PASSAGES - EPISODE 2, ACT 4

[kashiwrites]

Previous: Episode 2, Act 3


IV.A) VICKERY LIVING ROOM. KEVIN AND RYAN FACE EACH OTHER. BEHIND THEM THE OTHER WELL-WISHERS ARE STILL MILLING ABOUT AND TALKING QUIETLY. KEVIN TAKES A SLOW, DELIBERATE SIP FROM HIS DRINK.


KEVIN - If you think I'm ignoring you, you can always hit me to get my attention.

RYAN - Kevin -- I'm sorry!

KEVIN - Oh. Well. That makes it alright, then.

RYAN - I know it was stupid. But you'd disappeared for three days -- we hadn't heard from you -- we didn't know where you were or if you were coming home --

KEVIN - Of course I was coming home. How could you even think I wouldn't?

RYAN - I don't know. I needed you so much, but it seemed like you didn't even care -- about me -- about any of us -- about mother --

KEVIN - (SPEAKS TIGHTLY, CONTROLLING HIS ANGER) About mother! Do you think you were the only one who loved her? I can't understand how you can think such things about me. My God, Ryan! I was gone less than six months, and it's as though you don't know me at all any more! (POINTEDLY) Or perhaps I don't know you.

(LONG PAUSE; RYAN LOOKS UNCOMFORTABLE)

RYAN - Maybe we don't know each other like we thought we did. I thought you'd need to come home and, well, talk to me. Like we always have, in the tough times. But you left me alone, all this time -- and the gods only know how you were handling everything because you obviously didn't need me --

KEVIN - Ryan. Just stop this.

RYAN - Well, you didn't, did you? You must have some life in Boston, if it's severed all the ties you had before you left --

KEVIN - Ryan. Will you shut up? I was trying to finish everything so I could come home and stay. Of course I need you! What do you think? You're my Twin! So how do you think I feel, finally getting home, going to mother's memorial, then seeing you -- and the first thing you do is knock me down! That, I didn't need, from you.

RYAN - Look, I've said I'm sorry. What else can I do? Do you want me to grovel?

(KEVIN LOOKS AT HIM SPECULATIVELY. THERE IS SUDDENLY A LITTLE HINT OF AMUSEMENT ON HIS FACE.)

KEVIN - What a thought. Yes. I think I'd like to see that.

(ANASTASIA AND DARCY APPROACH)

ANASTASIA - Well, I wouldn't. All our guests already think you two are a little...strange.

KEVIN - But we are, Anastasia. Ryan and I are both quite mad, and perhaps it's time we came out of the closet and owned up to it. (SETS DRINK DOWN AND OPENS HIS ARMS) I think I need a hug.

ANASTASIA - So do I. (THEY EMBRACE FOR A LONG MOMENT, THEN SHE PULLS BACK AND STARES INTO HIS FACE) How are you doing, love?

KEVIN - Not too well. The last three days have been complete hell. I'm glad I'm finally home. (LOOKS SIGNIFICANTLY AT RYAN) Sometimes the thought of getting here was the only thing that kept me going.

DARCY - Now that we're finally all together, we can keep each other going.

KEVIN - Has it been terribly hard for you, Darce?

DARCY - It's been bad. I've been so glad I had Justin. And Anastasia, and Ryan. And…everybody, really. Even uncle Nelson is going out of his way to help us.

KEVIN - Does anybody...really know what happened? Who...who found her?

DARCY - Father did.

RYAN - He didn't tell any of us, until uncle Nelson had come over and examined her.

DARCY - We were at breakfast when they came down and told us. I...I've never been so sick in my life.

ANASTASIA - I can't imagine what that moment was like. It was bad enough for me, over the phone.

KEVIN - Over the phone? Weren't you home?

ANASTASIA - Yes, I -- oh. You may not have heard yet. I moved into my own place about a month ago. Ryan called me there. I could hear Darcy being hysterical in the background.

DARCY - I didn't take it very well, I'm afraid.

(KEVIN MOVES OVER AND PUTS AN ARM AROUND HER SHOULDERS)

KEVIN - I should've come home right away; I can see that now. I'm sorry, Darcy. Can you forgive me?

DARCY - Oh Kevin, don't even talk like that. I knew you'd be home, so you don't have to apologize.

ANASTASIA - I think the four of us need to get together and talk about everything.

KEVIN - I agree.

ANASTASIA - But not now, and certainly not here.

RYAN - No. Not here. I feel like we're on display in a museum or something. Everyone keeps...looking at us. It makes my skin crawl.

ANASTASIA - It's almost over. But I don't think we should try to get together tonight; this day has been too draining. What about Friday evening? I could fix dinner for everyone, and then Kevin can see my place.

RYAN - I can't do it Friday. I have to do something I can't get out of. What about Saturday? (KEVIN STARES AT HIM INTENTLY, ABSORBING THIS PIECE OF INFORMATION)

ANASTASIA - Alright, Saturday sounds fine. What about you, Darcy?

DARCY - Of course.

ANASTASIA - And I'm assuming you don't have any plans yet, Kevin?

KEVIN - None. I'll be there.

ANASTASIA - Good. And now I'll have to mingle for a bit again. I'm running out of ways of accepting condolences and telling everyone we'll be fine. I wish they'd all go home.

KEVIN - I suppose I should do my bit, too. (HESITATES, LOOKS AT RYAN) Talk to you later?

RYAN - Alright.

(KEVIN WALKS SLOWLY THROUGH ONE END OF THE ROOM, EXCHANGING A FEW WORDS NOW AND THEN. IN THE BACKGROUND, ANASTASIA CAN BE SEEN DOING THE SAME IN ANOTHER PART OF THE ROOM. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS, KEVIN COMES UPON BLYTHE.)

KEVIN - Hi, Blythe. Good to see you.

BLYTHE - You too, though I wish it were under different circumstances. How are you doing?

KEVIN - Oh...you know. What's the phrase: 'As well as can be expected'?

BLYTHE - And the sympathetic well-wishers lose their appeal after about five minutes, don't they?

KEVIN - How can I agree without insulting you along with everyone else? Aren't you a sympathetic well-wisher?

BLYTHE - I promise not to take offense.

KEVIN - Then I admit it. I just want everyone to go home. I don't think any of us can really start grasping what's happened until we can be alone to deal with it.

BLYTHE - That's what Anastasia was saying. Maybe I should start whispering through the crowd, dropping hints that everyone should leave.

KEVIN - And then father would never forgive you.

BLYTHE - Fate worse than death. (THEY SURVEY THE ROOM A MOMENT) So, Kevin. I saw you talking to Audrey.

KEVIN - Yes. An amusing girl. I understand she works for you.

BLYTHE – Part-time, yes. You do know she’s just a high school student?

KEVIN – So she mentioned.

BLYTHE – She’s also a gold-digger, Kevin.

KEVIN – Oh, I’m sure she’s got the high school girl’s fascination with money...

BLYTHE – More than just fascination, believe me. And she has more brains than she lets on. But I warned her not to try to go after you. I told her you were out of her league.

KEVIN – You’re joking. Right?

BLYTHE – Of course not. The last thing you need, especially right now, is a young girl hanging around you like a little groupie. And I know you have better taste, anyway. When I saw how she was dressed today I could have sunk through the floor in mortification.

KEVIN – Blythe. You’re a good friend; in fact, I’ve always thought of you and Adrian as part of the family. Cousins, maybe. But – (AN EDGE CREEPS INTO HIS VOICE) – I don’t really consider you my watchdogs. I don’t require my calls to be screened, and I certainly don’t need potential friends interviewed in advance.

BLYTHE – My. Touchy, Kevin.

KEVIN – Tensions of the day, let’s say. (SMILES A BIT COLDLY)

BLYTHE – I thought you’d appreciate my protecting you from the little irritants you really don’t need right now.

KEVIN – You may not have noticed, Blythe. I’m grown up now. I think I can protect myself from an infatuated high school girl.

BLYTHE – Kevin. I don’t believe this. Am I really seeing what I think I’m seeing?

KEVIN – What the hell are you talking about?

BLYTHE – Could it possibly be…that you were actually interested in Audrey?

(KEVIN TURNS VERY DELIBERATELY AND STARES AT HER, INCREDULOUSLY)


IV.B) RUMINATIONS RESTAURANT. IAN IS AT ONE TABLE, ALMOST FINISHED EATING. HE IS IN FACT EATING WITH RELISH. AUDREY COMES IN, STILL A BIT OVERDRESSED, BUT MUCH MORE SUBDUED THAN EARLIER. SHE DOESN’T NOTICE IAN, BUT CROSSES BEHIND HIM TO ANOTHER TABLE AND SITS DOWN. THE PLACE BY NOW IS QUITE FULL. IN A MOMENT A WAITER BRINGS HER A MENU, HOVERING WHILE SHE OPENS IT.

WAITER – Would you like something to drink before you order? We have quite a good selection of non-alcoholic ciders.

AUDREY – Sure. How about a peace cider? And actually, I’d better order right away, because I don’t have very long. What’s in this?

WAITER – (LEANS OVER AND LOOKS AT HER MENU) The Mediterranean Platter? It’s great, actually. It gives you a sample of the various Mediterranean dishes in this section... (POINTS) It helps you decide what you like or don’t like, without wasting an entire dish if it turns out you don’t like it. Sort of a Middle Eastern culinary anthology.

AUDREY – You’re a university student, aren’t you?

WAITER – (GRINS) English major.

AUDREY – No kidding. Okay, I’ll take the anthology. It sounds good.

WAITER – And I’ll see if they can speed it up, since you’re in a hurry.

AUDREY – Thanks

(SHE HANDS HIM THE MENU AND HE LEAVES. SHE TAKES OUT A SMALL MIRROR AND EXAMINES HER FACE METICULOUSLY. MEANWHILE, TYLOR GOES TO IAN’S TABLE, AS HE PUSHES HIS EMPTY PLATE AWAY WITH SATISFACTION.)

TYLOR – Well. I think I’ll go out on a limb and say you don’t look disappointed.

IAN – No. It’s very good.

TYLOR – Then you’ll come back and try us again?

IAN – It’s distinctly possible. (HE SMILES) My sister and brother are always talking about health food. I never bothered listening, but I always thought they were just talking about tofu and sprouts.

TYLOR – Oh, it’s a lot more than just tofu and sprouts, believe me. Although tofu and sprouts can add a lot to a meal, if they’re properly prepared.

IAN – I’m not sure I should hang around here too much or I might start to believe you. And they’d never let me live it down.

TYLOR – We can let it be out little secret, then. You can eat hamburgers at home, and sneak out a couple of nights a week for tofu and sprouts.

IAN – Sounds like a plan. Meanwhile – (PUSHES HIS CHAIR BACK) – I’d better go, to make sure I’m not late. (HE PULLS OUT HIS WALLET AND TOSSES A BILL ON THE TABLE) That should cover it.

TYLOR – And more. Remember, I’m giving you a discount, and you’ve just paid full price.

IAN – No, I’ve just left a very large tip. It was good.

TYLOR – I’m glad you liked it. Come back again soon.

IAN – I will (HE FINALLY SPOTS AUDREY, AND HESITATES) You know...I need to talk to someone for a minute before I go. It was nice meeting you.

TYLOR – You too.

(IAN WALKS TOWARD AUDREY’S TABLE. SHE IS STILL EXAMINING HER FACE, TILL HE STOPS BESIDE HER TABLE. SHE PUTS THE MIRROR DOWN AND LOOKS AT HIM, ANNOYED. HE GIVES HER A MOCKING SMILE.)

IAN – So. Have a nice funeral?

AUDREY – I beg your pardon?

IAN – I said (ENUNCIATES CAREFULLY, EXAGGERATING) – have – a – nice – funeral?

AUDREY – I see you’re as crass outside the shop as you are inside.

IAN – Well, you should know “crass,” I guess. You were the one trying to use a funeral as a fashion show. (LEANS BACK AND LOOKS AT HER LEGS UNDER THE TABLE) I see you didn’t break a leg falling off those shoes. You must be a foot shorter in these.

AUDREY – You might fall off those shoes. I wouldn’t. I’ve got the balance and poise to wear them.

IAN – I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing shoes like that. I’m not into cross-dressing.

AUDREY – Lucky for the rest of the world. You’d make a really, really ugly woman. (SMILES WITH SACCHARINE SWEETNESS) And I bet you’re just dying to insult me and say “So would you.” But you can’t, can you? Because it would be a big lie.

IAN – Modesty as well as beauty. Very impressive.

AUDREY – Modesty is pointless when it’s false. I’m just stating a fact.

IAN – (SHAKES HIS HEAD INCREDULOUSLY) Kid, you are some piece of work. You know that?

AUDREY – So are you. I didn’t go prancing over to your table just so I could insult you. Don’t come over and insult me and then complain about how I answer you. Take it like a man. And don’t call me “kid.”

IAN – You didn’t answer my question.

AUDREY – What – the one about falling off my shoes?

IAN – That was a statement, not a question. I asked how the funeral went.

AUDREY – How do you think it went? Am I supposed to say “it was fine”? It was a funeral. People were sad. One guy was even drunk. (STOPS SUDDENLY, REMEMBERING HER PROMISE TO KEVIN) Well…not drunk, actually. He was just, uh, grief-stricken. It wsa easy to mistake it. A lot of people were really emotional. It made things at the house a little exciting, even, when the twins had their misunderstanding…(FLOUNDERS A LITTLE, WONDERING IF SHE SHOULD BE MENTIONING THAT EITHER)

IAN – “The house”...?

AUDREY – The Vickery house. I went ot the gathering there afterward. (SHE SMILES SMUGLY) I was invited. By the family.

IAN – (WHISTLES) Very impressive! A lot of progress in only one afternoon! So. Meet any nice, rich men?

AUDREY – Yes, two – hey! Just a minute. I don’t have to tell you anything. What are all these questions for? Go away.

IAN – But things are just getting interesting. So what sort of men did you attract in that getup you were wearing today? They must have been incredible specimens.

AUDREY – You are really, really rude.

(THE WAITER BREEZES UP WITH A TRAY AND DELIVERS AUDREY’S CIDER AND HER MEAL.)

WAITER – There we are. Peach cider, and Mediterranean Platter. Enjoy.

AUDREY – I’d like to enjoy, but this guy is bugging me.

WAITER – Really? Is there a problem I can help you with, sir?

IAN – Well, for starters, I have a problem with the word “sir.”

AUDREY – (ALREADY DIGGING INTO HER MEAL; DOESN’T LOOK UP) I want to eat in peace, but he won’t go away.

WAITER – Perhaps we should let the lady eat her meal in peace as she wishes, sir.

(AT THE LAST WORD, IAN TURNS AND GLARES MENACINGLY AT HIM. THE WATER TURNS AND WALKS AWAY, TOWARD THE BAR)

IAN – Just what I thought. Spineless. Probably have to be, to work in a “health food” restaurant.

AUDREY - (STUFFING HER MOUTH) Instead of being a mechanic and having a spine, I suppose?

IAN – (GRINS) That’s right. And great muscles. I thought I saw you eyeing the goods, back at the shop.

AUDREY – (ROLLS HER EYES) Oh, pul-leeze! That kind of brawn is pure peasant. Cow-hand sort of stuff. I prefer the classy, refined look. Like I saw at the Vickery mansion today.

IAN – (IRRITATED) And you’re claiming to come from the “refined” side of the equation, I imagine?

AUDREY – Of course. I am a model, you know. Refinement is our art.

(IAN BURSTS OUT LAUGHING. AUDREY GLARES AT HIM. HER MOUTH IS RATHER TOO FULL.)

IAN – Oh, kid, like I said, you are a piece of work!

AUDREY – What is your problem?

IAN – Refinement may be your art, but I have never – every – seen a model stuff her face like you do. You call that refinement, do you?

(AUDREY LOOKS SUDDENLY GUILTY; PERHAPS THIS FAULT HAS BEEN CALLED TO HER ATTENTION BEFORE. SHE CHEWS AND SWALLOWS QUICKLY, AS THOUGH TO DO AWAY WITH THE EVIDENCE.)

AUDREY – Oh, and you hang out with a lot of models, I guess. Down there in your dirty car-fixing place. They must be a real refined bunch.

(IAN IS JUST OPENING HIS MOUTH TO RETORT, AS TYLOR APPROACHES THE TABLE. THE WAITER IS HOVERING ANXIOUSLY IN THE BACKGROUND.)

TYLOR – Hi, guys. Some kind of difficulty here...?

AUDREY – (AGAIN ABSORBED IN HER FOOD) Yes. Him. Make him go away.

IAN – It’s nothing. Really.

AUDREY – Nothing! Every word you say is an insult.

IAN (TO TYLOR) I was just teasing her and she took it wrong –

AUDREY – Teasing! “Did you fall off your shoes yet?” That was an insult!

IAN – That was teasing. Don’t be so thin-skinned, kid.

AUDREY – Will you quit calling me “kid” –

IAN (TO TYLOR AGAIN) Look, I had no idea she’d take my teasing this badly and make such a fuss. How about if I just go...?

TYLOR – That’s probably wisest. Thanks.

AUDREY – You’re thanking him: Like leaving was his own idea?

IAN – Thanks for the supper. I’ll come back again – (GLANCES SIGNIFICANTLY AT AUDREY) – when the place is a little quieter.

TYLOR – See you later.

(IAN LEAVES WITH A LAST MOCKING SMILE AT AUDREY. SHE WATCHES HIM GO, SPECULATIVELY BALANCING HER KNIFE IN HER FINGERS AS THOUGH WONDERING IF SHE SHOULD FLING IT AT HIS BACK. TYLOR TURNS BACK TO HER SOLICITOUSLY.)

TYLOR – I’m sorry you were bothered. How about I throw in a dessert, on the house, in compensation?

AUDREY – Oh. No thanks. I can’t stick around long enough. But it doesn’t matter, now that he’s gone. He’s just a peasant anyway.

TYLOR – Is he? Well, I’m glad this worked out. Have a good meal.

AUDREY – (MOUTH FULL GAIN) Mmm... ‘s good...

(TYLOR WALKS BACK TO THE WAITER, SMILING INDULGENTLY)

WAITER – Everything okay?

TYLOR – Oh, just fine, just fine. (NODS TOWARD AUDREY) Just make sure out young aristocrat gets premium service while she’s here. Okay?

(SHE PATS HIM ON THE SHOULDER AND WALKS TOWARD THE BAR. THE WAITER LOOKS AT AUDREY, MYSTIFIED)


Next: Episode 2, Act 5