JON A man.
BECK A woman.
JONATHAN A man, younger than JON by at least a few months, maybe years. Perhaps someone completely different than JON.
REBECCA A woman, younger than BECK by at least a few months, maybe years. Perhaps someone completely different than BECK.
A note about the characters: JON and BECK may be played by people who look similar to or exactly like JONATHAN and REBECCA (as in the case of casting twins), or may look completely different. JON and BECK may be only slightly older than JONATHAN and REBECCA, or they may be much older. Each sort of casting in regards to these combinations states a different message about relationships and the message of the play; and each individual production may explore this in their own way, uninhibited by character description.
A note about interaction between characters: as a general rule, JON and BECK do not see JONATHAN and REBECCA, and vise-versa. Their scenes are not in the same time, and therefore they only exist as a memory or a future outlook. That said, there may be moments in which one couple may observe the other in a form of reverie, if the occasion strikes; but any instance should be deliberate as to maintain their individual timelines and stories.
PLACE
The living room of a small home; a house of the perfect size and intimacy for a couple beginning a life together, yet perhaps too small for a family to grow in.
TIME
Both the beginning and end of an era.
Editor's Note: This is the original script, as shared by the author.
SETTING: the living room of a house. TIME: the afternoon, but ever-changing. (The lights rise and reveal the living room. The area is decorated slightly, with objects missing, and only minor odds and ends filling out the space. Where there were photographs, there are now only nails. There is a front door, an exit leading to the bedroom, an exit to the kitchen, and the bathroom is accessible.)
(JON enters from the kitchen carrying a box. BECK enters, with a small open box in hand.)
BECK
Need help?
JON
No, I got it.
(He sets the box on the back of the couch.)
Just well-packed, that’s all.
BECK
Kind of crammed it all in, didn’t I?
JON
We all have our talents. Some people are really athletic, some have an eidetic memory… and you can put a bunch of crap in a small space.
BECK
I like to think of it as a superpower.
JON
Yeah? Well, next time find someone with super strength to move it.
(He prepares to lift the box up.)
BECK
I can help you with that.
JON
No, no; I got it. I hauled the rest of it.
BECK
Not wasting any time, are we?
JON
None to be wasted.
(They laugh together.)
BECK
Are you sure you’ve got that?
JON
Oh, yeah, no sweat.
BECK
I can at least get the door.
JON
I can manage.
BECK
Yeah. Sure.
(REBECCA sets her box down, opens the door, and JON exits. She watches him for a moment by the door. Sighing, she looks around the room, taking it in, and goes to get her box. She picks it up and looks into it. She takes a picture frame out of the box, and examines it. JON reenters.)
JON
All right. One last look around?
BECK
I’d love to.
(He reaches out his hand, and she takes it. They exit together into the house. JONATHAN and REBECCA enter with several poorly-packed boxes. Their energy is playful.)
REBECCA
And how exactly did you think this was going to go?
JONATHAN
I don’t know, I guess like this. Only fewer boxes.
REBECCA
You knew what you were getting into.
JONATHAN
And what if I suddenly change my mind?
REBECCA
And what if I change mine?
JONATHAN
You wouldn’t. I’m wonderful.
REBECCA
I love how humble you are.
(She kisses him.)
It goes so well with your narcissism.
(She begins to take things out of a box.)
JONATHAN
“You knew what you were getting into.”
REBECCA
I definitely did.
(She starts to put pictures and frames up.)
JONATHAN
Shouldn’t we unpack before we decorate?
REBECCA
By that logic, we’d never decorate.
JONATHAN
We would. Just, like, next week.
REBECCA
You’ve been here three years, and never gotten past the unpacking phase. I think I’ll take things into my own hands.
JONATHAN
I just think we should talk about it!
REBECCA
Okay.
(She stops, and approaches him.)
Where do you think this should go?
JONATHAN
Back in the box.
REBECCA
Seriously.
JONATHAN
I don’t know.
REBECCA
Good talk.
(She goes back to putting up pictures and things. He laughs, races over behind her and stops her from being able to put up pictures. This playful wrestle turns into a from-behind hug.)
JONATHAN
I love you.
REBECCA
I know.
(They kiss.)
Go get the table from the other room and bring it in here. It’d look nice with your couch.
JONATHAN
I thought I was on unpacking duty?
REBECCA
I changed my mind. I thought you were used to that by now.
(They laugh, and he exits briefly to grab the end table and bring it in. She puts up photos. He enters and puts the table in place, looks to her, and they arrange the room quickly.)
JONATHAN
Who knew you had so much stuff?
REBECCA
I did.
JONATHAN
Why didn’t you say anything?
REBECCA
Because I forgot.
(They laugh.)
JONATHAN
I’m going to put the furniture in place and call it a day.
REBECCA
Anywhere you want.
JONATHAN
You’re just going to change it, anyway.
REBECCA
Probably.
JONATHAN
Someday you’ll come around to my style.
REBECCA
Your style is nothing.
JONATHAN
And yours is everything.
(There is a silence for a moment. He sees she has become engrossed in one photo in particular. He approaches her.)
Where do you think that should go?
REBECCA
I don’t know.
JONATHAN
I have an idea.
(He leads her toward the bedroom.)
This room has enough for now. There are others that need your firm hands.
REBECCA
Oh, really? And which room could you possibly have in mind? Your bedroom?
JONATHAN
No! Our bedroom.
REBECCA
Ugh. You may me sick.
(They playfully exit. BECK enters from within the house, moving quickly to the bathroom.)
BECK
Ugh. I’m going to be sick!
(JON enters. She exits into the bathroom.)
JON
Can I get you anything?
BECK
(Offstage)
You’ve done enough!
JON
All right… well, I’m just in the other room, if you need me.
BECK
(Offstage)
I hate you!
(He exits.)
JONATHAN
(Offstage)
I love you!
(REBECCA enters from the bedroom.)
REBECCA
You’re not getting out of this.
(JONATHAN enters from the bedroom.)
JONATHAN
But I have so much to do by Monday morning!
REBECCA
You’ve known about this for weeks.
JONATHAN
It’s not my fault that Jere got sick.
REBECCA
And it’s not my fault that you volunteered to take his workload.
JONATHAN
Who else would do it?
REBECCA
Anyone else.
JONATHAN
It’d be easier to handle if I could stay, instead of hauling all of my work in the car.
REBECCA
It’s already in the car.
JONATHAN
But the deadline is—
REBECCA
Jonathan! Please. It’s my family. I can only tell them so much. You need to actually meet them. Don’t you want to?
JONATHAN
Yes! Of course. I’ve always intended on meeting them… at the wedding.
REBECCA
Were you planning on proposing?
JONATHAN
Not right now.
REBECCA
Then get in the car.
JONATHAN
What if I proposed right now?
REBECCA
You’d have to spend a lot of money, and still have to meet them.
(She crosses to him.)
You have a lot to get done, I know. I love that you’re so driven, but it’s a weekend to meet my parents. Is that really asking so much?
JONATHAN
No. No, it’s not.
REBECCA
Then you’re coming?
JONATHAN
No place else I’d rather be.
(They kiss.)
Do they at least know I have a lot of work to do?
REBECCA
(Teasing)
They know you’re very important, yes. But you can do all your work when they’re out, or have turned in.
JONATHAN
I’ll be sure to use candlelight to not wake them.
REBECCA
Candlelight? How romantic.
JONATHAN
I was thinking more about the hot wax.
REBECCA
Mmm....
(They kiss.)
The sooner we get in the car, the sooner you can play Curator of the Wax Museum.
JONATHAN
Does that mean I can make a replica of you?
REBECCA
Get in the car, and you can have the real thing.
(Jonathan laughs as he grabs his last remaining things in the room.)
JONATHAN
Hey. I’m sorry. I don’t mean for you to think that I find your family unimportant. I—
REBECCA
It’s OK.
JONATHAN
That whole “forest through the trees” thing.
REBECCA
Sshh! I know.
(They look to each other for a moment.)
Got your phone?
JONATHAN
Yep.
REBECCA
Wallet?
JONATHAN
Yes.
REBECCA
Keys?
JONATHAN
Yes! Let’s go!
(They exit out the front door. Right after the front door closes, it opens again. JON enters. He steps inside and closes the door.)
BECK
(Offstage)
Is that you?
JON
(Putting his keys on the key ring by the door)
Who else?
(The door opens again, and JONATHAN enters.)
REBECCA
(Offstage)
I knew you’d forget them!
JONATHAN
Hush!
(JONATHAN grabs the keys off the key ring, and exits out the front door. BECK enters, ready for a night out.)
BECK
Well, don’t just stand there, go change.
JON
Not tonight. I’m exhausted.
BECK
Take a quick shower.
JON
It’s been a long week.
BECK
Which is even more reason to go out!
JON
I can’t even think about going out that door again. I need to sleep.
BECK
You spend all your time at the office, or here working as if you’re in the office. You need to get out.
JON
I need to sleep so I can get up early tomorrow.
BECK
Jon, babe, c’mon. You’re running yourself ragged.
JON
It all has to get done.
BECK
I told you going back to college full-time, and holding a full-time job were too much.
JON
So it’s my fault?
BECK
I didn’t say that.
JON
That’s what you meant.
BECK
I meant you knew this going in, and the importance of giving yourself some time to let off steam.
JON
Go with your friends. I don’t think I’d be the best date tonight.
BECK
You’re the only date for tonight.
(She embraces him. Beat.)
I’ll stay.
(She puts down her bag.)
JON
What? No. Go.
BECK
If you’re staying, I’m staying.
JON
I’m going straight to bed.
BECK
Then I guess I’m getting a good night’s rest.
(She goes to exit into the house, but he stops her.)
JON
You’re beautiful.
BECK
I know.
JON
Let’s go.
BECK
Out?
JON
That’s what we planned, isn’t it?
BECK
(Smiles)
It is.
(JON crosses and opens the door, reaches for his keys, but realizes they aren’t on the key ring. He begins patting down his pockets.)
JON
Wait. Where…where are my keys?
BECK
Did you lose them, again?
JON
No, I didn’t lose them, again!
BECK
You’re always setting them down. Are they in the lock?
JON
I am not, and no, they’re not.
BECK
We’ll just use mine and look for yours tomorrow.
JON
I need them.
BECK
Relax, we can—
JON
That ring has my office keys, and the keys to the computer lab, and—
BECK
Where could you have possibly put them since coming through the door?
JON
I don’t know.
BECK
You’ve only been in this room!
JON
I don’t know!
(Beat.)
Just go. I’ve got to find them, and I’m really not in a social mood.
BECK
Jon, I—
JON
You know I’m busy.
BECK
You never let me forget!
JON
Then stop asking me to go out!
(Beat.)
BECK
I can’t tell my friends you ditched. Again.
JON
Then don’t. Say I’m still at the office.
BECK
That’s what I always say.
JON
And it always works.
BECK
All right. If that’s what you want.
JON
It’s what we both need.
BECK
Sure.
(She grabs her things and heads to the door.)
Good night.
JON
Night.
(She exits, and he locks the door behind her. He then opens the door and checks to be sure his keys aren’t in the lock. He sighs.)
I need a shower.
(He exits upstairs. We hear faint sounds of a shower running. After a moment, the doorbell rings.)
JONATHAN
(Offstage)
Come in!
REBECCA
(Offstage)
It’s locked!
JONATHAN
(Offstage)
What? I said come in!
(Doorbell rings again. The shower stops.)
The door is unlocked! Hello?
(He enters the space wearing a towel.)
It’s unlocked! Just open the—oh.
(He unlocks the door, and opens it.)
Sorry, I swear I left it unlocked for—hello?
(There is no one at the door. He pokes his head out the door, seeing nothing. He comes back inside.)
What the—hey!
(Rebecca is in the living room, looking at him.)
How did you get in?
REBECCA
Back door. Key under the mat.
(She holds up the key in her hand.)
JONATHAN
That’s only for an emergency!
REBECCA
This is one! I urgently needed to see you naked.
JONATHAN
Is that right?
REBECCA
Apparently I came just in time.
JONATHAN
You are known for your timing.
REBECCA
That’s what all the men tell me.
(They kiss.)
Ever think about having kids?
JONATHAN
I might need a lot of practice.
REBECCA
What a shame. Guess we better review the steps, then.
(They kiss. She is holding the key in her hand still. BECK enters, and grabs the key from REBECCA’s hand. JON enters with her, clothed.)
BECK
It shouldn’t take too long
JON
Let me go with you.
BECK
Stay. You have work to do.
JON
I can make time for this.
BECK
It’s not your problem.
JON
And it’s not yours. It’s ours.
BECK
It’s… depressing.
JON
It’s not your fault. These things happen. To all kinds of people.
BECK
But what if… what if he says I can’t? Ever?
JON
We’ll cry together. But there are other options.
REBECCA
Like a dog? That’s not the same.
JON
We’ll get a thousand dogs.
(She laughs, and kisses him.)
BECK
I don’t want to go today.
JON
Stay in with me. We’ll go together first thing in the morning. Tonight… let’s watch a movie.
BECK
Which movie?
JON
Our movie.
BECK
Deal.
(They embrace.)
REBECCA
Let’s get to studying, though.
JONATHAN
Studying instead of having fun?
REBECCA
I’m taking a quill out of your porcupine, and going to get things done first, and celebrate later.
JONATHAN
How grown up of you.
REBECCA
And terribly boring.
JONATHAN
How much do you have to do?
REBECCA
Not a lot. Just a bit of reading, and then a review. Five page minimum.
JONATHAN
Double-spaced?
REBECCA
And twelve point.
JONATHAN
That’ll take you maybe thirty minutes.
REBECCA
But it’s so boring!
JONATHAN
Then do it tomorrow.
REBECCA
I never thought I’d live to see this day: you agreeing to not do work.
JONATHAN
The work you have is simple; it can wait. What would you rather do?
REBECCA
I don’t know. I feel like staying in.
JONATHAN
We could always put that movie in again.
REBECCA
We never finish it.
JONATHAN
Is that a bad thing?
REBECCA
Did I say that?
JONATHAN
I’ll put it in, then.
(He puts the movie in, and she sets her work aside so they can be on the couch.)
REBECCA
Just don’t talk along with the movie.
JONATHAN
I won’t make any promises.
REBECCA
I can’t get into the movie when you’re quoting it beside me while it happens.
JONATHAN
Well, after seeing it fourteen times…
REBECCA
We’ve tried watching it fourteen times? We really need to finish it.
JONATHAN
And whose fault is that?
REBECCA
Yours.
JONATHAN
Mine? Look at the goat calling the ram horny.
REBECCA
It’s not my fault that you can’t keep your mind on the movie.
JONATHAN
It’s not my fault that you look better without clothes on.
REBECCA
You’re terrible.
JONATHAN
You like it.
(He playfully tugs at her top. They laugh together in a flirtatious fight, him trying to get her to show some skin, and her trying to maintain decorum. After a brief exchange, she wins out and they are connected, either by holding hands or by him holding her in another way.)
REBECCA
We’re going to finish this movie.
JONATHAN
And if not, we’ll certainly finish something.
(They chuckle as they watch the movie. She sighs and eases into his body. She adjusts her head from discomfort.)
JONATHAN
What’s wrong?
REBECCA
Just slept wrong last night, and it hasn’t let up.
JONATHAN
Here. Let me help.
(He sits up.)
REBECCA
It’s okay.
JONATHAN
No, it’s not. Relax.
(He begins to massage her. She sighs deeply.)
REBECCA
That feels so good. I think I could live just on your touch.
JONATHAN
I think I could just let you.
(A moment passes. She turns to him.)
REBECCA
I...
JONATHAN
I know.
(JON and BECK are either still onstage, or they have exited and now re-enter.)
BECK
I just want to go to bed.
JON
It’s 6pm.
BECK
Which should tell you exactly how I’m feeling.
JON
You just got home!
BECK
Which should tell you exactly how my day was.
JON
Let me help. I haven’t given you a massage in ages. Sit down, and I’ll—
BECK
Really. I just want to go to bed.
(She goes to exit.)
JON
That’s too bad, because I was just about to make a couple deli meat sandwiches.
(She stops.)
BECK
With potato chips?
JON
I don’t know any other way.
(She walks past him.)
BECK
I love you.
JON
I know.
(They exit into the kitchen. JONATHAN and REBECCA have remained onstage.)
JONATHAN
Fourteen times. That’s a lot.
REBECCA
Shut up, or it’ll be fifteen unsuccessful attempts.
JONATHAN
Just really goes to show how often we hang out.
REBECCA
And most of our hang-outs are watching this over and over.
JONATHAN
Are you mad about it?
REBECCA
I didn’t say that. It’s just that… something’s been on my mind.
JONATHAN
And that is?
REBECCA
In the last two months, I think I’ve spent two nights in my own apartment.
JONATHAN
Do you want us to spend more time at your place?
REBECCA
With my roommate? No way. I just… to make things easier on me, how would you feel about me leaving some of my clothes and things here?
JONATHAN
That would definitely reduce your travel times.
REBECCA
Right. And I’d see you a little more, even. Which I’d like.
JONATHAN
I would, too.
REBECCA
Does that mean it’d be all right?
JONATHAN
Honestly, it doesn’t sound like the best plan.
(JON enters, with BECK behind. REBECCA and JONATHAN remain onstage.)
JON
What is with you, lately?
BECK
What do you mean?
JON
You keep looking at me like something’s wrong, and then I ask, and you say I’m imagining things. I can’t be imagining things all the time.
BECK
Nothing’s wrong.
JON
Then what’s right?
BECK
What?
JON
If nothing is wrong, then what is right? What’s going on?
REBECCA
What are you saying?
JONATHAN
It doesn’t make sense for you to leave some of your clothes here.
REBECCA
But I’m here all the time.
JONATHAN
Exactly.
REBECCA
Exactly what?
JONATHAN
You spend all of your time here, so all of your things should be here.
(Beat.)
REBECCA
Are you…
BECK
I don’t know how to say it.
JON
Then just say it.
BECK
Don’t be mad.
JON
Oh, God, what happened?
BECK
Nothing. It’s not bad.
JON
Then what is it?
(Beat.)
BECK
I’m pregnant.
REBECCA
Are you saying what I think you’re saying?
JONATHAN
Rebecca. Move in with me.
(They embrace.)
JON
This is the best news!
(They embrace.)
BECK
So you’re excited?
JON
Of course! How could I be anything but? We need to celebrate!
BECK
Should we tell our friends so soon? I mean, I’ve only been along for a few weeks.
JON
And you didn’t say anything?
BECK
I don’t want it to be a fluke! But I couldn’t hold it in any longer.
JON
We’ll celebrate here. By ourselves. We’ll have plenty of time to tell everyone else.
BECK
How?
JON
Let’s go try for twins.
(He leads her toward the bedroom.)
BECK
I don’t think that’s how it works.
JON
Only one way to find out.
(They exit.)
REBECCA
I can’t wait to tell everyone!
JONATHAN
What if they think it’s too fast?
REBECCA
Do you think it is?
JONATHAN
Maybe. But it feels right.
REBECCA
Then who cares what they think? This is perfect! I can be moved out and in here by the end of the month. I can’t wait to see my roommate’s face when I tell her. She just got into a relationship with this guy, Jere, and thinks the world of him. Always going on and on about him. I just want to hit her in her fat face. They’re at the bar on 63rd tonight! Let’s go meet them there!
JONATHAN
And hit her?
REBECCA
Right in her fat face!
JONATHAN
Does it have to be malicious, or can we just be happy to share the announcement?
REBECCA
I don’t see why we can’t do both.
JONATHAN
Are you really going to hit her?
REBECCA
In her—
JONATHAN & REBECCA
Fat face!
JONATHAN
All right, then…
(They exit out the front door, while JON and BECK enter from within the house.)
JON
And we can use the guest room for the baby’s room. We’ll just have to get a crib sometime soon.
BECK
Jon—
JON
My mother kept mine, and offered it, but I told her I wanted something more like a modern marvel, and less of a classic deathtrap.
BECK
Jon—
JON
And we can paint the room whatever color you’d like. I was thinking something neutral, something that didn’t say blue for boy and pink for girl, you know? Because who cares what—
BECK
Jon!
JON
What?
BECK
Take it easy. We still have a bit before we’re in the clear. It’s a sensitive time, and who knows what could happen.
JON
But I’m excited!
BECK
I am, too! But let’s keep calm. One step at a time. Okay?
JON
Okay.
(REBECCA and JONATHAN enter.)
REBECCA
Did you see her fat face? She’s so jealous!
JONATHAN
Glad you shared our big announcement for a good cause.
REBECCA
Oh, but she’s so full of herself! We did the world a great good in shutting her up.
JONATHAN
You know she’s going to convince him to let her move in after this.
REBECCA
But we did it first. That’s what matters!
JONATHAN
Grand gestures, you mean?
REBECCA
Yes! Were you not there? Did you not see her, and all of her fat face?
JONATHAN
Stop saying that! I’ve always thought it was the little things. You know, less about who’s moving in with whom, and more about who’s giving a sly wink from across the room.
REBECCA
(He holds her hands and carries them up to hold her face.)
Or who’s holding hands under the table?
JONATHAN
Or who’s only looking at one person out of a whole room of people.
(They kiss.)
BECK
Are you coming?
JON
No.
BECK
What do you mean, “no?”
JON
I’m staying in. I don’t want to see people.
BECK
I don’t want to either, but we have to go.
JON
Jere will understand why we’re not going.
BECK
That doesn’t mean she will. And it’s her birthday!
JON
We’ve been through enough without her narcissism.
BECK
She’s my best friend.
JON
You don’t even like her!
BECK
That’s not the point!
JON
You need some time away from people.
BECK
Don’t tell me what I need.
JON
Then don’t make stupid decisions.
BECK
You think you’re helping?
JON
More than you are.
BECK
As though life hasn’t been stressful enough, you just keep pushing things.
JON
I’m upset, too!
BECK
Then stop adding to the problem! I swear, it’s always something with you. You never want to go out, and I have to drag you to make an appearance, like some sort of celebrity who can’t be bothered.
JON
I’m busy with work!
BECK
And work is so much more important.
JON
I never said that.
BECK
You don’t have to!
JON
So you’re just going to put words in my mouth, then?
BECK
I’m going to put honest words in, yeah.
JON
Beck, I have things to do!
BECK
Fine. Stay home. Do what you want; you always do.
JON
Beck, you should rest. Stay in with me.
BECK
I already told them I’d be there. I have to go. They’ll worry.
JON
Why did you tell them that?
BECK
Because I need a distraction.
JON
You need to heal.
BECK
Same thing! You just keep talking and talking, and fighting... you just add stress! You want me to calm down? You want me to heal? Then leave me alone!
JON
That’s not what you want.
BECK
What did I just say?
JON
You’re not in the right mind.
BECK
So I’m crazy?
JON
That’s not what I said!
BECK
You implied it!
JON
You do this to yourself.
BECK
You do this to me!
(Beat.)
Come with me. Please.
JON
I can’t. I need to work.
BECK
Of course you do.
JON
Beck, I—
BECK
You say you want to help, but when I tell you how you refuse to do it.
JON
I have deadlines!
BECK
I’m more important than deadlines!
(She goes to exit, but he grabs her arm.)
Let go of me! This is your fault! All of this. You. You and your need to be catered to. Your refusal to change your life for someone else, always asking them to change themselves for you. You are not the only person in my life. And you’re sure as hell not acting like the one who loves me most.
JON
I may be focused on my work, but that’s because some of us know how to be adults. How to actually take care of themselves, and others.
BECK
There’s more to life than money!
JON
But we need money!
BECK
We need each other!
JON
You’re being reckless, and if you walk out there, don’t expect me to smile when you come home.
BECK
I’m going to that party. I’m going to drink. And I’m going to forget. With any luck, I’ll forget how to come home.
(She exits.)
JONATHAN
There’s a new position at work. That just opened up, I mean.
REBECCA
What about it? Do you want it?
JONATHAN
It’d be a great opportunity. And quite a large pay raise.
REBECCA
Money isn’t everything.
JONATHAN
I know. I just think what we could do with a little savings. We’re kind of starting a life together, you know?
REBECCA
You’re already at your wit’s end finding time for everything. You barely even call your mother anymore, you’re so busy with work.
JONATHAN
Well, I was also finishing up classes.
REBECCA
So you want to go right back into having no time for anything else? I’d like to see you more often than just when I turn over at night.
JONATHAN
I know. I’m sorry. I’ve just been trying to get overtime. But if I got this job, I wouldn’t need overtime.
REBECCA
But you’d still get it if you could.
JONATHAN
I mean, yeah, but—
REBECCA
That’s what I mean! There’s no stopping you. You need to take a step back. Can’t I have a little time with you to actually enjoy being a couple? Or are we trying to skip ahead to the worst parts of marriage already?
JONATHAN
It’s not like that. Please. I need you to be behind me on this.
REBECCA
I can’t get behind never seeing you.
JONATHAN
What if I promise to give you at least one weekend a month in which I won’t do work? Hmm?
REBECCA
One weekend? That’s it?
JONATHAN
At least. It’s a compromise!
(Beat.)
REBECCA
A whole weekend? Not partial hours, but a whole weekend?
JONATHAN
A whole weekend.
REBECCA
All right. If this means so much to you. But I need that whole weekend! I want to spend time with you, and not be jealous of your paperwork.
JONATHAN
Deal.
REBECCA
Can this weekend be the first guarantee?
JONATHAN
I have two documents to finish, then—
REBECCA
Jonathan.
JONATHAN
What’d you have in mind?
REBECCA
I was thinking about renovating the bathroom.
JONATHAN
The bathroom?
REBECCA
Yeah. Maybe spend the weekend seeing if the shower needs to replaced.
JONATHAN
What’s wrong with it?
REBECCA
I’m not convinced it can fit two people easily.
JONATHAN
But it—oh!
(They laugh and exit upstairs. JON is seated. A moment passes, and we hear keys outside the front door. The door opens, and BECK enters. There is silence for a moment.)
JON
Where have you been?
BECK
Out.
JON
With whom?
BECK
My roommate and Jere.
JON
She’s not your roommate anymore.
BECK
Yeah, well—
JON
Yeah, well, what?
BECK
Nothing.
JON
They’re doing better?
BECK
Yes. They’ve just moved in together. You’d know that if you had come to the party.
JON
I wish them better for it.
BECK
Better than us, you mean?
JON
Didn’t say that.
BECK
You never do.
(Beat.)
But it will be better for them. Jere is a great guy.
JON
Is he?
BECK
What’s that tone?
JON
What should it be?
BECK
He’s your friend.
JON
He is. Remember that.
BECK
Don’t be stupid.
JON
Why not? It works so well for you.
BECK
Don’t you have a book to be reading instead of lying awake, waiting to talk to me?
JON
Is that why you came home so late? So I’d be busy, or asleep?
BECK
I don’t have to come home late to not talk to you.
JON
Especially when you want to go out and talk to other men while I stay home.
BECK
If you’re so upset about it, come out with me.
JON
Some of us don’t have to go out all the time.
BECK
Some of us don’t need to always stay in.
JON
Some of us aren’t alcoholics.
BECK
Some of us aren’t workaholics.
(REBECCA and JONATHAN enter.)
JONATHAN
I know I’ve been busy lately. And I’m sorry. I don’t mean to ignore you all the time, I just honestly tune everything out.
REBECCA
I know.
JONATHAN
It’ll get better. Once I adjust to the new job.
REBECCA
At least you’re cute with your nose in a book.
JON
You could choose me over your friends.
BECK
You could choose to actually spend time with me when I’m home. You know, actually look up from your desk.
JON
One of us needs to be reliable, and stable. You don’t have the best track record.
BECK
Excuse me? Are you really blaming me for the mis—
JON
You have to admit you didn’t help yourself avoid it.
(There is silence.)
BECK
I shouldn’t have come home.
JON
I couldn’t tell you thought this was your home. Maybe you’d prefer being at Jere’s.
BECK
Maybe I would.
REBECCA
All right, I’ve got to go. Work calls for me, too, you know. I just keep it at the office.
JONATHAN
(Laughing)
Okay. I’ll work on this, and try to be done by the time you’re home.
REBECCA
Don’t try.
(She goes to the door, and opens it.)
JON
Well?
(There is silence. BECK exits through the opened door.)
REBECCA
And make sure you call your mom back.
JONATHAN
Shoot, that’s right.
REBECCA
She misses you. She’s worried about you, too.
JONATHAN
All right. Yeah. I’ll do it in a bit.
REBECCA
Do it now.
JONATHAN
But—
REBECCA
Jonathan.
JONATHAN
I’ll do it right now.
REBECCA
I’ll see you tonight.
JONATHAN
Looking forward to it.
(She exits. He picks up the phone and dials. During this phone call, JON is walking through the space, and taking in the memories.)
Hey, Mom!
(Beat.)
Yeah, it’s Jonny. How are you and Dad?
(Beat.)
What do you mean he’s out riding? He broke his leg two weeks ago. There’s no way the doctor approved him going back out there.
(Beat.)
He’s going to re-break it, you know that. Why are you letting him go?
(Beat.)
Of course you can stop him!
(Beat.)
Well, no, I don’t suppose he’d appreciate it, but… I guess. He’s always been a bit of a wild one, hasn’t he? How have you put up with him so long?
(Beat.)
Oh, gross! I don’t want to hear about that, Mom!
(Laughs.)
No, I don’t have a husband to tell you gross stories about.
(Beat.)
I know, I know! No, I’m not seeing anyone. But that might change. I have a date tonight.
(Beat.)
No, I’m not making this up!
(Beat.)
Yes, Mom. A real girl. You ever think this is why I never mention dates to you?
(Beat.)
She’s about my age. We met in class!
(Beat.)
No, she’s less into the job, and more into the lifestyle she can get from it, I think. Not everyone needs money saved up, Mom.
(Beat.)
She is not like Dad. She seems—well, I guess I don’t know how she seems; this is our first date. But she’s great! She’s always has the best commentary in class, she’s super smart without even needing to study, and she always has this great energy about her. And her hair… nevermind. But when I asked her out—
(Beat.)
Okay, so she asked me, who cares?
(The doorbell rings.)
Shoot, that’s her! I’m going to have to let you go, Mom.
(JON opens the door. BECK is at the door. They share a silent moment.)
JON
Where are your keys?
BECK
I left them.
JON
Where?
BECK
I don’t remember.
(She comes in, and they move away from the door, closing it. Doorbell rings again.)
JONATHAN
Really, Mom, I’ve got to go.
(Beat.)
Do you want me to go on this date or not?
(Beat.)
I’m trying to be calm about this, but—
(Beat.)
You’re never going to have those grandchildren if you don’t shut up!
(Beat.)
Okay. I love you, too. Bye.
(He hangs up the phone and goes to the door. He opens it, and REBECCA is there.)
REBECCA
I was starting to think I had the wrong place.
JONATHAN
Sorry, I was on the phone.
REBECCA
Another woman?
JONATHAN
My mother.
(Beat.)
I should’ve lied, and said it was another woman.
(She laughs, and it causes him to join in.)
REBECCA
I’m going to choose to find it endearing.
JONATHAN
Thank God.
REBECCA
You ready?
JONATHAN
Yeah! Where are we headed?
REBECCA
Let’s find out.
(They exit. There is a silence between JON and BECK.)
BECK
I’m sorry.
JON
About?
BECK
The keys.
JON
We can replace those.
BECK
It’s the principle.
JON
I understand.
BECK
I didn’t mean to say the keys. Well, I did, but—
JON
I know.
BECK
Yeah.
(Beat.)
JON
What if I hadn’t been here?
BECK
You’re always here.
JON
What if I hadn’t answered?
BECK
You always answer.
JON
I can’t keep answering.
BECK
I can’t keep coming home.
JON
So you think this is home?
BECK
I don’t have other options.
JON
I’m not forcing you to live here.
BECK
What do you expect me to do?
JON
I don’t know; enjoy it!
BECK
You first.
JON
Give me a reason to.
BECK
Stop being a dick, and I will.
JON
This isn’t my fault.
BECK
Well, it sure as hell isn’t mine!
JON
You’re the one who leaves.
BECK
You may physically be here, but you’re farther away than I am!
JON
You know I have a lot of work to do in my life.
BECK
And I have an actual life!
JON
This is so stupid…
BECK
Why? Because you’re not in the right?
JON
You’re not, either!
BECK
Stop being jealous of what I do!
JON
Jealous? Of going out and getting so smashed I lose my keys, and having to pray that I’ll be able to somehow get in?
BECK Don’t look at me with that smug arrogance. You’re such a prick.
JON
I didn’t push you out the door.
BECK
You didn’t try to keep me in, either.
JON
I shouldn’t have to fight for you.
BECK
(Suddenly very loud.)
You should always be fighting!
(Beat.)
JON
There’s nothing to fight for.
BECK
There’s everything.
JON
We don’t even have sex anymore.
BECK
I got over that.
JON
Of course you did; you were the one who stopped it.
BECK
I was going through a lot after what happened!
JON
Six months is more than enough time!
BECK
You’re right. I was fine. You were just too small for me.
JON
You just want blood, don’t you?
BECK
I’m willing to bleed, yes.
JON
To bleed? You’ve made no sacrifices for us in—
BECK
None? None? Choosing to give all my time to you is more than enough sacrifice.
JON
I slave at my job to make a life for us, and you throw it away!
BECK
You keep talking about that! Is there nothing else? I’m so tired of hearing how jealous you are.
JON
Of you? Yes, I desperately wish when your friends ask what I’m doing with my life that you had to lie, because the truth was too awful to admit.
BECK
You’d have to actually have friends first.
JON
Forgive me for focusing on us!
BECK
On us? When is our wedding day?
(Beat.)
JON
Beck, I—
BECK
You can’t even remember when we’re getting married! But you remember the date of the next company picnic!
JON
See! You’re obsessing over the same issue, too!
BECK
Some things are too important to let go!
JON
I know! Why do you think I haven’t kicked you out?
(Beat.)
That… that came out wrong.
BECK
No, it didn’t. You said what you meant.
JON
I’m sorry. I don’t mean that. It’s just hard, and I love you, but—
(Silence. They see eye-to-eye.)
So what do we do?
BECK
What we have to. Nothing else we can do.
JON
Beck, please, we can—
BECK
We can’t keep this up. You know it’s for the best.
JON
That doesn’t mean I want it.
BECK
Doesn’t mean I do, either. But that’s not up to us, anymore.
JON
Stay. At least tonight. We’ll talk in the morning, after we’ve been able to sleep.
BECK
Neither of us will be sleeping. I need to go.
(She goes to the door.)
JON
Where are you going to go? Jere and—?
BECK
Yeah. It’ll be fine.
JON
Sure. Yeah.
(She opens the door.)
Beck. I love you.
BECK
I love you, too. I wish that were enough.
(She takes her engagement ring off, and gives it to him. They share a moment.)
JON
Good night.
BECK
Good night.
(She exits. He closes the door behind her. He takes in the moment, the space, and exits into the house. After a bit, we hear keys and giggling outside the door.)
JONATHAN
(Offstage)
Shh! You’re going to wake the neighbors!
REBECCA
(Offstage)
So? Let them hear!
(The door opens, and JONATHAN and REBECCA enter.)
JONATHAN
C’mon. Get in here, quick!
REBECCA
Are you embarrassed by me already?
JONATHAN
It’ll take more than one date to do that.
REBECCA
Who said you’d get more than one?
JONATHAN
Trying to scare me?
REBECCA
Just warning you. I don’t want you to fall too hard and fast, you know. You could get hurt.
JONATHAN
I’ll try my best.
REBECCA
So, do you always invite girls into your place after the first date?
JONATHAN
You’re special.
REBECCA
That didn’t answer the question.
(They laugh.)
Not wasting any time, are we?
JONATHAN
None to be wasted.
(He goes toward her for a kiss.)
REBECCA
Nuh-uh! Not yet. I’m all for not wasting time, but I also want you to sweat it out a little.
JONATHAN
Fair. Well, in that case, can I get you a drink?
REBECCA
So you can hooch me up to pry open my lips? I get your game. Move along.
JONATHAN
You make me sound awful.
REBECCA
Nah. You’re missing the part where I like it.
JONATHAN
So that’s a yes?
REBECCA
That’s a “not yet.”
JONATHAN
So no kissing, no drinking… you’re taking all the normal date things away, aren’t you?
REBECCA
I don’t know. What else is there?
JONATHAN
I could put on music, and we could dance.
REBECCA
Yeah?
(She approaches him.)
JONATHAN
Absolutely.
REBECCA
Which would lead to what?
JONATHAN
Who knows?
(They lean toward each other. She then pushes him away before their lips touch.)
REBECCA
Too cliché.
JONATHAN
I thought girls liked that!
REBECCA
I was wrong. Not cliché. Sexist.
JONATHAN
Then what do you want?
REBECCA
Make me a sandwich.
JONATHAN
A sandwich?
REBECCA
I’m sorry, is that the woman’s job?
JONATHAN
(Laughing)
What kind do you want?
REBECCA
What’s your specialty?
JONATHAN
Follow me and see.
REBECCA
You actually have a specialty?
JONATHAN
You asked.
REBECCA
I was kidding!
(They exit into the kitchen. The doorbell rings. JON enters, and answers the door. BECK is at the door.)
JON
You have your key back. You could’ve let yourself in.
BECK
No. That’s not applicable anymore. Neither is the key.
(She hands it back to him).
JON
If that’s what you want.
BECK
I don’t want it. We need it.
JON
Yeah.
(Silence.)
BECK
I’m…
JON
I know. I am, too.
(Beat.)
When are they going to come by help you move?
BECK
A couple weeks from now. I’m sorry, I wish it could be sooner, but I can’t afford a truck, and—
JON
It’s fine. I don’t mind your stuff still being here for a while. I’m kind of used to it.
BECK
Yeah. Me, too.
(Beat.)
I heard you went out last night with Jere.
JON
Yeah! Finally went outside without my files.
BECK Sounded like you two had fun.
JON
We did! You should’ve met us!
BECK
I thought about it. But I needed to finish some work. Deadlines can’t always be pushed back, you know?
JON
Oh, I know.
(They laugh.)
BECK
Listen, I should get going. Just wanted to drop the key off.
JON
Oh, sure! Yeah. Busy day?
BECK
Yeah, I’m going to—it doesn’t matter. It was nice to see you.
JON
Yeah.
(She turns to leave.)
Beck.
BECK
Yeah?
(She turns back. JONATHAN embraces her. She is taken off guard, but then releases into it. They share this embrace for a time. JONATHAN and REBECCA enter with sandwiches, and JON and BECK exit.)
REBECCA
You eat this?
JONATHAN
It’s better than you think.
REBECCA
It’s a deli cold cut with potato chips and mayo.
JONATHAN
I didn’t say it was fancy.
REBECCA
I bet you eat bologna with ketchup, too.
JONATHAN
You know me so well already!
REBECCA
Oh, God, gross.
JONATHAN
C’mon! Eat it!
REBECCA
It’s so… disgusting.
JONATHAN
Just do it!
REBECCA
You’re not pranking me, are you? Like, if I eat this, you’re not going to laugh, and throw yours away?
JONATHAN
Promise.
(JON and BECK enter, holding hands.)
BECK
I guess that’s everything.
JON
Yeah. Finally. Who knew you had so much stuff?
BECK
I did.
JON
Why didn’t you say anything?
BECK
Because I forgot.
(They give each other a knowing look.)
JONATHAN
This is it!
REBECCA
All right…
(She and he take a bit at the same time. After a moment, her face turns to surprise.)
This is… surprisingly good.
JONATHAN
I told you!
REBECCA
You can’t blame me for not wanting it! Look at it!
(A car horn is heard.)
BECK
That’s them.
JON
Tell them hi for me.
BECK
Come out, and say it yourself.
JON
Another time.
BECK
Sure.
REBECCA
Stop it!
(JONATHAN is trying to kiss REBECCA.)
You’re covered in cold cut juice and mayo!
JONATHAN
Embrace it!
REBECCA
You can’t make me!
BECK
Jon?
JON
Yeah?
BECK
It wasn’t all bad, was it?
JON
Not bad at all.
(REBECCA and JONATHAN kiss. BECK goes to exit.)
JON
Tell me it’s not for forever.
BECK
I could never leave you forever.
(They share a moment. BECK exits. JON watches through the open door. JONATHAN and REBECCA finish kissing, and their laughter brings down the lights.)
END OF PLAY
