Scene 5 – Out of the frying pan and into the fire

(Eugene opens the entrance door of what appears to be a dingy looking hotel with poor lighting and a morose looking receptionist at the front desk.)

Eugene – This is it. She’ll give you your room key and I can come round tomorrow morning if you want to get the rest of your things.

Ray – Thanks.

(Teni is scanning the reception area and doesn’t utter a word).

Eugene – Ok, take care.

Ray – Goodnight. (Turns to the receptionist). Can we have our room key? And is there Wifi?

Receptionist – (speaking slowly and unenthusiastically) Yes, we have Wifi. Here’s your key. Just go to the elevator over there. It’s on the 2nd floor.

Ray – Kiitos

(Teni and Ray go into the lift and come out on the 2nd floor unto a fairly wide corridor with room doors on both sides and a moldy looking carpet in the centre. They tread cautiously).

Ray – Baby, did you see how that receptionist was staring at us?

Teni – Yes. They probably don’t have a lot of black people coming to lodge here.

Ray – Oh, that’s true (giggles).

Teni – Baby, this place stinks. Hmmph!

Ray – Yeah, and I think those pee stains there can confirm that (pointing). Have you seen that horror movie, ‘Hostel’

Teni – No baby.

Ray – This place kinda reminds me of that. I have this uneasy feeling like we’re being watched.

Teni – Baby don’t freak me out. That’s our room over there.

(Ray opens the door to a room that looks a student accommodation of low standard).

Ray – well this is an anti-climax! What do you think?

Teni – (Checks the mini bathroom, walks past the TV and armchair then bounces her bum on the bed. She sniffs the duvet and looks underneath it). Baby, this duvet isn’t clean and see the stains on the bed. And there’s that musky smell that makes me want to throw up. Let’s ask for another room. I can’t stay here.

Ray – Okay. Let me run down and get another room key. I’ll be back.

(Ray takes the lift down and confronts the receptionist)

Ray – Here (drops room key on reception desk). The room smells terrible and we can’t stay there. I want another room.

Receptionist – (Looking confused). Er…let me check. One moment please. (Hands over another room key). You go to the first floor.

Ray – Ok, kiitos.

(Ray makes his way back up to the room where Teni is anxiously waiting).

Ray – Baby, let’s go.

Teni – You got a room?

Ray – Yeah, one floor down.

Teni – Kyllä.

(Ray and Teni pack out and go down the lift to the first floor where they’re welcomed to a better lit and relatively cleaner corridor).

Ray – No smell! The carpet is even cleaner here.

Teni – Imagine! Is this where they lodge their esteemed guests?

Ray – I won’t be surprised baby. The difference is already clear. Let’s see if it’s the same story in the bedroom.

(They enter and the room is slightly bigger than the last.)

Ray – Mehn, I’m tired (slumps unto the bed and puts on the TV with the remote.

Teni – Baby, are you connected? The WiFi password is not working.

Ray – Oh boy…

Teni – Baby I need to find another apartment for the rest of this trip. You know this

is supposed to be a temporary stay, right?

Ray – Yeah but…

Teni – So we need WiFi to search for another apartment and the one here is not working. I can’t stay here baby. (She gets up to pack her laptop and backs Ray. He gestures behind her back as if he is screaming loudly with frustration then smiles when she turns around).

Ray – No problem baby.

(End of scene)