ANNA
Yes. The thing is... I have to go away today but I wondered, if I didn't, whether you might let me see you a bit...or, a lot maybe... see if you could...like me again.
Pause as William takes this in.
WILLIAM
But yesterday... that actor asked you who I was... and you just dismissed me out of hand... I heard -- you had a microphone... I had headphones.
ANNA
You expect me to tell the truth about my life to the most indiscreet man in England?
Martin edges up.
MARTIN
Excuse me -- it's your mother on thephone.
WILLIAM
Can you tell her I'll ring her back.
MARTINI
actually tried that tack -- but shesaid you said that before and it's beentwenty-four hours, and her foot thatwas purple is now a sort of blackishcolor...
WILLIAM
Okay -- perfect timing as ever -- holdthe fort for a second will you, Martin?
Martin is left with Anna.
MARTIN
Can I just say, I thought 'Ghost' was awonderful film.
ANNA
Is that right?
MARTIN
Yes... I've always wondered whatPatrick Swayze is like in real life.
ANNA
I can't say I know Patrick all that well.
MARTIN
Oh dear. He wasn't friendly during thefilming?
ANNA
Well, no -- I'm sure he was friendly --to Demi Moore -- who acted with him in'Ghost.'
She's kind in here, not sarcastic.
MARTIN
Oh right. Right. Sorry. Always beena bit of an ass.
William returns a little uneasy.
MARTIN
Anyway... it's lovely to meet you. I'ma great fan of yours. And Demi's, ofcourse.
Martin leaves them.
WILLIAM
Sorry about that.
ANNA
That's fine. There's always a pause when the jury goes out to consider it sverdict.
She's awaiting an answer.
WILLIAM
Anna. Look -- I'm a fairly level-headed bloke. Not often in and out oflove. But...
He can't really express what he feels.
WILLIAM
... can I just say 'no' to your kind request and leave it at that?
ANNA
... Yes, that's fine. Of course. I...you know... of course... I'll just...be getting along then... nice to see you.
WILLIAM
The truth is...
He feels he must explain.
WILLIAM
... with you, I'm in real danger. It took like a perfect situation, apart from that foul temper of yours -- but my relatively inexperienced heart would,I fear, not recover if I was once again... cast aside, which I would absolutely expect to be. There are too many pictures of you everywhere, toomany films. You'd go and I'd be...well, buggered, basically.
ANNA
I see.
(pause)That reality is a real 'no,' isn't it?
WILLIAM
I live in Notting Hill. You live inBeverly Hills. Everyone in the world knows who you are. My mother has trouble remembering my name.
ANNA
Okay. Fine. Fine. Good decision.
Pause.
ANNA
The fame thing isn't really real, you know. Don't forget -- I'm also just a girl. Standing in front of a boy. Asking him to love her.
Pause.
She kisses him on the cheek.
ANNA
Bye.
Then turns and leaves. Leaving him.
++++
one of my favourite script by Notting hill
