Issue 6 • Summer 2003 • Featured Writer • Drama
Troy HillAct II, Scene 12
Scene 12.
The next day, Audrey and Todd are sitting in a coffee shop.
AUDREY
I'm sorry about last night. The show was... really good.
TODD
No it wasn't.
AUDREY
Well...I am sorry. Barging in on you with everything.
TODD
...
AUDREY
I should have spoken to you before. I meant to. I mean I came to New York because you were here. I came to connect with you. And then everything just started to unravel and I don't know where the weeks went.
TODD
...
AUDREY
Todd?
TODD
Yeah, well, it was weird.
AUDREY
I'm really sorry to put you through that on your special night.
TODD
It wasn't all that special.
AUDREY
But still...
TODD
It all just really caught me by surprise. I mean, you can imagine, right?
AUDREY
Of course.
TODD
I mean even though I'm the one who broke up with Jon, there he is with you and Al and it was all just too much and too weird.
AUDREY
Sure. I'm sure. I'm so sorry. (Beat) Well, why did you break up with Jon anyway? He's so nice. I mean you don't have to talk about it if you don't want...
TODD
No, it's... I've been thinking about it. He was the first guy I dated seriously since J.D. (if you could call what we had serious).
AUDREY
But he was a druggie.
TODD
So were you.
AUDREY
I'm sorry Todd. Go on.
TODD
Anyway, it was serious in the sense that I ... it was, I mean it was the first time I felt those things I guess. And then when everything fell apart, I just wish I could have stopped him.
AUDREY
No Todd, you can't do that. Don't do that to yourself.
TODD
No, I know. It's not. I just wish I had ever even tried. You know, I should have done an intervention or whatever, but I was too busy getting fucked up myself.
AUDREY
You knew better than to O.D.
TODD
Yeah, but the thing is, I could see what was happening even when he was lost in it. So I could have tried -- I could have done something, but... I was too afraid that if I said something or tried to curb things that he wouldn't like me anymore.
AUDREY
Oh Todd. I've been there. You can't be responsible for other people's addictions.
TODD
But the point is... all that's ancient history, but...the point is about Jon. He's really nurturing and I guess he felt really safe after all that. Well, I guess you can relate, right? Jonathan the savior. I think he was just what I really needed at the time. But then it got old.
AUDREY
Todd.
TODD
I mean with J.D. -- even when things were crazy, out of control -- the sex -- it always felt like ... passion, I guess. We had this connection. And maybe it's just that -- you know -- it was before therapy and whatever. I mean I know it wasn't healthy. I mean I knew that -- even then. But still. I don't know if I'll ever feel that way about anyone. In a way, I'm glad he died, because otherwise ... I don't know. I just feel dead anyway. But I don't... I can't stand people who are nice, you know? I mean people are just so boring.
AUDREY
Maybe you should go back into therapy.
TODD
No thanks. Maybe you're right. I don't know. At least your not preaching Jesus anymore.
AUDREY
Well that was my next suggestion. I was always afraid that if I walked away, really broke away from -- everything -- that there wouldn't be anything left -- that I would just be this void. But then I realized I was just a void already -- like you said -- feeling dead.
TODD
Hey, do you remember? Of course. You brought it up at the hospital.
The pact -- that we would never get married and live together in the woods.
AUDREY
Yeah?
TODD
Well why don't we?
AUDREY
What?
TODD
Live together! I need a place. I can't stay with Janice anymore. The grant money is up and she's going to Germany for some performance art workshop. And she's decided I'm not serious enough as an artist. Do you think that's true?
AUDREY
Gosh, I don't know Todd.
TODD
Anyway, I can't afford to live alone. And you need a place too, right?
AUDREY
Well, gosh, that's a great idea.
TODD
Of course, we'll forget the part about the woods and you being married. I mean you're not married now. Or you won't be for long, right?
AUDREY
Todd, I need to talk to you about something.
TODD
What now?
AUDREY
Seriously. We wanted to all get together and talk to you about this.
TODD
We all?
AUDREY
You know everything has been really crazy these past few weeks. Al and I are going through a lot. I'm in therapy...
TODD
I know.
AUDREY
Now, this is all really hypothetical right now. I mean it's too early to really say but...Well, since you asked about moving in together...
TODD
Right?
AUDREY
Well, Jon and Al and I have been staying together...
TODD
Uh huh.
AUDREY
And it's been going really well.
TODD
Yeah, you could say that.
AUDREY
I mean it all just really happened by accident, but there we all are.
TODD
How is that for you anyway?
AUDREY
Well, it's crazy like everything else, but I must say that I'm very relieved.
TODD
Relieved?
AUDREY
Because I've realized that everything isn't my fault, and that Al has been really confused too and that maybe God had us together just for that reason, so that we can work through it.
TODD
Are you saying you're going to work out your marriage with Al? I mean, don't get me wrong, he's like the nicest guy I've ever met, which I guess is a good thing, but come on, you can't think you're going to work it out now.
AUDREY
Well that's just it. We may be able to.
TODD
No you can't.
AUDREY
Just listen. Al and I both are figuring things out.
TODD
That you're gay. Case closed. You don't have to figure it out.
AUDREY
Listen to me for once!
TODD
Okay.
AUDREY
Jon really likes Al. And Al likes Jon.
TODD
(Beat) That's great.
AUDREY
And they both really want a family.
TODD
I know.
AUDREY
And I love Al and he loves me. And Jon is so special.
TODD
Tell me about it.
AUDREY
And so we're thinking, we're talking and we're going to go to counseling about it...
TODD
(Oh God.)
AUDREY
But we're thinking about all staying together and starting a family together. I mean obviously we need to get a bigger apartment, even for the three of us, but...
TODD
Whoa, whoa! What? You're all three going to start a family? What do you mean?
AUDREY
Well, if Jon and Al and I are together and want a family, then why not? If we all love each other?
TODD
You and Al are going to have a kid and raise it with Jonathan?
AUDREY
No, Jon and I are -- Al can't.
TODD
You and Jon?! Don't you realize how twisted this is? He's my ex-boyfriend. We were going to have a kid. He asked me if you would. You were appalled. Wait, you said you couldn't.
AUDREY
Todd, listen. I know this all must come as a shock. I've wanted to talk to you. I'm sure this is strange.
TODD
But you said you couldn't have kids.
AUDREY
Todd, it's been a while since we talked. I'm sorry. We found out from tests that it was Al, not me, who couldn't have kids. I can, I think. Even though it may be a little complicated.
TODD
A little?
AUDREY
I mean because of my Lupus.
TODD
I thought you thought it wasn't in God's plan?
AUDREY
Todd, that was before.
TODD
That was like three months ago.
AUDREY
I think God may be telling us that this is our path.
TODD
Well did he call or email?
AUDREY
Todd, come on. I'm trying. I know this is a lot to take in. Everything's changing.
TODD
Wait. Let me get this straight. Who's fucking who? I mean are Al and Jon sleeping together?
AUDREY
No, but... We all care for each other. Al and I are working through things. We all want a family.
TODD
Well someone in the family has to fuck.
AUDREY
Why Todd? Can you just listen? Gosh! I don't even know who I am. Maybe this won't work. Al's store is back home. We may move back. Jon could start a practice. We might stay. I'm looking into teaching. We all have a lot to figure out. But this is what's going on and I've got to figure things out for myself, and this time no one's standing in my way -- not you or anyone. I'm sorry Todd, but this is what's happening. It's not against you. It's really not. And I know I'm saying things that don't seem like me, but you're the one who's always railing against middle class values. I'm being "experimental." You should be glad. Why does a family have to be based on sex?
TODD
Because -- it just does. I mean don't you want to just be single and go out and meet some ladies?
AUDREY
No, not really.
TODD
But Audrey, you're gay. You've never done this. We could be swinging bachelors -- bachelorettes -- whatever.
AUDREY
But I don't. I don't want to. I'm in love with Karen and I'm sure I'll get over it, but no. I'm not you. I don't want that. I want something else. Who's being conventional now? Why can't you understand and be happy for me? I want your support. I know it's going to be strange for a while, but I really want us all to at least be friends.
TODD
Great.
AUDREY
Todd, seriously. I think mom and dad will eventually come around.
TODD
What?
AUDREY
Well they really want a grandchild.
TODD
Not like this.
AUDREY
We all talked this morning. Jon facilitated.
TODD
Facilitated?
AUDREY
It'll take time, but we'll see.
TODD
Don't get your hopes up.
AUDREY
Todd, you have to give people a chance. I know it must be hard for you, but I just wish you could be happy for me -- for us.
TODD
I am. I do. I am happy for you. Honestly, I am.
AUDREY
Maybe, sometime, it would be really fun to live together in some way. But right now, I have to be with Al -- and Jon.
TODD
Yeah. Do what you need to do. No hard feelings.
AUDREY
Are you sure?
TODD
Yes. Of course.
AUDREY
Are you okay?
TODD
Of course.
AUDREY
Don't worry Todd. God has a plan for you.
TODD
Spare me.
AUDREY
Listen, I've got to go. I have a session. And then an interview at a preschool!
TODD
Oh, wow, great. Well, good luck.
AUDREY
Thanks. So, let's talk soon. Take care Todd.
TODD
Okay. Good luck!
AUDREY
Okay. Bye. I'll call you.
She gives Todd a peck on the cheek and goes.
TODD
Bye.
After a few beats of Todd sitting alone on stage, he pulls a number out of his wallet and dials the number on his cell phone.
TODD
Hey, Scott, it's Todd. How's everything? How's school? (Pause) I know. Listen, I'm kind of between situations right now. Oh yeah, I can't believe I haven't told you. Jon and I broke up. A while ago. Yeah. So listen, I was wondering if you'd like a visitor. Oh, this weekend, whenever, I'm totally open. I could take the train up. I've never been to Vermont. (Pause) I'm not sure how long. (Pause) Oh. Okay. No that's okay. (Pause) Great. Well call me. Okay, bye.
Todd hangs up. A couple of beats. Todd scrolls through his phone book (on his phone). Chooses a number and sends it. Waits.
TODD
Mom? Hi. Pretty good. Are you at the Four Seasons?
End of play.
All Pages: See the entire play on one page
Table of Contents: Home Again
Go To:
Issue 6 or Lodestar Quarterly home page
|
