motherflippinflapjacks
Senior Writer
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Age: 17
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 142
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 Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 4:38 am Post subject: The Girl We Love To Hate/ The Curse of Curves |
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SCENE 1
(A college psychology class. Noon on a Tuesday in August. Topic of discussion is relationships. TEACHER is standing in front of a desk stage right, talking to the class. STUDENTS are seated at tables upstage left.)
TEACHER
It’s a fairly common assumption, especially in those who are either in a relationship or are looking for a relationship, that being alone and being lonely is the same thing. However, they are two very different concepts when applied to relationships. To put it simply, you are not necessarily lonely if you are alone. Those who are alone are usually by themselves by their own choosing, whether it be for solitude or independence reasons, without any negative connotations attached. In the case of being lonely, you can be around a ton a people and still feel detached from the group. And the person usually has brought about loneliness by personal actions. I’m going to jump back to last unit’s focus of woman and their presence in the relationship for a minute because I think this little tid-bit of information will help with what we’re studying right now. Based on observations made by professionals in the field of Psychology, woman, because of their stronger emotional tendencies, struggle more with the idea of independence and how that relates to being alone or lonely in a relationship. I’m going to stop here and see if everyone’s caught up. Are we good?
(EVERYONE nodding their head yes.)
Good. Now, I want everyone to put their books and notes away because I’m going to try something new with all of you. Instead of me lecturing everybody, because we all know that’s boring, I’m going to let you teach each other. We’ll start by creating a scenario relationship, and then break it apart. We can go anywhere with this too, guys. So, who’s going to take a stab at it?
(Silence.)
No takers? Anyone?
(Silence.)
Okay, I guess I’m going to have to select my victims.
(Looking at WILL.)
Will, why don’t you start us off.
WILL
Okay. Umm… there could be this guy who has a girlfriend and one day he finds her in bed with her ex.
TEACHER
Pretty good start. Someone add to this. Tell me why she cheated, and give it a twist.
JESSICA
She could’ve cheated because her boyfriend was working non-stop, extra hours and she was feeling neglected. She needed someone to talk to and her ex was there for her. She got caught up in her emotions and then it just rolled from there.
TEACHER
We always love a needy character. Good one, Jess. Someone give me some reactions of the boyfriend and the girlfriend.
WILL
The girlfriend might beg for forgiveness, not wanting to lose the love of her life.
JESSICA
Well, if we say that the boyfriend is a good guy, then he will most likely try and patch up the relationship, but if that doesn’t work, then he will probably just end up leaving his girlfriend.
TEACHER
And now we have our “storyline.” Well done, everyone. This will definitely be an interesting discussion. So… how about all of your thoughts on the situation.
JUSTIN
I don’t really think it’s a good enough reason to cheat on someone just because you aren’t getting enough attention. She cheated on him, plain and simple, and I think he should leave her.
TEACHER
But if you were being ignored and someone finally showed that they were caring about you, wouldn’t you float towards that person?
JUSTIN
All I know is that women get away with that stuff a lot more than men do and in this case, I don’t believe that the girlfriend should get away with anything, regardless of her being “lonely.”
BRITTANY
That’s totally untrue, Justin. Women get into just as much trouble for cheating as men do. The reality is that the society would rather see a man cheat on a woman, than a woman cheat on a man.
TEACHER
Why do you say that?
BRITTANY
For one, it’s a male dominated world, so most of society would see it that way because it’s the male perspective. And two, a man’s ego can better handle the fact that the girl got messed over in the relationship than having to see another man, like himself, “whipped.”
TEACHER
Any takers on an example of what Brittany’s talking about?
(JESSICA raising her hand.)
Jessica?
JESSICA
All of my life when a guy’s cheated, he’s been called a jerk and then his life has moved on. But when a girl’s cheated, she’s been condemned and labeled as a whore. And who calls the girl a whore? Men, that’s who.
TEACHER
Alright, point made.
(LIV raising her hand.)
Liv, you have a question?
LIV
Yes. I want to know why men have the habit of accusing women of cheating.
TEACHER
What do you mean by “the habit of?”
LIV
It’s all around us on the television, in the tabloids, and in actual life. Men loosely accuse women of cheating all the time.
TEACHER
Why do you, based on your own observations, think men do that?
JESSICA
I think they act that way because they’re feeling self-conscious about themselves, or something in their relationship.
JUSTIN
Does anyone besides me think that woman can do stuff to set off a person’s suspicion of cheating?
BRITTANY
Sure she could’ve, but it doesn’t mean she did. A man’s self consciousness shouldn’t be a burden on us women. It causes us to feel even more self conscious than we already do about how we present ourselves.
WILL
How is a woman being self conscious our fault? We can’t make you do anything you don’t want to do, so we shouldn’t be able to make you feel a certain way, unless, of course, you let us. But that logic applies to both men and women. I mean, come on. It’s not like women are men’s puppets.
JESSICA
We may not be your puppets, but you guys have a lot more influence on the way we perceive ourselves than you credit yourselves for.
LIV
Yeah. For example, TV commercials. Look at the women marketed in the commercials. Would a woman think to sell the idea of being unnaturally thin to the female population who, by the way, the majority of don’t even look like? I don’t think so.
WILL
You really believe that all those executives, producers, and entertainment people are men?
BRITTANY
Like Liv said, this is a man’s world. Most of those positions are held by those slime-bag guys that are probably cheating on their wives with their secretaries, when they should be doing their job. And the very few positions that are given to woman don’t really help the female population because they are such a minority in the workplace.
LIV
What’s really a shame is that a woman could have the same job as a man and will do it three times better, minus the special “lunch breaks” with her employees.
And let me point out that men aren’t just making themselves look bad, but the businesswomen of the world as well. It’s demeaning and promotes the stereotype that women can only get to powerful positions if they sleep with men on the various steps of the company ladder. It takes away our ability to get respect in the work place.
TEACHER
Justin, you look like you’ve got something to say. Go ahead and spill it.
JUSTIN
Okay, this is what I don’t understand about women. You want us men to tell you that you’re beautiful, but when we do, you come at us like we’re trying to get something out of you. Then, when we encourage you to go to work because you want some kind of independence from us, you act like we are saying we don’t
JUSTIN (CONT’D)
want you around anymore. We take that back and now we’re trying to rip your independence away from you. I don’t know what women want from us.
TEACHER
Thank you for your input Justin and good argumentation everyone. Before we go any further, I want to hear from someone who hasn’t said anything yet.
(Looking around room for a moment, then pointing to SEAN.)
How about Sean. What’s your take on all of this?
SEAN
I don’t think men are the reason why the majority of females have so much trouble earning respect or getting a good position in the working world. I mean, yes this society is dominated by males; I’m not going to deny that. But, if you want something, like a certain job, all of the women in this class have established that they know that the world isn’t going to hand it to them on a silver platter. If you really want something, you all know you’re going to have to work a little extra hard to get it. And that isn’t fair, but I don’t see people’s old fashioned ideals changing at the pace you all want it to, so you have to work with what you’ve got.
TEACHER
Does everyone understand where he’s coming from?
(EVA raises her hand timidly. TEACHER pointing to EVA.)
Yes, Eva?
EVA
I just want to know what Sean thinks the reason is then.
SEAN
This may sound a little biased, but just hear me out. Women today still talk about needing to have a child before it’s too late and how getting married before the age of 30 is a must. Women are the ones who have to incorporate style into almost everything they do and they are the ones who force themselves into putting on makeup every morning.
EVA
But not all women want to have children, and— and marriage isn’t always for every man. So why should it be for every woman?
(Pausing, then taking a deep breath.)
Also, a lot of women don’t incorporate style into everything they do. That’s just a stereotype made up by men. And about the makeup thing. I think that the pressure to look unnaturally beautiful everyday does come more from male expectations of how a woman should look.
SEAN
I agree with you 100%, however, most women still think of these male expectations as an important factor in determining their self worth. You can’t honestly tell me that some husband is going around telling his wife that she can’t leave the house if her eyeliner color doesn’t match her mascara color?
EVA
My last boyfriend couldn’t stand when I went without any makeup on. He would tell me that we were a couple and how we act and what we look like is a reflection of one another. If I walked out looking like I just got out of bed, I wouldn’t just be showing the world that I didn’t take care of myself, but also that he wasn’t a good enough provider to keep me looking presentable.
SEAN
Why would you be with a man who made your looks such an important part of your relationship? More importantly, why would you stay with a man who didn’t see you for how beautiful you already are? There are two types of men in the world, Eva. One type acts and thinks very much like your last boyfriend. The second type loves women who feel comfortable in their own skin. They like women who know how to be their equals, because you are our equals. All of you are. You’re just in such a hurry to find love that you fling yourself into a relationship, sometimes something as serious as marriage, before you actually find out who the person really is. Women just need to be willing to wait for a man that not only thinks they can be both beautiful and intelligent, but knows they are beautiful and intelligent.
TEACHER
(Looking at watch.)
Alright class, that’s where we are going to have to end today, but we’re going to continue this discussion tomorrow. Remember, mid-term papers are due next Friday! If I don’t have them in without an acceptable excuse and an extension timeline approved by me, they are automatically a zero! If you are having trouble with the topic, come to me. We can work something out.
(EVERYONE exits stage left, except for EVA and SEAN. EVA grabs SEAN by the elbow as he begins walking out.)
EVA
Hey, Sean?
SEAN
(Turning to EVA and smiling.)
You made some really good points, Eva. You’re well spoken.
EVA
So are you. Actually, you’re much better than me, but thanks for the compliment.
SEAN
(Charming.)
And thank you for yours.
(Running hands through hair.)
Anyways, did you want to ask me something?
EVA
Umm… actually I did. You know when we were talking about my ex?
SEAN
Yeah, I can’t even believe you were with a guy like that. You can do much better.
EVA
That’s what I wanted to ask you about.
SEAN
Ask away.
EVA
(Looking at the floor and fiddling with her fingers.)
Did you really mean it when you said that I was… well… beautiful?
SEAN
I meant every word of what I said today.
(EVA blushing and SEAN smiling at her.)
Do you want to go grab something to eat? I have to meet with Professor Wilkins about an assignment, but I’ve got at least on hour to kill before then.
EVA
(Looking back up at SEAN.)
I can’t. I’ve got another class. But could you do tonight. At say… Ricky’s Café?
SEAN
(Smiling.)
That’ll work.
(Beginning to exit stage left.)
See you there.
(BLACK OUT)
SCENE 2
(Upscale restaurant. Evening/night, around 7:00 p.m. on a Friday in December. EVA and SEAN are sitting facing each other at a table. Menus are in front of them.)
SEAN
I was thinking maybe we could go up to Kent to visit my family. My sister’s flying in from Chicago with her new baby and my whole family is going to be there. You’ve met my mom and dad, but I thought this would be a good opportunity to meet the rest of my family.
EVA
That would be really nice.
SEAN
Then it’s a done deal. I’ll call my parents tonight when we get back to the apartment and let them know we’re coming.
(Gently squeezing EVA’S hands.)
I’m really excited for this.
EVA
(Smiling.)
Me too.
(ACE enters upstage left. ACE is escorted to a table by SERVER #1. EVA seeing ACE enter, begins squinting to try and get a better look at him.)
Is that… no, it couldn’t be.
SEAN
What?
EVA
That man that just walked in looks an awful lot like―
(ACE looking around spots EVA staring at him. He smiles at her.)
Oh my gosh, it is! My ex, Ace just walked in.
(Bites lip.)
What do I do?
SEAN
Uh… just casually look away like you were looking at something else that was near him.
EVA
Right, casually—
(Becoming wide-eyed.)
Oh no.
SEAN
What?
(ACE gets up from his table and walks towards EVA.)
EVA
He’s coming over!
(Messing with hair.)
How do I look? Is my hair okay? My make up splotchy?
(SEAN looks baffled by EVA’S reaction as ACE stands next to their table.)
Hi Ace!
ACE
Hey Eva, it’s good to see you.
(Taking one of EVA’S hands and kissing it.)
EVA
You too. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
ACE
Almost 2 years.
EVA
That long? Wow, time sure does fly!
(SEAN coughs loudly drawing attention to himself.)
Oh, how rude of me. Ace, this is my boyfriend Sean. Sean, this is my— this is Ace.
ACE
Nice to meet you Sean. You’ve got a real catch on your hands.
EVA
(Giggling.)
Oh stop it, Ace.
(Looking past ACE at the table he was sitting at.)
So, are you here with anyone?
ACE
No, tonight I’m flying solo.
(Clearing throat.)
I’m in a pretty serious relationship though. My girlfriend and I just moved in together last week.
EVA
Congratulations. How long have you two been going out?
ACE
About a month.
SEAN
A month? You sure you know each other enough to be moving in together? That’s kind of a big… leap, don’t you think?
ACE
We’re both in a really comfortable place right now and we thought it would be dumb to drag things out, so we went for it. We bought a condo in Beachwood.
EVA
That’s a nice area. I’m really happy for you two.
(Beginning to move her chair closer to SEAN.)
Hey, since you’re already over here and we haven’t ordered yet, why don’t you join us?
SEAN
What?
ACE
I wouldn’t want to impose…
EVA
It’s really no problem.
SEAN
Maybe for you.
EVA
(Shooting SEAN a glare that silences him.)
He can eat with us Sean. It won’t hurt.
ACE
Thanks.
(EVA moves her seat closer to SEAN’S. ACE takes a chair from an empty table and sits where EVA was.)
So, what have you been up to, besides… Sean?
EVA
Well, I’m just starting as a teacher’s aid at Melvont Middle School in August.
ACE
Really? Whatever happened to you going into psychology?
EVA
Oh, well it wasn’t as interesting as when I first started. Teaching sounded fun and rewarding. In all honesty though, at the time I made the decision, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go through the hassle of switching majors. Luckily, I had Sean here who gave me the extra push I needed. I’m really excited about teaching and working with the kids. You can really make a difference, you know?
ACE
Can’t disagree with happiness. What about you Sean? What’s your line of work?
SEAN
Psychology. I’m a counselor at William G. Morgan High School.
EVA
Tell him about what else you’re doing.
SEAN
I kind of have this side business going. The regular therapy stuff, but I’m hoping to build it into my own practice.
ACE
If you don’t mind me asking, why are you in psychology and Eva’s teaching now?
SEAN
Like she said, the passion wasn’t there for her anymore. I still love it though, so―
ACE
(Punching SEAN in the arm jokingly.)
You sure it wasn’t that you didn’t want a little competition?
SEAN
No, I’m not like you.
(ACE and EVA both become noticeably tense. SEAN remains calm. There is an awkward silence. EVA is the first to speak.)
EVA
(Laughing nervously.)
Enough about me. What have you been up to?
ACE
I’ve been working at my father’s firm as junior partner. Actually, I’m working on a pretty high profile case right now. You might have heard about it. It’s the Lawson case.
EVA
That sounds familiar, but I can’t place it.
SEAN
It was on the news. Jake Lawson murdered his wife after she found out he was cheating on her.
EVA
I remember hearing about that now. What a strange twist with him killing his wife and all. It’s tragic, of course. Very tragic.
SEAN
Are you prosecution or defense?
ACE
Defense.
SEAN
Why such a high profile case?
ACE
Those are usually the cases that my father’s firm works on.
SEAN
Just because your dad does it doesn’t mean you have to.
ACE
I guess I just haven’t had a problem with taking those kinds of cases.
EVA
It must be an honor to work on something as big as this.
ACE
It is, and that’s why I if I sink the case, I’ll get senior partner.
EVA
Oh, how wonderful! You’re father must be feeling very—
SEAN
Guilty?
ACE
Excuse me?
SEAN
Is the guy guilty?
ACE
I’m not in the position to share that information.
SEAN
(Sarcastically.)
Well, if he really is guilty of killing his wife, why would you, a truthful, moral, justice seeking guy defend him, right?
ACE
(Hesitantly.)
…Right.
(ACE’S beeper goes off. Takes it off his belt and looks at it.)
Looks like they need me at the office. I’m going to have to cut this short.
(Putting his beeper back on his belt, he proceeds to get up from the table. He then kisses EVA on the cheek.)
It was wonderful seeing you again, Eva, and… good meeting you, Sean.
(Reaching out his hand for SEAN to shake it.)
SEAN
(Staring at ACE’S hand and then at ACE.)
Bye.
(ACE slowly puts his hand in his pocket, embarrassed. Turns and exits upstage left.)
EVA
What was that all about?
SEAN
(Picking up the menu in front of him and looking at it.)
What was what all about?
(Putting menu back down on the table. Starring at EVA.)
What did you want me to say to him?
EVA
A decent goodbye would have been nice.
SEAN
Yeah, well I don’t think he was too hurt by my refusal to shake his hand.
(EVA’S sighs.)
I knocked him down a few pegs, so what. Humility is an excellent quality. You’d figure with all that education he’s got, the guy would know that.
(SEAN picks his menu back up and looks at it. EVA sits back in her chair folding hers arms across her chest.)
EVA
I see what’s going on here.
(Pause.)
You’re jealous.
SEAN
(Putting menu down.)
Of who, Ace?
EVA
Why else would you act like that?
SEAN
Maybe because I found it a little strange how cuddly you were with a guy you haven’t spoken too highly about since we’ve been together.
EVA
Don’t you dare put this on me. I’m not the one who acted like a jerk.
SEAN
At least I didn’t play nice with one.
EVA
What was I supposed to do, Sean?
(Pausing, then shaking head at SEAN.)
He saw me looking at him. If I’d ignored him, it would have come off like I was rude!
(Taking a deep breath, calming herself.)
What am I doing? I don’t have to explain myself to you. And I’m not going to get into an argument over some guy who isn’t even in my life anymore. I’m more mature than that. So, if you can’t get past this, then maybe we should just go home… our own homes.
SEAN
Fine by me. I’ve lost my appetite anyways.
EVA
Fine.
(Getting out of her chair and pushing the chair roughly in. She begins walking upstage left.
SEAN
(Grabbing EVA’S elbow.)
Wait— I’m sorry. You’re right. I acted —
EVA
Immature?
SEAN
Yeah.
EVA
Are you really sorry? Because I’m serious about us Sean. I want us to work, but the way you acted there with Ace is just how Ace used to act when I talked other guys. That’s the reason why I can’t be with another guy like that. I just can’t.
SEAN
I want to be with you too, Eva. Listen, I only acted like that because— well, because I care about you. He hurt you before and I didn’t want him to hurt you again.
EVA
It means a lot that you’d do that for me, but I’m a big girl. I can handle myself.
SEAN
How about we make a deal. If you forget about how stupid I acted, we can go to your place and I’ll make us dinner. Deal?
EVA
(Kissing SEAN on the lips.)
Deal.
(BLACK OUT)
SCENE 3
(EVA’S apartment kitchen. 9:00 a.m. on a Monday in March. Table is still center stage, with accompanying chairs. SEAN is sitting on the left side of the table reading the newspaper. EVA enters from stage right.)
SEAN
(Looking over the top of the newspaper.)
Good Morning.
EVA
(Rubbing her eyes and yawning.)
Morning.
SEAN
(Laying the paper down on the table.)
You took today off?
EVA
(Walking over to the table and standing next to SEAN.)
Yeah. I must be coming down with the flu or something.
SEAN
(Standing up.)
Let me feel your forehead.
(Feeling EVA’S forehead.)
You are kinda warm.
(Taking hand away from EVA’S forehead.)
Have you scheduled an appointment with your doctor?
EVA
No, not yet. I’m just going to wait it out and see if it passes.
SEAN
Are you sure that’s a good idea? This is the third day in a row you’ve been sick. You should see the doctor before it turns into something worse.
EVA
You know how I feel about doctors, Sean. I’ll get around to it. Right now though, I need a few minutes to wake up.
(Pushing her hair out of her face.)
I’m probably going to eat something.
SEAN
You think you’ll be able to keep it down?
EVA
I’m hoping.
SEAN
(Rubbing EVA’S back trying to comfort her.)
Maybe I should just reschedule my sessions for today. I can take you to the doctor myself and then you won’t have to drive feeling like you do. Here, I’ll call my receptionist―
(Taking his cell phone out of his pocket.)
EVA
(Irritated. Moving away from SEAN.)
Sean, I said I could do it, just not right now, okay?
SEAN
Yeah, of course.
(Grabbing his coat off of the chair he was sitting in and folding it over his arm.)
Umm… there are eggs in the fridge and I went and bought bacon at the grocery store last night, so it’s in the freezer. I made you some toast. It’s on the table.
(Pointing to toast. Then begins to exit stage right.)
EVA
Wait Sean.
(SEAN stops walking, but stays facing stage right.)
I’m sorry I snapped at you.
(Moving towards SEAN.)
I didn’t mean to. I’ve just had some… stuff… on my mind, and with feeling the way I do…
(Placing her hand on his upper back.)
I shouldn’t have been short with you. I’m sorry.
SEAN
(Turning to face EVA.)
This is about me working so much, isn’t it?
EVA
It’s just that we hardly see each other anymore and we live under the same roof.
SEAN
I know and I’m really sorry about that, but it’s only temporary until I get the down payment on the office space paid for and the loans off of my mind. After all of this side job stuff gets taken care of I promise I’ll have more time for us.
EVA
I don’t want to seem selfish here, because I really do want you to make this move and I want to be here to help you do it. We’re just at that place—
(Sighing and shrugging.)
Never mind, it’s not important.
SEAN
(Touching EVA’S cheek with his hand.)
No it is important. I’ve been thinking about us and our relationship too.
(Taking his hand from EVA’S cheek and placing it in his pants pocket.)
A lot about how much fun we have together, and how when I’m with you, I feel like I’m home. Wherever I go, as long as I’m with you, I’m home.
(Smiling and taking hold of EVA’S hands.)
I like that feeling, Eva.
EVA
(Becoming wide-eyed.)
What are you saying Sean?
SEAN
I guess— I guess I’m saying that I love you.
(Laughing.)
I’m saying that I love you.
(Letting go of EVA’S hands.)
I wasn’t sure when it was gonna be the right time to give you this—
(Jogs off stage right.
(O.S.)
My mom gave me this the last time we visited them. She took one look at you and I together and said that I might need it soon.
EVA
I don’t want you to feel obligated to do this, Sean.
SEAN (O.S.)
Here it is!
(Entering from stage right, he walks over to EVA and)
It was my grandmother’s.
(Opens up a small box, pulls out a ring, and taking EVA’S hand, he puts the ring on her finger.)
My mom called it a promise ring. It’s symbolizes young love. It’s supposed to be a step under an engagement ring.
EVA
(Weakly.)
And you want me to have it…
SEAN
I just wanted to let you know that I care about you and I, and that despite how preoccupied I may seem right now, our lives together aren’t going to be like this forever.
EVA
I don’t know what to say.
SEAN
You don’t have to say anything right now. Just think about it. You don’t have to accept it if you’re not ready. I can wait.
(Kissing EVA on the lips.)
I can wait for you.
(Walking over to the kitchen table, he grabs his coat off of one of the chairs and picks up his briefcase off of the floor.)
I guess I should give you some time to think— I’ll just— I’ll just go to work.
(Stares at EVA sadly and then exits stage left.)
(ACE enters from the back of the audience and stands in the middle isle. EVA sits down at the kitchen table and stares at the ring. After a few moments of this, she picks up a piece of toast off of the plate in front of her. She begins to take a bite. As she does this, the phone starts ringing. She’s startled and drops the toast on the table. She gets up and walks over to the phone on the kitchen counter.)
EVA
(Answering phone.)
Hello?
ACE
(Light comes up on ACE in the middle isle.)
Is this Eva Bozzani?
EVA
(Leaning against the counter.)
Yes, this is her. May I ask who’s calling?
ACE
Eva, it’s Ace. Ace Domelle.
(EVA is silent. Looking shocked.)
Hello? Eva? Eva, are you still there?
EVA
(Taking a deep breath.)
Yes, I’m here.
ACE
Did I call at a bad time?
EVA
(Regaining composure.)
No, not at all. I was just a little—
ACE
Surprised. Yeah, sorry about that. I know this was a little unexpected. I was just clearing out numbers in my cell phone and I found yours still in it, so I figured I should call and see if it was still the same number. And now I know it is.
EVA
Yep, same number.
ACE
Yeah.
(Pacing the isle.)
So… how’ve you been?
EVA
Fine.
ACE
(Laughing.)
I’ve been pretty good too.
EVA
I’m sorry. I’m just a little distracted.
ACE
What’s on your mind?
EVA
It’s nothing.
(Pausing.)
So, how’s the lawyer thing going?
ACE
Great, actually.
EVA
(Walking over to the kitchen table.)
How about you and…
ACE
Christie?
EVA
That’s her name?
ACE
(Laughing.)
Yeah. Christie and I are good. How about you and…
EVA
Sean?
ACE
That’s his name?
EVA
(Laughing.)
We’re … okay.
ACE
Good okay or bad okay?
EVA
(Hesitating.)
Good okay.
ACE
I think you’re lying.
EVA
What makes you say that?
ACE
You have tells. You always hesitate before you lie.
EVA
So you’re an expert on lying.
ACE
Well, it is my job as a lawyer to read people’s body language and voice tone. And we did date for like 6 months.
EVA
(Sitting down at the table. Looks at the ring on her finger.)
Yeah…
ACE
I’m sorry. Did I make you uncomfortable?
EVA
No, it’s fine.
ACE
So…you wanna talk about what’s upsetting you?
EVA
You want me to talk about Sean and me?
ACE
Only if you want to. You don’t have to, of course. It’s your business.
EVA
Don’t take this personally, but—
ACE
No, I understand completely.
EVA
I have to schedule a doctor’s appointment, so I should probably go.
ACE
Okay.
EVA ACE
I guess I’ll tal— I’ll talk to you—
(Laughing.) (Laughing.)
Sorry. Sorry.
EVA
I guess I’ll talk to you later.
ACE
(Putting his hand in his pocket. Stops pacing.)
Yeah.
(Pausing.)
Uh, wait. You said you were going to see a doctor. Does it happen to be anywhere near Cleveland Heights?
EVA
Actually, yeah.
ACE
Well, I’m going to be over in that area for lunch. Maybe I could drive you to your doctor’s appointment and then we could… go out for some lunch together?
EVA
(Biting lip.)
Well…
ACE
I totally understand. I’ll just—
EVA
Wait!
(Taking a deep breath.)
That sounds like it would be fun.
(Taking off her ring.)
Do you want to just pick me up here at my apartment and then drive from here?
ACE
Sure, I can do that.
EVA
Okay. So, I’ll set up my appointment and call you back.
ACE
But what if your appointment ends up being later in the afternoon?
EVA
We could still go out to eat, right?
ACE
Right.
(Smiling.)
Okay. I’ll be waiting for your call.
EVA
Alright. Bye.
ACE
Bye.
(EVA and ACE hang up their phones. Both stand smiling to themselves.)
(BLACK OUT)
SCENE 4
(ACE’S living room. It’s a Saturday in May at 10:00 p.m. EVA is collecting her things from around the room and begins the scene looking for her promise ring on the coffee table. ACE is following her around.)
EVA
Have you seen my ring?
ACE
No, did you leave it on the nightstand?
EVA
I took it off before we went into the bedroom. I’m pretty sure I left them
somewhere around here…
ACE
How about on the table in the kitchen?
EVA
I checked there already.
ACE
Then maybe they’re in the bathroom on the sink.
EVA
Okay, I’m pretty positive that I left them right here on the table.
ACE
(Walking up behind EVA and squeezing her shoulders.)
Hey, relax. We’ll find it sooner or later.
(Tries to pull EVA to him.)
Personally, I’d prefer later.
EVA
(Shrugging ACE’S hands off of her shoulders.)
Not now, Ace. I need to find my ring.
ACE
It’s just a ring, Eva. What’s the big deal?
EVA
It’s not just a ring, Ace. Se— someone gave it to me as a gift and it would break their heart if I lost it.
ACE
(Sitting down on the couch.)
If we can’t find it tonight, I’ll go to the jewelers up the street and buy you a new one. I’m sure they have something like it. And if they don’t, I can have one made.
EVA
(Bending down and looking at the floor.)
That’s really nice of you, but I don’t want a new one. I want the one I left on the table.
(Reaching down and picking the ring up off of the floor.)
Found it, thank god.
ACE
Good, I’m glad. Now, why don’t we go back to bed and—
EVA
(Putting the ring on her finger.)
I can’t, Ace. I have to get home.
ACE
Why the rush?
(EVA is looking at the ring on her finger and biting her lip. ACE walking up behind EVA, wraps his arms around her waist.)
You’re nervous he’s gonna find out about us, aren’t you?
(EVA purses her lips.)
You told him you were going to a meeting in Cincinnati, right?
EVA
Yeah, but—
ACE
(Turning EVA around to face him.)
So you don’t have to worry about it. Take off your shoes and stay a little longer.
EVA
(Removing ACE’S hands from her waist.)
I can’t. He’s waiting for me.
ACE
He isn’t expecting you until tomorrow.
(EVA walks over to the couch.)
Are you really in that big of a hurry to see him?
(EVA picks up her coat.)
You know, I wonder if you really want to be with Sean. Because if you did, why would you be here with me right now?
EVA
(Folding her coat over her arm.)
Why would you say something like that?
ACE
Well, don’t you wonder?
EVA
(Putting on her coat.)
This was a mistake.
ACE
A mistake? It sure doesn’t feel like a mistake. Actually, it feels totally right.
EVA
This is wrong, Ace. We’re both seeing other people—
ACE
Eva, I don’t know about you, but I felt something between us tonight. Something real; something good.
EVA
Ace, how can you say that? We’ve spent one night together.
ACE
(Putting his hands on EVA’S arms.)
One amazing night, Eva.
(EVA shakes her head and moves downstage right.)
Okay, fine. It was only one night together. But it’s not like we haven’t slept together before.
EVA
Yeah, when we were in a relationship together.
ACE
Alright, let’s toss out the fact that we’re both seeing other people right now for a second. What about all those times we’ve shared together?
EVA
What times are you talking about, Ace? There were no other times.
ACE
No other times? Eva, what about when we went out to eat and— and— those movies that we saw together? Those constitute as dates.
EVA
Dates? Ace, we went out to eat once, as friends. You were helping me talk out my problems with Sean.
ACE
Fine. What about the movies?
EVA
You brought Christie’s son, Michael, with you! You were supposed to be spending time with him. I only tagged along because you said your car was in the shop and Christie was still at work.
ACE
Okay, sure. That was the case, but you can’t tell me that you didn’t feel anything between us.
EVA
It doesn’t matter if I felt anything. We aren’t supposed to be doing this.
ACE
If we both feel something, why does it have to be wrong? Why should we deny ourselves the right feel it again?
EVA
Because it’s wrong!
ACE
If we feel this way, maybe we should just… be together.
EVA
Are you saying that I should leave Sean?
ACE
Do you want to leave Sean?
EVA
(Looking at the ground.)
I— I— I can’t. N— no, I won’t—
ACE
Well, I can tell you now that I’m not going to be second best. I deserve to be treated better than that.
EVA
You’re not serious, are you?
ACE
Does it look like I’m joking?
EVA
Okay, if it’s going to be like that. What about what you did to me? I wasn’t second best when we were together before?
ACE
Things are different now, Eva.
EVA
How are things different now, Ace? Oh, because this time you’re the secret?
ACE
So are you! If Christie knew about you—
EVA
I know that and I feel bad about it, okay! But you—you seem to think what we did is fine. In fact, you’ve got this crazy idea in your head that because we’ve slept together one night, we should leave the people we’re with and be together. But unlike you, I can’t give up my good relationship for a single moment of confused love.
(EVA fixes her hair and begins to exiting stage left.)
ACE
Where are you going?
EVA
(Exiting stage left.)
I told you already. I need to get home.
ACE
You and I both know that you still have feelings for me! Why don’t you just let yourself feel them!
EVA (O.S.)
You know why, Ace. You’re wrong for wanting this. We’re wrong for doing this.
ACE
Are we? Are we really that wrong, Eva? I mean, we hadn’t seen each other in just under 2 years and suddenly, we’re both seeing people and we meet each other again? Don’t you think that’s fate telling us that we should be together?
EVA
(Entering from stage left with a briefcase in her hand.)
No, I don’t. We already tried to make it work between us and you screwed it up. There’s nothing left to rekindle. Now, if you’ll please excuse me, I have to go.
(Walking upstage right.)
ACE
(Stepping in front of EVA.)
He’s gonna figure it out what we did sooner or later, whether or not you tell him.
EVA
And why is that?
ACE
You have a tell.
EVA
I won’t ask you again. Move out of my way.
ACE
I’m not going to wait for you to figure out whom you want to be with. You need to make a decision now, or I can guarantee you’re going to lose both of us.
EVA
Well, then you’ll be happy to know that I’ve made my choice.
ACE
And?
EVA
(Adjusting her coat.)
I choose Sean.
(Walking around ACE, she exits stage right.)
ACE
(Calling out after EVA.)
You’re gonna regret making that decision, Eva, because you made the wrong one! You’ll soon come crawling back to me.
(To himself.)
You always come crawling back.
(BLACK OUT)
SCENE 5
(The kitchen in the new house. A Sunday in June, around 6:30 p.m. EVA has just been washing clothes and is holding a basket full of them. SEAN has just come home from work and is taking off his jacket at the kitchen table when EVA enters stage left.)
EVA
Oh, you’re home! When did you get in?
SEAN
(Setting his jacket on the table.)
A few minutes ago.
(Walking over to EVA and kissing her on the cheek.)
How was your day?
EVA
(Putting basket of clothes down and placing her hands on her hips.)
Full of department meetings and presentations.
SEAN
(Walking back over to the table and opening up his briefcase. Looking through it.)
Sounds rough.
EVA
It was. So, what do you want me to cook tonight?
SEAN
Don’t you have your tutoring thing tonight?
EVA
No, the kid canceled.
SEAN
Why don’t we go out to eat than?
EVA
Sure. Let me just finish folding this load of laundry and then we’ll go.
(Phone rings.)
SEAN
I got it.
(SEAN exits stage right.)
EVA
(Continuing to fold laundry. A knock is heard on the door.)
Come on in, it’s open!
(ACE enters stage left.)
ACE
Eva?
(EVA stops folding clothes and looks straight ahead.)
Eva, it’s Ace.
EVA
How did you find me?
(Standing up and facing ACE.)
Never mind, I don’t really care. I just need you to leave.
ACE
Not before you talk to me.
EVA
(Moving downstage towards the audience.)
There’s nothing for us to talk about.
ACE
(Moving towards the kitchen table.)
You changed your cell phone number. Why?
EVA
Because I shouldn’t be talking to you. I’m about to get married in a month, Ace. And you leaving 21 voicemails on my cell phone doesn’t look so good to Sean.
ACE
If you would’ve just answered your phone—
EVA
(Turning to face ACE.)
I wasn’t going to answer my phone. Listen Ace. What we did was a one time thing and it didn’t mean anything. So can you just—
(SEAN enters stage right.)
SEAN
Just someone trying to sell us—
(Upon seeing ACE, halts.)
Ace? What— what are you doing here?
ACE
I came to talk with Eva.
EVA
(Walking over to SEAN.)
And now he’s leaving.
SEAN
Wait, why did he need to talk to you?
EVA
It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.
ACE
I came to talk to Eva… about us.
SEAN
About us? What us are you referring to?
EVA
Ace, just leave. Now.
ACE
I’m not leaving until you talk to me.
SEAN
About what? What do you want talk to her about?
EVA
(Walking over to ACE, grabs his arm.)
Leave now or I call the police and have them take you out.
ACE
I wanted to talk to her about the possibility of seeing each other again.
(EVA lets go of ACE’S arm.)
SEAN
(Taking a step towards EVA and ACE.)
Why would you—Eva, what’s he talking about?
EVA
(Walking over to SEAN.)
I was going to tell you… I just wasn’t sure when.
SEAN
Tell me what?
EVA
We’ve just been so happy. You proposed and then we set a date for the wedding— I was scared if I told you I’d lose you.
SEAN
Told me what, Eva? Just tell me what you’re talking about.
(EVA is silent. She is in shock.)
ACE
Eva, either you tell him or I will.
(EVA shakes her head no.)
Fine. I’ll do it. While you two were together, Eva had a side thing with me.
SEAN
(Backing away from EVA.)
No— tell me he’s lying— he’s lying, right?
ACE
You didn’t tell him?
EVA
Ace, just leave!
SEAN
(Charging towards Ace, grabs him by his collar.)
Get the hell out of my house. Now!
ACE
And if I don’t?
SEAN
I swear to you I will beat you until you lay dead on my kitchen floor.
ACE
Is that a threat?
SEAN
No, it’s a fact. Now get out of my house.
(Letting go of ACE.)
(ACE stumbles backwards but grabs onto a counter, regaining his balance. He stares at EVA for a moment and then adjusts his jacket, turns and exits stage left. Once ACE leaves, EVA sighs and walks over to a chair and collapses into it. SEAN stands staring at the spot where ACE once stood.)
EVA
I don’t know what to say.
SEAN
Why did you do it?
EVA
(Looking up from the table at SEAN.)
I don’t know.
(Standing up and fiddling with her fingers.)
I do know that it was one of the biggest mistakes of my life.
SEAN
(Looks at EVA with a blank stare.)
It doesn’t erase what you did.
EVA
(Moving towards SEAN.)
I know that. I—
(Stops walking.)
If I could go back and change what I did, I would. I wasn’t in my right mind when I made that choice to— be— with Ace. I was confused about why you gave the ring. But after I made that choice, I realized that I had made the wrong one. I realized that you giving me this ring was the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me. I know that now.
SEAN
(Looking EVA in the eye.)
Did you wear the ring when you—
EVA
(Shaking her head.)
No. I— I took it off.
SEAN
(Running both of his hands over his face.)
I need to go. I have to go—
EVA
(Running over to SEAN and grabbing his arm.)
Where are you going to go?
SEAN
(Removing EVA’S hand from his arm.)
I don’t know, but I can’t be here. I can’t do this—
EVA
Sean, we can’t fix this if you leave. You have to stay. I need you to stay.
SEAN
How am I supposed to stay here with you after what I’ve just found out? Or do you not have any idea what you’ve done?
EVA
Of course I do. That’s why you have to stay. We have to try and work this out.
SEAN
I don’t think we can work this out, Eva. I don’t think I can work this out.
EVA
Are you saying—?
SEAN
Somewhere I went wrong. Somewhere I did something to mislead you or confuse you, or push you away. I don’t know what, but—
EVA
But I still love you, Sean. Don’t you still love me?
SEAN
That’s the problem, Eva. I do still love you. If I stay—
EVA
We’re supposed to be married in a few weeks. We can’t just give this all up.
SEAN
I can’t let you do this to me. I can’t lie to myself. I won’t spend the rest of my life lying to myself because then I’ll be hurting the both of us.
EVA
Lying? Sean, who said anything about lying?
SEAN
Did you still love Steven the same way once you find out that he had cheated on you?
SEAN (CONT’D)
(EVA is silent and looking at the ground.)
You have your answer. You have no idea how much I want to still love you.
EVA
(Taking SEAN’S face in her hands.)
Then still love me.
SEAN
(Taking her hands away and backing away from her.)
It’s not the same.
EVA
Please, I’m begging you. Don’t go.
SEAN
I’ll stay at a hotel tonight and come back in the morning for my stuff.
EVA
(Grabbing onto SEAN in desperation.)
I’ll do anything, Sean. Just tell me what I have to do and I’ll do it!
SEAN
Don’t do this, Eva. Don’t make this harder. Please don’t make this harder.
(Lifts EVA up and EVA wraps her arms around his neck. He lets her stay there for a few moments.)
I’m sorry I couldn’t love you the way you wanted. I’m so sorry.
(Gently pushing EVA away, he brushes his hair back and then quickly exits stage left.)
(EVA collapses on the floor, crying.)
(BLACK OUT) |
Last edited by motherflippinflapjacks on Thu Nov 08, 2007 11:01 pm; edited 8 times in total |
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