ACT 2 SCENE 5

• It's an hour later. John's office. Alma enters and they sort of small talk. there's obvious tension. But a new kind. A kind born of respect and quieted longing. John says he's become settled with his life. Alma talks about how she's changed-her doppelganger, the person inside her finally come out.


• John goes to check on her heart and she kisses him. He makes no response. She thinks now that they are both different they can finally be together. Finally meeting in the middle. He now believes in the soul and she is ready for passion. She tells him about her love. How she's loved him for as long as she's known him.


• Nellie enters disrupting the sadness. The overwhelming realization that nothing can happen between John and Alma. (Ahh! This hurts me so much.) John holds Nellie tight so that he won't see the sadness all over her face.


• Alma knows the two are going to marry. This is how John has settled with the world. Alma knows and everyone knows.


• And though she doesn't realize it Nellie has the meanness and audacity to force the dagger still further in Alma's chest by asking her to sing at the wedding. :(