Model Behavior - Laura Benanti

Hi, it’s me again, Candela.

Where are you?

Just call me when you get this.

Okay?

Okay.

Pepa?

Pepa?!

(sung)

Pepa, it’s me again

Why aren’t you picking up the phone?

It’s like my brain is gonna melt if I don’t talk to you

I’ve got a problem in the shower

And I’ve only got a minute

‘Cause the problem in the shower

Is this guy that I’ve been dating named Malik

He’s… what’s the word?

Swarthy, like a desert sheik

And he’s been here in my apartment for about a week

I met him down at Cafe Sombra

And I know you think I’m overly romantic

But you wouldn’t believe the connection we had

Like immediately I was ready for him to

Meet my mom

Like I could feel my heart exploding like some kind of bomb

Which is ironic because actually I think he literally has some kind of…

(spoken)

Anyway, Grandpa, happy birthday.

Say hello to Grandma and be sure to take your…

(sung)

That was him!

I may be jumping to conclusions, God I hope I am

He thinks I’m thin and he’s got shoulders like Jean-Claude Van Damme

Listen, call me when you hear this

I’ll be here for half an hour

Call me back!

Pepa?

Are you there?

Are you there?

Are you…

Okay, you’re not there but we need to talk

My stomach’s aching like I swallowed some enormous rock

I’m at the phone booth on the corner

And I’ve only got a minute ‘cause I’m running out of change

'Cause I’ve been lending all my money to Malik

God knows with men I’m not exactly on a lucky streak

But this one really is a mess, I think I’m gonna freak

I know you say I’m an alarmist but I’m not

Remember there’s that time I thought I saw a spider?

You said «nah, it’s a raisin»

But it suddenly started moving

And it crawled over and bit me on the toe

So if you’re gonna stand in judgement

That’s how much you know

It’s a good thing I didn’t eat it

But I never would have ate it

‘Cause I never did like raisins

So why would there be a raisin on the floor?

So when you hear this call me back

I’ll wait a little more

I’ll be at seven-seven-three…

(spoken)

Damn, they scratched out the number… And misspelled «vagina.»

(sung)

All right I’m hanging up, I’ll call you back!

Pepa

Okay, I’m trying you again, it’s afternoon

It’s like my eyes are gonna pop if I don’t get you soon

I’m at the studio, which sucks

Because I’m having trouble working

'Cause the only thing I think about’s

This crazy situation with Malik

I don’t know what I’m gonna do if you and I don’t speak

I know you think I’m just a drama queen

But actually I’m practical and damn it, I’m a model

So of course I feel things deeper than most people

Typically do

And anyway I think my life may be in danger too

You won’t believe what he’s got hidden in the…

(spoken)

Oh, Fernando’s working here!

He’s lost a lot of weight and, wow,

he got that thing removed!

He just looks…

(spoken, to Fernando)

Pepa… Marcos…

(sung, back into phone)

He says hello

And now he’s telling me we’re shooting

So I’ve gotta go

It’s some big deal ad campaign

I don’t know what it’s for

They’ve got me posing with

A melon and a matador

Some kind of metaphor

Call me back!

Pepa, it’s eight

I don’t know why you’re treating me like this

Pepa, it’s almost ten o’clock

You really are a terrible friend

Pepa, I’m sorry

I’ve never felt so frightened and alone

I’m like a helpless little kitten up a…

(spoken)

HEY!

I’M ON THE FUCKING PHONE!

(sung, back into phone)

Please call me back

Pepa, it’s midnight.

Are you screening?

It’s three a.m. You have to call me!

… would never do this to you!

What kind of a friend …

What was the name of that cheese that I like?

Pepa?

Pepa, sweetheart.

Listen, I need to tell you…

Tape is full.

End of messages.

Pepa

Okay, now even your machine’s ignoring me

Listen, Pepa, I know you think I’m needy but you’ve got to see…

I’m feeling kind of woozy, I’ve been crying for an hour

And my boyfriend has an Uzi, and he doesn’t clean the shower

And I don’t know where you are

I don’t know where I am

I’m halfway up a tree and completely in a jam

I’m out here in the desert and nobody gives a damn

Pepa?

Pepa!

Pepa…

Call me back!