Fadi: What a fantastic Christmas present!
Olivia: Did someone say “present”? I love presents.
Fadi: I just mean the café staying open and your shop, of course. Its like an early Christmas present!
Olivia: Its still a bit early for Christmas presents.
Fadi: Come on, its only a few days now!
Olivia: Yeah...I guess youre right. I can stop worrying now. Hey Tony!
Tony: What?
Olivia: Oh, come on Tony! Even you must be happy about this! The café is staying open!
Fadi: Our campaign was successful!
Tony: Yeah...erm, thanks everybody!
Olivia: So, Fadi, what are you doing for Christmas?
Fadi: Nothing much—guess Ill just be with my family.
Olivia: Yeah, me too. Itd be great to spend Christmas just with my friends, not the whole family.
Fadi: Yeah, itd be great to spend Christmas with you...er, I mean, everyone here.
Olivia: Oh, yeah, erm...hmm
Fadi: Tell you what—lets invent an excuse!
Olivia: An excuse? How do you mean?
Fadi: Lets leave our families for a few hours...come and have dinner here!
Olivia: Here? I dont think the café will be open on Christmas day.
Fadi: We can persuade Tony to open—just for us—to celebrate our campaign to keep the café open, and Christmas too.
Olivia: Great idea! But Ill probably have to bring Joe.
Fadi: Oh no! Joe your terrible little nephew, Id forgotten about him.
(doors open)
All: Hi Johnny!
Johnny: Hello everyone!
Olivia: We were just talking about Christmas.
Johnny: Of course, Ive come back just in time for Christmas. How could I forget! I love Christmas here in London...We dont really celebrate Christmas in China, but I love it here—lots of food, presents...
Magda: I love Christmas too, but Christmas in Poland is so special, Ill really miss it this year.
Sarah: Arent you going back to visit your family? You usually go back to Poland.
Magda: I wanted to go, but I couldnt afford it. Plane tickets are so expensive at this time of year.
Sarah (sighs): So, me and Magda will be on our own for Christmas.
Carlos: Me too. Theres no way I can go back to Brazil!
Sarah: Thats a long way.
Carlos: Hey! Ive got an idea. If Fadi and Olivia can ask Tony to open the café, Ill cook a proper Christmas dinner for everyone! I love cooking.
Magda: Good idea. In Poland we have a twelvecourse meal at Christmas!
Carlos: Twelve courses! Wow, thats a lot.
Magda: It is.
Carlos: Ill try and make some traditional Polish food for you Magda...and perhaps something special for you too, Sarah...Id like that.
Sarah: Thats very kind, but dont try to make Chinese food for me! Its difficult...make one of your own 1)specialities—I love trying new things! Carlos: OK, youre on!
Olivia: This sounds like a party! Harry. What about you? What are you doing for Christmas? Harry: Well, Ive only got my mum, so I guess Ill be with her.
Bindyu: Itd be nice to have Christmas dinner with you.
Harry: Yeah, it would...dont you have to be with your family?
Bindyu: We dont really celebrate Christmas.
Olivia: Dont forget its a religious festival!
Harry: Of course, yeah, I know that, but everyone can enjoy Christmas.
Olivia: Well, why dont you two try and join us. Harry: Ill see what we can do.
Carlos: There is a problem though.
Fadi: Whats that?
Carlos: Nobody has asked Tony.
Fadi: Oh, erm, yeah. Go on Olivia—you ask him.
Olivia: Why me?
Fadi: Youre the best at that kind of thing.
Olivia (sighing): OK, OK...erm, Tony!
Tony: Yeah?
Olivia: What are you doing for Christmas?
Tony: Why?
Olivia: We wanted to invite you to have Christmas with us!
Tony (surprised): Well...well, thats very kind of you. Thank you, yes.
Olivia: Just one thing.
Tony: Whats that?
Olivia: Erm, wed like to have our Christmas dinner here!
Tony: Here?
Olivia: Yes. Here!
Tony: Hmm...OK, but Im not washing the dishes afterwards!
Fadi: Deal!
Johnny: This is going to be the best Christmas party ever!
(laughter)
(pause)
(sounds of eating, drinking and laughter)
Carlos: So here it is! Some Brazilian specialities—this is 2)papaya.
Magda: Mmmm...
Carlos: This is 3)cassava.
Harry: Delicious.
Carlos: And 4)Caipirinha to drink!
All: Cheers! Happy Christmas!
Harry: And Ive brought my mums Christmas pudding!
Sarah: Euurrgghh!
Olivia: No, you must try it! Oh, its delicious!
(crashing noise)
All: Whats happened? Whats going on!
Johnny: Its all dark!
Fadi: I cant see anything!
Olivia: Joe! What have you done?
Harry: Whats happened?
Tony: Hes broken the lights! That little...
All: Oh no!
Bindyu: Never mind—lets light candles!
Olivia: Good idea! Yeah!
Fadi: Wow, yeah, this is really romantic!
Olivia: Isnt it! Joe! Dont touch the candles!
Fadi: Its great to be with you Olivia.
Olivia: Erm, yeah, you too.
Bindyu: Yes, very romantic.
Harry: Great.
Carlos: Everybody thinks its romantic...I hope you do too, Sarah.
Sarah: Erm, yes, I suppose it is.
Johnny: Its like I said—this is the best Christmas ever! Im always right!
(laughter)
All: Happy Christmas everyone!