(Carissa was having a fitting. several servants stood by her. Catherine sat with a smile, quietly watching. after a while, she spoke to the designer)
CATHERINE: we'll take everything.( the woman bowed in gratitude)what do you think Carissa?
CARISSA: I'm not going to wear these.
CATHERINE: (sweetly) we talked about this yesterday.
CARISSA: (fixed her gaze on her) you did all the talking. when did I agree to this?
CATHERINE: it suits you silly. I know you don't wear dresses like this but, look at yourself in the mirror.
CARISSA: I already have.
CATHERINE: (frowned) leave! (Carissa stood while everyone leaves) you don't have an option.
CARISSA: (noticed the odd looking servant and smiled) okay?
CATHERINE:(surprised) okay? you will wear it?
CARISSA:(momentarily taken aback) no, forget it.(took off the dress) I think the dress is offensive and the reason for wearing it simply stupid.
CATHERINE: Your father is highly indebted to the one you're calling stupid.
CARISSA: Then he better pay up. I'm not a commodity you can sell to make up for your own inadequacies. I'm not going to be coerced into wearing it and there's nothing you can do about it.
CATHERINE: (annoyed) you have no choice. I'll check in with you later. make your up mind wisely.
CARISSA: I've already made my mind. do what you will Catherine.
CATHERINE: Catherine??
CARISSA: you don't deserve my respect. and someday you'll regret it.
CATHERINE: (smiled) I see. (walked out. two strong ladies came right in, binding her hands and foot)
ACT 5 SCENE 1 : IN TWO DAYS
(Carissa smiled as someone knocked her window. she gently slid it open and let him in. Christopher upon entering noticed everywhere was dark but did not talk about it.)
CHRISTOPHER: my lady.
CARISSA: hello
CHRISTOPHER: (speechless) can I sit? (she pointed to a chair) you got thinner.
CARISSA: I diet a lot.
CHRISTOPHER: Why though?
CARISSA: Because I have to fit my gowns.
CHRISTOPHER: why do you never come out then?
CARISSA: what do you mean?
CHRISTOPHER: You get more scarce after each time I see you. heck you have all this dresses and you are more reclused.
CARISSA: I knew there was an odd number among those who waited on me two days ago.
CHRISTOPHER:(sheepishly) I had to put an effort.
CARISSA: You're stalking me, that's what.
CHRISTOPHER: who's complaining?
CARISSA: (sat down) what's the point? I have nothing going on out there.
CHRISTOPHER: (flabbergasted)You have me expecting to see you. that's really tough.
CARISSA: when have I ever told you to expect me?
CHRISTOPHER: That's the problem. you never did. but you have me hooked now. you shouldn't start what you can't end.
CARISSA: you can't tell me how to do things. and it's not like we're not friends or anything.
CHRISTOPHER: (chuckled) what makes you think we're not?
CARISSA: I haven't decided so.
CHRISTOPHER: then you just have people who are not friends climb in your room?
CARISSA: just because I let you in, you think you're worthy of being my friend?
CHRISTOPHER: I know I'm not the least worthy, but I'm not going to do nothing.
CARISSA: why do you want to see me so badly?
CHRISTOPHER: you wanna take a walk in the jungle again?
CARISSA: Talking Like that won't help you. I'm a powerful woman and anyone who finds my favour has made an accomplishment already. so you think you can leverage on that. I'm an easy woman to get, aren't I?
CHRISTOPHER: what are you talking about? I barely want you to be free of this way of living you seem to delight in. compared to Diane, you are pretty much a ghost in here. I want that gone. not to mention, there are many other plants I can teach you about since you are a plant lover? (looked around. pointed at the only plant in the room) arash spontina. do you know it acts as a pollination spot for deadly insects?(she is surprised) you didn't know?
CARISSA: I'm surprised you know that too.
CHRISTOPHER: you're speaking to an expert here. Though that's basic knowledge. you're not as vast as I thought you'd be.
CARISSA:(repeating) it acts as a pollination ground for deadly insects..... (smiled) you're right. I do need to step out more.