Who’s Espresso? Gao Yi Jing 高一菁
CHARACTERS
Matthew, about twenty, a college student
Max, Matthew’s classmate and best friend
Abby, Matthew’s classmate
Kristy, Matthew’s classmate and Abby’s best friend
Scene
There are two classrooms on the stage. On the left is classroom 1, and the other side is classroom 2. Both two classrooms are bright and neat. It’s raining outside. Matthew is walking back and forth in classroom 1, thinking something serious. He looks vexed. Abby is sitting in classroom 2 and reading her book. Max is rushing to classroom 1.
Max. Hey, Mat! Why are you still here?
Matthew. Do you really think I should try?
Max. Don’t chicken out!
(He pats Matthew on his shoulder)
Abby Green is right now in the classroom alone! Such a chance comes once in a
blue moon!
Matthew. But … don’t you think I should wait for a better moment to tell her that I’m “Espresso”?
(He sits on one chair.)
Max. Listen to me, buddy.
(He takes a seat near Matthew.)
I don’t care you are Espresso, Latte, Mocha, or whatever kind of coffee. You have already waited for one year. If you don’t take action today, I’m very sure that you’ll wait for another year!
Matthew. Well, you’re right. But … do you think she knows I’m Espresso?
Max. You thick head! If nobody tells her you are Espresso, how could she know that?
Matthew. Maybe she finds that by herself?
Max. That’s not the point, Mat. Even though she knows you are Espresso, so what?
Matthew. I think it does make sense to her.
(He stands up and starts to pace.)
We have been having a great time on the internet for six months, you know. A wonderful time … just between Cappuccino and Espresso … just between she and I…
Max. Oh, stop recalling, okay? Of course I know that. That’s the reason why you always stay up all night these days. I mean, taking action is the point. You should let her know clearly you really like her and you want to go out with her.
Matthew. Oh, it’s so hard. I can’t do this.
Max. Come on, you really dig that girl, huh?
(He walks to Matthew.)
Matthew. No doubt about it.
Max. Then you wanna go out with her instead of just chatting with her?
Matthew. You bet!
Max. Then just go! Go for it!
Matthew. What if she says no?
Max. That’s no big deal! We can just pretend nothing has happened.
Matthew. Easier said than done, man.
Max. Okay, put up or just shut up! If you don’t do anything today, never want me to give you any advice anymore.
Matthew. Okay, okay! I’ll try! I’ll give it a try!
Max. Then just go! Go!
(He pushes Matthew to classroom 2 urgently.)
(Matthew walks into classroom 2 timidly and a little bit reluctantly. Max is standing to the door and watching.)
Matthew. Uh … hi, Abby Green!
Abby. (She raises her head.) Hi.
Matthew. Uh … well … it’s raining outside.
Abby. Yes. That’s why I stay here.
Matthew. Really?
Abby. Yeah. I forgot to bring my umbrella today. Why are you still here? The class is dismissed, isn’t it?
Matthew. Uh … I … I just … I -
(Suddenly, Kristy barges into classroom 2 and hits Max and Matthew.)
Kristy. Abby! Abby! Guess what! Guess what!
Abby. What happened, Kristy? You look so –
Kristy. I find your Espresso!
Abby. Matthew. WHAT?
Kristy. Your Espresso! Espresso!
Abby. Are you kidding?
Kristy. Of course not! I tracked the clues you gave me and searched on the Internet and – Anyway! I find a guy who claims to be your Espresso!
Matthew. Well -
Abby. This can’t be true. How can you –
Kristy. And you know what? I just peeped through the window of his classroom, finally I saw him!
Abby. Goodness! You’ve seen him?
Matthew. Uh … I –
Kristy. Yes! I think he’s just your type!
Abby. Really?
Matthew. Excuse me, I think -
Kristy. Just follow me, I’ll show you something first! Hurry up!
(They left the classroom right away and without so much as a word to Matthew.)
Matthew. I think there’s a mistake, ladies …
(After uttering a few words, Matthew keeps still, and Max walks toward him.)
Max. Aren’t you Espresso?
Matthew. … yeah I think so.
Max. Then who’s that -
Matthew. I don’t know.
Max. Then why does Kristy –
Matthew. I really don’t know.
Max. What are you gonna do?
Matthew. I have no idea.
Max. Uh… are you alright, Mat?
Matthew. Actually, I feel dizzy.
Max. You wanna take a rest or …?
Matthew. I wanna go back to my dorm.
(Matthew goes away slowly and absent-mindedly.)
Max. Mat! Mat!
(Pause)
Max. Oh, love really sucks!
(curtain)