Previously…Caitlin has arrived in town to the surprise of Aidan and Orla. She reveals that she has been quite successful in the past ten years, acquiring large amounts of wealth, but there is one thing missing in her life: a companion.
 

Part I

Orla:
Hello. What can I do for you?

Gabriel:
Do you know a Caitlin Mulcahy?

Immediately she recognizes his American accent. Orla does not like the mysteriousness. She is suspicious.

Orla:
Who are you?

Gabriel:
I simply would like to know if you know a Caitlin Mulcahy.

Orla:
Why do you want to know?

Gabriel hesitates.

Gabriel:
Does she live here?

Orla:
I don’t know if I can answer that.

Gabriel:
Please, this is very important.

Orla:
Perhaps if you could tell me why you need to know, then I can answer your question.

Gabriel:
Sounds fair. My name is Gabriel McCarthy and I’m throwing Caitlin a surprise birthday party tomorrow. Satisfied?

Orla looks embarrassed.

Orla:
(muttering) How nice…

CREDITS ROLL.

INT: Fitzgerald’s. Gabriel sits down on the stool now, more relaxed. He takes off his sunglasses to reveal his extremely handsome
young face. Orla smiles.

Orla:
So you’re throwing her a surprise party?

Gabriel:
Yes. I want to know if she lives in this town. The address I have is not too clear. I’ve still got some last minute arrangements to
make.

Orla:
She lives here.

She pauses.

Wait, you’re not thinking of having it here, are you?

Gabriel:
Oh, no. I’m throwing it on the beach we passed by on the way here.

Orla:
When is the party again?

Gabriel:
Tomorrow.

Orla:
You’re going to be ready by then?

Gabriel:
I’ll be more than ready. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. By the way, can we book three rooms for tonight?

Orla:
I’m sorry, we’re not a hotel.

Gabriel:
Oh, well, that’s too bad.

He smiles at Orla, puts his sunglasses back on, and leaves the pub with the other two men. Orla is puzzled.

INT: Hendley’s. Caitlin has a few items on the counter.

Kathleen:
I’m sorry, I’m closing now.

Caitlin:
But you just opened!

Kathleen:
Well…I do not serve women who jog around this town with barely anything on (with her usual edge).

Caitlin:
You can’t deny me your services!

Kathleen:
This is a private store. I’ll do as I like.

Caitlin is frustrated, but rather than arguing, storms out. Aidan is walking towards Kathleen’s store and sees Caitlin stomping off.

Aidan:
Caitlin! Wait up!

Caitlin stops walking and turns around.

Aidan:
Are you all right? You look upset.

Caitlin:
I am. Kathleen is refusing to ring up my items.

Aidan:
What?

Caitlin:
She says that her store does not serve half-naked women.  Last time I checked, I was certainly not half-naked.

Aidan:
Oh, I see…

Caitlin:
You know about this?

Aidan:
Well, she noticed how you were jogging the other day…

Caitlin:
Go on.  Out with it.

Aidan is hesitating.  He doesn’t want to offend her in any way.

Aidan:
Well, she thought your jogging outfit was, how shall we put it, well, inappropriate.

Caitlin:
You’re joking!

Aidan:
I’m afraid not.

Caitlin:
Well, I’m sorry if she doesn’t like it.  I see nothing wrong with it.  It’s not like I’m exposing myself.

Aidan:
Caitlin, you have to understand.  This is a small town…

Caitlin:
What does that have to do with it?

Aidan:
It’s not like the city.

Caitlin:
It doesn’t matter.  I have my rights.

Aidan:
Kathleen doesn’t understand the word “rights.”

Caitlin:
Well she’s going to have to learn.

Caitlin then huffs off. Aidan sighs and returns to the store.

INT:  Hendley’s. Aidan enters and walks up to the counter.

Aidan:
Kathleen, why did you not ring up Caitlin’s items?

Kathleen:
I do not serve young women who parade their body in the streets.

Aidan:
Caitlin was not parading her body.

Kathleen:
Her outfit stuck tighter to her skin than scales on a fish!

Aidan:
Exercise outfits are like that…

Kathleen:
And her attitude towards me was abominable!

Aidan:
If you would only get to know her…

Kathleen:
I don’t have to know her!

Kathleen is stubborn and refuses to listen anymore.  Aidan shakes his head and walks out.

EXT:  Caitlin’s house.  She has just walked up to the front door. There is a bouquet of a dozen roses with no tag.  She is puzzled.

INT:  St. Joseph’s.  Gabriel has just walked into the church and has kneeled down to pray.  He sits quietly in the pews.  Aidan enters the church and sees him.  Gabriel turns around and stands up.

Gabriel:
Hello, Father.

Aidan:
Hello.

Aidan walks towards where Gabriel is standing after he crosses himself before the altar.

Aidan:
What can I do for you?

Gabriel:
You probably do not recognize me.  My name is Gabriel McCarthy.  I’m not from around here, but I was wondering if I could ask you a question.

Aidan:
Go ahead.

Gabriel is nervous.  He’s unsure about what he’s going to ask and if Aidan will agree.

Gabriel:
Do you think I could…um…engage your…um…services… for my wedding?

Aidan smiles.

Aidan:
Who’s the lucky bride?

Gabriel breaks into a huge smile.

Gabriel:
Caitlin Mulcahy (with much warmth).

Aidan’s face turns white.

Aidan:
Caitlin Mulcahy?

Gabriel:
Do you know her?

Aidan:
Yes.  She lives here.  She’s very pleasant.

Gabriel:
I know.  Tomorrow is her birthday and I’m throwing her a surprise party.  I’m planning to propose to her then.

Aidan:
I see.

Gabriel:
She’ll probably say yes.

Aidan:
Well, congratulations then.

Gabriel:
Well, I haven’t actually asked her yet.

Aidan is getting anxious and uncomfortable.

Aidan:
Will you excuse me?  I have a lot of things to do.  I’ll be happy to make the arrangements at a later time…after she says yes of course.

Aidan forces a smile.

Gabriel:
Of course, Father.  I should be going as well.  Thank you.

Aidan smiles as Gabriel walks out.  Aidan stands there, staring at the altar.

EXT:  The bridge.  Late afternoon.  Orla and Caitlin are standing there, talking.  Aidan is done for the day and walks out of St. Joseph’s.  He heads towards the bridge.  He arrives and taps Orla on the shoulder.

Aidan:
May I speak to you, Orla.

Orla:
Oh, what did I do now?

Aidan gives her a Look.

Orla:
All right, all right.

Caitlin:
I’ll see you two later.

She walks into Fitzgerald’s.  Aidan takes his sister by the arm and they start walking towards the priest’s house.

Aidan:
You will not believe what I am about to tell you.

Orla:
Since when have you confided in me, Mr. I Have No Secrets?

Aidan:
Since now.

Orla:
Well, go on.

Aidan:
Guess who I just bumped into.

Orla:
Who?

Aidan:
Gabriel McCarthy.

Orla:
Oh?

Aidan:
Yes.

Orla:
Well…

Aidan:
He is throwing Caitlin a surprise party tomorrow.

Orla:
I know.

Aidan is surprised.

Aidan:
You knew?

Orla:
He stopped by this morning to make sure that she lives here.

Aidan:
Do you know what he’s planning to do at the party tomorrow?

Orla:
I don’t know.  Sing “Happy Birthday?”

Aidan:
Not quite.  He plans to propose to her.

Orla:
As in marriage?

Aidan:
Yes!

Orla:
She’s good at keeping secrets.

Aidan:
I don’t know what to think.

Orla:
You’re jealous, aren’t you?

Aidan:
What?

Orla:
I can see the jealousy in your eyes.

Aidan:
Don’t be ridiculous.

Orla:
It’s perfectly natural.  She’s your best friend.  If she gets hitched, no more best friend.

Aidan is relieved that Orla did not imply that he was jealous in a romantic way.

Aidan:
Right.

Orla:
So you have to do something bro.

Aidan:
What?

Orla:
You have to stop him.

Aidan:
I can’t stop a man from proposing to the woman he loves.

Orla:
We don’t even know if she loves him.

Aidan:
True.  She told me recently that there was no one in her life.

Orla:
Maybe she felt uncomfortable telling something like that to a priest…

Aidan:
She doesn’t know me as a priest.  Besides, I had my collar off.

Orla:
So?  Collar on or off, you’re still a priest.

Aidan pauses.

Aidan:
Really?  Am I really that, um… priestly?

Orla:
Hey, people around here don’t call you Father for nothing.

INT:  The priest’s house.  Late night.  Aidan is sitting by the phone.  He stares at it.  Finally, he decides to pick it up.  He dials a number.  Caitlin’s voice comes on.

Caitlin:
Hello?

Aidan:
Hi.

Caitlin:
Oh, hello Aidan.

Aidan:
Hi.

Caitlin:
How are you?

Aidan:
I’m fine.  I called to tell you that…um…whatever happens in the future, I will always be here for you as a friend.  You can count on me.

Caitlin:
That’s very nice of you to say.  Is there something going on?

Aidan is nervous.

Aidan:
Oh, no, not at all.

Caitlin:
Aidan, you’re a terrible liar.  What’s up?

Aidan:
Nothing.

Caitlin:
All right…

Aidan:
Well good night then.

Caitlin:
Good night.

Aidan hangs up the phone and breathes a sigh of relief.

INT:  Caitlin’s house.  Caitlin just hung up the phone and is puzzled.
 

Part II

Gabriel:
Good morning, Father.

Aidan:
Good morning.

Gabriel:
Do you think you could do me a big favor?

Aidan:
What is it?

Gabriel:
Do you think you could bring Caitlin down to the beach?  She’ll hardly suspect you.

Aidan:
Well…

Gabriel:
Everyone else will be there waiting.

Aidan:
I suppose so.  What time?

Gabriel:
Around one.

Aidan:
Sure.  I can do that.

Gabriel:
Thank you Father.

Gabriel starts to leave.

Aidan:
Um, how am I supposed to get her down there? What should I tell her?

Gabriel:
Oh, I don’t know, Father.  Make something up.  Thanks again!

Gabriel walks down the path to his car and hops in, driving away.

Aidan:
Make something up.  Right.

Aidan turns around and goes inside.

INT:  Caitlin’s house. Around one o’clock.  Aidan has arrived to take her to the beach.  Caitlin is running around the kitchen, occasionally typing at her laptop and jumping up to grab a piece of paper.

Aidan:
I see you’re quite busy.

Caitlin:
Yes.  I’m in the middle of sending my photos to Dublin.

Aidan:
Dublin?

Caitlin:
They’re going to be published in a magazine.

Aidan:
Well congratulations!

Caitlin:
Oh, it’s no big deal.

Aidan:
Um…Caitlin…

Caitlin:
Aidan, is there something the matter?  You look awfully anxious.

Aidan:
I wanted to show you something.

Caitlin:
What?

She looks up.

Aidan:
Well, it’s not here.

Caitlin:
Well where is it?

Aidan:
It’s a surprise.

Caitlin:
You’re acting very strangely.

Aidan:
Come on, it’s not far.

Caitlin:
What in the world are you up to? (with a smile)

Aidan:
You’ll see.  It’ll be worth it.  Come on…

Caitlin:
All right, all right.

She gets up, shuts off the computer and reluctantly follows Aidan out of the house.

INT:  The bus.  Caitlin is sitting across the aisle from Aidan.

Caitlin:
Where are we going?

Aidan:
You’ll see.

Caitlin shakes her head and smiles.

Caitlin:
It better be good!

EXT:  In a tall grassy area right before the shore.  Caitlin and Aidan are standing there, looking at the ocean.

Caitlin:
Is this what you wanted to show me?

Aidan:
Well, not quite.  Come on.

He leads the way down the hill.  She follows him and then proceeds to run in front of him.

Caitlin:
Perhaps I’ll get there before you!  That’ll ruin the surprise, won’t it? (laughing)

Aidan runs to catch up with her.  Just as she reaches the sand, she stops.  From behind the rocks, people emerge shouting, “Surprise!”  Tables are around with food and waiters.  Caitlin stands there, dumbstruck. Aidan catches up to her.

Caitlin:
Aidan, how did you…

Aidan:
It wasn’t me.

Just then, Gabriel walks up to her.

Gabriel:
Happy Birthday, Caitlin.

Caitlin is shocked.

Caitlin:
Gabe…

Gabriel:
You look wonderful.

Caitlin pulls back some hair over her ears.

Caitlin:
I suppose I have you to thank for this.  (quietly)

Gabriel:
I remembered.

Caitlin:
Yes, you did.

Caitlin then walks over to where Orla, Niamh, and Ambrose are standing.  She then mingles through the crowd.

Gabriel:
Thank you, Father.

Aidan forces a smile.

EXT:  The beach.  Gabriel is standing in the middle of the crowd and clears the circle.

Gabriel:
Caitlin, where are you?

Caitlin emerges and walks towards him.  A circle forms.

Gabriel:
I would like everyone’s attention.  This here is the most wonderful woman I have ever known.  And on
this special day, I would like to say something very special.

Caitlin:
Gabe… (she is anxious)

Gabriel gets down on one knee and takes her hand.  From his pocket, he draws out a huge diamond ring.

Gabriel:
Will you do me the honor of being my wife?

Everyone is silent.  Aidan is standing by the side, watching quietly.  Caitlin is shocked.

Caitlin:
Gabe, this is not a good time…

Gabriel:
Well?

Caitlin:
Please, don’t make me…

Orla senses her distress and walks towards the middle.

Orla:
Everyone, while Caitlin makes up her mind, why don’t we enjoy some more champagne?

The crowd disperses and Caitlin gives Orla a grateful Look.  She walks away from Gabriel towards the hill. Aidan rejoins everyone else.

Gabriel:
Caitlin!  For God’s sake, wait up!

Caitlin stops.  She turns around.

Caitlin:
I don’t believe this. (with genuine disbelief)

Gabriel smiles and looks happy with himself.

Gabriel:
I know.  I arranged all of this myself.

Caitlin:
No…no…  I mean, your proposal.

Gabriel:
What?

Caitlin:
I don’t know if I can accept it.

Gabriel:
Why not?

Caitlin:
Well, honestly, I don’t know if I love you.

Gabriel:
But I love you.

Caitlin:
I know you do.  And I’m grateful to have your affection, but I just can’t do this.

Gabriel:
Is that why you left?

Caitlin:
Yes.

Gabriel pauses.

Gabriel:
I need you.

Caitlin:
No, you don’t.  You haven’t for the past five years.

Gabriel:
I need you, the company needs you, London needs you!

Caitlin:
So you want me to return to London? Is that what this is all about?

Gabriel:
Think about it. You and me, we belong there.

Caitlin:
Gabe, I left London for a reason. I’m not going back.

Gabriel:
Caitlin, without you, I’m nothing. Do you remember our company? It was your lifeblood, your vision. You devoted everything you had to it. Don’t you miss it?

Caitlin:
I did at first, but I realized that there is more to life than work. That’s all I did, Gabe. Work. I don’t ever want to do that again.

Gabriel:
Is there anything I could possibly say to get you to come back?

Caitlin:
I don’t think there is.

Gabriel starts to walk back.

Gabriel:
Well, I’m sticking around until I get a definite answer.

He looks at her for a bit and then walks back.  Caitlin stands there, her arms folded, thinking.
 

Orla:
So what did you say to him?

Caitlin:
Nothing of significance, really.

Orla:
He seemed to care a lot about you.

Caitlin:
It seems that way, Orla.

Orla:
If you don’t mind me asking, what does that mean?

Caitlin sighs.

Caitlin:
I co-founded a computer company with him after we got out of university. It was a great time for me. I loved my work and devoted everything to it. We were very close, but I never loved him like I probably should have. I left London because he was stifling me. I felt that my time at the company was done.

Orla:
Did he try to stop you from leaving?

Caitlin:
Yes.  I was almost afraid to actually do it but I knew that I had to.

There is a moment of silence.

Orla:
So what are you going to do now?

Caitlin:
I don’t know.  I don’t know anything anymore…

INT:  St. Joseph’s.  Aidan is just about to leave when he bumps into Gabriel, who is just coming into the church to see him.

Gabriel:
Father, may I have a word?

Aidan:
Certainly.

They walk to the benches and sit down.

Gabriel:
First, I want to thank you for helping me.

Aidan:
It was nothing, really.

Gabriel:
Father, I’m not sure what I should do now.

Aidan:
What do you mean?

Gabriel:
Well, surely you know…

Aidan:
I’m not omnipotent (jokingly).

Gabriel:
Caitlin told me that she could not marry me.

Aidan:
I’m very sorry.

Gabriel:
I don’t understand.  She’s so different now.

Aidan:
When was the last time you were with her?

Gabriel:
About five years ago.  She was the same old Caitlin then.

Aidan:
Well, people change.

Gabriel:
But she’s so detached right now. It’s like she’s not even really there. Talking to her is kind of surreal. Do you know what I mean?

Aidan:
I’m afraid not.  Perhaps I don’t know her as well as you do…

Gabriel:
I was so sure that she was going to say yes.

Aidan:
Did she love you?

Gabriel:
Yes.

There is a pause.

Gabriel:
Well…she never actually said it, but it was implied.

Aidan:
Perhaps you’re making an incorrect assumption.

Gabriel:
Maybe.  Still…

Aidan:
You love her.

Gabriel:
I do, I suppose.  I just miss having her around.

Aidan:
Perhaps you could try talking to her again.

Gabriel:
I think I will do that.

Aidan:
There.  You see, it’s not completely hopeless.
 

Caitlin:
Then again, I’m not getting any younger.

Orla:
True.

Caitlin:
This is my opportunity to settle down, isn’t it? I mean, if this marriage is just an arrangement, I suppose it’s better than being an old maid for the rest of my life.

Orla:
You have to ask yourself if this is really what you want.

Caitlin:
Well I’m not likely to be on the receiving end of any more proposals, am I?

Orla:
You never know…

Caitlin:
What would you do?

Orla:
Me?

Caitlin:
Suppose an old friend wanted to marry you but you didn’t really love him as much as you should. What would you do?

Orla:
Oh, I don’t know.  I suppose I’d do the right thing.

Caitlin:
But what exactly would the right thing be?

Orla:
That you have to figure out for yourself.

EXT:  In front of the priest’s house. The next morning. Caitlin is walking her dogs down the sidewalk. Aidan opens his door and starts to walk towards the church. They bump into each other on the sidewalk and walk to St. Joseph’s together.

Aidan:
Good morning.

Caitlin:
Hi Aidan. What are you up to?

Aidan:
Just heading to St. Joseph’s.

Caitlin:
Oh, right.  That would make sense.

Aidan:
I, um, had a visit from Gabriel yesterday evening.

Caitlin:
Oh.

Aidan:
He was disappointed that you didn’t accept his proposal.

She is suddenly a bit angry.

Caitlin:
He talked to you about what happened yesterday?

Aidan:
Yes…

Caitlin:
Aidan, I don’t want you involved.

Aidan:
He asked me for guidance, that’s all.

Caitlin:
What did you tell him?

Aidan:
I told him that he should talk to you.  He is convinced that you still love him.

Caitlin stops walking.  She sighs.

Caitlin:
I suppose he’d better talk to me.  I think I’ve changed my mind.

Aidan:
I thought I heard you say that you’ve changed your mind…

Caitlin:
I have.

Aidan:
I don’t understand…

Caitlin:
I’ve got to settle down sometime.  It might as well be now.

Aidan:
But you don’t…

Caitlin:
Love him?  No.  I could learn, I suppose.

Caitlin looks the other way.

Caitlin:
I should be going.  I have some things I have to take care of.

She starts to walk off but stops when Aidan begins to talk.

Aidan:
Caitlin, listen to me. Marriage is very important. Can you really see spending the rest of your life with him? You must ask yourself if you honestly and truly love him. Don’t buy into that idea of having to settle down. What happened to your independence, your honesty? Please, if anything, be honest with yourself.

Caitlin is silent.  Aidan turns and walks through the gates and into the church.  She stands there, confused.
 

Caitlin:
I’m sorry that I got angry with you this morning.

Aidan:
You had every right to be.  It was none of my business.

Caitlin:
But it was.  You’re a priest and Gabriel was seeking your advice.  Besides, I know you were looking out for me, which is what a true friend would do.

Aidan:
Well… have you made up your mind?

Caitlin:
Yes, I think I have.

There is a knock on the door.

Caitlin:
I suppose that’s him.

Aidan:
I’d better go.

Caitlin:
No.  It’s all right.

Aidan walks into the kitchen, where there is a clear view of the living room. Caitlin opens the door and Gabriel walks inside.

Gabriel:
I’m sorry to bother you.

Caitlin:
Come in.

Gabriel:
I’m going to be leaving for London tomorrow.  Are you coming with me?

Caitlin pauses. She looks at him for a long time. Gabriel, feeling awkward, kisses her. She pushes him away slightly.

Caitlin:
I can’t.

Gabriel:
I see…

Caitlin:
It wouldn’t be fair to you.  I could never be the wife you want.

Gabriel:
It doesn’t matter.  I just want you to be near me.

Caitlin:
Well, it can’t be like that. It’s not what I want. It’s not what you want either. You want someone to really love you. I’m not that someone.

Gabriel:
What do you know? For the past five years, I’ve struggled to take your place in the company. Do you know how many times I’ve stayed late at the office, wishing that you would just pop in and smile, like you always did?

Caitlin’s eyes begin to water.

Gabriel:
I felt cheated. We both put our hearts and souls into that company. When you left, I had to shoulder the burden myself while you were off in the Bahamas.

Caitlin:
I’m sorry…  I didn’t mean to just leave like that, but I had to.

Gabriel:
Why?

Caitlin:
I started to care about you…a great deal.  That’s when I knew I had to go.

Gabriel:
I still don’t understand.

Caitlin:
I wasn’t ready for a relationship. I was afraid that I would lose my heart to you, because… well…it belonged… to someone else.

Gabriel:
Who was it?

Caitlin:
No, that is something I will always keep to myself.

Gabriel:
So my mission is hopeless.

Caitlin:
I’m afraid so.

Gabriel:
You don’t have any affection left for me?

Caitlin:
No.

Gabriel:
Well, I suppose I should just let you know that if you ever…begin to care about me…I’ll be waiting for you.

Caitlin sighs.

Caitlin:
Don’t wait too long.

Gabriel turns around and heads towards the door.

Caitlin:
Gabe…

Gabriel turns towards her.

Caitlin:
When you do get married, she’ll be a lucky woman.

Gabriel smiles and walks out the door. Caitlin closes her eyes and sits down on the sofa. Aidan slowly walks out from the kitchen.

Aidan:
You must feel relieved.

Caitlin:
Not really, since I let the cat out of the bag.

Aidan looks at her funny as Caitlin looks down.

The scene cuts away as the theme music plays.

ROLL CREDITS