And Divided We Fall

 

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Please excuse the formatting issues—I'm bringing the plays over pretty directly so most of the formatting is lost.

—TSS, 12/25/08

 

And Divided We Fall
A full-length comedy

The Detroit News refused to believe that I could write a play whose major conflict centers on the blatantly discriminatory policies of the U.S. military (particularly those of Army ROTC), include a brutal fag bashing, title it And Divided We Fall and make it a comedy. I don’t think they believed it till they saw it.
The Metro Times said “(Szymanski) discussed the impossibility of authoring a work dealing with gays in the military without touching on a variety of volatile themes, including homophobia, outing, race and gender discrimination in the military, violence and war mentality. After all this, Szymanski says, without a hint of a smirk, that her play is a comedy.”

This possiblity is best explained when two of the characters, Lynn and Jessie, meet at a gay pride parade. Marchers start chanting “Faggots and dykes and bis—Oh my!” and Jessie cannot believe this: “But we have so far to go.” Lynn replies “An occasional laugh lightens the load. There’s no danger worse than taking yourself too seriously.”

The story, the characters, come first. The issues are secondary. Of course, I also believe if you entertain people—make them laugh—then it’s easier to sneak in the back door of their minds and make them think. Issues and humor are compatible—just like gays and the military. The issue of gays in the military is merely the vehicle for my play, it is by far not the end all and be all of Divided.

The action takes place in the present, at an apartment just off-campus at a Big Ten University. The first two acts take place on a single evening, the third act takes place about 6 months later. There are also four flashbacks and one “sidebar” that take place at different times throughout the play, but all of these can be played without any major set alterations or breaks in the action.

 

And Divided We Fall
Cast of Characters

Nellie Wynters In her early twenties, she is a lesbian college senior and has been with Kelly just over three years.

Kelly Bodnar An ROTC company commander, Kelly is in her early twenties, in very good physical condition and is rather butch. The military is very much in her speech, mannerisms and actions.

Jessie VanOwen In her early twenties, Jessie is a bisexual woman who is now seeing Robert. She and Lynn broke up about a year before the play's beginning.

Robert Wilson Everyone calls him Robert. In his early twenties, he is muscular and his manner and actions tell of his military background. He will, preferably, be portrayed by a man of color.

Stephen DeSilva Stephen, as everyone calls him, is in his early twenties and is rather feminine, eloquent and charming. Although he flirts with everyone, his sexual partners are always male.

Lynn Sullivan In her early to mid twenties, Lynn is exclusively lesbian and is currently single.

Charlie Stephen's ex-lover. Appears only in II, 1.

Doctor Appears only in III, 1. (May be played by Charlie.)

The War Protesters Appear only in Prologue. No lines.
(May be played by Stephen, Lynn and Jessie.)

The Marchers Appear only in Lynn and Jessie Flashback.
(May be played by Charlie and Robert.)

The Bashers Appear only in III, 2.
(May be played by Kelly, Nellie, Lynn and Jessie - with hoods over their heads.)

• • •

Scene
KELLY and NELLIE's rather plain college apartment.

Time
The present. Act I takes place at Christmas, Act II opens about an hour after the end of Act I, and Act III takes place 6 months later in June.

• • •

PROLOGUE
(*The Cadet Creed.

SETTING: We are seeing only the empty Flashback Area (DS).
AT RISE: Kelly and Robert, in Army camouflage uniforms, enter from opposite sides of the stage. THEY stand angled away from each other at opposite sides of the stage. The WAR PROTESTERS run in and strike a unified pose CS.

KELLY
I am an Army Cadet.

ROBERT
Soon I will take an oath and become an Army Officer committed to DEFENDING the values which make this Nation great.

KELLY
HONOR is my touchstone.

ROBERT
I understand MISSION first and PEOPLE always.

KELLY
I am the PAST:

ROBERT
the spirit of those WARRIORS who have made the final sacrifice.

KELLY
I am the PRESENT:

ROBERT
the scholar and apprentice soldier enhancing my skills in the science of warfare and the art of leadership.

KELLY
But above all, I am the FUTURE: the future WARRIOR LEADER of the United States Army.

ROBERT
May God give me the compassion and judgment to lead and the gallantry in battle to WIN.
ROBERT and KELLY turn to give each other a dirty look over their shoulders. THEY then return to THEIR previous pose.

KELLY and
ROBERT
I WILL do my duty.

BLACKOUT.
END OF PROLOGUE

Act I

SETTING: We are in the small, sparsely furnished apartment of KELLY and NELLIE. Seen are the kitchen, balcony, bedroom, and living room. The apartment is decorated for Christmas and is a mess with magazines, dirty dishes, lingerie, etc., strewn about.

AT RISE: KELLY and NELLIE are on the bed, kissing, etc. THEY are almost fully clothed. NELLIE rolls over to sit on KELLY, and, as SHE does so, notices the clock.

NELLIE
Oh my God!
(SHE jumps up)
Look at the time!
KELLY pulls NELLIE back onto her.

KELLY
Who gives a fuck about the time?

NELLIE
(Trying to pull away from KELLY)
People should start showing up soon.

KELLY
(Kissing NELLIE’s neck)
We’ve got time.

NELLIE
But we have to get dressed and straighten the apartment.

KELLY
Tidy or clean—not straighten.

NELLIE
You know what I mean.

KELLY
(Giving up on NELLIE, standing)
It’s a pet peeve—okay?

NELLIE
(Kissing KELLY)
I know.
SHE starts dressing.

KELLY
(Changing clothes)
I still don’t understand why you had to go and invite them over.

NELLIE
It’s Christmas!

KELLY
(Putting on a tie)
So? We gotta have a bunch of flakes over?

NELLIE
They’re our friends.

KELLY
No—they’re your friends.
NELLIE walks over to KELLY and puts her arms around her. THEY kiss..

NELLIE
Remember, sweetheart—what’s mine is yours. And you’re not going to wear that, are you?

KELLY
I just can’t afford to get caught. And why not?

NELLIE
Having friends over?

KELLY
Guilt by association.

NELLIE
C’mon Kel—I think you’re getting a little paranoid—you’re a good cadet—why should they even look twice? And you’re always out-butching me.

KELLY
(Shrugs and puts tie down, pulls on a sweater instead)
Hey, look what happened to Joe Steffan—if they can kick him out six weeks before graduation...

NELLIE
I know, I know—but that was the Navy.

KELLY
It’s the same for all the forces, honey. How’s this?

NELLIE
But I think I deserve, we deserve, a little time somewhat out of the closet. Very nice.

KELLY
We live together, we sleep together...

NELLIE
But no one knows. We can’t do anything together outside of this apartment.
NELLIE finishes dressing and begins to move about the apartment—tidying it. KELLY follows her, handing her things to put away..

KELLY
Hey—we go to the movies and dinner...

NELLIE
But we can’t hold hands or kiss.

KELLY
You want to get queer bashed?

NELLIE
It’s not just that, and you know it.

KELLY
Listen, just a few more months and I’ll get my commission...

NELLIE
And then I’ll be an Army wife, and we’ll still be in the closet.

KELLY
I just have to serve as a second lieutenant for six years...

NELLIE
Six long years.

KELLY
Hey, ROTC’s paid for my school—and, after my parents disowned me, it was my only way to an education—I got a good thing...

NELLIE
But one slip-up and where’s it got you?

KELLY
Dishonorable discharge—that’s why I’ve got to be careful.

NELLIE
You know how much I love you, but you being an officer in an institution that actively condemns lesbians and gays can, at times, be a bit hard to swallow.

KELLY
You knew everything before we started going together...

NELLIE
But I was just nineteen—a kid. I didn’t think we’d last.

KELLY
(Hugging NELLIE)
But we have—three years...

NELLIE
So far.
THEY hug, kiss and laugh.

KELLY
I love you.

NELLIE
I love you, too. And don’t worry—everything’ll be all right. Not as all right as when you’re done serving your time—but all right for tonight.

KELLY
Who all’s coming?

NELLIE
Lynn, Stephen and Jessie.

KELLY
That all?

NELLIE
What?

KELLY
I was expecting more—what with all the fuss you’ve been making.

NELLIE
It’s Christmas, so I want everything to be just right.

KELLY
You do miss your family, don’t you?

NELLIE
Yeah—I guess so. We always had big to-dos for the holidays.

KELLY
I told you—you could go home.

NELLIE
And what would you have done?

KELLY
Probably gone off with the boys.

NELLIE
Are you telling me you’d rather spend Christmas with a bunch of guys who enjoy eating snakes in thunderstorms...

KELLY
Snake goes very well with rain.

NELLIE
Than with old friends?

KELLY
The guys are old friends.

NELLIE
(SHE stands at attention)
Rangers lead the way!
(Laughs.

KELLY
If you knew them, you wouldn’t make such fun of them.

NELLIE
But you won’t even let me meet them.

KELLY
If they came here, they may see the bedroom, and it’d all be over.

NELLIE
Then why can’t I go out with you?

KELLY
We’d slip up and they’d see right through it.

NELLIE
So I invited a few, very few, good gay friends over.

KELLY
I’m sorry for making you live like this.

NELLIE
(SHE wraps her arms around KELLY)
Believe you me—no one can make me do anything I don’t want to.

KELLY
I mean, I was burying myself in Rotcey and classes...

NELLIE
Until I walked into your life.
(SHE tickles KELLY.

KELLY
You little tease!
SHE throws NELLIE onto the couch—NELLIE lands on something, grunts and pulls a pair of handcuffs out of the couch..

KELLY
So that’s where they are!
SHE shoves them into her pocket and shoves NELLIE back on couch..

NELLIE
Hold on! You’ve gotta get those cute buns of yours moving—you’ve got to get to the store and the guests are going to start arriving any minute.

KELLY
Are you gonna make me?

NELLIE
I could go—and you could stay here and baste the turkey.

KELLY
How ‘bout I baste your turkey?
(Pause)
I’m going already.
(SHE grabs her jacket and exits)

NELLIE goes to the stereo, selects a tape and puts it on. It is Christmas music. SHE lights candles and turns on the lights on the tree. SHE sits on the couch. Down to a single spot on her. Lights up in foreground..

FLASHBACK

KELLY is running in full army camouflage. NELLIE watches KELLY. NELLIE is somewhat serious, but falls into teasing KELLY—SHE is trying to pick her up, while sizing her up. Her lines must be said seriously enough that KELLY takes her seriously..

NELLIE
Baby-Killer!

KELLY
(Stopping)
Excuse me? What did you say?

NELLIE
You heard me.

KELLY
I do not kill babies.

NELLIE
Not now. But you’ll learn. They’ll teach you.

KELLY
I suppose you mean the United States Army?

NELLIE
They teach you all about death and destruction...

KELLY
And honor and duty...

NELLIE
And murder.

KELLY
Self-defense.

NELLIE
If you get attacked by maniacal little babies...

KELLY
To defend the United States of America...
(NELLIE starts to speak, KELLY cuts her off)
Against fascists and commies and those who wish to rule by power alone.

NELLIE
As if that’s not what you’re doing.

KELLY
Consider how those in this same uniform saved the world from Hitler’s Nazis...

NELLIE
Hiroshima, Nagasaki...

KELLY
And consider WWI...

NELLIE
Napalm, DDT, Agent-Orange...

KELLY
Okay—maybe everything isn’t so great—but you live here, and not Russia, or China—you got it easy, babe...

NELLIE
Right—big strong women like you are out there saving little ol’ me and corporate America.

KELLY
I’m just one of an entire machine, part of the same machine that allowed the U.S. to gain independence from England...

NELLIE
Which led to genocide so now we can spend thousands of dollars on a single fucking toilet seat while millions are homeless and starving!

KELLY
I didn’t say there aren’t problems, but maybe, someday, I’ll be in a position to do something...

NELLIE
In a sexist, racist, homophobic, patriarchal power structure? Doubt it!

KELLY
A kind of grass roots organizing from within the structure.

NELLIE
Career minded, are we?

KELLY
Perhaps.

NELLIE
So you’re not a CJ major out to be a cop?

KELLY
I’m an English major.

NELLIE
Then you should definitely realize the incredible waste of human resources that are a part of war.

KELLY
I do. And perhaps that’s part of the reason I’m in the Army. You need people who know better to stop those who don’t.

NELLIE
I think you’re the first non-blood crazed Rotcey I’ve met.

KELLY
You just have to look.

NELLIE
I have.

KELLY
Not hard enough.

NELLIE
But I’ve looked hard enough at the issues.

KELLY
But, perhaps, without realizing alternative means of attacking the structure from within.

NELLIE
Is this some P.R. speech they teach you?

KELLY
I can’t stand speeches.

NELLIE
Prefer to be the strong, silent type, eh?
(KELLY shrugs.

NELLIE (Continued)
And I suppose you also know just how gorgeous you look in that uniform?

KELLY
That almost sounds like a pick-up line.

NELLIE
And what if it is?
KELLY shrugs. NELLIE grabs a pen out of KELLY’s pocket, grabs KELLY’s hand and writes on KELLY’s hand..

NELLIE (Continued)
You can call me, if you want to be sure.

KELLY
And you’ll tell ROTC they’ve got a dyke on their hands.

NELLIE
Honey, I’m anti-military, and when a see a woman in uniform, I assume she’s family.

END OF FLASHBACK

NELLIE returns to the couch. Full lights up on stage. NELLIE shakes her head..

NELLIE
And I still do.
(Smiles to herself)
And she’s still just as paranoid. But she is sexy in those fatigues!
SHE begins to rearrange the packages under the tree. The doorbell rings. NELLIE answers it. Enter JESSIE..

JESSIE
Nellie!
THEY hug.

NELLIE
How’re you doing?

JESSIE
Surviving.

NELLIE
When’re you going to come up with a new line?

JESSIE
When I graduate. Um, Nel, I hope you don’t mind but I brought a friend with me.
JESSIE pulls ROBERT into the apartment. HE takes off his hat as HE enters, and then stands somewhat at attention. NELLIE takes their jackets..

ROBERT
(Shaking hands with NELLIE)
Hi, pleased to meet you.

NELLIE
Uh, hi.

JESSIE
Nellie, this is Robert, Robert, this is Nellie.

ROBERT
Nice place you’ve got here.

NELLIE
It’s okay—but the reputation of Redwood Towne isn’t all a lie.
NELLIE walks into bedroom and places jackets on the bed..

ROBERT
Ah, yes—Redwood Towne—party central.

NELLIE
(SHE enters from bedroom)
Sometimes disturbs the studying.

JESSIE
As I’m sure other things do.

NELLIE
(Mock scolding)
And just what do you mean by that?

JESSIE
Well, if I know you at all...

NELLIE
How dare you even insinuate such a thing!

JESSIE
Still the same old Nymphomaniac Nellie.

ROBERT
Wo Nellie!
JESSIE and NELLIE stop and stare at ROBERT.

ROBERT
Sorry—is there a corner I can crawl into?

NELLIE
I’ll let it slide—this time.

JESSIE
So where’s Kel?

NELLIE
Out to pick up the booze.

JESSIE
I hope she gets enough—knowing this crowd.

NELLIE
I just hope she can lighten up tonight.

JESSIE
Been a bit tense?

NELLIE
We’re graduating in six months.

ROBERT
Must be nice—I’ve still got two years.

NELLIE
Robert—there’s no need to stand at attention—you’re not in the Army.
(ROBERT starts to speak, but NELLIE cuts him off)
Excuse me just a minute—I’ve got to go check on dinner.
(SHE goes to kitchen)
ROBERT and JESSIE begin to look around the apartment as NELLIE checks on dinner. NELLIE opens the stove and is confronted by a cloud of smoke, SHE coughs and waves her hand..

ROBERT
I wasn’t standing at attention.

JESSIE
Yes, you were. Lighten up—you’re not in uniform.

ROBERT
I’m a cadet—and a damned good one. I always remember that.

JESSIE
But we’re with friends.

ROBERT
And I always uphold the honor and dignity of the Army.

JESSIE
C’mon Robert...

ROBERT
In two years I’ll be an officer...

JESSIE
Drop it.

ROBERT
Okay, fine—She’s checking on dinner, Kelly’s picking up the booze—I think I can figure this one out.

JESSIE
What do you mean by that?

ROBERT
Nellie’s the wife and Kelly’s...
(HE grabs HIS crotch.

JESSIE
Haven’t you learned anything?

ROBERT
I bet I know who works on the car.

JESSIE
That’s why they call them domestic partnerships—two people working toward a common goal—survival as a couple. Teamwork!

ROBERT
Listen, I know you were once bisexual...

JESSIE
Still am.

ROBERT
And that you’ve had female lovers...

JESSIE
And may have again—Soon!

ROBERT
But—I will never understand your gay friends.

JESSIE
What’s to understand?—just think of them as people.

ROBERT
Mixed up people.

JESSIE
A lot of them know themselves much better than you know yourself.

ROBERT
At least I’m natural.

JESSIE
And they just do what comes naturally.

ROBERT
It is not natural.

JESSIE
Now is not the time to discuss it—just don’t embarrass me.

ROBERT
I don’t know why you even brought me if that’s the way you’re gonna be.

JESSIE
(Becoming more physical with ROBERT)
Because I love you—I want the important people in my life to know each other.

ROBERT
I’m just nervous around them.

JESSIE
So get over it!

ROBERT
I’m trying—for you.
(HE places arms around JESSIE)
I’m here, aren’t I?

JESSIE
I know—thank-you.

ROBERT
If I had known before...

JESSIE
You still would have fallen for me...

ROBERT
Okay—so straight men do have fantasies...

JESSIE
(Seductively)
Everyone has fantasies.

ROBERT
(Nervously)
At least we’re getting a free meal outta this.

JESSIE
Even though it’s not snake.

ROBERT
Snake can be good.

JESSIE
You Rangers crack me up.

ROBERT
We are the elite of the battalion.

JESSIE
(Pulling away as ROBERT holds on)
Don’t start.

ROBERT
You just don’t know how lucky you are.

JESSIE
Yeah—I do. Brains, brawn, and a cute ass.

ROBERT
Who—you or me?
THEY kiss.

NELLIE
(Entering)
I hope your “friend” doesn’t think I’m a terrible hostess.

JESSIE
Not at all—“My friend” just thinks you care about your cooking.

ROBERT
Precisely. Now I would be most happy if you could just point me to the bathroom.

NELLIE
Down the hall and to the left.
ROBERT exits to the bathroom. To JESSIE.

NELLIE (Continued)
So, are you two friends, or “friends?”

JESSIE
He’s my lover, if that’s what you’re asking.

NELLIE
Ah-ha. Does he know?

JESSIE
He knows I’m bisexual—and I’m pretty sure he’s put it together about you and Kelly.

NELLIE
Are you sure you should’ve brought him?

JESSIE
Yes. He’s my lover. I mean, how would you feel if I invited you and not Kelly over?

NELLIE
But that’s different.

JESSIE
How? Okay—I’m seeing someone of the other sex—so that means I’m exorcised by the Gay and Lesbian community?

NELLIE
It’s just that we’re not really out.

JESSIE
So, naturally, all a breeder will do is to proclaim you as gay on the next front page.

NELLIE
I’m just not that used to dealing with straight men.

JESSIE
You’re a feminist—which means, essentially, that all people are created equal—including heterosexual males.

NELLIE
All I want is for us all to have a merry Christmas...

JESSIE
Sorry—but sometimes it pisses me off—if I’m with a woman, the het community pisses on me, and if I’m with a man, the G.L. community pisses on me.

NELLIE
Okay, okay—I’m sorry.
(SHE places her hands on JESSIE’s shoulders)
Just calm down.

JESSIE
I’m sorry—it’s just that sometimes it all gets to me.

NELLIE
I know—I’m an old friend—remember?

JESSIE
Yeah, you remember me when I was just...

NELLIE
A heterosexual.
THEY laugh and hug.

JESSIE
You scared me shitless when you came out.

NELLIE
I know—you barely came home even to sleep.

JESSIE
I was scared.

NELLIE
But you got over it.

JESSIE
Too well, according to some.

NELLIE
Or not well enough, according to others.

JESSIE
I’m me—no more, no less.

NELLIE
I love you for who you are.

JESSIE
It was funny—how many people on our floor thought we were lovers.

NELLIE
That’d be like incest!

JESSIE
(Grabbing NELLIE’s ass. NELLIE jumps away)
Incest is best—relatively speaking.

NELLIE
(Flirting)
Wouldn’t you like to know?

JESSIE
I think a few people may object.

NELLIE
Oh, dear. Wouldn’t that be dreadful?

JESSIE
You’re not my type, anyway.

NELLIE
And just why not?

JESSIE
(Laughing)
I have very high standards.

NELLIE
(Laughing)
So do I—you’re right, we wouldn’t work.
(THEY hug.

STEPHEN
(Entering)
Knock knock!
(HE swishes in and sees them)
I thought you said nothing was happening between you two?!

NELLIE
I lied!

STEPHEN
Mmm, mmm—it looks like sisters are doin’ it for themselves!
(HE hugs NELLIE)
Nellie! Long time no see!

JESSIE
Fine, be that way.
(SHE turns away from STEPHEN.

STEPHEN
Oh, Sweetcheeks, I’m sorry!
HE grabs JESSIE, picks her up and swirls her about him while holding onto her ass. ROBERT enters..

ROBERT
What! Get your hands off her!
ROBERT pulls JESSIE and STEPHEN apart.

STEPHEN
Whoa muscles! Honest—I didn’t mean anything!

JESSIE
Robert! He’s just a friend!
JESSIE keeps ROBERT away from STEPHEN.

STEPHEN
She’s not my type, anyway.

NELLIE
Stephen, this is Robert, Robert, this is Stephen.

STEPHEN
(Shaking hands with ROBERT)
Hiya, muscles.

ROBERT
(Shaking hands with STEPHEN)
Pleased ta meetcha.
JESSIE grabs ROBERT to reprimand him..

STEPHEN
What a grip!
(Pulling NELLIE aside)
So, who’s the stud?

NELLIE
Jessie’s boyfriend.

STEPHEN
(Disappointed)
Oh.

NELLIE
(To ALL)
Can I get anyone a drink?

ROBERT
What’ve you got?

NELLIE
Beer, wine, coke...

STEPHEN
What type of wine?

NELLIE
It comes in a box.

STEPHEN
I’m appalled!—but I’ll take a glass anyway.

ROBERT
I’ll take a beer.

NELLIE
Jessie?

JESSIE
How ‘bout an R. an’ D.C?

NELLIE
One rum and Diet Coke coming!
(SHE goes to kitchen.

STEPHEN
(To ROBERT)
So, tell me every little interesting thing about yourself.

ROBERT
I’m a sophomore Criminal Justice major...

STEPHEN
Ooo! Does that mean you’re gonna grow up to be a cop? How I love a man in uniform!

JESSIE
Stephen! What have you been up to?

STEPHEN
About six foot. But besides that, I just got kicked out of school.

JESSIE
What for?

STEPHEN
I think I was becoming a little too political for their tastes.

ROBERT
You? Too political?

STEPHEN
Yes. I had the gall to fight back when being bashed.

JESSIE
So they kicked you out?

STEPHEN
It was on their campus.

ROBERT
So...?

STEPHEN
I’m up for assault and battery.

NELLIE
(SHE enters with drinks and distributes them)
So, how’re you guys getting along?

JESSIE
(Forced)
Fine, just fine.

NELLIE
Sounds a bit stressed to be fine.

ROBERT
Stephen was just recounting the sins of the world...

JESSIE
Robert!

STEPHEN
I’m used to this treatment.

NELLIE
What’s happening?!

ROBERT
Stephen was just saying how he’s an innocent victim of circumstances.

JESSIE
That’s not what he was saying!

STEPHEN
Yes. It was. They started slugging so I got into it.

ROBERT
And just what did pretty boy do?

STEPHEN
(Crossing to ROBERT)
“Pretty boy” kicked their asses.

ROBERT
(Sarcastically)
Oh, now, really? Did you?

STEPHEN
You don’t survive for as long as I have without knowing a few tricks.

ROBERT
Such as?

STEPHEN
Martial arts. I don’t pass on beauty alone.

JESSIE
Oh, you’ve done more than karate?

STEPHEN
Oh—god! I haven’t seen you in quite awhile, now have I?

NELLIE
So what all do you know?

STEPHEN
A little of this, a lot of that.

ROBERT
Really?

STEPHEN
(Putting HIS hand on ROBERT’s shoulder, then, seductively)
Would you like me to show you?
ROBERT violently pulls away.

JESSIE
And they actually kicked you out of school because of this?

NELLIE
They did what?

STEPHEN
Kicked me out of school.

NELLIE
I can’t believe...

STEPHEN
I can—I’m out, therefore I’m open to attack.

JESSIE
That’s no reason...

ROBERT
Yes it is.

JESSIE
What?

ROBERT
If you’re willing to blatantly point out a deficit in your character...

STEPHEN
It is not a deficit in my character—it is what I am.

ROBERT
You don’t see me running about proclaiming my heterosexuality...

STEPHEN
Because you’re surrounded by it.

ROBERT
And what do you mean by that?

NELLIE
Advertisements, movies...

JESSIE
TV...

STEPHEN
Novels,
(Snapping his fingers)
and the list goes on...

NELLIE
(Snapping fingers)
and on...

JESSIE
(Snapping fingers)
and on...

ROBERT
(Looking at JESSIE)
So I see where your alliances lie.

JESSIE
I stick up for what I know is right.

ROBERT
Should I take that as my exit?
(Stands and collects coat from bedroom..

JESSIE
No!
(Catches ROBERT in bedroom doorway. SHE puts her arms around ROBERT. Softly, to ROBERT)
I want you here.
(Holds him tighter)
I love you. You’re allowed to have your own opinion. We’re just questioning it.

ROBERT
(To STEPHEN and NELLIE)
I can stand you—but don’t be so goddamned blatant!

STEPHEN
If the breeders of this world weren’t so blatant..

ROBERT
There aren’t any straight pride weeks...

NELLIE
But there are the girls at the office, openly discussing their sex lives on break...

JESSIE
But they wish gays weren’t so blatant.

STEPHEN
And trees, buildings, and public monuments are desecrated with Peter loves Diane...

NELLIE
And Kathy loves Michael...

JESSIE
But they wish gays weren’t so blatant.

ROBERT
I don’t see why you can’t keep your love lives secret.

NELLIE
Cuz you’re in my fucking apartment!

STEPHEN
You don’t exactly keep yours secret when you go to the movies and spend the entire time slurping on your girlfriend’s face!

ROBERT
I don’t care what you do in the bedroom...
LYNN enters through front door..

LYNN
Hello?

STEPHEN
Then why does it piss you off so much?!

NELLIE
(To LYNN)
Glad you could make it.
(Throws out her arms for a hug.

ROBERT
Because God created Adam and Eve—not Adam and Steve!

LYNN
(Surveying the apartment)
Glad to see such a happy scene.

STEPHEN
(To ROBERT)
Do you eat lobster?!

NELLIE
(Hugging LYNN)
Just an intense discussion.

ROBERT
What the hell does that have to do...

JESSIE
(Walking up to shake hands with LYNN)
Lynn!
ROBERT hears the name and is drawn toward JESSIE and LYNN.

JESSIE (Continued)
Long time no see!
JESSIE and LYNN lingeringly hold hands, looking deep into each others’ eyes..

STEPHEN
The book of Leviticus...

LYNN
Too long for me.

ROBERT
(Interrupting LYNN and JESSIE)
So this is the infamous ex.

LYNN
I don’t believe we’ve met.

ROBERT
(Pulling LYNN and JESSIE’S hands apart, and puts out his own hand)
No—we haven’t. I’m Robert—Jessie’s boyfriend.

LYNN
(Looks at ROBERT’S hand, then, to JESSIE)
So how’s life on the straight and narrow?

JESSIE
And just what do you mean by that?

LYNN
Nothing. Except how’s life treating you?

JESSIE
Fine. No problems.

LYNN
Not like we had, I’m sure.

STEPHEN
Fine! Just go right ahead and ignore me!

LYNN
Stevie! Sweetheart! I’m sorry.

NELLIE
(Moving away from STEPHEN and LYNN)
Here we go again.
LYNN hugs STEPHEN, who is sitting on back of couch.
THEY both fall onto couch..

STEPHEN
Ooo! You’re so butch!

JESSIE
(Looking through her coat and pants’ pockets)
Shit!

NELLIE
What’s the matter?

JESSIE
I must’ve forgot my smokes at home.

ROBERT
They’re bad for you, anyway.
LYNN, STEPHEN, and NELLIE all pull out cigarettes and offer them to JESSIE..

STEPHEN
(Lighting a cigarette and blowing smoke in ROBERT’s face)
Too bad not to be good, honey.

ROBERT
(To JESSIE)
Well, at least we know where you can get more cigarettes.

JESSIE
(Looking at everyone’s cigarettes)
Does everyone here still smoke menthol?
LYNN, STEPHEN and NELLIE all nod..

JESSIE
(Wrapping her arms around ROBERT’s neck)
Sweetheart, you know I don’t smoke menthols...and they’re even worse than regular ones...

ROBERT
Fine.
(Puts on jacket and exits out front door.

LYNN
Such a friendly fellow, wherever did you find him?

JESSIE
He’s not always like this.

STEPHEN
You mean he occasionally removes the switch from his hindquarters?

JESSIE
He’s not that bad, is he?
(Looks at NELLIE.

NELLIE
(Nodding)
‘Fraid so.

JESSIE
He’s actually a nice guy—he just has a few problems with, with...

STEPHEN
Us.

JESSIE
We’re working on it.

LYNN
You mean you’re working on it.

JESSIE
You have no right...

NELLIE
C’mon you two—break it up! We’re here to have a good time, remember?

STEPHEN
So—Nellie, are you going to let me have a sneak preview of dinner?

NELLIE
Oh, god. Is that an offer of help?

STEPHEN
Of course!

NELLIE
(Hugging STEPHEN)
You just don’t know what it’s like...
STEPHEN and NELLIE go to kitchen, where THEY busily work on fixing dinner. LYNN and JESSIE are left alone in the living room..

LYNN
So, are you serious about this guy?

JESSIE
Is it any of your business?

LYNN
Hey, no need to get hostile—I’m just tryin’ to be friendly...

JESSIE
Listen, I’m sorry for bringing Robert, I’m even sorry for bringing myself...

LYNN
(Bitchy)
Why?

JESSIE
I don’t fit now.

LYNN
C’mon—haven’t you heard the old adage about lesbians always being friends with their exes?

JESSIE
I’m not a lesbian.

LYNN
Well, I am. So I’ve got to be friends with you.

JESSIE
Aren’t you the one who always said you didn’t have to do anything you didn’t want to?

LYNN
Who said I didn’t want to be friends with you?
(Beat)
Okay, maybe he’s not such a bad guy after all—it can be trying to meet with someone’s past.

JESSIE
(Grins)
I can relate with that.

LYNN
I know you can. Sorry.

JESSIE
(Standing and walking toward LYNN)
Same ole Lynn—always apologizing.

LYNN
Sorry.
Beat. JESSIE stares at LYNN.

JESSIE
So—when do you graduate?

LYNN
A week ago.

JESSIE
Really? Congrats! What are you gonna do now?

LYNN
Stick around here, work on my resume, interview, work, etcetera, etcetera.

JESSIE
Got any job prospects yet?

LYNN
(Laughs)
Have you looked at the job market lately?

JESSIE
Oh, God.

LYNN
It’s funny, though. I actually have some envy for Kelly and Nellie lately.

JESSIE
Whaddaya mean?

LYNN
It’s a lot easier to make do without something that you never learned.

JESSIE
How does that apply to Kelly and Nellie?

LYNN
They’ve always been closeted, whereas I’ve always been open and free. It’s hard to throw away that freedom now.

JESSIE
Hold on! You were the one that not only closed the closet door, but boarded it up and then burned the whole damn thing down.

LYNN
That was college, this is life I’m facing now...

JESSIE
What difference does it make?

LYNN
It can mean the difference between getting a good job...

JESSIE
(Standing on table and announcing)
And her freedom was sold!

LYNN
Listen! In a decent job I may be able to work out of the gay ghettos...

JESSIE
And live above the family she’s so praised...

LYNN
As a respectable person I may be able to make a difference...

JESSIE
...And the flower children who fought the establishment in the ‘60s...
(SHE falls back onto couch)
....grew up to be yuppies in the establishment.

LYNN
Do you want me to go on flipping burgers, waiting tables and selling convenience for the rest of my life?

JESSIE
But you were the one that always said “If ya don’t like me, then fuck you.”

LYNN
I still am.

JESSIE
Doesn’t seem like it.

LYNN
Here, on this campus, in this town, I am protected by certain laws...

JESSIE
Not anymore.

LYNN
But there are other places...

JESSIE
Where you are committing a felony—but how do you push the law except by breaking it?

LYNN
You work within the rules...

JESSIE
But what if you’re in a rigid law state and caught?

LYNN
Then I fight them in court.

JESSIE
And just what makes you think you’ll win?

LYNN
Absolutely nothing. That’s why I need to make money
(grins)
—to pay for the lawyers.

JESSIE
For chrissake’s Lynn, I never figured you to sell out!

LYNN
I’m not selling out—I’m just trying different tactics.

JESSIE
You’ve even grown your hair out.

LYNN
And yes, I’ve even had guys hit on me lately.

JESSIE
That used to make you sick.

LYNN
It still does, but hey! The female bagger at the store hit on me.

JESSIE
So?

LYNN
She looked straight.
(Pause)
I think she thought I was a guy.
(Laughs.

JESSIE
I never thought you would be the one to give up the fight.

LYNN
I’m not giving it up—I’m just changing tactics. I’ve lived and learned quite a bit since you left me—I’ve realized radical actions may not be as effective as rational thought.

JESSIE
It’s a combination of the two.

LYNN
I do what I know how.

JESSIE
You’re too analytical—sometimes you just have to follow your heart.

LYNN
I’ve tried that.

JESSIE
Lynn...

LYNN
(Brightly, as SHE moves closer to JESSIE)
I’ve changed.

JESSIE
We’re too different.

LYNN
(Taking JESSIE’s hands)
I’m willing to change even more.

JESSIE
I’m with Robert.

LYNN
So?

JESSIE
I thought stealing women wasn’t your style.

LYNN
You were with me first.

JESSIE
(As LYNN begins to stroke her hair)
As I was with others before you.

LYNN
(Pulling away)
Keep me in mind if you break up?

JESSIE
(Grabbing LYNN’s hands in friendship)
I make no promises—because then I can’t be called a liar.

LYNN
You’re a real sweetheart. And our relationship did leave me with some really good friends—you and Steve...

JESSIE
What about Kel?

LYNN
She’s an acquaintance. Too distant.
KELLY enters carrying a large bag in one arm and a case of beer in the other. SHE looks around the room..

KELLY
My God! The place is still in one piece!

LYNN
And what’s that supposed to mean?

KELLY
With you two, left alone...

JESSIE
Haven’t you ever heard about lesbians and their exes?

KELLY
But you’re not lesbian.

LYNN
But I am.

KELLY
Okay, already. Are either of you two butch enough to help me with this shit?

LYNN and JESSIE both get up. JESSIE grabs a bag from KELLY and carries it into the kitchen. Before KELLY and JESSIE enter the kitchen, STEPHEN exits to the bathroom, HE returns after they leave. LYNN sits on the couch.

Lights go down to a single spot on LYNN. Lights up in flashback area..

FLASHBACK

It is National Gay Pride Day. The MARCHERS enter carrying signs and chanting..

MARCHERS
Hey hey! Ho ho! Homophobia’s got to go!
Hey hey! Ho ho! Homophobia’s got to go!

LYNN stands and yells to the MARCHERS.

LYNN
What do we want?!

MARCHERS
Gay rights!

LYNN
When do we want them?

MARCHERS
Yesterday!

ALL
Out of the closets and into the streets—Gay rights now!
(Singing)
If you’re gay and you know it clap your hands,
(THEY clap, clap)
If you’re gay and you know it snap your fingers,
(THEY snap, snap)
If you’re gay and you know it and you really want to show it,
if you’re gay and you know it strike a pose
(THEY strike a pose)
JESSIE enters from stage right and walks toward LYNN while yelling.

JESSIE
Two, four, six, eight, how do you know your grandma’s straight?!
The MARCHERS softly take up JESSIE’s chant. THEY then march through the audience..

JESSIE
(To LYNN)
This is so exciting.

LYNN
This your first pride day?

JESSIE
Yeah. I just came out six months ago.

LYNN
The march is the best part—but you can pick up some great t-shirts and buttons at the park after.

JESSIE
I can’t believe all the chants they come up with.

MARCHERS
(THEY change chants. THEY will continue chanting this until the end. Softly at first, then growing louder and louder)
Faggots and dykes and bis, oh my!

LYNN
Yeah—we got some interesting creative minds working for us.

JESSIE
(Surprised and confused)
“Faggots and Dykes and Bis—oh my!”?

LYNN
Sometimes you just gotta laugh at yourself. There’s no danger worse than taking yourself too seriously.

JESSIE
But we have so far to go...

LYNN
Yes. But an occasional laugh lightens the load.

JESSIE
Do you go to school here?

LYNN
Yeah—and yourself?

JESSIE
Yes.
(Pause)
Do you feel like helping a new-comer learn the ropes today?

LYNN
As long as you don’t cramp my style too much.

LYNN and JESSIE join in for the crescendo of “Faggots and dykes and bis, oh my!”.

ALL
(Directly to the audience)
We’re here, we’re queer—get used to it!

The lights dim, then back up in the flashback area. LYNN and JESSIE are at a dance and are slow-dancing with each other..

JESSIE
Thank-you for being with me today.

LYNN
Well, this has been my best pride day so far.

JESSIE
Been through a lot of them?

LYNN
Don’t make me feel so old!

JESSIE
Lynn, there’s something I have to tell you...

LYNN
(Pulling away)
You’re not seeing someone, are you?

JESSIE
(Pulling LYNN back)
No! It’s just, I’m bi.

LYNN
(Slightly taken aback)
Oh!
(SHE then draws tight again)
Well, I guess I’ll just have to get used to it.

JESSIE
Are you serious?

LYNN
I like you a lot, Jessica VanOwen. And, after today, I sure as hell know I’d rather have you with me than against me.

JESSIE
(Pulling away)
Oh, you don’t want me against you?

LYNN
(Smiling and pulling JESSIE back)
Don’t be so literal.

JESSIE
Will I see you again?

LYNN
If I have my way, you’ll see more of me than a centerfold.

THEY look directly into each other’s eyes. Hold for a beat. THEY kiss deeply. Lights dim, JESSIE exits back to the kitchen, LYNN returns to sitting on couch, lights to full..

END OF FLASHBACK

LYNN
(To herself, shaking her head)
And now she wastes those lips—and that body—on some guy.
KELLY and JESSIE enter. JESSIE and LYNN sit on opposite ends of the couch..

KELLY
(Sitting down on stage left chair with a beer)
So what’s been up with you two—haven’t seen either of you in awhile.

LYNN
Well, I graduated.

KELLY
Oh, really? I’ve just got six more months myself.

JESSIE
I’ve got two more years.

KELLY
Good God woman—what’s taking you so long?

JESSIE
I’m not rushing it, I’m learning as much from life as from class...

KELLY
Sounds like you’re just scared of the real world...

JESSIE
I don’t know about you, but I already live in the real world.

KELLY
Now wait just a minute there, sister...

LYNN
(Cold)
Drop it.

KELLY
What?

LYNN
I said drop it.

KELLY
Still defending her, hunh?

JESSIE
I don’t need defending.
Beat.

KELLY
So, you seeing anyone?
JESSIE and LYNN answer simultaneously..

JESSIE
Yes.

LYNN
No.
LYNN and JESSIE look at each other and laugh..

KELLY
Please, one at a time—y’know I can’t handle more than one woman at a time.
JESSIE and LYNN look at each other..

LYNN
(Laughing)
Goddess!—The things you’re missing!

KELLY
Please! This is a respectable household!

LYNN
Not from what I hear.

JESSIE
Hold on! What have you heard that I haven’t?

KELLY
Jesus Christ! I wish my life were half so interesting as the rumors!

LYNN
Really?

KELLY
I’m just joking.

LYNN
That’s a first.

JESSIE
I’m seeing a guy, Robert.

KELLY
A guy
(Giggles.

JESSIE
What’s that mean?

KELLY
A guy
(Giggles)
Is what it means.

JESSIE
I’ve always told you I was bi.

KELLY
A Bi-oriented person. A phase.

LYNN
Kel, you know the Kinsey scale.

JESSIE
Not everyone is either a six or a zero.
LYNN walks over to kitchen..

LYNN
(To NELLIE)
Can I have a beer?
STEPHEN hands LYNN a beer from the refrigerator and SHE
returns to couch with her beer and sits.

KELLY
Bullshit. You are or you aren’t. Bi is undecided.

JESSIE
It’s not a decision.

KELLY
Uncommitted. Gay-to-be. Wannabe. Should be. Is.

LYNN
Not necessarily.

KELLY
Necessity determines a bi’s orientation—if things are cool—they’re gay. When things get tough—they turn het.

JESSIE
You know that’s not true.

KELLY
The hell it isn’t—bis are turncoats.

JESSIE
Like you can pass judgment.

KELLY
I know what I am.

JESSIE
Closeted.

KELLY
I’m a lesbian.

JESSIE
But does anybody know that?

KELLY
You two are living proof.

LYNN
But you don’t let many see that side.

JESSIE
The closeted passes condemnations on the bi.

KELLY
At least I know myself. Please excuse me, I have to go piss.
SHE exits to bathroom.

LYNN
Same old Kelly.

JESSIE
Stuffed shirt as always.

LYNN
I’ve never figured out how she got someone like Nellie.

JESSIE
I guess it’s love.

LYNN
Yeah, but I’ve known Nell quite awhile, and I never pictured her to end up as an Army wife.

JESSIE
What do you mean by that?

LYNN
Kel’s in Rotcey—she’ll be commissioned...

JESSIE
You’re kidding—right?

LYNN
Why would I joke about something like that?

JESSIE
(Sitting back, to herself)
Oh, fuck.

LYNN
What’s the matter?
ROBERT enters as JESSIE starts to explain to LYNN,
JESSIE greets HIM.

ROBERT
Anything exciting happen while I was gone?

LYNN
(To JESSIE)
What’s the matter?

JESSIE
(To LYNN)
Oh, um, nothing.
(To ROBERT)
Lynn and I got re-acquainted.

ROBERT
Not too much so, I hope.

LYNN
Don’t worry.

ROBERT
I wasn’t worrying.
STEPHEN enters carrying a several bowls. HE places them on the table as JESSIE looks around distressed..

STEPHEN
Everyone’s here?

LYNN
Yeah.

STEPHEN
(Nervously)
Great! Dinner’s almost ready—what timing!
(HE exits to kitchen..

JESSIE
(Grabbing ROBERT)
Robert! You’ve got to see the view!

ROBERT
What?!

JESSIE
(Pulling him onto the balcony.)
Off the balcony!

ROBERT
There’s bad architecture!

JESSIE
But isn’t it interesting?
KELLY enters. JESSIE is showing the non-existent view to ROBERT..

KELLY
God! It’s cold.

LYNN
(Confused)
Jessie’s showing Robert the view.

KELLY
What view?

JESSIE
(Entering and yelling to ROBERT)
Now I want you to look real good!
(Turns and sees KELLY)
Kelly! I have some friends that may have some software for your computer!

KELLY
Cool.

JESSIE
But I need to see your computer.
(Dragging KELLY into the bedroom)
It’s in the bedroom, right?

ROBERT
(Entering living room)
God! It’s cold out there!

LYNN
What the hell did she want to show you?

ROBERT
I don’t know.

LYNN
She didn’t used to act this way.

ROBERT
She still doesn’t—at least, not that I’ve ever seen.

LYNN
Well, something’s got her.

JESSIE
(Entering and yelling to KELLY)
Now you write down all the details—you know how I am!

ROBERT
Knows how you are about what?

JESSIE
(Still looking into bedroom)
Computers.

LYNN
You’re great with computers.

JESSIE
(Turning and noticing ROBERT)
Robert! There’s something I want to talk to you about!

ROBERT
What?

KELLY
(Yelling from bedroom)
Jess! I think I’ve got it all down!

JESSIE
(Dragging ROBERT to the closet)
Closets! I want you to experience them!

KELLY
(Entering with a piece of paper)
You want to look at this?

JESSIE
(Shoving ROBERT into the closet)
See how you like being in one!
(Closes door and leans against it.

LYNN
What are you doing?

KELLY
Who’d you shove in there?

JESSIE
Robert.
(ROBERT bangs on door)
I wanted him to see what it feels like to be in the closet.

ROBERT
What the hell are you doing!

LYNN
That’s interesting.

KELLY
A closeted heterosexual.

JESSIE
Lynn! You’ve got to see Kel’s computer.

ROBERT
(Banging on door)
Lemme out!

LYNN
I’ve already seen it.

JESSIE
But have you seen it lately?!
(KELLY and LYNN stare at JESSIE)
And there’s some real cute pictures of Nellie in the room that you’ve just got to see!
ROBERT almost pushes the door open. JESSIE shoves all her
weight into the door..

KELLY
Can’t it wait until after dinner?

JESSIE
NO!
(Shoves door)
It can’t! GO!
(Pause)
NOW!

LYNN
These picture must be good.
LYNN goes to bedroom, grabbing KELLY on the way. ROBERT pushes the door open and JESSIE flies to the floor..

ROBERT
What the hell was that about!?

JESSIE
(Getting up)
Honey? How’d you like being in the closet?

ROBERT
There had better be a damned good reason...

JESSIE
There is! I thought about what you said and you were right!

ROBERT
What?

JESSIE
I shouldn’t’ve brought you.
(Grabs his jacket and pushes him toward door.)
You should leave. NOW!

ROBERT
What?
(Stops being pushed)
I’m here, so I’m at least going to eat.

JESSIE
No.

ROBERT
What the hell’s gotten into you?

JESSIE
You were right, I was wrong—Now go!
(Opens door.

ROBERT
I’ve got to go to the john!

JESSIE
So... So go in the bushes!
(Robert stares at her)
Go when you get home!

ROBERT
(Pushing JESSIE aside)
I’ll go—but that beer got to me.
HE exits to bathroom, just missing KELLY and LYNN as THEY enter the living room from the bedroom.

KELLY
What the hell was all that yelling about?
NELLIE and STEPHEN enter carrying wine, bowls and a turkey. THEY place them on the table..

NELLIE
(Looking around)
Where’s Robert?

JESSIE
He’s in the john.

LYNN
(Looking at JESSIE)
Well?

STEPHEN
Robert’s gorgeous!

JESSIE
(To KELLY)
Kelly—you’ve got a great music collection—think you could find any dinner music?
JESSIE drags KELLY to the stereo.

STEPHEN
(Noticing KELLY runs up and hugs her. SHE bears it.)
Sweetheart!
KELLY turns and starts looking through the music collection. ROBERT enters..

NELLIE
Robert—being the man around, could you carve?
(Hands ROBERT the carving knife..

ROBERT
(Smiling at NELLIE)
Sure.
HE puts down his jacket and picks up the carving knife..

STEPHEN
(To JESSIE)
He’s gorgeous!

LYNN
If you like that sort of thing.

STEPHEN
Oh God, do I!

JESSIE
(Grabbing the knife)
But Robert, I thought you were going?

STEPHEN
And miss this sumptuous feast?

NELLIE
So, din-din’s on.

ROBERT
Where’s the infamous Kelly?
KELLY finishes with the stereo, and, at the sound of her name stands and turns to face ROBERT.

KELLY
Yes?
ROBERT sees KELLY. HE jumps to attention and salutes.

ROBERT
(Surprised)
Captain!

JESSIE
(Sitting down)
Oh shit.
NELLIE drops what SHE is carrying)

BLACKOUT.

END OF ACT I

 

Act II

AT RISE: Lapse of time of about an hour. We are still in KELLY and NELLIE’s apartment. LYNN, STEPHEN and JESSIE are clearing dirty dishes from the coffee table. KELLY is on the balcony smoking. When LYNN and JESSIE are in the kitchen, STEPHEN sits on the couch. Lights go down to a single spot on STEPHEN, then the DS lights come on.

FLASHBACK

CHARLIE enters from SR..

CHARLIE
Ooo! Girlfriend! Shake that ass!
STEPHEN comes DS to flashback area. HE does a few dance steps. CHARLIE runs up and grabs STEPHEN’s ass. STEPHEN turns around and they kiss..

STEPHEN
And just what are you up to?

CHARLIE
About 10 inches.

STEPHEN
I knew there was something about you I liked.
They kiss. The phone rings..

CHARLIE
Damn!

STEPHEN
Let it ring.

CHARLIE
(Breaking away)
I’d better get it—It may be important.
CHARLIE pulls out his cellular phone and answers it. STEPHEN runs his hands all over CHARLIE..

CHARLIE (Continued)
(Into phone)
Hello. Oh, uh, hi babe.
(Pause)
No, I was just out grabbing a quick bite to eat.
(Pause)
By myself.
(Pause)
Listen, hate to do this to you—but I gotta go.
(Pause)
Right in the middle of writing a brief...
(Pause)
Yeah, see you tomorrow, sweetheart.
(Hangs up phone and turns to STEPHEN..

STEPHEN
Who was that?

CHARLIE
(Unbuttoning STEPHEN’s shirt)
Just Diane.

STEPHEN
Oh.
CHARLIE and STEPHEN begin to neck.

STEPHEN
Diane who?

CHARLIE
Just this fish I’m seeing.

STEPHEN
You’re seeing?

CHARLIE
Yeah—you know, a cover.

STEPHEN
Oh. She a dyke?

CHARLIE
No.

STEPHEN
Hag?

CHARLIE
No.

STEPHEN
Then who is she?

CHARLIE
Just this fish I’m seeing.

STEPHEN
(Laughing)
You don’t kiss her, do you?

CHARLIE
Yes.

STEPHEN
(Getting worried)
And do you sleep with her?

CHARLIE
Well, yes. But I’ve got to think of you to get it up...

STEPHEN
You sleep with her?!

CHARLIE
Yes—she’d be suspicious otherwise.

STEPHEN
That’s more than a cover Charlie...

CHARLIE
No it isn’t!

STEPHEN
Are you telling me you’re bi?

CHARLIE
I told you—I have to think of you to get it up!

STEPHEN
And I told you—I want a monogamous relationship!

CHARLIE
Stevie! She’s just a woman! It’s not like I’m seeing another guy!

STEPHEN
I don’t care—find a sister to be an escort!

CHARLIE
But we have to look like a couple!

STEPHEN
Why?

CHARLIE
Because I’m tired of being harassed and beaten and abused—you may be able to live like that, but I can’t!

STEPHEN
So I said—Get an escort.

CHARLIE
But people can see through that too easily—Believe you me, I thought of everything...

STEPHEN
Except, obviously, how I’d feel.

CHARLIE
Stevie—I love you.

STEPHEN
Then why are you fucking some bitch?

CHARLIE
It’s the only way I can survive—it’s the best cover in the world—with escorts I’d need too many and people would get suspicious if I dated five or six dykes a week!

STEPHEN
I don’t care—you either dump her, or I’m outta here...

CHARLIE
Be reasonable!

STEPHEN
I am being reasonable! You say you can’t live like this, now I’m saying I can’t live like this, either.

CHARLIE
This isn’t fair.

STEPHEN
Life’s not fair—your choice, her or me.

CHARLIE
No.

STEPHEN
(Leaving)
I love you—but I can’t do this Charlie.
CHARLIE’s phone rings.

STEPHEN
(Sarcastically)
You’d better get it—it may be important.
(Exits back to couch.

CHARLIE
(Pulls out phone and yells after STEPHEN)
Stevie!
Pause. Lights fade. CHARLIE Exits.

END OF FLASHBACK

STEPHEN sits on the couch. Full lights up. STEPHEN shakes his head..

STEPHEN
Fucking asshole!
LYNN and JESSIE are still taking dirty dishes to the kitchen. STEPHEN is crying. STEPHEN shakes his head and looks at LYNN and JESSIE..

STEPHEN
Where’s Kelly?

LYNN
Out on the balcony smoking.

STEPHEN
Robert?

JESSIE
Taking a shit.

STEPHEN
Oh.
STEPHEN exits to kitchen..

LYNN
(To JESSIE)
I can’t believe even you would do this.

JESSIE
What do you mean by that?

LYNN
That even you would fuck with people’s lives so badly.

JESSIE
No one told me Kelly was Rotcey.

LYNN
C’mon—you’re gonna try and tell me you had no idea?

JESSIE
I didn’t—I was friends with Nellie!

LYNN
And you never noticed the fatigues?!

JESSIE
I thought she liked that camouflage shit.

LYNN
Yeah, right.

JESSIE
A lot of people do.

LYNN
So you’re telling me you had no idea?

JESSIE
I didn’t. Anyway—who would believe a dyke could be so stupid as to join the service?

LYNN
They paid for her school.

JESSIE
But everyone knows they’re not allowed.

LYNN
And everyone knows dykes are more likely than breeder women to join.

JESSIE
Yeah, right.

LYNN
It’s a fact.

JESSIE
Why didn’t she say something?

LYNN
She doesn’t live and breath the military like what’s-his-name.

JESSIE
Robert. And he doesn’t.

LYNN
Yeah, right. Standing at attention and at ease...

JESSIE
That’s just his way—he was an army brat. And he’s got something to be proud of—a cadet sergeant major as a sophomore.

LYNN
As if Kelly’s a no good. She’s Captain of an entire company, and only the second female to become a Ranger since this battalion was founded.
NELLIE enters, via front door, from outside and looks around..

NELLIE
Where’s Kelly?

LYNN
On the balcony.

NELLIE
(Going toward balcony)
She’ll catch pneumonia!

LYNN
(Stopping NELLIE)
She needs time alone.

NELLIE
(Turning to JESSIE)
Goddamn you!—I should’ve listened to Kelly!

JESSIE
I’m sorry—I didn’t know!

NELLIE
What? That you could kill someone so easily?

LYNN
(Holding NELLIE)
It’s not that bad...

NELLIE
(Pulling away)
The hell it isn’t—This’ll destroy her!

JESSIE
She’ll be out—and then you won’t have to worry...

NELLIE
You don’t understand, do you?

LYNN
Nell...

NELLIE
We’re talking dishonorable discharge!

JESSIE
It’s just Rotcey!

NELLIE
But she’s contracted!

JESSIE
Oh...

NELLIE
And she’s in the reserves!

LYNN
They don’t always give dishonorables...

NELLIE
But they can. And those follow you around. And don’t even try to tell me you buy this “Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell” bull crap either!

JESSIE
But you can come out...

NELLIE
And they may make her pay everything they’ve put in.

JESSIE
Well...

NELLIE
We’re talking tens of thousands of dollars here Jessica!
STEPHEN enters.

LYNN
Nell.
LYNN tries to hug NELLIE, but NELLIE pulls away.

NELLIE
(To STEPHEN)
I should’ve listened to her!

STEPHEN
What?

NELLIE
I never should have invited you over!
STEPHEN tries to grab NELLIE, but SHE dodges.

STEPHEN
What the hell did I do?!

NELLIE
(To JESSIE)
Especially you!
(Points at JESSIE)
Never trust a goddamned bi because they’ll turn against you as soon as they fucking can!
(SHE exits to bathroom.

STEPHEN
(Looking at JESSIE)
He is an ass.

JESSIE
I’m sorry—I didn’t know.
JESSIE sits on couch and holds her head in her hands. KELLY enters. SHE looks around. KELLY sits near JESSIE. ROBERT enters bedroom from bathroom, as NELLIE has kicked him out of the bathroom. HE sits on the bed. HE hears everything..

KELLY
(Putting a hand on JESSIE’s shoulder)
I know.

JESSIE
(Looks up and sees KELLY)
Oh, god, I’m sorry.

STEPHEN
Who needs the military, anyway, when we’ve got dykes on bikes?
(Pause)
Okay—so there are the uniforms—keep the uniforms, lose the bullshit.

LYNN
After all, war is an equal opportunity destroyer.
KELLY sits next to JESSIE on couch. JESSIE puts her head on KELLY’s shoulder and begins to cry. KELLY holds her..

STEPHEN
(Pacing)
I know—we can say he hit on me, and when I turned him down...

LYNN
He came up with this story...
Hearing this, ROBERT jumps up and moves closer to door..

STEPHEN
This is a two bedroom apartment...

LYNN
So they are simply room-mates...
ROBERT paces.

KELLY
No.
ROBERT stops—stunned. STEPHEN and LYNN stop and look at KELLY..

STEPHEN
What?

KELLY
I said no.

LYNN
Why?

KELLY
Because it’ll go down on my record and there will be an investigation. And, later, when some asshole hits on me and I say no, he’ll accuse me of being a dyke.

JESSIE
Be real.

LYNN
It happens—you don’t fuck him, so you must be queer.

KELLY
And a second investigation will make it more suspicious.

STEPHEN
Men can be such assholes.

LYNN
There are homosexuals who’ve served...

KELLY
And been caught...

JESSIE
But there are those who haven’t...

LYNN
You’ve been a good cadet...

JESSIE
A great cadet...

KELLY
And it doesn’t mean a flying fuck.
ROBERT shakes his head and sits on the bed with his head in his hands..

LYNN
How can you say that!

STEPHEN
Because it’s true. Look at Joe Steffan.

KELLY
And countless others. I should’ve known.

LYNN
Fight the system.

KELLY
Yeah, right.

STEPHEN
Every little bit helps.

KELLY
And that’s the only reason I’d fight—just to add another name. Another one that would’ve made a damned good soldier.

JESSIE
How can I ever...

KELLY
It’s my problem now...

STEPHEN
No, it’s ours.

KELLY
God, what’s gonna happen?

STEPHEN
Everything will be all right.

KELLY
Shit. How do I do these things?
Pause.

LYNN
At least it’s a Big Ten U—it’ll be felt.

STEPHEN
It could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back...

KELLY
Or it can be a needle in a haystack.
Pause.

JESSIE
(Looking front)
Robert had mentioned a Captain Bodnar—and I never knew your last name... Would it help if I said that he held you in highest regard?...

LYNN
(Sarcastically)
Oh, goddess!

JESSIE
I didn’t even know Bodnar was a woman!

STEPHEN
I wonder why that is?

LYNN
(Laughing)
You don’t think asshole had the hots for a dyke?
ROBERT looks up and shakes his head..

KELLY
Hold on? Is that a put-down?

JESSIE
Kelly! You forget, he’s taken.

KELLY
He’s not my type—all the wrong parts.

JESSIE
Parts is parts.

STEPHEN
I don’t see it that way.

LYNN
Neither do I.
(Indicates JESSIE)
Your parts, for instance, are quite nice.
(Indicates STEPHEN)
Whereas his...

STEPHEN
I’ll have you know I’ve been complimented on my parts quite frequently!

KELLY
(Shaking head and looking at ceiling)
This is definitely a lot different than eating snake in the rain...

LYNN
Gross!

JESSIE
And grunting at each other
(SHE grunts loudly.

KELLY
If you’re gonna do it, do it right—HUA!

STEPHEN
Are you throwing up?!

JESSIE
No—that’s Rotcey for yes, yay and about a hundred other things.

KELLY
I’ll have you know it took me two weeks to get it right.

LYNN
Who would want to?

STEPHEN
You don’t do that during sex, do you?

KELLY
You’ll never find out.

STEPHEN
(Moves away from KELLY)
I wouldn’t want to.

JESSIE
(Shaking her head, then holding it)
I still can’t believe this...

KELLY
(Hugging JESSIE)
It’s all right.

LYNN
We’re all here for you, Kel.

KELLY
I know.
(Standing and walking toward bedroom)
I’d better go check on Nell.
ROBERT jumps up and moves to bedroom doorway..

LYNN
I’m beginning to understand what she sees in you.

KELLY
(Stops and looks at LYNN)
What?

LYNN
I never could understand you two as a couple...

KELLY
(Matter-of-factly)
I love Nellie.
(With a grin)
Plus, I’m a great fuck.
KELLY heads toward the bedroom. ROBERT steps out. KELLY nods..

KELLY
Wilson.

ROBERT
(With a nod)
Ma’am.
KELLY exits. STEPHEN looks at ROBERT in disgust..

STEPHEN
Oh—I’ve got that not-so-fresh feeling!
(Exits to kitchen.

ROBERT
(Looks pleadingly at LYNN and JESSIE)
It’s against policy...

LYNN
I’ve got to see the view.
(Exits to balcony.

JESSIE
(Turning away from ROBERT in disgust)
Lighten up.

ROBERT
The Uniform Code of Military Justice...

JESSIE
(Facing ROBERT)
Goddamn you! You always said “Captain Bodnar did this,” “Captain Bodnar did that”...

ROBERT
I respected her.

JESSIE
And you don’t anymore?

ROBERT
She’s a... a.... dyke.

JESSIE
(Pushing ROBERT)
You have no right...

ROBERT
To call a spade...

JESSIE
Fuck you!
JESSIE starts to push ROBERT again. ROBERT forcefully grabs both JESSIE’s arms..

JESSIE
Bastard!

LYNN
(Entering from balcony)
What’s going on?!
LYNN tries to tackle ROBERT, but HE throws her to the ground. STEPHEN sees this from the kitchen and runs in. ROBERT throws him to the ground also..

LYNN
Kelly!

JESSIE
Goddamned asshole—let go of me!

KELLY
(At the bedroom door, forcefully)
Sergeant!
ROBERT faces her. JESSIE stops struggling and stares at KELLY. JESSIE is very afraid. STEPHEN, while watching to make sure the fight is over, slowly backs into the kitchen..

ROBERT
What do you want?

KELLY
Remove your hands from her.

ROBERT
And if I don’t?

KELLY
Then I’ll make you.
ROBERT releases JESSIE. JESSIE helps LYNN stand up and takes her across the room..

JESSIE
(Afraid)
Kelly?

ROBERT
(Confronting KELLY)
Is that a challenge?

KELLY
Goddamn right it is.

ROBERT
Just because you’re my commander now doesn’t mean you’re gonna be for long...

KELLY
I am now—and that’s what matters...

ROBERT
And we’re away from the battalion...

KELLY
And that gives you the goddamn right to do whatever you want?

ROBERT
Goddamn right it does.

LYNN
So shouldn’t she have the right to do as she goddamn wants?

ROBERT
That’s different!

JESSIE
How?

ROBERT
It is strictly against the UCMJ.

KELLY
A lot of other things are, too.

ROBERT
Like what?

KELLY
Things that a lot of heterosexuals do...

LYNN
But the military looks the other way.

ROBERT
Like what?

KELLY
Sodomy.

JESSIE
Well, Robert.

ROBERT
I don’t make a point of discussing my bedroom habits in public.

LYNN
Then why do you give a fuck about what Kelly and Nellie do in the bedroom?

ROBERT
Because it’s dirty and disgusting and unnatural.

KELLY
And sodomy isn’t?

ROBERT
Can you drop the sodomy shit already?! I’m not talking about something small here
JESSIE looks at ROBERT’s crotch and laughs.
ROBERT (Continued)
I’m talking about an entire way of life that is wholly and totally incompatible with the military!

KELLY
Six words.

ROBERT
What?!

KELLY
Six words in defense department policy—“Homosexuality is incompatible with military service.”

JESSIE
Do you sit around and memorize this shit?

KELLY
Six words that I’ve lived in fear of for four years.

ROBERT
Then why’d you do it?

KELLY
Because I’d always dreamed of being a soldier -and with today’s non-existent job market, it was a job.

LYNN
And it got you through school.

KELLY
Precisely.

ROBERT
But now you’re going to pay the penalty for breaking the law.

LYNN
It’s illegal to be who you are?

ROBERT
It’s illegal to be unnatural.

JESSIE
Then why do they try to force people to be what they’re not?

LYNN
I know it would be very unnatural for me to even consider becoming het.

STEPHEN
(Entering from kitchen with a glass of wine)
Interesting facts to know and tell: Every woman in this apartment could strip and there wouldn’t be a rise in my Levi’s.

ROBERT
That’s disgusting.

STEPHEN
(Touching ROBERT)
But if you were to strip...

ROBERT
(Pulling away from STEPHEN)
I’m gonna be sick!

STEPHEN
You were the one that brought up nature!

ROBERT
(To KELLY)
Have you even tried guys?

STEPHEN
(To ROBERT)
Have you?

ROBERT
What?

STEPHEN
You want us to try the opposite sex—
(doing a four snap to accentuate the words)
so, baby, why don’t you drop the bitch and make the switch?

JESSIE
Stephen—he’s mine. He’s stupid, but he’s mine.

STEPHEN
Sorry.

LYNN
You’re still going to stick with him?

ROBERT
All I’m doing is upholding the values and morals of the United States Armed Forces.

LYNN
What morals?!

KELLY
(Advancing on ROBERT)
I’m disappointed.

STEPHEN
I’d be pissed!

KELLY
Robert—what do you yell when the entire battalion comes to attention?

ROBERT
(Coming to attention)
We kill for peace!

KELLY
No—that’s the company.

ROBERT
(Falling out of attention. Sarcastically)
Sorry—then it’s Training to Lead.

KELLY
Sergeant!
ROBERT stands at attention. KELLY circles ROBERT.
KELLY (Continued)
And what would you do if you were in a combat situation, and your commanders told you to do something in a certain way—but you knew of a better way, a way that would save lives and be more effective?

ROBERT
I would re-analyze the situation, and, if my initial analysis was correct, I would act against orders and do it my way.

KELLY
Precisely—leadership includes sometimes taking the initiative and acting against orders.

ROBERT
Why are you saying this?

KELLY
Because everyone’s just assumed that you’d turn me in.

JESSIE
You just assumed they were lesbian lovers.

LYNN
And you never really considered the situation fully.

STEPHEN
Just a cattle in the herd.

ROBERT
Great!—First I get called a breeder, now I’m a cow!

STEPHEN
Moo!

KELLY
I thought you were a good cadet...

ROBERT
And I you...

KELLY
But you haven’t learned shit.

ROBERT
I’ve 4 pointed every Mil Sci class...

KELLY
But you’re not a leader...

ROBERT
I’m a sergeant major.

KELLY
That’s a title...

ROBERT
I earned it.

KELLY
But this is an academic environment—a leader thinks for her or himself. Sees the entire picture and makes a decision based upon that analysis.

ROBERT
Homosexuality is incompatible...

KELLY
I know—but do you believe that?

ROBERT
Yes.

STEPHEN
(Laughing)
Have you ever heard of Alexander the Great? Alexander Hamilton? Lawrence of Arabia? Pete-fucking-Wilson?

ROBERT
What about them?

LYNN
You can’t expect us to believe that you don’t know.

ROBERT
Know what?

JESSIE
They had relationships with men.

STEPHEN
(Snapping fingers)
And the list goes on...

LYNN
(Snapping fingers)
And on...

JESSIE
(Snapping fingers)
And on...

KELLY
And you try to say it’s incompatible.

ROBERT
As far as the UCMJ is concerned—my job is simply to uphold it. Period.

JESSIE
Robert! Be reasonable!

ROBERT
She knew the consequences when she joined.

KELLY
I didn’t believe I was homosexual until after I joined.

ROBERT
It doesn’t matter—and this is giving me a fucking headache.
(To JESSIE)
We’re going—get our coats.
STEPHEN follows JESSIE as she goes to get the coats.

STEPHEN
Don’t tell me you’re actually leaving with Hugo, the walking lobotomy?
JESSIE re-enters the living rooms. She is still afraid of ROBERT.

JESSIE
(To LYNN)
Can you give me a ride home?

ROBERT
You came with me, you’ll leave with me.

LYNN
(To ROBERT)
Yes, I can.

KELLY
Robert—during WWII, General Dwight D. Eisenhower requested a WAC to compile a list of all lesbians in the WAC.

ROBERT
So?

KELLY
The woman he asked said she would do it—but her name would be the first—then his secretary corrected her, by saying she would type it—so her name would be the first.

ROBERT
What’s your point?

KELLY
Eisenhower dropped it and never mentioned it again.
Pause.

ROBERT
(To JESSIE)
We’re leaving.

JESSIE
(To ROBERT)
You’re giving me a fucking headache—and I follow no man’s will. I’m staying.
JESSIE throws ROBERT’s coat at him.

ROBERT
(At front door. Angry)
Fine.

KELLY
Robert, just remember, the military is using the same argument against homosexuals that they used first against blacks, and then against women.
ROBERT exits. Pause.

STEPHEN
(Looking out door)
How do you like that!? Not even a thank-you for dinner!

KELLY
(To JESSIE)
I’m sorry.

JESSIE
No, I’m the one that’s sorry.

LYNN
What are you gonna do now?

KELLY
Take it as it comes.

STEPHEN
Bet he’ll go home and get on the phone.
NELLIE enters.

NELLIE
I should’ve listened to you, Kel.

KELLY
What do you mean?

NELLIE
About tonight.

KELLY
It was bound to happen sooner or later.

NELLIE
Where’s Robert?

JESSIE
He left.

NELLIE
(To JESSIE. Cold)
And you?

LYNN
I’m driving her home.

STEPHEN
It pisses me off.

LYNN
Six silly words—that have been proven to be false.

JESSIE
If we could just all join together...

NELLIE
When all the minorities gang up we are enough to make a difference.

STEPHEN
Yeah—but when the hell does everyone pull together?

JESSIE
This is a very diverse gay community...

STEPHEN
But we’re in college—just when we should be able to stick together...

KELLY
What? You wanted me in the marches?—so I’d get caught even quicker?

LYNN
But there is strength in numbers...

STEPHEN
And every time a brother or sister lives in the closet, it’s a blow against all of us.

LYNN
But if being in the closet lets them get into a position of power...

STEPHEN
Then they stay in the closet.

JESSIE
But living in a gay ghetto doesn’t do much good...

STEPHEN
But if people in the past were more open we wouldn’t be in such a mess today...

KELLY
People do what they have to—we’re all, ultimately, survivors.

STEPHEN
But 10 percent is enough to make a difference—if people just stand up for who they are and what they believe in...

NELLIE
Stephen! Join the real world! People get hurt—killed...

STEPHEN
But they wouldn’t if they stood together!

KELLY
Do you want to be a martyr?

STEPHEN
If that’s what it takes.

KELLY
You’re gonna get yourself killed.

STEPHEN
But people within the community are becoming so apathetic—sitting back and watching Oprah...

KELLY
We can’t all storm the Capitol.

STEPHEN
But we all have to participate—because there is strength in numbers...

NELLIE
If you’re trying to be another Harvey Milk, remember, Harvey Milk died.

STEPHEN
He died for what he believed in...

KELLY
(Cold)
But a dead faggot can’t fight anymore.

STEPHEN
If we want what’s right—we have to fight for it. And every war has its casualties, its victims, its corpses.

KELLY
I’m a soldier that firmly believes war is not the answer—
(cuts STEPHEN off)
It’s part of the problem. Its corpses are people that may have made a difference in this godawful world.

LYNN
Stevie, you know me, and my ideas—and sometimes you even scare the shit outta me.

JESSIE
That’s saying a lot, Stephen.

LYNN
Work with us, not against us, Stevie.

STEPHEN
And sit back and take all the crap the straights throw at us?—in some cities they even promote cop’s queer bashing!

LYNN
It is a fight...

STEPHEN
Damned right it is, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.

KELLY
Stephen! Calm down, remember, we are your sisters.

STEPHEN
But you just do not understand—as we speak people are dying...

LYNN
But we don’t want to cause any more deaths...

STEPHEN
People are being harassed and beaten...

NELLIE
We must deal with this logically and rationally...

STEPHEN
People are killing themselves because they think something is wrong with them...

KELLY
Never enter a fight on passion alone...

STEPHEN
Because the straight community has forced them to think like this...

JESSIE
And we don’t want any more unnecessary brutality...

STEPHEN
(Shaking HIS head)
I’m sorry—but you just don’t understand...

KELLY
We do understand.

STEPHEN
No. You don’t. There’s over four thousand gays and lesbians on this campus—and we get a lousy fifty at a vigil?

JESSIE
Not to mention all the bis...

KELLY
I couldn’t go...

STEPHEN
But if everyone stood up for who they are and what they believe in—you could go.

NELLIE
But a lot of them won’t even accept it themselves...

JESSIE
And they’d rather live a life of hell than be themselves...

STEPHEN
And that’s the point—we are not united...

LYNN
And divided we fall.

STEPHEN
My point exactly.

KELLY
But sometimes, to survive, you’ve got to play the game...

STEPHEN
And give up.

LYNN
Look at me—I did my part in college—but now I need a job...

STEPHEN
So you throw in the towel and give up the family that took over when your blood relatives disowned you...

LYNN
I’ve taken my share of harassment...

STEPHEN
Then compare it to what I’ve gone through...

LYNN
How dare you!

NELLIE
Enough! We’re supposed to have fun tonight...

JESSIE
Well there goes that idea...

NELLIE
Not compare war stories...

KELLY
We’ve all got our share.

LYNN
And I think we all know each other’s.

STEPHEN
Then tell me how many funerals you’ve been to recently...

NELLIE
Let’s not start on that.

JESSIE
I’d like to get home sometime tonight...

STEPHEN
Then you’re ignoring yourself and who you are—that’s part of all our horror stories...

LYNN
I know it’s not as bad on us as it is on you—but we’re all part of the same family.

STEPHEN
And we’re all being harassed into the closet...

JESSIE
I don’t see that...

STEPHEN
Then look the hell around you! And if it’s not that then we’re being murdered! Beaten! Forced to kill ourselves!

NELLIE
You’re getting a little over-emotional...

STEPHEN
Because I know what’s happening—if the breeders had any say in it—we’d be wiped off the face of the earth!

KELLY
Stephen! Calm down!

STEPHEN
You say we’re survivors—well I’m talking about survival.

LYNN
Stephen.

STEPHEN
Why am I an outsider in my own community?!

NELLIE
(Going to give STEPHEN a hug)
You’re not.

STEPHEN
(Violently pulling away from NELLIE)
Don’t touch me!
Beat.

JESSIE
Stephen.

STEPHEN
(Looking at his watch)
My God! I’ve got to go!

JESSIE
Why?

STEPHEN
Catch the bus...

LYNN
I can give you a lift...

STEPHEN
(Getting his coat)
No, really. I’m working on a buncha different things—busy, busy, busy!

NELLIE
Thanks for coming!

STEPHEN
(Hugging NELLIE)
Nellie, remember turkey—350. Thanks for a fab dinner!
(Opens door)
And Kel, for what it’s worth—good luck with Bobbie-boy!
(Exits.

JESSIE
He’s gone over the edge.

LYNN
I’ve seen him gradually get worse, but this is bad.

NELLIE
He’s been through a lot...

KELLY
And he’s still a sweet fellow...

JESSIE
You just get worried.

LYNN
Getting kicked out of school isn’t funny.

KELLY
No, it’s not, but what was he supposed to do?

NELLIE
It just pisses me off.

LYNN
What a night!

KELLY
I would like to take a woman to the Military Ball...

NELLIE
And what if I don’t want to go?

LYNN
I’ll go with the little stud-muffin.

NELLIE
Over my dead body.

KELLY
Does that mean you’ll go with me?

NELLIE
What the hell—it’d give me a chance to meet your friends...

KELLY
Acquaintances—friends accept you for who you are.

LYNN
We do.

JESSIE
Stephen did make some good points.

NELLIE
But how do you get people to join together?

KELLY
And there’s no way to pull people out of the closet.

NELLIE
If they don’t want to believe it themselves.

LYNN
So, Jess, what’re you gonna do about Robert?

JESSIE
I don’t know. I’ve never seen him like this before.

KELLY
He is a good cadet.

JESSIE
But so hateful—and uncaring.

NELLIE
Sometimes it takes hard times to see people for who they are.

JESSIE
He pulled some stunts before...

LYNN
Like what?

JESSIE
Making sure I had quite a few hickeys before I went to gay events.

LYNN
Then why the hell did you stay with him?

JESSIE
Because he can be so sweet...

NELLIE
And what can be so sweet to forgive the bad things?

JESSIE
Roses, poetry...

KELLY
(Laughing)
Robert writes poetry?

JESSIE
You just see the snake-eating macho-man.

KELLY
I can have some fun with this.

LYNN
He may not give you the chance.

NELLIE
We’re trying to forget that...

LYNN
You won’t be able to.

JESSIE
Shit.

KELLY
But an asshole’s still an asshole, regardless...

JESSIE
You don’t know him!

KELLY
Yes, I do.

JESSIE
He tries—I’m trying to unteach and teach him.

NELLIE
But is there anything that’s worth teaching?

JESSIE
I don’t know anymore.
Pause.

NELLIE
I didn’t want to be an Army wife—but I didn’t want it to end like this.

KELLY
It’s done. Only time will tell.

NELLIE
Things may get tough.

LYNN
(Hugging KELLY)
We’ll be here for you, Kel.

JESSIE
(Approaching KELLY)
I know we haven’t always been the best of friends, but...

KELLY
(Hugging JESSIE)
I know. And maybe I haven’t dealt squarely with you.

NELLIE
(To KELLY)
Well, can I get this little stud-muffin to help me finish in the kitchen?

KELLY
This time. Pardon us for a few?

JESSIE
No problem.
KELLY and NELLIE go to kitchen..

LYNN
Excuse me for a moment?

JESSIE
Sure.
LYNN exits to bathroom. JESSIE is sitting on couch. Lights go down to a single spot on JESSIE. Lights up in foreground.

FLASHBACK

ROBERT enters. HE is carrying a piece of paper..

ROBERT
Hey, Jessie—I have something for you.
HE hands paper to JESSIE. JESSIE reads it while ROBERT paces. SHE looks up at him..

JESSIE
Robert! This is so sweet!
SHE hugs him as HE shrugs.

ROBERT
(Starting to kiss JESSIE’s neck)
Just don’t show it to anybody.

JESSIE
Don’t wanna ruin your reputation?

ROBERT
Yeah. For chrissake’s—you’re talking to the guy that can almost match Captain Bodnar on push-ups.

JESSIE
Finally.
THEY kiss. JESSIE breaks away.

JESSIE
Robert.
HE tries to kiss her, SHE pushes him away.
JESSIE (Continued)
There’s something you should know.

ROBERT
Do you have to tell me now?

JESSIE
You don’t understand—it’s important.

ROBERT
(Jokingly)
What? Are you carrying somebody else’s kid?

JESSIE
(Pacing)
No. It’s just been bugging me that I haven’t told you.

ROBERT
Then what is it?

JESSIE
I...I...

ROBERT
(Grabbing JESSIE)
You what?

JESSIE
I’m bisexual.

ROBERT
(Sarcastically)
Oh, really—then prove it to me.

JESSIE
That’s disgusting!

ROBERT
And that’s exactly what I think of what you just told me.

JESSIE
(Angry)
I’m not talking about orgies—I’m talking about love.

ROBERT
And why the hell are you telling me this?—I thought we were in a monogamous relationship?

JESSIE
(Angry—directly confrontational)
We are—
(quickly)
but, it took a lot for me to accept that about myself and I will not
(slowly)
waste my time with anyone unwilling to accept it.

ROBERT
So you’re not talking about sleeping around?

JESSIE
No.

ROBERT
Then?...

JESSIE
(These next few speeches are what SHE’s wanted to say for awhile. SHE is angry, pacing and possessed. SHE speaks quickly, as SHE has rehearsed what SHE says)
I’ve fought long and hard to fucking accept it myself, and then to get others to accept it.
ROBERT tries to touch her—SHE angrily brushes him aside.
JESSIE (Continued)
And I still have a long fight ahead.

ROBERT
Jessie...

JESSIE
(The passion grows)
To get people to realize that I’m not into fucking around, that bisexuality doesn’t mean one great big fucking long orgy—that it means the way you relate, touch, feel, and think about others!

ROBERT
Jessie!
HE tries to grab her, but SHE angrily pushes him aside.

JESSIE
(Stops pacing. Directly to ROBERT)
I will still be bi even when I get married—to a man or a woman!
(Slowly)
But that does not mean that I need to fuck both men and women!
Pause. JESSIE looks at ROBERT, who is speechless. SHE turns away from him, and her head slowly drops into her hands as SHE realizes what SHE’s done. SHE begins to cry. ROBERT looks at her. HE walks up to her and gently lays his hands on her shoulders..

JESSIE
What can I say—I’m an equal opportunity lover.
ROBERT turns JESSIE to him, and then, gently, holds her..

ROBERT
(Softly)
I’m sorry—sorry for the way I acted, and sorry for all that made you feel this way, I’m sorry.
Pause. JESSIE wraps her arms around ROBERT. They slowly sink to their knees. HE holds her and, almost reluctantly, begins to soothingly stroke her hair, and then her back. SHE begins to stop shaking..

ROBERT
(Softly)
I love you.

END OF FLASHBACK

JESSIE returns to sit on the couch. SHE shakes her head and leans back..

JESSIE
What am I gonna do?
Lights slowly come up. Focus on KELLY and NELLIE in kitchen..

NELLIE
I’m so sorry.

KELLY
It’s okay.

NELLIE
You didn’t want them to come over.

KELLY
Yes, I did.

NELLIE
But you said...

KELLY
(Cutting NELLIE off)
I was paranoid, I was worried.
(Pause)
But, inside, I knew it would be good for you and me.

NELLIE
And look what happened.

KELLY
I love you a helluva lot more than I love the Army.

NELLIE
But you’ve put so much into Rotcey...

KELLY
And more into us.
Pause. They have their arms around each other..
KELLY (Continued)
I tried to deny myself, but then you walked in...

NELLIE
Yelled my way in.

KELLY
You surprised the shit outta me when you called.

NELLIE
Well, you didn’t call me.

KELLY
But I didn’t expect...

NELLIE
You intrigued me, and it wasn’t difficult to track you down—what with your name emblazoned across your rather nice chest.

KELLY
It doesn’t matter now.

NELLIE
I should’ve listened to you...

KELLY
But you know better...

NELLIE
What do you mean by that?

KELLY
We need friends.

NELLIE
But not at this cost.

KELLY
Yes. It happened. It doesn’t matter anymore. If the Army won’t accept me for what I am—a damned good cadet that’ll make a damned good officer some day...

NELLIE
But what’ll we do?

KELLY
(Pulling away)
It’s gonna be tough.
(Turns away)
I’ll understand if you...

NELLIE
(Pulling KELLY to face her)
Fuck that! Kelly—I love you—not who you’ll be,
(Smiles)
Through good times and bad, for better or worse...

KELLY
(Shaking head and turning away from NELLIE)
I just don’t know...
NELLIE pulls KELLY near HER and places KELLY’s head on her shoulder.

NELLIE
It’s okay. I know.

KELLY
I’m scared.

NELLIE
I know. So am I. But we’ve dealt with worse.

KELLY
Nellie—why do you stay with me?
NELLIE looks at KELLY, and then kisses her.

NELLIE
Because I love you, silly.
THEY kiss and then enter bedroom, just missing LYNN returning from the bathroom. LYNN looks back at them, and then enters living room. SHE stops and looks at JESSIE, who is sitting on the couch..

LYNN
(Sitting on couch next to JESSIE)
Hiya stranger.

JESSIE
(Slowly)
Lord knows, no one’s stranger than I.

LYNN
Now why do you say that?

JESSIE
You know why.

LYNN
No, I don’t.

JESSIE
Then you’re the first.

LYNN
Calm down, it’s been a long night for us all.

JESSIE
(Getting up)
I should help Kelly and Nellie...

LYNN
(Reaching over to stop JESSIE)
They don’t need any help—they’re in the bedroom.

JESSIE
Oh.
(Sitting and laughing)
No, I don’t suppose they need any help there.
Pause, SHE looks at LYNN.
JESSIE (Continued)
We should go.

LYNN
What’s the rush? They don’t mind...
Pause.

JESSIE
Goddamn it! I try my best, but just manage to get people to hate me!
SHE holds her head in her hands and starts to cry. LYNN holds her..

LYNN
I don’t hate you...and neither do Kelly or Nellie or Stephen.

JESSIE
I don’t know why not.

LYNN
Because we’re your friends.

JESSIE
(Looking up at LYNN as LYNN continues to hold her)
I’d think you, of all people...

LYNN
(Cutting JESSIE off by placing her finger against her lips)
Sshh... I think we should try to salvage the happiness and gaiety of the season.

JESSIE
The gaiety?

LYNN
You know what I mean.
Pause. They look at each other. LYNN stands and circles the couch to sit on its back, with her legs on the opposite side as JESSIE..
LYNN (Continued)
(Leaning toward JESSIE)
Could I get a second chance?

JESSIE
I don’t know.

LYNN
I know we had problems before, but I think I’ve grown-up a bit.

JESSIE
Lynn, what we had was good...

LYNN
I’ve seen you on campus.

JESSIE
I’ve noticed you a few times myself.

LYNN
I still think you’re the most beautiful woman around.

JESSIE
You’re pretty cute yourself.

LYNN
(Smiling and touching JESSIE’s cheek)
People aren’t meant to go through life alone.

JESSIE
I still can’t guarantee anything...

LYNN
I’m not asking for guarantees—I’m just asking for a chance.

JESSIE
It’s just that I’m so confused and unsure and...

LYNN
(Stopping JESSIE)
I understand.
(Pause)
But I still love you.
Pause.

JESSIE
I know that.
Pause.

LYNN
Carpe?
Pause.

JESSIE
Diem!
Pause. They look at each other. JESSIE grabs LYNN and they kiss. As the lights fade, JESSIE pulls LYNN from her perch on the back of the couch and into her lap)

BLACKOUT.

END OF ACT II

Act III

 

Scene 1
SETTING: We are in Robert’s room. (The Flashback Area.) The only furniture needed is one chair.
AT RISE: ROBERT is pacing and reading from a book. HE occasionally talks to himself. HE goes from disbelief and skepticism to belief and confusion.

ROBERT
(Reading)
“When two studies by a Pentagon research group found that there was no justification for keeping gay people out of the military, the generals deep-sixed the reports...”
(Unbelieving)
Oh right, no justification? Really. Tell me another good one.
(Reading)
“The Bush administration killed the report because its findings—that homosexuals are qualified for military service—ran afoul of its anti-gay prejudices.”
(Not understanding)
Are qualified? And this was done by the military?
(Reading)
“In fact, the report shows that gay men and lesbians are both suitable and reliable for military service.”
(Disbelieving)
I don’t understand—this was done by the military?!
(Reading)
“The real question is how long the military can maintain a personnel policy based solely on prejudice.”
(HE sits)
Based solely on prejudice.
(HE begins to nod off)
Prejudice.
As HE falls asleep in the chair, the lights flash, and he is dreaming. A DOCTOR enters and begins to talk to ROBERT and the audience. The DOCTOR may use visual aids, a pointer, etc..

DOCTOR
Sexuality has been an object of intense scientific study and research is constantly finding new and significant insights into this fascinating realm of the human persona. Although prior data indicated that approximately one in ten people are almost exclusively homosexual, recent data seek to prove that it is only one or two in one hundred people. Of course, I have to ask, “Did anyone check the
closets?”
And, if you employ the Kinsey scale, which is a six point scale with exclusively heterosexual rated a 0, and exclusively homosexual rated a 6, you will discover very few people fall at either end point. Because of the fact that almost all people fall in between the scale’s endpoints, one can assume that almost everyone is, in fact, to some extent, bisexual. For instance, if one is a Kinsey one, one may be attracted to a few members of the same sex, but most people would ignore this assumed digression in a given sexual orientation.
Psychiatrists no longer consider homosexuality as a disease to be cured, instead they are dealing with it as a natural state that both society and the individual must learn to cope with.
To simplify: Asking a homosexual to be a heterosexual, is like asking a cat to be a dog. Asking a homosexual to not be a homosexual is like asking a cat to not be a cat.
ROBERT is awakened by the DOCTOR’s closing words. The DOCTOR exits as ROBERT shakes his head and looks around.

ROBERT
Prejudice.
(ROBERT holds his head in his hands)

BLACKOUT.

END OF SCENE 1

ACT III

Scene 2
AT RISE: This can be done realistically, surrealistically, or anywhere in between. The dimly lit part of the stage is bare. At the edges of the stage, or just offstage, are the BASHERS. STEPHEN enters and goes directly CS without seeing the BASHERS, who immediately start to move in closer to him. HE notices THEM only after he looks at HIS watch—HE is waiting for a bus.

BASHER #1
(Murmur)
Faggot.

BASHER #2
(Murmur)
Cock-sucker.

BASHER #3
(Murmur)
Fucking queer.
The BASHERS close in on STEPHEN.

STEPHEN
(Looking around)
What’d you say?
The BASHERS shrug and pull out. STEPHEN faces front. The BASHERS pull in closer. As THEY yell their lines, they will be beating STEPHEN with clubs, fists, briefcases, or whatever else they may have handy.

BASHER #4
Hey, faggot, wanna gimme a blow job?!

BASHER #1
Whatsamatter, faggot, don’t like real dick?!

BASHER #2
Can’t stand to look a man in the face?!

BASHER #3
Don’t bend over—can’t control himself!

BASHER #4
Fucking pervert—we’re not even safe on our own streets anymore!

BASHER #1
Don’t let’im get away.

BASHER #2
We should be thanked.

BASHER #3
Clearing the streets of worthless trash.
STEPHEN is on the ground. The BASHERS are becoming more frantic—THEY are screaming and, perhaps, even laughing.

BASHER #4
Pervert!

BASHER #1
Sicko!

BASHER #3
Homo!

BASHER #4
Queer!

BASHER #1
Cocksucker!

BASHER #2
Goddamned fucking faggot!

BASHER #3 stops just before hitting STEPHEN. BASHER #3 suddenly realizes STEPHEN is almost dead. When BASHER #3 drops HER/HIS weapon, BASHER #4 sees this and readies HER/HIS weapon for the killing blow.

BASHER #4
Lemme stick this to you, baby!
The bat is swung toward STEPHEN’s head)

BLACKOUT.

DOCTOR
(Heard)
Asking a homosexual to not be homosexual is like asking a cat to not be a cat.

ROBERT
(Heard)
Based solely on prejudice.

END OF SCENE 2

ACT III

SCENE 3
AT RISE: It is about six months after the first act. The set is the same, except it is no longer decorated for Christmas. KELLY and NELLIE enter in graduation robes. They stop center stage and look at each other. They take off their caps, as if to throw them in the air. Instead, they throw them harshly onto the ground.

KELLY
That was so-o-o boring!

NELLIE
I fell asleep!

KELLY
Jesus H. Christ!

NELLIE
But we’re done!

KELLY
Is there life after college?

NELLIE
How do you fill spare time?

KELLY
Spare time? I forget what that is.
Takes NELLIE in her arms and kisses her at length.

NELLIE
(Gently pulling away)
Something’s missing...

KELLY
You’ve never complained about my kissing before...

NELLIE
You know what I mean.

KELLY
I know.

NELLIE
They’ve always been there, and then...

KELLY
They’re not.
(Trying to cheer NELLIE)
Honey—we just graduated...

NELLIE
But not even my fucking parents came!

KELLY
I noticed Lynn and Jessie there.
Pause.

NELLIE
The family that took over when our blood relatives disowned us.

KELLY
Yeah. But we’re finally through!

NELLIE
Pinch me—I think I’m dreaming!

KELLY
I’ll be glad to—that and a whole lot more.
KELLY moves toward NELLIE, they start necking. KELLY picks NELLIE up and begins carrying her to the bedroom. The doorbell rings.

KELLY
We’re not home!

LYNN
(Entering with JESSIE)
C’mon—is that any way to treat old friends?

KELLY
(Putting NELLIE down)
At times like this it is.

NELLIE
C’mon Kel.
NELLIE hugs LYNN and JESSIE.

JESSIE
Congrats you two!

LYNN
So what happens now?

KELLY
We go to Germany.

JESSIE
Germany?

NELLIE
That’s Kel’s first base.—Can I get anyone a drink?
LYNN and JESSIE turn to sit on the couch, KELLY violently shakes her head to NELLIE. NELLIE shrugs.

LYNN
Whaddya got?

NELLIE
Beer, wine, coke...

JESSIE
I won’t ask what type of wine.

LYNN
I’ll take a beer.

JESSIE
Make mine a diet Coke.

LYNN
(To KELLY)
I still can’t believe Robert didn’t turn you in.

KELLY
I can’t either.

JESSIE
Have you spoken with him?

KELLY
No. He changed company’s in the new year. He said that he wanted to experience a “Greater diversity of leadership.”

NELLIE
(Entering with drinks)
That’s a line.
KELLY glares at her as SHE hands KELLY a beer. NELLIE shrugs.

JESSIE
Must’ve taken him quite awhile to write that one.

KELLY
We saw each other in Rangers, but that was it.

LYNN
He avoided you, I take it?

KELLY
Big time. But at least he didn’t spray paint slurs on my duffel bag or fatigues...

NELLIE
We haven’t been able to figure it out...

KELLY
I wasn’t about to ask him...

JESSIE
Why not?

KELLY
If he was willing to let it lie, so was I.

NELLIE
And soon you’ll be out of his reach...

LYNN
It would look suspicious for him to accuse you of homosexuality once you’re in Germany.

NELLIE
Which leaves me as an Army wife.

JESSIE
I take it you two didn’t go to the Mil Ball together?

KELLY
I came down with the flu at the last moment.

LYNN
Really?

NELLIE
As long as nothing was happening, she didn’t want to take me...

KELLY
But I couldn’t stand putting up het appearances while I thought the ax may still fall.

NELLIE
So, Lynn, any job prospects yet?

LYNN
(Brightly)
Got a job in California.

KELLY
When do you leave?

LYNN
Two days.

JESSIE
And they know!

LYNN
I played the game for awhile, “spilled” quite a few drinks on some arrogant S.O.B.’s, and then, finally, got interviewed by a dyke!

NELLIE
Did you know?

LYNN
Oh, Goddess, it was tense. But California—hey! They’re cool.
The doorbell rings.

NELLIE
Good grief! You graduate and the place becomes a madhouse!
SHE opens the door and ROBERT enters.

ROBERT
Sorry if I’m interrupting...

KELLY
(Standing and saluting)
Cadet.

ROBERT
(Returning salute)
Thank-you, ma’am.

JESSIE
(Standing to face ROBERT)
Long time no see.

ROBERT
Too long for me.

LYNN
(Standing. To ROBERT)
So—how’ve you been?

ROBERT
Okay.
Pause.
ROBERT (Continued)
I just figured I’d stop by and say good-bye to Captain Bodnar...

KELLY
Lieutenant.

ROBERT
But without the cadet.

KELLY
Thank-you.

ROBERT
I understand you’re the only one who pulled off M.I.

KELLY
Yeah. Military Intelligence.

LYNN
What an oxymoron!

NELLIE
(Bitchy—To ROBERT)
What happened?

ROBERT
About what?

JESSIE
We all thought...

ROBERT
(To JESSIE)
I was alone for the holidays—so I looked it up in all my books...

JESSIE
And?

ROBERT
And I thought I decided.

KELLY
So what happened?

ROBERT
I was in a bookstore, and I ran across some books about homosexuals in the military... And then I wrote to my congressman for a copy of the PERSEREC reports...

KELLY
(To LYNN and JESSIE)
Those are Department Of Defense research papers on homosexuality in the military.

ROBERT
And I read them. And I thought “If they can’t even prove to themselves that there’s a reason...”
(Pause)
They even tried to fudge it, but couldn’t...

JESSIE
And that changed your mind?

ROBERT
I analyzed the situation for myself. And I realized.

KELLY
You are becoming a leader.

ROBERT
I thought about what you said, and I thought about the respect I had for Captain Bodnar, and I looked at some pictures of old maneuvers...

KELLY
Thank-you.

ROBERT
Keep your nose clean, ma’am. Because if they ask me, I will not lie.

NELLIE
(Hugging ROBERT)
Thank-you.

ROBERT
Ma’am, please! This is...

NELLIE
A platonic hug.

KELLY
Excuse me!—I’ll go mad if I have to stay in this outfit any longer!
(Pulls NELLIE toward bedroom.

NELLIE
(As KELLY pulls her)
I hope you don’t think this is too rude—but I want my jeans back!
KELLY and NELLIE enter bedroom, where they immediately kiss. KELLY tries to get NELLIE into bed, but NELLIE tries to get them both changed. KELLY grudgingly changes clothes.

ROBERT
(Looking at LYNN and JESSIE)
So, are you two a couple again?
JESSIE and LYNN look at ROBERT, then at each other.

JESSIE
Yes, we are.

ROBERT
Oh.

LYNN
So are you gonna turn Kelly in now?

ROBERT
I changed my mind—for me. Jessie had nothing to do with it.
JESSIE and LYNN stare.

ROBERT
That night—Christmas...

LYNN
Yes?

ROBERT
I heard Stephen suggest that he tell ROTC that I hit on him...

JESSIE
So what’s that got to do with anything?

ROBERT
Kelly stopped him—she wouldn’t lie, she wouldn’t hide, and she wouldn’t do that to me.

LYNN
And that stopped you?

ROBERT
More than anything else—yes.

JESSIE
So all that shit about a “greater diversity of leadership...”

LYNN
And reports and maneuvers

JESSIE
Was just a line?

ROBERT
Okay, okay, the part about diversity of leadership was, but the rest wasn’t...

LYNN
Then what was it?

ROBERT
Other parts of the solution. I left that night having decided to turn her in, but as I studied the problem, I remembered what I had heard and realized that the Military can use as many Kelly’s as possible.

JESSIE
There aren’t many like her.

LYNN
Thank goddess!

ROBERT
ROTC is supposed to teach us about honor and integrity, but I don’t think many would take it as far as her.

KELLY
(Entering)
“As far as her”—are you guys talking about sex again?

NELLIE
(Entering)
Sex? What’s that? We just finished finals...
LYNN and JESSIE look at each other and ROBERT looks at the floor.

LYNN
(Putting an arm around NELLIE)
There’s always time...

ROBERT
Um, I was expecting to see Stephen here.

JESSIE
Oh.

KELLY
Stephen’s in the hospital.

ROBERT
What happened?

NELLIE
He was leaving the bar and...

KELLY
A couple of guys decided they didn’t like him much.

ROBERT
But I thought he knew karate...

KELLY
There were just too many of them.

LYNN
Bunch of real tough guys. Hunh!

JESSIE
They couldn’t give him even odds...

KELLY
Two-on-one would have been fair...

ROBERT
Wasn’t there anyone to help him?

NELLIE
It was late, and the few stragglers that were left just wanted to save their own butts.

KELLY
(Making a fist)
If I had been there, oh man...

JESSIE
I just wonder what he’ll be like when he gets out.

LYNN
Maybe he’ll lose his martyr syndrome...

NELLIE
Or maybe it’ll make him fight all the harder.

KELLY
I hate to be a bitch or anything, but we’ve got a lot to do...

LYNN
(Putting an arm around JESSIE)
Yeah—so do we. We leave for California in two days. That’s not much time to pack and everything.

KELLY
(To JESSIE)
So you’re going to finish at UCLA?

JESSIE
Yeah.
(To ROBERT)
Lynn got a job in California and I’m going with her.

LYNN
I’m helping pay for her school,
(grins)
but she has to decorate the house.

ROBERT
(To JESSIE)
I couldn’t offer you a deal like that.

JESSIE
(To ROBERT)
I’m not looking for deals.

LYNN
(To ROBERT)
The night you left, we talked for quite awhile and realized that we’re kinda like a circle.

KELLY
You’re weird.

JESSIE
No, really—you see,
(illustrates with her hands)
like a circle, we were together at the bottom, and then we grew apart, but, like a circle, we met again at the top.

NELLIE
(Hugging KELLY)
That’s sweet.

ROBERT
I’ll miss you.

JESSIE
(Taking ROBERT’s hands)
Don’t worry, you’ll find your match yet—you just have to look in the right places.

ROBERT
And where might that be?

NELLIE
Affirmations, Menjos...
(Note: Names of local gay establishments.

LYNN
Heaven’s...
(See above note.

JESSIE
Lynn!

KELLY
We’ve got to pack.
Everyone hugs.

LYNN
Keep in touch.

JESSIE
Write when you get an address.

NELLIE
Will do.
JESSIE and LYNN exit arm in arm.

ROBERT
(Salutes KELLY and shakes hands with NELLIE)
Been good knowing you ma’am—give’em hell in Germany.
(Exits.

NELLIE
(Looking around apartment)
What should we do first?

KELLY
(Advancing toward NELLIE)
Do you even need to ask?
KELLY pushes NELLIE to the floor behind the couch, as the LIGHTS FADE)

BLACKOUT.

END OF PLAY

 

 

 

Interviews and Roundtables:

• Dark Erotica
• Reese Szymanski Interview by DK Ward
• Therese Szymanski Interview for Lynne Jamneck
• Dykelife Questionairre

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Books:
The Brett Higgins Motor City Thrillers: When the Dancing Stops When the Dead Speak When Some Body Disappears When Evil Changes Face
When Good Girls Go Bad When the Corpse Lies When First We Practice When It's All Relative
The Chronicles of Shawn Donnelly: It's All Smoke & Mirrors
Anthologies: Back to Basics: A Butch/Femme Anthology The Call of the Dark: Erotic Lesbian Tales of the Supernatural The Perfect Valentine
Wild Nights: (Mostly) True Stories of Women Loving Women Fantasy: Untrue Stories of Lesbian Passion
New Exploits (with Karin Kallmaker, Barbara Johnson and Julia Watts): Once Upon a Dyke: New Exploits of Fairy Tale Lesbians
Bell, Book & Dyke: New Exploits of Magical Lesbian Stake Through the Heart: New Exploits of Twilight Lesbians Tall in the Saddle: New Exploits of Wild West Lesbians