int. psychiatrist’s office – day
Bernie
That was a week ago and I haven’t seen her since.
psychiatrist
How does this make you feel?
Bernie
You don’t understand, Doctor, I’ve been over this a thousand times and… and… I know I’ve got my problems, but that’s not why I’m here.
psychiatrist
Why are you here then?
Bernie
(ashamed)
Because I didn’t know what else to do, I didn’t know where else to go.
psychiatrist
I’m not sure I understand…
Bernie
You see I’ve never been good with people, especially women…
psychiatrist
What do you mean?
Bernie
(tears beginning to well up)
I didn’t have any other woman to go to… to ask… I couldn’t go to Catherine… She’d just take Ali’s side… Not that she’s wrong… I just…
psychiatrist
Just what?
Bernie
(tears flowing freely)
I just want her back, Doc. I screwed up, I screwed up real bad, and I want her back. I made a TV show more important than her. I made it more important than the only woman who’s ever loved me. She actually said that, that she loved me, and I threw it in her face. For a TV show? A TV show? You’re a doctor, what the hell is wrong with me? She’s the only person I’ve ever been myself with. She’s the only one who’s ever understood me, who’s ever even cared to understand me and I gave it all up. I let her walk out the door. I’ve done the stupidest thing a man can do. I’ve made my bed and now I’m lyin’ in it… alone. And the worst thing is that I don’t know how to change it. I don’t know how to tell her I’m sorry. I don’t know how to tell her… how I feel. To tell her that she’s the only one for me. That I want her face to be the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see when I go to bed. I want to grow old with her… I want to be there for her and hold her close when she’s scared… I love her, Doc. I really, really love her and I don’t know how to tell her… I don’t know how to tell her…
The Psychiatrist pauses as the man rocks back and forth weeping before her.
psychiatrist
Go, Bernie, tell her that. Tell her what you just told me, and if she’s as a good a woman as you say, I know she’ll take you back… Go, Bernie. Now, while it’s still in your heart and still in your mouth. Tell her now. Love shouldn’t have to wait.
Bernie walks from the room, gaining speed with every step.
ext. city streets – day
Bernie runs through the city, hops on a train, then runs up to Allyson’s door.
int. hallway outside Allyson’s apartment – day
Bernie bangs on the door.
BERNIE
Allyson! Allyson! It’s me! Open up!
After a minute or two, Allyson, opens the door.
ALLYSON
Bernard, what are you doing here?
BERNIE
Allyson, I’m so sorry. I was wrong. I’ve been so stupid. I don’t deserve a woman like you…. Could you… could you ever forgive me? Could you ever take me back?
He moves towards her for a hug and she hesitates but accepts him.
ALLYSON
(through smiling tears)
That depends… will you still do my taxes?
He comes up from the hug and smiles, through his tears, into her tear filled eyes.
BERNIE
For the rest of your life, if you let me.
ALLYSON
I think that can be arranged.
She pulls him into the apartment, and door closes behind them.
FADE OUT.
