Work Text:
INT. BARNARD'S HOUSE - EVENING
BARNARD reluctantly welcomes STELLA ROSE in.
BARNARD
Let's make it quick. Bob could come back at any minute.
STELLA ROSE
You should just have called me then.
BARNARD
This has to be done in person. (pause)
Bob and I will coach Roxy for regionals. Together.
A beat.
STELLA ROSE
Well, that's very nice of you, telling me this.
BARNARD
I think it's better for everyone if you move past this without freaking out.
STELLA ROSE
You didn't worry about me when you talked to Roxy.
BARNARD
Because she deserved to hear the truth from me.
STELLA ROSE
If you had been so thoughtful 20 years ago...
BARNARD
Look, I know what I did. But I'm leaving my mistakes behind
and making progress. Which you clearly seem unable to do.
STELLA ROSE
Progress? You're more hung up than you've ever been.
BARNARD
You don't get it. This is not about me.
You need to accept that you have nothing to do with Bob anymore.
Just move on.
STELLA ROSE
Have you said that to Bob's wife too? When he left her?
Silence.
STELLA ROSE (CONT'D)
He didn't leave her, am I right?
BOB BARNARD
Our relationship is none of your business.
(leading her to the door)
You should go now.
STELLA ROSE
You know, I've not always been like this.
(pause)
I gave him my life, only for him to toss me aside when I demanded to reciprocate.
You think you're different. But your entire life revolves around him.
So open your eyes before it's too late: this is about you. Because I've been you. And you'll be me.
That is how Stella Rose decides to leave, smiling as soon as she turns around. Barnard is frozen.