Nilsa The Step daughter:
CHAPTER ONE — THE BROKEN VASE
Scene 1 — Tessa's accusation
Screenplay
Tessa's voice echoes through the mansion.
TESSA:
Lucas!
Nilsa stands nervously beside a shattered designer vase. Her eyes are lowered. Tessa stands several feet away, visibly upset.
Lucas descends the staircase.
LUCAS:
Tessa? What has happened?
Tessa turns toward him, her expression suddenly softening into wounded disappointment.
TESSA:
Oh, Lucas... I honestly don't know what to say. That vase meant so much to me.
Nilsa quickly steps forward.
NILSA:
Dad, I'm sorry. I was walking past the table and accidentally knocked it over. I've already apologised to Mum.
TESSA:
Accidentally?
Nilsa looks at her.
NILSA:
Yes, Mum.
TESSA:
Nilsa, you expect me to believe that? You knew how precious that vase was to me.
NILSA:
I did, Mum. That's why I'm genuinely sorry. I would never deliberately destroy something that belongs to you.
Lucas exhales.
LUCAS:
Nilsa, your mother is upset. The sensible thing would be to apologise properly and give her some space.
NILSA:
Dad, I have apologised. I'm only trying to explain what happened.
Tessa folds her arms.
TESSA:
There is always an explanation with Nilsa.
Nilsa's face falls.
NILSA:
Why would I deliberately do something like this?
TESSA:
Perhaps because you don't like me as much as you pretend you do.
NILSA:
That's not true, Mum.
Lucas looks between them.
LUCAS:
Enough. It's a vase. We can replace it.
Tessa immediately responds.
TESSA:
That's not the point, Lucas. It's the disrespect.
Nilsa quietly wipes a tear from her eye.
NILSA:
I'm sorry, Mum.
She walks away.
Scene 2 — Lucas consoles Tessa
Tessa waits until Nilsa is out of sight.
Her expression changes.
TESSA:
You see what I mean? She doesn't respect me.
LUCAS:
Tessa, perhaps you're taking this too personally.
TESSA:
Perhaps? Lucas, I have raised that girl since she was two years old.
Lucas softens.
LUCAS:
I know. And I appreciate everything you've done.
Tessa rests her head briefly against his shoulder.
TESSA:
I only want peace in this family.
She looks toward the staircase where Nilsa disappeared.
TESSA:
But sometimes I wonder whether Nilsa wants the same thing.
CHAPTER TWO — THE REMOTE
Scene 3 — Elsa changes the channel
Nilsa sits comfortably on the sofa watching television.
Elsa walks in, picks up the remote and changes the channel without asking.
NILSA:
Elsa, I was watching that.
Elsa doesn't even look at her.
ELSA:
Oh? I didn't notice.
NILSA:
Well, now that you've noticed, could you please change it back?
Elsa smiles sarcastically.
ELSA:
You've been watching television for ages. It's my turn.
Nilsa slowly stands.
NILSA:
Elsa, I don't want us to argue. Just give me the remote.
ELSA:
Are you sure you don't want to argue? Because you're standing there looking very ready for one.
NILSA:
I'm asking nicely.
ELSA:
And I'm saying no.
Nilsa reaches for the remote.
Elsa pulls it away.
