INT. TRAVIS'S ROOM -- MORNING
(mid scene)
MEGAN
What am I to you?
TRAVIS
Do you really want to know? Cause I'm pretty sure that changes on fairly consistent basis.
MEGAN
And what I am right this very second?
TRAVIS
You're the cautionary tale.
MEGAN
I don't understand.
TRAVIS
Maybe I'm just better at writing than I am at speaking
(pause, softly)
You should go.
MEGAN
You can't be serious. I come back, and last night. Last night was amazing, I thought-
TRAVIS
Last night was a lot of things, but most importantly it was a terrible lapse in judgment. I thought I wanted this, but I don't.
MEGAN
I don't get you.
TRAVIS
I'm painfully aware of that. Please, just do both of us a favor, and walk out that door without a scene.
Megan looks upset, and quickly grabs her things to leave. Travis watches her walk out the door to his room.
INT. GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER
Megan walks passed the living room where Travis's Grandfather is pulling through records, takes one out.
GRANDFATHER
Kalliope, I found that record we were talking about.
Megan stops dead in her tracks.
GRANDFATHER
Is Travis up? If he isn't we probably shouldn't wake him with-
He notices Megan.
GRANDFATHER
Oh, Megan. It's lovely to see you again.
Megan remains silent. She can't bring herself to say anything to him. She just slowly walks out of the house.
INT. GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER
Travis comes running down the stairs in a panic.
GRANDFATHER
I assume threes a story her.
TRAVIS
Isn't there always?
GRANDFATHER
Let's hear.
TRAVIS
I would love to, but it's not done yet. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to stop screwing up and go get the girl I care about.
INT. KALLIOPE'S HALLWAY -- LATER
Travis stands outside Kalliope's door hesitating whether to knock. He goes to knock, stops himself, and sits down on the steps. Kalliope opens her door.
KALLIOPE
Oh good, you're alive.
TRAVIS
I'm sorry.
KALLIOPE
Mild curiosity, how many times am I going to be hearing that?
TRAVIS
Um, quite a few.
KALLIOPE
I don't like being blown off Travis.
TRAVIS
I'm sorry.
KALLIOPE
That's two.
TRAVIS
If you are going to keep a running total, this is going to get embarrassing.
Kalliope lets out a small laugh. There is a small, awkward beat. Travis is trying to figure out the words to say.
KALLIOPE
If you are trying to formulate a big romantic speech just because you stood me up, save your creativity. All I'm looking for is, "I'm sorry Kalliope" you don't even have to lie and tack on, "it won't happen again", you can just tell me you will try not et let it happen again. You aren't a jerk Travis, I'm sure you had a good reason.
TRAVIS
I had a reason.
KALLIOPE
Was it a good reason?
Travis looks at her speechless for a moment.
TRAVIS
(softly)
Megan came back.
KALLIOPE
Oh.
TRAVIS
I got rid of her.
KALLIOPE
And why does my gut keep telling me it isn't that simple.
Travis doesn't say anything.
KALLIOPE
The great Travis Dillinger, with nothing to say. I'd be flattered if this wasn't crushing me.
TRAVIS
I'm sorry. I really, really am.
KALLIOPE
Me too Travis. I'm sorry for a whole heck of a lot of things at this moment, chief among them for letting myself fall under your spell.
TRAVIS
Kalliope.
Kalliope walks back into her apartment.
KALLIOPE
Save it for your next book Travis. I know I'll just be a footnote in it.
Kalliope shuts the door and Travis just sits on the hallway steps with his head in his hands.