PASSAGES - EPISODE 2, ACT 3
Oct. 21st, 2007 03:41 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kashiwritesPrevious: Episode 2, Act 2
III.A) CONNOR HOLLISTER'S LIVING ROOM. CONNOR AND KYLE PULL BACK OUT OF THEIR EMBRACE AND SMILE AT EACH OTHER. CONNOR STEPS BACK AND MOTIONS FOR KYLE TO COME IN.
KYLE - I know I'm a few minutes early...
CONNOR - Do you think I mind? As though I haven't been ready for a long time already. I've been looking forward to this all day.
KYLE - So have I. I feel like it's been weeks since we really talked.
CONNOR - Days, at least. Sit down and relax. Would you like some wine?
KYLE - Yes, thanks. (HE SITS AND WATCHES CONNOR POUR THE TWO GLASSES) Con, listen. I'm sorry about what happened at Tylor's. I didn't realize you knew her.
CONNOR - You know I eat there, surely.
KYLE - A lot of people do. They aren't all good friends of hers. You didn't know I knew her either.
CONNOR - (HANDS A GLASS TO KYLE AND SITS BESIDE HIM) I'll say I didn't. Do you know how hard it was to keep a straight face when she introduced us?
KYLE - Yes. I do. (LAUGHS A LITTLE)
CONNOR - Clever. But you know what I mean.
KYLE - Yeah. Sorry. I just thought you were here, rushing around. The way you do.
CONNOR - You would've been right if I hadn't forgotten the wine. (KYLE RAISES AN EYEBROW AND PEERS SUSPICIOUSLY INTO HIS GLASS. CONNOR LAUGHS.) Tylor's.
KYLE - That's what you were doing there? Picking this up?
CONNOR - I told her I'd wash dishes for several days in return for the favor.
KYLE - That must've impressed her.
CONNOR - She assumed that I had something very important planned for this evening.
KYLE - And was she right?
CONNOR - Yes. The love of my life was coming over. (HE TOUCHES KYLE'S FACE) She wanted to know who he was, but I told her he was still a bit shy. Funny. She told me exactly the same thing about you, just a couple of minutes later.
KYLE - It must be true, then. Testimony of two witnesses and all that.
CONNOR - Is the testimony still true if the second witness doesn't know she's speaking about the same person as the first witness?
KYLE - I don't know. I'll have to ask my father. He can argue all the finer theological points.
CONNOR - I wish she did know. She's very trustworthy, Kyle, we both know that...
KYLE - No. (LOOKS AWAY STIFFLY)
CONNOR - Kyle. Can't we tell her, at least? She wouldn't give us away. We can trust her.
KYLE - No!
CONNOR - But why?
KYLE - The more people know, the more chance there is that it'll come out in the open. I just can't risk it. It was bad enough that you told your family about me.
CONNOR - We don't keep things like that secret from each other, Kyle. And none of them are going to broadcast ou relationship.
KYLE - Not even Ian?
CONNOR - (HESITATES) No, I don't think he would. I really don't. He may be a little irritable at times, but that would be pointlessly cruel, and he's not into that sort of thing.
KYLE - I wish I could be so sure. But you can see, can't you, why I want as few people as possible to know? It's just too dangerous.
CONNOR - (GINGERLY) You know...it would take off all the pressure…of hiding and sneaking around…if you just admitted to people that you're gay --
KYLE - No! (STANDS AND PACES AGITATEDLY) I can't do that! I can't! Don't even talk about it! Please, Connor, you know why, you know all the reasons, you know what would happen if I --
CONNOR - Alright! Kyle, I'm sorry. (HE GOES TO KYLE AND STOPS HIS PACING BY PUTTING HIS HANDS ON KYLE'S SHOULDERS) Don't get upset. Please. I'm not threatening to Out you. I would never do anything to jeopardize your secrecy. You know that.
KYLE - (TAKES A DEEP BREATH) I know.I'm sorry for over-reacting. It's just that the very thought...scares me so much...
CONNOR - I know. And I don't want to scare you. But there's a very important reason why I wish we could tell Tylor, at least.
KYLE - What reason?
CONNOR - You really don't know? (KYLE LOOKS MYSTIFIED) Kyle! Tylor needs to know! She's already more than half in love with you!
III.B) VICKERY LIVING ROOM. KEVIN AND AUDREY ARE STILL TALKING NEAR THE REFRESHMENT TABLE. HE SEEMS TO BE DELIBERATELY KEEPING HIS BACK TO THE REST OF THE ROOM, BUT AUDREY DOESN'T NOTICE. SHE IS TOO MOON-STRUCK TO NOTICE ANYTHING BUT KEVIN.
KEVIN - So. You go to school with Paige. Part-time. You're a senior, then?
AUDREY - Yes.
KEVIN - Are you ahead of the rest of your class, that you're only part-time?
AUDREY - A little. And I've been taking evening courses too. I start my last one tonight, in fact.
KEVIN - Oh? What course? Home economics?
AUDREY - (ROLLS HER EYES) No. I'm taking math. Calculus.
KEVIN - Really? Calculus? Pretty tough stuff, isn't it?
AUDREY - Not really. Not the courses I've taken so far, anyway. They were pretty easy.
KEVIN - You find calculus easy. I'm very impressed. What are you going to do with all these mathematical skills? Become a scientist?
AUDREY - I'm planning a modelling career.
KEVIN - Excuse me? (GLANCES AT HER CLOTHES AND THEN SMOTHERS A SMILE BY TAKING A DRINK)
AUDREY - The calculus is just to get my diploma. What I really plan to do is model.
KEVIN - That's a pretty hard business to break into… (TRYING TO BE DIPLOMATIC)
AUDREY - But I'm already in it.
KEVIN - What?
AUDREY - Yes. You asked what I do with the rest of my time. I model.
KEVIN - I...see. Newspaper ads...? That sort of thing?
AUDREY - No. I model for Blythe Chambers --
KEVIN - You model for Blythe?
AUDREY - Yeah. D'you know her? I wondered why she was here.
KEVIN - She's a friend of the family. We've known her and Adrian all our lives. I can't believe -- I mean, I'm surprised you're modelling at that level. Do you have a lot of experience, then?
AUDREY - No, but she seems to think I do alright. I'm learning a lot.
KEVIN - I imagine you are. (TAKES ANOTHER DRINK) Well, you are a bundle of surprises, aren't you?
AUDREY - Is that good or bad?
KEVIN - Good, I suppose.
AUDREY - Well. Thank you, then. You're pretty full of surprises too.
KEVIN - Oh? How so?
AUDREY - Well... (SHE GESTURES) Look at you. You've really gotten yourself together since the service. When I saw you there you looked like you were having a really rough time, and now --
(KEVIN PUTS HIS DRINK DOWN VERY QUICKLY AND GRABS HER WRIST SO HARD SHE GASPS. HE GLARES AT HER AND SPEAKS SOFTLY, SOMEWHAT MENACINGLY)
KEVIN - It didn't happen.
AUDREY - Wh - what? What are you talking about?
KEVIN - Whatever you think you saw at my mother's memorial -- it didn't happen. I'm grateful you were there and that you came to my defense just now. But that's where it ends.
AUDREY - Well -- okay! Whatever you say. Don't get your shorts tied in knots. What are you so mad about? And -- (JERKS HER ARM FREE. IRRITABLY: ) -- let go of me! I don't know why you're such a grouch all of a sudden. You really are twins, aren't you?
KEVIN - What's that supposed to mean?
AUDREY - Your brother gets upset at someone and just knocks him down, you get upset at me -- for some reason I can't figure out -- and you just grab me! And people call me a spoiled brat!
(SHE RUBS HER WRIST. KEVIN TAKES ANOTHER DRINK, AND THEN A DEEP BREATH.)
KEVIN - Alright. You're right, of course. I'm sorry. I'm being ungracious. (AUDREY MAKES A RUDE NOISE AT THE WORD) Alright, I'm being a complete jerk. Will that do?
AUDREY - It's a start. Why are you mad at me?
KEVIN - I'm sorry -- I'm not angry with you. I'd just rather not be put on exhibition. I mean...you've already seen how people in my family react to things sometimes. The last thing I need, after...mother, and everything...is someone ranting about my "disgracing the family" or something. But I am sorry I was rough. I'd just appreciate if you'd not mention...what you saw...to anybody. Please.
AUDREY - Fine. No problem. I just wish you'd said that right at the start instead of --
(KEVIN TAKES HER HAND, TURNS IT, AND KISSES THE WRIST WHERE HE HAD GRABBED IT. HE SMILES QUIZZICALLY AT HER.)
KEVIN - Does that make it better? That's something my…mother used to do, if we were hurt.
(AUDREY STARES AT HIM FOR A LONG MOMENT. SHE IS OBVIOUSLY CAPTIVATED AGAIN.)
AUDREY - I...I guess it's better. Really. And don't worry...I won't tell anyone. You've got enough on your mind already.
KEVIN - Thank you, Audrey.
(SHE RECLAIMS HER HAND, RELUCTANTLY)
AUDREY - Well. And now I have to go.
KEVIN - So soon?
AUDREY - Yeah. Remember I start my calculus class in a little while, and I still have to go home and change. Have supper. All that.
KEVIN - Of course. Then I won't try to keep you. It's been a great pleasure meeting you, Audrey. (THIS TIME HE KISSES THE BACK OF HER HAND) Remember, I owe you a debt of gratitude. Any time you need me to return the favor, you only have to ask.
AUDREY - Wow...I mean -- sure. And it was nice to meet you too, Kevin. I hope things get better -- about your mom. You know what I mean. (SHRUGS HELPLESSLY) I don't really know what to say.
KEVIN - Thank you. You're very kind.
(AUDREY RELUCTANTLY TURNS TO WALK AWAY. KEVIN TAKES ANOTHER SIP OF HIS DRINK, AS RYAN DRAWS CLOSER. FINALLY, WITH A LOOK OF RESIGNATION, KEVIN TURNS AND FACES HIS BROTHER)
RYAN - So. Were you planning to ignore me forever, or just for today?
(KEVIN STARES AT HIM IMPASSIVELY. MEANWHILE, BLYTHE STOPS AUDREY JUST BEFORE SHE LEAVES THE ROOM.)
BLYTHE - Audrey, dear. What a surprise.
AUDREY - Oh hi, Blythe. I was surprised to see you too. You never mentioned you knew the Vickerys.
BLYTHE - Neither did you.
AUDREY - I go to school with Paige.
BLYTHE - So you came here for Paige's sake, did you?
AUDREY - (UNCOMFORTABLY) Well...yeah...
BLYTHE - But you've made other friends rather quickly, I notice. Did you and Kevin have a nice chat, dear?
AUDREY - Yes. So?
BLYTHE - He's very charming, of course, when he wants to be. But perhaps I should warn you: he's entirely out of your league. So I'd set my sights a little lower if I were you.
AUDREY - (INDIGNANTLY) I'm not "setting my sights," Blythe!
BLYTHE - I know you, Audrey. Of course you are.
AUDREY - I was just offering condolences, that's all. I mean, his mother just died. And who says he's out of my league? He said (SIGNIFICANTLY) that it was a great pleasure meeting me. And he kissed my hand. Twice.
BLYTHE - Twice. My, what an accomplishment for you, Audrey.
AUDREY - Blythe, look, I gotta go. Are you finished making fun of me, or do you plan to give me a note to explain to my teacher why I'm late?
BLYTHE - I'm finished. I just hope you heard me, that's all. Enjoy your class. See you tomorrow afternoon?
AUDREY - Same time, same place. 'Bye. (SHE CASTS ONE LAST GLANCE IN KEVIN'S DIRECTION, AND DEPARTS)
BLYTHE - (MURMURS TO HERSELF) No fashion sense at all. Where have I gone wrong?
Next: Episode 2, Act 4
III.A) CONNOR HOLLISTER'S LIVING ROOM. CONNOR AND KYLE PULL BACK OUT OF THEIR EMBRACE AND SMILE AT EACH OTHER. CONNOR STEPS BACK AND MOTIONS FOR KYLE TO COME IN.
KYLE - I know I'm a few minutes early...
CONNOR - Do you think I mind? As though I haven't been ready for a long time already. I've been looking forward to this all day.
KYLE - So have I. I feel like it's been weeks since we really talked.
CONNOR - Days, at least. Sit down and relax. Would you like some wine?
KYLE - Yes, thanks. (HE SITS AND WATCHES CONNOR POUR THE TWO GLASSES) Con, listen. I'm sorry about what happened at Tylor's. I didn't realize you knew her.
CONNOR - You know I eat there, surely.
KYLE - A lot of people do. They aren't all good friends of hers. You didn't know I knew her either.
CONNOR - (HANDS A GLASS TO KYLE AND SITS BESIDE HIM) I'll say I didn't. Do you know how hard it was to keep a straight face when she introduced us?
KYLE - Yes. I do. (LAUGHS A LITTLE)
CONNOR - Clever. But you know what I mean.
KYLE - Yeah. Sorry. I just thought you were here, rushing around. The way you do.
CONNOR - You would've been right if I hadn't forgotten the wine. (KYLE RAISES AN EYEBROW AND PEERS SUSPICIOUSLY INTO HIS GLASS. CONNOR LAUGHS.) Tylor's.
KYLE - That's what you were doing there? Picking this up?
CONNOR - I told her I'd wash dishes for several days in return for the favor.
KYLE - That must've impressed her.
CONNOR - She assumed that I had something very important planned for this evening.
KYLE - And was she right?
CONNOR - Yes. The love of my life was coming over. (HE TOUCHES KYLE'S FACE) She wanted to know who he was, but I told her he was still a bit shy. Funny. She told me exactly the same thing about you, just a couple of minutes later.
KYLE - It must be true, then. Testimony of two witnesses and all that.
CONNOR - Is the testimony still true if the second witness doesn't know she's speaking about the same person as the first witness?
KYLE - I don't know. I'll have to ask my father. He can argue all the finer theological points.
CONNOR - I wish she did know. She's very trustworthy, Kyle, we both know that...
KYLE - No. (LOOKS AWAY STIFFLY)
CONNOR - Kyle. Can't we tell her, at least? She wouldn't give us away. We can trust her.
KYLE - No!
CONNOR - But why?
KYLE - The more people know, the more chance there is that it'll come out in the open. I just can't risk it. It was bad enough that you told your family about me.
CONNOR - We don't keep things like that secret from each other, Kyle. And none of them are going to broadcast ou relationship.
KYLE - Not even Ian?
CONNOR - (HESITATES) No, I don't think he would. I really don't. He may be a little irritable at times, but that would be pointlessly cruel, and he's not into that sort of thing.
KYLE - I wish I could be so sure. But you can see, can't you, why I want as few people as possible to know? It's just too dangerous.
CONNOR - (GINGERLY) You know...it would take off all the pressure…of hiding and sneaking around…if you just admitted to people that you're gay --
KYLE - No! (STANDS AND PACES AGITATEDLY) I can't do that! I can't! Don't even talk about it! Please, Connor, you know why, you know all the reasons, you know what would happen if I --
CONNOR - Alright! Kyle, I'm sorry. (HE GOES TO KYLE AND STOPS HIS PACING BY PUTTING HIS HANDS ON KYLE'S SHOULDERS) Don't get upset. Please. I'm not threatening to Out you. I would never do anything to jeopardize your secrecy. You know that.
KYLE - (TAKES A DEEP BREATH) I know.I'm sorry for over-reacting. It's just that the very thought...scares me so much...
CONNOR - I know. And I don't want to scare you. But there's a very important reason why I wish we could tell Tylor, at least.
KYLE - What reason?
CONNOR - You really don't know? (KYLE LOOKS MYSTIFIED) Kyle! Tylor needs to know! She's already more than half in love with you!
III.B) VICKERY LIVING ROOM. KEVIN AND AUDREY ARE STILL TALKING NEAR THE REFRESHMENT TABLE. HE SEEMS TO BE DELIBERATELY KEEPING HIS BACK TO THE REST OF THE ROOM, BUT AUDREY DOESN'T NOTICE. SHE IS TOO MOON-STRUCK TO NOTICE ANYTHING BUT KEVIN.
KEVIN - So. You go to school with Paige. Part-time. You're a senior, then?
AUDREY - Yes.
KEVIN - Are you ahead of the rest of your class, that you're only part-time?
AUDREY - A little. And I've been taking evening courses too. I start my last one tonight, in fact.
KEVIN - Oh? What course? Home economics?
AUDREY - (ROLLS HER EYES) No. I'm taking math. Calculus.
KEVIN - Really? Calculus? Pretty tough stuff, isn't it?
AUDREY - Not really. Not the courses I've taken so far, anyway. They were pretty easy.
KEVIN - You find calculus easy. I'm very impressed. What are you going to do with all these mathematical skills? Become a scientist?
AUDREY - I'm planning a modelling career.
KEVIN - Excuse me? (GLANCES AT HER CLOTHES AND THEN SMOTHERS A SMILE BY TAKING A DRINK)
AUDREY - The calculus is just to get my diploma. What I really plan to do is model.
KEVIN - That's a pretty hard business to break into… (TRYING TO BE DIPLOMATIC)
AUDREY - But I'm already in it.
KEVIN - What?
AUDREY - Yes. You asked what I do with the rest of my time. I model.
KEVIN - I...see. Newspaper ads...? That sort of thing?
AUDREY - No. I model for Blythe Chambers --
KEVIN - You model for Blythe?
AUDREY - Yeah. D'you know her? I wondered why she was here.
KEVIN - She's a friend of the family. We've known her and Adrian all our lives. I can't believe -- I mean, I'm surprised you're modelling at that level. Do you have a lot of experience, then?
AUDREY - No, but she seems to think I do alright. I'm learning a lot.
KEVIN - I imagine you are. (TAKES ANOTHER DRINK) Well, you are a bundle of surprises, aren't you?
AUDREY - Is that good or bad?
KEVIN - Good, I suppose.
AUDREY - Well. Thank you, then. You're pretty full of surprises too.
KEVIN - Oh? How so?
AUDREY - Well... (SHE GESTURES) Look at you. You've really gotten yourself together since the service. When I saw you there you looked like you were having a really rough time, and now --
(KEVIN PUTS HIS DRINK DOWN VERY QUICKLY AND GRABS HER WRIST SO HARD SHE GASPS. HE GLARES AT HER AND SPEAKS SOFTLY, SOMEWHAT MENACINGLY)
KEVIN - It didn't happen.
AUDREY - Wh - what? What are you talking about?
KEVIN - Whatever you think you saw at my mother's memorial -- it didn't happen. I'm grateful you were there and that you came to my defense just now. But that's where it ends.
AUDREY - Well -- okay! Whatever you say. Don't get your shorts tied in knots. What are you so mad about? And -- (JERKS HER ARM FREE. IRRITABLY: ) -- let go of me! I don't know why you're such a grouch all of a sudden. You really are twins, aren't you?
KEVIN - What's that supposed to mean?
AUDREY - Your brother gets upset at someone and just knocks him down, you get upset at me -- for some reason I can't figure out -- and you just grab me! And people call me a spoiled brat!
(SHE RUBS HER WRIST. KEVIN TAKES ANOTHER DRINK, AND THEN A DEEP BREATH.)
KEVIN - Alright. You're right, of course. I'm sorry. I'm being ungracious. (AUDREY MAKES A RUDE NOISE AT THE WORD) Alright, I'm being a complete jerk. Will that do?
AUDREY - It's a start. Why are you mad at me?
KEVIN - I'm sorry -- I'm not angry with you. I'd just rather not be put on exhibition. I mean...you've already seen how people in my family react to things sometimes. The last thing I need, after...mother, and everything...is someone ranting about my "disgracing the family" or something. But I am sorry I was rough. I'd just appreciate if you'd not mention...what you saw...to anybody. Please.
AUDREY - Fine. No problem. I just wish you'd said that right at the start instead of --
(KEVIN TAKES HER HAND, TURNS IT, AND KISSES THE WRIST WHERE HE HAD GRABBED IT. HE SMILES QUIZZICALLY AT HER.)
KEVIN - Does that make it better? That's something my…mother used to do, if we were hurt.
(AUDREY STARES AT HIM FOR A LONG MOMENT. SHE IS OBVIOUSLY CAPTIVATED AGAIN.)
AUDREY - I...I guess it's better. Really. And don't worry...I won't tell anyone. You've got enough on your mind already.
KEVIN - Thank you, Audrey.
(SHE RECLAIMS HER HAND, RELUCTANTLY)
AUDREY - Well. And now I have to go.
KEVIN - So soon?
AUDREY - Yeah. Remember I start my calculus class in a little while, and I still have to go home and change. Have supper. All that.
KEVIN - Of course. Then I won't try to keep you. It's been a great pleasure meeting you, Audrey. (THIS TIME HE KISSES THE BACK OF HER HAND) Remember, I owe you a debt of gratitude. Any time you need me to return the favor, you only have to ask.
AUDREY - Wow...I mean -- sure. And it was nice to meet you too, Kevin. I hope things get better -- about your mom. You know what I mean. (SHRUGS HELPLESSLY) I don't really know what to say.
KEVIN - Thank you. You're very kind.
(AUDREY RELUCTANTLY TURNS TO WALK AWAY. KEVIN TAKES ANOTHER SIP OF HIS DRINK, AS RYAN DRAWS CLOSER. FINALLY, WITH A LOOK OF RESIGNATION, KEVIN TURNS AND FACES HIS BROTHER)
RYAN - So. Were you planning to ignore me forever, or just for today?
(KEVIN STARES AT HIM IMPASSIVELY. MEANWHILE, BLYTHE STOPS AUDREY JUST BEFORE SHE LEAVES THE ROOM.)
BLYTHE - Audrey, dear. What a surprise.
AUDREY - Oh hi, Blythe. I was surprised to see you too. You never mentioned you knew the Vickerys.
BLYTHE - Neither did you.
AUDREY - I go to school with Paige.
BLYTHE - So you came here for Paige's sake, did you?
AUDREY - (UNCOMFORTABLY) Well...yeah...
BLYTHE - But you've made other friends rather quickly, I notice. Did you and Kevin have a nice chat, dear?
AUDREY - Yes. So?
BLYTHE - He's very charming, of course, when he wants to be. But perhaps I should warn you: he's entirely out of your league. So I'd set my sights a little lower if I were you.
AUDREY - (INDIGNANTLY) I'm not "setting my sights," Blythe!
BLYTHE - I know you, Audrey. Of course you are.
AUDREY - I was just offering condolences, that's all. I mean, his mother just died. And who says he's out of my league? He said (SIGNIFICANTLY) that it was a great pleasure meeting me. And he kissed my hand. Twice.
BLYTHE - Twice. My, what an accomplishment for you, Audrey.
AUDREY - Blythe, look, I gotta go. Are you finished making fun of me, or do you plan to give me a note to explain to my teacher why I'm late?
BLYTHE - I'm finished. I just hope you heard me, that's all. Enjoy your class. See you tomorrow afternoon?
AUDREY - Same time, same place. 'Bye. (SHE CASTS ONE LAST GLANCE IN KEVIN'S DIRECTION, AND DEPARTS)
BLYTHE - (MURMURS TO HERSELF) No fashion sense at all. Where have I gone wrong?
Next: Episode 2, Act 4
