CHARLIE

Hello Miss Lili, how are you doing today?

Charlie had been their gardener for more than 12 years. Actually he had been their gardener since they had moved from Germany. He soon became a close friend, especially to her father's. Karl had accustomed Charlie to good old German beer. They could sit, talk and drink until very late hours. Charlie was also the one who taught Lili everything about the flowers, the trees and how to take good care of them. At only 13, she was already an expert. Yes, the little Lili had always astonished him. He had always known there was more to that girl than just a high-society lady. Sure she was a good party, elegant and glamourous. But she was also very smart and had strong beliefs. She wasn't the kind of person who would get married at 20, have kids and pamper a husband. No, little Lili expected much more from life. She wanted to be a performer, she wanted to travel … and she wanted true love.

That afternoon, as soon as he saw her he knew there was something wrong. He could tell she was heartbroken. And if she was there, she obviously needed to be on her own.

Lili forced herself and smiled at him.

LILI

Good afternoon Charlie, what a pleasure to see you! I am doing just fine thank you, how about you?

CHARLIE

I'm great, thank you. I'm on my way to your house. Your father has invited me for a late lunch.

LILI

Mmm I see, and food isn't the only thing you two are going to have, is it?

CHARLIE

You got me there! Your mother will probably be back soon so I'd better hurry. Have a nice day!

LILI

Enjoy yourself!

CHARLIE

Sure will!

Lili walked around the garden for a little while, crying all the tears she could. She eventually stopped under the apple tree which she had climbed so many times during her teenage years. Another "not-ladylike" thing her mother had disapproved. All her worries and crying had exhausted her. She sat, and soon fell asleep under her beloved tree.

°°°

Bill arrived at Lili's parents' house. He was in a fury when she had left him in the middle of the park. And he was so angry that it only took him a couple of minutes to get back to his hotel and step into his car. He could hardly drive on the left-hand side but still, he didn't mind and went through the streets of London as quickly as a hurricane. But, a few miles from Lili's place, he decided it was probably better to calm down before asking her for an explanation. Because he didn't know what to think anymore. What were his feelings? Was he in a rage, or simply hurt because he loved her so much? If only he could know what was wrong with his darling …

It took all his remaining courage to ring at the front door. Margaret opened the door.

MARGARET

Bill! What a surprise!

BILL

Hello Mrs Smith … Schmidt … huh …

MARGARET

Smith sounds perfect. Please, come in.

Bill entered, and Margaret led him to the kitchen.

MARGARET - Laughing

Sorry, usually we go to the living room, but my husband and his dear friend the gardener are partying there. So … what can I do for you?

BILL

I've come to talk to Lili about a very important matter.

MARGARET

Lili? I haven't seen her since this morning. As far as I know she was supposed to spend the day with you.

BILL

Well we had … erm … a little argument, and she ran away. I thought she would be here.

MARGARET

I am sorry, I got back about an hour ago and I haven't seen her.

BILL

Do you have any idea where I could find her?

MARGARET

Not a clue. Furthermore it is Bedford's and Emma's day off today, so they won't be able to give more information. The only person who might help is my husband Karl.

BILL

I'd better go and ask him then.

Margaret showed Bill to the living room. Karl and Charlie were deeply involved in a conversation, apparently funny, and were laughing out loud. As soon as she entered the room, Margaret gave her husband an impatient look.

KARL

Hi Maggie … Hi Bill! Wanna join?

BILL

Hi! I am sorry to disturb you Mister Smith but do you know, by any chance, where I could find Miss Lili?

KARL

Miss Lili?

MARGARET

Yes, remember, she's your daughter.

KARL

Stop it Maggie, of course I know who she is! I am just stunned by Bill's question. The last time I saw her she was on her way to meet him. Did you see her?

BILL

Yes we did meet. But … well … we had a little argument and she ran away.

KARL

Running away, that is so my Lili! How many times has she done that! But don't worry, she will soon come back to you. She has such a temper! She probably needed to calm down a little, she won't be long.

MARGARET

And trust me, it's best for you she ran away. She either runs away, or slaps. So …

BILL - Laughing

Well … I've already experienced her slapping, too.

KARL

She's really good at it my little Lili, isn't she?

MARGARET - upset

KARL!

CHARLIE

Sorry may I interrupt …

KARL

Of course you may old friend!

MARGARET

Especially if you have some useful information!

CHARLIE

I think I do. When I was on my way here, I came across Miss Lili in the garden. More precisely in your garden Madam.

BILL

Thank you! I'm going to have a look right now.

Bill ran out of the house, not even paying attention to Maggie, who was about to offer him his help to lead him to her garden.

He had been running around the garden for about ten minutes when he eventually spotted Lili, asleep under the apple tree.

He sat next to her, and softly kissed her cheek.

BILL

Lili … Lili … please wake up my Sleeping Beauty.

LILI – opening her eyes

Mmmm …

She turned to Bill, still half-asleep. I took her a few moments to realise who was sitting next to her.

LILI

Wha … What are you doing here?

BILL

Well I've mainly been looking for you around London. A real quest I should say.

LILI

Sorry I overreacted this morning.

BILL

It's alright don't worry. Though I still wonder what's wrong with you. I mean, I thought you and me was meant to last forever.

LILI

Of course it is! Oh darling please don't doubt my feelings. I love you so much. I adore you! But I'm just so … so …

BILL

So what?