Relay

Clare Gasson

1. The Tourist and the Musician

The tourist takes a busy Manhattan bound L train from Bedford Avenue
The musician bumps into the tourist: hi didn't I meet you at that bar on Griggs?
Wa -- don't think so
...I've seen you around...
He has dark eyes and silky black hair -- the train jolts - he pushes into her -- she blushes but doesn't shy away .. they lean and move together in a tight choreography all the way to 14th and 8th .... He gets off the train - looking back he gives her a smile she'll remember forever ...

L train connects with the, A train...

2. The Musician and the Designer

The musician takes the A train ...
The designer to the musician: .. hi! you're a friend of the poet?
Yeah...?
We met..
At the party
No ... the review, that evening .. you remember ....
.... I remember
...all coming back to you now ...
She strokes the back of his hand slightly ... he almost kisses her neck .... but as he bends down the doors open - she gets out and gives him a smile he'll never forget ...

The A train connects to the D train

3. The Designer and the Florist

Running for the D train the designer drops her bag ... the florist bends down to help but as he does so he rolls into her and they take a tumble ...
Oh! .. she says sitting up
.. oh, I'm so sorry ... he stands up ...
The designer holds her hand out - the florist pulls her up so firmly she flies into his arms.
You errr ...you know my husband?
I do ...
They laugh ... and hold onto each other, suspended in time.

The D train connects to the B train

4. The Florist and the Lawyer

The florist steps into an empty carriage except for a smartly dressed lawyer sitting at one end... he sits very near her...
She looks up -- he smiles - she bursts into tears ...
I err don't usually have that effect ...
I've just lost my job ...
They fired you...?
..made us redundant ...
..but you should celebrate ... he takes her hand ...
... celebrate? I, I have commitments .... (hot tears roll down her face)
They look into each others eyes - he leans over and they kiss ...

The B train connects to the F train

5. The Lawyer and the Gallerist

The gallerist moves by the lawyer and taps her arse ....
...what you doing out of work so early?
Oh ... it's you?!
Who did you want it to be?
Well I dunno ... I was a bit distracted!
Give me a kiss ...
Here? .. it's crowded ...
So ?...
       They kiss for a long time
Just one more
The last!....
See you tonight honey! He says as he gets off the train...

The F train connects to the J train

6. The Gallerist and the Shop Girl

Not in the shop?
I'm on an errand
Not to see me?
...for my boss...
You must like him better than me!
...course not .....
The galleriest puts his arm round her tiny waist ...
She draws close to him
In her ear he whispers 'I worship you!'
That tickles! she says ....

The J train connects to the M train

7. The Shop Girl and the Nurse

The shop girl leans on a nurse in uniform as he holds the steadying poll.
Hey tiny bird
They kiss
Where you off to?
An errand .. for THE boss
Not coming to see me then ...
I haven't been called!
I have to call you now?
Yep!
I'm the one on call 24/7
You have your patients
But I'm your patient birdie ...
Yeah, my special patient ... I'll heal you tonight!

The M train connects to the Z train

8. The Nurse and the Husband

...want to take a ride?
Not today
Why not?
Don't feel like it
You did on Saturday ... IF you can remember ...
Ummmm
...I know you enjoyed it...
....you caught my eye ... just couldn't help myself!
Don't you make me laugh...
You're so cute when you smile ...
He gently touches his forearm and kisses his cheek ...
My stop! Call me later!

The Z train connects to the C train

9. The Husband and the Poet

Hello
Yeah hi -- I saw you already
You're a little cold
Wouldn't you be .. you never called!
Should I..?
Yes! we had a moment .. we shared
Just that ..
Only that ... .obviously ...
Yes
Then we don't need to say hello again!
Fine!
Don't ever come to one of my nights!

The C train connects to the L train

10. The Poet and the Tourist

Hey! You were at my reading ...
Yes!...I really .... enjoyed it
She can feel him very close to her...
I haven't got another gig for a while....
But you've a pamphlet?
Yeah
I bought one ...
Oh.. thanks ..... that's sweet ...
At 14th Street Union Square the doors open and the sound of drums echo round the subway Shakerleg holds the crowd - commuters don't know whether to stay or get on the train home...
The poet takes the tourists hand
Shall we have a look?
Yeah ... she smiles
They step off the train ...

Clare Gasson 2006