Trophies

TROPHIES

A Play in One Act

by William C. Seward

Performance Rights

It is an infringement of federal copyright law to copy or reproduce this script in any manner or to perform this play without royalty payment. The author controls all rights. Contact for additional scripts and further licensing information. The author’s name must appear on all programs and promotional material. William C. Seward: lastromantic49@yahoo.com

July 27, 2014

Copyright © 2002 by Bill Seward

TROPHIES

Characters:

Paul O'Conner: Sculptor

Sylvia O'Conner: His wife.

Lena Samuels: Art teacher.

Brick Samuels: Lena's husband. H.S. Football coach.

Cheryl Kaminsky: Lena's best friend.

Chief Gray: Jenson police chief.

Scene: The living room of the Samuels house. A window looks into the front yard. A door leads outside. Another door leads to kitchen/bedrooms. The room is tastefully decorated, but not too expensively. There is a stuffed deer head on the wall, sports trophies, autographed football. There should be at least one painting, fairly good, on the wall.

Time: Present day. Spring. Early evening, midweek.

Lighting note: There is a mention of "fantasy mode". This is left to the discretion of the lighting designer. I envision a mix obviously different from the "normal" scene lighting.

(AT RISE: LENA stands at the window looking into the yard, she is tense, frightened, worried. At first she speaks in almost a monotone, as if hypnotized. CHERYL stands beside her, watching both her and what is going on outside. Muffled noises off: Sirens, shouts, crackle of fire, muffled explosions. Reflections of flashing lights, and flickering firelight against early twilight outside.)

CHERYL

So much smoke for such a small car!

LENA

The gas tank blew already. And the tires.

CHERYL

Brick's going to have a coronary.

LENA

His new driveway is melting. The mailbox is already gone.

CHERYL

I hope you already got the mail.

LENA

(Nodding.)

I may already be a winner.

CHERYL

Not today.

LENA

No.

CHERYL

It looks like one of those "dream" paintings you do. You want to discuss this?

LENA

What's to discuss?

CHERYL

Jesus, girl! A yellow sports car is going up in flames in your front yard. The entire Jenson volunteer fire department is trampling Brick's lawn. The citizens of Jenson, population 930 on a good day, are in your street, and you ask "What's to discuss?"

LENA

You think people will talk?

CHERYL

Lena, this is the biggest thing to happen since the grain silo exploded in '53. Will they talk? "Next on Geraldo.....!"

LENA

(Looking up through the window.)

There's a lot of smoke. It just hangs there, like a black fist waiting to... to....

(she turns away.)

I don't know.

CHERYL

Smoke from the tires, I guess. Look, Brick and Chief Gray will be coming in here, you know they will. What will you say? Christ, honey, you haven't even told me anything, what will you tell them?

LENA

I don't know anything about it. Why ask me?

CHERYL

(physically turning Lena to window)

Lena, look out there. They all know that was Paul's car. No one else drives a yellow sports car. You're his friend. Of course they'll ask you, and Brick is already pissed.

LENA

(Resigned)

You're right. I thought I knew Paul. I never thought he was . . . capable of this.

(To herself)

How could anyone be capable of this? Why couldn't he just . . .

CHERYL

Just what?

LENA

Nothing.

CHERYL

(Glancing out window)

Well, here come Brick and the Chief. I don't think "nothing" is going to cut it.

(From off, sound of stamping, feet wiping. CHIEF's voice.)

CHIEF

(Off)

I think it's about burned itself out now, Brick. Soon it'll be cool enough to check.

(BRICK and CHIEF enter from front door. CHIEF seems calm, efficient, BRICK is seething)

BRICK

Somebody should be looking for that damn artist. I've got damages out there, dammit. He's gonna pay.

CHIEF

Brick, we have to look at everything. It could have been an accident.

BRICK

I find that asshole he'll think accident. He'll wish he was still in that fried banana.

LENA

(To CHIEF)

Was Paul... anyone... in it?

CHIEF

It doesn't look like it. Hard to say. Some of these car fires burn so hot you can't tell a body from a seat cover.

(Sees LENA's distress)

Sorry, Lena, no, no one was seen in the car, but then, nobody noticed much of anything until the fire started.

(To BRICK)

The deputies are looking for O'Conner now. If they find him we'll see what he knows about this.

BRICK

Keep me posted, and I want to know who's gonna clean up that mess out there.

CHIEF

Can't help you there. Let us finish looking it over, maybe tomorrow you can start on it.

BRICK

I guess it'll have to do.

CHIEF

And for the rest, let us handle it. We'll find out what's going on. Don't worry. Save your energy for that track tournament Saturday. See you folks later.

(CHIEF exits, BRICK turns to window and looks out, pointedly turning his back on LENA. There is an uncomfortable beat, then the phone rings, BRICK answers)

BRICK

Coach Samuels. . . . Hello. . . is anyone there?

(Hangs up)

Another hangup. . . Cheryl, I really appreciate you being here, and I know Lena does too but I need to talk to her for a bit. Do you mind?

CHERYL

No, it's your house. I should be heading home anyway. Call me, either of you, if you need me.

LENA

Okay, thanks Cheryl.

BRICK

Yeah, thanks.

CHERYL

Bye, now.

(She exits)

BRICK

(Pause to be sure CHERYL is gone. Then in a controlled voice.)

You want to tell me about it?

LENA

Cheryl asked the same thing. I don't know what's happening.

BRICK

That was Cheryl, I'm me. You know, your husband.

LENA

(Turns to window.)

I don't know anything about it.

BRICK

(Grabs her shoulder, turns her around, holds her with both hands.)

Don't give me that. That's your buddy's car out there. That artist. He torched it for some reason.

LENA

You're hurting me.

BRICK

(Releasing her.)

Excuse me, I'm a bit worked up. My flipping yard is on fire. I put a lot of work in that. All our so-called friends and neighbors are gawking at our house. I haven't done anything to deserve this, it must be you.

LENA

I haven't done anything.

BRICK

That guy didn't torch his own car for no reason. I know I'm not an "artist" but that's a little extreme for an argument over paintbrushes.

LENA

He's a sculptor.

BRICK

You know what I mean.

(he pauses, then)

I want to know what's been happening. Are you seeing this guy behind my back?

LENA

(looking away)

No. He's just a friend.

BRICK

A couple of weeks ago you were singing him for a song. Paul this, Paul that! You expect me to believe that there's nothing between you? . .Look at me!

LENA

(Reluctantly almost looking at him.)

Nothing.

BRICK

Well, something sure as hell happened. Someone sure got worked up. Look out there! This is really happening! This is not one of those crazy dreams of yours.

LENA

(Turning away)

I have to go to class.

BRICK

(Grabbing her arm)

Don't walk out on this, not now!

LENA

I have to go. We don't have substitutes.

BRICK

I let you teach art, I didn't know you'd spend all your time at the damn school.

LENA

It's only one night a week.

BRICK

You can take tonight off.

LENA

No. These people paid for their classes.

BRICK

Is "he" going to be there?

LENA

The police are looking for him aren't they? I don't know.

BRICK

He'd better not be there. I'll find out.

LENA

You're going to check up on me.

BRICK

I have reason to.

LENA

Suit yourself, I have to go. We'll talk later.

(She gathers her things)

BRICK

Yes we will.

(LENA exits. BRICK exits to kitchen, returns with can of beer, stands at window drinking. As he crushes can, lights go down.)

End of Scene 1

Scene 2

(TIME: About an hour later. Outside the windows it is dark.)

(AT RISE:BRICK is on sofa drinking beer and watching television, he seems preoccupied, keeps punching buttons on the remote. There is a knock at the door.)

BRICK

(Turning off T.V., not moving from sofa.)

Who is it?

CHERYL

(Opening door, looking in.)

It's me.

BRICK

(Not looking at her)

Lena's not here.

CHERYL

I know, it's a class night.

BRICK

If you know, then why . . .

CHERYL

I wanted to talk to you.

BRICK

(Looking at her finally.)

Oh yeah?

CHERYL

Well you did ask me to see what I could find out.

BRICK

Oh, yeah. So tell me, what's happening?

CHERYL

(Indicating Brick's beer.)

Can I have one of those?

BRICK

You know where they are.

CHERYL

(Speaking while exiting to kitchen and returning with beer.)

Did she have an explanation for what happened today?

BRICK

Of course not. She said she didn't know. What did she tell you?

CHERYL

Nothing. She was awfully worried about it though.

BRICK

Something got that artist awfully worked up for him to set fire to his own car.

CHERYL

Something? Or someone.

BRICK

What do you mean?

CHERYL

Brick, both of you are my friends. Lena is like my own sister, but I don't like what she's doing to you.

BRICK

That's what I want to know, what she's doing.

CHERYL

She wouldn't talk to me. Whatever it is, I don't think you're being treated very fairly.

BRICK

She is not going to make a fool out of me, not here. I won't allow it.

CHERYL

We've known each other a long time, you deserve better than that.

BRICK

What do you mean?

CHERYL

Whatever is going on, she's hiding it. What kind of marriage is that?

BRICK

Not so hot.

CHERYL

You're a good man. You've taken care of her. Is this how she repays you?

BRICK

I'll kill both of them.

CHERYL

That's not necessary. Just don't let them hurt you anymore.

BRICK

Doing it is harder than saying it.

CHERYL

Just look around at what you have. There are others who care about you.

BRICK

What do you mean?

CHERYL

C'mon, you're not stupid, you have to know what I'm talking about. Look at me, I'm right here.

BRICK

You?

CHERYL

Me. I've always been here, under your nose. I can be everything you want, just give me a chance.

BRICK

You're Lena's friend.

CHERYL

I'm yours if you'll have me. She doesn't want you, I do.

BRICK

Why are you saying all this?

CHERYL

I've waited as long as I can. I thought you would see a long time ago.

BRICK

(He turns away)

I don't know, Cheryl. This isn't what I wanted for my life.

CHERYL

(Touching his shoulder.)

Open your eyes Brick. Look at what you've got, and what you could have. She's hurting you, don't let it keep happening. We can be so good together.

BRICK

Cheryl, I . . .

CHERYL

Hush, don't say anything.

(She holds him in her arms, he stands stiffly, then slowly relaxes. He returns her embrace, they kiss.)

(Blackout)

End Scene 2

Scene 3

(TIME: Nearly midnight. There is no light in the living room except the television. BRICK is lying on the sofa, apparently asleep. LENA opens the outside door and enters quietly. She sees BRICK and pauses, crosses to turn off TV, then stops. Turns, starts to exit quietly to kitchen. Is almost out when BRICK speaks)

BRICK

I've been waiting.

LENA

I thought you were asleep.

BRICK

Too much happening.

(He turns on lamp at end table)

The Bulls won again.

(He drains his beer.)

LENA

How many of those have you had?

BRICK

(Glancing at TV, turning it off.)

Not enough to make Rupaul look good. What took so long? Class was out at ten.

LENA

It takes time to straighten up, get everyone out, lock up, drive home. You know that.

BRICK

I'm not sure I know anything anymore. A lot of surprises lately.

LENA

Well, anyway, everyone wanted to stand around and talk about . . . what happened.

BRICK

Yeah. Hard to get away with anything in a small town. I always liked that before. You always knew pretty much where you stood.

LENA

So, where do you stand?

BRICK

I'm where I want to be, doing what I want to do. I thought you wanted to be here too. Do you?

LENA

Yes . . . I do.

BRICK

Do you? I wonder. Nothing is what it seems to be today. For once I don't know where I stand, and I don't like it. Are you leaving me?

LENA

. . . No.

BRICK

I don't know what's happened. I don't think I want to know. I just want everything to stay like it was. I love you Lena.

LENA

I . . . love you too, Brick.

BRICK

What's happening to us?

LENA

I don't know.

BRICK

What is it? Something I don't do for you? Something I can change? What?

LENA

It's not you, Brick, it's me.

BRICK

There must be something we can do to make things right again.

LENA

Everything is all right. Really!

BRICK

What about that artist?

LENA

No one's seen him.

BRICK

You know what I meant.

LENA

There's nothing else to say. He's just a friend.

BRICK

Not much of one, to do all of this to us. Not much of a gentleman either.

LENA

I don't know what's going on, I wish everyone would just stop asking me.

BRICK

Come on. You two are the dynamic duo. Half of the community school program revolves around you. That makes you the authority on Paul O'Conner. I don't like it, but that's how it is.

LENA

Well, they can stop asking me.

BRICK

What about his wife?

LENA

Somebody saw her hanging around the studios tonight.

BRICK

Maybe I should talk to her.

LENA

Go ahead. I'm going to bed.

BRICK

Yeah, it's late. Go ahead.

LENA

Aren't you coming?

BRICK

I'll be there later, I'm going for a walk. I need to think. Besides, I'm not sure you want me there.

LENA

You decide, I'm tired. Good night.

(LENA leaves the room but is still in the door when BRICK speaks, LENA pauses.)

BRICK

Lena? We had something good. I don't want to lose it. Okay?

LENA

Okay. Good night.

(She exits to bedroom. BRICK watches her leave.)

(Lights fade to dark.)

(End Scene 3)

Scene 4

(TIME: Next day, mid-morning..)

(AT RISE: LENA is alone. Listening to '70s music on the stereo. She is trying to dust, but is preoccupied. When a particular song comes on,(enough bars that we can recognize it later) she abruptly turns off the stereo. The phone rings, startling her.)

LENA

Hello? . . . Who's there?

(Listens, says nothing, then gently puts the phone down. She continues her motions. The doorbell rings, she is startled even more and answers it.)

LENA

Yes?

SYLVIA

I'm glad you're home.

LENA

(Warily.)

Oh, . . .Sylvia. Come in.

SYLVIA

(Entering, she is brisk, cold)

Where is he?

LENA

Who?

SYLVIA

You know. Is he here?

LENA

You mean Paul? Why would he be here?

SYLVIA

I'm not stupid. He loves you, he has for years. That's why he left me.

LENA

That's not what he . . . well, he said. . .

SYLVIA

Yes?

LENA

Of course, we're friends. We talk . . .sometimes.

SYLVIA

About art, I suppose.

LENA

Art and . . . other things.

SYLVIA

I can imagine. Tell me, why should he talk to you and not me?

LENA

Why don't you ask him?

SYLVIA

(Firmly)

Because no one has seen him lately. He hasn't spoken to me or our friends. That leaves you. Are you going with him?

LENA

Going where?

SYLVIA

Wherever runaway husbands and their bimbos run away to.

LENA

I'm no one's "bimbo". I'm not going anywhere, with Paul or anyone, and I haven't seen him. I have a husband, and a life. Paul would have to be crazy to come here.

SYLVIA

Exactly, so did he? Where is he?

LENA

I told you I don't know. He didn't teach last night.

SYLVIA

I know, I was waiting outside. He can't hide forever. And you can't hide what you're up to.

LENA

There's nothing to hide.

SYLVIA

Didn't yesterday teach you anything?

LENA

Yesterday?

SYLVIA

The car?

LENA

What do you know about that?

SYLVIA

Everybody knows. You can't hide anything in a small town, certainly not a burning sports car.

LENA

Would Paul really burn that car? Maybe someone else did. Who?

SYLVIA

You're right, Paul loves that car more than anything, maybe even more than he thinks he loves you. If someone wanted to hurt him that would do it. Or maybe dear Paul just wanted to make a statement. He likes romantic statements. Buying that car was one. Pathetic isn't it?

LENA

Did you do it? Burn his car?

SYLVIA

Me? Of course not. Or did I? I'm not really sure anymore. You see, my whole world has crashed around me. There are blank spots. Worse are the looks everyone gives me.

LENA

Sylvia, I . . .

SYLVIA

I don't want to hear anymore. I thought once you were a friend. I've got no one now.

LENA

Have you talked to your counselor? I know another one that . . .

SYLVIA

Counselors! They think Paul is so reasonable and intelligent. They think it's all my fault. I can see it in their eyes. Well, I'm not the one that's crazy.

LENA

I didn't say . . .

SYLVIA

(Crossing to outside door.)

I'm not crazy. And you two are not going to wreck my life.

LENA

I'm not . .

SYLVIA

You are both going to suffer as much as I have.

(SYLVIA exits. LENA watches out the window. PAUL enters quietly from kitchen, looks at her for a moment then speaks.)

PAUL

That's quite a mess out there. I suppose Brick's pissed.

LENA

Paul!

PAUL

What did my soon-to-be-ex want?

LENA

What do you expect? She's looking for you. Everyone else is too.

PAUL

Everyone but you.

LENA

(Resigned)

I knew you'd be back.

PAUL

Pretty pitiful, huh?

LENA

Don't be so hard on yourself.

PAUL

I'm sure Brick would argue with you.

LENA

What were you trying to prove with the car?

PAUL

I thought you did it.

LENA

You thought I would burn your car in my front yard?

PAUL

I didn't say it made sense. Nothing else has.

LENA

Are you saying you didn't do it?

PAUL

I just heard about it. I've been gone since Sunday. Since just after you told me it was over. Everything pretty much went to hell from there.

LENA

Why? You knew it was impossible from the start. It was time to end it. It's better for both of us. Don't you know that?

PAUL

It's the way I am, the last of the romantics, remember?

LENA

Why couldn't you just let it go?

PAUL

I told you I would love you forever.

LENA

But you've lost everything.

PAUL

Nothing that hurts as much as losing you.

LENA

But your family, your job . . . your car.

PAUL

I tell you I'm not responsible for the car.

LENA

Oh right!

PAUL

I wish I were. I really felt like making some big dramatic statement. But that? I couldn't draw attention to you that way, destroy any last hope for an "us".

LENA

There is no hope. There never was.

PAUL

There has to be. It's all I have left.

LENA

I didn't tell you to leave Sylvia, your family.

PAUL

No, she told me to.

LENA

You saw a counselor, why couldn't you just take her advice?

PAUL

How do you know she didn't advise me to leave?

LENA

Did she?

PAUL

Counselors don't give advice. She wanted to me to decide what was best for me.

LENA

Like torching the car?

PAUL

Do you think I could do any of this? Hurt you like this?

LENA

I hurt you.

PAUL

I still love you. It's all I have.

LENA

I don't think I know you anymore.

PAUL

We used to read each other's minds.

LENA

I can't anymore.

PAUL

Can't or won't?

LENA

I won't let myself.

PAUL

You were my best friend.

LENA

I can't be there for you.

PAUL

Friends give friends the benefit of the doubt.

LENA

I can't.

(Pause, 2 beats)

PAUL

Call it quits with him.

LENA

We've been all through this.

PAUL

How can you stay with someone who doesn't respect what you do? I couldn't. I didn't.

LENA

I can't just give up everything. I did that once, I promised I'd never do it again.

PAUL

He uses people, he hurts people.

LENA

He loves me.

PAUL

He doesn't love you, he owns you. You're his trophy, but he doesn't even notice you. Like that deer. He killed it, hung it's head on the wall, but someone else has to keep it clean.

LENA

I love him.

PAUL

You fear him. He reminds you of your father, and he treats you the same way. What does he give you?

LENA

Everything.

PAUL

Respect? Understanding? Appreciation? You went to that faculty party last week.

LENA

Yes.

PAUL

Did he dance with you?

LENA

No.

PAUL

Did he take your arm and tell you how beautiful you were?

LENA

. . . No.

PAUL

He spent the entire time with the coaching staff didn't he?

LENA

It's his job.

PAUL

Was he proud of you? Did he even look at you?

LENA

It's difficult for him.

PAUL

How difficult is it to like someone you love?

LENA

Were you that way with Sylvia?

PAUL

I used to be. Until . . . .

LENA

Until me?

PAUL

I was going to say until I realized she never had believed in me.

LENA

But I wanted that kind of attention.

PAUL

We all do. You have a right to be treated that way. You deserve it.

LENA

It's not always that easy.

PAUL

It should be.

LENA

It's easy for you, not for everyone.

PAUL

As easy as ending us?

LENA

It wasn't easy. . .I still can't believe you care so much.

PAUL

Believe.

LENA

Where did you go Sunday . . . after?

PAUL

I was going to leave, the car wouldn’t start. That's the last time I saw it. Honest.

LENA

What did you do?

PAUL

Caught a ride west, kept going. Looked for trouble.

LENA

Trouble?

PAUL

I was eating breakfast somewhere. I felt watched. Some tough looking kids were eyeing me. I figured they were waiting to follow me outside so they could rob me.

LENA

What happened?

PAUL

I finished eating. I didn't look at them again, didn't particularly ignore them either, just didn't care.

LENA

Then?

PAUL

I paid and left. Waited on a corner. They followed me. A patrol car passed, they left. I wished they hadn't. I felt like hitting someone, anyone. I didn't even care about myself. . . I even thought about suicide.

LENA

That's so stupid. Think about Megan.

PAUL

What about her?

LENA

How would she feel if anything happened to you?

PAUL

She has her mom.

LENA

You're her father. That's very special.

PAUL

I had you, that was very special.

LENA

You never had me.

PAUL

(Points to heart)

Here I had you, from the first time I saw you, the first time I kissed you, held you. There was "us".

LENA

I had to get involved with an artist. You "feel" too much, "see" too much. I never promised you anything.

PAUL

No, you didn't. All the promises were mine. You were very careful that way. The look in your eyes was all the promise I needed.

LENA

(Thoughtfully)

It was just a few weeks, how could it mean so much?

PAUL

All my life I've wanted someone to be everything you were to me, and there you were.

LENA

I'm sorry. I can't be that person.

PAUL

It's not something you have to do. You already are, to me. We were like two halves of the same being. You said it yourself.

LENA

I was wrong.

PAUL

How?

LENA

I must have been.

(The doorbell rings, LENA looks out the window.)

That's Chief Gray, you'd better hide.

PAUL

Why.

LENA

Just do it for me, okay?

(PAUL looks at her for a beat, then exits through kitchen door. LENA composes herself and opens the outside door.)

Hello, Chief Gray. Is something wrong?

CHIEF

No. I just wanted you to know that we're all through with the car. Brick can have it towed off. Or, Paul O'Connor can have it back if he still wants it.

LENA

Has he . . . has anyone seen him.

CHIEF

Not yet. He'll turn up though. There's probably a simple explanation to all this, there usually is. You'd better hope Brick doesn't see him first. He was really upset. That temper of his is sure something. I don't have to tell you though, do I?

LENA

No.

CHIEF

I remember the time we played Haley in the district play-offs, he and Elmer Winter got drunk and . . .well, I'd better not go any further. Lodge secrets, you know.

LENA

I suppose so.

CHIEF

Pass the word to him about the car, and let us know if you need anything else.

LENA

I will. Come back soon.

(CHIEF exits)

PAUL

(Re-entering)

I don't think he would ever get re-elected if he wasn't related to everyone in town.

LENA

I thought you were gone.

PAUL

I had to stay and see how the dragnet was going.

LENA

How long can you hide?

PAUL

I'm not hiding, in fact as soon as I leave here I'll visit Chief Gray and let him know I'm still around.

LENA

You won't tell him about . . .

PAUL

Us? . .What if I threatened to, blackmailed you?

LENA

Would you do that?

PAUL

No, that's not how I want you. I don't want to destroy whatever chance there may ever be.

LENA

And if there is no chance?

PAUL

I have to believe there is.

LENA

So what will you say?

PAUL

I just went through a divorce. I'm middle aged crazy, that's all the excuse I need. Will you be all right? I worry about you, you know.

LENA

That's hard to believe, that you would still think about me.

PAUL

Think about you? How about every time I see a car like yours. Every road we ever drove on reminds me of you, and that's every road around here. Every place we ever talked about going, every thing we ever wanted to do. Every Barry Manilow song, every love song. Christ, every minute of every day I think about you.

LENA

But you can't.

PAUL

I can, and I do. And I know you still care about me.

LENA

No.

PAUL

You won't let yourself, but you do.

LENA

You never stop hoping, do you?

PAUL

Never.

LENA

(Fondly)

You're a loon.

PAUL

And alone. I'll see myself out.

(He starts toward kitchen door.)

LENA

Wait. . .will you ever tell about . . us?

PAUL

You said there wasn't an "us". . . Don't worry, nobody needs to know. I'm still your friend.

LENA

I told you a lot of things I never told anyone, not even Brick.

PAUL

I won't tell. But I think that should indicate something.

LENA

If you did tell I would be ruined.

PAUL

Don't worry, there's enough talk around. I'll let you know what happens.

(He exits. Is gone before LENA speaks.)

LENA

Goodbye.

(She seems to want to say more, but there is a knock on the front door. LENA crosses to open it. Before she can get there, CHERYL opens it and sticks her head in.)

LENA

Oh . . . hi, Cheryl.

CHERYL

I heard voices, you talking to yourself?

LENA

No. It was . . the radio . . one of those talk shows. I turned it off.

CHERYL

(Looking around suspiciously)

I thought you only listened to music. Oldies and such.

LENA

There was nothing else on. Did you need something?

CHERYL

No, just came by to see how you were.

LENA

Everything's okay.

CHERYL

Heard from Paul?

LENA

(Pause)

No. Should I?

CHERYL

You tell me, you have his "fried banana". You know, the car.

LENA

Sylvia came by.

CHERYL

Sylvia came here? What did she want?

LENA

Same as everyone else, I guess. She was looking for Paul.

CHERYL

What did you tell her?

LENA

There was nothing to tell. She wouldn't believe me.

CHERYL

I heard she make a scene at the school last week.

LENA

Yes.

CHERYL

She just doesn't give up, does she?

LENA

The breakup was pretty sudden.

CHERYL

I wonder, the last straw, was it another woman, you think?

LENA

Paul wouldn't . . .never told me.

CHERYL

They seem so different. I never understood how they got together. Maybe now Paul can find someone more on his wavelength.

LENA

Maybe.

CHERYL

He's not bad looking, and intelligent. A good catch for the right woman.

LENA

I suppose.

CHERYL

How's Brick taking all this?

LENA

He's still pretty upset.

CHERYL

Who can blame him?

LENA

Whose side are you on?

CHERYL

Well, yours of course, it's just that he's your husband, so naturally he's jealous.

LENA

There's nothing to be jealous of.

CHERYL

Really? Sorry, Lena, but it just doesn't look that way. Everyone is talking about what happened yesterday.

LENA

It's nobody else's business.

CHERYL

It's a small town, everybody makes it their business. It's your fault everyone is talking.

LENA

My fault?

CHERYL

Sure. You won't talk about it, not even to me. When there's a mystery everyone makes up their own story to fit the facts. They even make up their own facts.

LENA

There's nothing I can do about that.

CHERYL

You can tell me what's happening. I'm your best friend. Trust me.

LENA

Can I? I wonder. Anyway, I can't talk about it, even if I wanted to. I promised.

CHERYL

Promised? Your marriage is going down the tubes. I thought maybe you wanted to save it.

LENA

It'll be all right. It has to be.

CHERYL

There's no reason for me to stick around then. Call me when you need something!

LENA

Cheryl, I'm sorry!

(CHERYL exits)

Damn! Am I driving everyone away?

(LENA sits, sadly. There is a pause, then a single knock at the door. It opens slowly. CHERYL looks in.)

CHERYL

I'm sorry, Lena. That was childish of me.

LENA

It's not your fault.

CHERYL

It bothered me to know that we kept secrets from each other.

LENA

Not all secrets are ours to share.

CHERYL

I know. I forgot for a moment. Forgive me"

LENA

There's nothing to forgive.

(The phone rings)

Hello? . . . Oh, hi Chief Gray. . . He did? . . . What did he say about it? . . .Well I'm glad you found him. . . Sylvia? You’re kidding. Are you sure? . . . Why would she? . . . That's terrible. . . Okay, thanks for calling, I'll tell Brick. Bye. . . .I will, thanks again.

(She hangs up, turns to CHERYL)

That was the Chief.

CHERYL

What happened, did Brick . . ?

LENA

No, it's Paul, they found him.

CHERYL

Where was he? Why did he . .

LENA

Apparently he walked into the station and asked for the chief. He had decided to go away for a while and left the car. He just got back, didn't know anything about it.

CHERYL

What was that about Sylvia?

LENA

That's the weird part. She confessed to Paul and the Chief. She was following him, saw him leave the car. She had sabotaged it. She brought it here and burned it to hurt Paul.

CHERYL

In your yard?

LENA

I was the last one he talked to before he left. She saw him here. She was mad at everyone, I guess.

CHERYL

I know Ruth, Sylvia's sister. I'll call her. Sylvia probably needs someone now. Did they arrest her?

LENA

Not yet. Maybe Brick won't press charges.

CHERYL

Maybe not. I'll go make that call. Will you be all right?

LENA

Yeah, sure, go ahead. See you later?

CHERYL

Of course. Still friends?

LENA

Sure.

(CHERYL exits, LENA moves to look out window.)

Paul, Sylvia, all of us. Isn't there any way everyone can be happy?

(Lights dim momentarily, rise to fantasy mode, BRICK comes in through front door.)

BRICK

I'm home.

LENA

(Moves to him, hugs him, acts loving and attentive)

It's good to see you honey, you look tired, sit down. How was your day?

BRICK

About the same. The Patton boy looks like a good bet for the hundred.

LENA

That's wonderful! Are you hungry? Dinner's ready.

BRICK

Starved. Did you get the mail?

LENA

No. Why don't you get it while I set the table?

BRICK

Okay.

(He exits, LENA moves back to the window, looks out in same position as before, lights dim then come back up, still in fantasy mode. PAUL enters from front door with flowers, she turns to him, they kiss. Their song is playing, the same one she turned off earlier. They dance a bit, the song ends. She seems young and in love.)

PAUL

It's wonderful to see you, I missed you.

LENA

Silly, you just saw me.

PAUL

It doesn't matter, it was too long. Do you know you are beautiful?

LENA

I think you are prejudiced.

PAUL

I mean it, you're incredible.

LENA

(Laughing)

And you're a loon.

(A new song begins, she moves easily into his arms. They dance across the floor towards the kitchen.)

PAUL

I've been thinking. We could add some more classes at the studio. And we should have a showing together.

LENA

Mmmm. . . .

(They dance out the kitchen door, with very little pause, BRICK and LENA dance back in through the same door. She is radiant.)

BRICK

I love your hair.

LENA

I hoped you would. I wanted something different.

BRICK

It looks wonderful. Especially tonight of all nights. Happy Anniversary.

LENA

You remembered!

BRICK

How could I forget the most incredible day of my life.

LENA

"To love and cherish."

BRICK

Every day.

(They dance a bit in silence.)

I almost forgot the champagne, it’s in the car. We're celebrating.

(He exits, LENA moves to the window to watch him. Lights dim, return to normal. The front door opens slowly, PAUL enters again. LENA turns to him, they stand a bit apart.)

PAUL

I just wanted to tell you I'm leaving.

LENA

What do you mean?

PAUL

I got another job . . .teaching . . . in the city. I'll get an apartment.

LENA

What about your family?

PAUL

It's not so far, I'll have Megan sometimes, maybe all the time if Sylvia will let me.

LENA

I'm sorry all this happened.

PAUL

Don't be, I'm not. Well, maybe some of it. At least now I'll be out of your life.

LENA

I hope it all works out for you. You deserve it. What's the school like?

PAUL

Alpine Arts School. Really nice studio, big budget.

LENA

Sounds wonderful, I'm happy for you.

PAUL

I'd rather you were happy with me.

LENA

You'll see. Before you know it I'll be a pleasant memory. Think of all the young artists you can romance.

PAUL

You think so?

LENA

I hope so, for your sake.

PAUL

I'll always love you.

LENA

Yes.

(Blackout)

End of Play