David J.'s Writing Blog

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Such Is Life: Episode II (Part III)

Lorraine lets her feelings be known; Cathy reunites with her family; Norma has a few words for Lester.

(At Jacob and Leslie’s House: the Kitchen)

(Jacob walks into the kitchen as Leslie is making breakfast.)

Jacob. Something smells good. What are you cooking?

Leslie. Eggs and bacon. They’ll be ready in a minute.

Jacob. Okay then. (Takes a seat at the kitchen table.) Leslie, I think we need to talk about last night.

Leslie. (Walks over to the table with two plates, one for herself and one for Jacob.) I think we need to talk about last night too. (Sits down at the kitchen table across from Jacob.)

Jacob. Now I know you and my mother aren’t on the best of terms.

Leslie. Jacob, it’s more than that. What happened last night is something I do not want happening again. I came so close to decking her last night, it’s not even funny. Things need to change around here. You need to talk to that woman. And if you don’t want to, I will. Because I’ve had it.

Jacob. What do you want me to do? She’s my mother.

Leslie. That doesn’t mean you can’t put your foot down! Stand up for yourself! Take a stand! Let her know she can’t just keep coming over here and going on off us and pulling stunts like last night!

Jacob. She’s not going to react well to this, you know.

Leslie. I don’t care! Jacob, she already hates me anyway! The woman doesn’t react well to anything that she doesn’t want to hear!

Jacob. Leslie-

Leslie. (Interrupts.) Quite honestly, I think that woman needs to be institutionalized. I think it would do her, and us, a world of good.

Jacob. Now let’s not go that far.

Leslie. Jacob, I truly think that woman has a problem. And I think some time in an institution would do her a world of good. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it at least once or twice.

Jacob. No, I haven’t! I know my mother can be a little . . . high-strung, but that doesn’t mean she needs to be committed.

Leslie. Jacob, she is more than high-strung.

Jacob. Well, it’s not going to happen no matter what you say so you might as well just drop it.

Leslie. Fine then. Oh, and from now on, my mother babysits, not yours.

(End of scene.)

(At Marge’s House)

(Frank is sitting at the kitchen table, feeling depressed, as Marge cooks breakfast and goes on about what happened last night.)

Marge. Oh, I just can’t get over it! The way that girl talked to me! Ugh, she had no right! (She lifts the eggs from the pan and puts them on a plate. She brings it over to Frank.) Here you go. (The phone rings.) Ugh, who on earth could that be? (Picks up the phone.) Hello? (Listens.) Oh, hi Lester. (Listens.) Oh, I’m all right. Just didn’t have a good night last night is all. (Listens.) I got into an argument with Leslie. Of all the women my son could have chosen to marry, why on earth did he have to pick that one. (Listens.) Yes, yes I need to borrow your vacuum cleaner if it’s available. Mine isn't working at the moment for some reason. (Listens.) I’m sorry, who has it? (Listens.) Norma? Ugh, I don’t feel up to seeing her right now. (Listens.) Oh, you will? (Listens.) Oh, that would be so helpful to me. Just call me when you’re on your way over here with it. (Listens.) Frank? Oh, why he’s over here right now having some breakfast. (Listens.) No, he’s living with me for a little while. (Listens.) Well, he was but Norma kicked him out. (Listens.) Yeah, I don’t know why but you know Norma. She’s not the easiest person to live with. (Listens.) Okay, I’ll let you go. What time should I expect to see you? (Listens.) Early afternoon? Okay, that sounds fine. (Listens.) All right, I’ll see you then. (Listens.) Okay, bye. (She hangs up the phone.)

Frank. You didn’t have to tell him I was kicked out.

Marge. He was going to find out one way or another. If I didn’t say anything, Norma would have told him when he goes over there later on today.

(End of scene.)

(At Fred and Lorraine Carver’s House; the Kitchen)

(Lorraine is standing over the stove as makes herself breakfast. Fred enters.)

Fred. Morning, dear.

(Lorraine says nothing. Fred takes notice.)

I said “Morning, dear”.

Lorraine. I heard you.

Fred. Oh. Well, um, what’s for breakfast?

Lorraine. I’m making myself some eggs.

Fred. Me as well?

Lorraine. Your breakfast is in the cabinet over there.

(Fred goes over to the cabinet and opens it.)

Fred. Cereal?

Lorraine. Yep.

Fred. I was hoping for a hot breakfast.

Lorraine. Well, I’m done with mine. Grab yourself a spatula and have fun.

(Lorraine goes over to the kitchen table and has a seat.)

Fred. Okay, Lorraine. What’s this about?

Lorraine. What’s what about, Fred?

Fred. You know what I’m talking about. This, the way you’re acting. This hostility towards me.

Lorraine. I would think you can figure out why.

Fred. . . . This is about last night, isn’t it? Look, Lorraine, I called and apologized but I got tied up.

Lorraine. Again.

Fred. What?

Lorraine. You called and apologized because you got tied up at work, again. (Small pause. Fred says nothing.) It’s always because of work lately! Every time we have plans or something going on, I’m left hanging by myself because some sort of business needs taking care of. Last night, we were supposed to have dinner. You never showed up. Same thing last week and the week before. Last Saturday, there was that get together at Eileen Stanley’s house. I told everyone you were running a bit late but by the end of night, they all had pretty much gotten the hint that you weren’t coming.

Fred. I told you the meeting I was in ran far later than I expected it to. And when I got home that night, I asked you how it was and you told me that you had had a lovely time.

Lorraine. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t still hurt. Fred, you need to sit down and figure out your priorities because I’ve had it. I am sick and tired of being stood up for the sake of that bloody factory.

Fred. It’s that “bloody factory” that keeps the roof over our heads, you know!

Lorraine. Oh, honestly Fred!

Fred. Lorraine, what am I supposed to do?

Lorraine. I don’t know but you better do something because I‘m not taking this any longer!

(Lorraine exits the kitchen.)

(End of scene.)

(At Karen's House)

(Karen unlocks the front door and pushes it open it. She walks inside holding her sister's, Cathy, suitcases. Cathy follows her inside, slowly and nervously. Cathy has recently been declared healthy enough to leave the clinic she's been at for many years and is nervous about being home and facing the world after being away for so long. She hopes to reconnect with her family, but more specifically with her daughter, Jill.)

Karen. (Drops the suitcases on the floor.) Well, here we are!

Cathy. (Nervously.) Are you sure you don't mind me staying here, Karen? If you do, I'll find somewhere else to stay.

Karen. Nonsense, you're my sister and I want you to stay here.

Cathy. Well, okay, as long I'm not being a burden to you.

Karen. You're not! (Hugs Cathy.) Oh, we have so much catching up to do. (Pulls away.) But first, I think there's someone who will be very happy to see you.

(She leads Cathy to the living room, where they see Cathy's daughter, Jill, sitting on the couch reading a book.)

Jill, there's someone who wants to see you.

(Jill gets up and turns to them. She notices her mother and is shocked to see that she has been released and is now standing before her.)

Jill. Mom?! What . . . What are you doing here?!

Cathy. Didn’t your Aunt Karen tell you? (The look on Jill’s face makes Cathy realize she didn’t.) Karen, you did tell Jill about my release, right?

Karen. Actually... I didn't.

Jill. (Angrily.) Aunt Karen, why didn't you tell me my mother was being released?

Karen. I wanted it to be a surprise. I wanted you to be able to see your mother walk into the room, whole and well.

Cathy. Its taken years for it to happen but I'm finally well again.

(She searches through her purse to find her medication. She finds it and holds up a container of pills for Jill to see.)
My doctor told me that as long as I take two of these twice a day, I should be fine."

Jill. What is that?

Cathy. My medication. It's the stuff that keeps me... whole.

Jill. Then you really have... you really are?

Cathy. Yes. I finally am.

(Jill smiles. She walks over to Cathy and gives her a hug. Cathy embraces her daughter. She feels a tear fall down her cheek.)

Cathy. I have missed you so much

Jill. I've missed you to, mom.

(Karen watches the warm reunion, happy to finally have her sister back.)

(End of scene.)

(At Norma’s House)

(Norma is outside weeding her front yard when Lester pulls up in the driveway.)

Norma. (She waves and then stands to her feet as Lester gets out of his car.) Well, this is a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you drop by.

Lester. I know this is unannounced but Marge called. She needs to borrow my vacuum cleaner. I came to see if you were done with it.

Norma. Oh, of course. Follow me. It’s in the house.

(Norma leads Lester inside the house to the living room. She opens the closet underneath the stairs and pulls out his vacuum.)
Here you are.

Lester. Thanks.

Norma. Do you need any help getting this into the back of your truck?

Lester. No thanks. I’ve got it.

Norma. All right then. Do you need anything else before you leave?

Lester. No. No, this is all I needed . . . So, um . . . Marge told me Frank is living with her now for the time being. Things didn’t work out between you two.

Norma. I was fed up. I had had enough.

Lester. Don’t you think you could have been a little more sensitive? He’s going through a rough time right now.

Norma. Just because he’s going through a rough time doesn’t mean I have to suffer. Lester, you should have seen it. Beer cans all over the floor. He hardly showered so there was a foul odor coming from him. And he just . . . it was just a mess having him here.

Lester. Maybe with a little more time, you might have-

Norma. (Interrupts.) Maybe with a little more time, I might have killed him. I just couldn’t take it anymore. (Norma pulls out a cigarette and lights it.)

Lester. He couldn’t have been that bad.

Norma. You sound just like Trudy when I told her.

Lester. You told Trudy?

Norma. I went over there and begged her to take him off my hands. I was desperate.

Lester. I just think you could have been more sensitive.

Norma. More sensitive?! Well, in case you have forgotten, Mr. Sensitivity, neither you nor Hector would take him in. I, at least, did.

Lester. It wasn’t that we didn’t want him. It was that we didn’t have enough space.

Norma. Don’t you give me that bull. We all know you have plenty of space at your house. And so does Hector. Don’t you dare go talking to me about sensitivity when you don’t even have the decency to take in your own brother in his time of need! You have your vacuum. Now take it, leave, and don’t bother coming back.

(Lester takes his vacuum and brings it to his truck. He puts it in the back and then climbs into the front seat. He starts the truck and pulls out of the driveway. Norma watches as he drives away and she shakes her head in frustration before going back inside her house.)

(End of scene.)

(At Lena’s Pub)

(Jed walks into the pub and takes a seat at the counter. Willow Tweed takes notice.)

Willow. What on earth are you doing here? Aren't there some deer you can be out shooting or something?

Jed. Ugh, I thought today was supposed to be your day off.

Willow. It was but Miss Lena is sick today so I’m filling in for her.

Jed. (Rolls eyes.) Oh, joy...

(Jeannette appears.)

Jeannette. I’ll take it from here, Willow. (Willow steps aside.) Sorry about that, Jed.

Jed. Don’t worry about it. I can’t expect the likes of you to control the likes of something like her.

Jeannette. What can I do you for, Jed?

Jed. A beer. And make sure she doesn’t spit in it.

(Willow smirks.)

Jeannette. Coming right up, Jed.

Jed. So Miss Lena’s sick, eh?

Jeannette. Yeah, she’s come down with the stomach bug. It’s been going around quite a bit lately. One of my daughters just got over it. (Places a glass with beer on the counter.) Here you go.

Jed. Thanks. Um, do give Miss Lena my best.

Jeannette. I’ll do that.

(End of scene.)

(At Lena’s Pub; Lena’s Living Room)

(Lena is lying down on the couch while Hattie stands nearby holding a bowl of soup.)

Hattie. Here you go, Miss Lena. A nice, hot bowl of soup. This should have you back on your feet in no time.

Lena. (Sits up.) Ugh. . . Thanks, Hattie. (Sips the soup.) Hmm. Interesting taste. What kind of soup is this?

Hattie. It’s an old family recipe. It’s been in my family for generations. I gave this to Didi once when she had a bug. Within just a few hours after eating it, she was up and about, going on with her day. You would have never known that she’d been sick.

Lena. I’ll take your word for it. (Sips the soup.) How are things going downstairs?

Hattie. Things seemed to be going fine when I got here. The place was calm. Jeannette looked as though she had everything under control.

Lena. Well, I was mostly worried about Willow. I worry she might get into it with either Jed or one of the other customers.

Hattie. Willow was fine. When I came in, she was serving drinks and making small talk.

Lena. Well, that’s good. Oh. . .

Hattie. Anything else I can get you, Miss Lena?

Lena. No thanks, Hattie. You’ve done enough already. I need to go lie down for a little while. I was up half the night and maybe some sleep will do me some good.

Hattie. Would you like me to help you to your room?

Lena. (Gets up.) No thanks. I think I can make it. Thanks for everything, Hattie. I’d hug you but I don’t want to get you sick as well. Oh. . . I’m going to lie down. (Heads to her room.) Good night, Hattie.

(End of scene.)

(At Karen’s House)

(After getting herself settled in her room, Cathy comes back downstairs and joins Karen and Jill in the living room.)

Karen. Did you get yourself settled in?

Cathy. Yes, I did. I'm feeling rather tired though so I think I'll go to bed.

Karen. Of course.

Cathy. But before I do, where are Monica and Gavin? I realized I haven't seen them yet.

Karen. Well, Gavin went away for the weekend with his boyfriend. He called me while you were upstairs.

Cathy. Oh. . . And Monica?

(Karen and Jill don't answer. They look at each other and then put their heads down. Cathy assumes something has happened to Monica.)

            What? What is it?

Karen. Cathy, Monica’s not here.

Cathy. Where, where is she?

(Karen doesn’t answer right away.)

             Karen, where is Monica? What’s happened to her?

Karen. . . . While you were . . . gone, Monica became . . . unraveled.

Cathy. What do you mean?

Karen. Cathy, Monica had a mental breakdown.

(Cathy gasps.)

             She's been institutionalized for many years now.

(Cathy is horrified. She tries to digest this information and doesn't say anything, which worries Karen and Jill. Jill walks over to Cathy to make sure she is okay.)

Jill. Mom, are you okay?

Cathy. Yes...yes, I'm fine.

(She takes a seat on the couch. Karen sits next to her, patting Cathy’s back as she tries to comfort her.)

             I always thought I was the ill member of the family. Monica, she. . . she was always one of the strong ones. I would have never expected her to have a . . . How did it happen?

Karen. I'll tell you the details at a later time. But right now, you seem awfully tired and I insist you get some sleep. We can talk more about in the morning.

Cathy. (A tear falls down her cheek and she wipes it.) Okay. (Cathy gets up to go to her room. Before she goes, she turns to Karen.) Karen, I want to see Monica.

Karen. Cathy, I'm not sure if that's a good idea.

Cathy. Karen, I need to! I need to see her!

Karen. All right. I'll take you there at some point. Some point soon. I promise.

(Cathy doesn’t say another word. With tears in her eyes, she makes her way back upstairs. Karen and Jill watch her go.)

Karen. I knew I shouldn't have told her.

Jill. Aunt Karen, she was going to find out sooner or later.

Karen. Yes, I know. But I’m worried, her seeing Monica again, for the first time in years . . . with Monica in the condition that she's in. I mean, who knows how this is going to affect either one of them!

Jill. Aunt Karen, try and get a hold of yourself! I’m sure it will all go fine.

Karen. You're right. Because she's not going. I'm going upstairs right now to tell her.

(Karen starts up the stairs but is stopped by Jill.)

Jill. Aunt Karen, you can't do that! You can't control her life like this! She needs to be able to be independent and she won't be able to if she has you watching and controlling her every move.

Karen. I know. (Comes back down the stairs.)

Jill. Now her doctor said that as long as she takes her medication, she should be fine.

(End of scene.)

Such Is Life: Episode II (Part II)

Norma kicks Frank out; Leslie grows increasingly frustrated with Jacob and Marge.

(At Arthur and Fran’s House; the Kitchen)

(Fran is cooking up pancakes. Arthur enters.)

Fran. Morning, dear.

Arthur. Morning. (Kisses Fran.)

Fran. Would you like some breakfast before you leave?

Arthur. Sure. What are you making?

Fran. Pancakes. They should be done in a minute.

Arthur. I’ll have two please.

Fran. Sure thing.

Arthur. Now don’t forget, we promised my father we’d visit him after I get out of work this afternoon.

Fran. I haven’t forgotten. I’m not that old, you know. While you were in the shower, Julie called. She said something came up so she wouldn’t be able to go in today. She asked if I could take her shift for her and I told her I would.

Arthur. When will you be getting out?

Fran. Around four. So I was thinking, once I get out, I’ll just call a cab and swing on over to the factory. And you and I could go to your father’s from there.

Arthur. Works for me.

Fran. Good. (Puts two pancakes on a plate. She walks over to the table and puts the plate in front of Arthur.) Here you go.

Arthur. Thanks.

(Fran walks back over to the stove and starts cooking breakfast for herself.)

Before I took a shower, I was reading an article on The Independent about this study that was conducted. Did you know that you are fourteen percent more likely to die on your birthday than any other day of the year?

Fran. Fourteen percent more likely to die on your birthday? How do they figure that?

Arthur. Well, the chances are more likely for those over sixty. Apparently, it’s brought on by the stress of the upcoming birthday. Deaths can result from things like heart attacks, strokes, cancer, fatal falls, or suicide.

Fran. The usual ways.

Arthur. And they say some just try to hold on as long as they can, so that they can make that birthday. And then once they do, they just let go.

Fran. (Nods.) Hmm.

Arthur. And you know, they also say that men are more likely to commit suicide than women.

Fran. How so?

Arthur. Too much alcohol consumed. Or if they’re unhappy. They say the odds of a woman committing suicide are low because a woman wouldn’t want to put those celebrating their birthday through all that agony and pain.

Fran. Hmm. Well, that is interesting. . . Oh, Arthur, I just remembered. When we go to your father’s house this evening, make sure we have his laundry with us. I was talking to him last night and I promised we’d bring it with us when go over there today.

Arthur. Where is it now?

Fran. It’s in the other room. It’s all been folded and placed in the basket.

Arthur. I’ll put it in the backseat before we leave.

Fran. Well, I mean, I can bring it outside. I suppose it doesn’t really matter who does it just so long as, between the two of us, it actually ends up in the car.

(End of scene.)

(At the Boarding House)

(Nadine comes down the stairs with Pat following behind.)

Pat. Nadine, we need to talk about last night.

Nadine. There’s nothing more to talk about.

Pat. Oh, yes there is!

Nadine. Let me rephrase then, there’s nothing more I want to talk about.

Pat. Oh, Nadine!

(Pat and Nadine exit.)

(End of scene.)

(At Norma’s House)

(Norma and Frank’s sister, Marge, pulls up in front of Norma’s house. She beeps her horn. Frank hears it and gets up off the couch to see what is going on. He notices that it’s Marge and then sees Norma walking outside, towards Marge’s car, with Frank’s suitcases.)

Norma. (to Marge.) I’ll put these in the back, Marge.

(Frank rushes outside in his boxers and a tank top to find out what is going on as Norma puts the suitcases in the trunk.)

Frank. Hey. Hey. Hey, what’s going on here?

Norma. I’m putting your suitcases in the trunk. And would it kill you to put on some pants?

Frank. What for?

Norma. Well, Frank, people tend to wear pants when they go out in public. It’s kind of like a tradition.

Frank. I mean about the suitcases.

Norma. I called Marge last night and I’ve arranged for you to go live with her.

Frank. (whispers.) I don’t want to live with her. She’s a nut.

Norma. (whispers.) I don’t care. Frank, in the short of amount of time you’ve been here, you have managed to . . . to . . . you know what, I don’t even know how to describe your time here. Point is, you need to leave. I have taken the liberty of packing everything but your shoes and the pair of pants you had on last night. Now go inside, get them, I don’t even care if you pick up the beer cans at this point, and leave.

Frank. But-

Norma. (interrupts.) This is not up for discussion, Frank. Now go inside, get your stuff, and get out.

Marge. (Shouts from inside the car.) Can we hurry it up? I'm babysitting for Jacob and Leslie.

Norma. Don’t worry, he’s going.

(Frank just stands there for a minute and realizes that Norma is serious. He turns around and goes back inside the house to grab his stuff.)

(End of scene.)

(At Norma’s House)

(Norma watches from the window as Marge and Frank pull out and drive off. Norma turns around and breathes a sigh of relief, knowing that Frank is gone and is Marge’s problem now.)

(End of scene.)

(At Marge’s House)

(Marge opens the front door and steps inside. Frank follows her holding his suitcases.)

Marge. Here we are. Now I can’t stay long but do you need anything before I go?

Frank. Um, no. I should be good.

Marge. All right. Jacob’s old room is at the end of the hall. That’s where you’ll be staying. The bathroom is right before it. I need to go. Give me a call if you need anything.

(Frank nods and Marge leaves. Frank stands there in the middle of the room, looking around at the house, realizing that for now, this is his home too.)

(End of scene.)

(At Jacob and Leslie’s House; the Kitchen)

(Leslie enters.)

Leslie. You’re mother hasn’t shown up yet. How about we just call someone else?

Jacob. Give her time. She’ll be here.

Leslie. I don’t know why you even called her in the first place. You know how I feel about her babysitting.

Jacob. Leslie, she’s his grandmother.

Leslie. So is my mother! But you have no problem turning her services down!

Jacob. That’s not true.

Leslie. Yes, it is! Every time my mother offers to babysit for us, you turn her down for whatever reason!

Jacob. My mother just happens to live closer to us.

Leslie. The drive my mother has to make isn’t much different.

Jacob. Ugh, Leslie.

Leslie. And every time your mother is over here, she’s always criticizing our parenting skills. Or more specifically, mine.

Jacob. Leslie-

Leslie. (Interrupts.) And heck, she doesn’t have to be here! You and I have been criticized plenty by her over the telephone! And you never do a thing about it!

Jacob. What do you want me to say?

Leslie. Anything, really! And if you’re not going to, I certainly will. I have no problem telling her to shu-

Jacob. (Interrupts.) Hang on a second. I think I heard a car pull up. (Jacob walks into the living room and looks out the window. He sees Marge getting out of her car.) My mother is here. Not a word of anything we just said, alright?

Leslie. Oh no, of course not. We wouldn’t want to upset mommy, now would we. . .

(Jacob goes and opens the front door for Marge.)

Marge. Sorry, I’m late. I had to help get Frank settled in at home.

Jacob. Uncle Frank is living with you now?

Marge. Yeah, things weren’t working out at Norma’s, which didn’t surprise me. Your aunt’s never been the easiest person to live with. Not to mention that she smokes like a chimney. So now Frank is living with me, just until he gets things sorted out with Trudy.

Leslie. Well, we ought to get going. Don’t want be late. There’s some food in the refrigerator and the freezer in case you or Darren want anything, though he ate before you got here so he should be fine.

Marge. Hopefully it was a nice home cooked meal and not some garbage from one of those fast-food restaurants like McDonalds or Burger King.

Leslie. Yes, it was a home cooked meal. I made it as soon as I got home from work. Would you like to know the contents that were inside of it or-

Jacob. (Interrupts.) Ah-ta-ta, I think we’d better get going. Don’t want to be late now.

(Leslie takes a deep breath in and lets it out to help calm herself down. She then walks over to the staircase.)

We should be back in a couple hours, mom.

Leslie. (Yells up the stairs to Darren.) Darren, we’re leaving. Your grandma Marge is here with you if you should need anything.

Darren. (Yells from his room.) Okay, mom.

Jacob. Our numbers are on the counter if you need to reach us.

Marge. Enjoy your evening. I’ll see you when you get back.

(Jacob and Leslie leave.)

(End of scene.)

(At Boris’ House)

(Boris opens the front door. It’s Fran and Arthur.)

Boris. Hello, Fran. Arthur.

Fran. Hi, Boris.

(Fran kisses him hello the cheek.)

Arthur. How are you doing, Dad?

Boris. I’ve had better days.

Fran. Your legs again?

Boris. Yeah. It’s not easy getting up and down those stairs. Even getting out of a chair just feels like too much.

Arthur. Oh, well, Dad, I wish you called. One of us would have come over.

Boris. Yeah, well, I didn’t want to be a bother.

Fran. Boris, we’ve told you before. You are not a bother.

Boris. Yeah, well . . .

(Arthur and Fran notice Boris’ suitcase.)

Arthur. Have you been packing?

Boris. Yeah, I, I have been trying to get everything ready for when I go to the hospital and rehab center.

Fran. Do you need any help?

Boris. No. No, I think I got it.

(Fran notices some unopened packages of socks and underwear on the table.)

Fran. Have you been out shopping?

Boris. Yeah, I figured I might as well buy myself some new clothes. I’m going to probably be losing some weight so my size is probably going to be going down a few.

Arthur. And you’ll be in the hospital for a week?

Boris. That’s what my doctor told me. And then I’m going to the rehab center for about two weeks once they think I’m strong enough.

Fran. Boris, we’ve been talking and we just don’t feel comfortable with you being here all by yourself after you get home from rehab.

Boris. Oh, well, there’s no need to worry.

Fran. Well, we were talking and we were wondering . . . how you would feel about moving in with us.

Boris. Fran, you’ve made this offer before.

Fran. This would only be a temporary arrangement, just until you’re better.

Boris. Now Fran, I appreciate the offer but I’m going to have to decline it.

Fran. But why?

Boris. I don’t want to be a bother to you two.

Fran. But you won’t be.

Boris. You say that now.

Fran. Oh, Boris . . .

Boris. Now I’m sorry, Fran, but I just prefer to remain here. Besides, the doctors told me that I should be perfectly fine once I leave rehab.

Fran. Really?

Arthur. So soon?

Boris. That’s what the doctors told me. They told me that if I wanted to drive home, I probably could.

Fran. I think it would be too soon for that.

Boris. We’ll see what happens but I do appreciate your offer, Fran.

Arthur. Now who’s driving you to the hospital? Fran and I are both available.

Fran. I thought it was already established that we were driving him. I already arranged my schedule around it.

Boris. I was going to have Dorothy from next-door drive me. She insisted on it so I said yes.

Arthur. Why didn’t you ask one of us? Or Etta?

Boris. I figured you all had to work.

Arthur. Well, like Fran said, we would have re-arranged our schedules.

Boris. Well, I’m sorry. I just didn’t want you to have to miss work because of me. If you want, I’ll call Dorothy and tell her I have other arrangements.

Arthur. We’re not going to force you to do anything.

Fran. We just want to make sure everything is set and ready.

Arthur. We’ll make sure to be there by the time your surgery is over.

Fran. What time did they say it would be done by?

Boris. Around 10:30 a.m.

(End of scene.)

(Brett’s Bar)

(A depressed Janice is sitting at the bar, drink in her hand, thinking about her troubles. Brett Gorman takes notice.)

Brett. Everything all right, Janice?

Janice. Not really.

Brett. You want to talk about it?

Janice. The factory was forced to lay off workers as a means to save money.

Brett. I heard. Another worker was in here the other day going on about it. . . I’m assuming then that you were one of the ones. . .

Janice. Yep.

Brett. I’m sorry to hear that.

Janice. So was I.

Brett. What are you going to do now?

Janice. Try and find a new job, I guess. What else can I do?

Brett. Why don't you go over to Lena’s? I'm sure she’d love to replace Willow.

(Janice chuckles.)

            Your father owns Carver Corporations, Janice. If you want a job, just go see him.

Janice. I don't know. I don't like handouts and that's what I feel it would be. I want to get a job because I deserve it, not because I'm the boss' daughter.

Brett. It’s not like you're not qualified.

Janice. Yeah, but I mean to everyone working there, that's not why I would have gotten the job.

Brett. Who cares what they think.

(Janice shrugs.)

            Janice, there's comes a time when one needs to put the needs of the family ahead of pride.

(Janice thinks about this. As she does, Helen walks in and takes a seat at the bar, next to Janice.)

Brett. Evening, Helen.

Helen. Hello, hon.

(Janice drinks what’s left in her glass.)

Janice. I got to go. Thanks for the drink, Brett.

Brett. I’ll see you around, Janice.

Janice. Bye, Helen.

Helen. Good-bye.

(Janice leaves.)

            Goodness me, what’s going on with her?

Brett. Eh, she was one of the workers pink slipped the other day.

Helen. Oh, right. At Lothrop Industries. I heard about that. It’s been the talk of the city since it happened.

Brett. Well, Janice will be fine. I mean, after all her father does own Carver Corporations. Can I get you a drink, Helen?

Helen. I’d love one.

Brett. Anything in particular?

Helen. Surprise me. (Brett reaches down for a glass.) So how are you doing, hon?

Brett. Pretty good. Same old, same old, really.

Helen. Well, sadly, not much is new and exciting in my life either.

Brett. Here you go.

Helen. Thanks. (Takes a sip.) You know I sometimes ask myself why it is I stay in this city when there’s so much more out there. There are so many other places I could be right now. Exciting places.

Brett. Yeah, well, if you ever did decide to leave, we both know you wouldn’t be gone too long. You’d miss me too much.

Helen. That’s true. I’d miss our chats.

Brett. Well, cheers then, to living out the rest of our lives in Cedarmill.

Helen. Cheers.

(Brett and Helen toast and each take a sip from their glasses. Lorraine Carver walks in and takes a seat at the counter.)

Lorraine. I’ll have a double.

Brett. Everything all right, Mrs. Carver?

Lorraine. I don’t want to talk about it.

Brett. All right then.

Lorraine. My husband, he stood me up again!

Brett. No kidding. What happened?

Lorraine. We were supposed to have an early evening dinner together. We planned it in advance a few days ago, you know, where we would meet, what time we’d meet at. At this point, all he had to do was show up.

Helen. But he didn’t?

Lorraine. Nope. He calls me, tells me he got tied up and wouldn’t be able to make it. He said he was sorry, that he’d make it up to me, and then he hung up. Just like that. Ugh, I was so furious! I nearly launched my phone across the room! And you know, I probably wouldn’t be so mad if this were the first time he’s done this. But it’s not! These past few weeks, every time we’ve made plans, he’s called at the last minute and told me he wouldn’t be able to show for whatever reason it may be. At this point, I don’t even know why I was surprised that he didn’t show. You’d think by now, I’d be used to it! (Takes a sip of her drink.) Ugh, I’m just sick of it. Sick of it all!

Helen. Well, what are you going to do?

Lorraine. At this point, I don’t know. But I’m fed up and tired of business being put before me.

(End of scene.)

(At Il Palazzo delle Rose)

(Jacob and Leslie are enjoying dinner with Jacob’s co-workers when Leslie’s cell phone rings.)

Leslie. Excuse me for a moment.

(Leslie gets up and leaves the table to take the call.)

(Answers.) Hello? (Listens.) Marge, what is it? (Listens.) Well, we’re right in the middle of dinner right now. Why? What’s the matter? (Listens.) What do you mean you have to leave? When? (Listens.) Well, I’m sorry but we won’t be home for at least another hour. (Listens.) I’m sure whatever Frank needs is not that urgent or could at least be dealt with over the phone. (Listens.) Well, I’m sorry but if you knew something like this might come up, I wish you would have told us so we could have found someone else to babysit. (Listens.) No, I don’t want you taking Darren out. It’s late and he needs to go to bed because he has school in the morning. (Listens.) Marge, I- (Leslie tries to speak but can't because Marge is yelling. Leslie gets frustrated and hangs up. She then takes a deep breath in, lets it out, and returns to the table with the others.)

Jacob. Who was that?

Leslie. (Calmly.) Your mother. She asked me to have you call her. It sounded urgent.

Jacob. Did she say what about?

Leslie. She didn’t go into any details with me. She just told me to tell you to call her as soon as you can.

Jacob. All right then. If you’ll excuse me.

(His co-workers nod and Jacob leaves to call Marge. Leslie takes a sip of her champagne.)

(End of scene.)

(At Il Palazzo delle Rose)

(Jacob returns to the table after finishing his phone call with Marge.)

Jacob. Umm, if you’ll all excuse me one more time. I need to borrow my wife for a minute.

Leslie. What for?

Jacob. Just need to talk to you real quick.

Leslie. (sighs.) Okay. Fine.

(Leslie gets up out of out her chair.)

            (To the others at the table.) We’ll be right back.

(Leslie and Jacob walk over by the bar.)

            (Frustrated.) What do you need?

Jacob. I need you to call your mother and ask if she’s able to babysit.

Leslie. What?! Jacob, I’m not going to do that. I’m sure she and my father have made other plans for themselves.

Jacob. Well, my mother has to leave. And now she’s really pissed that you hung up on her.

Leslie. That woman was yelling and berating me. I wasn’t just going to stand there and take it.

Jacob. Look, we’ll talk about that later. But right now, can you please call your parents and just see if they’re available.

Leslie. No, I’m not going to do that to them!

Jacob. Then what are we going-

Leslie. (Interrupts.) You know what, I have an idea. Give me the car keys.

Jacob. What for?

Leslie. Just give them to me.

(Jacob reaches into his pocket for his car keys and hands them to Leslie. Leslie then reaches inside her purse and pulls out some cash. She counts out a certain amount and puts the rest back in her purse.)

             Here you go.

Jacob. What is this?

Leslie. That is money for a taxi. When you are done here, you call yourself one and have them drive you home.

Jacob. Wait, but . . . what are you going to do?

Leslie. I am going to go grab my coat and then I’m going home to be with Darren. I’ll see you when you get home later on. Tell the others I apologize for leaving so abruptly but something came up.

(Leslie turns around and makes her way to the coat room. Jacob tries to say something but Leslie is already gone.)

(End of scene.)

(At Jacob and Leslie’s House; In the Kitchen)

(Leslie is in her pajamas, talking on the phone with her mother while cutting herself up an apple as a small snack for herself.)

Leslie. I didn’t want to inconvenience you or daddy just because of her, not that I wanted her to babysit in the first place anyways. But she said she would do it. And then she calls me in the middle of dinner, tells me that Frank needs her right away for something, which you and I both know in her case, was probably nothing big. (Listens.) Yeah, so anyways, she calls me, tells me she has to go help him, and then starts flipping out on me for no reason whatsoever. (Listens.) Well, I hung up on her. I wasn’t going to listen to that. (Listens.) Oh, she was even more pissed, like I care. (Listens.) Well afterwards, she talked to Jacob, who once again made me out to be the bad guy. (Listens.) Mom, I’m absolutely sick of him taking her side over mine. It’s like I said before, she’ll criticize me and he’ll say nothing. Even when she criticizes him, he still says nothing. It’s absolutely ridiculous and I- (Hears the front door unlock.) Mom, Jacob’s coming in. I’ll talk about this more with you tomorrow. (Listens.) All right. Love you too. Good night.

(Leslie hangs up the phone and continues cutting her apple as Jacob walks in.)

Jacob. Who was that on the phone?

Leslie. My mother.

Jacob. What did she need?

Leslie. She just wanted to talk.

(Leslie puts her knife in the sink and then grabs her plate. She heads to the living room. Jacob follows her. Leslie takes a seat on the couch but Jacob remains standing.)

Jacob. Where’s Darren?

Leslie. He’s upstairs playing. I told him he can go to bed in half an hour.

Jacob. . . . Leslie, look. About what happened at dinner tonight.

Leslie. (Raises her finger towards him.) Ah! I don’t want to hear it! I’ve had enough excitement for one night, complete with the unsupportive husband and the mother-in-law from hell.

Jacob. I take it things didn’t go well when you got here.

Leslie. (Shakes her head.) No. When I got here, as expected, she started screaming and bitching at me to the point where I told her to get the hell out.

Jacob. Leslie, you didn’t.

Leslie. No, I did. I’m actually surprised she didn’t call you to let you know that.

Jacob. Leslie, all you did was make matters worse.

Leslie. And there it is. Once again, I’m the bad guy. And your mother is the one who can do no wrong.

Jacob. It’s not like that.

Leslie. No, I think it is . . . You know what? I’m not that hungry. (Leslie gets up off the couch and hands her plate of apple slices to Jacob.) I am going upstairs to get some aspirin for this headache I have and then I am going to bed. Good night.

(Jacob stands there as Leslie leaves the room and heads upstairs. He looks down at the plate of apples as he tries to sort things out in his head and figure out what to do.)

(End of scene.)

Eileen & Lucille Discuss Lindsay Lohan Wanting Tax Cuts

I wrote this back in September of 2012 when Lindsay Lohan made the news for saying she needs tax cuts.

Lucille. I was reading MSN this morning. Apparently, Lindsay Lohan tweeted the other night that she needs tax cuts.

Eileen. I've lost all respect for that woman. I really have. There's a lot of things that woman needs right now but tax cuts aren't one of them.

Lucille. Remember how cute she was in The Parent Trap?

Eileen. It still ticks me off that she was cast as Elizabeth Taylor in that new Lifetime movie.

Lucille. I'm with you there. Next, they're going to cast Kim Kardashian as Katharine Hepburn and Snooki as Bette Davis.

Eileen. Don't even joke like that!

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Such Is Life: Episode II (Part I)

Pat Garrett meets Thomas Lothrop; Nadine makes her feelings known to Pat; Norma pleads with Trudy; Arlene feels left out of the loop.

(At the Boarding House)

(The boarders (with the exception of Doug, Pat, and Nadine) are gathered around the dining room table, eating breakfast. Pat and Nadine come down the stairs and enter the room.)

Pat. Sorry we’re late.

Lillian. No need to apologize, dear. Just have a seat and you can start eating.

(Pat takes a seat next to Hutch and Nadine takes a seat next to her.)

Hutch. I see Doug’s not around again.

Helen. Way to go, Hutch. Now that you mentioned it, he’s sure to walk right through the front door now.

Hutch. Maybe not. I mean, what if something happened to him last night. What if he’s dead?

Chris. (Raises his glass.) Amen if he is!

Lillian. Okay. Now stop it, all of you! Now whatever Doug is doing or whatever trouble he’s gotten himself into, that’s his problem. But I refuse to allow us to dwell on the subject, or any subject for that matter regarding Doug. Now this is supposed to be a nice breakfast and I’d like to keep it that way. Okay?

Helen. (Nodding her head.) We’re sorry, Lillian.

Lillian. It’s all right. Let’s just keep eating.

(The room is silent, with the only the sound of clanking silverware being heard.)

Ethel. Oh. Nadine. Pat. I’ve been meaning to ask you guys how you’re finding this place to be so far. I mean, do you like it? Do you wish it would burn down? What are your feelings towards this place, and us?

Lillian. Ethel, there’s no need to put them on the spot like that.

Pat. It’s all right, Lillian. I don’t mind. While I won’t speak for my sister, I, myself, have taken quite a liking to this place. It’s nice. Um . . . it’s cozy. And it being a two minute walk away from the bus stop is just incredibly convenient for me. And all of you have helped make me feel quite welcome.

Ethel. (Nods.) Nadine, how about you?

Nadine. Oh. . . Well, um, I like this place too. You know, it’s like Pat said, nice place, friendly people, and very close to the bus stop.

Lillian. Well, we’re glad to hear that. And we’re all very happy to have you here.

(End of scene.)

(At the Boarding House)

(Pat hurries down the stairs with Nadine following behind.)

Pat. Come on, Nadine. The bus comes in five minutes.

Nadine. I’m coming. I’m coming.

(Lillian appears.)

Lillian. Ladies, before you go, can I have a word? It will be brief.

Pat. Um, sure, Lillian. What is it?

Lillian. Well, I just to want to apologize again for my sister putting you on the spot like that.

Pat. Oh, that. Lillian, it was no big deal, really.

Lillian. Well, I just wanted to make sure you were all right and everything.

Pat. We’re fine, Lillian. We swear. Is that all because if it is, we really got to-

Lillian. (Interrupts.) Well, there is just one more thing. I noticed that when a few of the other boarders went on that brief ramble about Doug, you both looked rather uncomfortable.

Pat. Well, I’m sure they had their reasons for saying it. After all, they’ve all been here far longer than we have.

Lillian. I just feel like I should explain to you where, where those feelings toward him come from.

Pat. Lillian, I don’t mean to be rude but Nadine and I need to leave to catch a bus. Maybe you could explain that to us at a later time.

Lillian. Oh. Yes, sure. I wouldn’t want you to miss your bus on my account. But yes, I would like to talk to you about the whole Doug thing at some point. But please, right now, go and catch your bus.

Pat. Thank you. Come on, Nadine.

(Nadine and Pat hurry out.)

Nadine. (As she closes the door.) Good-bye, Ms. Bedore.

(End of scene.)

(At Trudy’s House)

(Trudy is on the phone with her pregnant niece, Laura.)

Trudy. Do you want me to bring you over anything?

Laura. Oh, no. Matt’s made sure that I’m well taken care of. But thanks for offering.

Trudy. Well, if you do need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.

Laura. I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Aunt Trudy. Listen, I need to go and do some laundry but I’ll be sure to give you a call later on tonight.

Trudy. Of course. I’ll talk to you later on.

Laura. Okay. Bye.

Trudy. Good-bye, dear.

(Trudy hangs up the phone. At the same time, the doorbell rings.)

(To herself.) Now who could that be?

(She makes her way to the front door and opens it to find Norma, Frank’s sister.)

Norma?!

Norma. (Barges in.) I can’t take him anymore! I just can’t deal with him! That man is driving me up a wall!

Trudy. Wait, Norma, calm down. Now who are you talking about?

Norma. Frank! Trudy, you have got to take him back! Please, I am begging you!

Trudy. Norma.

Norma. Please! I will pay you if I have to! Any amount! Do you take a check? Or would you prefer cash? Just name your price!

Trudy. Norma, I’m sorry but I’m not going to take him back, at least not yet anyway. And that’s if I decide to take him back at all.

Norma. Trudy, you don’t understand! All he does, day and night, is sit around and mope and drink, moaning about how guilty he feels, what a wonderful woman you are, and just oh my god, I can’t take it anymore!

Trudy. Why doesn’t he stay with one of his other siblings?

Norma. They don’t want him! The only one who actually offered was Marge but Frank can’t stand her! I was the only one left!

Trudy. Why don’t you just kick him out then?

Norma. He’s my brother. I can’t. Trudy, could you at least talk to him? As a favor to me?

Trudy. Ugh, Norma. I don’t know.

Norma. Trudy, please! Maybe it could help!

(End of scene.)

(At Lothrop Industries; Third Floor)

(As Pat is working on her machine, Thomas Lothrop walks by and takes notice of her.)

Thomas. Excuse me. (Pat turns around.) I don't believe you and I have been properly introduced yet. I'm Thomas Lothrop, co-manager of the factory. (Extends his hand.)

Pat. Oh. (Shakes his hand.) It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lothrop.

Thomas. Please, call me Thomas.

Pat. Oh. . . Okay, then. I'm Patricia. Patricia Garrett. But you can me Pat.

Thomas. How long have you been with us?

Pat. Oh, not too long. A couple of weeks.

Thomas. Could I interest you in a drink? After work, maybe? I know a good place downtown.

Pat. Oh, I couldn’t. It, it wouldn’t feel right. I mean, you’re one of my employers and . . . oh, I could never. And besides, what would the other workers think?

Thomas. I really don’t care what the other workers think.

Pat. I’m sorry but I’m going to have to turn down the offer.

Thomas. (Nods.) All right then. But if you change your mind, you know where to find me.

(Thomas walks away and Pat resumes her work. From a distance, at her machine, Nadine has witnessed the whole conversation.)

(End of scene.)

(At Norma’s House)

(Frank is lying on the living room couch, sulking, drinking and watching TV. He hears the front door open and then Norma appears before him. She grabs the beer out of his hand.)

Frank. Hey, I was drinking that.

Norma. Not anymore, you’re not. Now sit up and fix yourself. There’s someone here to see you.

Frank. Who?

(Trudy walks into the room. Frank quickly jumps up and tries to make himself look presentable.)

Trudy!

Trudy. Hello, Frank.

Frank. I didn’t expect you to come by. (To Norma.) A little warning would have been nice.

Norma. This was a last minute thing. (To Trudy.) I’ll be outside if you need me.

(Norma leaves the room.)

Frank. Um, I wish I knew you were coming by. I would have straightened up a little.

Trudy. Well, like Norma said, this was a last minute thing.

Frank. . . . How have you been?

Trudy. Fine.

Frank. . . . And how are Laura, Richard, and everyone else doing?

Trudy. They’re doing just fine.

Frank. I hear Laura’s almost due.

Trudy. Should be any day now.

Frank. Has she and Matt come up with a name?

Trudy. Not yet.

Frank. Oh. . . Well, I’m sure whatever they decide will be very fitting for the little thing .I, um. . . Oh, Trudy, please take me back! What happened was a mistake, a terrible, drunken mistake! You have no idea how sorry I am for all the pain I’ve put you through recently!

Trudy. I’m sure you are. But Frank, I don’t think it’s the affair that’s the only problem.

Frank. What do you mean?

Trudy. Before this whole affair even happened, I noticed that your drinking had been escalating and all of these beer cans before me right now are even more proof of the fact.

Frank. I enjoy the occasional beer.

Trudy. Frank, this is more than the occasional beer. You have a serious problem . . . Frank, I think you’re an alcoholic.

Frank. I am not! And you know I really resent you for implying that I am!

Trudy. Well, I’m sorry but I think it’s true.

Frank. I make one mistake and all of the sudden, I’m an alcoholic?

Trudy. (Shakes her head and sighs.) Maybe I shouldn’t have brought it up.

Frank. You’re damn right you shouldn’t have! You know, at first when I saw you walk into the room, I thought, or was at least really hoping, that you were here to say that you forgave me but now, even if you were, I don’t care!

Trudy. I think I should go.

Frank. Yeah, I think you better.

(Trudy leaves the room and exits the house through the front door. Norma is outside, leaning against the side of the front steps, smoking a cigarette. When Trudy comes out, Norma looks up at her and realizes things didn’t go well.)

Trudy. I’m sorry, Norma.

(Trudy goes to her car. She pulls out and drives away, leaving Norma to wonder what she is going to do about Frank.)

(End of scene.)

(At the Launderette)

(Carly and Arlene are chatting with one another as they each empty a dryer and fold laundry.)

Carly. How are things, Arlene?

Arlene. Oh, fine. Fine.

Carly. How are Doris and Maud doing?

Arlene. Doris is doing okay. She’s trying to get the dryer fixed. A repairman came over and gave her an estimate but Thomas refuses to shell out the money. He thinks the estimate the repairman gave is more than what it should cost. Ugh, Thomas is such a cheapskate.

Carly. What about Maud? How is she doing?

Arlene. She’s come down with that stomach bug that’s been going around. It should pass within a week, I think.

Carly. Do give her my best.

Arlene. I will.

Carly. You know, it’s a shame about what happened at the factory.

Arlene. What factory?

Carly. Lothrop Industries. Haven’t you heard?

Arlene. No. What happened?

Carly. Layoffs. In two weeks, about a hundred or so people will be out of a job.

Arlene. What?

Carly. Yeah, my friend Janice Reilly was one of the ones laid off, though she shouldn’t have any problems finding work. After all, her father owns Carver Corporations.

(Arlene is shocked.)

Benjamin never told you any of this?

Arlene. (Shakes her head.) No, he didn’t. .

Carly. Maybe he just assumed you wouldn’t have any interest.

Arlene. Yeah, maybe. . . (Arlene thinks for a moment. She then begins grabbing the rest of the laundry out of the dryer and throwing it into her basket.) You know what; I just realized I got to go. (Grabs her basket and heads for the door.) It was great seeing you, Carly. I’ll be sure to let Doris and Maud know you asked about them.

(Before Carly can get a word out, Arlene is already out the door.)

Carly. (Slightly waves her hand.) Bye, Arlene.

(End of scene.)

(At Norma’s House)

(Frank is lying on the couch in the living room, drinking a beer and watching TV. He’s still angry about what Trudy said earlier. Norma comes in the room with dinner.)

Norma. Here’s your dinner.

Frank. I’m not hungry.

Norma. Suit yourself. (Puts the plate down on a table.) What did Trudy say to you earlier?

Frank. Nothing . . .

Norma. A mood like that doesn’t stem from nothing.

Frank. I don’t want to talk about it.

Norma. Fine then. (Looks down at all the empty beer cans lying about on the floor.) But will you please pick up all these beer cans on the floor?!

Frank. Oh and what is that supposed to mean?

Norma. It means that there are a bunch of beer cans lying all over my floor and I don’t like it! And there’s certainly no way I’m picking them up!

Frank. . . . You think I have a problem, don’t you?

Norma. If anyone has a problem in this house, it’s me! And it’s clearly not going away anytime soon!

Frank. I bet you you think I drink too much. That I can’t stop. Well, I’ll have you know that I can stop at any time I’d like.

Norma. Frank, what are you going on- (Small pause as she realizes what Trudy said to him.) That’s what Trudy said, that you have a drinking problem.

Frank. (Shakes his head.) Ugh, the nerve of her accusing me of something like that! Can you believe it? Telling me that I have a drinking problem, insinuating that I have no self-control!

Norma. Do you have self-control?

Frank. Now what is that supposed to mean?

Norma. It means Frank that in the time you’ve been here, I’ve been watching you and I agree with Trudy.

Frank. So now you’re against me too.

Norma. Frank, you-

Frank. (interrupts.) I don’t want to hear it! Just-just go away! Leave me alone!

(Frank rolls over so that his back is facing Norma. Norma just stands there for a moment, looking down at him. She then picks up the plate she brought him and leaves the room.)

(End of scene.)

(At the Lothrop House; Dining Room)

(Thomas, Doris, Benjamin, and Arlene Lothrop are sitting around the dinner table, eating.)

Doris. What’s this I’ve heard about layoffs at the factory?

Thomas. Well, we needed a way to save money so we’re cutting about a hundred employees.

Arlene. You can’t cut people in this recession. Do you realize how difficult it will be for them to find work elsewhere?

Thomas. I’m sorry, Arlene, but that’s business. Sacrifices have to be made.

Arlene. Benjamin, you can’t be going along with this. I mean, there has to be another way.

Thomas. He’s already agreed with the idea.

Arlene. Benjamin?

Benjamin. I’m sorry, Arlene, but we need to save money and this is the best way to do it.

Doris. Then why did you hire a dozen or so workers the other week?

Thomas. That was Helena’s doing, not ours.

Doris. Have you even consulted Helena on your latest decision?

Thomas. We don’t always need to consult her.

Doris. She has a right to know. After all, she’s part owner.

Thomas. She’ll find out when she returns to town.

Arlene. Honestly, there has to be a better way of saving money than laying off workers.

Thomas. Like I said, Arlene. It’s business.

Arlene. Well, I don’t like it.

(Maud rings her bell from upstairs.)

Doris. That’s Ma. I better go check on her. (Gets up.)

Arlene. (Gets up.) Doris, no. I’ll go.

Doris. Arlene, you don’t have to. I’ll go.

Arlene. Doris, you stay here and finish your dinner. I insist.

Doris. Oh. Well, thank you, Arlene.

(Doris sits back down as Arlene leaves the room.)

Thomas. (Wipes his face with a napkin.) Well, Benjamin and I should get going as well.

Doris. (As Thomas and Benjamin rise.) What on earth for?

Thomas. We have a meeting with a potential client tonight. He has a big job that needs to be done and is considering Lothrop Industries as the one to do it.

Doris. Shouldn’t you wait for Helena to return before going to such an important meeting?

Thomas. Helena’s not going to be back for another week or so. And besides, we can handle it. (to Benjamin.) Come on, Benjamin.

Doris. (As Benjamin and Thomas start to leave.) I’m sure.

Thomas. Well, anyways, we’ll be back late so don’t wait up for us.

Doris. (Shakes her head.) I wasn’t planning to.

(End of scene.)

(At the Boarding House; Pat and Nadine’s Room)

(Pat is standing as she tries to undo the bun her hair is in while Nadine watches. Nadine is sitting on her bed, still thinking about the conversation she witnessed earlier between Thomas and Pat.)

Nadine. I saw you talking to one of the bosses earlier today. What did he want?

Pat. Nothing, really. He introduced himself to me so I introduced myself to him. He asked me out for a drink and I politely turned him down.

Nadine. (Pat undoes her bun.) He just met you and already he’s asked you out?

Pat. (Grabs a hairbrush and begins brushing her hair.) It really was no big deal.

Nadine. Why did you turn him down?

Pat. Well, for starters, the man is my employer. I mean, what would the other workers think if they knew that I was involved with the man in charge? And besides, even if he wasn’t my boss, I’d still probably turn him down. I’ve heard the man is a womanizer, a playboy, and is rather full of himself.

Nadine. Those are only rumors. You can’t go by them.

Pat. Nadine, it’s not going to happen so if we could please just drop the subject.

Nadine. I’m just saying you shouldn't go by what people say. Some can be quick to judge. (Pat puts her brush down on the nightstand.)

Pat. Why are you so quick to defend this man? It's almost like you have a crush on him or . . . Oh my gosh. That's it, isn't it?

Nadine. What's it?

Pat. You have a crush on Thomas Lothrop.

Nadine. What? No, that's ridiculous!

Pat. No, I can tell. You're blushing and everything.

Nadine. Okay . . . so maybe I do.

Pat. Nadine, what could you possibly see in that man?

Nadine. I don't know. There's just something . . . rather attractive about him. I mean, come on, even you have to admit he's good looking.

Pat. Good looks do not make a relationship, Nadine. There has to be more to it than that. Nadine, I don't want you to get your hopes up. The odds of you and him actually getting together are quite slim.

Nadine. And why is that?

Pat. Well, for starters, does he even know that you exist?

Nadine. Yes, he does.

Pat. Really?

Nadine. Yes, as a matter of fact. The other day, we accidentally bumped into one another at the factory.

Pat. And? Were names exchanged? Was a conversation held?

Nadine. No, not really. He told me to watch it and kept on going.

Pat. Nadine, that isn't exactly a formal introduction.

Nadine. No, but at least he knows that I exist.

Pat. Yes, as the girl who bumped into him. Oh, honestly Nadine. This fantasy of yours has little hope.

Nadine. Well, why is it a fantasy?

Pat. He's much more likely to go out with someone. . .

Nadine. Like you?

Pat. That's not what I was going to say.

Nadine. But that's probably what you were thinking. After all, you've had, as you say, a “formal introduction”. He knows your name and everything.

Pat. Not everything.

Nadine. This is how it’s always been, Pat. The guys always fall for you while I’m left standing in the shadows.

Pat. Nadine, that’s not true.

Nadine. Oh yes it is. You know it. I know it. The whole world knows it! I’ve never been anything more than a shadow when it comes to you, as far back as I can remember. And not just with the men but with . . . well, with everything really. Everyone always paid attention to you! In school, I was always known as “Pat’s sister”. And at home, it was you mother always devoted her time to. She never even gave a second thought about me. She didn’t even bother to show up for my high school graduation. But I remember full and well that she was present at yours. . . (Shakes her head.) You know just once I’d . . . You know what, never mind. (Sighs.)

Pat. Nadine, I . . . (Shakes her head.) I had no idea you felt this way.

Nadine. (Looks at the clock.) Look, it’s getting late and we have to be up early tomorrow for work. I’m going to the bathroom to get washed up and everything and then I’m going to bed.

Pat. (As Nadine is about to grab her toothbrush.) Nadine, I-

Nadine. (Interrupts.) Pat, please. I don’t want to hear it.

(Pat watches quietly as Nadine grabs her toothbrush, toothpaste, a towel, and her bathrobe and leaves the room.)

(End of scene.)

(At Norma’s House)

(Norma quietly walks into the living room to see if Frank is still awake. She listens for a moment and he snores. Knowing that he’s asleep, she heads for her bedroom. She walks in and quietly closes the door behind her. She sits down on the edge of the bed, picks up the telephone sitting on her nightstand, and dials a number.)

Norma. (Listens.) Hello, Marge? It’s Norma.

(End of scene.)

(On the streets of Cedarmill)

(Thomas and Benjamin are walking down a street.)

Thomas. With the way Doris and Arlene were going on, I didn’t think we’d ever get out of there. Honestly, I don’t get what you see in that woman.

(Thomas and Benjamin approach Iris Needham’s Brothel. Thomas gives three knocks on the door. They wait a moment before the door opens slightly. A woman peaks her head out of the crack to see who is knocking. Thomas gives her a little nod. The woman quickly closes the door, undoes the lock, and opens the door all the way. She gestures for the two of them come inside. Thomas and Benjamin enter and the door is closed behind them.)

(End of scene.)