PASSAGES - EPISODE 4, ACT 2

[kashiwrites]

Previous: Episode 4, Act 1


II.A) HOLLISTER KITCHEN. Connor, Moira, and Dawn remain as they were. Penny pulls out a chair from the table.


PENNY – Have a seat, the two of you, please. I’ll put the kettle on. (SHE TURNS TOWARD THE STOVE BUT MOIRA STOPS HER AND POINTS HER BACK TOWARD THE CHAIR)

MOIRA – No, you sit down too, Penny, and tell us what’s happened. And introduce your guests.

PENNY – Oh, of course. Aunt Moira, this is Ashwin Patel, a friend of mine in the Political Science program. And this is Audrey Larson…I guess you can call her a new friend of mine. This is my aunt, Doctor Moira Hollister.

AUDREY – Hi.

ASHWIN – (INCLINES HIS HEAD FORMALLY) I’m honoured to meet you, Doctor Hollister.

MOIRA – I’m glad to meet you, both of you. Please sit down, and we’ll have tea.

PENNY – Ashwin, you’ve met my cousin, Dawn…

ASHWIN – Hello again.

DAWN – Hi, Ashwin.

PENNY – And this is my cousin, Connor. Connor – Ashwin, and Audrey.

CONNOR – (SHAKES ASHWIN’S HAND, THEN AUDREY’S) Glad you meet you. Do you like herbal? (HE FILLS THE KETTLE AND SETS IT ON THE STOVE)

ASHWIN – I enjoy herbal tea, thank you.

AUDREY – Sure, I’ll try it.

(ASHWIN PULLS OUT A CHAIR FOR AUDREY, THEN SITS BESIDE PENNY)

DAWN – Pen, did you really say jail? Are you serious? How did you end up there?

PENNY – It was thanks to your little riot, actually.

DAWN – What do you mean? You left before we even started.

PENNY – No. I stood aside to watch. I had never seen this kind of demonstration before. I was interested. And then it got rather rough and I decided to leave. But I saw something fly through the air and I picked it up. And when the police saw it was one of the paint canisters…

DAWN – Oh no. Oh no.

CONNOR – They threw you in the slammer.

PENNY – Quite right.

MOIRA – They didn’t believe you weren’t involved.

PENNY – Right again.

DAWN – Gods. Oh Pen, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Barb and I just ran. We had no idea you were even there. I would never have left you if I’d known!

PENNY – Oh, I know that. But it was rather a shock. It all happened so quickly.

CONNOR – So how did you get out? I gather your friends here helped you?

PENNY – Yes. They came right into the police station and acted as witnesses.

DAWN – (INCREDULOUSLY) You did? But you work for Blythe Chambers.

AUDREY – But I still saw what happened.

ASHWIN – And I had photographs of the actual culprits.

CONNOR – Photographs!

PENNY – From his research.

ASHWIN – I study mob behaviour, and I decided to observe this protest.

PENNY – Lucky for me.

DAWN – And I owe you a huge apology, Ashwin. You were right, and we should have made contingency plans.

ASHWIN – You couldn’t have known, Dawn. I was a little harsh, perhaps. Sometimes this knowledge only comes with experience.

MOIRA – So Penny, are you alright?

PENNY – Quite alright.

MOIRA – Are you sure? This kind of experience can be very unsettling.

PENNY – Really, aunt Moira, I’m fine. I’m going to want a shower after everyone leaves, of course, but I’m alright.

CONNOR – The jail’s a real sink-hole, then, is it?

DAWN – Oh Connor, don’t sound so enthusiastic.

PENNY – Whatever a – a – “sink-hole” is – no I don’t think so. But I just feel like…you know, washing the experience right away. It’s not something I’d ever like to repeat.

DAWN – Well, you’ll never repeat it because of me again, Pen. I promise.

PENNY – I believe you.

(CONNOR GRABS THE KETTLE OFF THE STOVE AND MOIRA PULLS OUT SOME TEA CUPS AND SAUCERS. SHE PUTS A COUPLE OF TEA BAGS INTO THE POT AND HE POURS THE WATER IN. PENNY AND ASHWIN SHARE A FEW WORDS QUIETLY. DAWN ADDRESSES AUDREY.)

DAWN – I guess she’s really angry, isn’t she?

AUDREY – Oh, you could say that.

DAWN – She probably thinks we planned the paint, too.

AUDREY – Did you?

DAWN – No. We were as shocked as anyone, when the paint sprayers turned up.

AUDREY – I thought it looked like you weren’t too thrilled, but it was kind of hard to tell, after everything got going.

DAWN – So you work for Blythe Chambers. I’m surprised.

AUDREY – Really? Why?

DAWN – Well, you don’t look – (STOPS. LOOKS AT AUDREY, WHO IS INTERESTED BUT OBLIVIOUS) You looked a bit young yesterday, at the memorial. I just wouldn’t have guessed, that’s all.

AUDREY – Well, I’m just part-time. And I’m still learning, so I guess it might not be obvious to everyone yet. (THERE’S A KNOCK ON THE DOOR. AUDREY KEEPS TALKING, NOT NOTICING HOW ALL OF DAWN’S ATTENTION IS SUDDENLY FOCUSSED ON THE DOOR. MOIRA MOVES TO ANSWER IT AS CONNOR DELIVERS THE TEA CUPS.) Blythe tells me I’m a little rough around the edges, but she says I have good bone structure, and I can be graceful when I pay attention. I admit I don’t always pay attention, but I’m planning on making a career of modeling. And I’m really lucky to be working with Blythe – I mean, in spite of the furs. I don’t know what I think of all that –

MOIRA – (OPENS THE DOOR) Ryan. Welcome. Come in, dear one. (RYAN STEPS IN AND SETS HIS BAG ON THE FLOOR)

DAWN – Ryan! (SHE LEAPS UP AND RUSHES TO THE DOOR, THROWING HER ARMS AROUND HIM)

RYAN – Oh, Dawn. Dawn.

(THEY CLING TO EACH OTHER FOR A LONG TIME. MOST OF THE OTHERS DISCREETLY OCCUPY THEMSELVES IN OTHER WAYS, BUT AUDREY GIVES A LITTLE GASP AND STARES OPENLY. SHE IS ASTONISHED TO SEE RYAN THERE AT ALL, AND EVEN MORE ASTONISHED TO SEE DAWN SO FAMILIAR WITH HIM. FINALLY, THE TWO SEPARATE, AND KISS INTENSELY.)

RYAN – I’ve missed you so much.

DAWN – You can’t imagine how much I’ve wanted to cal you the last couple of days.

RYAN – Oh, I think I can imagine it. Believe me.

DAWN – Are you alright?

RYAN – Better. Better, now that I’m with you.

DAWN – I was there yesterday. At the chapel.

RYAN – Were you really?

DAWN – Yes. Mom, too.

RYAN – (SMILES WARMLY AT MOIRA) Thank you.

MOIRA – We couldn’t let you go through that without our prayers and support. And there’s more of that to come.

RYAN – And it seems that almost everyone is here – (LOOKS AROUND) But no. You’ve got company. Are you sure – (HE SPOTS AUDREY AND STOPS) Gods. What is she –

(DAWN SUDDENLY REALIZES THAT AUDREY ISN’T SUPPOSED TO KNOW ABOUT HER AND RYAN.)

DAWN – Oh. Ryan, I’m sorry. I didn’t think –

RYAN – Shh. It’s alright. Hi, Audrey.

AUDREY – Wow. You remembered me.

RYAN – You made a big impression on us yesterday. You probably prevented World War Three.

AUDREY – So is everything better? With your brother, I mean?

RYAN – (HESITATES, THEN SMILES) We’re getting there. (HE NOTICES DAWN’S MYSTIFIED LOOK) Audrey was at the house yesterday, for the reception.

DAWN – My. You do get around.

AUDREY – Just lucky, I guess. So what about the two of you? You seem –

DAWN – Ryan, you haven’t met Ashwin. Ashwin Patel, this is my…friend, Ryan Vickery.

ASHWIN – (STANDS AND SHAKES RYAN’S HAND) I’m pleased to meet you.

RYAN – Same here.

DAWN – Ashwin studies in the Political Science program, with Penny. He studies mob psychology.

RYAN – Impressive subject. Difficult too, I’d expect.

ASHWIN – At time the research can be perilous, I assure you. (SHARES A GLANCE WITH PENNY)

DAWN – Ryan’s with me in Environmental Science, Ashwin.

ASHWIN – Another difficult subject. (SITS DOWN AGAIN)

(CONNOR PUTS A HAND ON RYAN’S SHOULDER)

CONNOR – I’m glad to see you. How’re you doing?

RYAN – Oh… You know. Not that great. But I’ll be okay.

CONNOR – I know you will. Look, I’m heading out right now –

MOIRA – So am I.

CONNOR - -- so why don’t you spend some time with Dawn before you join us? We’ll see you in a little while. It’s a little early, and we have to get things ready anyway.

RYAN – (SMILES WARMLY AT DAWN) Sounds like a plan.

MOIRA – (KISSES RYAN ON THE CHEEK) It’s going to be a good evening, dearest. We’ll see you in a few minutes. Ashwin, Audrey, it’s been a pleasure meeting you. I hope we’ll see more of you? We owe you both a debt of gratitude.

ASHWIN – (STANDS AGAIN) The pleasure was mine, Doctor Hollister.

AUDREY – Have a nice evening.

(CONNOR AND MOIRA COLLECT THEIR BAGS AND COATS. MOIRA EXITS. CONNOR FLASHES A GENERAL SMILE AND WAVE TO EVERYONE IN THE KITCHEN, AND TAKES HIS LEAVE.)

DAWN – Would you like some tea, Ryan? The water just boiled.

RYAN – Um, no, I don’t think so, thanks.

DAWN – You might need it to keep yourself warm. It’s pretty cold out there.

RYAN – I’ve got a thermos in my pack.

DAWN – You’re well prepared.

RYAN – I need to be. Tonight is too important. (HE REACHES FOR HER AGAIN, BUT SHE PULLS AWAY UNCOMFORTABLY.) Dawn? What…?

DAWN – (VERY QUIETLY) Not here. (GLANCES AT AUDREY)

RYAN – Dawn…it can hardly be helped now.

DAWN – But you’re always so worried about people finding out.

RYAN – I know. But it’s a little late. Look, let’s take care of it right now.

DAWN – How do you mean?

RYAN – Audrey, can we have a private word with you? (HE BECKONS AND SHE JOINS THEM NEAR THE DOOR, STARING IN AVID CURIOSITY.) I guess you can tell there’s something between Dawn and me.

AUDREY – Well, yeah. Which really surprises me, Dawn, because at the funeral you acted like you hardly knew him.

DAWN – That was intentional. I wasn’t even supposed to be there.

AUDREY – Why not? I mean, if Ryan’s your boyfriend, you should’ve been sitting right at the front with him.

RYAN – That wouldn’t have been possible, Audrey. My family doesn’t know about us.

AUDREY – Why not?

RYAN – (LAUGHS A LITTLE) That should be obvious. You saw what my family is like. Can’t you imagine what the reaction would be if they learned I was dating someone who wasn’t cruising through the upper echelons of society? They’d blow the roof off.

AUDREY – Oh. You mean your dad, don’t you?

RYAN – That’s a good place to start, yes.

AUDREY – Wow. So what would he do if he knew? Would he, like, disown you or something?

RYAN – Probably not. But he’d make our lives miserable in every other way. He’d probably try to pay Dawn to stay out of my life.

DAWN – As if that could work. (PAUSE) How much would he pay, I wonder?

RYAN – Dawn!

DAWN – Just kidding.

RYAN – So you see, Audrey. We need to ask you to keep quiet about our relationship. It would really help us out.

AUDREY – How long are you going to hide? Forever?

RYAN – We’re going to tell my family…eventually. I just have to find the right time. Which isn’t now.

AUDREY – Right. With your mom and all.

RYAN – Right. So can we count on you to keep our secret?

AUDREY – Sure. I’m good with secrets. Really.

RYAN – Thank you. I mean it.

AUDREY – No problem.

RYAN – And now, you know, I thik I’d like that cup of tea after all.

DAWN – It’s chamomile.

RYAN – Good. (HE WALKS TO THE STOVE AND STARTS PREPARING HIS TEA. AUDREY PULLS DAWN A LITTLE FURTHER AWAY. SPEAKS SOFTLY.)

AUDREY – Speaking of secrets, there’s another one I’m keeping, and you have to keep it too.

DAWN – What is that?

AUDREY – Have you told Ryan what kind of shape Kevin was in at the funeral?

DAWN – No. This is the first time I’ve seen Ryan since then.

AUDREY – Good. Because Kevin asked me not to tell anybody.

DAWN – Really? Why?

AUDREY – Well…the same reasons Ryan just gave, actually. He doesn’t want his family to get all upset with him.

DAWN – Oh really, how could they possibly be upset with him just for grieving?

AUDREY – You weren’t there yesterday, Dawn. The minute Ryan saw Kevin, he punched him right in the face and knocked him down.

DAWN – Ryan did? (SHE STARES AT HIM ACROSS THE KITCHEN, WHILE HE WORKS.) But he’s a pacifist.

AUDREY – I guess he forgot. Things happen. But I saw how stern his dad was, and how mad Ryan was, and… (SHRUGS)…I think Kevin’s probably right. It’s a good idea not to mention it.

DAWN – But they saw him, they must have guessed something already, surely.

AUDREY – No. He was really in control by the time we saw him at the house. So nobody knows except you and me. And it would be really mean to tell on him.

DAWN – I see. Yes, I think you’re right. I’ll keep his secret.

AUDREY – And I’ll keep yours and Ryan’s. And Kevin’s. Have you noticed how many secrets the Vickery family has? And I’ve only known them for two days.

DAWN – Audrey, you have no idea. You can’t imagine. Be glad you’re on the fringes, like I am. Living in the middle of it, like Ryan does, it’s amazing that he doesn’t go completely mad.

(SHE REJOINS RYAN BY THE STOVE. AUDREY STARES AT RYAN, WONDERING WHAT HE WOULD LOOK LIKE, GOING MAD.)



II.B) CLEARING IN THE WOODS. Silence for a very long moment. Then three hooded figures emerge from the shadows under the trees. They move slowly, clearing a few fallen branches and some garbage out of the open space. After this they begin to collect rocks, about fist-sized, and arrange them in a large circle around the edge of the clearing.

At this stage a fourth hooded figure enters the clearing. It goes to the centre, where there is a low, wide, flat rock or fallen tree. It begins to dig through an athletic bag and sets a few items, one by one, on the flat space: a couple of candlesticks complete with candles, a goblet (which is then filled with water from a thermos), a stone, a small bowl (into which salt is shaken), some incense sticks.

A faint silver light falls on the scene, as though there is a moon above. But no faces are seen, and the figures continue their silent preparations as we…

CUT TO:



II.C) VICKERY HOUSE, FRONT HALL. Kevin walks into the front hall and opens the door, to reveal Nelson, who has obviously just rung the bell.


NELSON – Kevin. Hello

KEVIN – Hello, uncle Nelson. What brings you here?

NELSON – I was hoping to see your father. Is he here?

KEVIN – I think I hear him come in a few minutes ago. Come in, and I’ll check –

ARTHUR – (WALKS IN) No need, Kevin, I’m here. Nelson, I’m surprised to see you again so soon. I thought you’d have a lot to catch up on, after the activities of the past few days.

(NELSON ENTERS, UNBUTTONING HIS COAT AND LOOSENING THE SCARF AROUND HIS NECK. KEVIN SHUTS THE DOOR BEHIND HIM.)

NELSON – I’ve been at the hospital all day. But I need to talk to you, so I stopped in before going home. Can you talk?

ARTHUR – Is it important?

NELSON – I think you already know that, Arthur.

ARTHUR – Ah. (PAUSE) Alright, Nelson, if you must. Come in.

(THEY START WALKING INTO THE LIVING ROOM. KEVIN GOES WITH THEM, BUT ARTHUR STOPS THEM.)

ARTHUR – Will you let us have a few moments alone, please, Kevin?

KEVIN – I though I might offer uncle Nelson a drink.

ARTHUR – I’ll do that if it’s needed, thank you.

KEVIN – Are you sure? I’ll be glad to –

ARTHUR – No, Kevin. Thank you. Just give us our privacy for a few moments, alright?

(HE TURNS AND WALKS INTO THE LIVING ROOM WITHOUT LOOKING BACK. KEVIN LOOKS AFTER HIM AND THEN WALKS BACK INTO THE MAIN HALL. HE HANGS ABOUT AIMLESSLY AND THEN HIS GAZE SHARPENS AS HE TURNS BACK TOWARD THE LIVING ROOM.)

KEVIN – I’m not going to be shut out of everything in this house. I won’t allow it. (HE STEPS TOWARD THE ENTRANCE TO THE LIVING ROOM, STANDING TO ONE SIDE SO HE CAN HEAR WITHOUT BEING SEEN.)

ARTHUR – Alright, Nelson, let’s hear it. What’s on your mind?


Next: Episode 4, Act 3