Lulu Fisher (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
ruethereal) wrote2011-08-09 03:49 pm
ruethereal) wrote2011-08-09 03:49 pm
Entry tags:
coffee&cigarettes; or, my muse is anorexic why
A couple years ago, I took a bullshit theatre course to get some 'writing intensive' credits out of the way. Turns out, I didn't even need any more WIs. And while the course itself was truly bullshit, the lab sessions were pretty fun and fulfilling. I even got to write a 5-minute, 3-character play as a final project. Since I'm taking a break from writing fan fiction because, really, my brain is fan fiction-fried, I figure I may as well dig out and dust off the script and get to what I meant to do years ago: convert it into a short story.
I'd started tinkering last summer but hit some roadblocks a few chapters in, and it's been untouched ever since. Maybe this not-so-new self-assigned assignment will make my muse stop acting like such a fan fic-inclined zombie.
NICOTINE FANTASIES
CHARACTERS
JACOB
A junior and English major who, after his recent breakup, unknowingly develops Dissociative Identity Disorder and inadvertently confesses romantic interest for Vincent, his best friend and roommate
VINCENT
A disorganized, major-less fellow junior, he is Jacob’s best friend and roommate who socializes more than he studies and so spends most of his time at a nearby coffee shop
OLIVIA
Jacob’s female alter ego who is never without cigarettes or a digital camera, she steadily reveals Jacob’s new feelings for and to Vincent
CAFÉ PATRONS
SCENE 1
Setting: a dorm room with two twin beds on either side of a square, four-paned, curtain-less window framing a bright blue sky: it is midday; downstage left is the door; JACOB’s bed is at stage right: the sheets are dark blue, there is only one pillow in a faded pillowcase patterned with cartoon characters; a bedside table is at the upstage right head of the bed, on it are empty picture frames, an ashtray, and a digital camera; VINCENT’s bed is at stage left: the sheets are faded and patterned with cartoon characters and bunched up at the end of the bed, the single pillow in a faded pillowcase with the same cartoon pattern has fallen to the floor; a bedside table is at the upstage left head of the bed, on it is a messy stack of books and CDs
JACOB
(he stands at the window, looking downstage left at the door; he wears a plain white t-shirt and jeans, a backpack at his feet; he sings Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry”)
I remember when we used to sit—
VINCENT enters
(he closes the door but does not step further in; he wears a band t-shirt and jeans)
Hey, I was wondering why you weren't in Lit.
JACOB
No, I was there wondering why you weren't, Vince.
(he slings the bag over his shoulder and walks to the door)
VINCENT
Right. I lied.
(he hesitates before meeting JACOB at downstage center, and stops to grab his arm)
Jake, sorry about you and Jess. But you know, long distance relationships...
JACOB
No woman, no cry.
(he shrugs off VINCENT’s hand)
I'm heading to the café.
VINCENT
(with forced cheer)
I'll meet you there.
JACOB
(he gives a genuine laugh)
Only once you've said hi to everyone else in there, right?
VINCENT
I always save the best for last.
(he watches JACOB exit, paces upstage to the window and back downstage center, then exits)
(Lights out. Set change. Lights up.)
SCENE 2
Setting: a café with patrons at the five tables with one or two chairs each arranged in a downward curve, starting from upstage right to downstage left; upstage right is the door; there is the same square, four-paned, curtain-less window framing a bright blue sky: it is still midday; at stage left of the window is a counter with coffee paraphernalia, etc.
VINCENT enters
(he introduces himself to some people, shaking hands before sitting at the downstage left table)
OLIVIA enters
(she sees VINCENT and walks over while lighting a cigarette; she wears a plain white t-shirt and jeans)
Hey, Vinny-poo.
(she pulls an ashtray out of her pocket, sets it on the table, then sits)
VINCENT
Er, hi, what’s up?
OLIVIA
Well, my long-term, long-distance relationship just imploded and I’m totally going crazy.
(she takes a long pull from the cigarette)
But I’m definitely going crazy for the wrong reasons.
VINCENT
I'm trying to help—
OLIVIA
Can’t you see I’m going crazy? See why I’m going crazy?
(she taps the table lightly with her fingers, looking expectant)
VINCENT
(he chuckles)
Feel like talking about it?
OLIVIA
(she nods once)
For the longest time it felt like I was the only one putting effort into the relationship. But then it got to the point where I couldn't remember why I was trying so hard anymore.
(she stubs out the cigarette)
VINCENT
I totally don't know how you feel.
OLIVIA
(she pats him on the shoulder)
It's okay, I didn't expect you to.
(she lights another cigarette)
I just wanted to tell someone, and you're the only person I feel like telling just now.
VINCENT
Should you be smoking so much?
OLIVIA
(she inhales, exhales, then looks at the cigarette from an arm’s length away)
Haven’t I just told you? I’m going crazy. I have control issues.
(she inhales again)
It's probably why I'm only talking to you. You’re someone I can have a conversation with, but I can still control what's being said.
(she points at him with the cigarette)
Or I just have an oral fixation.
VINCENT
Right.
OLIVIA
But I also think that I was uncomfortable in the relationship and didn't know how to make myself un-uncomfortable since I’ve spent so much time alone and I'd forgotten what it was like to be around anyone other than my best friend and a 4-inch by 4-inch, pixel-y version of her face.
VINCENT
(he coughs once)
Have you always talked this much?
OLIVIA
Only now that I’ve decided to talk to you. I figured it’s worth it to try opening up to you.
(she takes another lengthy drag from the cigarette)
Which is a compliment, by the way, since I don't talk to anybody else.
(she pulls a digital camera from her jeans pocket and takes a quick shot of VINCENT)
VINCENT
What the f— Why did you—
OLIVIA
(she checks the image before stowing the camera away)
Your face gave the impression that you were happy when I said that you're worth opening up to. It was a nice face, so I thought I'd like to keep a picture of it. And that was a compliment, too.
VINCENT
(looking around at the other patrons)
Thanks.
OLIVIA
(she offers the cigarette)
Here, you haven't stopped staring.
VINCENT
(he hesitates before taking it)
It wasn't exactly because of the cigarette…
OLIVIA
(she extracts another cigarette, distractedly singing Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”)
This is my message to y—
VINCENT
(he is about to place the cigarette between his lips but stops to watch her)
You're lighting another?
OLIVIA
(she faces away from him and lights it before turning back)
Well, I just gave you that one, didn't I?
VINCENT
Right.
(he takes a drag then looks at his watch)
I think it's time for me to actually go to class.
OLIVIA
(nodding)
Thanks for the chat.
(Lights out. Set change. Lights up.)
SCENE 3
Setting: the dorm; the window frames an orange and purple sky: it is late afternoon
VINCENT
(he stands at the window, looking downstage left at the door)
JACOB enters
(he closes the door but does not step further in)
Sorry about earlier.
VINCENT
About that, I didn't mean to run off on you. I just had no idea what to say.
(he paces downstage from the window and back)
But if you still want to talk—
JACOB
I don't think I want to, thanks, Vince.
(he crosses the room, stops at the end of his bed at stage right and lights a cigarette)
VINCENT
(he goes to the side of his bed at stage left, chuckling)
I know I already asked, but should you be smoking so much?
(Lights out. Set change. Lights up.)
SCENE 4
Setting: the café; the window frames a light blue-green sky: it is morning of the next day
OLIVIA
(she sits alone at the downstage left table, cigarette in one hand, camera in the other, looking at the pictures and singing Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”; she wears a grey t-shirt and jeans)
Rise up this morning / Smiled with the rising sun…
VINCENT enters from stage right
(he rushes to OLIVIA’s table; he wears a different band t-shirt and jeans)
OLIVIA
You're inconveniently slow.
(she takes a picture of VINCENT as he sits)
VINCENT
(he fixes his hair)
Again with the picture taking?
OLIVIA
You looked so apologetic and sad.
(she pouts exaggeratedly)
It was a nice face, so I thought I'd like to keep a picture of it. And here—
(she offers the cigarette)
—half-smoked the way you like it.
VINCENT
(he sighs)
I'll never be able to quit with you around.
(he takes it)
OLIVIA
(she drums her fingers on the table, turning away from him)
You didn't have to meet me.
VINCENT
(he inhales tentatively)
I like that you talk to only me.
OLIVIA
(she extracts another cigarette and sets it to her mouth)
That's selfish of you. And here I thought this was all so I could relieve myself of the pain I suffered after the breakup from my long-term, long-distance relationship.
(she takes another picture)
VINCENT
(he fixes his hair again)
Really, again? A-and again?
(he gestures at the cigarette between OLIVIA’s lips)
OLIVIA
(she twitches the camera in her hand)
You looked somehow even more apologetic.
(imitating him)
A-and I can't sit here watching you smoke and not smoke myself.
(she lights the cigarette)
VINCENT
Has your logic always been so twisted?
(he inhales as well)
OLIVIA
(she thinks before answering)
Only when you're around.
(she inhales then stares at the cigarette from an arm’s length away)
Are you lonely?
VINCENT
What makes you think that?
OLIVIA
You like meeting new people but you can't hold down a girlfriend. Or is it that you can't hold down a girlfriend because you like meeting new people way too much? Or is it that you don’t feel like holding down a girlfriend because you don’t want to commit to a relationship? Or are you scared to commit?
VINCENT
(he stares at his cigarette before putting it out)
You know me too well.
OLIVIA
I like knowing you too well.
(she inspects her camera again)
I think you should be glad that I like knowing you so well.
VINCENT
(he takes the cigarette from OLIVIA’s mouth and puts it in his own)
Why’s that?
(he holds out his hand for the camera)
OLIVIA
(ignoring him, she pockets it)
But there’s one thing I don’t quite know about you and your maybe-loneliness.
VINCENT
(his hand still open)
What’s that?
OLIVIA
(contemplatively)
I’m not even sure if I want to know.
VINCENT
(he withdraws his hand to fix his hair)
Well, what is it?
OLIVIA
(she shrugs, then takes out and lights another cigarette)
Whether or not the reason you can’t hold down a girlfriend is that you don’t even want a girlfriend.
VINCENT
(he mouths wordlessly)
OLIVIA
I like you enough to not want you to be lonely. If being gay keeps you un-lonely, I’m all for it. In fact, it would make me happy.
VINCENT
(blinking out of his stupor, he fidgets then deflects)
I don’t think anyone wishes loneliness on other people.
OLIVIA
I almost want to wish loneliness on my ex, but I don’t think she realized that I was never lonely even though we were so far apart. Especially now that I can talk to just you about everything.
(she produces the camera and takes another picture)
VINCENT
What was it this time?
(he stubs out the cigarette then takes OLIVIA’s again)
OLIVIA
I like it when what I say makes your face light up. But now I’m wondering if you lit up because I just jokingly out-ed you, or because I said that you’re the only person I want to talk to, which almost sounds like a confession of something embarrassing between friends.
(she checks the camera and laughs before pocketing it)
It’s a nice face; I want to keep pictures of it.
VINCENT
(he rubs his cheek nervously)
What for, exactly?
OLIVIA
(cheerfully)
So, on the off chance that I have what’s between us disastrously wrong, I can still pretend that I make you as happy as you make me.
(she takes back the cigarette)
VINCENT
(he stares for a moment)
Jake.
OLIVIA
(she exhales then stands abruptly)
Thanks again.
VINCENT
Wait. Don’t.
OLIVIA
(she heads upstage right to the door, walking backwards and taking more photos of him)
Damn, all these faces you give me, Vincent. You look so confused and eager at the same time. I’m smitten.
VINCENT
(he stands and starts to follow her, shielding his face)
I’m serious. Don’t go.
OLIVIA
(she chucks the cigarette at his feet)
One for the road?
(she takes one last picture, tosses him the camera, then turns and continues walking; she sings Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain”)
I don’t wanna wait in vain for…
(she exits)
VINCENT
(he stomps on the cigarette then exits)
(Lights out. Set change. Lights up.)
SCENE 5
Setting: the dorm; the window frames an orange and purple sky: it is late afternoon
VINCENT
(he stands at the window, looking downstage left at the door; he sings Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain”)
I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love—
JACOB enters
(he shuts the door, meets VINCENT at the window and offers a pack of cigarettes; he wears a grey t-shirt and jeans)
VINCENT
Where the hell have you been since this morning?
JACOB
(he shrugs, withdraws the pack then lights a cigarette)
VINCENT
(he takes the cigarette and throws it on the floor)
Enough with the smoking, Jake. Talk to me. I don’t understand how you’ve been acting or what you’ve been saying.
JACOB
(he heads for his bed at stage right)
VINCENT
Damn it, I thought you were my best friend. You said I’m your best friend—
JACOB
I don’t have anything to say.
(he sits at the end of the bed)
VINCENT
(he paces across the length of the room once, then stands to the left of JACOB)
Well, do you still want these?
(he drops the camera into JACOB’s lap)
JACOB
(he looks through the pictures on the camera)
VINCENT
(hesitating)
You were right.
JACOB
(he looks up from the camera at VINCENT)
VINCENT
About everything, really. I don’t want to be lonely. But I realized you’re my best friend, so I’m not lonely. You make me as happy as you think, so I’m not—
JACOB
(he stands abruptly and takes VINCENT’s right hand in his left as he pockets the camera with his right)
Me, too.
VINCENT
(he looks down at their hands, then looks back at JACOB)
Spare a light?
(Lights out.)
--Lulu Fisher, UHM Fall '09
I'd started tinkering last summer but hit some roadblocks a few chapters in, and it's been untouched ever since. Maybe this not-so-new self-assigned assignment will make my muse stop acting like such a fan fic-inclined zombie.
CHARACTERS
JACOB
A junior and English major who, after his recent breakup, unknowingly develops Dissociative Identity Disorder and inadvertently confesses romantic interest for Vincent, his best friend and roommate
VINCENT
A disorganized, major-less fellow junior, he is Jacob’s best friend and roommate who socializes more than he studies and so spends most of his time at a nearby coffee shop
OLIVIA
Jacob’s female alter ego who is never without cigarettes or a digital camera, she steadily reveals Jacob’s new feelings for and to Vincent
CAFÉ PATRONS
SCENE 1
Setting: a dorm room with two twin beds on either side of a square, four-paned, curtain-less window framing a bright blue sky: it is midday; downstage left is the door; JACOB’s bed is at stage right: the sheets are dark blue, there is only one pillow in a faded pillowcase patterned with cartoon characters; a bedside table is at the upstage right head of the bed, on it are empty picture frames, an ashtray, and a digital camera; VINCENT’s bed is at stage left: the sheets are faded and patterned with cartoon characters and bunched up at the end of the bed, the single pillow in a faded pillowcase with the same cartoon pattern has fallen to the floor; a bedside table is at the upstage left head of the bed, on it is a messy stack of books and CDs
JACOB
(he stands at the window, looking downstage left at the door; he wears a plain white t-shirt and jeans, a backpack at his feet; he sings Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry”)
I remember when we used to sit—
VINCENT enters
(he closes the door but does not step further in; he wears a band t-shirt and jeans)
Hey, I was wondering why you weren't in Lit.
JACOB
No, I was there wondering why you weren't, Vince.
(he slings the bag over his shoulder and walks to the door)
VINCENT
Right. I lied.
(he hesitates before meeting JACOB at downstage center, and stops to grab his arm)
Jake, sorry about you and Jess. But you know, long distance relationships...
JACOB
No woman, no cry.
(he shrugs off VINCENT’s hand)
I'm heading to the café.
VINCENT
(with forced cheer)
I'll meet you there.
JACOB
(he gives a genuine laugh)
Only once you've said hi to everyone else in there, right?
VINCENT
I always save the best for last.
(he watches JACOB exit, paces upstage to the window and back downstage center, then exits)
(Lights out. Set change. Lights up.)
SCENE 2
Setting: a café with patrons at the five tables with one or two chairs each arranged in a downward curve, starting from upstage right to downstage left; upstage right is the door; there is the same square, four-paned, curtain-less window framing a bright blue sky: it is still midday; at stage left of the window is a counter with coffee paraphernalia, etc.
VINCENT enters
(he introduces himself to some people, shaking hands before sitting at the downstage left table)
OLIVIA enters
(she sees VINCENT and walks over while lighting a cigarette; she wears a plain white t-shirt and jeans)
Hey, Vinny-poo.
(she pulls an ashtray out of her pocket, sets it on the table, then sits)
VINCENT
Er, hi, what’s up?
OLIVIA
Well, my long-term, long-distance relationship just imploded and I’m totally going crazy.
(she takes a long pull from the cigarette)
But I’m definitely going crazy for the wrong reasons.
VINCENT
I'm trying to help—
OLIVIA
Can’t you see I’m going crazy? See why I’m going crazy?
(she taps the table lightly with her fingers, looking expectant)
VINCENT
(he chuckles)
Feel like talking about it?
OLIVIA
(she nods once)
For the longest time it felt like I was the only one putting effort into the relationship. But then it got to the point where I couldn't remember why I was trying so hard anymore.
(she stubs out the cigarette)
VINCENT
I totally don't know how you feel.
OLIVIA
(she pats him on the shoulder)
It's okay, I didn't expect you to.
(she lights another cigarette)
I just wanted to tell someone, and you're the only person I feel like telling just now.
VINCENT
Should you be smoking so much?
OLIVIA
(she inhales, exhales, then looks at the cigarette from an arm’s length away)
Haven’t I just told you? I’m going crazy. I have control issues.
(she inhales again)
It's probably why I'm only talking to you. You’re someone I can have a conversation with, but I can still control what's being said.
(she points at him with the cigarette)
Or I just have an oral fixation.
VINCENT
Right.
OLIVIA
But I also think that I was uncomfortable in the relationship and didn't know how to make myself un-uncomfortable since I’ve spent so much time alone and I'd forgotten what it was like to be around anyone other than my best friend and a 4-inch by 4-inch, pixel-y version of her face.
VINCENT
(he coughs once)
Have you always talked this much?
OLIVIA
Only now that I’ve decided to talk to you. I figured it’s worth it to try opening up to you.
(she takes another lengthy drag from the cigarette)
Which is a compliment, by the way, since I don't talk to anybody else.
(she pulls a digital camera from her jeans pocket and takes a quick shot of VINCENT)
VINCENT
What the f— Why did you—
OLIVIA
(she checks the image before stowing the camera away)
Your face gave the impression that you were happy when I said that you're worth opening up to. It was a nice face, so I thought I'd like to keep a picture of it. And that was a compliment, too.
VINCENT
(looking around at the other patrons)
Thanks.
OLIVIA
(she offers the cigarette)
Here, you haven't stopped staring.
VINCENT
(he hesitates before taking it)
It wasn't exactly because of the cigarette…
OLIVIA
(she extracts another cigarette, distractedly singing Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”)
This is my message to y—
VINCENT
(he is about to place the cigarette between his lips but stops to watch her)
You're lighting another?
OLIVIA
(she faces away from him and lights it before turning back)
Well, I just gave you that one, didn't I?
VINCENT
Right.
(he takes a drag then looks at his watch)
I think it's time for me to actually go to class.
OLIVIA
(nodding)
Thanks for the chat.
(Lights out. Set change. Lights up.)
SCENE 3
Setting: the dorm; the window frames an orange and purple sky: it is late afternoon
VINCENT
(he stands at the window, looking downstage left at the door)
JACOB enters
(he closes the door but does not step further in)
Sorry about earlier.
VINCENT
About that, I didn't mean to run off on you. I just had no idea what to say.
(he paces downstage from the window and back)
But if you still want to talk—
JACOB
I don't think I want to, thanks, Vince.
(he crosses the room, stops at the end of his bed at stage right and lights a cigarette)
VINCENT
(he goes to the side of his bed at stage left, chuckling)
I know I already asked, but should you be smoking so much?
(Lights out. Set change. Lights up.)
SCENE 4
Setting: the café; the window frames a light blue-green sky: it is morning of the next day
OLIVIA
(she sits alone at the downstage left table, cigarette in one hand, camera in the other, looking at the pictures and singing Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”; she wears a grey t-shirt and jeans)
Rise up this morning / Smiled with the rising sun…
VINCENT enters from stage right
(he rushes to OLIVIA’s table; he wears a different band t-shirt and jeans)
OLIVIA
You're inconveniently slow.
(she takes a picture of VINCENT as he sits)
VINCENT
(he fixes his hair)
Again with the picture taking?
OLIVIA
You looked so apologetic and sad.
(she pouts exaggeratedly)
It was a nice face, so I thought I'd like to keep a picture of it. And here—
(she offers the cigarette)
—half-smoked the way you like it.
VINCENT
(he sighs)
I'll never be able to quit with you around.
(he takes it)
OLIVIA
(she drums her fingers on the table, turning away from him)
You didn't have to meet me.
VINCENT
(he inhales tentatively)
I like that you talk to only me.
OLIVIA
(she extracts another cigarette and sets it to her mouth)
That's selfish of you. And here I thought this was all so I could relieve myself of the pain I suffered after the breakup from my long-term, long-distance relationship.
(she takes another picture)
VINCENT
(he fixes his hair again)
Really, again? A-and again?
(he gestures at the cigarette between OLIVIA’s lips)
OLIVIA
(she twitches the camera in her hand)
You looked somehow even more apologetic.
(imitating him)
A-and I can't sit here watching you smoke and not smoke myself.
(she lights the cigarette)
VINCENT
Has your logic always been so twisted?
(he inhales as well)
OLIVIA
(she thinks before answering)
Only when you're around.
(she inhales then stares at the cigarette from an arm’s length away)
Are you lonely?
VINCENT
What makes you think that?
OLIVIA
You like meeting new people but you can't hold down a girlfriend. Or is it that you can't hold down a girlfriend because you like meeting new people way too much? Or is it that you don’t feel like holding down a girlfriend because you don’t want to commit to a relationship? Or are you scared to commit?
VINCENT
(he stares at his cigarette before putting it out)
You know me too well.
OLIVIA
I like knowing you too well.
(she inspects her camera again)
I think you should be glad that I like knowing you so well.
VINCENT
(he takes the cigarette from OLIVIA’s mouth and puts it in his own)
Why’s that?
(he holds out his hand for the camera)
OLIVIA
(ignoring him, she pockets it)
But there’s one thing I don’t quite know about you and your maybe-loneliness.
VINCENT
(his hand still open)
What’s that?
OLIVIA
(contemplatively)
I’m not even sure if I want to know.
VINCENT
(he withdraws his hand to fix his hair)
Well, what is it?
OLIVIA
(she shrugs, then takes out and lights another cigarette)
Whether or not the reason you can’t hold down a girlfriend is that you don’t even want a girlfriend.
VINCENT
(he mouths wordlessly)
OLIVIA
I like you enough to not want you to be lonely. If being gay keeps you un-lonely, I’m all for it. In fact, it would make me happy.
VINCENT
(blinking out of his stupor, he fidgets then deflects)
I don’t think anyone wishes loneliness on other people.
OLIVIA
I almost want to wish loneliness on my ex, but I don’t think she realized that I was never lonely even though we were so far apart. Especially now that I can talk to just you about everything.
(she produces the camera and takes another picture)
VINCENT
What was it this time?
(he stubs out the cigarette then takes OLIVIA’s again)
OLIVIA
I like it when what I say makes your face light up. But now I’m wondering if you lit up because I just jokingly out-ed you, or because I said that you’re the only person I want to talk to, which almost sounds like a confession of something embarrassing between friends.
(she checks the camera and laughs before pocketing it)
It’s a nice face; I want to keep pictures of it.
VINCENT
(he rubs his cheek nervously)
What for, exactly?
OLIVIA
(cheerfully)
So, on the off chance that I have what’s between us disastrously wrong, I can still pretend that I make you as happy as you make me.
(she takes back the cigarette)
VINCENT
(he stares for a moment)
Jake.
OLIVIA
(she exhales then stands abruptly)
Thanks again.
VINCENT
Wait. Don’t.
OLIVIA
(she heads upstage right to the door, walking backwards and taking more photos of him)
Damn, all these faces you give me, Vincent. You look so confused and eager at the same time. I’m smitten.
VINCENT
(he stands and starts to follow her, shielding his face)
I’m serious. Don’t go.
OLIVIA
(she chucks the cigarette at his feet)
One for the road?
(she takes one last picture, tosses him the camera, then turns and continues walking; she sings Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain”)
I don’t wanna wait in vain for…
(she exits)
VINCENT
(he stomps on the cigarette then exits)
(Lights out. Set change. Lights up.)
SCENE 5
Setting: the dorm; the window frames an orange and purple sky: it is late afternoon
VINCENT
(he stands at the window, looking downstage left at the door; he sings Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain”)
I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love—
JACOB enters
(he shuts the door, meets VINCENT at the window and offers a pack of cigarettes; he wears a grey t-shirt and jeans)
VINCENT
Where the hell have you been since this morning?
JACOB
(he shrugs, withdraws the pack then lights a cigarette)
VINCENT
(he takes the cigarette and throws it on the floor)
Enough with the smoking, Jake. Talk to me. I don’t understand how you’ve been acting or what you’ve been saying.
JACOB
(he heads for his bed at stage right)
VINCENT
Damn it, I thought you were my best friend. You said I’m your best friend—
JACOB
I don’t have anything to say.
(he sits at the end of the bed)
VINCENT
(he paces across the length of the room once, then stands to the left of JACOB)
Well, do you still want these?
(he drops the camera into JACOB’s lap)
JACOB
(he looks through the pictures on the camera)
VINCENT
(hesitating)
You were right.
JACOB
(he looks up from the camera at VINCENT)
VINCENT
About everything, really. I don’t want to be lonely. But I realized you’re my best friend, so I’m not lonely. You make me as happy as you think, so I’m not—
JACOB
(he stands abruptly and takes VINCENT’s right hand in his left as he pockets the camera with his right)
Me, too.
VINCENT
(he looks down at their hands, then looks back at JACOB)
Spare a light?
(Lights out.)
--Lulu Fisher, UHM Fall '09