Page 39 of Holly Jolly July

Montage of Annie and Kate decorating the café while “Jingle Bell Rock” plays.

Annie brings in store-bought Christmas cookies and Kate places them in the display.

Annie stocks cans of whipped cream, pumpkin spice, and red and green sprinkles for festive drinks.

Annie notices a crowd outside and unlocks the door, letting customers in.

James enters the café through the staff entrance, confused.

Record scratching noise, music halts.

All of the patrons look at James, fear in their eyes.

JAMES

What the heck is going on here? How did

you get in?

ANNIE

Surprise! We thought we’d decorate for you.

Everyone loves it. Would you like a cookie?

James storms toward Annie and points a finger in her face.

JAMES

I told you not to come back here.

I told you I hate Christmas. And yet

here you are, throwing it in my face.

Why can’t you leave me alone?

ANNIE

We thought you needed to be

reminded of what Christmas meant,

show you how marvellous it can be.

Doesn’t it look great in here?

JAMES

No, it looks tacky and ridiculous.

And what are these, store-bought

cookies? In my café?

ANNIE

Sorry, I didn’t have time to bake.

---