"Checkout" Scene 2 Supermarket Teashop Morning

“Checkout”

Scene Two Supermarket Teashop Morning

The two elderly spinster sisters, Olive and Gwen, have just sat down. The young girls, Leanne and Mel, the prospective Bride and her prospective Bridesmaid are sitting eating at a separate table close by.

Gwen:(Searching in her bag for her purse)
We were lucky to get that space.

Olive:
Yes I just spotted it.

Gwen:
I thought you were going for the Mother and Toddler one.

Olive:
No, they are far too narrow.

Gwen:
I thought they were supposed to be wider.

Olive:
Don’t you believe it? That might be what they tell you.

Gwen:
That man looked really angry when you pulled in front of him.

Olive:
Well, if I hadn’t he would have got there first.

Gwen:
He did look furious though. He even shook his fist.

Olive:
That’s as may be but the Disabled bays are nearer. Besides he’ll be much better off parking in that Mother and Toddler space. Be easier to get his wheelchair out.

Gwen:
You did well finding reverse so quickly.

Olive:
Yes, well I had to be quick.

Gwen:
That woman in the next bay didn’t look at all pleased though, did she?

Olive:
Don’t know why.

Gwen:
She couldn’t get out of her car.

Olive:
That’s hardly my fault if she can’t park properly.

Gwen:
She said we were well over the line.

Olive:
Yes, the cheek of the woman.

Gwen:
I thought things were going to turn nasty when she said she didn’t think we were disabled.

Olive:
No, as soon as she said that I started limping.

Gwen:
That’s funny so did I.

Olive:
Well there you are then. Both of us disabled. That should see her satisfied

Gwen:
You always know what to do, Olive.

Olive:
Yes, well one of us needs to know. But I’m upset about that dent in the bumper. Why do they put posts in places where people have to reverse.

Gwen:
I think it’s to stop people coming in where the exit is.

Olive:
Well, the blessed thing’s dented my bumper.

Gwen:
Don’t upset yourself, dear. Soon get it fixed.

Olive:
That’s not the point. I like the car to look immaculate. Otherwise people might get the idea I’m a poor driver.

Gwen:
No, dear. No-one could think that. Anyone who has had as many lessons as you couldn’t possibly be a bad driver.

Olive:
You and I know that but other people don’t know what a wealth of experience I’ve got. Do you know, Gwen, I sometimes think if I wasn’t retired I could earn my living teaching people how to park.

Gwen:
I’m sure you could, dear, but why should you, just to earn a copper or two?

Olive:(Turning)
I thought we would have bumped into her by now.

Gwen:
Who?

Olive:
The Store Manager, of course.

Gwen:
Yes, she’s usually floating about on the shop floor but I haven’t seen her since she came up to us yesterday when we were at the Reduced Basket.

Olive:
We really need to know.

Mel:
How many?

Leanne:
Fifty for the Sit Down and another twenty five for the Buffet in the evening.

Mel:
What are you having for the Sit Down?

Olive:
Just an Egg and Cress sandwich.

Gwen:
What do you want to drink? Tea?

Leanne:
No, Champagne!

Mel:
Cava would be a lot cheaper.

Leanne:
Yes, but you only get married once.

Mel:
Most of my friends have been married before. Some are on their third husbands.

Olive:
Do you think I could get one?

Gwen:
Well if you really want one then we could see how much they are.

Olive:
I don’t suppose they come cheap.

Gwen:
Nothing does, these days, dear!

Olive:
It might help.

Gwen:
I agree.

Mel:
What does Gary say?

Leanne:
It’s not for him to say.

Mel:
Still, I expect he’s got an opinion. You wouldn’t want him not to have an opinion?

Leanne:
Of course…have an opinion. So long as he keeps it to himself.

Olive:
But they don’t, do they?

Gwen:
I think they do. There must be a lot of women who can’t manage without one.

Olive:
So you think I could get one put in easily enough?

Gwen:
I don’t see why not.

Mel:
I do. I really do.

Leanne:
Well, we’ll just have to try and wangle it.

Mel:
Oh, I’m getting excited at the prospect!

Olive
You and me both!

Mel:
Mark, the Best Man!

Olive:
That’s settled then…what’s more, I’m going to see if I can get him to put it in. It would make life so much easier…a Parking Sensor!

End of Scene