The Soul Mate's Curse

[A man opens the door and walks in stage left. Justin stands up, defensively.]

Justin

Who are you?

Alex

You mean you don't remember me?

Justin

[Thinks.] Oh. [Sits back down.] You're my uncle, from Dad's side right? How did you get in here? Mom doesn't like Dad's side of the family.

Alex

Yeah, but I'm not related by blood. No curse.

Justin

So, you came here to talk to Dad?

Alex

No, I came here to talk to you. [Points to the window.] Does your mom know about the girl?

Justin

[Tenses up.] No. Don't tell her.

Alex

[Smiles.] Don't worry. [Motions to Justin's bed.] Can I sit? [Justin makes room for Alex to sit down. They both sit next to each, Justin on one side of the bed and Alex on the other. Awkward silence.] Well, this is a fun reunion.

Justin

Look. I'm having a bad day. Just tell me what you need to tell me, and then get out.

Alex

[In a low voice.] Your dad told me to spend the night. [Louder.] So who was the girl?

Justin

Does it matter?

Alex

Don't be so defensive. I'm here to help. [Picks up the book next to Justin's bed. And hold it up.] You really think reading a book about curses will break the one you have?

Justin

[Grabs the book back and tosses it under his bed.] You don't have the curse. So don't-

Alex

Which is why I'm trying to help you. Really, being an outsider, yet family, of all this is irritating. I'm going to help when I can.

Justin

So Dad called you here to help me. [Murmurs.] At least I have someone on my side.

Alex

Yes. He told me to stay in your room though, cause your mom doesn't know.

Justin

What?

[Alex lies down on the bed. Justin stands up and stares. Alex snuggles into the blanket.]

Alex

[Smiles up at Justin.] Well, aren't you going to sleep?

Justin

I would, if you just get off.

Alex

But we're family! [Scoots over.] Just sleep with me. I'm not going to do anything.

[Justin glares. Alex looks like he's not going to get off. Justin grabs the blanket off of Alex and lies down on the ground. Lights off.]

Scene 2

[Lights on. Justin wakes up and yawns. Alex walks in from stage left, cup of coffee in his hand. Justin stares at him from where he is sitting, speechless.]

Justin

[Groans.] So it wasn't just a dream...

Alex