A cottage down the streets of Venus.
Cathinius drinks coffee at the table. Pablo places a kettle of hot milk on a piece of woven mat on the table while he sits.
Cathinius: It’s been ages since we set our eyes on Amberlina.
Pablo: Ay. My eyes have seen something distinct. It’s serious, son.
Cathinius: Tell me of it, Papa.
Pablo: It’s about your cousin. [clears his throat]
Cathinius: What about her, Papa?
Pablo: She’s in too much haste.
Cathinius: What haste Pablo?
Pablo: Your cousin is in too much haste. Is she sitting on an angry horse that runs so quick that she can’t slow down in life?
Cathinius glares at Pablo.
Cathinius: No circumlocutions, old man. Just go straight to the point.
Pablo: You can’t command me, young man!
Cathinius: Papa, simply go to the point and stop beating about the bush.
Pablo: And do you see me with a cane?
Cathinius: O God! [cackles] Papa what has Amber, my cousin done? Why do you say she is in too much haste?
Pablo: Okay. I hear she needs a companion and through that her mind and muse have intertwined and she’s completely confused and her brain is empty. Thanks be to her good-for-nothing mother that keeps lavishing that spoilt child with gifts which cause her to make stupid decisions. I wonder how Blanche could pamper such a beautiful girl and end up spoiling her. That poor girl knows nothing yet Blanche wants to give her out to marry some wretched fool, all in the name of money! [frowning]
Cathinius: Take it easy, old man. How do you know all these, Papa?
Pablo: I have my own sources kid!
Cathinius: I’m not a kid, you old man! I’m twenty three. See?
Pablo: Whatever. We need to do something to help your cousin out. But….
Cathinius: Then go forth and address Valentine first.
Pablo: I’m on my way, son.
Cathinius: Papa, let’s rescue Amber. This is not good at all. Amber listens to Blanche and no one else. Not even to her father. Help her, father.
Pablo: I ain’t Santa Claus though. I’m outta here!
Exit Pablo
Cathinius: Oh Heavens, [looking up] hear us from above. Our land’s nobility has pursued distraction and destruction. It’s beautiful and live colours have faded away, the gardens which bore roses now bear thorns. What a pity! [to himself] Hm, I wonder where our future lies as the women of our land have began giving our young girls out to marry older men from nowhere because of wealth.
[Enter Amberlina]
Cathinius: Heyy, so we meet again! [hugging her]
Amberlina: Aw! I missed you so much, cousin. Don’t cuddle me too much, Cath.
Both burst into laughter
Cathinius: I wish I could. How are you? What are you doing here by the way? Oh, have a seat Amber.
They both sit on an old settee in the living room.
Amberlina: I’m okay, Cath. Just a visit. I miss you and Pablo!
Cathinius: Wait… did you not bump into Pablo?
Amberlina: No. Why?
Cathinius: He went out not too long ago.
Amberlina: How’s home?
Cathinius: Well, just the same old. This house has never been the same ever since Mama died. [heaves a sigh] How’s my noble mistress?
Amberlina: Aww! I’m so sorry about Auntie Mary’s sudden death. Farewell! Your Elena’s doing great. She misses you!
Cathinius: Good. Me too! Well that’s not how I want you to also end up. You know, when the little ones start growing, they see the change. Time perishes and life can capside and collide with struggles but the wise ones walk through bushes of thorns but they always arrive at their destination. And fate welcomes them warmly.
Amberlina: Cousin, [drawing closer to him] I do not understand this. I’m nervous.
Cathinius: It’s about your life, Amber. Watch your steps and do not listen to sweet lies from those you think love you. Sometimes in life those closer to us may make certain choices for us but they may end up being the worst choice ever. You have to be wise. There’s enough treasure but focus on the future too and not just the present. You’re still too young, Amber. Think about it, Amber.
Amberlina: What is it I’ve done wrong?
Cathinius: I hear you’re getting married. Tell me. Is that true?
Amberlina: Who told you this, Cath? And to whom do I get married?
Cathinius: You haven’t answered me, Amber.
Amberlina: What are you saying, Cathinius? I have no intentions of getting married. Please stop. The teller is a liar.
Cathinius: Amber will you get married without your cousin and only uncle knowing? Well I care not. Just be careful.
Amberlina:Okay. I think I’ll have to go now. Maman will be waiting. Thanks for your wise words. Tell Pablo that I came to visit. [hugging him]
Cathinius: Take care and reflect wisely.
Exeunt
[Re-enter Pablo]
Pablo walks to the dining table panting and sweating.
Pablo: Cathinius! Cathinius! Where you at?
Cathinius: Papa? I’m here [appears from back stage] I talked to her today. She ran in immediately you left. [yawns]I thought you’d bumped into her.
Pablo: Amberlina?
Cathinius: Ay, captain. She says she desires in no marriage. Can’t believe she told a lie.
Pablo: Fetch me my beer and glass. I’m provoked. Imagine that silly Blanche told me that she hates my words [frowning]
Cathinius: And your response?
Pablo: Pry I not. The Lords of our noble Venus detest such conduct. I’ve spoken enough hence, I almost squashed my bowels! It’s unbelievable that she is the control freak in that house. I advised Val but he wouldn’t listen. Perhaps my brother was blinded by love. [sighing]
Cathinius: And what says Valentine?
Pablo: Il ne parle rien, le fils. Just said his wife had spoilt his girl. The girl listens to Blanche alone.
Cathinius: And is Blanche making Val lessee?
Pablo: Elle le rend fou. But we’re talking about Amber here.
Cathinius: I just needed to know.
Pablo: That lady, my foot, needs to face her nemesis.
Cathinius: Do not curse, Papa.
Pablo: I’m in anguish! I abhor her! [yelling]
Cathinius: Keep calm, Papa.
Pablo: For how long, Cath? My brother is aged and Blanche might strangle him to death one day.
Cathinius: Don’t worry too much, Papa. Amberlina is my linchpin. For her life and future I’m concerned a lot about.
Pablo: May the heavens eavesdrop our petitions.
Cathinius: Pablo, listen here. Life gives us heaven; a heaven indeed to cast all our troubles unto. But we rather gave ingratitude to heaven and this was the bridge between man and the heavens. But heaven is too quick to forgive. Don’t give up, Papa.
Pablo: Thank you, son. You’re full of wisdom, you took after me indeed.
Cathinius: Amber is too naive.
Pablo: It’s her mother. That silly woman![grins] She’s plunged Amber’s mind into total blindness.
Cathinius: I have an idea!
Pablo: Aha ?
Cathinius: Why don’t we visit Narrhabath, the soothsayer down the Buraic valley?
Pablo: WOW! Cathinius for decades you’ve never expressed such great wisdom. Narrhabath sees beyond the physical realm. [laughing]
Cathinius: Hey! What are you saying, Papa? [glaring at Pablo] Anyways when the moon lits up during, we’ll start our mission. It’s far but we’ll endeavor to complete this mission.
Pablo: Fatherlike nature of a prudent son! I’m impressed [nodding]
Cathinius: Papa! Lizard! [cries while pointing at Pablo’s shoulder]
Pablo: What! What is it, you son-of-a-bitch??!!
Cathinius: There’s a lizard on your shoulder!
Pablo: Ah! Aah! Help! [running]
Exit Pablo
Cathinius: Crazy herpetophobic old man! Better get over that soon. [bursts into laughter]
Exit Cathinius
LOOK OUT FOR ‘Tales In A Daydream’ [ACT II]
ANTICIPATE!!!