FORGIVE AMELIA - A TRIPTYCH. PART ONE - GREGGMAN’S BRAND HOT CHOCOLATE
PHILIP
Hello dear Amelia listeners, as you will know if you listened to our last info release, Season 3 may be over, but we’re staying with you throughout the summer. Starting today, we’re releasing the mini crossover series: Forgive Amelia - A Triptych. It doesn’t fit into the chronology of Season 3, in fact, it takes place long before prisons and robots and Panaraguan presidents. It takes place before the beginning of Season 1. Forgive Amelia is a crossover series between The Amelia Project and Forgive Me!, one of our favorite new comedy fiction podcasts, in which a young priest, father Ben, arrives in a new small town community and soon finds himself butting heads with the eccentric parishioners. Each of their episodes takes the form of a confession! And in the coming 3 crossover episodes, the Interviewer, Amelia and Alvina will all take turns meeting father Ben in the confessional. No prior knowledge of Forgive Me! is needed to enjoy the episodes, but if you like what you hear and you want to find out more about Father Ben and the strange and quirky little community of St. Patricks, once you’re done listening to this, you can head over to Forgive Me!, and you can binge their first season of six episodes. But right now, it’s time to transport you back five years before the beginning of season 1. When the Interviewer, Alvina and Amelia find themselves ... in Upstate New York. Why? Well, that will slowly become clear over the next three episodes. Enjoy!
(INT. CHURCH - NIGHT)
(WE HEAR THE SOUND OF A PHONE RINGING. EVENTUALLY, IT STOPS AND A VOICEMAIL BEGINS TO PLAY.)
FR. BEN (RECORDED)
Hi, you’ve reached Father Ben at St. Patrick’s Church. We aren’t here right now to take your call, but leave us your name, number, and a brief message after the beep, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. But, before we get to that beep, a note for some of our previous callers: while we truly appreciate your enthusiasm for the sacrament, it is both impossible and unethical for us to take your confession via voicemail, as I am not the only one with access to this mailbox. Please come in during the times stated on the Church bulletin, and I’ll be happy to—
(THE BEEP COMES BEFORE BEN CAN COMPLETE HIS ENTIRE THOUGHT.)
(THE TAPE TURNS OVER AND WE HEAR A CAR SPEEDING IN THE BACKGROUND.)
THE INTERVIEWER
(CHIPPER, OVER THE PHONE) Hello! I know this is, uh, a bit unorthodox of me, but right now I’ve got a car full of sinners with a mighty burden to get off their shoulders. We’re in a bit of a pickle and need to be attended to immediately. I know it’s late, and don’t currently have access to your community bulletin, but I’m hoping you’ll be ready for us when we show up in… er...
(THE CAR SCREECHES TO A HALT.)
Well, now.
(THE LINE CUTS. THE TAPE TURNS OVER.)
(CUE THE MASHUP OF THE AMELIA PROJECT + FORGIVE ME! THEME SONGS.)
(AFTER THE MUSIC ENDS, WE SHIFT INTO THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE CAR ITSELF. THE SOUND OF THE ENGINE IDLES, AND THE BLINKER CLICKS AS THEY HAVEN’T COMMITTED TO PARKING YET.)
AMELIA
(ANNOYED) Is this all really necessary? I’m the one that’s flying the plane out of here.
THE INTERVIEWER
Yes, but Joey and Salvatore have gently insisted on this little pit stop. And, I don’t know about you, but I doubt our chances of getting past them and onto that plane if we don’t honor that request.
ALVINA
(EQUALLY ANNOYED) Oh great, another unscheduled stop at a dark and dingy building. You know… I was promised excitement for my first time in the field, but this has all been terribly dull.
AMELIA
I promise you, Alvina, next time: we do everything by the book.
ALVINA
If he’d just bothered to read the research, we wouldn’t be in this mess in the first place!
THE INTERVIEWER
That’s all a rather moot point now, isn’t it?
ALVINA(GROANS)
It wouldn’t be if you’d just do what you’re supposed to for once in your life.
(SOUNDS OF THE SEATBELT OPENING)
AMELIA
Hey! That’s enough. Can we please just get this over with? I wanna be back in this van and on that plane in no more than an hour. We can’t still be in this town at sunrise after all of that.
ALVINA
That’s fine by me. I can’t wait to be back home.
AMELIA
(POINTEDLY) And? What about you? Do you think you can actually keep things brief for once in your life?
THE INTERVIEWER
(SCOFFS) You wound me, Amelia. (SCOFFS AGAIN) Well, I’ll go in first to test the waters. Just to make sure this chap can actually handle what we’ve got to tell him.
AMELIA
Oh, you can go first alright, but we’re not going anywhere else, so put that thought right out of your mind. Do whatever you’ve got to do to be in and outta there as quickly as possible.
THE INTERVIEWER
Your wish is my command.
(THE CAR DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES. THERE ARE A FEW STEPS ACROSS PAVEMENT BEFORE THE INTERVIEWER PULLS OPEN THE CHURCH DOORS.)
THE INTERVIEWER
(UNIMPRESSED). Hmm. I suppose this will have to do.
(HIS VOICE RESOUNDS IN THE BIG BUILDING)
(HE BEELINES FOR THE CONFESSIONAL AND GETS HIMSELF SITUATED. AFTER A MOMENT, WE HEAR FR. BEN LET OUT A BIG YAWN AS HE CROSSES THE CHURCH AS WELL. SLOWLY, HE OPENS HIS SIDE OF THE BOOTH AND CLOSES IT AGAIN.)
FR. BEN
(EXHAUSTED) I’m sorry if you’ve been waiting long. Kinda caught me just as I was getting ready for bed.
THE INTERVIEWER
No need to apologize. (SARCASTIC) I was just admiring this, er, fine building you have here.
FR. BEN (EITHER NOT CATCHING ON OR NOT CARING)
It really is something, isn’t it?
THE INTERVIEWER
I’m not entirely sure if you’re being sarcastic or not, so I’m going to leave that question untouched for now.
FR. BEN (ANNOYED)
You’re the one who got me in up in the middle of the night, banging down my door with an emergency. If you don’t like St. Patrick’s, I’m sure one of the many other churches in the area would be just as happy to help you out.
THE INTERVIEWER
No, no, no. Forgive me, I’m afraid we’ve got off on the wrong foot. St. Patrick’s is perfect for exactly what we need.
FR. BEN
And that would be … what now?
THE INTERVIEWER
Well, isn’t it obvious? Absolution!
FR. BEN
...absolution for what?
THE INTERVIEWER
Hmm. I was hoping that you could maybe take care of that without us having to go into all those pesky details.
FR. BEN (DEEP SIGH)
That’s not how things really work around here. I’m not in the business of indulgences.
THE INTERVIEWER
Yes, and isn’t that a shame? Things were much easier when all of this was more of a transaction. I could walk in, give you my handful of shillings, and you’d tell me I was free and clear, no questions asked on the Church’s part.
FR. BEN
I mean, if you need to put it like that, one could still go so far as to say that every confession is a transaction between the sinner, the lord, and the priest that hears it.
THE INTERVIEWER
(AMUSED) Ooh, that’s good. I like that.
FR. BEN
Only, we don’t really exchange in currency so much anymore. Unless you consider personal anecdotes gold, anyway.
THE INTERVIEWER
We find our business thrives when we prioritize both.
FR. BEN
So, tell me then. What’s your story?
THE INTERVIEWER
You’ll have to be patient with me, Father. Yes, I’m still not entirely sure if I can trust you yet.
FR. BEN
Trust me with what?
THE INTERVIEWER
My story.
FR. BEN
And what on earth do you have to fear about me knowing that?
THE INTERVIEWER
I’ve lived an exciting life full of twists and turns. I’m proud of where it’s taken me, but I’m unsure if a man like you would look kindly on some of the details of those twists and turns.
FR. BEN
Then why come here in the first place?
THE INTERVIEWER
Well, that’s easy. Oh yes, because if I didn’t, you see, Joey and Salvatore might’ve broken our legs.
FR. BEN:
(SHOCKED) Who might’ve what now?!
THE INTERVIEWER
(CHUCKLING) Ohh, don’t fear, Father. They’re good boys, Joey and Salvatore, so long as you stay on their good side. You know, I have a feeling you’d love them — they’re good, devout, Catholic boys. Through and through.
FR. BEN
(DISBELIEVING) Good, devout, Catholic boys who threaten to break multiple people’s legs if, what, you don’t take the time to confess your sins?
THE INTERVIEWER
Exactly! That’s just how devout they are. Oh, they look rather dreadfully upon blasphemy of any kind. And, mm, mm, mm, do they make a fine mug of cocoa like you can’t believe, in mere seconds flat. Speaking of which, would you happen to have any on the premises? I always find it easier to get to the heart of a story with warm hands and a full belly.
FR. BEN
(EXCITED) I do, actually! Would you like some?
THE INTERVIEWER
If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.
FR. BEN
Do you mind leaving the confessional? I’m more than happy to make us a drink, but the kettle’s back in my office, and Sister Catherine always scolds me when I indulge in anything other than the sacrament in the church itself.
THE INTERVIEWER
Why would I mind leaving the booth?
FR. BEN
Well, some folks prefer to keep their confessions anonymous.
THE INTERVIEWER
I’ve got nothing to hide.
FR. BEN
(CHUCKLING) Is that so? Why are you so afraid to tell me why you’re here, then?
THE INTERVIEWER
You getting a good look at my face and knowing what I do during my day to day are two very different things, Father.
FR. BEN
Alright, I can’t argue with you there.
(THERE’S A BIT OF RUSTLING AS THE TWO MEN EACH LEAVE THEIR BOOTHS. BEN YAWNS AGAIN. THEIR VOICES RESOUND)
Shall we?
THE INTERVIEWER
We shall.
(MORE RUSTLING)
FR. BEN
(YAWNING) C’mon, it’s right through here.
(THEY BEGIN TO CROSS THE ROOM.)
THE INTERVIEWER
Alright, you’ve got me. This place may not be much to look at, but I’ve gotta admit: there’s always something interesting to find inside a stained glass window. Even the most unassuming of cherubs looks beautiful in the sun, doesn’t it?
FR. BEN
That it does…
(A DOOR OPENS AS THEY STEP INSIDE, THE RESOUND OF THEIR VOICES STOPS)
...but it’s currently pitch dark outside.
THE INTERVIEWER
Oh you know what I mean.
(AS THEY GET INTO THE OFFICE, BEN BEGINS TO FILL UP A TEA KETTLE WITH WATER.)
FR. BEN
Feel free to make yourself at home while I get this ready.
THE INTERVIEWER
I will!
(MORE FOOTSTEPS AS THE INTERVIEWER CROSSES THE ROOM TO SIT DOWN. SOUNDS OF CUPS BEING PULLED AND A KETTLE GETTING TO A BOIL)
FR. BEN
Oh, uh… that’s my seat.
THE INTERVIEWER
You told me to make myself at home, didn’t you?
FR. BEN
Yes, but I didn’t mean quite to that de…
(CHAIR CREAKS)
THE INTERVIEWER
I find myself most comfortable behind a desk. You understand, don’t you?
FR. BEN
Sure, I guess…
(IN THE AWKWARD SILENCE THAT FOLLOWS, THE KETTLE COMES OVER TO A BOIL. FR. BEN TURNS OFF THE STOVE AND POURS IT INTO TWO MUGS. HE TEARS OPEN TWO PAPER PACKETS BEFORE POURING THEM IN AND STIRRING THEM UP. HE SHUFFLES AROUND FOR A MOMENT MORE, BEFORE CROSSING TO HIS DESK AND SETTING THEM DOWN.)
THE INTERVIEWER
(UNSURE) SO, WHAT’S ON THE MENU HERE?
FR. BEN
(PROUD) You are in for a treat my friend. I know everybody and their mother prefers Swiss Miss.
THE INTERVIEWER
(SHOCKED, OFFENDED) No one prefers Swiss Miss.
FR. BEN (CON’T)
(IGNORING HIM) But this? This is the good stuff. Greggman’s Brand Hot Chocolate.
(THE INTERVIEWER TAKES A SIP BUT ONLY SWALLOWS IT WITH DIFFICULTY)
THE INTERVIEWER
The good stuff. Sure. Yuck.
FR. BEN
I’ll tell you my secret, though. You see, these packets come with dehydrated marshmallows already inside the powder, but the trick is to add a handful more fresh ones on top. For extra flavor.
THE INTERVIEWER
What was that name again?
FR. BEN
Greggman’s.
THE INTERVIEWER
And where is this Greggman’s?
FR. BEN
Oh, well, it started outside of Rochester, but you can find them all over now. I even stopped by one on my way to Pittsburgh once. Great quality food, good prices, and they really take care of their employees. They’ve even got a bit of a cult following, if you can believe it.
THE INTERVIEWER
I really, really can’t. But I’ll take your word for it.
FR. BEN (TAKING A SIP)
Ohh, this is so good. I can’t remember the last time I made myself a good cup of cocoa. I’m so glad you asked for it.
THE INTERVIEWER
Yes… (QUIETLY, SUFFERING) now only if I had got one.
FR. BEN (SIGHS LOUDLY)
Alright, so, now that we’re all settled in here. What brought you in tonight?
THE INTERVIEWER
Your name is Ben, right?
FR. BEN
Yes, that’s right. What’s yours?
THE INTERVIEWER (CON’T)
(IGNORING HIM) Have you ever imagined yourself with a different life, Ben?
FR. BEN
What does that have to do with anything?
THE INTERVIEWER
It’s all related, I promise. Just answer the question.
FR. BEN
(CONFUSED) Well, sure. Of course I have. Hasn’t everybody?
THE INTERVIEWER
Most certainly. But, I’d like to take it one step further. Have you ever found yourself, sitting in this woefully unimpressive building, fully plotting out the details of your preferred new life?
FR. BEN
Seems unnecessarily mean, but I’ll play along: sure I have.
THE INTERVIEWER
And what would you be doing, if you were given the chance to start over?
FR. BEN
(PLAYING ALONG) Well, I’ve been watching a lot of those R.V. and tiny house shows on the Home Network Channel recently, and gosh, if this isn’t a beautiful country. I suppose if I didn’t have any other prior responsibilities, it might be nice to get rid of my meager possessions and take to the road. See the sights for a while.
THE INTERVIEWER
Oh, surely you can think of something with a little more verve than that! Pretend that resources were not an issue.
FR. BEN
I’m a simple man, friend. I find a lot of joy in witnessing the world around me. I don’t need much more than that.
THE INTERVIEWER
Of course you do, we all do. (DISBELIEVING) But, when you search into the deepest reaches of your soul, that’s all you can come up with? You’re really trying to tell me you’d rather cram yourself into a smelly caravan and drive down Route 17 than climb the steps of Machu Picchu? Or explore the depths of the catacombs beneath the Vatican? C’mon, you’re a holy man, there have to be plenty of sites you’ve only dreamed of, cooped up in this slipshod mess of a building.
FR. BEN (SIGHING AGAIN)
Well, I guess if you put it that way… There might be-
THE INTERVIEWER (INTERRUPTING HIM)
Picture this: tomorrow, you’ve gone out to pick up your morning breakfast, and when you return, the whole building is up in flames. It’s ambiguous enough that it could have happened after you got back, and there’s no one else around to see it; to prove that you weren’t incinerated in the explosion. What would you do with your newfound freedom?
FR. BEN
Freedom? How can you call that freedom? You’re talking about my whole life going up in smoke!
THE INTERVIEWER
Yes, exactly. If it were to happen, what would you do next?
FR. BEN
I would immediately start checking to see if there was anyone hurt! And, obviously, start thinking of ways that I could rally the town to fundraise for its rebuilding. It may not look like much, but a lot of people rely on this place.
THE INTERVIEWER
Benjamin. I have no doubt that you are a virtuous man with plenty of passion for the people you serve, but I have a hard time believing there isn’t some small part of you that doesn’t think about walking away from it all. That hasn’t dreamed of giving it all up and taking on a new pursuit: like crochet, or trainspotting or extreme ironing or chasing after your one true love.
FR. BEN
Extreme ironing?
THE INTERVIEWER
It’s a competitive sport, also known as “EI”. It consists of ironing clothes in different, usually extreme, situations. Like while rock climbing, surfing, on a kayak, bungee jumping-
FR. BEN
Stop.
THE INTERVIEWER
What?
FR. BEN
I…
THE INTERVIEWER
What?!
FR. BEN
I’ve already found my calling. I have faith in the path that the Lord has set out for me.
THE INTERVIEWER
Faith is a wonderful thing. Without it, nothing is possible. But with it? Nothing is impossible.
FR. BEN
Ooh, that’s good, I like that.
THE INTERVIEWER
So why do you have such a hard time having faith in yourself? In your ability to live a remarkable life?
FR. BEN
(SUDDENLY DEFENSIVE) Excuse me, but I don’t remember being the one leaving a frantic message on your voicemail in the middle of the night. What does my life have to do with … whatever pickle you’re currently in?
THE INTERVIEWER
Because. Your ability to play along with this thought experiment with me will help determine whether or not I can trust you with the real reason I’m here.
FR. BEN
And you’re saying I’m currently failing that test?
THE INTERVIEWER
Not necessarily. But you aren’t passing with flying colors, either.
FR. BEN
Look, I’m a happy enough man. I’m good at what I do. I really am. Even if the people of this town don’t always appreciate that fact. I’m confident that I have made the right decisions for myself, and I won’t go back on them. And, just in case it bears repeating: part of my responsibility as a conduit for God is an innate ability to keep whatever is told to me in confidence private. As long as you haven’t caused anyone outright harm, your secrets are safe with me.
THE INTERVIEWER
Well…
FR. BEN
You didn’t cause anyone outright harm, right?
(THE INTERVIEWER GRABS HIS CUP AND TAKES ANOTHER SIP AND IMMEDIATELY REGRETS IT)
THE INTERVIEWER
Oh God, I forgot how awful this was...
FR. BEN
Oh, is there something wrong with your cocoa? I’d be more than happy to make you another cup if that one’s gotten cold?
THE INTERVIEWER
I’m quite alright, thanks.
FR. BEN
Alright, more for me then. Your loss.
THE INTERVIEWER (LAUGHING HEARTILY)
I’m sure you feel that way, yes.
(FAINT BUT MYSTERIOUS MUSIC SLOWLY AND QUIETLY PICKS UP IN THE BACKGROUND. IT’S THE AMELIA THEME, THOUGH SOFTER)
FR. BEN
Why don’t you just try to tell me, in whatever way makes you feel the most comfortable, why you’re really here?
THE INTERVIEWER
I’m afraid I might injure your sensibilities with the full scope of the truth. I live in a world that’s nothing like anything you’ve ever imagined, even in your wildest dreams.
FR. BEN
I’m sure I’ve heard weirder things.
THE INTERVIEWER
You see, Padre, my associates and I? We traffic in stories. In the stories our clients tell in order to convince us to take them on. In the stories we craft for them, in order to give them a new life. It’s an incredible vocation, and like you, one I feel fiercely grateful to have stumbled upon. It gives me purpose like you wouldn’t believe, but it also means I must keep my inner circle relatively small. I have to be able to be confident that they can keep a secret. Do you understand where I’m going with this?
FR. BEN (THE REALIZATION DAWNING ON HIM)
That thought experiment… it wasn’t really a thought experiment. Was it?
THE INTERVIEWER
Are you positive that you’re entirely attached to this drab building? I think it’d look rather pretty as a pile of rubble.
FR. BEN
(NERVOUS) Pretty positive. Yes.
THE INTERVIEWER
And you’re quite sure I can’t tempt you with extreme ironing.
FR. BEN
No, I’m alright, thanks.
THE INTERVIEWER
Okay then! I’ll let you keep your humdrum existence. And I’ll be on my way then…
(THE INTERVIEWER PUSHES HIS CHAIR BACK AND STANDS, OPENS THE DOOR.)
FR. BEN: You can trust me.
(FROM FURTHER AWAY)
THE INTERVIEWER
Are you positive of that? Once you hear this tale, there’s no going back.
FR. BEN
I am.
(THE INTERVIEWER COMES BACK AND SITS DOWN. HE TAKES ONE MORE SIP OF COCOA, AND LETS OUT A SOUND OF DISGUST.)
THE INTERVIEWER
(MUTTERED) Really doesn’t get any better, does it? Anyway, the story that brought my colleagues and I here? It had it all. Romance. Deceit. A decades long family rivalry. Even a food festival. Although, not exactly the one I was hoping for.
FR. BEN
And which one were you hoping for?
THE INTERVIEWER
I’ve heard your modest hamlet is home to an utterly scrumptious Doughnut Festival, and I was mistaken when making plans for our next disappearance, that the two events may coincide. I am always ready to indulge in a delicious pastry, aren’t you?
FR. BEN (CHUCKLING)
Ah, yes. That event was sadly cancelled after last year’s incident.
THE INTERVIEWER
Color me intrigued.
FR. BEN
My predecessor founded the festival, based on what I understand is a bit of an obsession with the things. Apparently, against doctor's orders, he participated in the donut eating competition and at about 15 bear claws in he had a heart attack. Hence my tenure at the wonderful St. Patrick’s began.
THE INTERVIEWER
Hmm. Sounds like your predecessor and I would have had a lot more in common, then.
FR. BEN
Oh goodness, no, he’s fine. He lived. I’m going to pick him up next week actually.
THE INTERVIEWER
Thwarted by imperfect timing again.
FR. BEN
Which festival did you end up attending instead?
THE INTERVIEWER
The Annual Salt City Potato Festival over in Syracuse.
FR. BEN
(KNOWING) Ah… I see.
THE INTERVIEWER
Alvina swears that she had the right one written down in the case files, but who’s got time to read all of that? I find paperwork to be dreadful, and that I’m fully capable of doing all the research I need by simply speaking with our potential clients. Recently, for example, the heartbreaking story of these two ill fated kids painted such a clear picture in my mind of their violent deaths!
(THERE’S ANOTHER AWKWARD BEAT OF SILENCE BETWEEN THEM. FR. BEN IS GETTING INCREASINGLY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE SITUATION.)
Now, I love a root vegetable as much as the next man. I even hold a world record in a potato peeling contest, if you’d believe it. But a whole festival dedicated to the lumpy things? Ugh. Give me an unlimited tray of sweets over savory any day.
FR. BEN
Things got pretty ugly over there this year, didn’t they?
THE INTERVIEWER
That they did.
FR. BEN
Would you like to tell me what you and your colleagues were doing there?
THE INTERVIEWER
(HESITATING) I’m sorry, Benjamin. I like you, I really do, but I’m just.. Still not entirely convinced you can handle the kind of subterfuge that knowing a story like this entails.
FR. BEN
(FRUSTRATED) Look: I won’t dance around this anymore. I know you think I’m just some simple dolt because I live out in the boonies and preach at a humble little church like St. Pat’s. I know you think I’d be better off taking you up on your offer of burning this place to the ground and starting all over again. But what you don’t realize is that I am already living that life. I have already abandoned everything and everyone I knew just to vanish in the cover of night and start over. To get accustomed to a new home and new people and try to juggle all of their problems, while simultaneously avoiding my own. And this place here? This is my second chance. It may not look like much to you, but it’s mine. And the secret that pushed me to make this decision is big enough that, if it got out, I would have to do it all over again. And trust me when I tell you, that’s the last thing that I want to do.
THE INTERVIEWER
How big?
FR. BEN
How big what?
THE INTERVIEWER
The Secret?
FR. BEN
Breaking my vows, carnal-sin-kind of big.
THE INTERVIEWER
And what kind of sin is that?
FR. BEN
(SHEEPISH) The.. romantic kind, with a member of my last church.
THE INTERVIEWER
(CURIOUS) Oh really…
FR. BEN
She was married.
THE INTERVIEWER
I see… that is very serious Ben.
FR. BEN
(SAD) I’m aware.
THE INTERVIEWER
(ABRUPTLY CHIPPER) Well I have to say I’m impressed. Given our brief interaction so far, I wouldn’t have guessed you had it in you.
FR. BEN
No, you wouldn’t have based on that short of a conversation, would you? Now: about the Salt Potato Incident. Please, do both of us a favor and tell me what happened.
THE INTERVIEWER
Alright then, have it your way, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Oh, it was all supposed to be perfect. Two star crossed lovers. Heir to two warring potato-based empires, ready to throw it all away and begin again, anew. It was all rather Shakespearian, really. They were my little Romeo and Juliet, oh we couldn’t wait to get over here to get everything started for them. And Alvina and I? Oho, we’d dotted every single I and crossed every single T, when it came to our plans for… the accident. (SIGHS) But even the best laid plans have their downfalls, don’t they?
FR. BEN
And what was yours?
(IN THE BACKGROUND, A TICKING CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT.)
THE INTERVIEWER
Goodness, is that what time it is? You must forgive me, Father, but it’s getting dreadfully late.
FR. BEN
What, you're leaving? Have decided you don't trust me after all then, or are you just cutting and running?
THE INTERVIEWER
Oh, no, quite the contrary. You passed the test.
FR. BEN
Just not with flying colors?
THE INTERVIEWER
If we are to keep it nautical, let's say the colors were up, but not flying. There could have been a tad more wind in your sails. Plus, you still have two more confessions to take!
FR. BEN
You’ve barely confessed a thing!
THE INTERVIEWER
But you did… Hopefully you’ve got better luck with the next one. I’ll send her in. Just go easy on her, she’s had a rough week.
FR. BEN
(REALLY CONFUSED) I’ll do my best…
(SCRATCHING OF A CHAIR AS THE INTERVIEWER GETS UP)
THE INTERVIEWER
I really appreciate you taking the time to chat with us, Ben. I hope the next time we meet is under better circumstances.
FR. BEN
Yeah… the same goes for you.
(WITHOUT ANOTHER WORD, THE INTERVIEWER LEAVES THE ROOM. THE CREDITS MUSIC BEGINS TO PLAY.)
(CREDITS)
ADAM
Forgive Amelia - A Triptych is a production from Imploding Fictions and Rogue Dialogue. This episode was written and directed by Bob Raymonda and Jack Marone. Story editing by Philip Thorne and Øystein Brager. Here’s our cast in order of appearance: Casey Callaghan - Father Ben. Alan Burgon - The Interviewer. Julia Morizawa - Amelia. Julia C. Thorne - Alvina. The Amelia Project theme song composed by Fredrik Baden. Music arrangement, sound design and mixing for this episode by me, Adam Raymonda. Production assistance from Maty Parzival. Graphic design for this crossover series by Anders Pedersen and Sam Twardy. This is the first episode in a three part crossover series. On Friday, the 30th of July 2021, we put on a livestream performance of this very episode and we will be doing the same for the next two. If you missed the live performance, you can watch a replay of the stream by supporting the Amelia Project or Forgive Me! on patreon. To become a Patron of The Amelia Project, head over to patreon.com/ameliapodcast, and to support Forgive Me!, make your way over to patreon.com/roguedialogue. The Livestream event for the second event will be taking place on the 13th of August 2021. We would adore it, if you’d join us. We’ll be back on your feed with episode 2 of Forgive Amelia - A triptych on the 22. of August, 2021.
PHILIP
Thank you to Sophia Anderson, Kate Sukeyasu, Sophie Levezow, Jem Fidyk, Alban Ossant, Travis Kirton, Rushabh Shukla, Amelie Harris, Stefanie Weittenhiller, Chloe Leferman, Elizabeth Curry, Mints and such, Rafael Eduardo Wefers Verastegui, and I am Trash! without whom the Amelia Project would not be possible.