THE LATE ARRIVAL
A Cinematic Podcast Drama
SCENE 1 — INT. DAVE’S CAR — AFTERNOON
The city moves slowly outside the windows. Dave drives with one hand on the steering wheel while Amber sits beside him, checking the time on her phone.
AMBER
Can we drive around the podcast for a little while before we go in?
DAVE
Drive around the podcast?
AMBER
Yeah. Just for a little bit.
DAVE
No. I’m not going there.
AMBER
Why not?
DAVE
Because you already know Wayne is going to be there.
Amber looks away. She knows exactly what Dave means.
AMBER
I know, but I don’t go there every single day.
DAVE
Amber, you’re already late.
AMBER
I know. I’ve been running late lately.
AMBER
But honestly, I’m already late now, so what difference does a few more minutes make?
DAVE
You always have an answer for everything.
AMBER
That’s because I’m usually right.
Dave shakes his head, trying not to laugh. Amber smiles and looks out the window.
AMBER
See? You understand me.
Dave turns the car toward the area around the podcast.
SCENE 2 — EXT. PODCAST BUILDING — LATER
Dave’s car slowly pulls up near the podcast building. Amber looks through the windshield and sees people moving in and out.
Amber adjusts her clothes and checks herself in the mirror before stepping outside.
DAVE
You ready?
AMBER
Yeah.
Amber opens the passenger door and steps outside. Dave gets out moments later.
DAVE
Amber.
AMBER
What?
Dave walks closer and gives Amber a quick kiss. Amber smiles.
Wayne suddenly steps outside and sees them.
Amber turns around and notices Wayne. Her smile immediately disappears.
AMBER
Wayne…
WAYNE
So this is why you’re late.
AMBER
It’s not what you think.
WAYNE
I didn’t even say what I thought.
Amber becomes defensive while Dave remains quiet.
AMBER
Well, you’re making it seem like something happened.
WAYNE
Amber, I just watched what happened.
SCENE 3 — EXT. PODCAST BUILDING — CONTINUOUS
Wayne steps closer to Amber. His voice becomes firm.
WAYNE
This is exactly why you’re always late to the podcast.
AMBER
No, Wayne. That’s not fair.
WAYNE
What isn’t fair?
AMBER
You’re judging me based on one moment.
WAYNE
One moment?
Wayne pauses before continuing.
WAYNE
Amber, I’ve been dealing with you being late over and over again.
AMBER
I had things to do.
WAYNE
What things?
AMBER
Just… things.
Wayne waits for her to continue, but Amber says nothing.
WAYNE
That’s all you’re going to say?
AMBER
I don’t want to argue out here.
WAYNE
Then stop giving me reasons to have the same conversation with you.
AMBER
I said I’m sorry for being late.
WAYNE
This isn’t only about being late.
AMBER
Then what is it about?
WAYNE
It’s about responsibility.
AMBER
I’m responsible.
WAYNE
Then act like it.
Amber crosses her arms. Dave watches quietly.
DAVE
Wayne, maybe you should just let her explain.
WAYNE
This has nothing to do with you.
Dave nods and steps back.
SCENE 4 — EXT. PODCAST BUILDING — MOMENTS LATER
Wayne’s expression becomes calmer, but his decision is clear.
WAYNE
Amber, I need you to listen to me.
AMBER
Okay.
WAYNE
You don’t need to come to the podcast anymore.
Amber freezes. Her eyes widen.
AMBER
What?
WAYNE
You heard me.
AMBER
You’re serious?
WAYNE
Yes.
AMBER
You’re kicking me out because I was late?
WAYNE
I’m telling you that you don’t need to come back.
AMBER
Wayne, come on.
WAYNE
No.
AMBER
Can we talk about this inside?
WAYNE
There’s nothing else to talk about.
Amber looks toward the podcast building. Her expression shows frustration and disappointment.
AMBER
So that’s it?
WAYNE
That’s it.
AMBER
After everything I’ve done here?
WAYNE
I appreciate what you’ve done. But I also have to make decisions for the podcast.
AMBER
I can change.
WAYNE
Then change for yourself.
Amber looks down. Wayne turns toward the entrance.
WAYNE
I’m going inside.
Wayne takes a few steps before stopping.
WAYNE
And Amber?
AMBER
What?
WAYNE
Next time, don’t make excuses when the truth is standing right in front of you.
Amber says nothing. Wayne walks inside.
SCENE 5 — EXT. PODCAST BUILDING — CONTINUOUS
Amber remains standing outside. The noise of the city surrounds her.
DAVE
Amber…
DAVE
Are you okay?