Wheel of Fantasy

Arthur pulls the door open to let the visitor in. It jams ajar on the security chain.

Arthur: "Oops sorry."

He closes the door and unlatches the chain then pulls it wide open. As the door sends a vent of air inside Arthur is overwhelmed by the strong smell of perfume and leather.

He takes a deep breath in anticipation.

As the mysterious woman enters the apartment the dim light reflects off her long shiny dark leather coat. With each step she takes Arthur is entranced by the silky smooth skin of the long legs that emerge from the split of the lustrous overcoat.

Arthur is initially entranced by the patton leather high heel tie up shoes that adorn the long sensual feet. His eyes then delve upwards and complete an examination of this refined beauty. The skin of her exposed upper thigh disappears in the darkness of what's hidden underneath that smooth shiny coat. Retaining her proud stance she reveals her flaxen hair by removing the elegant leather peaked cap that marks her servitude.

She gives Arthur a brazen smile and looks him over.

Arthur becomes embarrassingly conscious of his dress.

Arthur: "Oh. Sorry I'm not really... ready... to go."

The Driver: "That's alright Arthur you're fine as you are. We'll get you ready at the studio."

She reaches for his hand and Arthur humbly accepts the strangely warm invitation.

The Driver: Adding. "Come on, your in for something exceptional."

Arthur suddenly finds himself following the flowing movement of the seductive driver without further question.

At the bottom of the stairwell an uncomfortable warm surprise flushes through his body.

Parked on the streetside is a shiny black limousine. Arthur recognises it instantly. Water vapour illuminated by the red taillights pours upwards out of the exhaust pipe. The engine is running. The driver floats over to the back door and opens it for Arthur.

A nostalgic notion grips Arthur. He enters the car with an air of familiarity as he looks back at the apartment block with disdain.

Act Five - The Green Room

The short limousine trip seems a blur to Arthur. It barely seems minutes and the sleek dark silent machine is turning into a long driveway that is guarded by an imposing intricate wrought iron gate.

Arthur carefully surveys the remarkable structure.

A narrow drive enters into a tall unsettling archway.

The limousine stops in front of a grand ornately decorated door. The driver opens the car and is soon guiding him into the daunting site.

Driver: "Come Arthur."

He follows obediently.

She takes him down a long corridor to an unmarked dark green door. His eyes fix on the driver's stylish walk that flaunts her long sensual legs.

Driver: "Arthur you'll find everything you need to freshen up in here. Make yourself comfortable and Luke will be in to see you soon."

Arthur: Questions. "Luke?"

Driver: She reveals an audacious smile. "Luke is the Wheel of Fantasy host."

Arthur enters the room and it closes with a forceful clunk behind him. He turns slowly and examines the room carefully.

The room is simple and elegant. It is painted in a deep olive green with gold trims. Two deep-seated leather Chesterfield lounges sit proudly in the middle of the room. They are parted by a coffee table. On the table is an ornate silver tray with two wine glasses and an open bottle of clean skinned wine.

Arthur notices that a neatly pressed business shirt accompanied by a charcoal suit have been neatly laid over the armrests of one of the Chesterfields. He walks into the room a little further and sees a pair of leather shoes neatly placed at the side of that couch.

To the right hand side of the room is an open door that leads into a bathroom. Another door is at the opposite side. It is slightly ajar and it marks the entrance to a well-stocked wardrobe. A third door is on the left hand side and it is shut tight.

A soft knock startles Arthur. The handle on the door to the left hand side starts to turn

Arthur watches intently as the door slowly swings partially open. A patch of dark hair, the top a woman's head, appears from behind the door. A familiar soft voice announces the person who's face is obscured.

Carmela: "Hello Arthur."

Arthur stands in silence waiting to see what emerges from behind the door.

Carmela: "Its Carmela Assistente here, may I come in?" She pauses for a moment. "I spoke to you earlier on the phone."

Arthur quietly and cautiously responds.

Arthur: "Come in... Please."

Arthur is astounded by the familiarity of the female that slides sideways from behind the door. She was exactly like the image on the TV. Her deep penetrating dark eyes catch his stare. Then he couldn't help but stare at her soft curves. Her skin seems to have a distinct glow in the feint light of this room of repose. Arthur is acutely self conscious of the attention he is giving her form. Her body is only barely covered by her semi-transparent garment. It makes Arthur suddenly very uncomfortable of his own destitute state.

The voluptuous olive skinned beauty cautiously glares back at this furtive man. She notices that he has seen the clothes that were laid out for him.

Carmela: "I just came to make sure that you have everything you need before Luke sees you."

Arthur: Very tentatively replies. "Yes... I think everything is... fine thank you."

Carmela: "Good then... we'll see you in a few minutes. The bathroom should have everything you need to freshen up."

Arthur: Meekly. "Thank you."

Carmela: "You're most welcome."

Carmela then peeks deep into Arthur's eyes and slips past the partly opened door.

Arthur's fragile confidence is simmering. So he decides to head for the bathroom. He passes the right hand couch and takes the suit and shoes that have been laid out for him.

He then enters the brightly lit bathroom that is at the right hand side of the room. As he closes the door he can hear a familiar rattle and clunk of the door handle behind him. Arthur doesn't look back he just closes the bathroom door.

Act Six - Conditions of Entry

The steaming hot shower has fuelled up Arthur's very low energy reserves. Every pore on his skin seems to be taking in the intoxicating oxygen.

Déjà vu flows through him as he buttons the elegant pale grey and blue pin striped business shirt. He slides the charcoal suit jacket over his shoulders. The fit is perfect.

He glances in the mirror and wipes away the vapour revealing his freshly shaved face.

A smile curls across his lips. Energy he hasn't felt for a long time is building within.

He then finishes folding his old clothes and places them on the basin bench.

Arthur takes one last look at the basin mirror before leaving the bathroom.

Arthur: "Ok Arthur now I think your ready to meet Luke."

He opens the bathroom door. There he stops as he is startled to see the back of an impeccably dressed man sitting on the nearest couch. Arthur notes that the man's right arm is resting on the back of the couch. His hand is holding a half full glass of wine.

A smooth resonating voice fills the room.

Man: "Arthur, I'm very glad you could join us."

Arthur is momentarily curious. 'Us?'

The man doesn't turn to face Arthur.

Arthur cautiously moves into the room. Then he stops startled for a second time. The 'us' reference is now clear. A beautiful woman reveals herself by rising up from being obscured by the man and the back of the couch.

It's the driver.

Driver: In a sensual tone. "Hi Arthur I'm Alexia."

Arthur nods his acquiescence. Alexia smiles hers in return.

The Man: "You know Alexia."

Arthur: "We've met but not been introduced."

The Man: "And Carmela?"

Arthur's curiosity is pricked once again.

Arthur: Quietly asks to himself. "Carmela?"

A third revelation as Carmela rises from her concealment behind the couch.

Carmela: "Hi there. I see you've found everything."

Arthur nods his acquiescence once again.

The man's voice seizes prominence in the room.

The Man: "Come Arthur sit on the couch."

Without turning the man indicates with his free hand for Arthur to sit on the opposing couch. The two women rear incrementally away from the formidable voice.

As Arthur wheels around the near couch the man slowly raises himself.

He turns to greet Arthur who is approaching the far couch. He extends his arm and offers his hand.

The Man: "Hello I'm Luke D'Angelo. Pleased to finally meet you."

Arthur confidently reaches back.

Arthur: "Arthur Baynebridge. Pleasure."

Luke smiles acknowledging Arthur's revitalised confidence. Then with a twitch of his toned cheek muscle the two fine specimens take their cue. They recoil toward the left hand door, their faces always fixed on this majestic man.

They slip from view and the door closes.

Luke returns his attention to Arthur. His eyes seem to sparkle as he begins to speak.

Luke: "Delightful creatures?"

Arthur again slowly nods his acquiescence.

Luke: "How are you feeling Arthur?"

Arthur hesitates. Luke's eyes widen drawing a frank softly spoken reply from the tentative guest.

Arthur: "Nervous..."

Luke: His voice changes to comfort his uneasy guest. "Don't worry its only natural to feel a little overawed by all this."

Arthur's disquiet drains steadily as Luke relaxes his posture on the comfortable lounges.

Luke: "Arthur I'm very glad you decided to join us on the Wheel of Fantasy."

Arthur slightly closes his posture revealing his uncertainty of this intriguing situation.

Luke: "Well Arthur let me tell you about the opportunity that I am about to provide you."

Arthur raises one brow acknowledging the pitch he is about to receive.

Luke then changes his tack a little.

Luke: "Before I can start I'd like to confirm a couple of things with you."

Arthur: "Sure like, what would you like to know?"

Luke's facial muscles become tense indicating a very serious question.

Luke: "You want to have all the things that you've dreamt about?"

Arthur senses an unexpected sense of power in the relationship. His answer is slow and deliberate.

Arthur: "Yes."

Luke looks into and penetrates Arthur's eyes. His voice turns into a powerful whisper.

Luke: "Do you want to show all those who betrayed and abandoned you?"

Arthur: There is no hesitation in this answer. "Yes!"

Luke: Emphasises the last in this series of questions. "Are you prepared to take the ultimate risk to touch your dreams?"

Arthur takes a second to absorb the question. He rapidly analyses and determines the stakes. His eyes squint slightly and through gritted teeth he responds with impudent determination.

Arthur: "Yes."

A deep dark twisted smile exudes from Luke's mouth. He reaches over to the open bottle of wine and pours a little into the empty glass on the coffee table. Arthur takes his cue and reaches over to pick it up.

Luke: "Very good Arthur. Now let me explain The Wheel of Fantasy to you. I think you're going to be... pleasantly surprised."

Act Seven - The Wheel of Fantasy

Arthur's raises the glass to his lips and his nostrils fill with the scrumptious fragrance of a wood that is unknown to him.

He briefly looks into his glass and is engrossed by the delicate golden highlight that enhances the smooth claret liquid.

As the liquid touches his tongue he is overwhelmed by its distinctive taste. It is delicately imprinted with unknown floral intricacies.

This was no exceptional wine as Arthur was once accustomed to. This was a taste of paradise.

Arthur puffs his cheeks and tilts his head sideways to compliment Luke. Luke accepts with another in his repertoire of devastating smiles.

Arthur savours another mouthful of the delicate liquor.

Luke: "Well let me start by saying that Wheel is a rare opportunity."

Arthur listens intently.

Luke: "It's a game that even when you lose, you can still win."

Arthur: "I like that."

Luke: "The best way to describe Wheel is... Lets say... a pyramid game."

Arthur: "Pyramid game?"

Luke: "Yes Arthur, you see Wheel of Fantasy needs new guests."

Arthur notes the devious emphasis on the word guest.

Luke: Continues. "We ask our participating guest to offer the identity of other potential participants."

Arthur: "So far that doesn't sound very risky."

Luke: Affronted. "Don't worry there is a minimal risk that I assure you is quite shattering."

Arthur waits in silence.

Arthur: "So what is the prize for this risk?"

Luke: "The prizes are on the Wheel of Fantasy itself. Sixty five of the Earth's most desirable jewels."

Arthur: "Sixty five prizes?"

Luke: "And you have the opportunity to accumulate three of them."

Arthur: "So what do I have to do?"

Luke: "You'll be offered the opportunity to spin the wheel three times."

Arthur: "Offered?"

Luke: "To spin the wheel you need to provide us with a potential guest's name and a little information about that person."

Arthur: "That sounds like a kid's game."

Luke: "Well there is the risk."

Arthur facial expression pleads for more information.

Luke: "One segment on the wheel indicates the game default."

Arthur: "Default?"

Luke: "All that means is that you'll have to return to your former existence with... let's say... an obligation."

Arthur wanted to ask the obvious question but ultimately refrains. Instead...

Arthur: "One in sixty six... mmm not bad odds."

Luke: "Wait... there's more..." Luke softens his voice. "It gets better."

Arthur nods for Luke to continue.

Luke: "Should you progress and accumulate three prizes you will then be offered one last chance to either...

Arthur waits anxiously for the choices.

Luke: "... take your prizes and allow us to... invite your nominations or..."

Again Arthur feels unbearable anticipation.

Arthur: "Or?"

Luke: "Return to your previous existence with no obligation."

Arthur realises the critical probability, the fifty-fifty chance.

Arthur: "Oh I see."

A devious smile curls across Luke's face.

Luke: "Well... We can't make it too easy."

Arthur raises his eyebrows and contemplates the interesting proposition. The odds are exceptional. His only concern was the obligation, but then again it was only a one in sixty six chance for each of the three progressive spins.

Arthur: "I must say Luke that this all seems too good to be true."

Luke: "Well let's say that it's a game that both of us have a great chance of winning."

Arthur looks back at Luke suspiciously. He starts to ask the obvious question.

Arthur: "Luke..."

Luke: "Yes Arthur."

Arthur loses his nerve.

Arthur: "No matter..." He pauses and takes a deep breath. "I'll accept your invitation Luke."

Luke: "I'm very glad to have you onboard."

Arthur smiles and thinks to himself, "well at least this is going to be an interesting event."

Arthur then takes another sip of that delicious wine as Luke raises himself to prepare for the contest.

Luke: Opening the left hand door to leave. "Carmela will be calling very soon. Relax and don't worry about a thing..."

The door closes and Arthur leans back and snuggles into the stiff leather back of the Chesterfield.

Act Eight - Game On

Again Arthur is startled and his eyes spring wide open. This time a gentle hand shakes his shoulder.

Alexia: "Its time Arthur."

Arthur looks up and sees Alexia smiling at him reassuringly.

Arthur: "Oh sorry I must of dosed off again."

Alexia reaches for his hand and begins to gently pull him out of the lounge.

Alexia: "Come Arthur."

Arthur could feel his doubts melting away in her tender engaging grip. He could feel another phenomenal surge of power accumulating inside him. Something that had been lacking for quite some time in his life.

Alexia opens the left hand door and Arthur follows. As they make their way down a long corridor Arthur begins to question what he is walking into.

Sensing apprehension Alexia turns to reassure Arthur once again.

Alexia: "At the end of this corridor is the stage entrance."

Arthur nods his comprehension.

Alexia: "You'll stand just outside and wait for your cue."

Arthur: "Ok."

Alexia: "You'll hear an introduction along with audience applause."

Arthur: Struggling to keep pace with Alexia's long strides. "Yes."

Alexia: "Your cue is... And let's give a big hand for tonight's guest."

Arthur: Paraphrasing Alexia. "Lets give a big hand for tonight's..."

Alexia: "That's right."

Arthur confirms with a nod.

Alexia: "When Luke says your name you will be greeted on stage by Carmela. She will take you to the center of the stage where Luke is waiting."

The echo of their footsteps starts to diminish as they begin to hear the dull roar of the studio audience emanating from the stage entrance that draws ever closer in front of them.

Alexia: "From there Luke will guide you. He'll ask you questions and all you have to do is answer."

Arthur: "Sounds easy."

Alexia: Soothing softness creeps into her voice. "It is... It's nothing really."

Alexia comes to a sudden halt. They stand in front of a doorway that has no door. In its place is a heavy black velvet curtain.

Arthur makes out the bright light that seeps past the curtain's fringe. The rush and bustle of many people moving and talking as they settle for a spectacle barely penetrates the heavy black material.

Alexia turns to him.

Alexia: "The lights are very bright and very hot. If you need something... a drink... just look back toward this entrance."

Arthur again nods a feeble confirmation.

Alexia urges forward and tenderly embraces him. She presses her bosom hard against him and then softly kisses his cheek.

As the noise beyond the curtain dies down they draw apart.

Alexia: "Good luck Arthur. The game is now on..."

Alexia then slides past the curtain out of view leaving Arthur alone to contemplate his looming cue...

Act Nine - Round One

Arthur stands nervously waiting. There is a lot of activity beyond the dark curtain and he can feel the intensity building.

A familiar powerful booming voice begins an oratory invitation on the other side of the curtain.

Voice beyond the Curtain: "This is Luke D'Angelo welcoming you to another enthralling episode of..." The voice draws a deep breath then potently announces. "The Wheel of Fantasy."

Arthur carefully notes the clear articulate words over the emerging roar of the studio audience.

Voice: "The only game show on Earth that can fulfil your wildest fantasies."

The audience erupts into spontaneous audacious applause.

Voice: "Tonight's guest is here for a chance to revive his once celebrated prosperity."

The audience hushes and Arthur senses the approaching invitation.

Voice: "So let's all give an extra special welcome to tonight's guest..."

That was it. Arthur takes a deep breath and draws the heavy black curtain across drenching himself in a blinding white light.

The voice booms out strangely unfamiliar words as he steps into the stifling glare.

Voice: Loud and dramatically announces. "Arthur... Baynebridge!"

Still unsighted Arthur feels an arm sliding inside his. Then he turns to face the person he is leaning against. A familiar soothing voice relaxes him even though the light has made it difficult to recognise.

Carmela: Quietly whispers to Arthur. "Come Arthur, this way..."

Arthur still can't make out any form against this brilliant backdrop. He is swept into a movement toward a central stage. The thunderous clapping sends a tremor through him.

Out of the hazy brilliance he begins to see Carmela striding forcefully beside him. Then he turns to face forward and he can make out the raised stage and two isolated stools. One occupied by the strangely solitary Luke. He holds a microphone tightly in his left hand.

As Arthur and Carmela approach Luke rises from his stool and reaches over to greet his nervous guest.