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
