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Scarcity.

Authors: Thurber, Lucy

Source: American Theatre. Dec2007, Vol. 24 Issue 10, p59-75. 15p.

Document Type: Article

Subjects: SCRIPTS
THURBER, Lucy

Abstract: This article presents the script of the play "Scarcity," by Lucy Thurber.

Lexile: 360

Full Text Word 12820

Count:

ISSN: 8750-3255

Accession 27669652
Number:

Scarcity

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Section:
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PLAYSCRIPT
CHARACTERS

MARTHA LAWRENCE: Mid to late 30s, Herb's wife, Rachel and Billy's mother

HERB LAWRENCE: Mid to late 30s, Martha's husband

BILLY LAWRENCE: 16 years old, Rachel's brother

RACHEL LAWRENCE: 11 years old, Billy's sister

LOUIE MARINO: Late 30s, Martha's cousin

GLORIA MARINO: 30s, Louie's wife

ELLEN ROBERTS: 20s, Billy's teacher

TIME
The Present

PLACE
The Hill Towns, Western Massachusetts

The Lawrences enjoy a little family time in Scarcity at the Atlantic Theater Company, with, from
left, Meredith Brandt, Kristen Johnston, Jesse Eisenberg and Michael T. Weiss.
 Martha (Kristen Johnston) and Herb (Michael T. Weiss) reminisce about their marriage's salad
days.

ACT ONE
SCENE ONE
Lights up on a rundown apartment in a small Western Massachusetts town. A living room and
kitchen. All the way up left is a door that leads to the outside which enters into the living room.
Further down stage left is a door that leads offstage into Martha and Herb's bedroom. The living
room is fake-wood paneled and brown, dirty. Torn furniture. The kitchen is filled with dirty yellow
linoleum. Upstage is the sink and stove. Center in the kitchen is a table and chairs. A wall
divides the living room and kitchen and there is a doorframe down center stage. Upstage right
next to the sink is a door leading offstage into Rachel's bedroom. As the lights come up, Rachel
sits in the living room and Martha sits next to her. Martha is smoking a cigarette and drinking a
beer. Rachel is doing her best to ignore her mother. Martha holds out a pack of tarot cards
toward her daughter: Beat.

RACHEL: Mom, I'm tired. I don't want to do this today.

MARTHA: Girl, you don't know what tired is. I burst into tears again today at work. Kim noticed
and sent me to the back. I'm afraid she'll fire me.

RACHEL: She'll never fire you. You work too hard.

MARTHA: I do. I do work hard.

RACHEL: Right. So why would she fire you?

MARTHA: Because while I'm working I'm also weeping in the corner.
RACHEL: Are you making a joke?

MARTHA: No.

RACHEL: I thought you were making a joke.

MARTHA: I need to hear something to make me feel better. I'm feeling crazy and I just might kill
myself. How would that make you feel?

RACHEL: Bad, obviously, Mother.

MARTHA: That was a joke.

RACHEL: I know.

MARTHA: Then why aren't you laughing?

RACHEL: Because I didn't think it was funny. You're starting to make me nervous. I'm just sitting
here trying to relax.

MARTHA: Well I want to relax too.

RACHEL: Then why don't you ?

MARTHA (Holding out the tarot cards again): Why don't you help me?

RACHEL: Fine. Shuffle them.

Martha does.

RACHEL: Take your left hand and put them into three piles.

Martha does.

RACHEL: Now put them back together any way you'd like.

Martha finishes and Rachel picks up the cards, fanning them out.

RACHEL: Pick a card, Mom.

Martha does and Rachel takes it from her.

RACHEL: Your denominator for this reading.

(Holding up the card)

MARTHA: Figures it's the Fool.

RACHEL (Laying out the cards): The Fool's my favorite card Ma. Look at his little flute and his
little dog. He's walking along a cliff and he's safe. The sun is shining, the sky is clear. It looks like
he's having fun. The Fool is protected by innocence.

MARTHA: Who says innocence is a good thing.

RACHEL: I do.

MARTHA: And you're my little authority.

RACHEL: Yes Mom, I am. You chose the Fool as your denominator, which means that despite
everything, you are innocent and hopeful.

MARTHA: Innocent and hopeful equals stupid and dumb, skip to the outcome.

RACHEL: Mom

MARTHA (Picking up the final card and holding it out to Rachel): The eight of swords

RACHEL: Mom cut the shit. Do you want me to do this or not?

MARTHA: Look at this idiot. She's blindfolded, walkin' in a river through a forest of swords, she
gonna get the shit cut out of her.

RACHEL: The card doesn't mean anything on its own, you know that, Mom.

MARTHA: Everything means something on its own and that my love, is a fact of life.

Louie and Herb enter stage left through the front door. Louie is dressed in a police uniform. Herb
is in handcuffs. Pause.

MARTHA: Louie?

LOUIE: I brought him home.

MARTHA: Yeah?

RACHEL: Hi Daddy.

HERB: Hi baby.

MARTHA: Take those fuckin' things off him.

LOUIE: Martha

MARTHA: What'd you do now you son of a bitch? Take them off, Louie.
LOUIE (Taking off the handcuffs): I expect you to look after him.

MARTHA: Yeah?

LOUIE: I expect you to keep our name good in this town. I don't expect to pick him up in front of
Charlie's, fistfighting. You married him. You keep him indoors. You hear me?!

MARTHA: I hear you, Louie.

LOUIE: You look at my shirt. Covered in his puke.

Herb sits down.

HERB (To Rachel): Come sit on your father's lap.

MARTHA: Stay away from him. Oh Herbie

(Smacks the top of Herb's head)

HERB: Jesussomebody get me a beer. Rachel get your father a beer and come sit on my lap.

MARTHA: Leave her alone Herbert. Get your own damn beer. I'm making you a cup of coffee.
She crosses into the kitchen. Louie follows her.

LOUIE: Get me one while you're at it.

Living room:

RACHEL: Finish Mom's beer, Daddy. (Hands him Martha's beer)

HERB: You got a nice ass, for a kid your age. You're gonna be a real beauty. That's not what I
meant to say.

RACHEL: What'd you mean to say?

HERB: You're a good girl. You're a smart kid. Am I boring you?

RACHEL: A little. You always say the same things.

HERB: When I was a little boy, I did well in school. I like to think, that part of me's in you. That's
not what I meant to say either. You're a pretty little girl, give your father a kiss

Kitchen:

MARTHA: Don't start with your shit Herb.

Living room:

HERB: Nothing wrong with a father wanting a little affection from his daughter.

Kitchen:

LOUIE: You know I love you Martha. You know I've always loved you. Look at this piece of shit
you married. Look at him!

MARTHA: I know what he looks like. I look at him every day.

LOUIE: So do I. So does everyone in town unfortunately.

MARTHA: Go on now Louie. Thanks for bringing him home. Everything's under control now

LOUIE: You gotta take a look at your life don't you? I got work to do. Unlike some people around
here, I act like a man. I have a job. Don't I Martha?

Crossing back to the living room with Herb's coffee, Louie follows her.

MARTHA: Of course you do, Louie. We all know you got a job. Herb?

HERB: Huh?

MARTHA: Herb don't we know Louie's got a job?

LOUIE: Shit! I don't have time for this. I'm on duty.

Louie exits stage left. Pause. Martha takes the beer away from Herb and hands him the cup of
coffee.

HERB (To Rachel): Stand right here.

MARTHA: Aww leave her alone, Herbert.

RACHEL: I'm right here, Pop.

HERB: No, stand right here.

RACHEL: Daddy. I'm right here.

HERB: You know what I like about you baby girl?

RACHEL: Sure Daddy.

HERB: You know it didn't mean nothing the way Louie dropped me off.
RACHEL: I know Daddy.

HERB: He's got a job to do like anyone else.

RACHEL: I know Daddy.

HERB: We been buddies all our lives.

RACHEL: You told me that Daddy.

HERB: Things sure do get dark don't they?

RACHEL: Sometimes.

HERB: Things sure do shift about.

MARTHA: Yeah, things are shifting about all rightYou're lucky that Louie's my cousin.
Otherwise he would have thrown your ass right in jail. Then what, you worthless son of a bitch?

RACHEL: Did the handcuffs give bruises, Daddy?

HERB: A few.

RACHEL: Can I see?

HERB (Holding up his wrist): What do you see?

Rachel touches his bruises lightly with one finger.

RACHEL: You must have been really mad, Daddy.

HERB: Sometimes that happens.

RACHEL: You were choking huh?

HERB: Choking to death.

RACHEL: I'm sorry, Daddy. I'm sorry it comes down like that in your head.

She strokes his forehead.

HERB: Kiss me Rachel.

RACHEL: Just once. So your headache will go away.

She kisses him on the forehead.

RACHEL: Feel better?

MARTHA: Jesus Christ, Rachel.

RACHEL: What? I'm just trying to make him feel better.

MARTHA: He doesn't deserve to feel better. Come on.

She hoists Herb up, putting his arm around her shoulder to support him.

MARTHA: You're going to bed. (Hands Rachel the coffee cup)

She lugs Herb offstage into their bedroom. Rachel looks after them for a moment and then goes
into the kitchen and puts the cup in the sink. Billy enters through the front door. He has a black
eye.

RACHEL (Calling from the kitchen): Billy, that you?

BILLY: Yeah. (Crosses to the kitchen)

RACHEL: There's coffee, you want some?

BILLY: Yeah.

RACHEL (Fuming to look at him): Shit

BILLY: Yeah. (Sits at the kitchen table)

RACHEL (Bringing him coffee): What happened?

BILLY: Charlie Pratt.

RACHEL: That fuckin' kid

BILLY: I know.

RACHEL: He's such a pussy.

BILLY: Yeah, and I let him know it too.

RACHEL: You make him cry?

BILLY: Like a little baby.

RACHEL: Good.

BILLY: I got no friends left, Rach.

RACHEL: They're all stupid anyway.

BILLY: Are we sure?

RACHEL: We're sure, Billy.

BILLY: I don't even like the Progressive that much.

RACHEL: Charlie Pratt, all those guys, they're just jealous.

BILLY: What are they jealous of, Rach? And don't say me.

RACHEL: That you're gonna go somewhere.

BILLY: And where is that?

RACHEL: What did Miss Roberts say today?

BILLY: Nothing special.

RACHEL: Did she talk about New York again?

BILLY: No.

RACHEL: What did she talk about then?

BILLY: Colorado, a trip she took to Colorado.

RACHEL: Why did she go to Colorado?

BILLY: Some music festival.

RACHEL: Did she say the mountains were high?

BILLY: Yeah. She said she got altitude sickness.

RACHEL: Crazy.

BILLY: Yeah.

RACHEL: Did you talk to her about me today?

BILLY: No. My eye hurts. Can you get me some ice?

RACHEL: We're out of ice, Mom didn't refill the ice trays. You promised you'd talk to her about
me every day.
BILLY: Rachel, you got like four years or something before you're even eligible for Progressive
can you give it a rest?

RACHEL: It's different what she thinks. She's not from around here. She sees different.

BILLY: Different than what?

RACHEL: Don't start pretending to be stupid with me, Billy. It's boring when you do that.

BILLY: Well you're boring the shit out of me right now. My eye is swelling up or haven't you
noticed and there isn't any ice?

RACHEL: Don't get mad.

BILLY: I'm not mad.

RACHEL: You're mad 'cause I was ignoring you.

BILLY: You're ignoring my eye. I'm injured.

Rachel goes to the sink and wets a cloth and goes back to Billy.

RACHEL: I'm going to be genie but you have to hold still.

BILLY: I will.

RACHEL: Tip your head back.

Billy does and Rachel gently washes his black eye.

RACHEL: You're right, this is pretty nasty, Billy.

BILLY: I know that.

RACHEL: Just hold still.

Beat as she washes.

BILLY: That feels good, Rach.

Pause.

RACHEL: I know you miss your friends. But you have me.

BILLY (Smiling at her): I know, Rach.

RACHEL: I know I'm not enough, but

BILLY: You do okay. It's just different for you. You're alwaysyou knowtrying to get, trying to
move forward, fastdo you know what I mean?

RACHEL: No.

BILLY: You do.

RACHEL: I don't.

BILLY: Me, I just like getting out. Me and Charlie Pratt, we used to get out, you know? Have a
couple of beers, drive around

RACHEL: That's not getting

BILLY: You're not listening, not really. It would be okay if we weren't exactly the same. I do
things because, I like out any way I can get it and you

RACHEL: What?

BILLY: You want everything to mean something.

Martha enters from the bedroom and crosses to the kitchen.

MARTHA: BillyYou're late.

BILLY: Yeah.

MARTHA: Yeah? Well, Louie had to bring your father home.

BILLY: Louie brings my father home almost every day.

MARTHA: You talking smart?

BILLY: No.

MARTHA: Why weren't you here?

BILLY: No reason.

MARTHA: No reason huh? What's wrong with your face?

BILLY: Nothing.

MARTHA: Fighting again.

BILLY: So?
MARTHA: So? So?! When you go to school, you're supposed to be a good boy. You are my
good boy. You are not my bad boy.

BILLY: I know.

MARTHA: What are all those nice kids from up on the hill gonna think with you fighting like that,
huh?

BILLY: I don't know.

MARTHA: You don't know. You don't know. Let me tell you something young man, you be
grateful you got some brains. Not everyone gets brains you know?

BILLY: I know.

MARTHA: You know? You know? You don't know. When you gonna start acting like a man,
that's what I want to know? Herb enters from the bedroom and crosses to the kitchen to get
himself a beer.

MARTHA (Seeing Herb): Aren't you passed out yet?

HERB: Nope. (Gets his beer)

MARTHA: Herb come on, enough is enough already.

HERB (To Billy): You got a shiner.

BILLY: Yeah.

HERB: You give 'um hell?

BILLY: Sure Pop.

HERB: That's my boy.

He takes his beer back to the living room and sits down. Martha has made herself a cup of
coffee. She sits at the kitchen table and lights herself a cigarette. Louie reenters from the front
door, through the living room to the kitchen, carrying grocery bags.

LOUIE: Shit Martha, you got me so pissed off, I was halfway home before I realized, I meant to
give you something.

HERB: Like what? A kick in the ass.

LOUIE: Shut up Herb, nobody's talking to you.

He enters the kitchen and places the groceries on the table.

MARTHA: Oh Louie! Thank you.

She hugs him.

LOUIE: Martha, take a look at this. What you see here?

Louie begins taking things out of the bags and putting them on kitchen table. Rachel goes back
into the living room and looks at her father.

MARTHA: Steak you got me steak. Bless your little heart Lonie! Billy look, it's steak. Hey Herb
you want some steak for dinner?

Rachel goes and gets her tarot cards and begins laying them out on the coffee table. Herb sits
watching his daughter.

RACHEL (To Herb): Hey Dad, I'm gonna read your fortune.

HERB: Why don't you get me another beer while your mother's not looking?

RACHEL: No, I'm gonna read your fortune.

HERB: You know you don't have to do that shit with me kid.

Kitchen:

LOUIE (Pulling more things out of the bags and putting them on the table): And cereal, and milk.
Bread, cheese, a little sandwich meat. And something for you, Billy.

BILLY: Yeah? You got me something?

LOUIE (Pulling a box of Hostess CupCakes out of the bag): I remembered you liked these, I
thought you might want something sweet with your lunch.

BILLY: Wowyou got me the big box.

LOUIE: Yeah.

BILLY (Sarcastic): Thank you, I just love these.

LOUIE: I know. I remembered.

BILLY: Momma look, you want one?

MARTHA: You go ahead. Louie you bring me potatoes?

LOUIE: Yes. What's steak without potatoes?

MARTHA: Well then. I'm making dinner. I'm making us a real dinner and you're staying aren't
you Louie?

LOUIE: I can't think of anything I'd like to do more. Billy, you wanna help me peel these
potatoes?

BILLY: I'd love to. You're the best, Louie.

LOUIE: Where's Rachel? I got something for her too.

MARTHA: Rachel! Louie bought you something special. Don't you wanna know what he got
you? (Whispering to Louie) What you get her?

Louie pulls a huge jar of pickles out of the bag.

LOUIE: Have I pleased you, Martha?

MARTHA: More than I can say. Rachel wait till you see what Louie brought you. It's your
favorite. We're gonna have a real good meal tonight boy.

Living room:

RACHEL (Looking at her cards; to Herb): You're a lonely man.

HERB: Common knowledge.

RACHEL: You're ashamed.

HERB: Actually, that's where you're wrong. I've never been ashamed. You got something to say
to me girl, don't use those cards.

RACHEL: You should be ashamed. You hear him in there?

HERB: I hear him.

RACHEL: The way he's talking to her.

HERB: So.

RACHEL: This is your house. (Looking down at her cards) I'm gonna tell you what's in store for
you.

HERB: I know what's in store for me. What's it say in there about you?
Rachel looks at him.

HERB: You're afraid of that. You should take a look.

RACHEL (Looking at her cards): I can find it, I can pinpoint the exact day, the time, when you
decided to give up hope.

HERB: Now you want me hoping for things. You're such a crazy kid.

He stands and ruffles the bait on bet bead, then exits to the bedroom. Martha enters from the
kitchen.

MARTHA: What you doing girl?

RACHEL: Nothing.

Rachel gathers up the cards.

MARTHA: Come see all the groceries. We got enough for a whole week. Billy got cupcakes.
(Whispering to her) Sweetie he got you pickles. The biggest jar I ever seen. I want you to go in
there and thank him.

RACHEL: Why?

MARTHA: Rachel, you know how much food stamps we got left for this month? Five dollars.
Five fuckin' dollars. And you know what that means. Now, I'm asking you, please go in there and
thank your cousin for the food he brought us.

RACHEL: He ain't my cousin. He's yours.

MARTHA: Rachel, you're heading for a beating if you're not careful.

RACHEL: Mom, the future is more than a week away. When are you going to

MARTHA: Go thank Louie

RACHEL: No.

MARTHA: You go thank Louie, right now!

RACHEL: No.

MARTHA: I'm giving you one more chance. Get up and thank your cousin.

Pause.
RACHEL: Louie sure does love you Ma.

MARTHA (Grabbing Rachel and shaking her): You think I work 50 hours a week for you not to
do what I say? You better do what I say. You better respect me. 'Cause I'm the only thing
keeping you alive. Putting clothes on your back. You're embarrassing the shit out of me.

RACHEL (Breaking free from Martha): Take a look at yourself, Ma! Louie and Billy come and
stand in the doorframe between the kitchen and living room.

MARTHA: Don't make me beat the shit out of you.

RACHEL (Raising her fists): Come on, give it a try! I dare you!

MARTHA: Don't you ever speak to your mother like that!

RACHEL: I'll talk any way I want to!

LOUIE: Martha, shut that girl up. Send her to her room or something. Jesus. I'm putting the
potatoes on.

He turns back into the kitchen.

Blackout.

SCENE TWO
A week later Billy and Ellen enter the living room.

ELLEN (Looking around apartment, not sure what to say or do): So this is where you live?

BILLY: Yeah. Thanks for driving me home.

ELLEN: It beats walking doesn't it?

BILLY: It's only a mile and a half.

ELLEN: It's winter.

BILLY: Keeps me healthy. Can I get you something? Coffee, water, a beer?

ELLEN: A beer?

BILLY: Sure, we got beers.

ELLEN: I'm fine, thank you. So, I've got to commentthat's quite a shiner.

BILLY: Yeah. Impressive, right?

ELLEN: I saw you hitting Charlie Pratt in the parking lot last Tuesday.

BILLY: I wasn't hitting him, he was hitting me. I mean, I finished what he started but

ELLEN: I thought the two of you were good friends.

BILLY: Charlie's nobody.

ELLEN: Nobody, huh? He's somebody or else you wouldn't be able to fight him, would you? I
mean he wasn't a ghost was he? (Beat) That was a joke, Billy.

BILLY: Oh.

ELLEN: I know he upset you. I know the two of you are close.

BILLY: I wasn't upset

ELLEN: You weren't?

BILLY: No. And we aren't close.

ELLEN: I know you know violence is never the answer?

BILLY: Sure.

ELLEN: I mean we all want to just haul off and hit someone sometimes, that's called being
human. But wanting is not doing. I was frightened for the both of you. I was afraid you'd hurt
each other.

BILLY: Sorry.

ELLEN: You don't have to be sorry.

BILLY: Okay.

ELLEN: I've never hit anyone.

BILLY: Oh.

ELLEN: I don't think hitting is ever the answer but I bet it can feel very good just to let go and
punch. Did it feel good, Billy?

BILLY: I had to remind him who I was.

ELLEN: And who is that?

BILLY: I'm not one of these rich kids from up on the hill. I'm from town for fuck sakes. Hell, he
knows my family, he's spent time in my house. It's not like I'm suddenly like the other kids in
Progressive. I feel invisible all day.

ELLEN: I know. I see it

BILLY: I liked it better when everything was normal. It sucked, but it was normal.

ELLEN: You're doing very well though.

BILLY: Am I?

ELLEN: Yes, you're in the top quarter of the class.

BILLY: No shit?

ELLEN: I'll tell you a secret, Billy. I'm going to sit down.

BILLY: Okay.

Ellen sits on the couch. Billy lights a cigarette.

Beat.

ELLEN: When you come to school tomorrow and you sit in your first-period class, look around
you. First, you'll see a bunch of kids who are dressed better than you, they come from better
homes, their parents drive better cars, but I want you to keep looking. Look harder, then you'll
see they come from a small town just like you. They're not smarter than you, they're not better
looking

BILLY: No?

ELLEN: No. In fact, the more you look, the more you'll realize you have something they don't.

BILLY: Really, like what?

ELLEN: They always expected to be sitting in the talented-and-gifted program, they expected it,
their parents expected it--it's average for them, it's their normal. Not one of them knows what it's
worth. But you Billy, nobody ever expected you to be sitting where you're sitting and you know
exactly what it's worth. And when you know what something's worth you can make it take you
anywhere you want to go. Where do you want to go, Billy? You want to go somewhere, don't
you?

Pause. They look at each other:

BILLY: You sure I can't get you something to drink?

ELLEN: I'm fine, thank you.

BILLY: So how do you like teaching here so far Miss Roberts?

ELLEN: I like it very much. Would you mind putting that out?

BILLY (Putting his cigarette out): Really, I don't know why anybody would want to come here.
Where did you teach before?

ELLEN: I didn't, I was in school. This is my first job.

BILLY: I wouldn't have known. You're a very good teacher.

ELLEN: Thank you.

BILLY: So, where were you in school before?

ELLEN: I went to NYU undergrad and then to Columbia for graduate school.

BILLY: That's a lot of school.

ELLEN: It is. I loved New York though, I miss it sometimes.

BILLY: I'm sure you do. I miss it and I've never been there.

ELLEN: You should go. You'd love it. "The city that never sleeps."

BILLY: I've heard that.

ELLEN: It's true.

Pause.

ELLEN: But I really do like it here. Small-town America. I like the closeness of the people,
everybody knows everyone else.

BILLY: That's for sure.

ELLEN: I've always wanted to work in education. My father's a law professor at Harvard.

BILLY: That's nice.

ELLEN: But I always wanted to teach high school. I love adolescents. I mean I hated being one
myself, no offense, but it's such an exciting time in one's life.

BILLY: Sure.
ELLEN: I had several offers from some really fine prep schools, but I wanted to feel like I was
making a difference you know? I mean, there is so much attention paid to low-income children
from the cities, but who ever really talks about education in rural America?

BILLY: I don't know.

ELLEN: Exactly, you don't know. I wrote my thesis on education in rural America.

BILLY: Sounds interesting.

ELLEN: It was. You come out to towns like this and it's like time stood still.

BILLY: Right.

ELLEN: Which is such a double-edged sword. We're so nostalgic in this country for, something
we can't even put our fingers on. This idea, I don't even know, this idea of limitless space
maybe, the wilderness, community, safety, I don't know if that ever existed.

BILLY: Wilderness existed, we just like to cut it down.

ELLEN: Very true. You're so bright, Billy.

Pause. They look at each other

BILLY: Miss Robertslook I need, shit

ELLEN: I know. It's okay.

BILLY: Look, I never done this before with anybody

ELLEN: Me either. It's okay.

BILLY: I need someone's help

ELLEN: I want to help you

BILLY: I knew this kid in junior high. His parents sent him to a private high school. He was rich.
Still is I guess. I don't suppose that's something you can lose. Look, I went to the library over the
weekend--Miss Roberts am I really smart? I mean not just smart compared to the kids around
here, but smart compared to you know people who are

ELLEN: You are smart, sensitive, compassionate and beautiful! You are so beautiful

Billy looks at her.

BILLY: Beautiful?
ELLEN: I've been watching you, watching you every day, and every day I admire you more!
Your brain is so alive! You dream such beautiful dreams. You're so connected to your body. Do
you know how rare it is to be sensual and intelligent? I'm just this walking giant brain. All I do is
bump up against everything and feel nothing. I watch you, you feel everything and you think,
God you think such beautiful thoughts!

Pause. They look at each other.

BILLY: Do I make you think beautiful thoughts?

ELLEN: Yes. And when I'm around you, it's like, it's like

BILLY (Moving to stand by Ellen): I understand you now, I didn't before, Miss Roberts. But I do
now. (Sitting down next to her and taking her hand) I want to be changed, I want you to help me
change. I want to apply to a private high school. I want to go to college.

He reaches into the pocket of his jeans and pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to her.

BILLY: I made a list of schools at the library. You could tell me the best one, maybe?

ELLEN: Yes

BILLY: And maybe we could have the applications sent to your house. I don't want my family to
know. I don't want anyone to know, just you and me.

ELLEN: Of course

Billy moves in close to Ellen.

BILLY: I'll need help to understand the applications.

ELLEN: We'll fill them out together.

BILLY: Yeah? I'll need help with so many things.

ELLEN: I'll help you

She is breathing hard, she leans in to be kissed.

BILLY (Moving away): What do you think of the list?

ELLEN: What?

BILLY: Did you like my list of schools?

Ellen looks at the paper in her hand.

ELLEN: Yes

BILLY: Which is the best school?

ELLEN: It depends on what you're looking for.

BILLY: Look, just tell me which is the best one.

ELLEN: There's a process to this, Billy. You find five or six schools that have programs you like.
We go take a tour. You interview and send in an application. You have to take a placement
exam. There are financial requirements and hurdles we're going to need to find a way around

BILLY: How long?

ELLEN: What do you mean?

BILLY: How long does the process take?

ELLEN: We'll have your application ready by spring and you'll apply for your junior year, which
will be perfect actually because that's the year that colleges really look at

BILLY: I don't have a year.

ELLEN: I don't understand.

BILLY: I don't have another year in me. I can't do another year. I got nothing left. You gotta get
me out now.

ELLEN: Billy

BILLY: You think I'm joking. I'm not joking. I'm going down. I'm filling out. I'm gonna hurt
someone.

Beat. Ellen looks at Billy and then down at the paper.

ELLEN: I have a good friend from graduate school that works at Deerfield. I could call her. I
could see if maybe we could try for second semester

BILLY: When's that?

ELLEN: After Christmas.

BILLY: Deerfield it is

ELLEN: Billy, it's not that easy

Billy moves toward her slightly.

BILLY: You like this? (Moving a little closer) You like this?

Rachel and Martha enter Billy quickly moves away from Ellen and Ellen stands up.

RACHEL (To Billy): You're home early.

BILLY: Yeah. Miss Roberts gave me a ride. Miss Roberts, this is my mother and my sister
Rachel.

RACHEL: Hi

ELLEN (Holding out her hand): I'm Ellen Roberts. One of Billy's teachers I was just dropping him
off.

RACHEL: Hi

MARTHA (Shaking her band): Oh! Yes, yes

ELLEN: It's cold out. I thought it was too cold to walk and your house is on my way home so I
just

BILLY: Don't you need to get going, Miss Roberts? I don't want you to be late.

Ellen gathers her things and stands.

ELLEN: WellI'll see you tomorrow then, Billy. Come by my office.

Ellen hesitates and stares at Billy. Billy looks away.

ELLEN: Wellit was nice to meet you, Mrs. Lawrence.

MARTHA: And you. And thanks for dropping Billy home.

ELLEN: It was my pleasure.

She exits. Pause.

RACHEL: Billy what the fuck?

BILLY: What?

RACHEL: Why didn't you introduce me to her better?

MARTHA: What a nice woman, bringing you home like that.

BILLY: I'll make some coffee, Ma.

He crosses into the kitchen. Martha and Rachel follow him.

RACHEL: Seriously Billy, you promised.

BILLY: Promised what?

RACHEL: Why are you being such a little dick? You know what you promised.

MARTHA (Sitting at the kitchen table): I have something to say.

BILLY: You always do Ma.

MARTHA: That woman was lookin' at you funny.

BILLY: Everybody looks at me funny. You're looking at me funny right now.

MARTHA: That's not what I mean. You know what I mean.

RACHEL: I know what you mean.

BILLY: Rachel stay out of this. She's just my teacher, she's helping me you know? I mean she's
actually trying to help me. I'm just trying to

MARTHA: What?

RACHEL: Yeah, what?

Pause. Martha and Rachel look at Billy.

BILLY: It's not easy, Mom, I'm trying to

MARTHA: I know

BILLY: You don't know, every day

MARTHA: You know, you're the only thing going right in this house. I don't want that to change.
It may not look like it, but I work hard

BILLY: I know, Ma.

MARTHA: No you don't. I'm ready to admit I don't know what you walk through every day, okay?
But maybe you don't know about me either

BILLY: Okay
MARTHA: Okay what?

BILLY: Just, okay. I hear you

MARTHA: I'm relying on you

BILLY: I fuckin' know that

MARTHA: I got your father and your sister

RACHEL (Under her breath): You got me? I got you

MARTHA (To Rachel): What?

RACHEL: I said, I got you

MARTHA: I am talking to your brother right now, aren't I?

RACHEL: Yes.

MARTHA (To Billy): I'm just saying, things are going okay with you aren't they?

BILLY: Of course Ma.

MARTHA: I mean, if I have to start paying more attention to you

BILLY: Relax Ma

MARTHA: What's I'm saying is, I'm trusting you to

BILLY: I'm gonna take care of myself, Ma. Pause. They look at each other

MARTHA: I need to know that you know what you're doing

BILLY: I know everything. I really do, I know everything I need to know.

Herb enters from the bedroom with a bottle of Jack Daniels and sits on the couch.

HERB (Calling): Rachel! Rachel, where's my girl? Come give your father a kiss, will ya?

MARTHA: Oh Christ, Billy go deal with that. Rachel get me my coffee.

Rachel gets her mother's coffee. Billy goes to the living room.

BILLY: Rachel's busy, Pop. She's helping Mom in the kitchen.

HERB: Every man wants a son don't he?

BILLY: Sure Pop.

HERB (Winking at Billy): I was in the other room you know?

BILLY: Yeah?

HERB: I heard a woman's voice.

BILLY: Did you now?

HERB: Too much talking if you know what I mean. A man needs to move in for the kill.

BILLY: That's good advice, Dad.

HERB: You could have had her and been done with before your mother came home, if you
hadn't talked so much.

BILLY: I'll try that next time.

HERB: Good boy. Where's your sister?

BILLY: She's in the kitchen, Pop.

HERB: She's a good little kid. Pretty little legs.

BILLY: Sure, sure. (Pours Herb another drink) Have another, Dad.

HERB: Every man wants a son just like you, Billy. A boy like you

BILLY: Thanks, Dad. (Turning to go to the kitchen)

HERB: Billy.

BILLY: Yeah, what?

HERB: You looking after your sister, right?

BILLY (Turning back): What?

HERB: You look after your sister. Somebody's got to do it, right? (Motions around him) It's a
crazy world.

MARTHA (Entering from the kitchen): It's light out and you're up.

HERB: Have a drink.

Billy goes to the kitchen.

MARTHA: I need to work tonight, Herb. I got the night shift again, what are you planning to do
with yourself this evening, huh?

HERB: Not much Martha, you know me.

MARTHA: Yeah, I know ya.

HERB: What's wrong now, Martha? There is always something wrong with you.

MARTHA: I think we know what's wrong with me, Herb.

HERB: "We"? Are you a multiple personality, Martha?

MARTHA: You think that's cute?

HERB: Not cute, but I do think it's funny. Martha exits into the bedroom. Herb follows her.

HERB (Offstage; singing): I love you Rover, oh yes I do! I love you Rover, it's so true

MARTHA (Offstage; yelling): Herb! What the hell!

HERB (Offstage; singing): I love you Rover and without you I'm blue!

MARTHA (Offstage; yelling): Would you cut your crazy yapping, for Christ's sake Herb!

HERB (Offstage; singing): Purple haze all in my brain, lately things don't seem the same. Come
on, Martha baby (Martha laughs) I got something for you that's gonna make you feel better
than God. I got a lovin' rocket for you baby, a hot piece of pie!

MARTHA (Offstage; laughing): You're so crazy!

HERB (Offstage): Come here to me baby. Come to Herbo.

We hear her laughing and going to him.

HERB (Offstage): See I ain't too drunk to pick you up, you dirty old bitch.

Pause. We hear sex sounds from the bedroom. Billy silently starts cooking the potatoes. Rachel
watches him. Loud sex noises from the bedroom.

BILLY: Jesus fuckin' Christ! Would you two try keeping it down in there?

RACHEL: Why'd you do that to me?

BILLY: Do what?
RACHEL: Miss Roberts.

BILLY: I didn't do anything. I needed her to leave.

Sex sounds continue.

RACHEL: You're planning not to share her with me. And you promised.

BILLY: What?

More sex sounds.

BILLY: Would you two shut up! She won't be going to work tonight, not after this.

RACHEL: I know.

BILLY: She'll be fired again.

RACHEL: I don't think so. It should be fine. She usually goes.

Martha and Herb climax. There is sudden silence. Pause.

BILLY (Referring to what he's cooking): There's not much.

RACHEL: I know. Louie'll be sniffin' around soon.

BILLY: Sniffin' and a sniffin'--Do you think she ever, you know, does more than let him sniff?.

RACHEL: I don't think so. Maybe she lets him kiss her sometimes, I don't know, maybe not
even that. She only likes it when Dad touches her.

BILLY (Motioning toward the bedroom): Well that's pretty clear, ain't it? You shouldn't be
listening to this shit. You're 11 years old.

RACHEL: You're 16.

BILLY: You're a child.

RACHEL: So are you.

BILLY: I know. We both need to

RACHEL: What? What's wrong?

BILLY: You're kidding right? (Tutoring away from Rachel)

RACHEL: No. (Beat) Why aren't you looking at me? Billy?

BILLY: What?

RACHEL: Why aren't you

BILLY: I am

RACHEL: You're not

BILLY: I'm fucking looking at you, Rachel.

RACHEL: Billy, you're not.

Beat.

BILLY: I need something of my own. Please, I have to have something of my own.

RACHEL: Okay

BILLY: Thank you.

RACHEL: Billy, I can't hold them up alone. You know that.

BILLY: Who says we have to hold them up?

RACHEL: Who says we don't. I'm going to my room to do some homework. Call me when the
potatoes are done. (As she's exiting) I swear, we have to eat so many potatoes around here
soon we'll be growing them out of our assholes.

She exits. Billy looks after her.

SCENE THREE
Martha sits in the living room, smoking a cigarette. She gets up, goes to the kitchen and pours
herself a drink. Louie enters through the front door.

LOUIE: Anyone home.

MARTHA (Coming into the living room): I'm here Louie. You want a drink?

LOUIE: I'm okay. Actually, luck it, I just got off duty. I'd love a drink.

Martha gets him one.

LOUIE: It smells like snow.

MARTHA: Oh yeah?
LOUIE: Nice and crisp. I hope the weather stays like this. It'll make for good sledding. You
always loved to go sledding.

He sits down and takes off his shoes, relaxing.

MARTHA: I did. I don't anymore. My blood's thinned out. Rachel loves it though. Billy always
builds her a big jump.

LOUIE: I got off early.

MARTHA: Good for you.

LOUIE: You wanna take a drive?

MARTHA: I'm tired Louie.

LOUIE: So let me take you to dinner. Put on something nice. Dress up a little for a change. Let
me treat you like the lady you are.

MARTHA: I was never a lady.

LOUIE: To me you were.

MARTHA: How's your wife Louie?

LOUIE: She's just fine, why? So, Billy's doing well in school?

MARTHA: Yeah.

LOUIE: Got in with all those rich kids. Reading Shakespeare or some such nonsense. What
good is that gonna do him when it comes time to get a job?

MARTHA: Don't put him down like that Louie. You know you could be more of a role model to
him. You wanna do something useful for me? Do that.

LOUIE: What do you think of that Miss Roberts? I ran into her in the package store. Tried to
strike up a conversation, she seems like an uppity bitch to me. No husband, if you know what I
mean?

MARTHA: So. She has a career.

LOUIE: Some career. Teachin' in this town. You'd think a woman like her would have something
better to do. You know they say she comes from money.

MARTHA: Do they?
LOUIE: They say her dad is some lawyer type. Old money. The real thing. Makes you wonder
what she's doing hanging around with a kid like Billy.

MARTHA: She's teaching him.

LOUIE: Maybe he'll do okay. Get himself one of those little rich bitches from up on the hill. Get
married. If he's anything like Herb he'll at least be good at fucking. Ain't that right? God you look
so tired. Martha you need a break. That son of a bitch down there drinking all the time. I told you
a million times to come on over to my house and stay for a while.

MARTHA: Gloria wouldn't like that. She likes your home with just the two of you.

LOUIE: You used to be my best friend didn't you?

MARTHA: Yeah I guess.

LOUIE: We looked after each other when we were kids.

MARTHA: Sure.

LOUIE: I still look out for you. Are you lookin' after me?

MARTHA: Oh Jesus Louie, you are predictable as rain. You can't go a month without comin'
over here with the same old song and dance. Can't you at least try and spice it up?

LOUIE: Don't take that tone with me. I didn't say nothing last month when I paid your heat bill.

LOUIE AND MARTHA: I just paid it like a gentleman.

LOUIE: You think you're funny don't cha?

MARTHA: I'm not the one that's funny, Louie.

LOUIE: What's that supposed to mean?

MARTHA (Imitating him): "What's that supposed to mean?" Are you really too slow to figure it
out?

LOUIE: I'm not the slow one here. I'm not the one with a drunk, useless husband, who's sending
my children to the poorhouse. You know the whole town laughs at him. Big Herbo Lawrence,
he'll take anything from anybody just to get a drink. But they're not just laughing at him. No,
they're laughing at Rachel and Billy too. How you like that? The whole town's laughing at your
children.

MARTHA: You like to see him drunk. It makes you happy. Makes you feel like you're a real man
instead of the loser you are. 'Cause you remember him before when he was everything and you
were nothing. You couldn't get a girl unless he gave you one. Couldn't strike up no conversation,
too stupid and shy. And those kids, his kids, they're smarter than you'll ever be. And Billy's
gonna be famous or something. Billy's smart enough to be president maybe. You just watch. You
watch him. 'Cause he already passed you by.

Louie goes and stands over her. He puts a hand on her shoulder and pushes her back against
the couch.

LOUIE (Leaning on her): You be careful little girl. You be very careful, 'cause without me lookin'
after you, you'd be dead.

He goes to kiss her.

MARTHA: Don't you dare Louie. 'Cause I'll turn you out of my house and then where would you
be without me? Where would you be if you couldn't see my face or hear my voice? You'd be
nothing. You'd be no one.

LOUIE: Fuck you Martha! Fuck you!

He stomps out the front door A beat and then he stomps back in. He has left without his shoes.
He puts them on in silence, trying to keep his dignity. A second beat.

LOUIE: Please one kissplease. You don't know how I think about you. You don't know how
one just oneone tasteI'm going crazyyou don't knowI sit in my car and sometimes

MARTHA: I don't want to hear this.

LOUIE: I think, I imagine you're there touching me and I

There is a knock on the front door.

LOUIE: Shit! Shit!

MARTHA: Come in.

Ellen enters.

MARTHA: Hi Miss Roberts. Come in, come on in.

ELLEN: Hi, sorry to just drop by like this, but Billy wasn't in school again today, so I brought him
his work. Is he here? He needs his work.

She holds it out in front of her.

MARTHA: You know nay cousin don't you?

ELLEN: Yes. I've seen you around. Louie, right?

MARTHA: That's right. Louie this is Miss Roberts, Billy's teacher.

LOUIE: How are ya, Miss Roberts?

ELLEN: Please call me Ellen. I'm only "Miss" to my students.

She holds Billy's work out toward Martha again. Martha doesn't take it.

ELLEN: So here's Billy's workIt's his second absence this week. His attendance in the
program, it's important. He has to

MARTHA: Yeah. Sorry, I kept him home. Can I offer you something to drink?

ELLEN: No thank you. I'm just going to drop this off.

She puts Billy's work down on the living room table.

ELLEN: You'll make sure he gets it won't you?

MARTHA: Billy's not in some kind of trouble is he?

LOUIE: I'm leaving Martha.

ELLEN: No. No of course not.

LOUIE: Did you hear me Martha? I said

MARTHA: I mean it's my fault he's been out of school.

ELLEN: He's not

MARTHA: I'll give the school a call tomorrow.

ELLEN: No, don't call the school. There's no reason to. He's getting As in all his classes. All his
teachers love him. Especially his math teacher. He's testing in the top one percent in math. It's
just it's so easy to fall behind and Progressive moves at a very accelerated pace and

LOUIE: I said I was going. I said I was gonna leave. Don't you have anything to say to me?
Martha, walk me to the car.

MARTHA: Not now Louie.

LOUIE: Yes now! Walk me to the car!

MARTHA: Who the luck do you think you are? You don't tell me shit. Get the fuck out why don't
you!

LOUIE: Fuck you!

MARTHA: No fuck you!

LOUIE: I'm goin'!

MARTHA: Go!

LOUIE: Fuckin' shit. Bye Miss Roberts. Bye now.

Louie exits.

MARTHA: I'm sorry Miss Roberts, I mean Ellen.

ELLEN: No. II'm sorry I shouldn't just barge in like this and interrupt your--It's just that Billy
means so much to me and I have to make sure--I haveyou do understand?

Pause. Martha looks at her.

MARTHA: Sit down, Ellen. (Ellen does) Would you like a cigarette?

ELLEN: No thank you. I don't smoke.

MARTHA (Lighting a cigarette): But it don't bother you?

ELLEN: No.

MARTHA: So Billy's in the top one percent in his math class?

ELLEN: Yes.

MARTHA: And all his teachers love him.

ELLEN: Yes.

MARTHA: As much as you love him?

ELLEN: I don't know what you

MARTHA: You've taken quite a shine to Billy. Driving him home all the time. Coming over to the
house.

ELLEN: I just

MARTHA: Billy tells me you're really trying to help him.

ELLEN: I want to.

MARTHA: Want to what?

ELLEN: I don't understand

MARTHA: Billy says you've traveled all over the world.

ELLEN: That's an exaggeration. I haven't

MARTHA: I love my son but he's a bit of a dreamer. Don't you think so Ellen?

ELLEN: I

MARTHA: He doesn't say so but I know he's always dreaming of flying away. Have you been
telling my son he's gonna fly away, Miss Roberts? Sorry, I mean Ellen.

ELLEN: Billy could do, could be

MARTHA: I don't want my children getting anything for free.

ELLEN: Please you don't understand

MARTHA: Don't be ashamed. Billy's a beautiful boy. He reminds me a lot of his father at his
age.

ELLEN: It's not like that. It's not like that at all.

MARTHA: I'm sure it's not.

Rachel enters unnoticed. She listens.

ELLEN: I want him to believe in himself. I want to help him know, know himself. I want to show
him, for him to see, toto

MARTHA: You just be sure to give as much as you take. And don't give him nothing he ain't
earned. I want him taken care of, not fooled. Whatever else he wants to pay, that's his business.

ELLEN: But he hasn't given me anything. You have to understand. He hasn't

MARTHA: Well Billy's a good boy. Ain't he? A mother always likes to see her son appreciated.
And you do appreciate my son don't you?

ELLEN: Yes. More than that, I admire him He's everythingeverything

MARTHA: Yes, ain't he. Billy is just about everything. (Noticing Rachel) How long you been
standing there girl? Where's your father?

RACHEL: Billy's got him at the bar, but he needs you to come and put some money down on
Dad's tab.

MARTHA: Shit.

RACHEL: Charlie says

MARTHA: Fuckin' Charlie

RACHEL: Charlie says

MARTHA: He always has something to say

RACHEL: He says Dad can't leave until he gets some money. He says he doesn't care what
Louie says this time, he says he'll call the sheriff, he says

MARTHA: Yeah, okay. I got what he says. (To Ellen) I'm sorry, you see what I got to deal with

ELLEN: Yes, yes of course.

MARTHA: You're welcome to stay

ELLEN: If you wouldn't mind

MARTHA: We should all be back in just

ELLEN: I just want to make sure Billy's doing okay

MARTHA: Of course. (Beat) Rachel why don't you make Miss Roberts a cup of coffee. I'll be
right back.

Martha exits. Rachel and Ellen look at each other.

ELLEN: So you're Rachel.

RACHEL: I've met you before.

ELLEN: I know, it's just a figure of speechYou know Billy talks about you all the time. (Pause)
So what grade are you in?

RACHEL: Fifth.

ELLEN: What an exciting time.

RACHEL: Is it? I'm finding it more of an awkward time actually.

ELLEN: Really? Why?

RACHEL: I'm lonely and bored.

ELLEN: I'm sorry.

RACHEL: Thank you.

ELLEN: It's your first year in middle school, isn't it?

RACHEL: Yes.

ELLEN: It will get better. New experiences are always uncomfortable at first.

RACHEL: I'm sure you're right.

ELLEN: Are you planning to follow in Billy's footsteps and apply for the Progressive program
when you get to high school?

RACHEL: Yes.

ELLEN: I'm glad. That's what's wonderful about change. If one person, like Billy, has the
courage to step out into the unknown they automatically open doors for those that follow them.

RACHEL: Yeah, Billy's a real trendsetter.

ELLEN: Tell me about school. What are your favorite subjects?

RACHEL: English and history.

ELLEN: Not math?

RACHEL: No, not math.

ELLEN: Your brother is very good in math.

RACHEL: I know.

ELLEN: He's a left-brained person and you're a right-brained person.

RACHEL: I'm a both-sides person.

ELLEN: Of course you are. It's just a theory about the brain that

RACHEL: I know what it is. I'm not Billy, I'm not going to pretend to know less than you so you'll
like me.
ELLEN: What? Why would you say that?

RACHEL: What's your favorite book? I'm looking for books to read. I prefer fiction, but
sometimes I read nonfiction. What's your favorite author?

ELLEN: I have several

RACHEL: Just tell me one.

ELLEN: Jane Austen. She's one of my all-time favorites. I love a book of hers called Pride and
Prejudice.

RACHEL: I prefer Persuasion.

ELLEN: You've read them both?

RACHEL: Yes.

ELLEN: That's amazing.

RACHEL: Why?

ELLEN: I didn't read either Of those books till college.

RACHEL: Oh.

ELLEN: How did you discover Jane Austen?

RACHEL: I went to the library.

ELLEN: I love it. Tell me why you prefer Persuasion to Pride and Prejudice?

RACHEL: Because it's about waiting and then being rewarded for waiting.

ELLEN: Well that's true, that is one of the things the book is about.

RACHEL: You're helping my brother aren't you?

ELLEN: I'm trying to, yes.

RACHEL: Do you think you could help me too?

ELLEN: I can definitely try to

RACHEL: I can do a lot of things besides read.

ELLEN: I'm sure you can. What else can you do?

RACHEL: I can see. That's what I do best.

ELLEN: I don't? Do you have good eyesight?

RACHEL: That's not what I mean. Here, I'll show you.

She goes and gets her tarot cards and holds them out toward Ellen.

RACHEL: Would you like me to give you a reading?

ELLEN (Laughing): You're a very strange girl, aren't you?

RACHEL: Am I?

ELLEN: You must know you are. I don't mean that in bad way. It's good to be unique. (She takes
the cards from Rachel) What do I do?

RACHEL: Shuffle the cards and think of a question.

ELLEN: Okay. Now what?

RACHEL: Put the cards into three piles and then put them back together any way you want.

ELLEN: Done.

RACHEL: Now pick a card.

ELLEN: Pick a card, any card.

RACHEL: That's right.

ELLEN: Okay. Now what?

RACHEL: Give me the card.

Ellen bands her the card and Rachel stares at it. The moment goes on too long.

ELLEN: What is it? Can I see too?

RACHEL (Showing her the card): It's the tower.

ELLEN: That's a scary card. Lightning. Are those people falling out of a tower?

RACHEL: Yes.
ELLEN: What does it mean?

RACHEL: The card's not for you. You picked the card but the card's for me. I thought it wouldn't
hurt to ask you.

ELLEN: Ask?

RACHEL: For your help.

ELLEN: Of course it doesn't hurt to ask for help, Rachel. Look, I knowI understand how much
it can cost someone to ask for help.

RACHEL: You do?

ELLEN: Yes, and asking for help is a very brave thing to do and I want to recognize

RACHEL: Thanks for trying. And I know now that you spend your whole life trying.

ELLEN: What?

RACHEL: But you hardly have enough for my brother, let alone yourself. I don't have to read
your cards to see that. You should know he's not going to love you, none of us are. I'm going to
my room to work on my homework. The rest of them should be home soon. Call me if you need
me.

She exits. Beat as Ellen looks after her.

From left, Gloria (Miriam Shor), Louie (Todd Weeks), Herb (Michael T. Weiss) and Martha
 (Kristen Johnston) play a volatile game of cards.

ACT TWO
SCENE ONE
Herb, Martha, Louie and Gloria, Louie's wife, sit around the living room table playing poker.
There is a bottle of whiskey on the table and shot glasses. Herb is quite drunk. It is one o'clock
in the morning, later the same night. Rachel is in bed.

LOUIE: I win again.

HERB: Good man. (Refills his shot glass) Drink up boy.

GLORIA: Motherfucker always gloating.

LOUIE: I can't help it if I'm lucky in cards.

HERB: Lucky in cards, unlucky in love.

GLORIA: Shut up Herb.

MARTHA: How 'bout another hand.

GLORIA: I'm ready to go Louie.

MARTHA: Come on Louie. A couple more hands.

She starts to deal the cards.

LOUIE: Long as I'm winning, I could play all night.

GLORIA: You got work early.

LOUIE: Yeah, I got work.You don't. So why don't you shut up and play some cards.

HERB: Man sure knows how to speak to a woman, don't he Martha?

GLORIA: And you do? At least my man puts food on the table which is more than I can say for
you.

HERB (Refilling Gloria's glass): Drink up honey. You get drunk enough, you won't mind your
man never wants to fuck you.

GLORIA: You're so rude. Louie you gonna let him get away with that. Louie do something.

LOUIE: Two cards please Martha. Remember when Granddad taught us to play. That was nice
wasn't it?
MARTHA: Sure. That was nice.

LOUIE: I liked that. Things were simple back then.

HERB: Things are pretty simple now. Ain't that right Martha?

MARTHA: Simple for you. Anyone else want any cards, or we all got perfect hands?

GLORIA: Give me one.

HERB: Give me three I guess. Not that it matters. Louie's gonna win anyways. Aren't you
Louie?

LOUIE: I been winning for a long time, that's right.

HERB: Yeah? When was the last time you fucked my wife?

LOUIE: Jesus!

GLORIA: Louie!

MARTHA: He never fucks me.

HERB: No?

MARTHA: No.

HERB: What you do then? Suck him off?

MARTHA: I might have to if you don't get a job.

GLORIA: Stop joking. I'm tired of your joking. Louie, tell 'em to stop joking.

LOUIE: I wanna bet. You guys wanna bet?

HERB: A man doesn't work, that's no reason for his wife to cheat on him. I never heard of a
good woman cheating on her man.

MARTHA: We got two children Herb, in case you forgot. You don't want me cheatin'? Do
something about it.

LOUIE: We playing cards or what? I don't need none of your bullshit.

GLORIA (To Martha): I'm so fired of you gloating.

MARTHA: You think this is gloating. You're the one with a washing machine. You're the one with
two cars.

LOUIE: I take care of my family. I take care of you too, Martha.

HERB (Refilling his glass): You take care of her all right. I don't mind that much I guess.
Somebody got to take care of her. I don't do such a good job. Do I love?

MARTHA (Kisses him on the nose): Hush darling. Don't you worry about anything.

GLORIA: You always acting like you are something. Like you's somebody. You ain't anybody.
You're the laughingstock of this town.

MARTHA: It's nice you came over to my house. Ate my food, drank my whiskey, if I'm a
laughingstock, you must be a dog to stoop so low.

GLORIA: I ain't eating your food. I'm eating my own. God knows my husband paid for it.

LOUIE: That's enough Gloria!

GLORIA: You always take her side! Always! What's wrong with you anyway? You look like a
normal man.

HERB (Laughing): Look baby, you got them going. You do that for me? You make me laugh.

MARTHA: I do everything for you. (Leans over and kisses him) You know that. I breathe for you.

LOUIE: Stop it Martha! Stop it right now. Can't you wait till we go? Jesus!

GLORIA: What? She loves the loser so what? (Stands) Take me home.

LOUIE: No. Sit your fat ass back down.

GLORIA: My ass is not fat.

HERB: I'll tell you something Gloria. Your ass is fat. And what's more if anyone's laughing,
they're laughing at you. 'Cause you're married to this little faggot here.

LOUIE (Throwing down his cards and standing up): Who you calling a faggot?!

HERB: You. I'm calling you a faggot. 'Cause you weak. Who pays my bills? You do. Who lusts
after my woman? You do. Who's got a fat-assed wife he can't even get it up for? You do. You a
faggot.

Louie punches Herb. Herb laughs.

HERB: Faggot. You got a sissy punch too. My son could hit harder than you when he was 10.
LOUIE: Yeah? How do you know that, huh? Did you learn that trying to get into your daughter's
bedroom? Did you learn that by Billy blocking your way?

HERB (Confused): Martha? What's he talking about?

MARTHA: He's talking shit Herb. Louie you're pathetic. (To Louie and Gloria) I want you both
out.

GLORIA: Gladly.

HERB: Martha, what's he talking about? I don't hurt Rachel do I?

MARTHA: Shhh, you don't hurt anyone, you're a good father. Louie take your wife and your
lying sack-of-shit mouth and get out.

GLORIA: You take me home right now Louie. You take me or God help me

LOUIE: Help you what? Who else would marry you? You ugly cow? Who else would put up with
your fat ass? And your smelly farts? No one but me. I'm the best you're gonna get in this town
and don't you forget it. Go wait for me in the car.

GLORIA: I loved you

LOUIE: In the car!

GLORIA: When I married you. I loved you. You said you were gonna take me to Vegas! You
said you'd give me a baby, I've had enough! Enough! You hear me, you no-good son of a bitch!
(Hits him) You hear me?!

Gloria storms out the door. Sound of a car starting and pealing out of the driveway.

LOUIE: Shit, shit, (To Martha) now see what you done?

He exits running out the door after Gloria. Silence.

HERB: I don't hurt her do I, Martha?

MARTHA (Going to him): You don't hurt nobody. Did I tell you how well Billy's doing in school?
He's in those special classes now.

HERB: Special for retards?

MARTHA: No special for smart. (Hugs him) Oh I love you so much. You're almost like yourself.
(Kisses him) HerbKiss me

HERB: You look beautiful. Like when we were young. I like it, like this. Quiet. We had lots of
quiet then.

MARTHA: Yes we did.

HERB: You were so young then. Beautiful. Like the light. Almost gray. Delicate. Fragile. You
were fragile then.

MARTHA: Yes.

HERB: You do love me? Don't you?

MARTHA: Yes.

HERB: Sometimes I don't remember what I do. I don't mean to hurt anyone.

MARTHA: I know.

HERB: Almost. Soon it will be like we never talked.

MARTHA: I know. But I'll put it in the good part. The things I remember when we're dying. I'll
remember how beautiful you used to be.

HERB: You know I really only remember you. You remember me don't you? I'm counting on you.
I might as well be dead otherwise.

MARTHA: I miss you more than you will ever know. Yes, I remember how we looked on our
wedding day. It's embarrassing really. There's nothing left. You make me sick. I'm nauseous all
the time.

HERB: Let's take the bottle to the bedroom, you and me.

MARTHA: Noyou go aheadyou

HERB (Standing up): I never hurt anyone. I've always been a good man. (Picking up the bottle,
and heading toward the bedroom) Come on baby. I'll pour it all over you and lick it off.

He exits into the bedroom.

MARTHA: Goddamn it! Herb

Pause. Martha looks after him, then starts picking up the cards and cleaning off the table.
Rachel enters from the bedroom.

MARTHA: What are you doing up baby?

RACHEL: I heard yelling.

MARTHA: Everything's okay.

Rachel looks at her doubtfully.

MARTHA: I'm okay, sweetheart.

RACHEL: I had a bad dream.

MARTHA: You did? Come here.

She sits on the couch and motions for Rachel to join her.

MARTHA: What did you dream?

Rachel goes to her and sits. Martha puts her arm around her.

RACHEL: I dreamt the world was empty.

MARTHA: That's terrible.

RACHEL: I know.

MARTHA: And then what happened?

RACHEL: I was walking along and I looked behind me and everything was empty. I looked in
front of me again and the world had disappeared.

MARTHA: And what was in its place?

RACHEL: Nothing.

MARTHA: You worry too much.

RACHEL: I know.

MARTHA: You worry too much about me and Dad.

RACHEL: Somebody has to worry.

MARTHA (Laughing): We all worry, you're not worrying alone.

RACHEL: Billy doesn't worry.

MARTHA: Of course he does. He just worries about himself too. You can worry about yourself if
yon want to.

RACHEL: Do you worry about me?

MARTHA: All the time.

RACHEL: I'm smarter than Billy.

MARTHA: You're a girl.

RACHEL: What does that mean?

MARTHA: It just means

Billy enters, he sees his mother and Rachel. He pauses.

BILLY: Am I in trouble?

MARTHA: No. Sit down and join us.

Billy does.

MARTHA: Rachel was just telling me that she's smarter then you.

RACHEL: Mom BILLY (Laughing): Well you are, Rach. Everybody knows it.

RACHEL: And you know it.

BILLY: Yeah, I know it too.

MARTHA: Rachel had a nightmare.

BILLY: You did?

RACHEL: Yeah.

BILLY: Did everything turn into nothing again?

RACHEL: Yeah.

BILLY: You worry too much.

MARTHA (To Rachel): You see. (To Billy) That's what I was just telling her.

BILLY: You should always listen to your mother.

MARTHA: Everyone should listen to their mother.

BILLY (Laughing): Don't push it, Ma.

MARTHA (Laughing): I'll push as much as I want.

BILLY: Now, I know that's the truth.

MARTHA: Miss Roberts take you somewhere tonight?

BILLY: Yeah.

MARTHA: No don't get all squirrelly, nobody's getting in your business. Just tell me and Rachel
about your night.

RACHEL (Leaning against Billy): Yeah, tell us what you saw out there.

BILLY: She took me over to Northampton. She's got a nice car. When we got out of town, she let
me drive it.

RACHEL: How was that?

BILLY: It was smooth.

MARTHA: You get cocky behind the wheel?

BILLY (Laughing): A little.

MARTHA: I'm sure you did.

BILLY: We went to eat.

MARTHA: What did you have?

BILLY: Sushi.

MARTHA: You ate that?

BILLY: Yeah.

RACHEL: What is it?

BILLY: Raw fish.

RACHEL: Was it good?

BILLY: Yeah, weird but good. It was okay. Then we went to see a movie.

MARTHA: What was it?

BILLY: French, subtitles.

RACHEL: Did you like it?

BILLY: I did. I did like itI felt, I felt like

MARTHA: You were free?

BILLY: Yes.

RACHEL: Did Miss Roberts like it?

BILLY: I don't know. It's hard to tell what she really likes.

RACHEL: Would I have liked it?

BILLY: Yeah, Rach.

MARTHA: How about me? Would I have liked it?

BILLY: Yeah, you woulda liked it. It was romantic.

RACHEL: The thing about Miss Roberts, Billy, is she isn't dumb, but she's kinda stupid.

BILLY: Yeah, I know Rach. I know.

SCENE TWO
The next day. Four in the afternoon. Ellen, Billy and Rachel enter: Billy is carrying grocery bags.
He crosses to the kitchen and starts putting things away. Rachel follows and sits at the kitchen
table. She opens ajar of pickles and starts eating them. Ellen follows them into the kitchen.

ELLEN: That was amazing.

Pause.

ELLEN: Did you hear me, Billy? Didn't you think that was amazing?

Ellen heads toward the kitchen. Rachel gets up and goes to the kitchen table. She sits there
eating her pickles, smiling at Ellen. Ellen moves to stand in the doorway to the kitchen, looking
in on them.

ELLEN: I didn't realize you couldn't buy toilet paper with food stamps.

RACHEL: It's fascinating. Billy don't you think it's fascinating?

ELLEN: It makes sense though. If I'd thought about it, because they're food stamps.

RACHEL: Billy did you hear that? Miss Roberts just realized food stamps are for food.
ELLEN: And the cashier said

RACHEL: Dorothy.

ELLEN: What?

RACHEL: The cashier. Her name is Dorothy, her daughter is in Billy's grade.

ELLEN: Right. I just couldn't believe what Dorothy said, I mean statistically for one quarter of the
town to be on food stamps, I mean in a town this size

BILLY (Slamming down on the counter): Shut the flick up and get the flick out!

ELLEN: What? Why are you yelling at me?

BILLY: Don't talk to me. I'm gonna hurt you. You better get the fuck out of my house.

ELLEN: Why are you so angry?

BILLY: Because lookin' at you disgusts me.

ELLEN: How can you say that?

BILLY: Askin' Dorothy all those stupid questions while I was trying to pay. Everybody was
staring at us--and then you had to pull out your own fuckin' wallet!

ELLEN: You needed toilet paper. I noticed you needed toilet paper before we left the house.

BILLY: My house.

ELLEN: Of course

BILLY: Not your house. None of this has anything to do with you. Me, I got nothing to do with
you. My sister has nothing to do with you

ELLEN: Billy! (Trying to touch him) Please, Billy

BILLY: Don't touch me! You think you can touch me? My mother has to walk into that store!

ELLEN: What does that have to do with anything?

Billy advances on her suddenly as if he's going to bit her. He just as suddenly turns and punches
the wall. Rachel calmly goes to get Billy ice out of the freezer.

BILLY: Shit! Shit! Shit!

ELLEN: Oh God! Did you hurt yourself?

BILLY: You have to get her out of here, Rach. I'm gonna fuckin'--fuckin'

Rachel ices Billy's band.

RACHEL: Just go home Miss Roberts.

Ellen moves toward Billy, trying to see his band.

ELLEN (To Rachel): Is it swelling? Can he move it?

BILLY (To Rachel): She's talking. Why is she fuckin' talking? Her voice is so flickin' stupid. (To
Ellen) You are so fuckin' stupid!

ELLEN: I'm not stupid. I'm not! I'm your friend. I'm trying to be your friend.

BILLY: You're not my friend.

ELLEN: I am your friend and you know it!

RACHEL (To Ellen): I seen the way you been looking at my brother.

ELLEN: What?

RACHEL: I seen it, we all seen it. Do you think there's something wrong with you Miss Roberts,
that you gotta pick on boys? Is that why you came up to live in the country Miss Roberts? You
come up here thinking you could act any way you want and no one would stop you?

ELLEN: I came up here to be of service. Billy, you know that

RACHEL: Something's wrong with your vagina probably, some kind of disease

ELLEN: Shut her up

BILLY: You brought it on yourself.

RACHEL: Some kind of problem, loving little boys

ELLEN: He's not a little boy, he's a man!

RACHEL: A man with peach fuzz for hair.

ELLEN: He's been with lots of girls

RACHEL: And are you a girl? Are you a tittle girl with a lollipop? A lollipop, a little vagina lollipop.
ELLEN: Stop saying that word! It's disgusting coming out of a girl your age!

RACHEL: Vagina, vagina, vagina

ELLEN: SHUT THE FUCK UP!

RACHEL (Laughs): Penis, vagina, penis, vagina, you're ugly. Billy knows you're ugly and he
doesn't like stupid ugly girls.

ELLEN: Don't be cruel to me. I don't know what I did to make you so mad. All I wanted to do
was make you happy, Billy. I make you happy sometimes, don't I? Yesterday when I was driving
here all the lights turned green just as I hit them. I took that for a sign. A sign I was doing the
right thing.

BILLY: There's only two traffic lights in town.

Ellen begins to cry.

BILLY: For God sakes stop crying, Ellen.

ELLEN: I can't stop crying.

BILLY: Stop crying, Jesus. You look ridiculous.

ELLEN: I helped you with your application. I helped you with your test. I called Amy and begged
her to help you. If you get into Deerfield, you think it will be because of you? It will be because of
me. Because I helped you!

RACHEL: What's she talking about?

BILLY: She's talking about nothing. Go to your room now.

RACHEL: Billy?

BILLY (Putting his arm around Ellen, who can't stop crying): Okay, okay it's over now. You can
stop talking.

RACHEL: I'm talking to you.

BILLY: And I'm not talking to you. Go to your room.

RACHEL: Are you crazy? I know what you're gonna do. It's not gonna make you feel better. It's
gonna make you feel worse.

BILLY: Rachel, go to your fuckin' room!

Rachel turns and exits.

BILLY: I know what you want.

ELLEN (Crying): You don't

BILLY: You want to tell me how stupid and sorry you were so I can forgive you.

ELLEN (Crying): I'm not stupid. I'm very, very smart.

BILLY: It was stupid to open your mouth and let all your bullshit come out. It was stupid to tell
my sister about Deerfield. (Going to her and caressing her arm) No, you're stupid. You know
you're stupid. Go on, admit it and I'll give you a little kiss. (Moving in closer to her) Come on.
(Lightly touching her breasts) Don't you want a little kiss? A little hug? Don't you baby,
(Whispering in her ear) don't you?

ELLEN: I'm

BILLY (Kissing her neck): Yes?

ELLEN: I'm sorry, I'm so stupid

BILLY: Yes? (Lightly touches his lips to hers) Yes? What?

ELLEN: Billy I

BILLY (Unbuttoning the top of her shirt and kissing her collarbone): Tell me

ELLEN: I'm sorry I'm so stupid. I'm sorry, I'm

BILLY: You wanna feel me?

ELLEN: Yes

BILLY (Taking her hand and putting it on his crotch): You feel me?

ELLEN: Yeah (Fumbling with his jeans)

BILLY: You're not very good at this are you?

ELLEN: No

BILLY: I knew girls who did it better than you when I was 10.

ELLEN (Taking her band off him): Sorry

BILLY (Taking her hand and putting it back on him): You like what you feel?
ELLEN: Yeah

BILLY: Move your hand

ELLEN: Am I doing it right?

BILLY: Say you're stupid

ELLEN: I'm stupid

BILLY: Say you're always wrong

ELLEN: I'm always wrong

BILLY: Shitshitsay, say

ELLEN (Pulling him close to her and holding him): I love you, Billy (He moves faster against
her hand) I love youI've never loved anyone the way I love you, I'd do anything for youI'd

BILLY: I hate youI fuckin' hate your fuckin' guts

He groans and comes.

ELLEN (Holding him tight, stroking his back): I love you so muchI love you, Billy, you're so
beautiful, so beautiful

BILLY (Pulling away from her): I'm sorryI should give you something. I should (Runs his
hands through his hair) Listen, my room will be home soon. I think you should go.

ELLEN: Okay, okay. I feelI feel

BILLY: ShitI'm

ELLEN: I wantedI wanted to see you like that, I

BILLY (Going to her): Here. (Kisses her) Here, okay. (Kisses her again) Okay?

ELLEN: I

BILLY: Please, just, you should go and I'll see you tomorrow. I'll come by your office.

ELLEN: I

She kisses him.

BILLY: Yeah sure Ellen, sure. You get going now, okay. You get on home.
He moves her toward the front door. Rachel comes out of her bedroom and stands in the
kitchen, watching. He kisses Ellen quickly, then opens the front door, pushes her out and closes
the door behind her. He turns and walks back toward the kitchen. He sees Rachel. Pause. They
look at each other.

RACHEL: You feel bad now don't you?

BILLY: Yes.

RACHEL: She's a real person huh?

BILLY: Yeah.

Billy goes to the kitchen and sits at the table.

BILLY: Make me a cup of coffee.

RACHEL: What's Deerfield?

BILLY: You think Mom left any cigarettes around?

RACHEL: What's Deerfield?

BILLY: You gonna make me a cup of coffee?

Rachel doesn't answer, she just stares at him.

BILLY: Fine. I need to take a shower. I stink. (Starts to exit)

RACHEL: Who am I?

BILLY: What?

RACHEL: Who am I?

BILLY: Rach

RACHEL: It's me. Billy.

BILLY: What?

RACHEL: It's me. It's me. You do this to me, Billy?

Beat. They look at each other.

BILLY: Jesus Rach, you gonna get all dramatic on me too? I got too many women in my life.
We'll talk later. I gotta shower before Mom gets home.

He exits. Rachel looks after him.

SCENE THREE
Rachel and Martha in the kitchen. Rachel is laying out her tarot cards. Martha is flipping through
a J. Crew catalogue.

MARTHA: Baby, look at this beautiful winter shawl. It comes in five different colors. Dusky dawn,
and purple sunrise. I didn't know colors had names like that, did you?

RACHEL: No.

MARTHA: I was looking at myself in the mirror this morning. I'm not so old am I? I remember a
time when I felt so beautiful. Everything was beautiful. It all felt like summer even in winter. Or
maybe not summer. Maybe more like spring. There comes a time in everyone's life, Rachel, that
you have to make some kind of peace. I wonder if that will ever happen to me?

RACHEL (Looking at the tarot cards): Mom, I can't see my future.

MARTHA: Nobody can see their own future baby. That's why I need you to read mine. (She puts
down the catalogue) Do you want to give me a reading?

RACHEL: No.

MARTHA: Why not?

RACHEL: Mom, come on

MARTHA: All right, all right don't get all excited. She picks up the catalogue again. Herb enters
and crosses into the kitchen.

MARTHA: Where you been?

HERB: Doing some business.

MARTHA: What business you got?

HERB (Putting 50 bucks on the table): I got some work logging with the Petersons. A couple
weeks. I think I deserve a beer. A hard day's work deserves a hard night's drinking. We got
something to celebrate.

He crosses the fridge to get himself a beer.

MARTHA: Well get one for me too.

HERB (To Rachel): You spend too much time looking at those cards. Put them away.

RACHEL: I'm trying to read my future.

HERB: Didn't I just tell you to put those away?

RACHEL: Sorry Daddy.

She puts away the cards.

HERB (Handing Martha a beer): She spends too much time looking at those cards.

MARTHA: She's fine Herb.

HERB (To Rachel): You ought to go out and play. Life happens out there darling.

RACHEL: Okay Daddy.

Pause. He stares at Rachel.

MARTHA: For God sakes Herb, you got something in your eye or something? Stop staring at
the girl.

HERB (To Rachel): The trick is kid, you've got to learn to ignore us. If you can just learn to do
that, you'll be okay. That and go outside and play. That's all I got for you. (Opening his beer and
taking a sip) Nice and cold, Martha. I got work tomorrow and the day after.

Billy and Ellen enter the living room through the front door. Billy is dressed in a suit. Ellen has a
file folder.

ELLEN: We have to be quick.

BILLY: I know, Ellen.

ELLEN: Amy wants us over there right away. We just need the paperwork.

BILLY: I know. Just let me handle this.

MARTHA: Billy is that you?

BILLY: Yeah Ma. I got Miss Roberts with me. Could you come into the living room?

MARTHA: We're in the kitchen.

BILLY: Just come into the living room Ma, it's important.

MARTHA (To Herb): Oh Christ. Watch her be pregnant.

Martha and Herb cross into the living room. They are confronted by Billy in his suit.

HERB (To Billy): Did somebody die?

BILLY: No Pop.

MARTHA: Why are you wearing a suit?

ELLEN: I bought it for him.

MARTHA (To Ellen): You bought it for him? (To Billy) Please God, don't tell me you just married
this woman?

ELLEN: Martha come on

MARTHA: Billy start talking.

Billy holds out an envelope to Martha. Martha opens the envelope and reads. She looks up at
Billy and miles.

MARTHA: So this what you've been up to?

BILLY: Yes Ma.

MARTHA (Smiling): Well, I'll be damned

BILLY: I didn't want to say anything till I was sure. Show Dad the letter, Ma.

Martha hands Herb the letter

MARTHA: Deerfield Academy!

Herb looks at the letter in silence and then hands it back to Martha.

BILLY: I can get a scholarship.

MARTHA: Billy I'm so proud of you!

ELLEN: My friend

BILLY: Miss Roberts' friend Amy works in admissions. She helped me.

ELLEN: Amy pulled some strings and begged some favors and got Billy in for the spring
semester.

BILLY: Amy just called. If Miss Roberts and me can get over to Deerfield before the office closes
I won't have to wait till next year to get a scholarship.

Billy takes the file folder out of Ellen's bands, opens the folder and places it on the table in front
of Martha.

BILLY: These are financial-aid forms and these are consent forms. Ma, I need you to fill them
both out.

ELLEN: Tell them the rest of the good news

BILLY: Not now, will you just help my mother fill out the forms?

ELLEN: But it's so exciting

BILLY: Ellen not now

ELLEN: My father is such an amazing man. He has dedicated his whole life to education. I've
told him all about Billy and his situation. And he has offered to back Billy for his first semester if
it's necessary. So money won't be an issue for your family because I know you can't pay.

Beat.

ELLEN: I mean it's just so exciting because from Deerfield Billy can go to any college in the
country.

HERB (To Martha): By country does she mean, I love Billy's cock?

ELLEN: What?!

HERB: Excuse me I was just coughing.

ELLEN (To Herb): This isn't a joke.

HERB: Does it look like I'm laughing? That's a nice suit you're wearing, boy. I know some guys
in Springfield who do what you do, but they call it by a different name. Well, use your looks while
you got 'em. I'm glad I could give you something.

ELLEN: What's wrong with you?

HERB: Nothing's wrong with me. What's wrong with you?

ELLEN: This is his chance.

HERB: His chance to do what, Miss Roberts?

ELLEN: You sit here joking and drinking while your children shrivel up before your eyes. Are you
really this selfish? (To Martha) He'll end up working some dead-end job like yours, Martha

MARTHA: I'm an assistant manager.

ELLEN: Yes, I know, an assistant manager at the mall. I'm talking about giving Billy a real future.

HERB (Speaking to Billy): She's a little on the uppity side ain't she? You gonna let her come in
here and talk like that?

He crosses to the kitchen and gets a bottle of whiskey. Yelling to Martha and Billy from the
kitchen:

HERB: She thinks she's something right? You better fuck her a little better than you do. That
woman is frustrated.

BILLY: I never fucked her.

ELLEN (To Martha): Of course he never

HERB (Coming back into the living room): What?

BILLY: I said I never fucked her.

HERB (Sitting): Well there you go then.

ELLEN: You want to make him feel bad for wanting more. He's done more in 16 years than
you'll do in your entire life. He has courage, real courage

HERB: You call getting some ugly, skinny little bitch to suck you off courageous?

ELLEN: How dare you talk to me like that! Who do you think you are?

BILLY: It's okay, it's okay

HERB (To Billy): It's not okay. Look at me, boy. I'm looking at you right now.

BILLY: And I'm looking at you.

HERB: You think I don't know what you see?

BILLY: What do you want me to see? Tell me, fuckin' tell me what you want me to see?

Beat as Herb struggles to answer

MARTHA: I need a pen. They all look at her

HERB: Martha
MARTHA: Billy get me a pen.

HERB (Standing): Martha, no.

MARTHA: Herb, sit down. We can all take a little shit to help Billy to get what he wants.

ELLEN: I have a pen. (Hands Martha apen)

MARTHA: I need a cup of coffee. Billy, go get me a cup of coffee. (Billy hesitates) Billy, stop
wasting time.

Billy crosses to the kitchen. Rachel sits at the kitchen table waiting.

MARTHA (Pointing to the papers; to Ellen): What does this mean? I don't know what it means.

ELLEN: That's how much money you make a year.

MARTHA: Why I got to tell them that? It's nobody's business but mine.

ELLEN: It's just so they'll know how much money to give Billy. How much he needs. I'll need a
copy of your taxes.

MARTHA: Herb you hear that, she wants a copy of our taxes. (Pointing to the papers again)
What the fuck does this mean?

ELLEN: Number of dependants.

MARTHA: Should I count you Herb?

HERB: I think you should. I need to be counted somewhere.

Kitchen:

RACHEL: I didn't know. I didn't see it.

BILLY: That's because I didn't tell you. You can't see everything you know?

RACHEL: Billy stop

BILLY: I can't breathe. I can't move, every day's just the same. I'm going crazy, Rach. Can't you
see it? I'm not gonna make it if I stay

RACHEL: Billy

BILLY: I'll just start hitting everything. I'll hit it till it breaks
RACHEL: I want

BILLY: You know what they got over there Rachel? They got a salad bar. A fuckin' salad bar.
One of those machines where you can get fruit punch and soda. They got this big gym and a
smoking area. You never seen anything like it. And it's quiet, Rach. There's nobody fighting over
there.

RACHEL: I want to come too.

BILLY: I know.

RACHEL: I'm not like them.

BILLY: I know.

RACHEL: I'm not like you, either.

BILLY: You're better than me

RACHEL: Don't

BILLY: You're kinder than me

RACHEL: Please don't--I want to come too.

BILLY: You're stronger than me.

RACHEL: Billy, I'm not.

BILLY: You have to be.

RACHEL: I'm not. I can't breathe.

BILLY: You have to be, you have to be, please, please say--say--I need you to say it

RACHEL: Don't make me.

BILLY: I'm not gonna die here. I can't go without it.

RACHEL: Billy

BILLY: I can't go without it. I can't breathe without it. I can't wake up in the morning without it.

RACHEL: You know what's scary? As much as you talk, you don't know if once you're out there,
you'll even want to come back for me. Do you know how much I can take?

BILLY: I don't know. Please Rachel, please

RACHEL: Yeah, yeah. Okay. I'll let you go.

BILLY: Thank you

RACHEL: AndI wantI want you to go

BILLY: Thank you

RACHEL: Now promise you'll come back for me.

Living room:

MARTHA (Standing up): Okay now you sit here for a minute while I go talk to my son.

ELLEN: Oh I

Martha crosses into the kitchen.

ELLEN: Billy, we're done in here

HERB: No, no, no, Billy's talking to his mother. And you're gonna sit there with your mouth shut
till she's done. Aren't you?

ELLEN: Yes.

Kitchen:

MARTHA: Billy, I'm so proud of you. (Hugs him) Didn't I always tell you something like this
would happen?

BILLY: Yes Ma.

MARTHA: And so when do you start?

BILLY: Second semester. After Christmas.

MARTHA: Well, that's something isn't it? A little sad, it is a little sad. (Kisses him) But, it'll be
wonderful.

BILLY: Yes. I think it will.

MARTHA: Good. Now I want you to get that woman out of my house. And I don't ever want to
see her here again.

BILLY: Ma
MARTHA: No, let's be real clear. You do whatever you need to with her. She's your business
and clearly she's been very helpful. But, if I see her at your graduation, if I see her when you're
home on breaks, if I see her hanging around my doorstep howling for a look at you, you and me
aren't going to understand each other anymore. She has come into our house and disrespected
me and your father. Whether you like it or not we are your family.

BILLY: Yes Ma.

MARTHA: I love you very much and I'm very proud of you. Now get her the fuck out of my
house or things will get very ugly.

BILLY: Yes, Ma. (Goes to the living room)

Living room:

Ellen crosses to the front door. Billy hesitates, looking at his father.

HERB: You waiting for something, boy?

BILLY: I guess not.

They exit out the front door

Kitchen:

RACHEL: Mom, I don't feel so well.

MARTHA: Well have a glass of water.

Martha goes the living room. Rachel remains sitting in the kitchen.

Living room:

MARTHA: Did you see my son?

HERB: I saw him.

MARTHA: Didn't he look so handsome?

Herb looks at her for a moment.

HERB: Yes Martha, he's a handsome boy.

Kitchen:

Rachel sits very still, listening to her parents. She looks sick to her stomach.
Living room:

MARTHA: I'm so happy right now, baby. I've never been this happy. Look at what we've done,
you and me. Look at how beautiful you and me can be. It's just like we thought it would be so
long ago. We're different baby, just like we said we'd be.

Gloria bursts through the front door.

GLORIA: Where the hell is he!

HERB: Look, it's fat-ass Gloria. Sit down fat ass and have a drink.

GLORIA: Don't give me any of your shit Herb Lawrence. I'm looking for Louie.

MARTHA: He ain't here.

GLORIA: I want Louie.

MARTHA: You see him? Is he here?

GLORIA: I ain't never done nothing to you.

MARTHA: Who said you had?

Kitchen:

Rachel looks around her like a trapped animal. She's looking for a way out.

Living room:

GLORIA: You think you're better than everyone. You think you're special.

HERB: Stop your yipyap, Gloria. Have a drink.

GLORIA: I don't want a drink. I want my husband. He ain't come home in three days. Why he
treat me that way, huh? I do good. I do the laundry and make him dinner. I never ask him where
he's been.

HERB (To Martha): What's she yippin' about?

MARTHA: She's lonely is all.

HERB: And she thinks that makes her special?

MARTHA: Look, Gloria. My son got into Deerfield Academy. My son is really smart.

GLORIA: What you think? That's gonna save your soul or something?
MARTHA: Nojust how 'bout that. Billy's gonna go somewhere.

Kitchen:

Rachel silently and frantically paces the kitchen, wild animal in a cage.

Living room:

HERB: Fuckin' A! How 'bout a game of cards. You ladies wanna play?

MARTHA: Come on Gloria, sit down and have a drink. Relax a little.

GLORIA: Fuck.

She sits. Martha pours her a drink.

GLORIA: Where you think he is anyway?

MARTHA: Nowhere special. He'll turn up, he always does.

GLORIA: I'll tell you, I thought I knew everything I needed to know about the future. I thought if I
just found myself a good man. One who would actually take care of me. I'd get to spend the rest
of my life walking on easy street.

MARTHA: We all thought that Gloria. (Pouring bet another drink) You're with family now Gloria.
You just drink up and relax.

GLORIA: I told him we should have a child. A child is what we need. You got children Martha. A
man needs children.

Martha goes and sits on Herb's lap.

MARTHA (Kissing him): I want another baby, Herb. I want you to give me a baby. Something
beautiful and new made by the two of us. I know what I want. Right now, I have no doubts. Not a
single one

GLORIA: We could be pregnant together. Go shopping together. Like real family. Loving our
babies. It will be beautiful. It's the best thing we can give our men.

Kitchen:

Rachel is sitting at the table again. She is trying to catch bet breath, trying to breathe slowly. She
picks a spot on the wall and focuses on it.

Living room:
HERB (Pouring them all fresh drinks): This is nice. Us just sitting around talking.

MARTHA: It sure is. We got something to celebrate. Billy, and you getting some work baby. (To
Gloria) Herb got some work with the Petersons.

GLORIA: Well good for you, Herb.

MARTHA: Gloria, why don't you stay for dinner? You keep Louie waiting for a while. Let him
wonder where you are for a change.

GLORIA: Would serve him right.

MARTHA: Let him get his own dinner. Shit you know what? Herb brought home some cash, let's
order pizza. Herb honey, you want some pizza?

HERB: From the Russell Inn?

MARTHA: Herb loves pizza from the Russell Inn.

GLORIA: I like pizza.

MARTHA: Rachel honey, you want some pizza?

Rachel sits at the table but doesn't answer.

HERB: Let's get a case and have a regular party.

MARTHA: Gloria?

Martha crosses to the kitchen to order the pizza.

GLORIA: These are good times, Martha. These are good times.

MARTHA: Don't I know it?

Martha enters the kitchen.

MARTHA (To Rachel): We're ordering pizza, what kind do you want?

RACHEL: I'm not very hungry.

MARTHA: Well you gotta eat something. Whatta ya doing in here?

RACHEL: Waiting.

MARTHA: For what?

HERB: I want extra cheese.

MARTHA: Herb, you know I hate extra cheese. Ask Gloria what she wants, she's the guest.

GLORIA: I like pepperoni and mushrooms. And I like a little extra sauce.

MARTHA: I like extra sauce.

HERB: Would you two hens stop your yapping and order the pizza for Christ's sake, before we
all starve to death.

Lights fade.

END OF PLAY

~~~~~~~~

By Lucy Thurber

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