.

Shannon- You’re right

Dadrian- I had them specially made you know, for our little meet up, down at the bakery on my street.

[Shannon reaches for a cupcakes but before she touches it, Dadrian lightly places his hand on hers, stopping her. Then holds one up to her mouth and beckons for her to eat it from the palm on his hand. Shannon awkwardly diverts her mouth but, with his other hand, Dadrian softly moves her head back and Shannon takes a slow bite]

Dadrian- Tasty.

Shannon- You’re right.