"BEACH CAFE" "No, no..." "A real taxi." "Get in." "How much?" " Where to?" " Bab Sebta." "10 dirhams." "10 dirhams." "With him?" "Now?" "Let's go." "Use the other door." "That one doesn't open." "What's that shack?" "You can see it's a cafe." "I was here before and there was nothing." "Can I have some tea?" "For yourself, too." "Thanks." " What's your name?" " Fouad." " And you?" " Driss." " Do you live here?" " No." "I live in the dwar." "On that mountain." "Are you married?" " And father of several sons." " God protect them." " What do I owe you?" " Two dirhams." "You have some kif." "Wait!" "If you ever come back, bring me some mint." "Some mint?" "There's mint everywhere." "Why ask me that?" "Where's Fouad?" "Fouad, the old guy..." "Is he there?" "Next door?" "You're lucky." "It's a nice spot." "That's right." "A great view..." "Far from everything." "Yeah, it's real nice." "But people around here want everything for nothing." "They're parasites." "Maybe." "Like everywhere." "Not in Europe." "Europeans aren't like that." "Good people." "Why do you think Europeans are better?" "A European parks up there." "He comes down to the beach." "Before he goes back up, he leaves me 100 or so dirhams." "Because of money, they're better than Moroccans?" "Moroccans arrive here drunk." "Or they bring their own alcohol and drink it here." "That causes a fuss." "If the cops knew, they would shut you down." "You'd get a big fine and they'd throw you in jail." "Why tell me that?" "I'm not crooked." "I've nothing to fear." "What's wrong with you?" "I'm just trying to help." "Just a friendly comment, that's all." " I take care ofyou!" " Like all parents should." "Children should work and go to school." "I need money for school." "I don't even have shoes." "You waste the money I give!" " Give me some water." " No water for you." "You do nothing all day with your brother!" "What's going on, Fouad?" "Leave if you're not happy!" "You too!" "My sons..." "Good for nothing!" "They spoil my life." " Hi." " How are you?" " And how about you?" " Fine." "Fouad's sons..." "He's a little tough on you." "We don't care." "Stupid old man..." "He's crazy." "How about a smoke?" "I don't have any." "It's finished." "Why do you insult me?" "Because you don't do anything." "I'm the only one who works here." "Get out of my cafe before I beat you!" "He refused to boil water for tea." "He told me to do it myself." "You don't handle him right." "Vice is in his blood." "Last week, some American girls came." "As soon as he saw them, he started showing off." "Are you jealous of him?" "I'm not jealous of anyone!" "I'm not interested in women." "Even grandfathers still look at women on the street." "Maybe." "In any case, I want young girls to be safe here." "Did those girls like Mustapha?" "No." "In the evening, they stayed inside with me." "To smoke kif." "The girls brought the kif." "Why ask me that?" "Believe it or not, the other night in bed..." "One girl came and asked for tea." "She sat on my bed, close to me." "She started to touch me." "She said:" ""l want to lie next to you."" "I told her: "Another place..." ""Another time."" "What's so funny?" "If that was true, you would have just done her." "You'd never have said some other time." "Hello." "You see that man headed for fishing?" "Yes." " I saw he didn't greet you." " He's crazy." "He lives in the dwar." "Believe it or not, one day he bought some hisha." "Some real good stuff." "He ate it all at once." "Then he went to a house where his father was with friends." "He was so full ofhisha..." "He started pulling on his father's djellaba." ""I'm dying, I'm dying, " he said." ""Get up and take me home." ""I want to die a good Muslim!"" "I was there when he arrived." "In the middle of the courtyard, he rolled around in a Iarge puddle." "Is that enough for the trip?" "You know, Driss, you can't always believe Fouad." "He was the one who disrespected his father." "He was the one who ate all the hisha." "He rolled in the mud." "I shouldn't have told you." "It doesn't matter." "It does matter." "You should know who tells the truth." "If it's Fouad or if it's me." "It's OK." "I believe you." "Fouad has no shame." "That's why I don't greet him." "Be warned, Driss." " No shave today?" " No." " Don't you like stubble?" " Sure." " Look at her." " Her father is dead." "No shame at all!" "Whore!" "You going to the beach?" "I know a spot in the woods." "No one will bother you." "We don't have to hide." "I just hope you don't plan on taking your girl to my father's." "Have fun." "Real cheap!" "Real cheap!" "You were right." "I like this place a lot." "Tell me, Driss..." "What kind of work do you do?" "Why do you ask?" "To know who I'm dealing with." "So tell me..." "Be direct for once." "It depends." "Sometimes I go to Ksar es Srir." "I buy fish and bring it to Tangiers." "Or I find out when someone leaves the city." "The furniture has to be disposed." "I get by." "It's not ideal, but it's better than nothing." "Best to be happy with the work one finds." "Yard work, cleaning sewers, enlist as a soldier." "For me, all that is the same old stuff." "Well, bye." "I'm not hungry." "Do you mind if we eat later?" "Fine by me." "Is something wrong?" "I'd like you to go to the cafe." "Spend some time alone with the old man." "I don't think so." "Why ask me to do that?" "And what will you do while I'm gone?" "I feel like knowing what Fouad thinks of me." "I would like to ease my mind about it." "Just make him talk..." "Can't you think about something other than that guy?" "You can do this for me." "No way." "You should fish a little farther out." "Not here." "Shouldn't fish on that rock." "Why not?" "Will it sink?" "It's cursed." "It belongs to the jinni." "If you see one surface, run away." "Or else her slap will deface you." "I don't believe in all that." " Are we going?" " If you want." "Thanks." "Here, Fouad." "For your lunch." "Is there any bread left?" "You didn't buy a whole lot!" "Is that all there is?" "Aren't you eating?" "I'm not very hungry." "I feel more like smoking." "I think your friend Fouad liked me a lot." "He smokes Casa Sport, but he got American cigarettes for me." "Do you know Driss well?" "I know him, yes." "But nothing about him." "You really know nothing about him?" "All that I know is that he always smiles." "And he has lots of kif in his pockets." "And... he likes to talk." "I don't know him well, but I know all that." "What I can't stand about him is that he acts like a star." "He hangs around with Europeans." "Who knows what he's thinking up?" "He always comes with gifts." "But I don't call that generosity." "He's a whore." "Too eager to please." "I saw right off that you looked sad." "Is he taking you home?" "You seem to like this place?" "I could spend days and nights here." "Then why deny yourself?" "What?" "Listen, it's simple." "As soon as Driss drops you off... take a taxi back here." "I'll pay for it." "In any case, now you know." "That man isn't your friend." "He doesn't want to be." "I don't understand why you're so friendly to him." "You should hate him." "No, Betsoul." "I don't want to hate him." "Tell me, Driss." "For several months, you've dated my daughter." "Don't start!" "It's normal." "I'm your mother." "I'm worried about your reputation." "I can't let you see him so much." "Or else take your things and go live in his car." "We're doing nothing wrong." "Just going to the beach." "Come with us if you want." "A nice spot." "Right, Betsoul?" "That's all I need!" "Your car's been here for 3 days!" "Pay up!" "Can't you see?" "I just got here." "Stop!" "Pay first!" "Forget it!" "Damn you!" "Why do you think everyone hates you?" "Because it's true." "I know how people are." "People, people..." "What does that mean?" "Me, for example." "How can you guess what I think if I say nothing?" "All that I know is that I built this cafe." "And I settled here to be away from people." "I hardly ever go up to town." "It's calm here." "I'm alone." "That suits me fine." "CAFE" "A campground here would make you a lot of money." "You could do a restaurant." "Kebabs, salads, sandwiches..." "I'd need help to make that happen." "You have sons, don't you?" "I can't count on them." "They only come here for money." "One could make tea and coffee." "The other could cook." "And he could take care of the cars." "You could watch the register and pay them weekly." "Making money does everyone good." "They don't want to work." "Ask them." "Rent me a room." "I'll pay everyday and take care of the restaurant." "I'll rent you that room." " How much?" " 50 dirhams a day." "That's a lot." "50" "I'm young." "Where will I get all that?" "OK for 30." "But I get half the benefits." "When do you hope to open?" "Two days to set up." "Not more." "Don't forget you owe me 200 dirhams." " What are you building?" " A restaurant." " A restaurant?" " Yes." "When the work is over, we'll run the place." "Why are you laughing?" "If not, I'd beat you up." "How are you?" "It's sole." "A lot of them during the full moon." "That's not sole." "It's bouri." "You've been tricked." "Cooked right, it's edible." "I know vinegar is used to take the taste away." "I used cumin." " Want some?" " No." "Shit, you're right." "It's good, but still a lot of bones." "Next time, you'll get paid with a swordfish." "I don't understand you." "You have a car, money." "Why sleep here?" "It doesn't bother me to sleep in my car." "That's how I ended up in Tangiers." "You rather sleep in your car or at my house?" "In my car, I'm a free man." "But I'd rather sleep with you." "When is your mother coming back?" "In two weeks, maybe three." "That's enough time for you to tire of me." " How are you?" " In good health?" " Haven't seen you in a while." " I've been busy." "Look what I brought you." "Thanks." "My favorite material." " Let's have tea." " With pleasure." "Look what Zineb brought me." "It's nice." " Want some tea?" " I'd love some." "How are things with Abdallah?" "I think he cares for me some." "Everyday he gives me a gift." "My mother is convinced he'll ask you to marry." "Everybody is talking." "You do know, don't you?" "We see each other a lot." "Yesterday, we found a little cafe on the beach." "A real nice place." "I don't know its name." "An odd man runs it." "Each time Abdallah looked away... the old man winked at me." "Once Abdallah left for a walk." "That man actually came on to me." "That's Fouad." " A friend of Driss." " Of Driss?" "I don't believe it." " Hi, Driss." "How are you?" " Fine." "That mirror is beautiful." "Where did you find it?" "I, uh..." "I found it on a building site." "Is it for Betsoul's shop?" "If she has enough to buy it." "Drop me at her place?" "I have to speak to her." "But I can't pay you." "Get in." "Why are you looking at me that way?" "Just thinking." "That's all." "About what?" "About men in general." "Believe it or not, I broke up with Abdallah." "Who is this Driss?" "I hear so much about him." "You're lucky not to know him." "Oh, really." "Why is that?" "Because no one really knows what he is thinking." "He appears to be OK." "He smiles at everyone." "So?" "That seems ordinary." "Don't you see?" "Real men don't act like that." "Women, yes." "A man must act like a man." "He has to show what's on his mind." "Plus, he's always hanging around with Europeans." " That stops him from being a man?" " Sometimes." "What do you really have against him?" "Every time he comes, he brings me a gift." "And you know why?" "Because he thinks that we aren't as good as him." "That kind always thinks he's better." "If you don't like him, then why accept his gifts?" "A man doesn't act like that." "That's a woman's attitude." "You're saying I'm not a man?" "Talking behind someone else's back..." "I wonder what type of man you are." "You don't have the courage to repeat that to Driss." "And why wouldn't I?" "Because you're a hypocrite." "Your friend thinks I'm not a man!" "It's the truth." "That's no man!" "You know what he did earlier?" "He put his hands on me." " What are you saying?" " It's true." "You touched me!" "Get out of here!" "What's wrong with you two?" "That man is horrible." "Pay him and let's go." "Fouad doesn't want you in his cafe." "And you said nothing?" "What should I have done?" "Defend me." "You let him speak and you did nothing." "You just sat there." "With a smile on your face." " We're through!" " Through?" "We won't see each other anymore." "Please, don't go there." "Betsoul was right." "That place brings bad luck." "Don't worry about me." "You better think about Abdallah." "He wanted a life with you." "He must be very sad." "He would have made a good husband." "I know." "For some company, come here." "You can stay over." "Your mother wouldn't mind?" "She's spending the summer in Kenitra." "Why are you looking at me so meanly?" "Because you broke up with Abdallah." "And I'm wondering why." "So I'll tell you the reason." "It's because of you." "Because of what I feel for you." "You're crazy, Zineb." "Crazy to tell me that." "I must tell you." "You act like you don't know." "Tell Betsoul I can't stay." "Fouad isn't here tonight?" "He's here." "Follow me." " Where have you been?" " In Tangiers." "Were you sick?" "Will you make me some tea?" "Make it yourself." "I'm tired." "Honestly, Driss..." "The only time I smoke kif is when you come to see me." "What the others bring me isn't kif." "With them, I feel like I'm smoking a sponge." "I see all these bottles and I see business is well." "Don't believe that." "After August, there are few clients." "So the little chickens found their grain?" "Are they related to you?" "They rented a room here." "They're from Tangiers." "Do you have some for me?" "I don't give kifto girls." "Not even cigarettes." "But you can have a cola if you want." "Do you want to eat with us?" "Malika and Aicha are good cooks." "No, thanks." "I'm not like you." "Can't handle several girls at once." "Come on, Driss." "Stay." "We'll have fun." "Don't tire yourself out." "Sorry, but you're not my type." "Will you take me to Tangiers?" "What about Fouad?" "I've had enough of Fouad." "Plus, he's sleeping." "What do you think?" "I'm a free woman!" "Want to go now?" "How much are you paying?" "30 dirhams." "How's that?" "A taxi would cost double." "So give me 45 dirhams." "OK." "Why did you bring me here?" "No reason." "Just for fun." "I don't like it here." "I'd like to know what you like." "I like that, for example." "What's that?" "Some majoun." "You've never had it?" "Are you afraid?" "Hold me tighter." "That's good." "Like that." "You trying to feel if I'm hard?" "And Fouad says you don't like women!" "What did he tell you?" "That I prefer men?" "He said you only liked boys." "But I heard at the cafe... you were never with a guy." "So he said it's because you belong to a European man." "That you can't do anything with anyone." "No girls, no boys." "He even said you let tourists sodomize you." "But only if they paid you a lot." "Who asked him if I liked girls?" "Why did you ask him that?" "Because the first time I saw you, I wanted you." "Since you didn't get me, you think I don't like girls." "I never believed a word he said." "You're still young." "And you slept with an old Fahsi." "I wonder how you can still look at yourself." "I don't feel well, Driss." "It's the majoun." "It will pass." "Should I take you back?" "No." "I want to sleep with you." "You don't have enough money." "How much?" "500 dirhams." "I waited all night." "What did you two do?" "Answer me!" "Leave her alone." "What did you do?" "We had a drink in a club." "Is that all you did?" "I fucked her..." "She paid me." "Wait, Driss..." "Don't leave now." "Some Americans arrived this morning." "I think they like it here." "You speak English." "We could make a lot of money." "What's wrong with you, Driss?" "Why are you pouting?" "You know why." "Listen, Driss." "At your age, I worked." "I had kids already." "So don't try to say..." "It's you who has so much to say." "What is she saying?" "Nothing." "I haven't been to Tangiers in a long time." "Has it changed a lot?" "I don't know." "I'm not from Tangiers." "I already told you." "I was born in Meknes." "You never listen to me." "Why don't you ever come to see me anymore?" "Is it because of Zineb?" "I swear I never cheated on you!" "She told me she was in love with you." "I trust you." "Stop worrying." "Don't cheat me of the pleasure of seeing you." "It feels good to be in a bed." "Do you want to go to the beach?" "I can't." "It's the Americans' last day." "Then they're going to Taroudant." "Tomorrow, if you want." "But not to the beach cafe." "Boss... that's Driss." "Driss Tafersiti." "Are you Driss Tafersiti?" "Do you know this man?" "Fouad... he's my friend." "What do you know about him?" "He works in his cafe to try to make a living." "Anything else?" "Selling kif..." "Heard about it?" "Fouad never sold kif." "And that?" "What's that?" "Bananas?" "That's not good kif." "That's junk." "Some Americans dumped it here." "They had a brown van." "What kind of car do you have?" "Can you give us a look?" "Everything in order, boss." "Sorry to bother you." "Next time, I'll bring your sons." "They'll be happy to see you." "Let's go to bed." "Not now." "I can't." "Bad time of the month." "Too bad." "I wanted it." "Why not sleep with Zineb?" "No, Zineb." "I can't." "Leave me alone." "What are you two looking at?" "I'm going out to get us lunch." "Did you think I'd sleep with you while Betsoul was here?" "She wanted me to go to you." "I don't understand." "Why did she do that?" "She wants you to be happy." "That's all." "Make me happy?" "I couldn't sleep at all." "Is that making me happy?" "Two women love you." "Aren't you lucky?" "I don't want a harem." "One night, one." "One night, the other." "I think you've both gone crazy." "And you want to make me crazy." "Is something wrong?" "Let's go." "I got everything for lunch." "You're free, Fouad." "I can't believe it." "When did they let you out?" "This morning." "You know, Driss." "I've thought it over." "What happened to me is all your fault." "You pushed those Americans into buying all that kif." "When they departed, they left it all in the room." "The police came and found it everywhere." "It's not my fault." "I had nothing to do with the police." "Why accuse me?" "What do you have against me?" "I have nothing against you." "You always wanted to shame me." "It's true." "Since the start, you've said the worst things about me." "I never said anything about you." "If you don't remember, I'll go get Betsoul." "And then Zineb." "And even Malika." "They'll refresh your memory." "You want to know why I stayed your friend?" "Because I thought you would change." "I've hoped for that since the start." "In your situation, others would have changed." "Tomorrow you'll still be the same as today..." "Nothing." "You don't exist." "To win your friendship, I gave you mint and kif." "It didn't cost me much." "But so much hate in exchange is too costly." "What's come over you?" "You looking for a fight?" "Hit me, but there will be no fight." "You understand nothing." "I was always your friend." "When I leave, I'll still be." "I won't come back here." "But don't forget." "I'll still be your friend." "We won't see each other." "But I'll still be your friend."