V. Reveals her Name

Next scene

Jax: Nobody calls me Jasper, not even my parents. My name is Jax, and I'd like you to ue it.

V: Ok, Jax.

J: Ok, could you pass me that chart?

V: Why don't we start with something easy

J: Why don't you do the honors. Just pick one, and line it up.

V: Ok.

Telescope starts to fall down

V: Sorry, Sorry, Sorry Jax

(Jax adjusts the telescope) Jax: Okay, got it.

V: Can I see?

J: No, no, no. I want you to do something for me first.

V: What's that?

J: Tell me your name.

V: My name? You want me to tell you my first name?

J: Yea. People do it all the time.

V: I know, but well, we've just been getting along so well without it.

J: You do have one, don't you?

V: Of course.

J: Well?

V: I can't.

J: Why not?

V: Because I never do.

J: OK - how long have we known each other?

V: Six months, give or take.

J: OK, and during this time did you not follow me night and day.

V: That was me.

J: Were we not marooned on an island together?

V: Yes.

J: Actually faced death together?

V: Yes sir.

J: And am I not currently your employer?

V: That would be a yes.

J: Right, and after all that, don't you think it's fair for me to know a simple thing like your first name?

V: Of course it is, but I'm not going to tell you.

J: Look, I can't keep calling you Ardanowski. We've gotten past that.

V: Fine, call me dude.

J: Is that your name?

V: OK. Obviously you are not understanding me. I hate my first name. Loathe it, detest it, wish that I'd never heard it. I never tell anyone what it is, and I'm not going to start now.

Jax smiles. You wanna bet?

J: Well we know from your nametag that it starts with V.

V: Hey what are those lights? Is that a ship, or is it a Catalina?

(Talking at the same time, V. is trying to ignore him.)

J: Victoria, Virginia, Vivica

V: I've always wanted to go to Catalina. I don't know why. I don't even know what's there. It's always seemed so beautiful, Catalina like everyone there is just in a good mood.

J: Velma, Vermaigne, Vesta

V: You know I'm taking a walk on the beach.

J: Oh yea, yeah, I've got it, Vampira.

V: Are you finished?

J: No actually, I'm not. I'm going to keep pestering you until you tell me, so why don't you just make it easier on yourself.

V: I'm not discussing this any further.

J: Your purse! (Runs into the room, with V chasing him.) Hey, there must be a driver's license or something in here.

V: Hey - (grabs it away from him) That's off limits.

J: Oh, it's in there isn't it. All I have to do is look. (Jax grabs for it. V. slaps his hand)

V: Hey, I'm warning you. I'm going to throw it into the ocean, and then you'll have to buy me a new one.

J: Ok you don't have to tell me.

V: You mean it?

J: Absolutely

V: OK. There.

J: I am curious, however, exactly why.

V: Jax.

J: Now that's a different subject.

V: I already told you, I hate it.

J: Well, I don't particularly like my first name, but I don't guard it like Bill Gates' home phone number.

V: OK. You're going to find this a little hard to accept, but my name is even more ridiculous than yours. Ok. Every time I ever introduced myself, people would just burst out laughing.

J: Always?

V: Always.

J: What people just burst out laughing, without saying any comments.

V: Oh, no, they made comments alright. I'd hear Oh, your parents must have really had stars in their eyes that night, or It isn't easy living up to that one is it? That's why I decided a long time ago that my first name is just more trouble than it's worth.

J: Yeah, I see your point. I mean if your name gives you that much aggravation, why bother.

V: Thank you.

J: Don't mention it Venus.

V: What'd you call me?

J: Well, Venus. That is your name isn't it?

V: How'd you know that?

J: Your Parent's must have had stars in their eyes. It's not easy living up to that. Come on, It wasn't that hard to figure out.

V: You think you're very clever don't you.

J: Well, as a matter of fact.

V: I knew it. You're just like everybody else.

J: No, I'm not laughing at you.

V: Oh, you could have fooled me.

J: Actually, I think it quite suits you.

V: Really, well if you're thinking of calling me it, don't.

J: Can I try it just once?

V: No. No!

J: I'll say it quiet - OK ready. Nice to see you, Venus.

V: There. Satisfied?

J: What's wrong with that?

V: Uh. It sounds ridiculous.

H: You know, it's because you're not used to hearing it. You know if you took your name out of mothballs every once in awhile, It might start sounding OK.

V: You don't get it do you? I mean not only is Venus a ludicrous name for anyone, it's particularly absurd for me.

J: Why is that?

V: When I was a kid, all I wanted to do is like climb trees and collect bugs, and play cops and robber with the boy next door. You know, and then I got into high school and I had braces. I didn't know how to dance. I could beat up any guy in my class. I mean Venus, on the other hand is a goddess. Elegant, poised, completely out of place in metal shop, which is where I spent most of my formative years.

J: Ok. That was then, what about now?

V: I'm still no Goddess Jax, by any name.