The Unsung Song

By

James Doyle

Florence and Freddie: "Here I Go Again"

London Heathrow Airport

Florence Vassy had just cleared Customs, and now made her way to the baggage claim area. While en route, she spotted a familiar face, occupying a table by himself at an airport cafe.

"Freddie?" she called out.

"Florence," answered Freddie, looking genuinely surprised to see her. "Hi."

"May I?" requested Florence, pointing to the chair across from Freddie.

"Oh, yes, of course," said Freddie, scrambling to his feet.

"It's alright," she said, pulling out her own chair. "You don't have to do that."

"I really didn't expect to see you again," said Florence after a moment of awkward silence.

"Really?" said Freddie. "We were on the same flight."

"Why didn't you say anything?" asked Florence.

"I didn't think you wanted to talk to me," said Freddie.

Florence nodded. "Fair assumption, I suppose. So, heading back to New York, I gather?"

"Not right away," said Freddie. "Walter's sending me to Amsterdam to interview a soccer player. Maybe I can salvage what's left of my career."

"You could always take up chess again, you know," suggested Florence.

"No, I think I've had enough of these sorts of games," said Freddie.

"You and me both," said Florence.

"So, I've told you what's next for me," said Freddie. "What about you?"

Florence sighed. "Go home; sleep for about a week. After that, who knows?"

Neither of them said anything for a few minutes before Freddie caught Florence giggling.

"What's so funny?" asked Freddie.

"Nothing," denied Florence.

"Oh, don't hand me that crap," said Freddie. "I know you better than that."

"I suppose it's a little narcissistic of me," said Florence, "But I half expected you to make one last plea for me."

"The thought had crossed my mind," admitted Freddie. "But in this case, I think it's best to let sleeping dogs lie."

"So you're saying I'm a dog?" teased Florence.

"That's not what I meant!" protested Freddie.

"I knew what you meant," said Florence with a chuckle.

"I miss that about you," said Freddie. "But I think I'm done with relationships for awhile."

Freddie:

I don't know where I'm going

But I sure know where I've been

Hanging on the promises

And the songs of yesterday

But I've made up my mind

I ain't wasting no more time

Here I go again...here I go again

"Yeah, I see what you mean," said Florence

Florence:

Though I keep searching for an answer

Never seem to find what I'm looking for

O Lord, I pray

You'll give me strength to carry on

'Cuz I know what it means

To walk alone, along this street of dreams

Florence and Freddie:

Here I go, again on my own

Going down the only road I've ever known

Like I drifter I was born to walk alone

And I've made up my mind

I ain't wasting no more time

Florence:

Just another heart in need of rescue

Waiting on love's sweet charity

And I'm gonna hold on, for the rest of my days

Freddie and Florence:

'Cuz I know what it means

To walk alone, along this street of dreams

Here I go, again on my own

Going down the only road I've ever known

Like a drifter I was born to walk alone

Freddie:

'Cuz I've made up my mind

I ain't wasting no more time

O here I go again...

Florence:

Here I go again...

Florence and Freddie:

Here I go again...here I go...

(guitar solo, then Freddie and Florence once more through the chorus)

"Now boarding," came the announcement over the PA system. "British Airways flight 227, service to Amsterdam."

"That's me," said Freddie. "I gotta go."

"Well, so help me, it was actually good to see you again," said Florence.

"Yeah, you too," said Freddie. "I hope it's not the last time."

Freddie offered his hand, only for Florence to draw him in for a hug.

"Take care of yourself," said Florence.

"You too," said Freddie.

Florence watched as Freddie waved, running to catch his flight.

Florence (softly):

Here I go, again on my own...going down the only road I've ever known...

End of Scene 1

Song Credit:

"Here I Go Again"

Written by David Coverdale and Bernie Marsden

Originally performed by Whitesnake

From the album Saints & Sinners (1982)

A/N: The irony of singing the song as a duet is intentional