Chess the Musical Script

ACT ONE

Scene 1: A Giant Chessboard

"The Story of Chess"

ARBITER Each game of chess means there's one less Variation left to be played Each day got through means one or two Less mistakes remain to be made

Each game of chess means there's one less Variation left to be played Each day got through means one or two Less mistakes remain to be made

Not much is known Of early days of chess beyond a fairly vague report That fifteen hundred years ago two princes fought Though brothers, for a Hindu throne

Their mother cried - for No-one really likes their offspring fighting to the death She begged them stop the slaughter with her every breath But sure enough one brother died

Sad beyond belief She told her winning son You have caused such grief I can't forgive this evil thing you've done He tried to explain How things had really been But he tried in vain No words of his could mollify the queen And so he asked the wisest men he knew The way to lessen her distress

They told him he'd be pretty certain to impress By using model soldiers on A checkered board to show it was his brother's fault They thus invented chess.

(the chorus moves large chess pieces around the board and sings the above in counterpoint during the following:)

Chess displayed no inertia Soon spread to Persia, then west Next the Arabs refined it, Thus redesigned, it progressed

Still further yet And when Constantinople fell in 1453 One would have noticed every other refugee Included in his bags a set Once in the hands And in the minds of leading figures of the Renaissance The spirit and the speed of chess made swift advance Through all of Europe's vital lands Where we must record The game was further changed Right across the board The western touch upon the pieces ranged

King and queen and rook And bishop, knight and pawn All took on the look We know today, the modern game was born With such success We see a game that started by mistake in Hindustan And boosted in the main by what is now Iran Reach every corner of the globe with nation Squaring up to nation to determine, no holds barred.... Who owns, who made, who will parade The champion of chess.

Scene 2: The Lobby of the Bangkok International Hotel

tv anchor (on screen) Frederick Trumper, the American chess player, has revolutionized an ancient game -offering the kind of excitement usually associated with a rock concert. Well, "FREDDIEmania" has moved halfway around the world with an added twist of global politics. An

American-Soviet chess competition has seized the international media spotlight. We're taking you now live to our correspondent in Thailand, Frank Scamello....

SCAMELLO Excitement is building here at the fabulous International Hotel in exotic Bangkok, Thailand, where press representatives from around the globe have gathered for what has to be the most anxiously awaited international sporting event since the last Olympics. The world chess tournament chess match-up between the American, Frederick Trumper and his Soviet challenger Anatoly Sergievsky. It's morning here in Bangkok, and the man who has held the world title for the past five years should be appearing at any...wait just a moment... Freddie Trumper's arriving now.

"What a Scene, What a Joy"

FREDDIE (on screen) What a scene! What a joy! What a lovely sight When my game is the big sensation! Has the mob's sporting taste Altered overnight? Have they found new sophistication?

Not yet! They just want to see If the nice guy beats the bum

If it's East-West And the money's sky-high They all come

My personal manager, WALTER De Courcey.

WALTER Ladies and gentlemen, the world chess champion has arranged for an demonstration of his amazing mental powers. He's going to defeat the unbeaten Textron chess-playing computer in less than twenty-five moves.

FREDDIE You can raise all you want If you raise the roof Scream and shout and the gate increases Break the rules -- break the bank I'm the living proof They don't care how I move my pieces

I know I'm the best there is But all they want is a show Well that's all right I'll be glad to oblige

S.R.O. S.R.O.

Scene 3: Anatoly's Hotel Suite Simultaneously, ALEXANDER MOLOKOV and ANATOLY SERGIEVSKY watch the match on television from their suite on the other side of the stage.

MOLOKOV What a ridiculous demonstration. The man is clearly disintegrating before our very eyes.

ANATOLY Don't believe it.

MOLOKOV But twenty-five moves against a three-year old computer.

ANATOLY Molokov, who is that woman?

MOLOKOV Why? Interested?

(beat) Very well. Nikolai, hand me the Vassy file. (reads) Florence Vassy. For the past seven years, Frederick Trumper's chess second. Hungarianborn orphan emigrated as an infant from Budapest. Adopted and raised in Connecticut. An excellent chess player in her own right, I might add. Several years ago, she and Trumper were lovers. Now they keep separate rooms. Whether they are lovers still....

ANATOLY You mean there are things the KGB does not know?

MOLOKOV We are seldom surprised by your taste in women, Anatoly. I shall make it a point not to inform your estranged wife.

ANATOLY Svetlana and I keep no secrets from each other. Unlike your friends in Moscow.

MOLOKOV Please, my dear Anatoly Valeriovich, by the time....being I'm a mere chess-playing second like the lovely Florence Vassy.

ANATOLY

Vassy...Vassy. Is she perhaps related to the former Hungarian chess champion?

MOLOKOV His daughter.

ANATOLY Does it say anywhere in that file that her father died in a Budapest prison in the '56 revolt?

(MOLOKOV turns up the volume on the television:)

FREDDIE Checkmate!

SCAMELLO Freddie has just defeated the previously unbeaten Textron computer in only 23 moves. We'd like to invite you now across the lobby to the Circus Room for champagne and coffee. We're going to watch the world champ play six international masters simultaneously while blindfolded.

(MOLOKOV turns off the TV)

"The Russian and Molokov"

MOLOKOV What we've just seen's a pathetic display From a man who's beginning to crack He's afraid -- he knows he isn't the player he was And he won't get it back

ANATOLY Nonsense! Why do my seconds Always want to believe Third-rate propaganda --?

MOLOKOV My friend, please relax We're all on your side You know how you need us --

ANATOLY I don't need my army of so-called 'advisors' And 'helpers' to tell me

The man who's revitalised chess single-handed Is more or less out of his brain When it's very clear he's sane

FREDDIE ...I have just one message for you, my friend. You'd better come to play chess.

MOLOKOV Listen, we won't underestimate Trumper We won't get caught in that trap After all, winning or losing reflects on us all --

ANATOLY Oh don't give me that crap! I win -- no one else does And I take the rap if I lose

MOLOKOV Winning's not so simple The whole world's tuned in We're on display

We're not merely sportsmen --

ANATOLY Oh please don't start spouting that old party line Yes I know it's your job but Just get out and get me a chess-playing second In twenty-four hours we begin That is if you want to win!

MOLOKOV Wanting's not sufficient We have to know, we have to make sure All men have a weakness And his is that woman, the one who controls him His queen and his mentor The best moves are always Away from the chessboard The WOMAN is your aim Take her and you win the game

(Molokov exits)

"Where I Want to Be"

ANATOLY Who needs a dream? Who needs ambition? Who'd be the fool In my position? Once I had dreams Now they're obsessions Hopes became needs Lovers possessions

Then they move in Oh so discreetly Slowly at first Smiling too sweetly I opened doors They walked right through them Called me their friend I hardly knew them

Now I'm where I want to be and who I want to be and doing what I always said I would and yet I feel I haven't won at all Running for my life and never looking back in case there's someone right behind to shoot me down and say he always knew I'd fall

When the crazy wheel slows down Where will I be? Back where I started

Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining Times have been good Fast, entertaining But what's the point? If I'm concealing Not only love All other feeling

Now I'm where I want to be and who I want to be

and doing what I always said I would and yet I feel I haven't won at all Running for my life and never looking back in case there's someone right behind to shoot me down and say he always knew I'd fall

When the crazy wheel slows down Where will I be? Back where I started.

(Nicolai enters)

Nikolai Anatoly Valeriovich, it's Nikolai. Excuse me, but I heard you tell MOLOKOV you needed a game. Well, I was a tournament semi-finalist of my student chess club in Crakow, and I was wondering....

ANATOLY Nikolai! (pause) Maybe later.

Scene 4: The Rooftop Ballroom of the International Hotel

Molokov, Anatoly, Freddie, Florence, Walter, the Arbiter and his assistants and various delegates are present.

ARBITER On behalf of the king and people of Thailand and the International Chess Federation, I wish to welcome the world to the magnificent city of Bangkok and the World Chess Championship. Mr. Frederick Trumper of the United States will defend his title against the challenger from the Soviet Union, Mr. Anatoly Sergievsky. Let me take this opportunity also to thank the Bangkok International Hotel for providing us with this magnificent rooftop ballroom.

FREDDIE Nice spot.

ARBITER Mr. Trumper, my name is Kobe Obe. My homeland, Nigeria. I am the Arbiter of this match. Our format is simple. The first player to attain six game victories over his opponent will be declared champion. These are my assistants. Officials will see that the rules of the match are followed and order prevails. Would the players and seconds please approach?

FREDDIE Well, it's great to be back at the world championship. I just flew in from New York and boy are my arms tired. It's been two years since the last big event and it's going to feel great to keep the title.

FLORENCE Good morning...Mr. Molokov? You speak English, I understand.

MOLOKOV Good morning, Miss Vassy. My pleasure.

ANATOLY I believe I speak your language as well, Miss Vassy.

FLORENCE Congratulations, Mr. Sergievsky. Even reaching this level of play is no mean feat.

ANATOLY May I take this opportunity to offer your man a rematch?

FLORENCE Isn't that a little premature when you haven't even sat across a table yet?

ANATOLY There's a Russian saying, 'Patience is a virtue, but why waste time?'

WALTER Excuse me, I'm Walter DeCourcey, Freddie's personal manager, business matters. Unnecessary evil, I'm afraid, what with all the media attention....

MOLOKOV We know you by reputation, Mr. DeCourcey.

FLORENCE I'm sure you know a little about all of us, Mr. Molokov.

MOLOKOV That's true, Miss Vassy, especially Hungarian citizens who've made a success in the West.

FLORENCE Circumstances have left me a citizen of the world.

ARBITER Enough big jaws. Shall we go see. I'm available to consider pre-match applications....

FLORENCE We'd like to make a....

ARBITER (continuing) ...and am hopeful that the new spirit of conciliation between two great nations will extend itself to a simple game. Miss Vassy?

FLORENCE The American delegation wishes to protest the size of the Soviet delegation.

MOLOKOV But our delegation is the same size as the American delegation.

FLORENCE On the contrary, most of the people on our side are private citizens.

MOLOKOV The Soviet delegation consists of just three people, including our champion. Our doctor, psychologist, security agents and chef cannot be considered delegates.

ARBITER Objection overruled. Mr. Molokov?

MOLOKOV The Soviet delegation has reason to believe that the American player's chair contains a communications device. It objects to the constitution of the chair.

FLORENCE That's preposterous. Both chairs were made in Sweden. With non-aligned aluminum.

ARBITER Objection overruled.

WALTER As the head of the television companies, I'd like to ask permission for a few key commercial supporters of the game to set up sales booths around the arena....

ARBITER Mr. DeCourcey, the trade show of chess products filling the hotel's convention hall isn't enough for you?

WALTER Well, given the tremendous investment in the live satellite hook-up, it seems to me....

"Arbiter's Song"

ARBITER Mr. DeCourcey, for the moment, could we behave ourselves with the dignity the occasion demands? Let the preparations for the match begin.

I've a duty as the referee At the start of the match On behalf of all our sponsors I must welcome you Which I do -- there's a catch

I don't care if you're a champion No one messes with me I am ruthless in upholding What I know is right Black or white -- as you'll see

I'm on the case Can't be fooled Any objection Is overruled Yes I'm the ARBITER and I know best

ASSISTANTS He's impartial, don't push him, he's unimpressed

ARBITER You got your tricks? Good for you! But there's no gambit I don't see through Oh I'm the ARBITER, I know the score

ASSISTANTS From square one he'll be watching all 64

ARBITER If you're thinking of the kind of thing That we've seen in the past Chanting gurus, walkie-talkies, Walkouts, hypnotists, Tempers, fists -- not so fast

Just the hint of the unethical I'll be right on your back I will jump on all offenders from a [?] height Don't invite [?] I'm on the case Can't be fooled Any objection Is overruled Yes I'm the ARBITER and I know best

ASSISTANTS He's impartial, don't push him, he's unimpressed.

(dance sequence)

ARBITER I'm on the case Can't be fooled Any objection is overruled Yes I'm the ARBITER and I know best

ASSISTANTS He's impartial, don't push him, he's unimpressed.

ARBITER You got your tricks? Good for you! But there's no gambit I don't see through Oh I'm the ARBITER, I know the score From square one I'll be watching all 64

ASSISTANTS From square one he'll be watching all 64

ARBITER Oh I'm the ARBITER, I know the score

ARBITER & ASSISTANTS From square one I'll be watching all 64.

(the game begins)

ARBITER Mr. Sergievsky has resigned. Opening game to the champion, Frederick Trumper. (applause) Silence! I will not allow partisan demonstrations at this match. We will conduct ourselves with athe dignity the occasion deserves.

I'm on the case Can't be fooled Any objection is overruled You got your tricks? Good for you! But there's no gambit I don't see through

(Another game proceeds. As usual, Anatoly eats yogurt mid-game)

Oh I'm the ARBITER, my word is law Yes, I'm the ARBITER, my word is law From square one....

FREDDIE (points to Anatoly's yogurt) Put that down!

ANATOLY Stop....

FREDDIE The yogurt, give it here, let me see that.

ANATOLY Get away.

FREDDIE Check it! I want someone checking that yogurt. Put it down.

FLORENCE Check it for what?

ARBITER What is going on here?

FREDDIE Check the yogurt.

ANATOLY Why should I let you look in my yogurt?

FREDDIE It's strawberry.

ANATOLY Yes.

FREDDIE Before that in the first game it was banana.

ANATOLY So?

FREDDIE Don't you see? They're cheating!

ARBITER Mr. Trumper....

FREDDIE Don't be so goddam naive! Look at that! Now I demand that he no longer be served yogurt and I want an apology.

ANATOLY Never!

FLORENCE Freddie, what are you doing...?

FREDDIE I want him disqualified. Come on, do something. Call him on it. Do something!

ARBITER Mr. Trumper, please....

FREDDIE

This match is over.

ARBITER Break for lunch.

Scene 5: The ARBITER's Suite

ANATOLY A pity we can't always choose which side we work for.

FLORENCE I suspect the problem is a bit more acute on your side.

MOLOKOV We wish, no must, make our disgust For this abuse perfectly clear We're here for chess -- are the US? If so why foul the atmosphere?

FLORENCE I must protest -- our delegation Has a host of valid points to raise

ARBITER It's not just black and white If I may coin a phrase As any neutral would attest

FLORENCE Though we concede The fact your masters bend the rules is maybe not your fault If they admit their psychological assault Then under protest we'll proceed

MOLOKOV If your man's so sweet Then why the fighting talk?

If he's not a cheat Then why on earth did he go take a walk?

FLORENCE I am not surprised he wanted fresher air Once he realized there was no hope Of your lot playing fair

FLORENCE/ANATOLY MOLOKOV/ARBITER How sad It's very sad to see the ancient and To see distinguished game that used to be

ALL A model of decorum and tranquility Become like any other sport A battleground for rival ideologies To slug it out with glee

ANATOLY

I would say with regard to Him it is hard to Rebut Ever growing suspicions My opposition's A nut

FLORENCE I would have said You'd understand the strain and pressure getting where he's got Or that you'd simply call him highly-strung and not Imply that he was off his head

ANATOLY But how on earth Can someone even half as civilized and nice as you Become with such a self-destructive point of view I hope he pays you what you're worth

ARBITER

I call this tune No one's immune to my power Once in that hall

MOLOKOV In that case I must ask you Why you now Preside over a brawl

FLORENCE I'm not getting rich My only interest Is in something which Gives me the chance Of working with the best

ANATOLY I can only say I hope your dream comes true Till that far-off day

I hope you cope With helping number two

FLORENCE/ANATOLY MOLOKOV/ARBITER How sad It's very sad to see the ancient and To see distinguished game that used to be

ALL A model of decorum and tranquility Become like any other sport A battleground for rival ideologies To slug it out with glee

(They all sing their verses over each other)

ALL A model of decorum and tranquility Become like any other sport A battleground for rival ideologies

To slug it out with glee

ARBITER Miss Vassy...!

FLORENCE Ms.

ARBITER It is time for explanations.

FLORENCE Our position is simple. Mr. Trumper will consent to resume the match only if Mr. Sergievsky abstains from eating yogurt.

ANATOLY Never!

FLORENCE In addition,Freddie will require an apology for this extraordinary breach of chess etiquette.

ARBITER Ms. Vassy, let me remind you that the eyes of the world are on Bangkok. This is the message that I want to send to both sides. The game is greater than the players and their politics. Tomorrow morning I expect to see two players at the table. Now. I'm going to leave the three of you to resolve your differences. Good day.

(Arbiter and Assistants exit)

ANATOLY My taste in yogurt seems to have produced an international incident.

MOLOKOV (to Florence) My friend, in the spirit of Malta, why can't we just play chess?

FLORENCE You have the nerve to ask me that?

MOLOKOV I'm a chess second.

FLORENCE Bullshit! The State Department briefed us about you before we came here, Molokov, and

I'm sure you of all people are thoroughly aware of my family background.

ANATOLY I was briefed on you myself, Miss Vassy.

FLORENCE So don't give me any further reasons to hate you, and don't think for a moment we don't know who controls the momentum of this match. Freddie walks out and says you cheated, who wouldn't believe him? We'll come out on top and the two of you will be on the first plane back to Moscow. And I hear Moscow is lovely this time of year. (to Anatoly) You need only apologize because without an apology, I'm not certain I can convince Freddie to return to the game.

ANATOLY Would this meeting have to be public?

MOLOKOV Sergievsky....

ANATOLY Would it?

MOLOKOV You can't possibly agree to this.

FLORENCE Not necessarily public. Like everything else, the setting can be negotiated.

MOLOKOV This meeting will take place over my strenuous objections.

ANATOLY As you can see, I lean heavily on the advice of Comrade Molokov. Therefore I will consent to this meeting only if seconds from both sides are present. That means you, Miss Vassy.

FLORENCE I'm fully acquainted with my position in this match. Your generosity surprises me, Mr. Sergievsky. As a gesture of conciliation, I'll permit you to suggest a place.

MOLOKOV I know a private restaurant....

FLORENCE I know restaurants too, Mr. Molokov.

ANATOLY Perfect! Travelling with my own chef, I have yet to sample the local Thai cuisine. Shall we choose? I have a Bangkok food guide.

FLORENCE We'll use mine.

MOLOKOV They're the same guide.

ANATOLY We have something in common.

MOLOKOV I open, you point.

FLORENCE Agreed.

MOLOKOV

Make it the third below the one you touched.

FLORENCE The fourth.

MOLOKOV The second.

FLORENCE Agreed.

MOLOKOV Okay.

ANATOLY The Generous Sole Terrace Bar.

MOLOKOV An auspcious name.

FLORENCE

What a coincidence.

ANATOLY It's in the hotel.

ALL It sounds fine.

ANATOLY Wonderful.

Scene 6: Freddie's Suite

WALTER (into phone) A lot of nerve these people have, you know. Yogurt! I mean who would have thought in an age of cold war thaw that...well, listen, David, you spend your life staring at 64 squares, you start to go a bit cuckoo after a while, I mean chess is a violent sport. David, listen to me, the chances of getting FREDDIE to pose for a photo with the Russian are less than zero. Unless you're talking about the cover. Now that would be different,

wouldn't it?

(Florence enters)

FLORENCE Where's FREDDIE?

WALTER (to Florence, covering mouthpiece of phone) Shhh. Time Life. (into phone) Now look, Freddie'll give you twenty minutes on the phone if we get the cover and a look at the copy before publication.

FLORENCE Where is he?

WALTER Shut up, please. (into phone) We realize that pre-publication review's a sensitive issue, but if you can give it to Meryl Streep, you can sure as hell give it to FREDDIE Trumper without any....

(Florence depresses the switch hook)

WALTER What the hell are you doing? That was Time-Life. It took me twenty minutes to make that connection.

FLORENCE Where did he go?

WALTER Don't you realize what we got here? Cold War revived as chess match. Headlines in the press. Among them: La Monde, Die Welt, the Times in L.A., London, New York. This publicity could put our grandchildren through college.

FLORENCE WALTER, I want some answers now. I just spent forty-five minutes making a complete ass of myself.

(the phone rings again)

WALTER (into phone) Freddie Trumper's suite, could you hold please?

(to Florence) You've got my undivided attention. What is it?

FLORENCE What Freddie did today was not his style.

WALTER You're not suggesting I had anything to do with this are you?

FLORENCE You follow the slime, you find the slug.

(Freddie enters)

FREDDIE It wasn't Walter. It was my idea.

WALTER You see?

FLORENCE

Okay. It's been a long day and it's not even four o'clock. I'm sorry, Walter.

WALTER That's okay, kid. Forget about it. I'll take this in the bedroom. Good luck, Florence.

FLORENCE Seriously, Freddie, what information could anyone possibly pass the guy in a cup of blueberry yogurt?

FREDDIE It was strawberry.

FLORENCE You couldn't even be original. You had to steal Korchnoi's ploy from '78.

FREDDIE Korchnoi's complaint. (pause) Wait. Wait a sec. I figured it out. Ah ha! I figured it out.

FLORENCE

What did you figure out?

FREDDIE Look, I'm down a pawn, right? But then I moved a bishop, which means I sacrifice, which means I'm down two pawns. Now watch closely. Because I moved the queen's rook...

FLORENCE Just move the knight.

FREDDIE No, no, no. You haven't seen it yet. I move the rook and bam, bam, bam, bam. A draw! Snatched from the jaws of defeat! Global headlines, Florence. Down two pawns, Trumper saves draw.

FLORENCE So that's why you pulled that stunt with the yogurt.

FREDDIE God, I feel good. You know, nothing makes the mind kick in like a knife to your throat.

FLORENCE Fine time to save the draw.

FREDDIE At first I thought he was just disguising that variation he used to keep Vilav in....

FLORENCE Will you stop talking chess for one moment!?

(Walter enters)

WALTER That was Vanity Fair and we got the cover! Freddie, I'll call you later. I'm going to see if I can set up a few more phone interviews. I'm telling you, this thing is big.

(Walter exits)

FREDDIE I still can't figure out why I didn't see it....

WALTER I'm going downstairs to the trade show, Florence. Come along later if you feel like slumming.

FLORENCE Freddie, why did you cheat?

FREDDIE I must be losing my touch.

FLORENCE Answer me!

FREDDIE Come on Florence, get with the program! This is no ordinary game! I can't lose this match. I cannot do that, Florence.

FLORENCE Then you show up downstairs at the Generous Sole at ten.

FREDDIE Why should I?

FLORENCE He's apologizing.

FREDDIE You're kidding?

FLORENCE I wish I were.

FREDDIE (laughs) Vassy, you are a genius!

FLORENCE I wish I had nothing to do with this.

FREDDIE You wish you...hey, who's side you on here, anyway?

FLORENCE They showed more class than you have ever shown in your life.

FREDDIE I get it now. That Russian's got your number, hasn't he? I saw those smoldering looks at

the opening ceremony. You seem to be forgetting something here Florence. These are the people who murdered your father.

"You Wanna Lose Your Only Friend"

FLORENCE You want to lose your only friend? Well, keep it up you're doing fine Why this humiliation? Why treat me like a fool? I've taken shit for seven years And I won't take it any more

FREDDIE I'm only teasing Soviets With gentle bonhomie And you've a better reason to be anti-them than me

FLORENCE There's a time and there's a place

FREDDIE

Well how about here and now? Are you for me or for them?

FLORENCE There's a time and there's a place --

FREDDIE 1956 - Budapest is rising 1956 - Budapest is fighting 1956 - Budapest is falling

I'd have thought you'd support Any attack on these people On the people who ran Mindlessly over your childhood Don't let them fool you for Thirty years on they're the same

FLORENCE 1956 - Budapest is fighting 1956 - Budapest is dying

FREDDIE you should never forget don't be deceived by this glasnost If you walk out on me You're really betraying your father Were he alive now He'd surely be dying of shame

FLORENCE You know that there's nothing I've done That he'd be ashamed of in my whole life! Why'd you have to do this to me?

FREDDIE Florence, I'm sorry. Florence.....

(lights down as she exits, the scene dissolves to the hotel cafe, then a spa during the following)

"Nobody's Side"

FLORENCE What's going on around me Is barely making sense I need some explanations fast I see my present partner In the imperfect tense And I don't see how we can last I feel I need a change of cast Maybe I'm on nobody's side

And when he gives me reasons To justify each move They're getting harder to believe I know this can't continue I've still a lot to prove There must be more I could achieve But I don't have the nerve to leave

(Florence leaves the restaurant and goes to the hotel spa where she receives a massage from the Spa Assistants)

SPA ASSISTANTS

Everybody's playing the game But nobody's rules are the same Nobody's on nobody's side Better learn to go it alone Recognize you're out on your own Nobody's on nobody's side

FLORENCE The one I should not think of Keeps rolling through my mind And I don't want to let that go No lover's ever faithful No contract truly signed There's nothing certain left to know And how the cracks begin to show!

FLORENCE & SPA ASSISTANTS Never make a promise or plan Take a little love where you can Nobody's on nobody's side Never stay too long in your bed

Never lose your heart, use your head Nobody's on nobody's side

(behind a screen, Florence dresses for the evening)

(dance break)

FLORENCE Never take a stranger's advice Never let a friend fool you twice Nobody's on nobody's side Never be the first to believe Never be the last to deceive

FLORENCE AND DRESSERS Nobody's on nobody's side

Never leave a moment too soon Never waste a hot afternoon Nobody's on nobody's side Never stay a minute too long

Don't forget the best will go wrong Nobody's on nobody's side

Scene 8: The Generous Sole Terrace Bar

Better learn to go it alone Recognize you're out on your own Nobody's on nobody's side

(the dressers become patrons of the bar, joined by men to form couples. Florence approaches Molokov's table, as does Anatoly)

MOLOKOV Who'd have thought that such a simple game could be so complicated? Please sit down Miss Vassy, Mr. Sergievsky. We just have to wait for only a moment. I still don't approve of this apology, but as you must know better than anyone we should all learn to allow for the whimseys of genius. Please come, won't you join us? Thank you. You do not care much for me yet, but in the words of Gorby, we should all learn to respond to changing times. In your native Hungary, democracy is restored. In East Germany, the youth of Berlin have danced atop the wall, which will be sold shortly and shipped brick by brick to Arizona to keep your London Bridge company.

ANATOLY Good evening, Miss Vassy.

FLORENCE Good evening, Mr. Sergievsky.

ANATOLY You look more beautiful than ever.

FLORENCE As you can see, I'm a little early.

MOLOKOV With Frederick Trumper nowhere in evidence.

ANATOLY Oh?

FLORENCE He's with his agent. He should be here momentarily.

ANATOLY Wonderful. This leaves the two of us time to chat. May I buy you a drink?

FLORENCE Yes. Thank you. Do you have Perrier?

bartender Calistoga water.

FLORENCE A seltzer, please.

MOLOKOV Perhaps we should order food. I feel ravenously hungry.

ANATOLY Shall I enquire after the specials?

MOLOKOV (to a diner across the room) How's the trout?

diner (In Russian) Excellent.

MOLOKOV The trout is excellent tonight.

FLORENCE (to Anatoly, looking at the Diner) He's with you?

ANATOLY Hardly. He's with him.

MOLOKOV Anatoly Valeriovich enjoys pointing out the lavish attention accorded Soviet chess heroes travelling abroad.

ANATOLY Molokov, if you wish to eat soon, I suggest you make a phone call now and enquire after our American friend.

MOLOKOV It appears I have to go to the men's room. Miss Vassy, excuse me.

(Molokov exits)

ANATOLY Miss Vassy, I must take this moment. As a much younger man, I read your father's book. You must know the extraordinary impact he has had on a generation of Soviet players.

FLORENCE Thank you. That means a great deal to me.

ANATOLY Although by telling you this, I give you a special insight to my style of play.

FLORENCE We're aware of the wide range of Soviet tactics, Mr. Sergievsky.

ANATOLY And with Freddie Trumper, don't you find yourself at your wits end?

(pause) I'm sorry, that was tactless of me. It's just that I know you have nothing whatsoever to do with this farcical business about the yogurt.

FLORENCE What makes you think that Freddie and I aren't in complete agreement?

ANATOLY From the look in his eyes. And the look in yours. He was afraid of losing, wasn't he?

FLORENCE Freddie's not a....

ANATOLY As his second, you had no choice but to defend him. Please believe me when I tell you I have never cheated in my life. Not at chess, anyway.

FLORENCE Then why are you apologizing tonight?

ANATOLY I have no intention of apologizing.

FLORENCE Then why are we here?

ANATOLY We are here to meet each other.

diner (in Russian) Pass the salt.

FLORENCE Excuse me, but Freddie is coming here to discuss continuation of a chess match.

diner (in Russian) Pass the salt.

FLORENCE What is he saying?

ANATOLY He says you have beautiful eyes. Please.

diner (in Russian) Pass the salt.

(Anatoly passes the salt)

FLORENCE He asked for the salt! You talk about trust. I have no reason to trust you at all.

ANATOLY Nor I you. You said Freddie would be here and he is not. You came so early for our meeting. What's your motive? What's going on here? You could be working for Molokov for all I know.

"Terrace Duet"

FLORENCE Perhaps Freddie's on the terrace. Excuse me.

This is the one situation I wanted most to avoid Nothing I say will convince him this isn't a trick

ANATOLY A drink on a clear moonlit night -- I relax, she smiles There's something peculiar going on

FLORENCE So, through no fault of my own, I'm in it way over my head Embarrassed, outnumbered, marooned

ANATOLY Now she can't be working for them -- I mean us -She seems so very straightforward -- but where is he?

FLORENCE He has to show up -- it can't come to nothing --perhaps it can!

ANATOLY

Maybe he's scared -maybe he's scared, just as scared as he was in the game

FLORENCE Oh I just couldn't care less He can go right ahead, go and wreck his career I know I've done my best

ANATOLY Well at least she's a good-looking spy

FLORENCE What if my Russian friend thinks that my plans Have nothing to do with the chess? If I don't say something and soon He'll go -- maybe I'm on nobody's side!

ANATOLY Listen, I hate to break up the mood How do you say, begin the beguine Haven't you noticed we're still one character short

In this idyllic, well-produced scene?

FLORENCE How could I not? Miss Vassy regrets Anything goes with your opponent

ANATOLY Never mind him -- I haven't missed him so far Maybe it won't do any harm To struggle on without his charm Funny how all at once I feel Nothing about that meeting matters any more

(Florence starts to leave the terrace. Anatoly grabs her and pulls her close. They kiss)

FLORENCE This is the one situation I wanted most to avoid

ANATOLY My dear opponent -- I really can't imagine why

FLORENCE You think I'm the dangerous kind? Well, I am

(Florence backs away)

ANATOLY You -- you're not dangerous Who could think that of you?

FLORENCE & ANATOLY You are so strange -- why can't you be what you ought to be? You should be scheming, intriguing, too clever by half --

ANATOLY I have to hand it to you For you've managed to make me forget why I ever agreed to this farce

(They look at each other and embrace again)

FLORENCE & ANATOLY I don't know why I can't think of anything I would rather do Than be spending my time with someone like you.

(As they kiss again, Freddie enters. They part guiltily when Freddie speaks)

FREDDIE Who'd ever think it? Such a very pretty setting! Tell me what's the betting Very pretty plotting too? No matter -- I've done all your work for you.

FLORENCE Freddie, I'm sorry...this shouldn't be happening.

FREDDIE Who'd ever guess it?

Daughter in collaboration With the very nation Gave her father the third degree! Where's Daddy? Dead or in the KGB?

MOLOKOV (in Russian; trying to intercede) [?]

FLORENCE Freddie, it's all my fault....

ANATOLY Miss Vassy has made me realize how wrong I was. Please accept my apology for eating yogurt during the match.

FREDDIE I'm taking no apologies, Sergievsky. This is personal now.

FLORENCE Freddie....

FREDDIE Shut up. The match is on. You be there tomorrow.

MOLOKOV Wonderful. We've all made up.

FREDDIE (grabs Florence) We're getting the hell out of here.

MOLOKOV I'm telling you, this is big. (pause; to Anatoly) An interesting gambit, my friend.

Scene 9: The Lobby of the International Hotel

FLORENCE

Freddie, what kind of a fool do you think I am? Do you think I don't know what he's up to? He's using me to upset you.

FREDDIE And he's doing a very good job.

FLORENCE I promise you that it will never happen again. I've apologized a dozen times. I don't know what else to say.

FREDDIE I don't know what else to believe.

(a Bellman approaches)

bellman Miss Vassy.

FLORENCE Yes, what is it?

bellman

There's a call for you. You can take it on the house phone.

FREDDIE Go. Take the call. Take it easy, champ, we can't let these cheap psychological ploys get to us like this.

FLORENCE (into phone) This is Florence Vassy. There's a call for me?

(Nicolai enters)

nikolai Excuse me, Mr. Trumper? I don't quite know how to ask this....

FREDDIE Why don't you give it a shot?

nikolai May I have your autograph, please?

FREDDIE You're Molokov's assistant.

nikolai I am also a chess fan. Please write 'to Nikolai.'

bellman Miss Vassy? We are delighted to be of service.

FLORENCE Hello?

ANATOLY It's me.

FLORENCE ANATOLY, why are you calling me here?

ANATOLY When can I see you again?

FLORENCE ANATOLY. We are from different countries. Different worlds. There's no future in this.

ANATOLY Tell me you won't see me again. I knew it. I knew it from the way you kissed me. Please. We must see each other again tonight.

FLORENCE No. That's impossible. And please, don't call me again.

(Walter enters)

WALTER You know, FREDDIE, there must be 20,000 Nikolais in the Soviet Union, we should find somebody to penetrate that market.

FREDDIE (to Florence) And who was that? It was him, wasn't it? FLORENCE We have to keep our minds on the match.

FREDDIE He couldn't even wait until you got back to your room.

FLORENCE Freddie, I didn't call him, he called me. And I told him I never wanted to see him again, I swear it.

FREDDIE It is hard for me to imagine you getting yourself in this position. He is my opponent, after all. If I didn't know you better, I'd say it almost seems like sabotage.

FLORENCE Freddie....

FREDDIE Florence, what do you think you're doing?

(Walter and Freddie exit. Anatoly enters)

ANATOLY There's no easy way for me to tell you this....

FLORENCE Why did you come here? I can't be seen with you.

ANATOLY [?] You changed my life....

FLORENCE You're talking like a crazy man. We don't even know each other.

ANATOLY I know that. [?] You are a courageous woman, a strong woman. I'm falling in love with you, Florence.

FLORENCE [?] You were confused by someone who has not been kissed in a long time. I'm not the person you're talking about.

ANATOLY One of you is.

FLORENCE I'm not the person you're talking to.

ANATOLY You are.

FLORENCE I can't be that woman.

(but she responds to his embrace and eventually, his kiss)

Anatoly....we are from different countries, different worlds. Even if it were possible, there's no future in this.

ANATOLY I believe you could feel something for me and you have committed yourself right now. I saw how he treats you. Maybe after this match is over and we're no longer opponents, you will give me a chance then....

FLORENCE There's no chance for us Anatoly.

ANATOLY [?] There's no chance for Trumper! He's finished!

(he exits)

Scene 10: The Rooftop Ballroom

announcer We're here at the World Chess Federation championship, where play resumes after completion of the first draw last weekend. No early trends as yet, although Trumper....

FLORENCE Not to worry, it's Freddie's....

ARBITER The score in the World Chess Federation championship now stands at two victories to one, with one draw.

announcer Entering the second week of the match, we....

(Cacophony of television and radio commentators.)

ARBITER The score now stands at three victories to one with three draws.

announcer ...where action has resumed at the World Chess Federation championship. Time and again over the week, the Soviet's middle game has proved particularly strong....

ARBITER On the twentieth day of play the score stands at four victories to one with four draws. In today's game, Mr. Sergievsky plays white.

"No Contest"

WALTER You take care, you don't let Their shenanigans blind you And you're wrong to forget You've got your country behind you

FREDDIE

You're a fool if you think you can wave a flag And inspire some dramatic action If I want bad enough then it's in the bag If I don't you're a mere distraction

WALTER You taught me baby how the few who win acquire What their hearts desire It ain't practice, it ain't skill They'll help but not as much as wanting will

FREDDIE No contest, baby! Pay no mind to reputation You want concentration? When they pick him off the floor It's 'cause I wanted it a little more

WALTER You can win, you can lose

Take or be a possession You taught me how to choose And the key is obsession

(the match resumes)

FREDDIE See my eyes, are they safe, are they even sane? Are they warm when they seem to greet you? You don't know, you can't tell, but it should be plain These are eyes that are gonna beat you Don't ever tell me I don't know the way to play it Do I have to say it? Doesn't matter what he tries I have him, you can see it in the eyes.

both No contest, baby! Barely any point in playing When it's just delaying What we both already know

He lost it a woman and a half ago.

ARBITER Mr. Trumper has resigned. The score now stands at five victories to one in favor of the challenger.

announcer That's it, ladies and gentlemen. One more victory and Anatoly Sergievsky will be the new chess champion of the world.

"So You Got What You Want"

FREDDIE (to Florence, as she starts to exit) So you got what you want What a nasty ambition! Set me up, pull me down Then exploit my condition Who'd ever think it? Such a squalid little ending Watching you descending Just as far as you can go

I'm learning Things I didn't want to know

FREDDIE and FLORENCE Who'd ever guess That this would be the situation One more observation How'd we ever get this far? Before you showed me What you really are.

FLORENCE You'd be lost without me to abuse Like you used to

FREDDIE Go away, just get out Be someone else's parasite.

FLORENCE Okay, I'm going back to New York.

MOLOKOV (to Anatoly) Let her go. You've almost won. You don't need her now. She has served her purpose.

ANATOLY Get your hands off me.

MOLOKOV (in Russian) [?]

woman He said, we all deserve a drink.

(all exit the arena, while Freddie replaces the chess pieces on the tournament board)

"Pity the Child"

FREDDIE When I was nine I learned survival

Taught myself not to care I was my single good companion Taking my comfort there Up in my room I planned my conquests On my own -- never asked for a helping hand No one would understand I never asked the pair who fought below Just in case they said no

Pity the child who has ambition Knows what he wants to do Knows that he'll never fit the system Others expect him to Pity the child who knew his parents Saw their faults, saw their love die before his eyes Pity a child that wise He never asked did I cause your distress? Just in case they said yes

When I was twelve my father moved out Left with a whimper -- not with a shout

I didn't miss him -- he made it perfectly clear I was a fool and probably queer Fool that I was I thought this would bring Those he had left closer together She made her move the moment he walked away I was the last the woman told She never let her bed get cold Someone moved in -- I shut my door Someone to treat her just the same way as before

I took the road of least resistance I had my game to play I had the skill, and more -- the hunger Easy to get away Pity the child with no such weapons No defence, no escape from the ties that bind Always a step behind I never called to tell her all I'd done I was only her son!

Pity the child but not forever

Not if he stays that way He can get all he ever wanted If he's prepared to pay Pity instead the careless mother What she missed What she lost when she let me go And I wonder does she know I wouldn't call. A crazy thinkg to do Just in case she said 'Who?'

Scene 11: The Hotel's Underground Garage

WALTER Florence, Florence. You checked out before I could leave a name at the front desk....

FLORENCE My flight's in forty minutes. If you're here to talk me out of leaving....

WALTER Something astonishing's happened. It's not Freddie at all....

(Anatoly enters)

ANATOLY Hello, Florence. From one stateless person to another....

FLORENCE Anatoly, what do you...?

WALTER He's defecting, Florence.

ANATOLY I hate that word, defecting. Let's just say I'm moving to a new address.

FLORENCE Why now, you're one victory away from....

WALTER

I've got to call some people from immigration....

(he exits)

ANATOLY There's very little time, I have no choice. I've applied to the American Embassy for immigrant status.

FLORENCE Couldn't you have waited one day?

ANATOLY Yes, I could have, I suppose, but you could not.

FLORENCE My reasons for leaving are different than yours.

ANATOLY Our reasons can't be separated, Florence. You have made me realize many things about my country and my life. You once said we were from different worlds but we are in the same boat now.

FLORENCE

Anatoly, I can't commit to this.

ANATOLY How strangely life works itself out. You said we had no future together. I can't imagine a future without you. You are the only future I have left to imagine.

(Walter re-enters)

WALTER Sergievsky. They need to speak to you on the phone.

ANATOLY Florence, I must go for a moment. Stay right where you are. Don't leave, please.

(Walter and Anatoly exit)

"Heaven Help My Heart"

FLORENCE If it were love I should give that love every second I have

And I do Did I know where he'd lead me to? Did I plan Doing all of this for the love of a man? Well I let it happen anyhow And what I'm feeling now Has no easy explanations Reason plays no part Heaven help my heart I love him too much What if he saw my whole existence Turning around a word, a smile, a touch?

One of these days, and it won't be long, he'll know more about me Than he should All my dreams will be understood No surprise Nothing more to learn from the look in my eyes Though I know that time is not my friend I'll fight it to the end

Hoping to keep this best of moments When the passions start Heaven help my heart The day that I find Suddenly I've run out of reasons Suddenly I'm not always on his mind.

(Anatoly enters and stands upstage; Florence looks at him)

Maybe it's best to love a stranger Well that's what I've done -Heaven help my heart Heaven help my heart.

(Florence goes to Anatoly and they embrace; Walter enters)

WALTER So the Americans came through.

FLORENCE So you're in?

ANATOLY So I'm out.

FLORENCE So here we are.

WALTER Boy, has your wife got a surprise ahead of her.

ANATOLY Temporary visa to the United States of America. Sounds wonderful. The United States.

FLORENCE Anatoly, do you have any children?

ANATOLY No. Just a wife. She and I....

FLORENCE Don't say anything....

ANATOLY Florence, it went wrong between us a long time ago.

FLORENCE So at least I'm not a homewrecker too? I mean as well as being a traitor to the man I worked with for seven years.

ANATOLY I will expect you to give me inside information on his game.

FLORENCE We'll need a hotel room for that.

ANATOLY Is that all you ever think about?

FLORENCE Chess? No.

(she kisses Anatoly)

ANATOLY Well, then. We have our luggage, we have our freedom and I have a Bangkok hotel guide.

Scene 12: The British Embassy

announcer Ladies and gentlemen, an extraordinary development here at the World Chess Championship. Just one victory away from the title, the Soviet, ANATOLY Sergievsky, appears to have defected to the west. For the love of his opponent's second, Miss Florence Vassy. Let's listen in while the couple meets the press.

reporter #1 Mr. Sergievsky. Why now?

reporter #2 Why with glasnost?

reporter #3 Has your love affair anything to do with the collapse of Freddie Trumper's game, Miss

Vassy?

ANATOLY Don't answer her!

FLORENCE Walter, how did the media find out?

WALTER I called them.

FLORENCE Why?

WALTER You don't think I helped Sergievsky out of the goodness of my heart, do you? He promised us a week's postponement. A little time to get Freddie back on his feet.

FLORENCE But why call the press?

WALTER

Publicity.

reporter #3 It's such a hopeful time in East-West relations, why defect now?

ANATOLY I am not defecting. I have no further comments.

reporter #4 Is this your way of denouncing perestroika?

ANATOLY I denounce nothing. Please. It's not a political gesture.

"The Reporters"

reporters How long was this planned? What made you defect? Did anyone help you? And do you expect

To be joined in your exile By loved ones such as your wife? Or are you starting again In all aspects of life?

[?]Do you intend To finish the match Or have you resigned now And should be attached Any special significance To your [?] THIS DECISION AS FAR AS THE MATCH

MOLOKOV Ladies and gentlemen. Defection old hat. The Soviet Union has a completely open emigration policy. Sergievsky, you're leaving your homeland not as a hero, but as a traitor.

"Anthem"

ANATOLY I denounce nothing! No one.

No man, no madness Though their sad power may prevail Can possess, conquer, my country's heart They rise to fail She is eternal Long before nations lines were drawn When no flags flew, when no armies stood My land was born

And you ask me why I love her Through wars, death and despair She is the constant, we who don't care And you wonder will I leave her -- but how? I cross over borders but I'm still there now

How can I leave her? Where would I start? Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart My land's only borders lie around my heart.

end of act one

ACT TWO

Scene 1: Freddie's Suite Doorway

(Florence bangs on his door)

FLORENCE Freddie. Let me in, I have to talk to you. You have to give me a chance to explain. Open the door, Freddie. I'm not helping Anatoly, you have to know that.

(Walter answers the door)

WALTER Go away Florence, he's trying to sleep.

FLORENCE

Walter, you have to let me in, I have to explain.

WALTER He saw the whole thing on television. Now leave him alone and let him lick his wounds.

FLORENCE Freddie, where are you?

WALTER No!

FLORENCE Where is he?

WALTER Since six-thirty last night, nobody knows.

FLORENCE He's missing? We have to call the police.

WALTER

No. We can't afford the publicity.

FLORENCE Walter, we have to find him. He doesn't know Bangkok.... (into phone) Hello, front desk? Get me the American Embassy.

WALTER I'm sorry, Florence. He's alone on this one.

Scene 2: Bangkok at Night

"One Night in Bangkok"

FREDDIE Bangkok! Oriental setting And the city don't know what the city is getting The creme de la creme of the chess world in a

Show with everything but Yul Brynner

Bangkok! Just another stop in The chess world circus -- Masters drop in, Play, checkmate, check out and then you Move on to another venue

Like Iceland -- or the Philippines -- or Hastings -or -- this place!

chorus One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster The bars are temples but the pearls ain't free You'll find a god in every golden cloister And if you're lucky then the god's a she I can feel an angel sliding up to me

FREDDIE One town's very like another When your head's down over your pieces, brother

chorus It's a drag, it's a bore, it's really such a pity To be looking at the board, not looking at the city

FREDDIE What do you mean? You've seen one crowded, polluted, stinking town, you've seen--

chorus Tea, girls, warm, sweet Some are set up in the Somerset Maugham Suite

FREDDIE Get Thai'd! You're taking to a tourist Whose every move's among the purest

I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine.

chorus One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble Not much between despair and ecstasy

One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble Can't be too careful with your company I can feel the devil walking next to me

FREDDIE Siam's gonna be the witness To the ultimate test in cerebral fitness This grips me more than would a Muddy old river or reclining BUDDHA

I don't see you guys rating The kind of mate I'm contemplating I'd let you watch, I would invite you But the queens we use would not excite you

So you'd better go back to your bars, your temples, your massage parlors....

chorus One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster The bars are temples but the pearls ain't free

You'll find a god in every golden cloister A little flesh, a little history I can feel an angel sliding up to me

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble Not much between despair and ecstasy One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble Can't be too careful with your company I can feel the devil walking next to me

(Freddie is mugged by a gang of hoodlums)

WALTER Freddie! Jesus Christ.

Scene 3: A Thai Restaurant

man

Are you still happy?

ANATOLY Very happy. We'll have the pineapple dessert, thank you.

FLORENCE The week's postponement has passed so quickly. We've hardly mentioned chess at all.

ANATOLY Conversation has taken the back seat at times, no? So no regrets?

FLORENCE I regret hurting Freddie. My only other regret is not meeting you sooner.

ANATOLY A week has passed and no move from Molokov. I feel as if I'm in America already. We are staying at the hotel with a tour group from Buffalo. We are renting a Hertz Rent-aCar Ford Escort and down the block is not only a Burger King but a Popeye Chicken. Of course, the big change is the nationality of my baby sitters. They're Americans now.

man Hello... Tolya Sergievsky.

(a man and woman approach Anatoly. His guards grab them)

ANATOLY Josef! Let her go. This is a friend of mine.

guard #1 They are okay?

ANATOLY Yes, I tell you, these are good friends from Moscow. Studied at the [?].

(lots of conversation in Russian)

ANATOLY He wants to know why you tried to hurt him.

guard #1 Tell him we're sorry, Anatoly.

guard #2 We have a job to do. We're just trying to do it.

guard #1 Why don't you ask your friends how they got their plane tickets to Bangkok.

ANATOLY (asks in Russian)

man (in Russian) Svetlana's in Bangkok.

ANATOLY Svetlana?

(discussion in Russian)

woman Goodbye.

ANATOLY We want to be alone.

guard #1 I'm sorry, but you're under our supervision while you're in Bangkok.

ANATOLY I don't think I'm going to be kidnapped in the next twenty minutes. May I please enjoy my basic human right of privacy?

guard #2 All right. Let's leave 'em alone.

guard #1 Just don't leave town, pardner.

(the Guards exit)

ANATOLY (to Florence) My wife is in Bangkok.

FLORENCE Her name is Svetlana, isn't it? I always found it strange that you never told me her name.

ANATOLY This is Molokov's doing.

FLORENCE They've started, haven't they?

ANATOLY They will stop at nothing to drive me.

FLORENCE Are you going to see her?

ANATOLY Should I see her, Florence?

FLORENCE This is your move, Anatoly, not mine.

ANATOLY We're not playing a game of chess.

FLORENCE Go.

ANATOLY I don't love her.

FLORENCE You married her.

ANATOLY Years ago.

"You and I"

FLORENCE Just go. You love her.

This is an all too familiar scene Life imperceptibly coming between Those whose love is as strong as it could or should be

ANATOLY Nothing has altered --

FLORENCE -- yet everything's changed

ANATOLY No one stands still --

both Still I love you completely and hope I always will

ANATOLY Why do we need to put love into words? Causing confusion We protest, explain Reassure in vain Come to no conclusion

FLORENCE

I'd give the world to stay just as we are It's better by far Not to be too wise Not to realize Where there's truth there will be lies

You and I We've seen it all

both Chasing our hearts desire Yet we go on believing

ANATOLY Nothing can harm us This is forever.

(Anatoly leaves Florence and joins Svetlana on a balcony)

Scene 4: Svetlana's Suite

"You and I"

SVETLANA You knew better than me Where your ambitions would take us I knew sooner than you That those ambitions would break us You would not believe me Why should you believe me? I held you back You and your dream

Who needs a dream? Who needs ambition? Who'd be the fool In my position? Year after year I'm still denying

Anything's changed Many things dying But then --

ANATOLY and SVETLANA You and I We've seen it all Been down this road before But I go on pretending Stories like ours Have happy endings

ANATOLY What is left to say?

SVETLANA I am not surprised. Our friends in Moscow were, but then they had not yet heard the explanation.

ANATOLY I have done many things I am not proud of, Svetlana, but I have never lied to you.

SVETLANA Is she beautiful? Is she rich?

ANATOLY No.

SVETLANA But she dresses well.

ANATOLY Is that a question?

SVETLANA No. (pause) Are you happy? Is she?

ANATOLY Svetlana, I love her.

SVETLANA That wasn't what I asked. That wasn't what I wanted to know (pause) It is good to see you again. It is always a pleasure to see my husband.

ANATOLY Svetlana! Please!

(She exits. Molokov enters)

MOLOKOV Things will get worse before they get better.

ANATOLY I have some money for her. Maybe you could give it to her. I don't think she would take it from me.

MOLOKOV Why not wait and see. She'll be staying in Bangkok for the rest of the match.

ANATOLY I don't think that would be a very good idea.

MOLOKOV No one cares what you think. Sergievsky, you have no concept of the gravity of what you have done. Tens of thousands of young people are trying to build a new Russia, and this is the example you set.

ANATOLY With tens of thousands there what does one more matter?

MOLOKOV There are people in high places who care very much about the defection of the nation's chess champion. It reflects badly on our reforms. If you continue on your present course, Svetlana Ivanova will lose her apartment and your brother....

ANATOLY What about my brother?

MOLOKOV There is a housing shortage in Rybinsk. He and his wife will have to find a smaller apartment soon. And Svetlana's brother--suddenly there will be no room for him at the medical school. And your brother's son--how old is he?

ANATOLY I want to live in peace.

MOLOKOV Five, is he?

ANATOLY Why can't you leave us alone?

MOLOKOV As you say, the world is changing, Sergievsky. Only not as fast as you think. I want to leave this room with your promise to return to Moscow when this match is over.

ANATOLY How long have you known me? How long have you watched me play chess? What makes you think I'm going to back down now? Your tactics are from another era, Molokov. We are building democracy in our country now. And I am voting with my people.

MOLOKOV One little move affecting so many people's lives. You've taken on a most unpleasant enemy.

(They both exit the room. The scene shifts to a small bridge outside)

Scene 5: Bangkok Waterfront

"Where I Want to Be"/ "You and I" (reprise)

FREDDIE Who needs a dream? Who needs ambition? Who'd be the fool In my position?

Once I had dreams Now they're obsessions Hopes become needs Lovers possessions But then

(Florence enters)

FREDDIE and florence You and I We've seen it all Been down this road before But we go on pretending

florence Stories like ours Have happy endings.

FREDDIE The Bridge Over the River Kwai. Not a bad spot for a midnight rendezvous.

FLORENCE Actually, it's the [?]. Thanks for seeing me, Freddie.

FREDDIE Seven years is a long time. Who am I to disappoint an old friend?

FLORENCE You played well today.

FREDDIE I played all right. Your man stank.

FLORENCE He had some nice moves during the exchange of knights.

FREDDIE He stank for forty-three moves, then he lost.

FLORENCE He did stink, didn't he?

FREDDIE You've obviously not been helping him much with his game.

FLORENCE How are your bruises?

FREDDIE You mean the ones on my face?

(pause) I guess you could say I hit bottom, Florence. And I found out the bottom's not so bad when you get right down to it, really. I'm like a cat that always lands on its feet.

FLORENCE We're survivors, aren't we?

FREDDIE Live and learn. Isn't that the Russians' saying?

FLORENCE Freddie, I need a favor.

FREDDIE I can't wait for this.

FLORENCE The Soviets want him back. They're making terrible threats against his family. They've even flown his wife in from Moscow.

FREDDIE How awkward for you.

FLORENCE This problem is serious, Freddie. You and I have nothing to do with it. He's asked for one postponement already. He can't ask for another.

FREDDIE So you want me to ask for one?

FLORENCE Only for a week. Just enough time for him to get back on his feet. Like he gave you.

FREDDIE I really gotta hand it to you, Florence. Now I know why you are the best chess second in the business. He's beaten, isn't he?

FLORENCE He lost today for reasons having nothing to do with his game.

FREDDIE So what if I did ask? There's no guarantee the Arbiter would accept.

FLORENCE

I know.

FREDDIE There'd have to be a hell of a reason.

FLORENCE I know. Try, Freddie. Do it for me. Because I'm asking.

FREDDIE You got it, babe. Because you asked. But when he gets back, I want his best game because I plan to stage the greatest comeback in the history of world championship play. And when I retain my title, I don't want anybody saying I beat a man who was beaten already.

FLORENCE Someday I'd like to explain why all this happened.

FREDDIE I think I know already.

FLORENCE I fell in love with him, Freddie. I wasn't looking for it to happen. It just did.

FREDDIE I guess I should have paid a little more attention. Anyway, he's got a week to get his act together. And then you tell him for me...do you promise to tell him what I'm about to say?

FLORENCE Yes. I promise.

FREDDIE You tell him the legend is back.

Scene 5: The Arbiter's Suite

announcer Events are unfolding with blinding speed here at the World Chess Championship. At yesterday's game, the first since Anatoly Sergievsky's stunning defection to the West a week ago, produced a smashing victory for the American, Frederick Trumper. Yet here we are, outside the Arbiter's suite awaiting a surprise public meeting between the Arbiter and the champion. We've just received word that Frederick Trumper is arriving now.

FREDDIE

Good morning everybody. Let's put the pedal to the metal.

ARBITER You appear in fine fettle, Mr. Trumper. I trust we can keep this brief.

FREDDIE I need a week's postponement.

ARBITER Mr. Trumper, hasn't this match had enough distractions already?

FREDDIE A week or so ago, I had an unfortunate encounter with 12 or 14 hoodlums in the back streets of Bangkok. Ever since, I've had these splitting headaches. Now it doesn't seem unreasonable to me that if my opponent can get a week's postponement, that I can't get the same.

ARBITER From you I have come to expect the unexpected. I will retire to deliberate.

reporter #1 Freddie, why ask for a postponement now?

reporter #2 You creamed the guy the last game.

reporter #3 Aren't you afraid he'll return to form?

reporter #4 After all, he beat you five straight.

"What a Scene" (reprise)

FREDDIE And I say, tell me Make my day, tell me You got it wrong He's washed up And it's me in pole position

Spread the news, tell them It's a cruise, tell them

I'm on a rolL, flyin' high Working on his demolition

I know that I got him now But all they want is a show Well that's all right, I'll be glad to oblige S.R.O., S.R.O.

(the Reporters react)

FREDDIE Sorry, kids no more questions. I feel a migraine coming on. Walter, when the decision comes down, give me a buzz.

(Freddie and the Reporters exit)

MOLOKOV (to Walter) You're not impressed. We tried every tactic in the book. I am being held personnaly responsible for this debacle. So I...have, DeCourcey, a proposition...this letter.... (he holds a letter out to Walter)

This letter contains a study of financial opportunities for the American Chess interests in my country. [?] You would be just the man to steer them. Our commercial offering to the West.

WALTER Sounds like a must-read. I'll put it on top of my stack.

MOLOKOV My dear DeCourcey, this is a moment to be coy. We are aware that you have certain 'friends' in Washington. For obvious reasons, I cannot contact them directly. But in the words of President Bush, 'read my lips.' We don't care whether Sergievsky wins or loses; we want him back!

WALTER No promises Molokov, I'll see what I can do.

WOMAN Attention please, for the Arbiter's announcement.

ARBITER Mr. Trumper claims to be suffering from headaches as the result of a beating. His convincing victory in game eight suggests to me that he has fully recovered from his injuries. Mr. DeCourcey, here are two aspirin and a glass of water. I suggest your man take them before the game tomorrow. Request for postponement denied.

"Story of Chess" (reprise)

Each game of chess Means there's one less Variation left to be played

Each day got through Means one or two Less mistakes remain to be made

King and queen and rook And bishop, knight and pawn ALL TOOK ON THE LOOK We know TODAY, THE MODERN GAME WAS BORN

WALTER Ben. You were right. They're ready to talk about Sergievsky

ben Good work, Walter. So you've got a game. What are they asking for?

WALTER I don't want to get involved in the negotiations. Just give me a few hours to handle my own deal with Molokov, then give me a call. By then, Moscow will be ready to rock and roll.

announcer The battle of Bangkok has continued to dominate headlines around the world. Ever since the love match and defection of Florence Vassy and Anatoly Sergievsky, TV ratings for the chess game have skyrocketed. Trumper's stream of victories is continuing. Sergievsky's play seems half-hearted. Trumper's bold aggressiveness has begun to pay off. Both camps have maintained a stony silence since the resumption of play. Sergievsky's Minzoleanian [?] defense has once again failed to produce results. I'd say this game is history.

ARBITER Mr. Trumper's win today leaves the score at five wins for Mr. Sergievsky, five for Mr. Trumper with four draws. Match game even. One more victory on either side will produce a world title.

Scene 7: A Bar in the International Hotel

"I Know Him So Well"

FLORENCE Nothing is so good it lasts eternally Perfect situations must go wrong But this has never yet prevented me Wanting far too much for far too long Looking back I could have played it differently Learned a little more before I fell

(Svetlana enters and sits at the opposite end)

But it took time to understand the man Now at least I know I know him well

Wasn't it good?

SVETLANA Oh so good

FLORENCE Wasn't he fine?

SVETLANA Oh so fine

FLORENCE Isn't it madness?

both He can't be mine?

FLORENCE But in the end he needs a little bit more than me More security

SVETLANA He needs his fantasy and freedom

FLORENCE I know him so well

SVETLANA No one in your life is with you constantly

No one is completely on your side And though I move my world to be with him Still the gap between us is too wide Looking back I could have played it differently

FLORENCE Looking back I could have played it some other way

SVETLANA Won a few more moments, who can tell?

FLORENCE I was just a little careless maybe

SVETLANA But I was ever so much younger then

FLORENCE Now at least I know him well

SVETLANA

Now at least

both I know I know him well

SVETLANA Wasn't it good?

FLORENCE Oh so good

SVETLANA Wasn't he fine?

FLORENCE Oh so fine

SVETLANA Isn't it madness

both

He won't be mine? Didn't I know how it would go? If I knew from the start Why am I falling apart?

SVETLANA Wasn't it good? Wasn't he fine

FLORENCE Isn't it madness

both He won't be mine?

FLORENCE But in the end he needs a little bit more than me -More security

SVETLANA He needs his fantasy and freedom

FLORENCE I know him so well

SVETLANA It took time to understand him

(Florence moves closer to Svetlana)

both I know him so well.

FLORENCE You're Svetlana, aren't you?

SVETLANA You must be Florence.

FLORENCE I was just waiting here for....

SVETLANA I was just thinking how interesting it would be to accidentally run into my husband's mistress. What kind word are you expecting of me?

FLORENCE Anatoly's at the American Embassy. He's been gone all afternoon.

SVETLANA Anatoly is familiar with waiting in lines. Fortunately he has always had tremendous patience. Perhaps willpower would be a better term. I remember the first year we went together...but then you are not interested in that. How is Anatoly?

FLORENCE He's been trying to get immigrant status at the embassy for days. He's followed in the street by men neither of us recognize. The phone rings at four a.m. He's becoming distracted and paranoid, even with me....

SVETLANA Forgive me, Miss Vassy, but you must know. You will say that I have selfish reasons for telling you this, but there have been others before you. Anatoly's a hopeless romantic. You are not his first love affair. You are only the first woman he has defected for.

FLORENCE There's nothing you could do or say that would shake my love for Anatoly.

SVETLANA If there was, then your love would not be worth much, would it? Anatoly!

(Anatoly enters, goes to the bar)

ANATOLY Scotch!

FLORENCE Are you all right? I thought you'd be here hours ago.

ANATOLY A strange man came up to me on the street just now and said my brother's son has been burnt in an accident. Don't worry, he said, he's only very frightened. So are his parents. It could have been much, much worse. Then he vanished.

SVETLANA (in Russian) [?]

ANATOLY Yes, call my brother in Rybinsk.

(in Russian) [?] I'm sorry, Florence, this is important. (in Russian) [?]

SVETLANA I will go back to my hotel and make a call.

ANATOLY Thank you, Svetlana. I appreciate this favor tremendously.

SVETLANA You're welcome, Anatoly. I will be going now. Goodbye, Miss Vassy.

ANATOLY Another! Those bastards. They won't leave us alone. Meanwhile, the Americans don't seem to want me at all. Three hours today I spent in that visa line, only to be sent to another line where someone's out to lunch. Two more hours I wait only to be told soand-so is now ill and won't be back today.

FLORENCE

Tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it.

ANATOLY What was Svetlana doing here? What did she tell you? She's the only person they can use to get me.

FLORENCE Anatoly, there's no one you should trust more than me. My father died fighting the enemies you're fighting now. We can't watch your family being hurt because of something we did. We'll start a campaign in the media. We won't let them intimidate us like this.

ANATOLY Florence, my problems have nothing to do with us. And everything to do with where I come from.

FLORENCE But you're not in the Soviet Union any more. If it weren't for our love for each other, none of this would be happening.

ANATOLY You're right. For too long I've let them run my life. I am in the West now. We must move on together. First, there is something I must do alone. I love you, Florence.

(he exits)

FLORENCE I love you too.

Scene 8: A Buddhist Temple

WALTER Nice, Freddie. Any chance we can get him up against that Buddha?

photographer Get lost, pal, this is my shoot. Great, wonderful...keep moving...fine, Freddie, flash those pearlies.

(Anatoly enters)

FREDDIE Sergievsky.

ANATOLY At the hotel, they told me I could find you here. No pictures.

FREDDIE He didn't come to have his picture taken.

(Anatoly grabs her camera)

photographer Hey! Give me that.

ANATOLY We must talk alone.

WALTER Of course.

ANATOLY Florence and I are in love. We want to stay together after the match.

FREDDIE

Do tell.

ANATOLY Unfortunately, I do not seem to be able to travel freely in the West. My own government has chosen to harass my family and friends at home. I cannot allow this to continue. This is why I won't be playing in the match tomorrow.

FREDDIE Congratulations on retaining your title. You are a great champion.

FREDDIE Wait a minute. Hey, come back here. I don't plan on backing into this title, Sergievsky.

ANATOLY You were with Florence for the better part of seven years? I thought you of all people would understand.

FREDDIE If you walk out, you won't be able to live with yourself.

ANATOLY I have no choice.

FREDDIE Yes, you do. You could try to beat me tomorrow, what? Gorbachev wouldn't welcome home the world's top player? Go for it man, give it your best shot.

ANATOLY I would want your best game, too. Maybe someday.

FREDDIE This was Florence's idea, wasn't it? She told you to forfeit the match, well I am telling you, man, do not do it.

ANATOLY You don't understand! The rest of the world is just like America! Freddie, the only way Florence and I can stay together is if we disappear.

FREDDIE You're afraid, aren't you? You don't think you can beat me.

ANATOLY Goodbye, Trumper.

FREDDIE Sergievsky! Tell her she doesn't have to stay with a loser. God dammit!

WALTER This is awful. When we started all this, it never occurred to us he'd back out of the game.

FREDDIE Who's us?

Scene 9: The Rooftop Ballroom

announcer Good morning, America, we're back in Bangkok, Thailand, where it's sudden death here in the World Chess Championships. After exactly one month of head-to-head competition, it's winner take all. The next man to win a game becomes chess champion of the world. But the big news: minutes before the big game, the challenger, the former Soviet Anatoly Sergievsky, is nowhere to be found.

"Endgame"

ARBITER's assistants Did you make it clear That he has to be here? Does he understand There are no exceptions?

ARBITER How straightforward the game When all it's rules are respected...

ARBITER's assistants Did you make it clear There are no exceptions?

ARBITER And these rules are the same For a champion or for a novice No show, no dice, no appeal, no exceptions, no way!

(Walter, Molokov and delegates enter)

ARBITER'S ASSISTANTS Do you think he knows What it's gonna cost him?

WALTER Does the player exist In any human endeavor...

mOLOKOV Do you think he cares What it's gonna cost him?

WALTER ...Who's been known to resist Sirens of fame and POSSESSIONS? Threaten to cut off supplies and he'll come out to play.

CHORUS He's a broken man Good as back in Moscow

nikolai It's the weak who extol Tawdry untruths about freedom...

chorus What a way to learn Home is where the heart is.

nikolai ...Prostituting the soul Chasing some spurious starlight Trinkets in airports sufficient to lead them astray

chorus Selfish little creep Everybody suffers.

ben I'm no expert in chess But hazard this prognostication...

chorus Selfish little creep Everybody suffers.

ben ...That the late Mister "S" Has better chances of winning The Kentucky Derby than taking this title today.

chorus Selfish little creep Everybody suffers. We don't see the jerk Even coming second.

We are all aware of reputation But one empty chair is condemnation Of a man who blew it scuttled with dishonor

No one gives a damn For his dilemma

Just another scam We're sick of them, a Pretty bleak display From Russia's PRIMA DONA

We can hardly begin to Imagine why he'd risk all he's put into His calling through the years The blood, the sweat, the tears The late, late nights the early starts The bad guy's gone and won their hearts

Is he still in bed? Or in the shower? Even if he's dead They won't allow a Man to show up after the appointed hour.

(Anatoly enters after a long pause, shakes hands with Freddie and they start to play. Florence and Svetlana join the group)

ANATOLY

They all think they see a man Who doesn't know Which move to make Which way to go Whose private life Caused his decline Wrecked his grand design Some are vicious, some are fools And others blind To see in me One of their kind

FREDDIE So he's gonna fight This situation Where's my appetite For concentration Why is he so focused When my thoughts are straying?

Looking at this man

It's her I'm seeing Once my greatest fan And now her being His still gets to me And screws the way I'm playing

SVETLANA Here I see a man caring About a minor sporting triumph, sharing A show with esoterics, Paranoids, hysterics Who don't pay attention to What goes on around them They leave the ones they touch the way they found them A normal person must Dismiss you with disgust And weep for those who trusted you

ANATOLY Nothing you have said Is revelation

Take my blues as read My consolation Finding out at last My one true obligation.

To chess!

FREDDIE At last! He's made a mistake!

ANATOLY I cannot go on hurting all the people who have trusted me

FREDDIE He will not escape from here!

ANATOLY Well here we are -The final stages of a soul-destroying game The sacrifice of someone I will never find again

FREDDIE ANATOLY Check! Never! Check! Never! Check! Never! Check! Never! Check! Never!

chorus Listen to them shout! They saw you do it In their minds no doubt That you've been through it Suffered for your art but In the end a winner

ANATOLY There is nothing more to do No hope, no way To save the game; The end of play!

So I lose today And tomorrow --

ARBITER Frederick Trumper of the United States retains his world chess title.

announcer We're here in Bangkok as Freddie Trumper wins the world chess championship in just the greatest comeback the sport has ever seen....

DELEGATES/ARBITER'S ASSISTANTS THIS IS A GREAT DAY FOR AMERICAN CHESS

announcer (on screens) There you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Frederick Trumper retains his world chess title in a match with as much drama as any in living memory. Already the world is screaming for a rematch between the American legend and the unheralded Soviet who defected just one victory away from the title and never won another game. This just in...the valiant defeated challenger has disappeared. Antoly Sergievsky has failed to follow the champion into the hotel lobby for the post-match press conference...we have a few moments before that event...we take you mpw live to Washington for reaction from the capital.

Scene 10: Bangkok International Airport

(Svetlana and Anatoly sit several seats apart in the waiting room)

SVETLANA ...Only crowded streets, dirty taxi windshields and the inside of hotel rooms. But then, I never imagined I would come back to Bangkok at all.

ANATOLY You have been extraordinarily [?]

SVETLANA Perhaps things can be different between us now, Tolya. Perhaps we two can find a new beginning.

ANATOLY There can be nothing between us. We can only be friends. But we must be friends always.

(Svetlana gets up and starts to leave, then:

SVETLANA Oh, I forgot to tell you. When I called your brother, he told me nothing has happened to little Mischa at all. No one felt frightened at home. Times continue to change. The conspiracy you imagined was only a fantasy.

(Florence enters from the opposite side)

I will see you on board.

(Svetlana exits)

FLORENCE I almost didn't come. I'm not very good at goodbyes. I brought you a going away present.

(she hands Anatoly a small box, which he opens)

A white queen. It's handcarved marble. I thought you chould take it home with you.

ANATOLY I love you, Florence. You know that. Yesterday before the match I found Freddie and told him but I couldn't tell you. As I lay there watching you sleep, I thought who would I be in your life? In the morning, I realized I am a chess player. It's grown impossible for

me to play chess in the West...any more than I could ask you to come to Moscow with me.

FLORENCE You're changing your life. I understand that.

(she turns away; Anatoly goes to her)

ANATOLY Florence, can't we see each other again?

"You and I" (reprise)

You could not give me More than you gave me

I don't know why I'm standing by Watching this happen

Why should there be something in me Still discontented?

FLORENCE I won't look back anymore And if I do -- just for a moment

ANATOLY I can't imagine a time when I won't care

both But here we are today, and it's over Hold me and tell me We'll meet again Why is it over?

You and I We've seen it all Chasing our hearts' desire But we go on pretending

(Anatoly breaks away from her and exits; Molokov enters)

MOLOKOV No, Miss Vassy, it's only his faithful second. It is a profound thing to see a man sacrifice his great love for the sake of his chess-playing sanity.

FLORENCE What does the future hold for him now?

MOLOKOV Bright prospects, I'm happy to say. Despite his loss, Sergievsky returns to Moscow a hero. A rematch with Trumper is a real possibility. Therefore I have been given the opportunity to hold a seat for you on this airplane, Florence. I can also provide you with your own apartment in Moscow if you so desire. On a personal note, let me say. I hope you will take the offer. Apartments in Moscow are as scarce as hen's teeth.

FLORENCE Does this make me Anatoly's mistress or the mistress of the Soviet Union?

MOLOKOV It has been a genuine pleasure.

(Molokov exits and Walter enters)

WALTER

So in the end our hero won Surprised us all -He played as well as he has ever done

FLORENCE No surprise

WALTER And Anatoly's going back to the Soviet Union Seems unable to win Despite the added thrill of changing sides (pause) Don't you have a single word to say?

FLORENCE No, you wouldn't listen anyhow And what I'm feeling now Has no easy explanation Hasn't this been a great achievement? Losing your man and nothing in return!

WALTER We knew the Russians would offer a gambit sooner or later.

FLORENCE What was the gambit, Walter? That Anatoly and I would fall in love?

WALTER Actually, there was an exchange. Something you just didn't see, Florence.

FLORENCE What are you talking about?

WALTER The Russians and the Americans cut a deal. Our side agreed to make Sergievsky's life miserable in the West and they agreed to some kind of trade-off, or concession or something. Funny, isn't it? Sergievsky thought the Soviets were pulling him home and actually it was us that was driving him away. Wake up Florence. While you were playing out your fantasies, a lot bigger games were going on.

FLORENCE Who told you this?

WALTER What do you mean, who told me? I brokered the deal. I set Molokov up with a couple of friends in mine in Washington....

FLORENCE You son of a bitch! You Judas! What did you get out of this?

WALTER Access to the biggest chess market in the world. Russia. Who knows? Maybe they'll even let me produce the rematch...Trumper-Sergievsky II.

FLORENCE Does Freddie know about this?

WALTER You and I know Freddie's not much good for anything but pushing pieces around a chess board, is he? Come on, Florence, I'm just a businessman. I can't do everything for him. Freddie doesn't expect everything to be like it was. He knows now that he needs you. He needs your inspiration. Maybe you need his. He's waiting outside in the limo. Oh, I took the liberty of having your luggage packed. I hope you don't mind.

FLORENCE Bring me my luggage, Walter.

WALTER What do you need it in here for?

FLORENCE Bring me my luggage and get out of my sight. Do you hear me? Get out of my sight!

"Someone Else's Story"

Long ago In someone else's lifetime Someone with my name Who looked a lot like me

Came to know A man and made a promise He only had to say And that's where she would be

Lately although the feelings run just as deep The promise she made has grown impossible to keep And yet I wish it wasn't so

Will he miss me if I go?

In a way It's someone else's story I don't see myself As taking part at all

Yesterday The girl that I was fond of Finally could see The writing on the wall Sadly She realized she'd left him behind And sadder than that she knew he wouldn't even mind And though there's nothing more to say Would he listen If I stay?

It's all very well to say 'You fool it's now or never' I could be choosing No choices whatsoever.

I will be In someone else's story In someone else's life And he could be in mine

I don't see A reason to be lonely I should take my chances Further down the line

But if that girl I knew Should ask my advice Oh I wouldn't hesitate She needn't ask me twice

Go now! I'd tell her that for free Trouble is, the girl is me The story is, the girl is me

(Freddie brings in her luggage; she takes it without a word and exits)

*The End*