Scene 1

Janet's Quest
In one sentence, what's the story?
A nosy teenage dance prodigy,
connects with a mysterious doctor,
romantically involved with her sister.


In three paragraphs, who are these people?

The dance prodigy is Janet Robertson; she's a spoiled, little, rich girl. Her passion is to become a Radio City Music Hall Rockette. Since Janet is the main character, her goal drives the story.

The mysterious doctor is William Lloyd, a recent WW2 veteran. Against his will, he becomes our hero.

Janet's sister Betty Robertson becomes our romantic heroine...against her will. She connects Janet to William. The other characters link to this "trio of trouble".



The Cast of Characters

I. The Robertson family
    Florida residents since 1919
    A. Harry (Born 1893, New Jersey)
         1. Married to Lois
         2. Father to Betty, Paul, and Janet
         3. Father figure to Doris
    B. Lois (Born 1896, Pennsylvania)
         1. Married to Harry
         2. Mother to Betty, Paul, and Janet
    C. Betty (Born 1919, Pennsylvania)
         1. Roommate to Doris
         2. Mentored by Doc Sasser (Born 1884, Georgia)
    D. Paul (Born 1924, Florida)
         1. Friend to Doris (Born 1923, Germany)
         2. Friend to Victoria (Born 1916, New York)
    E. Janet (Born 1930, Florida)
         Her dance teachers
         1. Madame C (Born 1888, France)
         2. Anna (Born 1910, France)
         3. Sergey (Born 1908, Russia)
    F. Lucy (Born 1940, Florida)
        Family golden retriever

II. William (Born 1923, Virginia)
     New guy in town, 1945
     A. Mentored by Bill (Born 1915, New Jersey)
     B. Neighbor to Sal (Born 1897, Italy)
     C. Adopted by Tony (Born 1897, Illinois)
     D. Adopted stray cat Tom (Birth unknown)


PART  I
Scene One
New Guy

Time: Suppertime, Friday, November 9, 1945
Place: Sal's Seafood Restaurant
           Viridian, Florida
           An imaginary, ocean side town
Storyteller: Janet

"Mom, see that dark cat chasing a pelican down the dock?" I point.

My mother looks up, but seems distracted. "Never saw that before. Sounds like rough tide. Whoops, almost missed the step." 

"Be careful." I grab her arm. We stroll toward Sal's. "Smell that fried fish. Mmmmm."

The owner greets us, "Mrs. Robertson, you seem a little shaky. You okay?"

"Sal, why won't you call me Lois?"

"Mom almost fell up the stairs. Any ocean-view tables?" I'm starved...just finished ballet class.

On the way to my favorite window seat, we pass a cute guy. Brown hair. Nice tan. Bet he was in the war.

"Janet, I...I...I feel faint." Lois drops to the floor, blond head first.

"Help. Help!" I scream. Her sweaty face feels chilly to my touch.

"William, over here!" Sal calls as he grabs Mom's wrist.

"Got a pulse?" Asks the cute guy. "She has a knot on her skull. Sal, let's carry her."

We're finally in the parking lot. The stranger asks, "Miss, where's your car?"

"The 'Woodie' over there. Under the palm tree."

"Good. Hurry, open the back door. Sal, let's slide her. I'll drive. The girl's not old enough."

"I'll be sixteen in March. Sal, call Betty. She's at work."

"Who's Betty?" William turns the ignition key.

"My sister...graduated from med school last June. She always gets stuck with the late shift."
 



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