Lodestar Quarterly

Issue 6 • Summer 2003 • Featured Writer • Drama

Home Again

Troy Hill

Act I, Scene 9

Scene 9.

At the airport. Janice and Todd are standing by the curb. Todd has his bags.

TODD
Well, thanks for the ride.

JANICE
Wait. I want to talk to you.

TODD
Okay.

JANICE
I want to propose something to you. I hate to do it in the midst of this unfortunate Orwellian structure.

TODD
Baggage Claim and Ticketing?

JANICE
But I want to work together again. To collaborate.

TODD
Look, I don't know if that's such a good idea.

JANICE
Stop fighting me. You're always fighting me. I'm not trying to get anything from you. I don't expect anything. It's not like we're a couple. I know that. I know that you're... I'm not asking you to be anything you're not. I just want to help you become who you are -- as an artist. And I need your help with this project. It's about the work. I want to work together.

TODD
Well, that's going to be kind of difficult considering we live a thousand miles apart.

JANICE
I'm moving to New York.

TODD
You are? This is the first I've heard of this.

JANICE
Don't get the wrong idea. You are so full of yourself.

TODD
What? I didn't say anything.

JANICE
I know what you're thinking. But I've been thinking about it for a while -- moving. The only reason I haven't done it already is because I didn't want you to feel like I was following you. I knew you would think that.

TODD
It's a big city. I don't own it.

JANICE
I've decided I need to do it now for a number of reasons. This project I've been developing, it's calling out for a fresh environment. Something more severe. Something concrete and metal. And I want you to help me create it, in New York. If you choose to do so. I thought it was a solo piece but I think it's more of a duet.

TODD
Well, I'd like to hear about it.

JANICE
And I want you to know that if you ever feel the need to get away, to move out or just get away for a while, from Paul --

TODD
Jonathan.

JANICE
-- that you'd be welcome wherever I go. Of course that goes without saying. We'd be spending a lot of time together on the project.

TODD
Well, I'd still have to work.

JANICE
I got a grant. We won't have to work. I'll pay for everything.

TODD
Oh. Wow. That's great.

JANICE
So. I'll send you some materials describing the piece.

TODD
Great.

JANICE
And if you're interested you can start looking for the space. The best situation would be that we could live in the space while transforming it into the actual show. You'll see. So let me know. I need to get started and I have deadlines to meet per the grant.

TODD
Okay, well, great. It was great seeing you. And I'm glad you're coming to New York. I need a new project.

JANICE
I love you.

Next Page:   Act I, Scene 10   (page 10 of 22 pages)

All Pages:   See the entire play on one page

Table of Contents:   Home Again

Troy Ernest Hill (misterhill@nyc.rr.com) is a playwright and actor in New York City, originally from Atlanta, Georgia. In the eighth grade he won the "Most Outstanding Student Award," and in the eleventh grade the Creative Writing Award. Since that time, it's been more or less a downward spiral. He is currently in the Off-Broadway smash Birdy's Bachelorette Party, and he is a white belt in karate.

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