Scripts for English 900, BOOK THREE
Scripts
for English 900, BOOK THREE
LAURA:
Hi, Bill.
BILL:
Hi, Laura. How are you today?
LAURA:
Awful. I resigned.
BILL:
You resigned? Why? You liked the job, didn't you?
LAURA:
Yes and no. I never liked my boss. You know that.
BILL:
Yes. But it was an interesting job, wasn't it?
LAURA:
Yes. We handled all the advertising and promotion for the Fair.
BILL:
Well, what are you going to do now?
LAURA:
Find another job. Do you need a secretary? I type sixty words a minute.
BILL:
No, not today. But did you look in the newspaper?
LAURA:
Yes. Nobody needs a secretary this week.
BILL:
What about the employment office here at the Fair? Did you check with them?
LAURA:
No, I didn't.
BILL:
Why not?
LAURA:
Because they aren't going to help me. I resigned from a good job!
BILL:
Maybe you're wrong.
LAURA:
Oh, Bill. You need recommendations to get a good job. Mr. Crawford isn't going
to give me a recommendation.
BILL:
Look. Mr. Crawford is difficult to work for, right?
LAURA:
Right.
BILL:
Well, maybe the employment office knows it, too.
LAURA:
Is that possible?
BILL:
Of course, it's possible!
BILL:
Maybe you're his seventh secretary in two years!
LAURA:
Maybe. Thanks, Bill.
BILL:
Don't mention it. Good luck.
MRS.
CRAWFORD: Hi, dear. How was your day?
MR.
CRAWFORD: Oh, the same.
MRS.
CRAWFORD: How's your secretary? Does she come in on time now?
MR.
CRAWFORD: Yes... Well, in fact, she resigned today.
MRS.
CRAWFORD: Laura? Resigned? Why?
MR.
CRAWFORD: I don't know. Maybe because I criticized her typing.
MRS.
CRAWFORD: She's a good typist, isn't she?
MR. CRAWFORD:
Yes, usually.
MRS.
CRAWFORD: Well?
MR.
CRAWFORD: "Usually" isn't "always."
MRS.
CRAWFORD: You are too critical, dear.
MR.
CRAWFORD: Please. It's my business.
MRS.
CRAWFORD: Don't talk to me that way. And don't forget, it
was my
father's business.
MRS.
CRAWFORD: You're too critical of everything and everyone; Of me, of the boys...
MR.
CRAWFORD: Jane, please, don't bother me.
MRS.
CRAWFORD: Look, Gary, I live here, too. They are my sons, too.
MR.
CRAWFORD: I'm tired, and I don't want to talk about it.
MIGUEL:
What a mess!
PEDRO:
You sound like my mother.
PEDRO:
Watch out! Don't step on that sweater.
MIGUEL:
Hey, that's my sweater.
PEDRO:
Uh, yes, I guess it is.
MIGUEL:
You're a slob, Pedro, but you're a great photographer. Some of these pictures
could be in magazines.
PEDRO:
Thanks, Miguel.
MIGUEL:
Hey, here's an old picture of you. You had a mustache!
PEDRO:
Let me see.
MIGUEL:
You're standing with a guy with long blond hair. He looks American.
PEDRO:
Yes, he is. He was my first good friend here. A very creative guy.
PEDRO:
I met him at the art school downtown.
MIGUEL:
What's his name? You never talk about him.
PEDRO:
His name's Michael. He was in love with this woman. He wanted to marry her. She
was beautiful, but crazy.
MIGUEL:
What do you mean "crazy?"
PEDRO:
One day, she came to my door. She didn't love Michael anymore. She fell in love
with me.
MIGUEL:
Just like that?
PEDRO:
Well, sure, I flirted with her, but I flirt with everyone!
MIGUEL:
What happened?
PEDRO:
You know I can't resist a pretty face.
MIGUEL:
And Michael? What did he do?
PEDRO:
He never spoke to me again. About a year ago I tried to call him, but he hung
up on me.
MIGUEL:
What happened to the girl?
PEDRO:
We saw each other a few times. Then she moved to Florida. She has a sister there.
PEDRO:
Things like that don't last long.
BILL:
Hi, Paulo.
PAULO:
Hi, Bill. How's business?
BILL:
Fine. How's yours?
PAULO:
Coming along. We're opening some new exhibition soon. Oh, by the way, we're
looking for a secretary.
BILL:
Really? I know a good one. She wants a new job.
PAULO:
Where can I find her?
BILL: I
can give her your number. I see her every day.
PAULO:
OK. Here's my card. Tell her to call me. Oh, what's her name?
BILL:
Laura Segura.
PAULO:
Segura... Isn't she Mr. Grawford's secretary?
BILL:
She was. She resigned.
PAULO:
I don't think I can hire her. My office does a lot of work with Mr. Crawford's
office. It could be embarrassing.
BILL: I
see. That's too bad.
PAULO:
Yes, it is. But perhaps we can find her a job in another department.
BILL: Thanks,
Paulo.
PAULO:
Sure, Bill.
NONE:
Dear Mama,
NONE:
There is so much to tell you, Mama.
NONE:
Everything here seems different, but, at the same time, everything seems the
same.
NONE:
Yesterday was a good example.
NONE:
At 7:00 the alarm clock rang and woke us up. I turned on the radio, and we
listened to the news.
NONE:
But the news is in English, not Spanish.
NONE:
For breakfast, we have coffee and bread, but the coffee and bread don't taste
the same as they do at home.
NONE:
Even the water tastes different!
NONE:
At 9:00 I left the house. At night, after dinner, we talked and watched
television.
NONE:
The movies here are the same: war stories, westerns, and mysteries.
NONE:
At about 9:30 one of Pedro's friends stopped in to say hello.
NONE:
At about 11:00 Pedro called each one of his twenty girlfriends to say good
night
NONE:
and told each one a different story.
NONE: I
like Pedro more and more. I learn a little more English every day.
NONE:
Yesterday, I learned the word "embarrassed."
NONE:
Love, Miguel
NONE:
PS. You asked for a photograph. Here it is.
NONE:
The girl next to me is Marta. She lives upstairs.
NONE:
My father died the year I was born. Life wasdifficult in Spain in those years.
NONE:
My mother decided to move to Mexico because people said things were easier
there.
NONE:
And there was no reason to stay in Barcelona. It broke my mother's heart to
leave, but it also broke her heart to stay.
NONE:
She sold her diamond ring, the only thing she had, and bought two tickets to
Mexico.
NONE:
There, in Mexico, I forgot yesterday's miseries. After all, I was only a child.
NONE:
But our new life was not like my mother's golden dreams.
NONE: I
grew up and had to go to work. I was very unhappy. We were poor and alone in
the world.
NONE:
At eighteen, I married an older man.
NONE:
He had a little money, and I spent a few happy years with him.
NONE: I
got new clothes and lived in a fine house.
NONE:
But I didn't love him, and I think he knew it, too.
NONE:
It wasn't his fault. He wasn't a bad husband. He wanted a quiet life and a big
family.
NONE: I
didn't. We fought about it and made each other miserable.
NONE:
Finally we got a divorce. After that I came to New York.
NONE:
My dear husband, Francisco,
NONE: I
miss you, my dear, but we are happy and healthy, and the children send their
love.
NONE:
Paulo is busy every minute. He is just like you, so sensible, maybe too
sensible.
NONE:
He thinks about business all the time. He doesn't have any real friends here.
NONE:
Joana is growing up before my eyes. Every day she grows more mature, less shy,
and moreconfident.
NONE:
She's getting serious about art again, so she's going to take some courses at
one of the schools here.
NONE:
She's talented, but not very patient. She has a lot to learn.
NONE: I
am enjoying the Fair, but most of all, I am enjoying the children. I am very
proud of them.
NONE:
At first, Joana was nervous about her English, but now she is almost fluent. As
a matter of fact, she is teaching me!
NONE:
So, my dear, how are you? How are things at home? I miss you. I read and reread
all your letters.
NONE:
Your devoted wife,
NONE:
Alicia
MR.
NIKZARD: What are we going to do with Ali?
MRS.
NIKZARD: What do you mean, dear? He's only six.
MR.
NIKZARD: He'll be seven in a few weeks. It's time to think about his future.
MRS.
NIKZARD: Oh, dear.
MR.
NIKZARD: You spoil him, Zahra.
MRS.
NIKZARD: And you're too strict. You're always criticizing him.
MR.
NIKZARD: Because he never behaves. Why can't Ali be morelike Hussein?
MRS.
NIKZARD: But dear, they are different people. They'll never behave the same
way.
MR.
NIKZARD: We take him to the Fair, and what does he do? He runs away!
MRS.
NIKZARD: He's a very independent child.
MR.
NIKZARD: I'll never understand him. And what an imagination!
MR.
NIKZARD: He thinks ice cream vendors are secret agents. He talks to animals and
toys.
MRS.
NIKZARD: All children are like that, dear.
MR.
NIKZARD: No, Zahra, all children are not like that. You can't make excuses for
him forever.
MR.
NIKZARD: Last year he misbehaved because he didn't understand English. This
year you won't be able to use that excuse.
MRS.
NIKZARD: Then we'll have to find a school for children like Ali.
MR.
NIKZARD: Where will you find a school for stubborn children with bad manners?
He won't listen to anybody.
MRS.
NIKZARD: He's not stubborn; he's independent. But don't worry. I'll look for a
school for creative children.
MR.
NIKZARD: Won't you ever believe me? The boy needs discipline.
MRS.
NIKZARD: Let me try, Simon. Maybe I can find the right school.
MR.
NIKZARD: All right, Zahra. But next year, back in Iran, things will be
different.
MRS.
NIKZARD: Be patient, dear. Ali will make you proud one day.
MR.
NIKZARD: Where is Ali now?
MRS.
NIKZARD: Watching TV.
MR.
NIKZARD: Are you sure? It's very quiet in there.
MRS.
NIKZARD: What are you doing, Ali?
ALI:
Ssh. You have to be very quiet!
MRS.
NIKZARD: Why? What are you doing?
ALI:
Can't you see, Mommy? The Martians are landing.
MRS.
NIKZARD: Oh. Well, we're eating dinner.
ALI:
OK.
MRS.
NIKZARD: Aren't you coming?
ALI:
No, I'm not.
MRS.
NIKZARD: Ali, your father will be very angry.
ALI:
No, he won't. He'll be happy.
MRS.
NIKZARD: Why?
ALI: I
ruin his dinner. He always says, "Ali, why do ou always ruin my
dinner?"
MRS.
NIKZARD: He won't say that tonight.
ALI:
Then he says, "Why can't you be like Hussein?"
ALI: I
hate Hussein! I don't want to be like him.
MRS.
NIKZARD: Ali, that's a terrible thing to say about your brother.
ALI:
But it's true.
MRS.
NIKZARD: Ali, my little Martian, I won't enjoy my dinner without you.
MRS.
NIKZARD: I'll miss you. Won't you come to the table and eat with me?
ALI:
OK. But remember, it's only for you.
MRS.
NIKZARD: I'll remember. It'll be our secret.
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:Father?
MR.
YAMAMOTO: Yes?
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:Wouldn't you like to take a walk to the Fair today?
MR.
YAMAMOTO: It's Saturday. I have to be in the store.
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:I'm sure Jim can take care of the store.
MR.
YAMAMOTO: I don't like crowds.
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:I know, Father, but it's early. There won't be many people there at
this hour.
MR.
YAMAMOTO: I'd rather go on a weekday. Saturday is our busy day at the store.
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:Take a one-day vacation. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
MR.
YAMAMOTO: I don't know, Frank.
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:People come from around the world to see the Fair. You're lucky. You live
right around the corner.
MR.
YAMAMOTO: What's the weather like today?
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:It's a beautiful spring day. It would be good for you to spend a day
in the sun.
MR.
YAMAMOTO: Can I get to the Fair by bus?
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:It's not far. Take a taxi. It won't be expensive.
MR.
YAMAMOTO: No. I'll take the bus.
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:OK. Take the number 20. It goes right to the Fair.
MR.
YAMAMOTO: Where is my good coat?
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:In the hall closet. But you won't need a coat today. The sun is
shining, and it's going to get warm.
MR.
YAMAMOTO: Are you sure it's not going to rain?
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:I don't think so, but anything is possible. Your raincoat is in the
hall closet, too.
MR.
YAMAMOTO: You know, Frank, I'm not as young as I was.
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:No one is, Father.
MR.
YAMAMOTO: You're right. Help me with my coat, Frank.
FRANK
YAMAMOTO:Have a good time, Father.
MR.
YAMAMOTO: Thank you, Son.
PEDRO:
Excuse me. How much is the bus?
WOMAN:
Fifty cents.
PEDRO:
Will the driver change a $10 bill?
WOMAN:
I don't think so. Oh, here's the bus.
WOMAN:
Oh, no!
BUS
DRIVER: What's the matter, lady?
WOMAN:
Look at me!
BUS
DRIVER: You look beautiful to me.
WOMAN:
Look at my dress! It's ruined!
BUS
DRIVER: I'm sorry, miss.
WOMAN:
Is that all you can say? 'I'm sorry, miss.'
WOMAN:
What about my dress?
PEDRO:
What are you going to do about this?
BUS
DRIVER: Who are you?
PEDRO:
Who do you think I am?
BUS
DRIVER: Look, mister. I'm sorry. It's raining. The streets are wet.
PEDRO:
Let's sit down, dear.
BUS
DRIVER: Hey, mister! You forgot to pay!
PEDRO:
I did not forget. Is the bus company going to pay for a new dress?
BUS
DRIVER: Forget it! Forget it! Sit down.
WOMAN:
Very clever. Do you ever pay for the bus?
PEDRO:
By the way, my name is...
PAULO:
And that, Mr. Crawford, is our plan. We'd like your agency to handle the
publicity.
MR.
CRAWFORD: Good. Now let me make sure I have all the facts.
PAULO:
Certainly.
MR.
CRAWFORD: The Brazilian Pavilion is planning a competition for young artists.
PAULO:
Yes, and by the way, the Pavilion will display many of the entries during the
final month of the competition.
MR.
CRAWFORD: I see. Now, the entries must all be oil paintings, correct?
PAULO:
Yes.
MR.
CRAWFORD: Is there an age limit for the participants?
PAULO:
We were thinking of thirty or thirty-five.
PAULO:
But you must know more about this than I do. You have more experience.
MR.
CRAWFORD: I think thirty is the right limit. How old are you, Paulo? May I call
you Paulo?
PAULO:
Of course, sir. Twenty-nine.
MR.
CRAWFORD: You're the same age as my son Michael.
PAULO:
Yes.
MR.
CRAWFORD: Forgive me. Where were we?
PAULO:
We were discussing the rules of the competition.
MR.
CRAWFORD: Yes. Now, you mentioned a grant. What kind of grant were you thinking
of?
PAULO:
We were going to offer a scholarship, a living allowance, and air fare to and
from Brazil.
PAULO:
What do you think of that idea?
MR.
CRAWFORD: Excellent. What about the deadline for the entries six months from
today?
PAULO:
Yes. They have to enter by November 1. We'll announce the winner the following
month.
MR.
CRAWFORD: Good. Well, I can have sample brochures ready for you in a week.
PAULO:
Fine.
MR.
CRAWFORD: Then, I'll see you a week from today. Is 2:00 convenient?
PAULO:
Perfect.
MR.
CRAWFORD: Ms. Segura, Mr. Farias is leaving now. Good-bye, Paulo.
PAULO:
Good-bye, Mr. Crawford. And we'll see you and Mrs. Crawford for dinner on
Wednesday.
MR.
CRAWFORD: We're looking forward to it.
MR.
CRAWFORD: Were there any calls?
LAURA:
Yes. Your wife called fifteen minutes ago.
MR.
CRAWFORD: Did she leave a message?
LAURA:
No, sir. And your next appointment is here. Mr. Robert Gardener.
MR.
CRAWFORD: Send him in, please.
LAURA:
Yes, sir.
LAURA:
Your coat, Mr. Farias.
PAULO:
Thank you, Ms. Segura, Good day.
LAURA:
Good day, sir. As you see, Claire, the office is very formal.
CLAIRE:
Yes, I realized that when Mr. Crawford interviewed me.
LAURA:
Well, let's go on. The files are easy. We keep our files in alphabetical order.
CLAIRE:
Who handles the accounts?
LAURA:
We have an accountant. He comes in once a month and goes over the books.
CLAIRE:
Laura, may I ask you a question?
LAURA:
Of course.
CLAIRE:
May I ask why you're leaving?
LAURA:
I'd rather not say.
CLAIRE:
I understand. I'm sorry.
LAURA:
No, don't apologize. Where were we? Oh, yes. Well, we keep the office supplies
in this cabinet--
LAURA:
paper, typewrite ribbons, pads, pencils, pens, envelopes, etc.
LAURA:
Do you have any questions so far?
CLAIRE:
Yes. How often do you work late?
LAURA:
Hardly ever. Mr. Crawford doesn't like to pay overtime.
CLAIRE:
Good. Because I don't know if I can stay late. I go to school at night.
LAURA:
What are you studying?
CLAIRE:
Law. When I was a girl, I wanted to be a lawyer. And I'm going to be one.
LAURA:
I admire you. It must be difficult to work while you're going to school.
CLAIRE:
It is, but it's what I want to do.
LAURA:
Good luck. Oh, I almost forgot. We publish a World's Fair newsletter.
LAURA:
Henry Leeds is the editor. His office is across the hall. I think that's it.
CLAIRE:
Uh -- where's the ladies' room?
LAURA:
Oh, around the corner, second door on the left.
CLAIRE:
I want to thank you for all your help.
LAURA:
I was happy to do it. Here are the keys.
LAURA:
After 5:00 today, it's all yours. One more thing, be on time! He gets angry
when you'relate.
NONE:
What am I doing here? What's wrong with this office?
NONE:
Everyone's so quiet. Nobody talks, nobody smiles.
NONE:
Oh well, yesterday was only the first day, and things can change. In any case,
it won't last forever.
NONE:
All right. It's 8:30. Where is everybody? You're early, Claire. Relax. Look
around.
NONE: I
wonder where the newsletter file is.
NONE:
Good morning, Mr. Crawford.
NONE:
Good morning, Ms... Lindstrom. You're here early. Excellent.
NONE: I
don't know when I'm going find the time to study. I can study during my lunch
hour, I guess.
NONE:
Here they come. 8:55 exactly.
NONE:
Good morning, Claire. My name is Henry. We met yesterday. I edit the
newsletter.
NONE:
Yes, of course I remember. Good morning, Henry.
NONE:
Dear Miguel,
NONE:
Who is this girl, Marta, in the photograph? She is very pretty.
NONE:
Oh, my poor Miguel! I know you are lonely, but you are so young! Don't ruin
your life.
NONE:
You have to continue your studies or you'll never find a good job.
NONE:
I'm glad you are having a good time, but we worry about you.
NONE:
We don't even know who she is. Is she a nice girl? Is she from a good family?
NONE:
Can you tell me what her father does?
NONE:
You won't do anything foolish, will you, Miguel? You don't know how important
you are to us.
NONE:
Do you remember the Monteros? They moved to New York about seven years ago.
NONE:
They have a daughter, a very pretty girl. She's just about your age.
NONE:
They won't recognize you, of course, but they'll remember us and they'll be
very happy to see you.
NONE:
The girl's name is Maria. I'm sure you'll find the number in the telephone
book. His first name is Fernando.
NONE:
Forgive me, Miguel. I know you are a man now, but you are also my son.
NONE: I
worry about you, and I suppose I always will.
NONE:
Love, Mama
NONE:
PS. Write soon.
NONE:
It was a warm day, warm for April. People were walking around the Fair with
their coats over their arms.
NONE:
The sun was bright, and there were little white clouds in the blue sky. The
trees wore a light green smile.
NONE:
At noon the Saturday crowd was very large. Adults were laughing, children were
crying,
NONE:
and everyone was having a good time.
NONE: A
thousand vendors were selling ice cream, hot dogs, and cold drinks.
NONE:
It was a beautiful, spring morning -- the kind you want to last forever.
NONE:
Later in the afternoon, the sun was not so bright, the sky not so blue.
NONE:
The little white clouds were now large and gray.
NONE:
There was a drop here, a drop there... Then ten thousand noisy drops.
NONE:
People shouted and ran in every direction.
NONE:
Then there was silence, the sun, the blue sky, and a rainbow.
NONE: I
admire Claire. She works all day and goes to school at night.
NONE:
She knows where she's going and what she wants, and she's willing to work for
it.
NONE:
Am I? In my first job, I was secretary. When I married my husband, I quit.
NONE:
After I left him, I went back to the same office. I never thought about other
possibilities.
NONE:
When I came here, I got a job right away. I was happy with anything.
NONE:
Now I'd like a change. First things first. What skills do I have? OK. I can do
anything.
NONE:
Anything? Yes, anything. Come on now, Laura. Be realistic.
NONE:
All right, almost anything. I can speak, read, and write English and Spanish. I
can run an office.
NONE:
I'm friendly and competent. Uh... There must be more. Oh, yes, I type and take
shorthand in two languages.
NONE:
Well, then, if you can do all that, you don't have to work for the Mr.
Crawfords of the world!
NONE:
But, what will I do, then? Well, what kind of job would you like? Do you want
to work in an office again?
NONE:
There's so much to think about.