From debate to destiny, their journey to love was anything but conventional.
Watch the original version of When Harry Met Sally…
Prologue:
Harry and Sally met during a long car ride from Chicago to New York. It was a chance encounter, but one that ultimately changed the course of their lives. As they drove through the picturesque American countryside, they engaged in a heated debate on whether or not sex ruins a friendship between a man and a woman.
Harry was the quintessential male chauvinist, firmly believing that sex was always on the table when it came to male-female friendships. Sally, on the other hand, was a hopeless romantic who believed in the power of platonic relationships. And so, the two debated back and forth, each one convinced they were right.
By the time they arrived in New York, they had agreed to disagree. Despite their conflicting opinions, they had developed a rapport and a sense of camaraderie that would mark the beginning of a long and complicated friendship.
Chapter 1: “The Debate”
It was a beautiful summer day when Harry and Sally first met. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the air was filled with the promise of adventure. They were both headed to New York for different reasons, and fate had brought them together in the cramped confines of a car.
Harry was a successful journalist with a sharp wit and a charming smile. He had a certain cynicism that made him irresistible to some, and detestable to others. Sally was a wide-eyed optimist who saw the world through rose-colored glasses. She had a softness about her that gave her an air of vulnerability, but underneath it all, she was tough as nails.
As they drove through the heartland of America, the conversation turned to relationships. Harry had just broken up with his girlfriend, and Sally was struggling to find the right man.
“It’s simple,” Harry said. “Men and women can’t be friends without sex getting in the way.”
Sally rolled her eyes. “That’s ridiculous. Of course men and women can be friends without sex.”
Harry raised an eyebrow. “Really? So why haven’t we slept together yet?”
Sally glared at him. “Because I don’t want to sleep with you.”
Harry smirked. “Ah, but that’s just because you haven’t been properly seduced yet.”
Sally groaned. “You’re impossible. It’s not about seduction. It’s about respect and boundaries.”
Harry scoffed. “Respect? Boundaries? Please. Men and women have been trying to be ‘just friends’ since the beginning of time, and it never works out that way.”
Sally crossed her arms. “Well, I disagree. I think it’s possible for men and women to have fulfilling friendships without sex.”
Harry leaned back in his seat. “Agree to disagree, then. But mark my words, Sally. Sex will always get in the way.”
And so, the debate raged on for hours, the two of them arguing back and forth until they reached New York. Despite their differences, they had developed a certain respect for each other, and a sense of camaraderie that would mark the beginning of a long and complicated friendship.
Chapter 2: “The Chance Encounter”
Harry and Sally hadn’t seen each other in years since that fateful car ride from Chicago to New York. They had kept in touch through the occasional phone call or letter, but life had taken them in different directions. Harry had moved to New York and become a successful political consultant, while Sally had stayed in Chicago and started her own catering business.
It was a sunny day in October when they happened upon each other in a small bookstore in the Upper West Side. Harry was browsing the politics section, lost in thought about the upcoming election, when he heard a familiar laugh. He turned around and saw Sally, looking just as beautiful as he remembered.
“Sally! What are you doing here?” Harry asked, still in shock at the unexpected reunion.
“I’m meeting a friend for lunch,” Sally said, smiling. “What about you? Just browsing for some light reading?”
Harry chuckled. “Yeah, trying to escape the stress of work for a little bit.”
They chatted for a few minutes, catching up on each other’s lives since they last saw each other. Harry couldn’t help but notice how much he enjoyed talking to Sally, and how easy it was to fall back into their old banter.
Eventually, Sally checked her watch and said she had to run to meet her friend. Harry couldn’t resist asking her out for a drink sometime, and Sally agreed. They exchanged numbers, hugged goodbye, and went their separate ways.
As Harry walked out of the bookstore, he couldn’t deny the rush of excitement he felt about seeing Sally again. He had always found her attractive, but now he was starting to realize that his feelings for her might go deeper than just friendship.
Later that night, Harry and Sally met up at a cozy bar in the West Village. They ordered drinks and settled into a booth in the corner, feeling like they were the only two people in the world.
They talked about their work, their families, and their respective love lives. Harry was in a long-term relationship with a woman named Amanda, while Sally was still single and enjoying the freedom of being her own boss.
As the night went on, Harry found himself laughing more and more at Sally’s jokes, and feeling more and more drawn to her. He couldn’t help but wonder if the debate they had all those years ago about sex ruining a friendship had now become a moot point.
Finally, the bar closed and they had to leave. They exchanged a knowing look before parting ways, both feeling unsure of what the future held.
Harry couldn’t stop thinking about Sally on his way home. He knew he had never felt this way about a woman before, and he didn’t know how to handle it. Should he tell her how he felt, risking their friendship? Or should he keep his feelings to himself, and try to ignore the fact that he was falling for her?
As he lay in bed that night, Harry couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, Sally felt the same way he did. But he knew he couldn’t rush into anything, and that their friendship was too important to risk without careful consideration. For now, he would just have to wait and see where fate took them.
Chapter 3: “The Double Date”
Harry and Sally had been spending a lot of time together in New York City since they ran into each other at the bookstore. Despite their ongoing disagreement about whether or not men and women can be friends without sex getting in the way, they had been enjoying each other’s company.
One day Sally called Harry and said, “I have a friend who I think you’d really get along with. Her name is Marie, and I think you two should go on a date.”
Harry was hesitant at first, but Sally was persistent. “Come on, it’ll be fun! And who knows, maybe you’ll finally meet someone who agrees with you about the whole sex and friendship thing.”
So Harry agreed to go on the date with Marie. They decided to make it a double date, with Sally and her boyfriend, Joe, joining them.
The night of the date arrived, and Harry was feeling nervous. He had been single for a while and wasn’t sure if he was ready to start dating again. Plus, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was just using this date as a way to prove his point to Sally.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Harry noticed Marie right away. She was beautiful, with long curly hair and bright blue eyes. They exchanged awkward hellos and sat down at the table.
Over dinner, they made small talk about their jobs and hobbies. Harry found out that Marie was a graphic designer who loved to paint in her free time. He was impressed by her creativity and passion.
As the night went on, Harry felt himself relaxing around Marie. They had a lot in common, and he found himself genuinely enjoying her company. Meanwhile, Sally and Joe were deep in conversation about their upcoming wedding.
After dinner, they all decided to go for a walk around Central Park. Harry and Marie fell behind the others and started talking about their favorite books.
“I love Hemingway,” Marie said, smiling. “For Whom the Bell Tolls is my favorite.”
Harry’s heart skipped a beat. For Whom the Bell Tolls was his favorite book too. They spent the rest of the walk discussing the book, and Harry realized that he was really starting to like Marie.
When they said goodbye at the end of the night, Harry hugged Marie and whispered, “Can we do this again sometime?”
Marie smiled and said, “I’d like that.”
As Harry walked home, he couldn’t stop thinking about Marie. He realized that he had never felt this way about someone he had just met. This was different than any other date he had been on. He didn’t just want to prove his point to Sally anymore. He genuinely wanted to get to know Marie better.
The next day, Harry called Sally and said, “Thanks for setting me up with Marie. I had a great time.”
Sally laughed. “I can tell. You’ve been smiling all morning.”
Harry blushed. “I don’t know what it is about her. We just clicked.”
Sally smiled. “I’m happy for you, Harry. Maybe you’ll finally get over this whole sex and friendship thing.”
Harry chuckled. “Maybe I will.” But deep down, he knew that his feelings for Marie were more than just a way to win an argument with Sally. He was starting to fall for her, and he had no idea what to do about it.
Chapter 4: “The Breakup”
Harry sat on his couch in his dimly lit apartment, staring blankly at the television. He was still in shock from the breakup with his girlfriend, Amanda. They had been dating for six months, and things seemed to be going great, but it all fell apart when Amanda found out Harry had kissed Sally at New Year’s Eve.
Harry and Sally had been friends for over a decade, and there had always been a spark between them, but they never acted on it. Harry had convinced himself that they were just friends and that was all they’d ever be. But now, as he thought about that kiss, he realized that he had feelings for Sally. Strong feelings.
Harry’s phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. He answered it without looking at the caller ID.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Harry. It’s Sally. How are you holding up?”
Sally’s voice was soft and soothing, and Harry felt a wave of comfort wash over him.
“I’m okay,” he said, trying to sound upbeat.
There was a pause on the other end of the line.
“Listen, Harry,” Sally said finally. “I know this may not be the best time, but I was wondering if you would like to come over tonight. We could watch a movie or something.”
Harry’s heart skipped a beat. He had been hoping to see Sally since his breakup, but he didn’t want to be too forward.
“Sure,” he said, trying to keep the excitement out of his voice. “That sounds great.”
“Okay, great. I’ll see you at seven.”
Harry hung up the phone and let out a sigh. He knew that seeing Sally would be both comforting and painful. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to confront his feelings for her.
***
Sally greeted Harry at the door with a warm hug. She smelled of lavender and honey, and Harry felt a sense of calm wash over him.
They settled onto the couch, with Sally snuggled up against Harry’s chest. They put on a movie, but neither of them was really paying attention to it.
“Harry,” Sally said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” he said, tightening his grip on her.
“Do you ever wonder if we made a mistake by not pursuing a relationship when we had the chance?”
Harry’s heart skipped a beat. He had been wondering the same thing for years, but he didn’t want to ruin their friendship by bringing it up.
“I…I don’t know,” he stammered. “I mean, we’re great friends, and I don’t want to risk losing that.”
Sally sat up and looked at Harry. “But what if we’re meant to be more than friends? What if we’re just too scared to take that leap?”
Harry could see the sincerity in Sally’s eyes, and he knew she was right. They had been tiptoeing around their feelings for each other for far too long.
He put his hand on Sally’s cheek and leaned in to kiss her. She responded eagerly, wrapping her arms around his neck. Harry felt a rush of emotion flood through him. This was what he had been missing all along.
But just as things started to get heated, Harry pulled away, feeling guilty for moving too fast.
“I’m sorry, Sally,” he said, looking down at his lap. “I just…I don’t want to ruin our friendship.”
Sally put her hand on his and looked up at him.
“You’re not going to ruin anything, Harry,” she said gently. “We both have feelings for each other, and it’s time we admit that. We can take things slow and see where it goes.”
Harry felt a wave of relief wash over him. Sally was right. They had been tiptoeing around their feelings for too long. It was time to take that leap and see where it led them.
As they cuddled up together and watched the rest of the movie, Harry knew that things were going to be different between him and Sally from now on. And he was excited to see where their newfound relationship would take them.
Chapter 5: “The Confession”
Harry could hardly believe what he had just done. He had confessed his love to Sally, the woman he had been arguing with for over a decade about whether or not men and women could ever just be friends. And she had rejected him.
Sally had listened patiently as Harry poured out his heart to her. He had told her how he had been in love with her for years, how he had tried to suppress his feelings but had finally come to the realization that he couldn’t go on pretending anymore. And then he had asked her if she felt the same way.
Sally had taken a deep breath and looked at him with sad eyes. “Harry,” she had said gently, “I love you, but not in that way. You’re my best friend and I don’t want to ruin what we have by trying to turn it into something else.”
Harry had felt like the floor had dropped out from under him. He had been so sure that Sally felt the same way about him. But as he looked at her now, he could see the sincerity and kindness in her eyes. She really did care about him, but just not in the way he wanted.
He had spent the rest of the evening in a daze, barely even registering the food or the conversation around him. When it was time to say goodnight, Sally had hugged him tightly and whispered in his ear, “I’m sorry, Harry. I hope you can understand.”
But Harry didn’t understand. He felt like his whole world had been turned upside down. He had always thought that if he could just get Sally to see how he felt, everything would fall into place. But now he realized that he had been living in a fantasy world.
He spent the next few days moping around his apartment, barely eating or sleeping. He couldn’t shake the feeling of rejection and heartbreak that had settled over him like a heavy fog. He tried to distract himself with work and other activities, but nothing seemed to help.
Finally, he decided to confront Sally. He couldn’t go on pretending like everything was okay when it wasn’t. He called her up and asked if they could meet for coffee.
She agreed, and they met at their favorite café. Harry could barely look at her as they sat down at the table. He took a deep breath and said, “I need to talk to you about what happened the other night.”
Sally looked at him with concern. “What’s wrong, Harry?”
“I just…I don’t know how to deal with this,” he said, his voice breaking a little. “I feel like I’ve lost my best friend, and it’s all because I was stupid enough to fall in love with you.”
Sally reached across the table and took his hand. “You haven’t lost me, Harry. I’m still here, and I still care about you. I just don’t want to ruin what we have by trying to force something that might not work.”
Harry looked at her, tears welling up in his eyes. “But what if it does work? What if we’re meant to be together?”
Sally sighed. “I don’t know, Harry. All I know is that I don’t want to risk losing what we have. It’s too important to me.”
Harry nodded, feeling a sense of resignation wash over him. He knew deep down that Sally was right. Their friendship was too valuable to risk on something as uncertain as a romantic relationship. But it still hurt to know that he would never have a chance to be with the woman he loved.
They finished their coffee in silence, and when it was time to go, Sally gave him a hug and said, “I’m sorry, Harry. I wish things could be different.”
And with that, she left the café, leaving Harry sitting alone at the table, feeling more lost and confused than ever before. He didn’t know how to move on from this, how to let go of the hope that he had carried for so long. All he knew was that he had lost something precious, and he didn’t know if he would ever get it back.
Chapter 6: “The Wedding”
Sally was beaming with happiness. She had found the perfect man in Joe and was busy planning their wedding. Harry had been there from the start, offering his help and advice. He had even introduced her to Joe. Harry was her closest male friend, and Sally loved spending time with him. But lately, she had noticed a change in Harry. He was more affectionate than usual, and she wasn’t sure how to feel about it.
The wedding was just a few weeks away, and Sally was starting to feel the stress of the preparations. She had always been a perfectionist, and she wanted everything to be perfect. Harry had noticed her stress and had been trying to help in any way he could. But his presence was starting to make Sally uneasy. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but something felt off.
It was a warm summer day, and Sally had planned a day out with Harry to take a break from the wedding preparations. They drove out to the countryside, stopping at a quaint little town for lunch. Over lunch, Harry started talking about his latest conquest. Sally had always hated it when Harry talked about his sex life, but today it felt like a punch in the stomach. She felt a pang of jealousy, and it scared her.
As they drove back to the city, Sally was lost in her thoughts. Harry noticed her mood and asked her what was wrong. Sally hesitated for a moment before telling him how she felt. Harry listened intently, and when she had finished, he took her hand and said, “I’m sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable, Sally. I didn’t mean to. You mean the world to me, and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize our friendship.”
Sally felt a wave of relief wash over her. She realized that she had been imagining things, and Harry was just being himself. She smiled at him and said, “I know, Harry. You’re my best friend, and nothing will ever change that.”
They arrived back in the city, and Sally got busy with the wedding preparations. Harry was always there to lend a hand, but Sally noticed that he was keeping his distance now. He was still affectionate towards her, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. Sally had no idea what was going on with Harry, but she didn’t have the energy to deal with it.
The day of the wedding arrived, and Sally was a bundle of nerves. She had planned every detail to perfection, but now she was starting to doubt herself. What if something went wrong? What if Joe didn’t show up at the altar? Sally took a deep breath and reminded herself that she had done everything she could. It was time to enjoy the moment.
The ceremony was beautiful, and Sally felt a surge of emotion when she saw Joe waiting for her at the altar. She walked towards him, tears streaming down her face. As they exchanged vows, Sally thought about how lucky she was to have found someone like Joe. He was kind, loving, and always put her first. She couldn’t wait to start their life together.
The reception was in full swing, and Sally was having a great time. She had danced with all her friends, including Harry, who had been distant for most of the evening. As the night wore on, Sally noticed that Harry was nowhere to be seen. She asked Joe if he had seen him, but he shook his head. Sally felt a knot form in her stomach. She knew something was wrong.
She walked around the reception hall, searching for Harry. She finally found him sitting alone outside. His head was in his hands, and Sally could see tears in his eyes. She sat down beside him and took his hand. “What’s wrong, Harry?” she asked softly.
Harry looked up at her, his eyes full of sadness. “I’m sorry, Sally. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t pretend that I’m okay with you marrying Joe. I love you, Sally. I’ve loved you for years, and I can’t bear to see you with someone else.”
Sally felt her heart skip a beat. She had never expected to hear those words from Harry. She looked into his eyes and saw the love and pain in them. She realized that she had feelings for Harry too, but she had buried them deep down. She took a deep breath and said, “Harry, I love you too. You’re my best friend, and I don’t want to lose you. But I can’t just leave Joe. He’s been there for me when I needed him the most.”
Harry took her hand and said, “I understand, Sally. I don’t want to pressure you into anything. I just had to tell you how I feel. Maybe one day, when the timing is right, we can explore this further. But for now, I just want you to be happy.”
Sally hugged Harry tightly, tears streaming down her face. She felt a sense of relief and sadness at the same time. She had finally realized her true feelings for Harry, but she couldn’t act on them. Harry was right; the timing wasn’t right. She had made a commitment to Joe, and she couldn’t break it. But now she knew that Harry was the one she truly loved.
Chapter 7: “The Road Trip”
The sun was setting as Harry and Sally began their road trip to attend Joe and Sally’s wedding. The air was thick with tension, and they both knew that this trip would be the defining moment in their friendship. They tried to make small talk, but the awkwardness hung heavy in the car.
As they drove through the winding roads of upstate New York, Sally tried to break the silence. “Do you remember when we first met?” she asked.
Harry smiled, “How could I forget? You were talking about your boyfriend who looked like a popsicle.”
Sally chuckled, “I was such an idiot back then.”
Harry nodded, “Yeah, you were.”
They laughed, but the lightheartedness was short-lived. The conversation turned serious, and Sally finally mustered up the courage to ask Harry what was on her mind.
“Harry, I need to know something,” she said, her voice shaking. “Why did you tell me that men and women can’t be friends without sex getting in the way?”
Harry sighed, “I don’t know, Sally. Maybe I was just trying to cover up my feelings for you.”
Sally was taken aback, “What do you mean?”
Harry took a deep breath, “I mean that I’ve always loved you, Sally. I just didn’t know how to tell you.”
Sally was speechless. She had never thought of Harry in that way, but as he spoke, she realized that she had developed feelings for him too.
They drove in silence for a few minutes, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Sally spoke up. “Harry, I think I might feel the same way.”
Harry’s eyes widened in surprise, “Really?”
Sally nodded. “I’ve just been too scared to admit it.”
Harry smiled, “Me too, Sally. Me too.”
As they drove deeper into the night, their conversation became more intimate, and they began to open up to each other in ways they never had before. They talked about their hopes and dreams, their fears and insecurities, and as they shared their deepest thoughts, they realized that they had never been more connected.
As they approached the wedding venue, they both knew that their lives were about to change forever. They had spent 11 years debating whether or not sex could ruin a friendship, but now they were about to find out.
The wedding ceremony was beautiful, but their minds were elsewhere. They stole glances at each other throughout the service, their eyes filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. They both knew that the moment they had been waiting for was about to happen.
As the ceremony ended, Harry took Sally by the hand and led her outside. They walked along a quiet path that wound through a garden, their hearts pounding with anticipation.
Finally, they stopped, facing each other. Harry took a deep breath and looked Sally in the eyes. “Sally, I love you. I always have. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Sally’s eyes filled with tears, “Oh, Harry. I love you too.”
They kissed, a soft and tender embrace that lasted for what felt like an eternity. As they pulled away, they both knew that their friendship had been forever changed, but in the best possible way.
As they returned to the wedding reception, hand in hand, they were greeted with cheers and applause. Their friends and family had known all along that they were meant to be together, and they celebrated as Harry and Sally finally became a couple.
The road trip had been the defining moment in their friendship, and as they danced under the stars, they knew that they had each found their soulmate. The debate was over, and they both knew that sex hadn’t ruined their friendship – it had made it stronger than ever.
Chapter 8: “The Epiphany”
The room fell silent as Harry declared his love for Sally in front of everyone. Sally was stunned, and as she looked into Harry’s eyes, she realized that she loved him too.
Suddenly, the room erupted in applause and cheers as Joe, the groom, approached Harry and Sally. “I had a feeling this was coming,” he said, shaking Harry’s hand. “You two belong together.”
Sally was overwhelmed with emotions as she hugged Joe and turned to Harry. “Is this really happening?” she asked, tears streaming down her face.
Harry nodded, a huge grin on his face. “I’ve loved you for so long, Sally,” he said, taking her hand. “I never stopped.”
As they walked out of the reception hall, hand in hand, Sally felt like she was in a dream. She and Harry had been through so much, and now they were finally together. She couldn’t believe it.
They walked through the streets of New York City, talking and laughing like they always had. But there was something different now, something electric between them that made Sally’s heart skip a beat.
They stopped at a park bench, and Harry turned to face her. “Sally, I know we’ve been friends for a long time,” he began, taking a deep breath. “But I want more. I want to be with you, to love you, for the rest of my life.”
Sally’s heart swelled with love and joy as she looked into Harry’s eyes. “I want that too, Harry,” she said, taking his hand. “I love you so much.”
They leaned in and shared a kiss that was full of passion and promise. It felt like they had been waiting for this moment forever, and they never wanted it to end.
As they pulled away, Harry grinned at her. “So, what do you say we start our lives together, Sally?” he asked.
Sally nodded, tears in her eyes. “I say let’s do it, Harry. Let’s start our forever.”
And with that, they walked off into the city, hand in hand, ready for whatever life had in store for them. They had finally found their answer to the question that had plagued them for so long – that sex didn’t ruin their friendship, it only made it stronger.
Some scenes from the movie When Harry Met Sally… written by A.I.
Scene 1
Characters:
– Harry: A sarcastic and opinionated man who believes that men and women can’t be friends without sex getting in the way.
– Sally: A cheerful and optimistic woman who thinks that men and women can be friends without any romantic involvement.
– Marie: Sally’s friend, who Harry goes out on a blind date with.
– Amanda: Harry’s girlfriend at the beginning of the film.
Setting:
– Chicago to New York car ride
Scene 1: “The Debate”
INT. CAR – DAY
Harry and Sally are on a car ride from Chicago to New York, having just met for the first time. They are in the midst of a heated debate.
HARRY:
I’m telling you, Sally. Men and women can’t be friends without sex getting in the way.
SALLY:
That’s ridiculous, Harry. Of course they can. My best friend is a guy, and we’ve never had any issues.
HARRY:
That’s because he’s either gay or secretly in love with you.
SALLY:
(smiling) Trust me, he’s definitely not in love with me.
HARRY:
See, that’s what you think. But one day, he’s going to confess his undying love to you, and your friendship will never be the same.
SALLY:
(scoffing) You’re so cynical, Harry. Not every guy is secretly in love with his female friend.
HARRY:
I’m not saying every guy is. But the majority? Definitely.
SALLY:
You’re impossible.
The conversation dies down for a moment, and Harry turns on the radio. A song by Frank Sinatra comes on.
HARRY:
(leaning back in his seat) Now, this is music.
SALLY:
(smirking) Oh, look at you. Mr. Classic.
HARRY:
Hey, there’s nothing wrong with appreciating the classics. Speaking of which…
He reaches into his bag and pulls out a book.
HARRY:
You ever read Catcher in the Rye?
SALLY:
Of course. Who hasn’t?
HARRY:
(smiling) I knew I liked you, Sally. You have good taste.
They continue their playful banter as the car ride progresses, the seeds of their friendship and eventual romance being planted.
Scene 2
FADE IN:
EXT. NEW YORK CITY BOOKSTORE – DAY
Harry walks down the bustling street, checking his phone. Suddenly, he bumps into someone and drops his phone.
HARRY
Sorry, sorry. My bad.
He looks up and sees Sally, staring back at him.
SALLY
Harry?
HARRY
Sally!
They awkwardly hug, catching up on old times.
SALLY
What brings you to this part of town?
HARRY
I had a meeting nearby. You?
SALLY
I was just browsing at the bookstore.
HARRY
(examining her book)
“You’ve Got Mail?” I thought you hated romantic comedies.
SALLY
(smirking)
Sometimes, you just need a little cheese in your life.
They both laugh.
HARRY
Hey, you know what? I’m free tonight. Want to grab some dinner, catch up some more?
SALLY
(smiling)
I’d like that.
HARRY
Great. I’ll text you the details.
They exchange a friendly hug and go their separate ways.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 3
INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Harry and Sally are on a double date with Marie and her date, Michael. Sally is noticeably quiet, while Harry and Marie are engaged in an animated conversation.
MICHAEL: So, Sally, what do you do for a living?
SALLY: Oh, I’m a journalist.
MICHAEL: That sounds interesting. What kind of stories do you cover?
SALLY: Mostly human interest stories. You know, the ones that make people feel good.
MICHAEL: That’s great. I bet it’s rewarding.
HARRY: (interjecting) Sally’s actually a fantastic writer. She’s been published in some major publications.
SALLY: (blushing) Oh, Harry, you’re too kind.
MARIE: (changing the subject) So, Harry, have you heard about the new comedy club that just opened up downtown?
HARRY: Yeah, I’ve heard about it. I’ve always wanted to try stand-up comedy.
SALLY: (smiling) You should do it, Harry. You’re hilarious.
HARRY: (sarcastically) Oh, thanks, Sally. I’ll make sure to put you in the front row to laugh at all my jokes.
SALLY: (laughing) Deal.
The waiter approaches the table to take their order.
WAITER: Are you ready to order?
HARRY: I’ll have the linguine with clams, please.
MARIE: I’ll have the chicken parmesan.
MICHAEL: I’ll have the steak, medium rare.
SALLY: (hesitating) Um, I’ll just have a salad.
HARRY: (noticing) Sally, are you okay? You’re not yourself tonight.
SALLY: (sighing) I’m fine, Harry. I’m just not feeling well.
The waiter nods and exits.
HARRY: (concerned) Do you want to leave early? We can reschedule this date.
SALLY: (shaking her head) No, it’s fine. Let’s just finish dinner.
The group continues their meal, but the tension between Harry and Sally is palpable. They exchange brief glances and subtle gestures throughout the remainder of the meal.
As they exit the restaurant, Harry pulls Sally aside.
HARRY: (whispering) Sally, what’s going on? Why are you acting so strange?
SALLY: (avoiding eye contact) It’s nothing, Harry. I’m just tired.
HARRY: (grabbing her arm) Sally, you can tell me anything. I’m your friend.
SALLY: (finally looking at him) Okay, fine. I’ll tell you. I think I like you, Harry. More than just a friend.
Harry’s eyes widen in surprise, and he looks at Sally for a moment before breaking into a grin.
HARRY: (excitedly) Sally, that’s amazing! I like you too!
Sally’s eyes light up, and they share a smile.
SALLY: (smiling) Really?
HARRY: (nodding) Really. I’ve been trying to tell you for years.
SALLY: (laughing) Why didn’t you just say something?
HARRY: (shrugging) I don’t know. I guess I was afraid of ruining our friendship.
SALLY: (smiling) Well, I’m glad we can finally be honest with each other.
They share a brief hug before rejoining Marie and Michael. As they walk down the street, Harry and Sally are both beaming with happiness, excited for what the future holds.
Scene 4
FADE IN:
INT. HARRY’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Harry sits on his couch, looking despondent. Amanda, his girlfriend, is packing her things.
AMANDA
(struggling with a large suitcase)
I can’t do this anymore, Harry. I can’t be with someone who doesn’t love me.
HARRY
(looking down)
I do love you, Amanda. I just don’t think we’re meant to be together.
AMANDA
(shaking her head)
I’m sorry, Harry. I have to go.
Amanda exits the apartment, leaving Harry alone. He reaches for a bottle of whiskey and pours himself a drink.
FADE TO:
INT. SALLY’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Sally is on the phone with her friend, Marie.
SALLY
(into the phone)
I don’t know what to do, Marie. Harry’s been acting so strange since he and Amanda broke up.
MARIE
(on the other end of the line)
Maybe he just needs some time to heal, Sally. You should talk to him and see if he wants to hang out.
SALLY
(sighing)
I guess you’re right. I’ll call him tomorrow.
FADE TO:
INT. HARRY’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Harry is drunk and disheveled, lying on his couch. There’s a knock at the door.
HARRY
(slurring)
Who is it?
SALLY
(from the other side of the door)
It’s me, Harry. Sally.
Harry struggles to get up from the couch and stumbles to the door. He opens it to reveal Sally standing there, looking concerned.
SALLY
(worried)
Harry, are you okay? You look terrible.
HARRY
(drunk)
I’m fine. Just tired.
SALLY
(skeptical)
You don’t sound fine. Maybe you should lay off the whiskey.
HARRY
(defensive)
I don’t need you to tell me what to do. You’re not my mother.
Sally crosses her arms and glares at him.
SALLY
(angry)
No, I’m not your mother. But I’m your friend, and I care about you. You can’t keep pushing people away like this, Harry.
HARRY
(struggling to stand)
I don’t need your help, Sally. I can take care of myself.
SALLY
(grabbing his arm)
No, you can’t. Let me help you.
Harry looks at Sally, his eyes starting to clear. He realizes how much he needs her.
HARRY
(whispering)
Okay.
Sally helps Harry to the couch and sits down next to him.
SALLY
(sympathetic)
You don’t have to go through this alone, Harry. I’m here for you.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
INT. SALLY’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – DAY
Sally is pacing back and forth, while Harry stands against the wall, looking at her with intense emotions.
SALLY
Harry, I don’t want to ruin our friendship. I can’t lose you.
HARRY
But Sally, it’s been eleven years. Don’t you think it’s time to take a chance on us?
SALLY
I just don’t want to risk things changing between us. What if it doesn’t work out?
HARRY
Do you really want to spend the rest of your life wondering “what if?”
Sally pauses and considers his words, tears glistening in her eyes.
SALLY
I can’t deny that I have feelings for you too, Harry. But how do we make this work without ruining everything?
HARRY
We’ll figure it out together. We can take things slow and see where it goes.
SALLY
Okay.
They share a moment of silence, looking deep into each other’s eyes.
HARRY
So…what do we do now?
SALLY
I have an idea.
Sally steps closer to Harry and places her hand on his chest. He takes her hand and they share a passionate kiss.
FADE OUT.
Scene 6
Logline: Two friends navigate their way through the ups and downs of their relationship as they try to figure out if they’re meant to be more than friends.
Characters:
– Harry: A cynical, yet charming man who has always harbored feelings for his friend, Sally.
– Sally: A quirky, independent woman who is afraid of ruining her friendship with Harry by pursuing a romantic relationship.
– Joe: Harry’s friend who starts dating Sally and eventually proposes to her.
Setting: New York City
Scene 6: “The Wedding”
INT. CHURCH – DAY
Joe and Sally’s wedding is in full swing. Harry sits in the audience, looking pensive. He watches as Sally walks down the aisle, looking beautiful in her wedding dress.
HARRY:
(to himself)
What am I doing here? I can’t watch her marry another man.
As Sally reaches the altar, Harry stands up and starts walking down the aisle towards her. People turn to watch him, confused.
SALLY:
(whispering to Joe)
What’s he doing?
Joe shrugs, equally bewildered.
HARRY:
(interrupting the ceremony)
Sally, wait!
Sally looks at Harry, her eyes widening in surprise.
JOE:
(angrily)
Harry, what are you doing? This is our wedding!
HARRY:
(ignoring Joe)
Sally, I love you. I’ve always loved you.
Sally looks torn, her eyes flickering between Joe and Harry.
SALLY:
(whispering)
Harry, what are you doing?
HARRY:
(pleading)
I can’t let you marry him. I know we’ve been through a lot, but I promise I’ll be a better man for you.
Joe steps forward, his fists clenched.
JOE:
(angrily)
Get out of here, Harry. You’re not welcome here.
SALLY:
(stepping forward)
Joe, please. Let me talk to him.
Joe looks at Sally, his face softening. He nods and steps back, allowing Sally to approach Harry.
SALLY:
(whispering)
Harry, I don’t know what to say.
HARRY:
(earnestly)
Just say you love me too.
Sally looks at Harry, her eyes brimming with tears.
SALLY:
(tearfully)
I do love you, Harry.
Harry’s face breaks into a wide grin. He takes Sally’s hand, leading her away from the altar. Joe looks on, heartbroken.
JOE:
(to himself)
I knew this was a mistake.
As Harry and Sally leave the church, hand in hand, a wave of applause erupts from the audience. They turn to face their friends and family, beaming with joy.
FADE OUT.
