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JESS

Scene opens
       (Living room , low light)
 James and Ally standing next to a framed picture of Jess . Saying goodbye to guests

James: (face full of sadness) Thank you for coming Jess would really appreciate it. 
Guest1 : you gotta be strong for your daughter. It's what Jess would want .
James : thank you ( how dare you tell me what Jess would want
Guest1: if there's anything you need, any help with ally . I want you to know my door is always open . 
Ally:  Thank you so much . (Escorts guest out ) That was the last person dad. 
James: it's over ?
Ally: I'm gonna make some coffee and clean up a little, do you want some .
James : No I'm just gonna sit here a while. 
Ally: (worried) Dad......... Dad ......... I love you. 
James : (flashes a dry smile)

Jess : you know you have to let me go at some point. I gotta say I love the dress you put me in. 
James: it's my favorite you know.Do you remember the day you wore it.
Jess: our wedding you mean ? Of course I remember every moment of the happiest day of my life .
James: when you walked down that aisle, I remember thinking how lucky I was. About to spend the rest of my life with the most beautiful woman in the world 
Jess : Also young . I don't look like I used to u know 
James: you always look beautiful no matter how old you are. Remember the strand of hair that covered your eyes. You always had that strand falling down.
Jess: I put that there every morning so you could tuck it in as you did very gently 
James: Do you remember our first dance ? We danced to Bon Jovi's Always
Jess : come on play a little for me 
James ( sits on the piano and begins playing) why did you leave us ? We promised to be there forever. This can't  be forever.I'm afraid to go to sleep cos I'm scared I'll wake up and you'll still be gone. I don't know what to do with myself, I don't know how to live without you . You know everyone says " you have to be strong , that's what Jess would want"  I don't even know what it means to be strong or how to be strong. I don't want to be strong I just want you back. I need you.

( ALLY WALKS BACK IN AND SEES HER DAD CRYING OVER THE PIANO . SHE GOES TO GIVE HIM A HUG )
Ally : I miss her too. We are gonna be fine .............

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