Modernised Adaptation of Act III Scene III Othello
Sowing the Jealousy Seed- The Temptation Scene
[Mike is already in disgrace over the clientele party, and on Iain's advice has gone to see Darcy in the hope that she will persuade Orion to give him his job back. He's in a complete state, and is desperate for Darcy's guidance.]
Emma and Darcy are together in her and Orion's home. Orion is not yet back from work, and the two girls are trying and failing to make a night of it. Both are curled up on opposite ends of the sofa, a glass of wine in their hands, and two empty bottles on the table. A DVD plays in the background, though neither of them are watching it.
DARCY
I mean Ems… I don't know. If it's true what he said…
EMMA
He knew Mike had a drink problem. He's always known it.
DARCY
Sure, I made it pretty clear. So what? [She pours them both another glass of wine]
EMMA
So why did Orion even bother inviting him to a party like that? There was loads of free drink, it was bound to tempt him.
DARCY
Yeah, but Mike assured him that he could hold it, and Orion trusts him, Emma. Why not? They've been friends since… since…
EMMA
Since you introduced them to each other.
There is a short silence.
DARCY
Want any chocolate? I think I've got some in the fridge.
EMMA
Just normal chocolate?
DARCY
Turkish Delight.
EMMA
No thanks. You're the only one that eats that stuff.
DARCY
Well, I'm going to have some.
She goes into the kitchen, and the doorbell rings. She shouts through:
Can you get that? Orion's probably forgotten his keys again.
Emma opens the door, and Mike is standing on the doorstep, completely soaked through with the rain outside. He looks awful.
MIKE
Emma… hi. Is Darcy in?
EMMA
Obviously. It's her house.
MIKE
Yeah… can I talk to her? Just for a minute. I won't be long and I know it's a stupid time, but I wanted to call in before Orion got home.
I just wanted to explain myself to someone that understands…
Emma takes a step back, and calls through into the kitchen.
EMMA
Darcy, you've got yourself a visitor, and it looks like he wants to come in.
DARCY
Orion, what did I tell you about… Mike! Mike, oh my God! She rushes up to hi, about to hug him but changes her mind.
Why are you here? Are you crazy? If Orion finds out about this, and anyway-
MIKE
Darcy. Can I talk to you? Please? I need… I need you to understand.
DARCY
I'm having a night in with Emma. You need to go, Mike.
MIKE
Emma will be okay with it. Won't you Emma? Ems?
EMMA
Fine by me. [shrugs] I'll go and… [she looks pointedly into the kitchen]. I'll go and clear up.
Darcy takes Mike into the front room and sits on the sofa, whilst he sits on the edge of an armchair opposite. Darcy leaps up and quickly clears the bottles away, and Mike winces. She offers him some chocolate and Mike shakes his head.
DARCY
For God's sake Mike, I haven't poisoned it.
Mike takes some, eats it and looks better. Darcy looks at the clock.
You have an hour before Orion gets home. Whatever you need to say, say it now.
MIKE
I… I made a mistake. Bt it wasn't completely me, Darce, you know I never even look at alcohol any more!
DARCY
So you're saying someone set you up?
MIKE
Yeah! That's what I'm saying! Darce, please help me. Get Orion to give my-
DARCY
Seriously Mike, you need to go.
MIKE
Darce… Darcy [Gets up and looks at her beseechingly, and Darcy notices he looks tired, unwell and quite awful] hear me out. Can you do that? Please?
Cut to Orion and Iain still in the office, working. Orion is filling out paperwork, and looking at his watch every so often, yawning profusely. Iain is on his laptop in the corner, tying up some looses ends.
There is a short silence, then Iain begins to speak.
IAIN
Nearly finished?
ORION
[Silent for a second. Then grunts] No.
IAIN
Well, I'll be off soon. I've almost done.
ORION
See you tomorrow.
IAIN
Yeah, I'll see you… you got much left to do?
ORION
Fucking tonnes.
Iain says nothing. Orion takes this as a hint
I'm so fucking tired you know? I've got all this shit to do, plus clear up after that joke of a party. He's fucking lost me everything, and he still expects me to believe it was a 'mistake'…
IAIN
You talking about Mike?
ORION
Yeah, I'm talking about Mike. What's it to you?
IAIN
Nothing, but he's your friend isn't he? Why don't you listen to what he's got to say?
ORION
Friend? He was my best mate! I trusted him with everything in this fucking place! I helped him out of that slump that he'd got himself into, and this is how he thanks me! This is how he thanks Darce!
IAIN
Darce?
ORION
Darcy- you know. My wife? You met her at the Christmas bash…er… friends with Emma.
IAIN
Yeah, I know. I didn't know she and Mike were friends.
ORION
Sure, she knew him before I did. University friends apparently. I didn't like the sound of that if I'm honest, but he seemed like a really nice guy.
IAIN
Right. [Thoughtfully]
ORION
Yeah. [Continues to work]
Silence.
IAIN
They see each other quite a lot, don't they?
ORION
[Sighs audibly] I suppose so. They're friends, they're bound to see each other.
IAIN
I guess. You're a really tolerant guy, you know that?
ORION
How so?
IAIN
Well, I'm just saying that if my wife had a best friend who was male then I wouldn't exactly be very happy.
ORION
How do you mean? What are you talking about?
IAIN
Nothing. It doesn't matter. I'm off, I'll see you tomorrow. [stands up]
ORION
Nah, sit down. Talk to me. Why can't Darcy be friends with Mike?
IAIN
I never said she couldn't, but don't you sometimes think…
ORION
No. No way. [Shakes head and carries on writing]
IAIN
See, you're a tolerant guy. [Stretches] It's late, I'll see you tomorrow.
ORION
Yeah… tomorrow. [He waits until Iain's gone and puts on his own coat, shoves the paperwork in the draw, and generally gets ready to leave]
Cut back to Darcy's house. Emma has now joined them, but she's the one sitting on the armchair. Mike has joined Darcy on the sofa.
DARCY
I'll do my best to help you, Mike, I promise. God, it's so unfair! Orion should have listened to you!
MIKE
It's not Orion's fault, and business should come over friendship. It's the 21st Century.
DARCY
No, he was wrong to sack you. But he'll take you back, I promise. He does everything I say. [Giggles lightly]
EMMA
Iain's pretty upset about it too. Things affect him like that, he hates fights.
DARCY
Bless that man. How is he by the way? I haven't seen him since Christmas.
EMMA
[suddenly quiet] Oh he's fine. A lot of stress at work, that's all.
MIKE
Christ, I'm sorry. I bet I didn't help.
Emma says nothing.
DARCY
[Looks at clock] Shit, he'll be home in a minute. Mike do you want to stay and help me explain, or…?
MIKE
Nah, I don't want to stay. I'll go out the back door.
The key turns in the lock and the door swings open.
ORION
Darcy, I'm home early for you! Ah, hello Emma.
EMMA
Hey Orion.
Orion looks around for Darcy, smiling, until he sees Mike on the sofa. His grin fades.
ORION
What's he doing here?
DARCY
[Jumps up as if guilty]. He just came around to talk, Orion. The usual. Er… I'll see you, Mike.
MIKE
Yeah. [Jumps up and grabs his coat] Bye Darcy, bye Emma. Uh… Perhaps later, Orion?
ORION
Goodbye Mike. [Slams the door behind him] What was he doing here, Darcy?
EMMA
I'd better go home, Iain will be waiting…
DARCY
No Emma, stay and have another glass of wine. Want one, Orion?
ORION
I want to know why Mike was here.
DARCY
Red or white?
EMMA
Darce, I really do have to go. Iain hates it if I'm out later than him.
DARCY
Well, if you have to. [She gives Emma a hug] I'll see you soon, won't I?
EMMA
Er… we were going to visit that new Beauty Spa, but if you've arranged to meet Mike…
DARCY
I'm not seeing him until the evening. I'll see you in the morning at the usual place.
EMMA
Yeah, brilliant. Night Darcy. Ah… night Orion.
ORION
See you soon, Ems. [Shuts door behind her, gently but with an air of the quiet before the storm]
So. What was Mike doing here?
DARCY
He just came to talk, that's all. You're not the only ones who are friends, remember?
ORION
Jeez, he's not my friend, Darcy. He ruined my business.
DARCY
I need to talk to you about that. He came to see me tonight, and he was so worked up over it all. Why won't you listen to what he has to say?
ORION
Because I trusted him, Darce. I trusted him and he still fucked everything up and now Iain and I have to clean up the pieces.
DARCY
He's so upset…
ORION
I'm upset! I didn't want to lose him! He was my best friend!
DARCY
And he still is! Orion, you know that Mike would never go near alcohol after all his problems. He's not stupid!
ORION
But he did, Darcy, and that's my point. I can't trust him.
DARCY
He was set up! He never touched any alcohol, he was framed!
ORION
Darcy… who would want to frame him? He's making up this bullshit to get around you, can't you see?
DARCY
Orion, I know Mike and he doesn't lie. He's always the first one to admit he's wrong, but this time he knows he's innocent. Orion, his drinks were spiked.
ORION
No. I'm not listening to this.
DARCY
Admit it! You've known Mike for five years, and have been working with him for two! When has he ever lied? Has he ever lied to you?
ORION
Darce, forget about it. Just drop it, okay? Lets go to bed, it's late.
DARCY
Not until you take him back.
ORION
Later. Just… I need to let things cool off.
DARCY
Orion, Mike is innocent and you know it! Just give him his job back!
ORION
For Christ's sake, Darcy…
DARCY
Me? I'm just telling you the truth! Give him his job back, please Orion. He's not the guilty one, and he's so, so sorry about it.
ORION
[Rubbing his head] Alright, fine. I'll keep him his job back when I'm ready. Is that enough, or do you want more?
DARCY
Tell him now, he'll be so happy!
ORION
Darcy, it's past one.
DARCY
Then tell him in the morning. Phone him and tell him the good news.
ORION
Not tomorrow, Darce.
DARCY
Why not? [She sees Orion's face] For God's sake, Orion, what are you waiting for?
Orion says nothing, but stares past her, face set.
Fine. You can sleep on the sofa tonight. I need my space.
She storms upstairs, leaving Orion just standing there.
Cut back to the workplace. Orion slams into his office, extremely bad tempered. Iain watches unsurprised.
ORION
Iain. Coffee- a strong one.
IAIN
Are you alright?
ORION
I asked for a coffee.
Iain leaves, and Orion rips open a drawer, taking out his paperwork. He slams it down on the desk, drops half of it on the floor and begins to write furiously.
IAIN
Coffee.
Orion says nothing, and Iain sets it gently down next to him. Orion ignores it.
Orion? Mr Nero… is there anything the matter? Has something happened?
ORION
That's none of your business.
IAIN
Sir?
ORION
It's none of your fucking business!
Iain just stares back at him.
I… I had an argument with Darcy. About… about Mike.
IAIN
You were arguing over Mike?
ORION
Yeah, she wants me to take him back. I guess it's because he's her friend and she hates seeing him unhappy. I love her Iain, but she can be so…
IAIN
Did Mike know that you two were in a relationship when you met?
ORION
Yeah, of course he did. What the hell? What's that got to do with anything?
IAIN
Nothing. It's nothing.
ORION
There's something you're not telling me. Say what's on your mind.
IAIN
Don't be jealous of Mike, Orion.
ORION
What the fuck? Why would I be jealous of Mike?
IAIN
I shouldn't have said anything. Forget it. When do you want me to start interviewing people for Mike's position?
ORION
No, you were going to say something. Iain I've always regarded you as a friend, so say what's on your mind. I won't be angry, I promise, right?
IAIN
It's… Darcy's' father didn't want you to get married to her, right? Wasn't there a problem or something?
ORION
Yeah… he just didn't like me, I guess.
IAIN
So you got married in secret.
ORION
Yes, so what?
IAIN
So, Darcy's father didn't even know that you two were getting married. Darcy can obviously keep a secret. And believe me, there is nothing like a white woman for keeping secrets. Emma's full of them.
ORION
What's your point?
IAIN
White women will do anything in secret. Steal, betray, sex… lots of sex. White women are trash, they're always having sex when they know their husbands aren't looking. Especially with those men that are available.
ORION
Darcy's not like that. I trust her, she's my wife. If there's no trust, there's nothing.
IAIN
She spends a lot of time with Mike. Think. When did she last see him?
ORION
I don't know…Wait, she saw him last night. But Emma was there.
IAIN
Emma's a white women. She could be in on this.
ORION
No way. Darcy wouldn't cheat, she's not like that.
IAIN
She cheated her father, I'm only saying…
ORION
Will you shut the fuck up, for a minute? Please?
Silence.
ORION
What do you think I should do? Should I say anything?
IAIN
I don't know. Mike's my friend, and nothing might be happening…
ORION
You just told me it was! I want proof! Give me proof!
IAIN
I can't! Not yet. The only proof I have is that Mike talks about Darcy to me all the time, every time we go out.
ORION
He does?
IAIN
Yeah, he talks about how sexy she is, and how he wishes they never only stayed in the 'friends zone', but he was smiling whilst he said it Orion, and I got the idea…
ORION
[Upset, and quietly into his hands] Shit.
IAIN
We need to talk about this. During our lunch break. We'll discuss this together, right?
ORION
Right. Iain?
IAIN
Yeah?
ORION
Thanks for this. I mean… It must be hard for you betraying Mike like this. He's your friend too.
IAIN
We were never friends. I never trusted him, I just kept the peace so this firm would work. We'll discuss this at lunch. And then-
ORION
Then we'll sort out Mike.
Cut to the Beauty Spa. Darcy and Emma are sitting on the edge of a Jacuzzi and are having a drink. Both look happy, animated and relaxed, although Darcy looks slightly sheepish.
DARCY
So then I said that he needed to sleep on the sofa, and I stormed off upstairs. I feel so stupid now, I mean he never heard Mike, he didn't know how sorry he was. I've just got…
EMMA
You always dive straight in, eh Darce?
DARCY
Shhh. No I don't. [slight pause] Well. Maybe a bit. [She looks longingly at the Jacuzzi] Do you want to get in?
EMMA
Yeah, it looks so warm. This place is lush.
Darcy is sliding herself in.
Shouldn't you take off your bracelet?
DARCY
What? [Looks at wrist] No, I couldn't, it was Orion's first present.
EMMA
It'll get ruined.
DARCY
Better than stolen. [She slides it off and puts it on the edge]. I'll just have to watch it. So anyway. How's Iain? Is he still being weird?
EMMA
Not weird, just cold. Colder than usual, he's never really been one for affection.
DARCY
How can you stand it? Orion's one of the most affectionate men I've ever met. And he's gorgeous.
EMMA
Get you. You're just too lucky.
DARCY
Yeah, he's pretty generous.
Both giggle
EMMA
Well, I'm not blessed like you are, and I do love Iain. I think he loves me too he just-
DARCY
Never shows it. I don't understand that, he's a nice guy.
EMMA
You don't understand? Try living with him, it's a nightmare. [She goes silent and miserable. Darcy notices this.]
DARCY
Come on, you need another Martini and a massage from Maquel. He won't leave you feeling cold, trust me. [She gets out, forgetting her bracelet] Coming?
EMMA
Yeah, can you get me my towel? I think my top's come undone again.
DARCY
Nice one. I'll be back in a minute.
She leaves, and Emma grabs the bracelet, tucking it inside her towel that was beside her all the time.
DARCY
Emma, I can't… oh you've got it. Come on, hurry up. I want Ronaldoooooooooooooooo.
EMMA
Better hope Orion doesn't hear you say that.
DARCY
It's okay, Ronaldo's only my bit on the side. And Maquel can be a lot more than your side order if you ask him. Come on! Please?
Emma pulls herself out of the pool and they exit.
Cut to a dark room in Iain's house. Iain is writing furiously at the desk, and Emma suddenly comes in, her hair still wet.
EMMA
Iain? I'm home.
IAIN
What do you expect me to do about it?
EMMA
Iain, please. I've got some stuff for dinner and I…
IAIN
I'm not eating any of the shit you give me. If I wanted crap I'd take it out of the toilet.
EMMA
I've got something for you.
IAIN
You've got something for lots of people.
EMMA
The bracelet that you wanted. Darcy's bracelet. I've got it here.
IAIN
What? Give it to me! [He sees it in her hand and snatches it] You stole it off her?
EMMA
No, she left it at the spa. What are you going to do with it?
Iain is suddenly very close to her, and she doesn't step back.
IAIN
Keep out of my business, and I'll do nothing to you. Do you understand me?
EMMA
[Mutters] Yes… yes I understand. [Looks away].
IAIN
And now I suppose you want an award. [He pushes her onto the bed, kisses her then thinks better of it.] Nah. Forget it.
EMMA
Iain…
IAIN
Just leave. [Emma doesn't move]. Fucking leave!
Emma exits.
Cut back to the office. It is the next day, but Orion isn't working; instead he is slumped at his desk and is holding onto a glass of whiskey, the bottle beside him half empty already.
Enter Iain
IAIN
Orion? Orion, wake up! Orion, get a grip! [Shakes him roughly]
Orion takes his head of the desk, and peers at Iain with bleary eyes. He suddenly seems to wake up.
ORION
You! Get outta here! Get the fuck outta here!
IAIN
What? Orion, what's going on?
ORION
You're fucking fired that's what! You've fucking lied to me and fucking messed me up! Darcy isn't cheating on me, and you've been telling me bullshit! Get outta here!
IAIN
So this is what I get? I've tried to help you and you're fucking firing me?
ORION
You've put me through so much shit! You've had no proof and yet you've left me wondering and wondering when Darcy's next going to shag Mike behind my back…
IAIN
I've put you through shit? It's Darcy that's put you through shit, Orion! She's the one that's banging Mike behind your back!
ORION
Well prove it! Fucking prove it to me, or I'll…
IAIN
You'll what? Hit me?
ORION
I'll kill you. I'll fucking kill you and I don't care what happens.
IAIN
You're upset. I'll just leave for an hour so you can calm down.
ORION
No way, you're not leaving me now! You better explain what you know Iain, or I promise I'll kill you! I can promise you that.
IAIN
Are you stupid? Is that it? Are you so blind you can't see what's there when it's right in front of you? Darcy's being unfaithful but you love that lying bitch so much you can't even see it!
ORION
Then prove it! Prove it to me!
Door swings open and Mike's old secretary peers around it.
BONNIE
Is everything all right in here? Why are you both shouting?
Orion realises that they've both been screaming at each other, and with a huge effort he sits down and smiles.
ORION
If you can't shout at you PA who can you shout at, eh Bonnie? We're fine, I'm just having a rough week.
BONNIE
Are you sure? Do you want Iain to leave?
ORION
It's fine Bonnie, yeah? Go back to work, there's a good girl. [Big fake smile]
Bonnie looks unconvinced, but leaves, shutting the door behind her.
ORION
Go on [quieter but still angry] prove it.
IAIN
The proof was right in front of your eyes, right there!
ORION
Don't mess with me Iain, just prove to me that Darcy's fucking Mike!
IAIN
Here's the proof. Did you give Darcy a bracelet when you first met her? A gold one?
ORION
Yeah, so what? What's that got to do with anything?
IAIN
Darcy gave it to Mike, and he gave it to his girl… Bonnie. He's fucking with both of them, didn't you see it? It was on her wrist, right in front of your eyes!
ORION
Shit, no. [Slumps at desk, grabbing his whiskey glass]
IAIN
And Mike phoned me last night. About eleven and he was on something… he might have been stoned. Do you know what he said to me? He said that he's meeting Darcy again tonight. He said… he said that he loves her and that she's the best shag he's ever had.
ORION
You're fucking kidding me.
IAIN
He said it. I just hung up… I couldn't listen to anymore.
ORION
He's got no idea what he's got himself into. He's got no idea.
IAIN
Please, Orion, don't hurt him. Or her. Don't hurt Darcy.
ORION
That cheating, lying whore! I'll kill her!
IAIN
Be rational… just leave, don't hurt them…
Orion looks up sharply.
ORION
Thank you. Thank you Iain for telling me this. I.. I owe you.
IAIN
You're not going to do anything, are you? Please, they're not worth it…
ORION
They've no idea what they've got themselves into. They're going to pay, and you're going to help me do it. They're going to fucking pay for this! No one fucking messes with me!
