INT. TATTERDEMALION BAR - NIGHT
Arden makes his way into the neon-lit bar that lines one side of the club’s main floor.
Arden looks around, trying to seem casual. No Ebaneen in sight. He sits at the bar facing the stage.
White stage lights make it impossible to see anything. A single, ultra-high guitar chord sounds. Moving out of the light, the Christian Metal group SINNER SUPREMACY appears.
Arden watches the band, not impressed. He takes another look at the bar patrons, then turns back toward the stage.
ON STAGE
OSKAR (late 30s), the pale lead singer of Sinner Supremacy, stalks the stage like a Broadway Performer. He swings his luscious golden locks around him like the prop they are.
The band - in flowing white and gold outfits - performs celestial Christian Metal drenched in theatrics.
OSKAR
(singing)
When I gaze into the sky
I take in all He made on high
So far away my humble gaze
I’ll honor Him for all my days
The audience eats it up.
AT THE BAR
A CUTE WAITRESS (early 20s) approaches Arden’s table.
CUTE WAITRESS
Are they serious?
ARDEN
Yeah. Serious posers.
The Cute Waitress chuckles. Arden looks up at her. Her hotness isn’t lost on him.
CUTE WAITRESS
So what can I get for you?
ARDEN
Uh... can I just get a hot tea with lemon and honey?
She smiles, polite but professional.
WAITRESS
Sure thing--
ARDEN
My voice. I need to keep it in shape - for the show.
Arden looks at her. She’s still smiling but there’s none of the recognition he’s clearly hoping for.
CUTE WAITRESS
Of course. I’ll be right back.
She walks off. Arden watches her go - and sees Ebaneen at the other end of the bar. She doesn’t notice him.
He stands and walks toward Ebaneen. It’s a long walk - he doesn’t rush.
Just before Arden gets into her line of vision, Ebaneen smiles. He stops and smiles back - until he sees that she’s looking at Trent, who swoops in and gives her a huge kiss.
ARDEN
Not that fuckin’ guy!
TRENT
(to Ebaneen)
Hey babe. I missed the hell out of you.
Arden stops in place, dejected and unseen.
He turns back around and limps off toward his table - but he’s blocked by Paulette and Liza, Ebaneen’s bandmates. They smirk.
PAULETTE
Tell Yasmine we said “hi”.
LIZA
Moron.
Arden busts through them angrily. They laugh.
ARDEN
Bitches... miserable bitches...
The Cute Waitress sits Arden’s tea down on his table and walks off.
CUTE WAITRESS
Here ya go.
He grabs the cup and takes a huge swig. Leaning on the table, Arden stares angrily back toward the stage.
ON STAGE
Sinner Supremacy finish their song with an insane high note held by Oskar. There’s a huge POP above the stage and a cloud of confetti explodes all over the band and audience.
AT THE BAR
Arden finishes the tea and wipes his mouth. A piece of confetti lands gently on his shoulder.
He grabs the confetti and inspects it. The shred contains part of a Bible verse and ends in “Luke 1:41”.
ARDEN
(to himself)
Bible confetti? That’s fucked up.
ON STAGE
Sinner Supremacy steps off and Deen takes the mic once again.
DEEN
Fuckin’ phenomenal, aren’t they? Oskar’s balls gotta hit the back of his throat on that last note!
On the side of the stage, Oskar gives Deen an angry look.
DEEN
Oops... ‘scuse my fuckin’ French, Sinner Supremacy. Coming up soon we’ve got Vehement Volition and Dark Divinity, but first, those scoundrels from Scandinavia... The Putrefication Principle!