← 2.19

2.19

INT. CAFÉ - HANNAH'S CHAIR - DAY #19#

Julia and Hannah sit opposite each other once more. Julia stares in disbelief.

JULIA

This is an insane story. You're insane.

HANNAH

(calmly)

I knew about your sister. The exact type of cancer. I knew your phone was off before you saw it yourself.

JULIA

That just means you're some kind of crazy stalker.

HANNAH

And yet you're still here.

JULIA

Well, you also bought me coffee.

(she takes a sip)

Saying it out loud's hilarious. You're a time traveller, and you're looping this day over and over again. Then how many times have we had this conversation?

HANNAH

This particular one? First time.

JULIA

So you don't know what I'm about to say.

HANNAH

Are you going to tell me I'm insane again?

JULIA

Yeah. Did you Google me? Are you an old classmate giving me shit for not remembering you? Because this really is terrible timing.

HANNAH

It doesn't matter whether you believe me or not.

JULIA

Oh, no?

HANNAH

No. When this conversation ends, I’ll start the day again, and we won’t meet.

JULIA

And why's that?

HANNAH

Because we never did. One year from now, we're going to meet again and you won't recognise me.

JULIA

Okay, I'll bite. Where will we meet?

HANNAH

In a park. With that guy over there.

She looks over in Josh's direction. He smiles and gives a little gesture of acknowledgement.

JULIA

Who is he?

HANNAH

My boyfriend. Or he used to be, before he became yours.

JULIA

(incredulous)

Really? That guy?

HANNAH

Yeah. Don't worry, he won't bother us right now. I told him I was waiting on you.

(pause)

When we meet again in the future, he won't know me either.

JULIA

I don't understand.

HANNAH

Something changed. I don't know what yet. And I've spent today trying to change it back. Dozens of loops. I've lost count. But the thing is, we never met here. You did.

JULIA

You see, this is how I know you're full of shit.

HANNAH

Yeah?

JULIA

Yeah. Because according to your little story, you met him first. That means that all of this isn't real. So why would you care about the two of us meeting?

HANNAH

This isn't real either. This power I have. I never manipulated Josh. I never had the best response. It just happened. It was messy. It was fun. And I'll never get that back.

JULIA

So why are you telling me this?

HANNAH

Because I have to tell you something. And it doesn't matter that you won't remember. This one's for me.

(A beat)

Josh is a great guy. He deserves to be with someone who treats him with kindness. Who makes him laugh. So I hope you're that person. Because if you are... I can live with it.

Julia listens for a moment, clearly sympathetic despite her disbelief. Then she starts to pack her things.

JULIA

I'll tell you one thing. You certainly made me forget about today. I have to go. Thanks for the coffee.

As she gets up and prepares to walk away, Hannah says:

HANNAH

Julia.

Julia looks back at her.

HANNAH

You'll be fine.

Julia exits, receding. On Hannah. THE HUM starts. She triggers one final loop.