United States of Al · 55 quotes
Vanessa, having tea is an important part of my culture. It facilitates dialogue, even among the most bitter enemies. During the war, Riley and I would do this to try to resolve disputes.
VanessaI get that, Al, but I just really don't think this is gonna help us.
Yeah, I already told him that.
VanessaOh, shut up.
Of course, in Afghanistan, we were mostly dealing with murderous warlords. This is my first time working with a married couple.
VanessaWell, we won't be married for long.
Why'd you even come here? I mean, don't you have anything better to do?
VanessaI came out of respect for the guy who saved your life.
You came to punish me.
VanessaI don't have to punish you, Riley. You punish yourself.
I have to tell you both, I am missing the warlords right now. Vanessa, why don't you tell me what you think went wrong with your marriage?
VanessaOh, Al, I don't even know where to start. I mean, the mood swings, the drinking. He won't go get help. He refused to go to counseling. I just had enough.
Okay, thank you. I have only been here one day, but I have also seen the mood swings and the drinking.
Hey. Whose side are you on?
I am in the middle. Look. This is on purpose.
VanessaI'm sorry, but I'm done trying to raise my daughter with a guy who I can't trust.
I understand that, too. When I met Riley, I did not trust him either. And I was right not to trust him. Did you know the first time he gave me a gun, he did not put bullets in it?
VanessaYou're kidding.
I am not, and I discovered this in the middle of a firefight.
I had to know you weren't gonna shoot me.
And in that moment, when I was clicking away and nothing was coming out, I really wanted to. The point is, we did not trust each other then. But we do now. Trust is earned.
VanessaWell, he's got a long way to go.
Oh, I agree.
VanessaRight now, he's at zero with me.
Oh. Zero is good. I would not have gone that high.
VanessaBut I do like you.
You know what's funny? The warlords also liked me and not him. Vanessa, you are as wonderful a woman as Riley always said. I'm so glad we finally got to meet.
VanessaMe, too.
Excuse me. But, we haven't resolved a thing here.
No, but we are talking, which is a good first step. If the two of us could learn a language he does not know, that might be helpful for the future.
VanessaI speak a little French.
Ah. Moi aussi.
I can learn French.
Just drink your tea.
VanessaSo, what other nice things did he say about me?
Where do I begin? Your hair, your eyes, your laugh...
Oh, come on!
