[SCENE] Viola, Armstrong and April in: "Where's the Money?"
April: *April is sitting on the stool behind the cash register, her elbows up on the counter. It's just a typical day at Tres Bien, and, as usual... no customers. She examines her nails, glancing up at the clock every once and awhile*
Viola: *drives up to the front of Tres Bien, parking right next to the curb in front of it, though there are no cars in the nearby lot. She's as quiet and composed as ever when she steps out of the car, but there's a faint hint of irritation in the crispness of her steps when she heads to the door and opens it--she enjoys tormenting Armstrong, enjoys his squealing... it's the only reason he's still alive now, or at least doesn't have a broken finger or two. Still, this monthly visitation is getting a bit tedious*
April: *hearing the door open, April looks up hopefully. A customer? Maybe it's some nice, tall, built guy... that would be a nice change. However, it's actually just an unfamilar, really creepy looking woman. A little thrown, April stands up, but remains behind the counter* Um, like, may I help you?
Viola: *walks right up to the counter, a closed hand to her mouth, smiling. She studies April with a long, curious gaze* ........
April: *April stares back, just a bit weirded out, and waits for the woman to say something. When it becomes apparent that's not going to happen, she speaks, leaning forward on the counter as she does so.* Ummm... are you like, mute, or something?
Viola: *leans forward, toward as well, smiling a little bit more* *finally--* Hee... Hee... Hee...
April: *April doesn't move, but her eyes narrow* Look, I don't know what you're problem is, lady, but if you're just going to giggle at me like that and not order something you should just leave, okay?
Viola: *stands back upright, lowering her hand* I'm sorry... ...I'm here... to speak to the chef... and owner. ...Is he in....?
April: *leans back as well* Mr. Armstrong? No, um, he's not here right now, sorry. *eyes the woman suspiciously* ...Why do you want to see him?
Viola: Hee... Hee... *her eyes flick over the girl carefully* You're... new here, aren't you...?
April: Actually, I've been working here for a few months.
Viola: Then we've just... always missed each other... *clasps her hands over her dress, walking into the rest of the cafe* I'll take... a cup of coffee, please... Could you make one... for me...?
April: Well, yeah, okay. If you'll just, like, sit over here... *points to one of the many empty tables* And, anything else you'd like?
Viola: No... just the coffee. *seats herself, brushing down the front of her dress* I... know about the food here. *smiles* ...I don't want to... die again...
April: *April has yet to try the food here, but makes a mental note not to eat it, just in case.* Ummm... yeah. I'll be right back with your coffee. *disappears into the kitchen for about five minutes before returning with a cup of iced coffee on a tray* Here you go.
Viola: ..... *stares at the drink*
April: Umm... there's not a problem is there?
Viola: ... *stares up April*
Viola: That's... not coffee.
April: *crinkles up her nose as she gives the woman an indignant look.* Um, actually, that is.
Viola: There's ice in it... it's cold-- *giggles* You were... really meant to work here... weren't you...?
April: Yeah, duh. It's iced coffee, so it's supposed to be cold. *at the woman's last statement, she folds her arms* That wasn't an insult, was it?
Viola: Hee... Hee... No, of course not. *gestures across from where she's sitting* Would you... care to have a seat...? *pushing the iced coffee forward* You can... have this...
April: *slides into the seat and picks up the cup, raising it to her lips for a sip* Umm... guess you don't like iced coffee too much, then?
Viola: No... I prefer it hot. *tilts her head curiously* Tell me... Miss...
April: *takes another sip of her coffee* ...May. April May.
Viola: Miss May... Do you... usually wear orange... to go with your pink...? *her look is teasing*
April: *puts down the coffee.* Ewww. No. I absolutely hate this outfit. It totally clashes with my hair. *She flips her hair over her shoulder.* Actually, I usually stick to pink... except when I have to wear *she plucks at her uniform and glares at it* this thing.
Viola: Ah.... It's funny how Mr. Armstrong... likes pink... but doesn't like it on his waitresses... *giggles quietly* Perhaps... he can be convinced... if I ask him nicely....?
April: *her eyes widen* Oh, my gosh. Seriously? Could you? That would be, like, super appreciated. You have no idea.
Viola: I... might be able to. You'll have to make sure... he stops trying to avoid our monthly meetings, however... *a bit of her smile fades* And discourage him from spending even more.
April: *gives her a curious look, her eyebrows raised* Huh? Like, I didn't know anything about that...
April: *then it clicks, and her hands grip the cup tightly* Wait a minute! Is this why he hasn't been paying me?
Viola: *looks rather surprised* He... hasn't been...?
April: *her eyes narrow and she glares at her iced coffee* No, he hasn't... and if he doesn't start soon...
April: *she trails off, not finishing her sentence*
Viola: You've been working here for months... surely, there's a reason...?
April: *glares off to the side, chewing on her lip* Hmph, there better be a reason. *glances at Viola* Though, if he has been spending a lot... that might explain it.
Viola: *giggles into her hand* No... no. I know exactly why he hasn't paid you, Miss... But why... have you stayed on... for such a long time...?
April: *is taken a little off guard by the question, and pauses to think* Y'know... I'm not really sure why. I guess, like, I've had enough money for awhile... so it didn't really hit me. But, if I don't start getting paid soon, this'll become an issue. *shrugs* It, like, never really occurred to me to quit...
Viola: *pleasantly* ...I see...
Armstrong: *the door abruptly opens as Armstrong walks in, his arms full of handmade signs proclaiming LA SALE in bright bold letters. He is also balancing a small bag on top of the signs. Because of the load he's carrying, he can't see very far into the restaurant* Alors, I 'ave returned, mademoiselle. 'Ow 'as business been, are z'ere any customers waiting?
April: *April looks up, but doesn't move from her seat. Her voice is pleasant and chirpy when she speaks* Oh, hello, Mr. Armstrong! And, like, we do have a customer, actually!
Viola: *finishes placing something onto the table and rises, quickly heading over to the door before the pink clad man can make an escape*
Armstrong: Fantastique! Bienvenue to Tres Bien, la f-- *starts to greet Viola enthusiastically, but as she moves around towards the door he gets a good look at her* AIEEEEEEE! *he drops his signs and bag on the floor in shock. A tiny pink something flops out and there is the distinctive sound of breaking china* M-Mademoiselle Cadaverini! Y-you are looking fantastique as always, mais un peu pale.. 'ow about I give you un lifetime supply of la scent de Geranium..? It is tres good pour la skin!'as it been a month already..?
Viola: *grins a little toothily* ...It has... Your... new waitress has been telling me... you haven't been paying her her salary. *glances to the bags on the floor* Are you... buying things for yourself... again...?
April: *by this point, April has risen and she walks over to stand beside Viola, her arms crossed* Yeah, we were just talking about you keep seeming to neglect my paycheck. *looks at the bags on the floor as well, before tapping her finger on her arm, and fixing him with a look* Seems awful silly to, like, be buying all this stuff when you can't even afford to give me salary, huh?
Armstrong: Non, non, mademoiselles! Z'is stuff, it is pour la restaurant! *he says this despite the little frilly thing on the floor* It is not...
Armstrong: *nervously looks from one of them to the other, trailing off*
Viola: *pointing to just that pink frilly thing* Miss... would you... please pick that up...?
April: No problem. *bends over and picks it up, then holds it up and examines, her lips puckering in displeasure* This is for the restaurant? *hands it over to Viola*
Viola: *holds up........ a pair of light pink panties-- there's about three layers of delicate looking ruffles around the waistband*
Armstrong: *starts plucking petals out of his rose anxiously* ....Non, you misunderstand. Z'ese, z'ey are not for me of course. Z'ey-- Z'ey are a present! Pour toi, Mademoiselle Cadaverini!
April: But, like, they're a size extra extra large.
Viola: *is still standing there... holding the panties... and staring*
Armstrong: *looks horror stricken as what she said sinks in. but it's too late now, so he tries to roll with it* Oui, aren't they lovely~? I saw z'em in z'e window and immediately thought of you. You would be la elegant et delicate beauty in z'ese.
April: *giggles.* Haha. Not if when she wears them they just fall right back down around her ankles.
Viola: *after a long moment of saying absolutely nothing at all* So...
Viola: You wouldn't mind if I take them, then...?
Armstrong: *stunned* Of course not! Z'ey are all yours! Take z'em, s'il-vous plait, as une token of ma gratitude. I-I am so glad you like z'em.
Viola: ...Very well... thank you. *smiling, and seemingly cheerful, she folds up the panties, and places them away into her pocket--for what use...it'd probably be better not to ruminate on*
Viola: Given your very... thoughtful gift... *there is no indication in her expression as to whether or not she's kidding* ...I'll defer your payment... this month...
Viola: But... *and here she glares* ...do pay your waitress. Understood....?
Armstrong: *practically collapses against the wall in relief. He puts a hand to his chest as he slowly becomes more relaxed, but a delicate shimmer of unshed tears is still on his lashes* Merci, you do not 'ave to worry, Mademoiselle.
Armstrong: I will 'ave la money by next month, every'zing will be ready! I will throw in la dessert suberb aussi~ you can trust me, vraiment.
April: *grins at Viola, very pleased and appreciative, before turning her eyes to Armstrong* And I can trust you to, like, pay me, right?
Armstrong: O-of course, mon petite chulip. We will discuss your pay bientôt, oui? Of coure you will still recieve la discounts. *glances nervously at Viola*
Viola: Very well... I'll... be on my way, then... *to Armstrong* See you... next month... *and she walks out the door*
April: Bye! *She gives Viola a tiny fingerwave, bouncing a bit as she does so. She looks at the bags on the floor* Um, like, want me to take these into the back?
Armstrong: *fans his face daintily* Oui, s'il-vous plait. Z'at woman 'as given me la shivers... I am like z'e newborn kitten wi'zout its mother. *takes out a bottle of rose* Z'is always settles la nerves. *and he starts to oil up*
April: *she nods, picks up the bags and carries them off to kitchen, leaving Armstrong all by himself*
Armstrong: *finishes playing with his oil and walks further into Tres Bien, intending to go back to the kitchen. On the way, however, something catches his eye. Closer inspection reveals a $100 bill left on the table Viola and April were at. It's clearly a tip* Ooh la la! What is z'is? *He looks quickly at the kitchen to make sure April is still there. Then, he pockets it*
Viola: *drives up to the front of Tres Bien, parking right next to the curb in front of it, though there are no cars in the nearby lot. She's as quiet and composed as ever when she steps out of the car, but there's a faint hint of irritation in the crispness of her steps when she heads to the door and opens it--she enjoys tormenting Armstrong, enjoys his squealing... it's the only reason he's still alive now, or at least doesn't have a broken finger or two. Still, this monthly visitation is getting a bit tedious*
April: *hearing the door open, April looks up hopefully. A customer? Maybe it's some nice, tall, built guy... that would be a nice change. However, it's actually just an unfamilar, really creepy looking woman. A little thrown, April stands up, but remains behind the counter* Um, like, may I help you?
Viola: *walks right up to the counter, a closed hand to her mouth, smiling. She studies April with a long, curious gaze* ........
April: *April stares back, just a bit weirded out, and waits for the woman to say something. When it becomes apparent that's not going to happen, she speaks, leaning forward on the counter as she does so.* Ummm... are you like, mute, or something?
Viola: *leans forward, toward as well, smiling a little bit more* *finally--* Hee... Hee... Hee...
April: *April doesn't move, but her eyes narrow* Look, I don't know what you're problem is, lady, but if you're just going to giggle at me like that and not order something you should just leave, okay?
Viola: *stands back upright, lowering her hand* I'm sorry... ...I'm here... to speak to the chef... and owner. ...Is he in....?
April: *leans back as well* Mr. Armstrong? No, um, he's not here right now, sorry. *eyes the woman suspiciously* ...Why do you want to see him?
Viola: Hee... Hee... *her eyes flick over the girl carefully* You're... new here, aren't you...?
April: Actually, I've been working here for a few months.
Viola: Then we've just... always missed each other... *clasps her hands over her dress, walking into the rest of the cafe* I'll take... a cup of coffee, please... Could you make one... for me...?
April: Well, yeah, okay. If you'll just, like, sit over here... *points to one of the many empty tables* And, anything else you'd like?
Viola: No... just the coffee. *seats herself, brushing down the front of her dress* I... know about the food here. *smiles* ...I don't want to... die again...
April: *April has yet to try the food here, but makes a mental note not to eat it, just in case.* Ummm... yeah. I'll be right back with your coffee. *disappears into the kitchen for about five minutes before returning with a cup of iced coffee on a tray* Here you go.
Viola: ..... *stares at the drink*
April: Umm... there's not a problem is there?
Viola: ... *stares up April*
Viola: That's... not coffee.
April: *crinkles up her nose as she gives the woman an indignant look.* Um, actually, that is.
Viola: There's ice in it... it's cold-- *giggles* You were... really meant to work here... weren't you...?
April: Yeah, duh. It's iced coffee, so it's supposed to be cold. *at the woman's last statement, she folds her arms* That wasn't an insult, was it?
Viola: Hee... Hee... No, of course not. *gestures across from where she's sitting* Would you... care to have a seat...? *pushing the iced coffee forward* You can... have this...
April: *slides into the seat and picks up the cup, raising it to her lips for a sip* Umm... guess you don't like iced coffee too much, then?
Viola: No... I prefer it hot. *tilts her head curiously* Tell me... Miss...
April: *takes another sip of her coffee* ...May. April May.
Viola: Miss May... Do you... usually wear orange... to go with your pink...? *her look is teasing*
April: *puts down the coffee.* Ewww. No. I absolutely hate this outfit. It totally clashes with my hair. *She flips her hair over her shoulder.* Actually, I usually stick to pink... except when I have to wear *she plucks at her uniform and glares at it* this thing.
Viola: Ah.... It's funny how Mr. Armstrong... likes pink... but doesn't like it on his waitresses... *giggles quietly* Perhaps... he can be convinced... if I ask him nicely....?
April: *her eyes widen* Oh, my gosh. Seriously? Could you? That would be, like, super appreciated. You have no idea.
Viola: I... might be able to. You'll have to make sure... he stops trying to avoid our monthly meetings, however... *a bit of her smile fades* And discourage him from spending even more.
April: *gives her a curious look, her eyebrows raised* Huh? Like, I didn't know anything about that...
April: *then it clicks, and her hands grip the cup tightly* Wait a minute! Is this why he hasn't been paying me?
Viola: *looks rather surprised* He... hasn't been...?
April: *her eyes narrow and she glares at her iced coffee* No, he hasn't... and if he doesn't start soon...
April: *she trails off, not finishing her sentence*
Viola: You've been working here for months... surely, there's a reason...?
April: *glares off to the side, chewing on her lip* Hmph, there better be a reason. *glances at Viola* Though, if he has been spending a lot... that might explain it.
Viola: *giggles into her hand* No... no. I know exactly why he hasn't paid you, Miss... But why... have you stayed on... for such a long time...?
April: *is taken a little off guard by the question, and pauses to think* Y'know... I'm not really sure why. I guess, like, I've had enough money for awhile... so it didn't really hit me. But, if I don't start getting paid soon, this'll become an issue. *shrugs* It, like, never really occurred to me to quit...
Viola: *pleasantly* ...I see...
Armstrong: *the door abruptly opens as Armstrong walks in, his arms full of handmade signs proclaiming LA SALE in bright bold letters. He is also balancing a small bag on top of the signs. Because of the load he's carrying, he can't see very far into the restaurant* Alors, I 'ave returned, mademoiselle. 'Ow 'as business been, are z'ere any customers waiting?
April: *April looks up, but doesn't move from her seat. Her voice is pleasant and chirpy when she speaks* Oh, hello, Mr. Armstrong! And, like, we do have a customer, actually!
Viola: *finishes placing something onto the table and rises, quickly heading over to the door before the pink clad man can make an escape*
Armstrong: Fantastique! Bienvenue to Tres Bien, la f-- *starts to greet Viola enthusiastically, but as she moves around towards the door he gets a good look at her* AIEEEEEEE! *he drops his signs and bag on the floor in shock. A tiny pink something flops out and there is the distinctive sound of breaking china* M-Mademoiselle Cadaverini! Y-you are looking fantastique as always, mais un peu pale.. 'ow about I give you un lifetime supply of la scent de Geranium..? It is tres good pour la skin!'as it been a month already..?
Viola: *grins a little toothily* ...It has... Your... new waitress has been telling me... you haven't been paying her her salary. *glances to the bags on the floor* Are you... buying things for yourself... again...?
April: *by this point, April has risen and she walks over to stand beside Viola, her arms crossed* Yeah, we were just talking about you keep seeming to neglect my paycheck. *looks at the bags on the floor as well, before tapping her finger on her arm, and fixing him with a look* Seems awful silly to, like, be buying all this stuff when you can't even afford to give me salary, huh?
Armstrong: Non, non, mademoiselles! Z'is stuff, it is pour la restaurant! *he says this despite the little frilly thing on the floor* It is not...
Armstrong: *nervously looks from one of them to the other, trailing off*
Viola: *pointing to just that pink frilly thing* Miss... would you... please pick that up...?
April: No problem. *bends over and picks it up, then holds it up and examines, her lips puckering in displeasure* This is for the restaurant? *hands it over to Viola*
Viola: *holds up........ a pair of light pink panties-- there's about three layers of delicate looking ruffles around the waistband*
Armstrong: *starts plucking petals out of his rose anxiously* ....Non, you misunderstand. Z'ese, z'ey are not for me of course. Z'ey-- Z'ey are a present! Pour toi, Mademoiselle Cadaverini!
April: But, like, they're a size extra extra large.
Viola: *is still standing there... holding the panties... and staring*
Armstrong: *looks horror stricken as what she said sinks in. but it's too late now, so he tries to roll with it* Oui, aren't they lovely~? I saw z'em in z'e window and immediately thought of you. You would be la elegant et delicate beauty in z'ese.
April: *giggles.* Haha. Not if when she wears them they just fall right back down around her ankles.
Viola: *after a long moment of saying absolutely nothing at all* So...
Viola: You wouldn't mind if I take them, then...?
Armstrong: *stunned* Of course not! Z'ey are all yours! Take z'em, s'il-vous plait, as une token of ma gratitude. I-I am so glad you like z'em.
Viola: ...Very well... thank you. *smiling, and seemingly cheerful, she folds up the panties, and places them away into her pocket--for what use...it'd probably be better not to ruminate on*
Viola: Given your very... thoughtful gift... *there is no indication in her expression as to whether or not she's kidding* ...I'll defer your payment... this month...
Viola: But... *and here she glares* ...do pay your waitress. Understood....?
Armstrong: *practically collapses against the wall in relief. He puts a hand to his chest as he slowly becomes more relaxed, but a delicate shimmer of unshed tears is still on his lashes* Merci, you do not 'ave to worry, Mademoiselle.
Armstrong: I will 'ave la money by next month, every'zing will be ready! I will throw in la dessert suberb aussi~ you can trust me, vraiment.
April: *grins at Viola, very pleased and appreciative, before turning her eyes to Armstrong* And I can trust you to, like, pay me, right?
Armstrong: O-of course, mon petite chulip. We will discuss your pay bientôt, oui? Of coure you will still recieve la discounts. *glances nervously at Viola*
Viola: Very well... I'll... be on my way, then... *to Armstrong* See you... next month... *and she walks out the door*
April: Bye! *She gives Viola a tiny fingerwave, bouncing a bit as she does so. She looks at the bags on the floor* Um, like, want me to take these into the back?
Armstrong: *fans his face daintily* Oui, s'il-vous plait. Z'at woman 'as given me la shivers... I am like z'e newborn kitten wi'zout its mother. *takes out a bottle of rose* Z'is always settles la nerves. *and he starts to oil up*
April: *she nods, picks up the bags and carries them off to kitchen, leaving Armstrong all by himself*
Armstrong: *finishes playing with his oil and walks further into Tres Bien, intending to go back to the kitchen. On the way, however, something catches his eye. Closer inspection reveals a $100 bill left on the table Viola and April were at. It's clearly a tip* Ooh la la! What is z'is? *He looks quickly at the kitchen to make sure April is still there. Then, he pockets it*