A Nice Day in the Park

By Jared DiDomenico

2004

Characters:
MAN
WOMAN
BALLOON MAN

MAN and WOMAN are sitting on a park bench, on a date. Man with balloons (BALLOON MAN ) is behind them, they don't notice him.

MAN

So then I said, "that's not a bucket, it's a movement!"

WOMAN

Those street drummers are so soulful!

MAN

So talented! It's a shame they'll never be anything though…

WOMAN

Yeah....so is it hard to be a surgeon and a banker?

MAN

Well, you know, I always had two jobs, even as a kid. Lemonade stand and dogwalking, retail and waitering in college...

WOMAN

Surgeon and banker...

MAN

Yep. But I still find time for you!

WOMAN

Awww, I bet you say that to all the girls.

BALLOON MAN

He does!

MAN

What?!

BALLOON MAN

Buy a balloon from me or I'll be forced to tell her that you are neither a surgeon nor a banker.

MAN

This is outrageous!

BALLOON MAN

Okay, you asked for it. He's neither a surgeon nor a banker you dumb slut. Nobody would have time to do both!

MAN

Hey buddy, watch it!

BALLOON MAN

Don't make me choke you!

MAN (taking out cell phone)

I'm calling the police! This is harassment!

SOUND OF PHONE RINGING. BALLOON MAN picks up his cell phone.

BALLOON MAN

Hello?

MAN

Yes...wait a second...what the hell is going on here?

BALLOON MAN

Oh, I didn't tell you. I'm a balloon salesman AND a police officer!

WOMAN

Ohhhh, is there a lot of money in that?

BALLOON MAN (motioning to crotch)

You're not getting any of this!

MAN

That's not how a police officer would talk to a lady!

BALLOON MAN

What do you care?! You're here with a different girl every week!

WOMAN

I knew it!

MAN

What?! What are you trying to do to me?

BALLOON MAN

I come to this park every week trying to sell balloons and make people happy. But you know what? Balloon Man always goes home alone! Yes, I go home alone, while this lying sack of shit sleazebag always has different girls on his arm.

MAN

What's happening? Am I on a reality show? Where are the cameras? Okay, you can come out now!

BALLOON MAN

Oh, if only life were that simple!

MAN

How did you rig the phone when I called the police?

BALLOON MAN

Why, WHY does no one listen to me the first time I say something?!

WOMAN

Maybe he IS a Balloon Man and a cop!

BALLOON MAN (motioning to crotch)

You're still not getting any of this! You're not my type!

MAN

But what kind of cop SAYS that?!

BALLOON MAN

An off-duty Balloon Cop!

MAN

But if you're off-duty why did your phone ring?

BALLOON MAN

You just think you're soooo smart don't you?

WOMAN

He obviously answers distress calls for this park because it's his beat!

Both MAN and BALLOON MAN stare at her

MAN

What? That makes no sense. Honey, he's not a cop! Don't be stupid!

WOMAN

I'm not stupid. I know what's going on here.

MAN

Really? Because I'd REEAAALLLYY like to know!

WOMAN

Stop acting, James. You don't think I recognize your friend here? I've seen him in pictures you've shown me you dumb shit!

MAN

What?

WOMAN

If you wanted to break up with me, you could have just told me you wanted to stop seeing me. (getting up to leave). Men! What idiots!

BALLOON MAN (as she's walking away)

I'm sorry that I called you a slut.

WOMAN (exiting)

You guys are losers.

BALLOON MAN (still to WOMAN)

I really am lonely though!

MAN

You owe me fifty bucks, Larry.

BALLOON MAN

But it worked!

FIN