A LOVE UNTOLD
Clothes are scattered on the beds. Mara lies on the floor, listening to music with earphones. Ellie enters.
Ellie: Mara, have you fallen asleep? You’re going to be late for your flight! Remember, your heart surgery is today.
Mara: (Takes out earphones) Ellie, I don’t think I want to go anymore. My heart… it’s beating so fast. I think I’m in love.
Ellie: In love? Why?
Mara:There’s this guy, Liam. I met him at our shop. He makes my heart race, Ellie.
Ellie: (Sighs) Mara, you’ll get better, I know it. And I promise I’ll try my best to message you about Ethan when you’re at the hospital.
Mara: Really? You promise? I’ll send you an email when I get there. Love you, Ellie, my best friend.
Ellie: Love you too, Mara. Now come on, let’s get you to the airport.
(Mara and Ellie leave the dorm room.)
(Later, Mara and Ellie chat online.)
Mara: I made it to the hospital! Everything seems okay so far. Miss you already!
Ellie: I miss you too! Don’t worry, I’ll keep you updated about everything. Ethan texted me earlier, he’s sending his best wishes.
Mara: Tell him thank you! And please, keep an eye out for Liam. Just let me know if you see him around the shop.
Ellie: You got it! Now focus on getting better, okay? We’ll chat again soon.
Mara:
Thanks, Ellie. Love you
(The chat ends.)
Scene 2: At the University- Day
Ellie:
(Hurriedly rushing through the hallway, nearly tripping over her own feet) I’m gonna be late! Come on, Ellie, come on!
Ethan: Bumping into Ellie, causing her to stumble) Woah, hey there! Watch out!
Ellie: (Stumbles to a stop, books scattering) Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! I was in such a hurry, I wasn’t paying attention.
Ethan: (Picks up one of Ellie’s books) No worries, it happens. Are you okay?
Ellie: (Flustered) Yeah, I think so. Thanks for… uh… catching me.
Ethan: (Smiles) No problem. By the way, I’m Ethan.
Ellie: (Eyes widen in recognition) Ellie. Nice to meet you, Ethan.
Ethan: (Notices Ellie’s surprised expression) You seem familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?
Ellie: (Thinking fast) Oh, maybe! I’m in a few of the same general education classes as a lot of people.
Ethan: Cool! Well, nice to meet you, Ellie. Good luck with your day.
Ellie: (Watches Ethan walk away, heart pounding) Oh my gosh, that was Ethan! Mara’s Ethan!
(Later, in Ellie’s dorm room)
Ellie: (Video chatting with Mara) How’s your recovery going?
Mara: (Sitting up in bed, looking slightly pale) It’s okay, I guess. This hospital bed isn’t exactly the most comfortable thing in the world. But hey, at least I’m alive, right?
Ellie: (Smiling) Absolutely! And guess what? I have some news for you about Ethan.
Mara: (Eyes light up) Really? Spill the tea!
Ellie: So, here’s the thing… Ethan actually goes to my university!
Ellie: I know, right? And get this: he’s on the basketball team!
Mara: (Swoons) Basketball player? Hot AND athletic? This is getting better and better.
Ellie: I also found out he has a friend named Ethan, so that might explain why you couldn’t find him at the shop.
Mara: Hmm, interesting. Oh well, no matter. The important thing is, my Ethan is out there!
Ellie: Don’t worry, Mara. I’ll keep an eye on him for you. Consider me your official Ethan spy.
Mara: You’re the best, Ellie! I owe you big time.
(The video chat ends. Ellie smiles to herself, excited about her mission to help Mara connect with Ethan.)
Scene 3: Broadcasting Meeting
(Sound of people talking and papers rustling. Ellie’s gaze is fixed on Ethan, who’s talking animatedly in the center of the room.)
Liam: (Nudging Ellie) Hey, Earth to Ellie! Ethan’s gonna melt under that stare.
Ellie: (Startled) Oh! I wasn’t, uh, I mean… yeah, I should probably go.
Liam: (Laughs) Sure, you were just admiring the scenery. Run away before you turn into a puddle!
(Ellie exits the room, flustered. She takes a deep breath and gathers her courage before approaching Ethan outside.)
Ellie: Hi Ethan, I’m Ellie. I’m also in the broadcasting club. My friend has a huge crush on Liam, and I was hoping you could maybe… I don’t know, give her some advice?
Ethan: (Smiling) Liam and I have been friends since I started here. I’d be happy to help if I can. Tell your friend to shoot her shot.
Ellie: (Beaming) Thank you so much, Ethan! You’re a lifesaver.
(Ethan and Ellie continue chatting, their friendship blossoming as they bond over their shared love of broadcasting.)
Scene 4: Lakeside Photo Shoot
(Ellie and Ethan stand at the edge of a sparkling lake, surrounded by their classmates taking pictures for a project.)
Ellie: (Gazing at Liam in the distance) Do you think Liam would like my best friend?
Ethan: I think so. He’s got a kind heart, and I’ve always seen him treat girls well.
Ellie: I’m going to write down some of Liam’s qualities in my notebook so my best friend can get a better idea.
Ethan: Want to take some pictures of the lake for the project?
Ellie: I don’t really know how to use the camera.
Ethan: No problem, I’ll teach you. Come here.
(Ethan gently guides Ellie’s hand to the camera. He stands close behind her, his hands hovering near hers as he shows her how to adjust the settings. Ellie blushes slightly, feeling the warmth of his breath on her neck.)
Scene 5: Beach Panorama
(Sun beams dance on the ocean waves as Ellie and Liam stroll along the sandy shore.)
LIAM: Hey Ellie, how’s your day been?
ELLIE: (Smiling) It’s been really good! Thanks for asking, as always.
LIAM: So, any chance I could tag along on your beach exploration? Let’s check out the Rock Formations!
ELLIE: Totally! They’re pretty epic this time of day.
(They walk towards the rock formations. Suddenly, they spot Ethan with his camera nearby.)
ELLIE: Hey Ethan! Wanna take a picture of Liam and me?
ETHAN: (Grinning) Of course! Say cheese!
(Ellie and Liam pose together, standing close on the edge of a rock overlooking the crashing waves.)
LIAM: Hey Ethan, why not hop in the picture too? Make it a trio!
ETHAN: (Nods enthusiastically) Sure thing!
(Ethan joins them, standing slightly behind Ellie and Liam with his camera still in hand.)
ELLIE: Alright everyone, big smiles!
(They all flash their brightest smiles as Ethan captures the moment.)
Scene 6: Ellie's Family Shop
(Ellie and her sister are playing outside their shop when Ethan arrives.)
ELLIE: Hey Ethan! What brings you here?
ETHAN: Just wanted to drop by and say hi. I saw you outside and figured I’d catch up.
ELLIE: That’s sweet of you! But why all the way out here?
ETHAN: Actually, I brought something cool. Ice cream! Wanna hang out somewhere else while we enjoy it? I know a hidden park nearby you’ve never seen.
ELLIE: (Excited) A hidden park? Seriously? I’m always up for an adventure!
(Ethan leads Ellie to the park. She’s amazed by its beauty.)
(They sit down and talk about their lives, sharing stories and laughter.)
ELLIE: Wow, it’s getting late. I should head home.
ETHAN: No worries, I’ll walk you back.
(They walk home together, enjoying the evening air.)
ELLIE: Thanks for the great night, Ethan. I had a lot of fun.
ETHAN: Me too, Ellie. Really enjoyed talking with you. (Ethan hesitates, then leans in and gives Ellie a gentle kiss on the cheek.) Goodnight, Ellie.
ELLIE: (Feeling a bit flustered but happy) Goodnight, Ethan.
(Ethan watches Ellie walk into her house, a smile on his face.)
Scene 7: Coffee Shop
(Ellie enters the coffee shop and approaches the counter. Ethan smiles and takes her order.)
Ethan: Hey Ellie, what’s your usual? Hope your day is going well.
Liam: Hi Ellie, good to see you!
Ellie: (Smiles) Hey guys, I’m doing alright, thanks. How about you?
(Suddenly, the door opens and Mara rushes in. She runs straight to Ellie and pulls her into a tight hug.)
Mara: Ellie! I missed you so much! (They both laugh and cry tears of joy)
Ellie: Oh my gosh, Mara, I missed you too! How was your surgery?
Mara: It went well, but I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed being here.
(Mara pulls Ellie back into a hug. They sway back and forth for a moment, tears welling up in their eyes.)
Ellie: (Wiping her eyes) Come on, let’s go to the dorm I want to hear all about everything.
(Ellie and Mara grab their things and head out the door, arm in arm.)
Scene 8: At the dorm
Ellie: (Leans in close to Mara) Matra, tell me about your surgery. How did it go?
Mara: Ellie, it was great! The surgery was successful, and guess what? I saw Liam at the coffee shop the other day.
Ellie: (Casually) Oh cool, Liam and I are friends.
Mara: That’s awesome! It means we can hang out together more, you know? Remember that picture you sent me of him? That’s exactly how I pictured him!
Ellie: (Trying to play it cool) Can I see it again?
Mara: Sure! (Hands the picture to Ellie)
Ellie: (Looks at the picture and realizes Mara’s crush is actually Ethan, not Liam. She also notices Mara has a collection of Ethan’s pictures, not Liam’s.)
Ellie: (Speechless for a moment)
Mara: (Not noticing Ellie’s reaction) Hey, what if we do a double date sometime? I could bring Liam, and you could bring Ethan. That way, we could all get to know each other better. What do you think?
Ellie: (Trying to find her voice) Uh, yeah, that sounds… great. I’ll talk to them.
(Ellie didn’t get the chance to tell Mara that her crush was named Ethan and not Liam. The realization hit her like a punch to the gut, leaving her speechless.)
Scene 10: At the School Canteen
Mara: Hey, Liam!
Ethan: Uh, actually, Liam isn’t here.
Mara: Wait, what? Isn’t that your name? I’m Ellie’s best friend, remember? The one with the big crush on you? I’m the girl you helped at the shop!
Ethan: Oh! You must be the girl Ellie mentioned. I remember you, but I’m not Liam. My name is Ethan. I think you saw me wearing Liam’s uniform that day. I just borrowed it from him.
Mara: Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! I totally thought you were Liam. (Laughs nervously)
(Ellie walks by and sees Mara and Ethan talking. She quickly turns away, trying to avoid Ethan. Although she has feelings for him, she decides to ignore them to protect Mara.)
Scene 11: At the Hallways
Ethan: So, is your friend Liam the one with the crush on me? I thought it was… Ellie?
Ellie: We both thought so, but things are complicated. Look, Ethan, you’re an amazing person, and we’re close friends, but I don’t want to hurt Mara’s feelings right now. I think it’s best if you pursue things with her. I’ll give you some space.
Ethan: But Ellie, I really care about you. I was hoping you feel the same way.
Ellie: (Gently but firmly) I’m so sorry, Ethan, but I can’t reciprocate your feelings. Mara has been through a lot lately, and the last thing I want is to contribute to any more pain. I hope you understand.
Ethan: But… is there even a small chance you might feel something for me in the future?
Ellie: I honestly don’t know, Ethan. Right now, Mara needs my support more than anything.
(Ellie takes a deep breath and turns away, tears welling up in her eyes. She walks away quickly, leaving Ethan standing alone in the hallway.)
Scene 12: At the park
LMARA and ELLIE sit on a bench, sharing ice cream.
Mara: You know, Ellie, my definition of love is our friendship. It’s deeper than any romantic love I’ve ever felt. Thank you for always being there for me.
Ellie smiles warmly.
ELLIE: Mara, you deserve all the love you’re experiencing now. I hope you and Ethan are happy together. But there’s something I need to tell you.
Mara’s smile falters slightly.
MARA: Go on, Ellie.
ELLIE: Mara, your friend told me you know about my feelings for Ethan. Please believe me, I never meant to come between you two. My feelings just… happened.
MARA: Ellie, it’s okay. I understand. And honestly, seeing you happy would make me happy. Ethan’s flight to Canada is tomorrow morning at five. Please, if there’s something you need to say to him, don’t wait. Take the risk.
ELLIE: Mara, you deserve all the love you’re experiencing now. I hope you and Ethan are happy together. But there’s something I need to tell you.
Mara’s smile falters slightly.
MARA
Go on, Ellie.
ELLIE: Mara, your friend told me you know about my feelings for Ethan. Please believe me, I never meant to come between you two. My feelings just… happened.
MARA: Ellie, it’s okay. I understand. And honestly, seeing you happy would make me happy. Ethan’s flight to Canada is tomorrow morning at five. Please, if there’s something you need to say to him, don’t wait. Take the risk.
ELLIE (eyes widening)
Thank you, Mara. You’re right. I have to tell him.
Mara squeezes Ellie’s hand.
MARA: You got this, Ellie. Go get him!
Ellie nods resolutely and stands up. She takes a deep breath and heads off in the direction Ethan is likely to be.
Mara watches her go, a mix of emotions playing on her face. She smiles sadly, then takes a bite of her ice cream, her gaze lingering on the path Ellie took.
MARA: You got this, Ellie. Go get him!
(Ellie fail to meet ethan at the airport, but Ethan gave Liam a message to Ellie that soon as Ethan get to Canada he would text Ellie and the message told that how Ethan loved Ellie so much)
SCENE 14: AT THE EXHIBIT
(Five years later Ellie got a chance to go in canada. Ellie stands before a painting of Ethan in his uniform, a melancholic smile on her face.)
JAMES: (Approaches Ellie) You must be Ellie. Ethan spoke very fondly of you.
ELLIE: (Turns, surprised) Yes, I’m Ellie. We… we knew each other back then.
JAMES: I’m James, Ethan’s brother. Come, there’s something I want to show you.
James leads Ellie deeper into the exhibit, filled with artifacts and memories of Ethan’s life. It’s clear James poured his heart into creating this space.)
JAMES: When Ethan told me about you… his eyes lit up. You were his first love, weren’t you?
ELLIE: (Nods, her voice thick with emotion) And he was… he was the love of my life.
JAMES: (Hesitates, then takes a deep breath) I wish things were different, Ellie. But… there’s something you need to know. Ethan… he wasn’t coming back to Canada
ELLIE: (Confusion clouds her face) What do you mean? Did he… did he change his mind?
JAMES: (Looks down) Ethan… he passed away a year ago. His plane crashed while he was returninng back here.
(The news hits Ellie like a physical blow. Her world seems to tilt on its axis.)
ELLIE: (Tears welling up) No… that can’t be true. He… he wouldn’t just leave me without saying goodbye.
JAMES: He wouldn’t have wanted you to live in the past, Ellie. He cared for you deeply. That’s why I wanted you to see this exhibit, to feel closer to him again.
THE END.
