SETTING:
A house. A kitchen that has a dining table, coat stand, and the front door. A living room, with couch , TV, desk with computer and phone, bookshelves, at least one standing light placed by the couch. Door to the master bedroom. A bathroom with a toilet, sink, and some sort of storage cabinet. Hall stairwell with a door that separates the kitchen from the living room. ACT I:PROLOGUE
The house is closed up with cloths over the furniture. An IRISH MAN and a WOMAN in their thirties enter from the hall, holding hands, to stand in the kitchen.
IRISH MAN: Is it strange being back in Belleville, at this house? WOMAN: Yeah. It- It just seems so empty. IRISH MAN: You ready to leave then? WOMAN: Give me a minute. IRISH MAN: I'll meet you in the car then, luv.
The man kisses her on the cheek, lets go of her hand and exits out the kitchen door. The woman stands there looking around. Slowly voices can be heard whispering, one female and one male. They alternate and overlap each other. It sounds like the wind at first, then gets louder and louder until the words can be understood and are fairly loud. The woman covers her ears trying to block out the noise.
VOICES: You have to be a good girl... You need to go on a diet... I'll kill myself if you're a bad girl!...You look like a whore in that outfit... Why can't you be good like your brother... You have no talent. You're fooling yourself if you even think so... You might as well slit my throat yourself if you're going to be naughty. Go on do it!... Because I fucking told you to... You're grounded... Christina... Christina... Christinachristinachristina!
The woman gives a silent scream. Everything goes black. In a flash of light there is a teenage girl instead of the woman. Black. The lights come up when the man burst into the room. The woman is just standing in the middle of the room gasping for breath.
IRISH MAN: Darlin', what is it? Are you ok? WOMAN: I- I'm fine. IRISH MAN: You were screaming. What happened? WOMAN: I just met up with some old ghosts. I'm ok. IRISH MAN: Come on then, we need to leave or we'll be late for the funeral. Dulcie and your Da will be worried...
The man exits. The woman goes to the door then looks back into the house.
WOMAN: Goodbye Mother.
The woman leaves. 1:1 Curtains are closed over the living room window and only a dim light is on. Christina, Dulcie, Tera, and Rose are having a slumber party. Sleeping bags, pillows, popvord, magazines are scattered around their "circle"
TERA: Truth or dare? ROSE: Truth. TERA: Name five of the cutest guys we know. ROSE: Jason. CHRISTINA: I can’t believe all three of you dated him! DULCIE: Neither can we, the jerk. I still think he wanted you all along as he was always hanging out with you when he wasn’t making out with one of us. CHRISTINA: You all know mom’s rule of ‘no dating till I’m 16’. Besides the first thing he said to me was how pretty Tera is. DULCIE: While his arms were wrapped around your waist. ROSE: Not one of us would have gone out with him if you said not to when we asked if it was okay. CHRISTINA: Hey, he asked you guys out, never me. A guy who would drop me even as a friend while another girl took his fancy isn’t worth my time. DULCIE: We have got to hide those regency books on you… but yeah, he wasn’t worth almost messing up our friendship. CHRISTINA: Rule number one- never date a guy your best friend has. She obviously dumped him for a reason. No guy is worth loosing your friends over. ROSE: Look what happened with Keirstan. DULCIE: That was after the Jason thing but leads to a new rule. Number two- never date your best friend’s other best friend especially when she is secretly in love with him.
CHRISTINA: The hard part is knowing the secret… and I still can’t believe she got mad at you for dumping him after he tried to force you to sleep with him. ROSE: Do guys not realize that “if you love me you would do it” just doesn’t work anymore? If they loved us they would know better than to say something that dumb. DULCIE: These are males remember. ROSE: Point taken. Third rule – never sleep with a guy unless you are in love with him and he with you. CHRISTINA: And you’ll know that he does love you if he’ll wait till marriage. Because if a guy loves you he’d want to spend the rest of his life with you. TERA: Moving on to guy number two. ROSE: Shane. DULCIE, TERA, CHRISTINA: Loser! DULCIE: He is such a player! ROSE: But a hawtie. Guy number three… Blake. CHRISTINA: Agreed. Since he’s at my house all the time I can vouch he is not only cute but extremely sweet. He never leaves me out of whatever he and my brother happen to be doing. TERA: And he was really nice when he helped me through my breakup with Mike over the summer. I don’t know what I’d do without him, I’d almost say I half fell in love with him for that. I was so grateful for his support. ROSE: I think we all did. He’s got cuddly written all over him. Whereas his best friend… TERA: Yeah Kyle is a- CHRISTINA: Lets not talk about my brother, especially in a conversation about cute guys. His name and cute should never be in the same sentence. DULCIE: Your half brother doesn’t even come close to qualifying. Keirstan had a thing for him at one point but her taste is obviously not that great. CHRISTINA: As her ex-best friend you totally just insulted yourself. Now enough about my brother, Rose you still have two more guys. ROSE: Ok, so musicians are always hot, guy number four is William. TERA: I haven’t seen him at church in a while, where is he now anyways? DULCIE: Doing missionary work in the Brit Isles somewhere. ROSE: Envy. DULCIE: It’s no picnic. Missionaries are in the poorest parts of town not at the clothing shops. Some places are better than others; I would prefer Ireland to Ecuador. It’s been nearly two years since my parents decided it was time to come back to Canada.
CHRISTINA: Your parents aren’t going to go back to being missionaries are they? I like your dad as a youth pastor and I’d miss you all too much! DULCIE: Not till I’m in university at least. Some places don’t provide proper schooling and they want me to get an education. ROSE: I’d still like to travel someday but probably not as a missionary. Although I wouldn’t say no should William ask me along! TERA: Well, don’t say yes to him till you give us cutie number five. ROSE: Can I pick a celebrity? DULCIE: Unless you know him personally, that’s cheating. So N-O. ROSE: Lets see… uhhhh… I’ve got it. When I went to Kingston for my family reunion, all these girls were trailing around behind my cousin. I swear they were sighing like those regency heroines that Christy reads about. (Rose ducks the pillow Christina throws at her). One even attempted to swoon into his arms, but totally missed and landed flat on her face. Oh man, I laughed so hard I bawled! Anyway, since amazingly gorgeous looks run in my family, I say that in a completely unfamilial way, my cousin Kendall is cute and thereby number five on the list. TERA: Was he that guy I asked about in the pictures you brought back cuz talk about a hawtie! Rose’s vanity aside, she’s right the guy is extremely list-worthy. ROSE: Its not vanity, its fact. And besides he’s really rather sweet, and I can’t say that about most my relatives. Some girl asked him out and he swooped down to pick a flower and presented it to her saying that he was terribly sorry but as he has a girlfriend it wouldn’t be right to accept an invitation from another woman. In fact, I think it was a dandelion he gave her and I’ll bet you anything she put it in a Waterford vase and it is now sitting in a place of honor! DULCIE: What’s Waterford? ROSE: Really expensive crystal. My aunt has one… or had rather. Some of the brats knocked it off a table and boy, did she scream the house down about it! TERA: I thought you said he was single? ROSE: Technically he is, but he’s been dating this girl for a couple months or so. I’ve met her before and she’s way too cynical for him. I’d more imagine him with a day-dreamy, sweet, arty type. Kinda like… Christy. You’d be so perfect for him! DULCIE: And perfectly willing to give you flowers. Most guys only do that the first month or so trying to impress you then once they are dating you, they can’t be bothered anymore… and they wonder why they get dumped when all they want to do is sit around watching “the game” on tv in their rattiest pair of boxers. CHRISTINA: I think the real miss cynical is sitting over here. TERA: I think he sounds terribly romantic and if I didn’t have a thing for someone else then I’d snag him myself! DULCIE: Oh, Chrissy we forgot to tell you that Tera is now dating Adam. CHRISTINA: What happened to Dylan? TERA: He started to bore me, after a few weeks he just didn’t seem interesting anymore. ROSE: You say that every time. I think you like the mystery, the chase. Then once you have him wrapped around you pinky the allure wears off. One of these days you’ll find someone who can catch and hold your interest. DULCIE: It just wont be anyone our age since boys are stupid. TERA,CHRISTINA, ROSE: agreed! DULCIE: Yeah, the only way we’re going to meet anyone new is if he transfers from another country! CHRISTINA: I can’t believe that school starts next week. This is out last slumber party of the summer! ROSE: You’re one to talk, you actually like school! And just how many after school groups are you planning to join this year? CHRISTINA: There is youth group with you guys, then the other youth group that I’m in a band with… DULCIE: Like you’d give that up while Joey is still there jamming on his guitar. CHRISTINA: Can I help it that I have a thing for musicians too? I’ve signed up for the journalism class so I’ll be on the paper for a semester, I was voted for student counsel and so I joined the dance committee, and um… I’ll prolly find a few others that spark my interest as the year goes on. TERA: I’d prolly join as many clubs as I could too if I lived with your brother. ROSE: She still has to go to school with him. CHRISTINA: Kyle’s not always bad. Or at least he didn’t used to be. There were times when he’d hang out with me watching movies and stuff. He, Blake, and I used to have water balloon fights and play hide-go-seek at night, things like that. But I guess, he’s getting a little meaner. I don’t know how soon you have memories but being beaten as a baby and then being deserted by your dad has to have some psychological effect on you even if you are only two or so. DULCIE: And your parents aren’t helping things either. Your dad is rarely home and your mom is stuck in the dark ages. I was with you while begging to have this slumber party remember? It’s like your dad wears earplugs and your mom wears blinders, each blocking out reality as the rest of us know it. I don’t know how you can put up with them. CHRISTINA: They’re my family; I love them. That’s kinda what love is, unconditional acceptance of other’s strengths and flaws. Nobody’s perfect. DULCIE: Nobody but you. CHRISTINA: Truth or dare, Dulcie? DULCIE: …. Dare. 1:2
CAROLINE is in the kitchen doing dishes. CHRISTINA walks in the door with a school bag.
CAROLINE: And just where were you, Christina Rebecca Gilford? CHRISINTA: I had a yearbook meeting. CAROLINE: Did you ask if you could go? CHRISTINA: I mentioned it to you last week... its written on the calendar. CAROLINE: You did no such thing. CHRISTINA: I did, I told you last week! CAROLINE: Are you calling me a liar? CHRISTINA: No, I'm just saying you must have forgot. CAROLINE: Don't you take that tone with me! You're grounded. CHRISTINA: But I've got a dance committee meeting and the school paper... I've got band rehearsal! This is our week to perform at Parkdale Youth Group! Plus tonight's the youth group at QBC; they only have that once a month! CAROLINE: Well, you'll just have to miss it wont you?
CHRISTINA: I have to be there. They need me... CAROLINE: They can all make do without you. I'm sure you're not that important. Go to your room. And by the way you weren't grounded for a week... you're grounded for a month CHRISTINA: That’s not fair! CAROLINE: Life's unfair
1:3
BLAKE, KYLE, and Christina are in living room. Kyle is on the computer while Blake and Christina sit on the couch chatting. Kyle finishes on the computer and then gets up.
KYLE: I need to grab my coat before we leave.
BLAKE: I'll wait here. KYLE: All right.
Kyle exits down the hall. Christina gets up.
BLAKE: Where are you going? CHRISTINA: To my room. BLAKE: Aren't you going to give me a good-bye kiss before I leave? CHRISTINA: Ooh-kay.
Christina goes to kiss his cheek but Blake turns his head to kiss her mouth. Christina looks at him in shock.
BLAKE: I like you, you know. CHRISTINA: Really? BLAKE: Yeah. And you...? CHRISTINA: I like you too. Blake and Christina kiss again then jump apart when they hear Kyle.
KYLE: (Calling) Ok, Blake ready to roll!
Kyle enters from the hall wearing a jacket and goes into the kitchen.
CHRISTINA: Bye. BLAKE: Bye .
Blake goes into the kitchen and exits with Kyle.
CHRISTINA: Eeeeee!!!
1:4
Caroline is in the kitchen humming “Just You Wait 'Enry 'Iggins” from My Fair Lady while getting ready to bake.
CAROLINE: Christy honey? You want to come help me bake?
Christina enters via the hallway.
CHRISTINA: Sure Mom. What are you making? CAROLINE: Chocolate cake. You want to do the icing? CHRISTINA: Remember the cake I made you from scratch for your birthday? The icing was way too sweet and kept dripping off the cake. Daddy and Kyle had kept telling me that adding more icing sugar would get thicker. CAROLINE: Ok, you want to make the cake part, then? By the way, the trick is to add more margarine. CHRISTINA: Now she tells me!
Christina puts on an apron and finishes up the batter that Caroline had started. They sing parts of show tunes from classic movies since they don't know all the words to any. Christina sneaks a look at Caroline then goes to lick the chocolate batter-covered fork.
CAROLINE: Don't even think about licking that and putting it back in the bowl. CHRISTINA: How did you know? You weren't even looking! CAROLINE: I have eyes in the back of my head... And besides, you always do it. CHRISTINA: Well, mlah. CAROLINE: Mlah to you too. By the way, you have chocolate on your face.
Christina grins then grabs her mum and gives her a big kiss on the cheek, getting chocolate all over Caroline's face. CHRISTINA: Mwah! CAROLINE: Nooooo! CHRISTINA: So there! CAROLINE: Oh, you! Get back here.
Caroline starts to “waltz” around the kitchen with Christina as they sing “Shall We Dance” from The King and I, laughing as they stumble around.
1:5
Kyle at computer, Christina enters from hall. CHRISTINA: Whatchya working on? KYLE: Homework. CHRISTINA: I know that. What book? (picks up novel) “Brave New World” I’ve read that. When’s it due? KYLE: Next week. CHRISTINA: Huh. Can you drive me to my rehearsal? Dad said he would but he’s not back yet and I’m going to be late. KYLE: No. CHRISTINA: I’ll write your essay… KYLE: When? CHRISTINA: I’ll have it ready for you in a couple days… Sunday at the latest. KYLE: Fine. CHRISTINA: Just make sure you change the words that you don’t know. Remember last time your teacher asked you what pragmatic meant? Kyle slams out the door and Christina chases after him. Black, then lights. Christina rushes into the house and searches around, checking to see if anyone is there. Finding it empty she goes back to the door and waves Kyle in. Kyle has a black eye, cuts, and bruises from a fight. Christina drags him into the bathroom, pushes him onto the closed toilet then starts pulling out stuff to clean up Kyle's face.
CHRISTINA: Now, let me see.
Kyle raises his face to show her.
CHRISTINA: Frig, Kyle!
Christina starts to clean off scrapes.
KYLE: Ow! That fuckin' hurts!
CHRISTINA: Swear at me again and I'll clean you mouth out with soap rather than help you keep this from Mom.
Christina continues to wipe off Kyle's face. Kyle whimpers.
CHRISTINA: Stop being such a baby! It's your own fault.
KYLE: But-
CHRISTINA: No, you started it. You called that guy a fag. Then when he stood up to you, you just had to throw a punch at him didn't you? And you got your butt kicked! Take off your shirt.
Christina helps him pull his ragged T-shirt over his head. Kyle is covered with bruises. Christina starts poking at them lightly.
CHRISTINA: Does this hurt?
KYLE: Not much.
CHRISTINA: And this-
KYLE: YOW!
CHRISTINA: I'll take that as a yes.
A sound at the kitchen door can be heard and someone starts to open it.
CHRISTINA: Quick put your shirt back on!
Blake enters the house.
BLAKE: Hello? Kyle? Christy?
KYLE: It's only Blake, thank fuckin' God. (To Blake) Yo, Blake! C'mere.
BLAKE: (To Christina) He OK?
CHRISTINA: As far as I know he'll live. But I don't know anything about internal injuries. What if his appendix or pan-thingy were hit? Here, look.
Christina lifts Kyle's shirt as he swats at her hands.
BLAKE: I think what you're worried about is called a kidney. But it doesn't look too bad. I wouldn't worry.
KYLE: Hello, stop talking like I'm not here. Intelligent person standing right in front of you!
CHRISTINA: Oh really? I only see an idiot.
Kyle grabs Christina's wrist and goes to hit her. Blake moves to intervene but Christina is so pissed off she punches Kyle right where the bruise they were examining is. Kyle lets go to clutch at his stomach.
KYLE: Ow!
CHRISTINA: Don't you even think about hurting me. I'm helping you out but I can tell Mom at any time and don't think that Blake will lie for you, either... Just because you got pounded doesn't mean you can hit me so you can feel good about yourself again. You got that?!
KYLE: Fuckin' whatever.
CHRISTINA: Good.
BLAKE: I still don't see how your mom isn't going to notice the shiner.
CHRISTINA: Blake, I'm a girl.
BLAKE: Believe me, I know.
CHRISTINA: We learn how to cover up anything. Kyle is going to wear makeup just like the fag he accused that other guy of being.
KYLE: I am not going to wear makeup!
BLAKE: Why the hell did you call that guy a fag?
KYLE: (Sneers) Did you see his shoes?
BLAKE: (To Christina) Why are you helping him again?
CHRISTINA: When he says dumb things like that I begin to wonder.
KYLE: Huh?
BLAKE: I give up. C'mon Kyle you better change before your mom gets home. Blake and Kyle exit upstairs. Christina starts her homework at the kitchen table. Blake comes back down. BLAKE: Christy, walk me to my car?
CHRISTINA: Sure. Blake and Christina exit through kitchen door. Kyle enters. KYLE: Hey Blake...? Musta left. Kyle see's Christina's things and pulls Christina’s wallet out of her book bag and pockets a bill. He goes to turn away but looks at textbook. Kyle leans over and tries to read aloud. KYLE: “If music be the food of love, play on, Give me ex-ess of it that surf-surf-e-it-ting, The a-pet-tite may sicken and so die. That stray-in… that strain again. It had a dying fall; O, it came oh-er? Or? My ear like the sweet sound that breath-es breathes upon a bank of vi-o-lets, Stealing and giving ode-our! E-nug enough, no more; Tis not so sweet now as it was before. O spirit of love, how quick and fresh art thou. That not-with-stand-ing thy cap-a-city re-sigh-vith as the sea…” Fuck! Kyle shoves everything off the table. Papers go flying and books fall to the floor. Christina enters. CHRISTINA: What are you doing?! KYLE: You know you’re not supposed to do your homework at the table. CHRISTINA: So you just shoved everything onto the floor. Oh real helpful. KYLE: Everything you write is garbage anyways. You’re probably failing classes. CHRISTINA: Nooo, I get straight A’s. Besides if I did so bad on my assignments then why do you want me to do your English essays? KYLE: Whatever. Kyle exit and Christina picks up her papers.
1: 6
Caroline is reading on the couch while Christina is peering into the fridge. DULCIE knocks on the door then enters.
DULCIE: Hey sweetie! CHRISTINA: Dulcie! What are ya doing here? DULCIE: I'm here to see if you wanna spend the weekend at my house, of course. CHRISTINA: Totally! DULCIE: C'mon then! You can borrow my clothes so don't bother with a bag. CHRISTINA: Alrighty. Just a sec... (yells) Mom, I'm going over to Dulcie's for the weekend! CAROLINE: Okay, have a good time! CHRISTINA:(yells) Bye! (to Dulcie) Let's kick it. They exit. Lights go down then back up as Christina and Dulcie enter the kitchen. Christina has a handful of daisies in her hand which she admires during the following conversation. DULCIE: I can't believe we had to pull over so you could pick some daisies. CHRISTINA: But they're DAISIES! DULCIE: Um, they're, like, a weed... Why the heck do you want weeds? CHRISTINA: They are not weeds, they're my favorite flower. DULCIE: What's wrong with roses? They're nice and expensive. You know a guy cares when he buys you roses. CHRISTINA: There is nothing wrong with roses; I quite like yellow roses, just not as much as daisies. AND lots of guys buy their girlfriends roses... With me, I prefer wild daisies, not the kind you buy at a florists. Don't you think it proves a guy loves you when he takes the time to pick you flowers? DULCIE: OK, point taken. But I still think you're nuts. But I gotta jet, I told mom I'd only walk as far as the door. CHRISTINA: OK, see you hunni. DULCIE: Luv ya. CHRISTINA: Byeee. Dulcie leaves out the kitchen door. Christina arranges the daisies in a vase on the kitchen table. Caroline enters from the hall with a laundry basket. CAROLINE: You know I'm allergic to weeds. CHRISTINA: Yes Mom, so am I. Remember how I used to pick dandelion bouquets and then I would break out in these red itchy bumps from the dandelion goo? CAROLINE: Why do you have weeds in the house then? CHRISTINA: I don't. CAROLINE: Then what are those? CHRISTINA: Daisies. CAROLINE: Why? CHRISTINA: Mom! They're my favorite flower. I saw their sunny faces by the side of the road and just had to pick them! Don't you think they are so much nicer wild than those silly flower shop ones? They just aren't the same... CAROLINE: Most girls like roses. NOT weeds. CHRISTINA: That's exactly what Dulcie said but you like lilacs more than roses, so why can't I like daisies more than roses as well? Besides, you 're allergic to lilacs, too, so does that make them a weed? CAROLINE: Funny. They're a bush. CHRISTINA: And daisies are flowers. CAROLINE: Apparently so are dandelions. CHRISTINA: Says who? CAROLINE: Said a certain six year old who insisted on picking them. CHRISTINA: Oops. CAROLINE: Yeah, oops. Now go put those somewhere that I can't breathe them. CHRISTINA: Yes Mom. I'll take them up to my room. Christina exits via the hall. CAROLINE: And wash your hands after! Christina runs upstairs with flowers, comes back and into the bathroom. Frederick exits bedroom. FREDERICK: Hey Christy, want to come with me to pick up the pizza? CHRISTINA: Sure. Frederick and Christina leave. Caroline takes laundry basket to the bedroom. Kyle enters and sits on couch turning on the TV. Caroline grabs the remote and hits mute.
CAROLINE: How’s my boy? KYLE: Fine. CAROLINE: What did you do in school today? KYLE: Nothing much. CAROLINE: Did you make the team? KYLE: I decided not to try out; they were all a bunch of sissies and losers. CAROLINE: That’s too bad. You could use someone that can keep you on your toes; it makes the game worthwhile. Wash up for dinner now, Fred is on his way with pizza. Kyle exit. Caroline sets the table. Frederick and Christina enter with pizza. FREDERICK: We come bearing gifts. CHRISTINA: What’s left of it. FREDERICK: Just let me wash up (goes to bathroom) CAROLINE: I should hope you didn’t touch that pizza, you selfish child. You should probably have just a salad anyways because you’re looking a bit fat. CHRISTINA: No mother, I was joking. Frederick and Kyle enter the kitchen. FREDERICK: Pity you got cut during tryouts. Are you going to try for another team? CAROLINE: Oh, no, Kyle decided that the other players just weren’t up to his talent. I don’t think he’d find the other teams any better. There really isn’t anyone that can keep up with my baby… CHRISTINA: But he did try out, I was there. CAROLINE: You were watching boys?! That is not proper behavior for a lady! CHRISTINA: One of my friends wanted us to cheer him on. CAROLINE: And why not your brother? CHRISTINA: Maybe because he doesn’t want anyone to know we’re related? CAROLINE: I can hardly blame him. Why would the best athlete at school want to be siblings with the fattest girl? FREDERICK: Christina isn’t fat, she’s just right. CHRISTINA: Besides, I was trying out for a team on the same field… and made the squad. FREDERICK: What team? CHRISTINA: Cheerleading. The faculty decided they wanted there to be more school spirit, more people coming to the games so we get to have pep rallies and stuff now. CAROLINE: A bunch of prostitutes jumping around flashing their underwear? No. CHRISTINA: You said I needed the exercise, and cheerleading is one of the hardest sports there is. You have to be strong, agile, flexible, be able to do tumbling and lifts. Its going to be a real challenge. CAROLINE: I forbid it. FREDERICK: I think its great that one of our children wants to be involved with school activities. CAROLINE: What the other fifteen aren’t enough? CHRISTINA: Yearbook, Stu-co, the musical, newspaper, and now cheerleading. That’s only five. Plus my band and 2 youth groups... Still not fifteen, not even ten. CAROLINE: You’re grounded and you’re quitting the team. FREDERICK: How about Christina drops one or two activities instead. I’d like her to be more active since she is studying all the time. So how about it, which ones? CHRISTINA: I already have a part in the school play, and student council meetings are during lunch so I’ll only need to go after school once a month since I’m on the dance committee. The newspaper is only for this semester so it will be done soon anyways and I guess I can go to only one youth group… FREDERICK: There, everything is solved. CHRISTINA: Except now I’m grounded and won’t be able to take part in any said activities. FREDERICK: I missed that. Why did you ground her? CAROLINE: For, for… for trying out without asking permission. FREDERICK: Oh you know how kids are, its good to try something new that you didn’t plan on. Don’t worry Christina, no grounding. Now lets eat! CAROLINE: Christina, I told you to eat a salad instead. CHRISTINA: I don’t like salad, you know that. FREDERICK: Did you get your English paper back yet, Kyle? KYLE: Yeah. CAROLINE: How did you do darling? KYLE: B+ CAROLINE: Oh that’s wonderful. What was in on? KYLE: Some dumb book called “A Brave New World”. CHRISTINA: Yes, that’s pretty good news. (mutters) I must be getting better at dumbing things down. FREDERICK: Did you say something? CHRISTINA: I got a paper back too, in History. A+ FREDERICK: Was that the one you were really worried about? CHRISTINA: Yeah, I don’t mind when we’re doing on civilizations but I can’t stand reading about wars. So many people dying because of another man’s greed. CAROLINE: Speaking of greedy, don’t you dare take another piece of pizza. You’ve had enough. 1:
Blake is sitting at the kitchen table with Christina in his lap.
CHRISTINA: You do realize you can't tell Kyle? BLAKE: Why? CHRISTINA: He'll tell Mom, and you know the rules. BLAKE: But you’re nearly sixteen. You're allowed to date now. CHRISTINA: Nope. Mom changed the rule until when I am done high school. And when I'm done high school it will change until when I'm done college... if I'm allowed to go. BLAKE: Why wouldn't you be? You're smart! I hate to say this, but a lot smarter than your brother. You'll go far. You'd make a great teacher. Especially with Literature and History... CHRISTINA: You know me so well... Except I'm supposed to be a housewife and marry a very rich doctor or lawyer. BLAKE: You? That is just so wrong for you.
CHRISTINA: I know. I'd die! BLAKE: Your mom's nuts. And I don't mean her having... whatever it is. CHRISTINA: They think she's bi-polar. The doctor is trying her on new pills, so maybe that will help her major mood swings. And then maybe she'll realize how insane half her rules are! BLAKE: Well, if you look on the bright side, its got a Romeo and Juliet factor to it. CHRISTINA: One of my favorite plays... Just one thing, though, they die in the end. BLAKE: If your mom finds out, so will we!
Blake grins and Christina giggles. They kiss.
BLAKE: Your brother's going to be here soon, you better go. CHRISTINA: I hate this. BLAKE: I know, but it's better than not being together at all. CHRISTINA: Yeah... BLAKE: So gimme a kiss then go finish you're homework. CHRISTINA: I hate math. BLAKE: (Grinning) I know.
Christina and Blake kiss. Christina hides in the hall. Blake is getting a drink from the fridge when Kyle comes in the door.
KYLE: What are you doing here? BLAKE: Your sister let me in and said you'd be here soon. KYLE: And then she left you by yourself? She's so fucking rude. BLAKE: She had homework so I said I was fine by myself and that she should go do it.
Christina enters from the hall. Blake winks at her.
KYLE: What are you doing, brat? CHRISTINA: I'm hungry. KYLE: Get us something. CHRISTINA: Do I look like your slave? KYLE: I told you to get us some food. CHRISTINA: Whatever... Like what? KYLE: Make us some garlic bread. CHRISTINA: You know Mom doesn't like the smell of garlic in the house. KYLE: Well, we want it. Now make it. CHRISTINA: (Sarcastic) Um, no! KYLE: You'll do it, Christina, because I fucking said so. CHRISTINA: Fine... Frig. KYLE: Blake, you want to hit the bar tonight and pick up some chicks? BLAKE: I can't, man. I've got a girlfriend now. KYLE: Who? BLAKE: ...You don't know her. KYLE: One of your truck-stop babes? Man, being a trucker must rock! Having a chick in every city... CHRISTINA: Transports are scary. KYLE: Were we talking to you? BLAKE: (To Christina) Why don't you like them? CHRISTINA: Cuz they're so big... You get hit by one of those and there is no way you’d survive. You'd die... BLAKE: (To Christina) Don't worry. There aren't many transport truck accidents... You are probably tinier than the wheels, though. (He winks then turns to Kyle) Lets get the guys out on the road and do CB tag. (To Christina) Christy, you want to come? KYLE: My sister can't come. Besides... She's grounded. BLAKE: That’s gotta blow. CHRISTINA: Yeah, kinda.
Caroline enters the house with grocery bags.
CAROLINE: What's that smell? KYLE: Christy is making garlic bread. CAROLINE: You know you're not allowed to have that!
CHRISTINA: He's the one who wanted it! CAROLINE: If he told you to jump off a bridge would you do that? CHRISTINA: I don't think he'd give me the option; he'd probably push me off the bridge. CAROLINE: Don't talk like that. You're grounded. KYLE: She's already grounded, Mom. CAROLINE: Well now its two months. Go to your room.
CHRISTINA: So I get in trouble for everything he does. Oh, that makes a lot of sense. CAROLINE: You're brother couldn't have done it. He can't cook.
CHRISTINA: Well, I wonder why! CAROLINE: It's a woman's place to be in the kitchen and have food on the table when the men come home from work.
CHRISTINA: Do you even know how wrong you are? In 1929 women legally became considered people. They didn't have to be some man's slave anymore. Which means men should start learning how to cook for themselves!
Christina stomps off down the hall and Caroline follows her.
CAROLINE: Christina!!! I'm not through talking to you! KYLE: Let's go, Blake. They'll be at it for a while. BLAKE: You're the one who wanted the food... KYLE: So? BLAKE: Why didn't you say something so you're sister didn't get in trouble? KYLE: What's the fun in that? Besides, she would have gotten the blame anyways.
Kyle opens the oven and looks at it in confusion. Blake passes him oven mitts sitting on the counter. Kyle folds the mitt over the pan and pulls it out of the oven. Kyle is trying to determine if the garlic bread is done while Blake turns off the oven.
BLAKE: And why is that? KYLE: Because I don't do anything wrong while she's a lesbian slut. BLAKE: She is not. KYLE: That’s not what I told everyone at school.
Kyle pokes at one piece of garlic bread unsure if its cooked.
BLAKE: How could you do that? KYLE: Cuz I hate her. BLAKE: She's your sister! KYLE: Half-sister. Besides, what’s the big deal?
Kyle picks up a piece of garlic bread and takes a bite. He chews for a minute then tosses the garlic bread back onto the pan.
BLAKE: Why do you do things like that? KYLE: The garlic bread wasn't done. Its kinda gross that way. BLAKE: No, I mean to your sister! KYLE: Why not? BLAKE: Its wrong! KYLE: I can do whatever the hell I want; she's just a fucking female.
They exit.
1:
Christina, Dulcie, TERA, and ROSE are in the living room sitting on the floor. There are
unwrapped presents on the couch. Tera is doing her nails while Rose and Dulcie braid Christina's hair.
TERA: So Christy, you have any plans for your birthday? CHRISTINA: No. TERA: But its in a week! CHRISTINA: I know that, Tera... Daddy usually takes the family out to eat on birthdays.
ROSE: You have to have a party! CHRISTINA: Rose, you wish! I'm grounded remember... besides, you know how Mom is (Mimicking) “All parties are orgies”. Frig.
They laugh.
DULCIE: Your mom is way too strict! I mean, my dad is a frigging pastor and he said I could have a huge party for my sixteenth birthday. CHRISTINA: Ter! You have to call your mom by four, remember? Y'all have to be gone before my mom gets home. If she find out you were here, I'll get grounded for even longer! TERA: Is it four, already? Yipes! Where's the phone? CHRISTINA: (Looking around) Ummm... It's probably in the kitchen.
Tera goes into the kitchen and finds the cordless phone on the counter. She dials and then mumbles quietly into it.
DULCIE: Sorry we stopped by to surprise you when you're grounded but we wanted to say happy birthday and didn't know the next time we'd have the chance to come give you prezzies. CHRISTINA: I know Dulcie, but its the thought that counts. Besides, I am sooo bored! It really blows that I get no phone, T.V., clubs, youth group, books, church,... any life whatsoever! (Sarcastic) But its only for another month. DULCIE: I thought you were only grounded for one month... CHRISTINA: One word: Kyle. But luckily Mom will forget that I'm grounded by the time my birthday rolls around... Provided Kyle doesn't remind her. ROSE: I really hate him... You mind if I run get a drink?
CHRISTINA: Sure! Grab whatever. And get us some!
Rose goes into the kitchen and pulls out three bottles of water. She waves at Tera to get her attention and mimics drinking. Tera nods then starts mouthing 'blah, blah, blah'. Rose points towards the living room and Tera holds up one finger for her to wait. Rose nods and sits at the table sipping her water until Tera gets off of the phone. While this is happening Christina and Dulcie carry on a quiet conversation in the living room.
CHRISTINA: (Whispering in a singsong) Oh Dulcie... I do have some good news... DULCIE: Oh really? CHRISTINA: Shhh... I've had my first kiss. DULCIE: (In a loud whisper) Way to go, hun! Who? CHRISTINA: Blake. DULCIE: That’s fab Chris, details! CHRISTINA: Well, he was like “aren't you going to give me a good-bye kiss” and he tapped his cheek. So, I go to kiss his cheek and he turned his head and kissed me on the lips! He said he liked me. DULCIE: That’s sooo sweet. But what’s your mom going to say? CHRISTINA: Who said I'm going to tell her? She'd go ballistic! That’s why you're sworn to secrecy! DULCIE: Even the other girls?
CHRISTINA: Yes, even them! Only you can know... You're like a sister. DULCIE: I love you too... Okay, I wont tell a soul. But, I think I should mention something though... Tera might have a crush on Blake. CHRISTINA: But I thought she was dating Adam? DULCIE: She dumped him at school today. CHRISTINA: Ouch.
Rose and Tera enter from the kitchen with bottles of water. Tera also has the phone and puts it back in its holder on the side table.
ROSE: Did you just tell her about Adam? DULCIE: Yeah... TERA: I'm so over him. I like someone else now, someone you all know, and I think maybe he is kinda interested in me too. Oh, by the way, mother is coming within a half hour. CHRISTINA: (Groaning) I miss out on all the new gossip! Why couldn't you guys go to my school? DULCIE: I thought you hated it? The uniforms and all that... ROSE: Besides, the three of us do go to the same school. You're the one who needs to transfer! CHRISTINA: Oh, like I could convince Mom to move. Uh huh, sure.
They laugh. Kyle enters from the hall.
KYLE: I didn't know you were here. CHRISTINA: Only for another half hour... TERA: Hey Kyle, is your friend Blake seeing anybody? He's kinda cute. KYLE: He's a man-whore. ROSE:I thought he was your best friend? KYLE: Whatever.
Kyle goes into the kitchen and grabs a drink from the fridge then exits back down the hall. The girls say nothing until he's gone.
CHRISTINA: I think I should have mentioned that Kyle has this huge thing for you, Tera. TERA: Ewww, as if. No offense but your brother is kinda scary... I don't get how could he call Blake that! I think we should tell him. CHRISTINA: But what if he gets mad? DULCIE: (To Christina) Blake or your brother? TERA: Would you want your best friend talking like that behind your back? CHRISTINA: No. TERA: Well, then? CHRISTINA: I know you're right, but... This isn't going to be good.
1:
FREDERICK is on the couch watching TV. Christina comes from the hallway and cuddles up beside him on the couch.
CHRISTINA: Hi Daddy...
FREDERICK: (Takes a quick glance at Christina) Hmmm? Oh, hi Christy. CHISTINA: I'm having a problem with my math homework... Daddy? Are you even listening to me? Dad!
FREDERICK: (Looking at her) What?
Frederick turns his attention back to the T.V.
CHRISTINA: I need some help with my math homework... Daddy! FREDERICK: I just got home from a hard day at work, please don't pester me right now.
CHRISTINA: But Daddy... All right, Dad...
Frederick makes no response. Christina exits via the hallway.
1:
Blake and Kyle are in the kitchen arguing.
BLAKE: Tera said you called me a man-whore. KYLE: Why would I do something like that? She was obviously lying. BLAKE: Why would she lie? KYLE: She said she wanted you but I told her you were seeing someone and wouldn't be interested in her anyways, 'cause she's a kid. She was probably pissed off about it.
Caroline enters the kitchen from the hall.
KYLE: Mom, Christina's friend Tera lied to Blake and said I was calling him... bad things. CAROLINE: Well, that girl is never allowed to come here again... Christina!!!
Christina enters from the hall.
CHRISTINA: Yes, Mom? CAROLINE: You are never allowed to talk to Tera again. Or that Rose girl. They're saying horrible things about your brother to his best friend. CHRISTINA: You mean how he called Blake a man-whore? KYLE: Liar! CHRISTINA: You did! CAROLINE: So you put them up to it, eh? KYLE: She had them over yesterday. CHRISTINA: They stopped by for a few minutes. They wanted to... CAROLINE: I don't want to hear it. You're never allowed to associate with them again. CHRISTINA: You can't tell me who to be friends with! Besides, he's the one who is lying. We all heard him! CAROLINE: Your brother doesn't lie. CHRISTINA: Well, who do you think taught me how?! I certainly didn't invent it and I couldn't have learned it all by myself, now could I? CAROLINE: Your slutty friends, that who! They're bad influences! CHRISTINA: They are not! CAROLINE: You've said they have boyfriends. They're far too young for things like that if they were good girls. CHRISTINA: In medieval times we'd all be married with kids right now. Just because you weren't smart enough to not get pregnant before marriage, doesn't mean everyone else is dumb enough to! CAROLINE: Go to your room. CHRISTINA: Whatever.
1:
Christina and Blake are in the living room. Christina is on the computer while Blake stands behind her with his arms around her shoulders.
CHRISTINA: I don't get it. How can you be friends with him? BLAKE: We have been for years. CHRISTINA: But he's changed. BLAKE: You don't drop your friends. CHRISTINA: What if they don't act like friends anymore... BLAKE: There's no proof, Christy. CHRISTINA: We all heard him, Blake! BLAKE: Until he says something to my face, he's still my friend. Maybe he was just pissed off that Tera doesn't like him. CHRISTINA: Maybe. KYLE: (Calls) Blake? That you? BLAKE: Yeah! There in a minute.
Blake kisses Christina.
CHRISTINA: Mmm... Was that a birthday kiss? You probably wont see me tomorrow. BLAKE: No, this is.
Blake kisses her for a few minutes, then he pulls away and they smile at each other.
KYLE: (Calling) Blake!!! BLAKE: Later. CHRISTINA: Bye.
1:
The house is empty. Christina comes in the kitchen door with her book bag.
CHRISTINA: Hello? Mom? Daddy? Kyle?
Christina puts her bag by the table and gets a bottle of water from the fridge. She sits at the table and starts on her math homework. A few minutes later Caroline, Frederick, and Kyle come in through the door. Christina turns to look at them.
CHRISTINA: Where were you guys? CAROLINE: Oh, we went out to eat. CHRISTINA: Without me? CAROLINE: You were late from school; its your loss. Go take that junk to your room. You know better than to do homework at the kitchen table.
Kyle heads down the hall, Frederick goes to the couch and turns on the TV, while Caroline goes to the bedroom. The lights dim with only a pale spot light on Christina as she gathers up her homework.
CHRISTINA: Happy birthday to me.
Christina hums Happy Birthday as the spotlight fades into black.
1:
Caroline is in the kitchen, drinking tea at the table. Christina comes in the door humming Christmas carols. When she sees Caroline she stops and pauses as though debating if she can sneak out the door again.
CHRISTINA: Hi Mom... CAROLINE: Hey baby, how was your meeting? CHRISTINA: Great! You should see the decorations for the Christmas dance! They're fabulous! But I gotta be there for seven because I'm on the first shift for the canteen.
CAROLINE: All right. You set the table and dinner will be done soon.
Christina pulls out dishes and sets the table.
CAROLINE: You know I think dancing is wrong. It creates a bad impression. CHRISTINA: People in the bible danced. CAROLINE: They were dancing in praise to the Lord. Are you? CHRISTINA: Well, no... (Grinning) I do it for the exercise!
CAROLINE: Its the only exercise you do then. CHRISTINA: Which is exactly why I should keep on doing it. CAROLINE: You do need exercise. You're built like your dad. If you keep eating sweets the way you do you'll be as fat as him. CHRISTINA: I still maintain that chocolate is a food group. CAROLINE: (Laughing) You would!
CHRISTINA: I know! Caroline exits into bedroom. Frederick and Kyle enter the kitchen with gun cases. Christina gives Frederick a hug.
CHRISTINA: Hi daddy! FREDERICK: How’s my girl? CHRISTINA: I'm good Daddy, but I need you check my math homework. FREDERICK: I'm busy, Christy. CHRISTINA: Then after you and Kyle are done, could you? FREDERICK: If I have time. CHRISTINA: Okay Dad. If you have time... (mutters) Its not like my academic career is as nearly important as a bunch of guns, now is it? Nooo....
Kyle smirks at Christina as she cleans up her papers. She makes a face at Kyle and he scowls. 1:
The phone rings. Christina comes from the hall and into the living room to answer it.
CHRISTINA: Hello... The Belleville Psychiatric Ward?... I didn't know we had one here... No, she's not in, may I take a message.... (Grabs pen and paper) Yes, I'm her daughter... A year of “testing”... Okay, yes, I've written it down... I'll be sure to give her the message as soon as she comes in...Yes... Goodbye. (Hanging up phone) Oh, Mom, please go... You're driving me nuts!
black. Caroline and Christina are in the living room.
CAROLINE: You think I'm crazy! CHRISTINA: No, I was just giving you the message but if it would help you get better, you should go. CAROLINE: I will not go to the psycho ward! I'm not crazy! I've got pills and pills to make me uncrazy! Lots and lots of lovely new pills. CHRISTINA: They've made you worse! CAROLINE: Nuh uh. You're just jealous. You're mad that your daddy likes me better than you now. CHRISTINA: No Mom. I just think you need help. Those pills are making you worse than before. CAROLINE: What would you know? CHRISTINA: (Starting to cry) Mom, you're not right! CAROLINE: You don't know anything. You're nothing but a fat dumb slut. CHRISTINA: (Sobbing) I hate you!
Caroline slaps Christina.
CAROLINE: Do I look like I care? Go to your room
Caroline walks away to her room. Christina stands there sobbing for a minute then exits via the hall.
1:
Blake and Kyle are in the kitchen sitting at the table, having a snack. They each have their book bag on the other two chairs. Christina comes in the door, grabs a drink then goes over to the table. Blake goes to move his book bag for Christina to sit but Kyle puts his feet up on the chair so Christina goes to sit on the floor.
BLAKE: Christy don't sit on the floor! Get up here. (Blake pulls Christina into his lap.) Isn't that better?
CHRISTINA: (Smiling) Uh hmmm. KYLE: My sister... is sitting... on your lap. BLAKE: Yeah, and? KYLE: That’s just weird. BLAKE: (To Christina) You're off grounding right? CHRISTINA: Yes. BLAKE: You wanna go for a drive, Christy? CHRISTINA: In the jeep? Oh yeah! BLAKE: You better get your license soon so I can teach you how to drive one. CHRISTINA: Yay! KYLE: Shotgun. CHRISTINA: Who said you could come? KYLE: What the hell do you mean? BLAKE: You know girls always get the front seat. KYLE: Its just my sister. Its not like she's somebody special. CHRISTINA: Yeah, you usually try to put me in the trunk.
Caroline comes into the room wearing hot pink short-shorts and a matching belly-bearing top.
CAROLINE: Don't I look hot? Blake, you want to take me out dancing, right? Cuz I look so hot! CHRISTINA: Mom...? CAROLINE: You said I looked good in this. Were you lying?! CHRISTINA: No Mom, you look all right. CAROLINE: Then, Blake, you'll take me out to the bar tonight? CHRISTINA and KYLE: What?! BLAKE: Uh... Sorry Mrs. G, I've got to help out my dad tonight. CAROLINE: Well, that’s no fun.
Christina inches towards the door until she can slip through it. The others quickly follow.
CHRISTINA: Bye Mom! KYLE: Later! BLAKE: Bye, Mrs. G. 1:
Caroline is reading on the couch. Frederick is sitting at the kitchen table with a magazine. Christina enters the kitchen door with a book bag. FREDERICK: Hey Christy, how was school? CHRISTINA: Ok, I guess... My math teacher is driving me nuts! His idea of teaching is telling us to read the instructions in the textbook. But I don't get it! FREDERICK: Well, come here and show it to me... CHRISTINA: You have time to help me with my homework? FREDERICK: I gotta make the time for my favorite girl. CHRISTINA: Thank you, Daddy! Christina hugs him then sits down at the table bringing her chair beside Frederick and pulls out her math text and notebook. Caroline comes to the kitchen and stands near the hall doorway watching them. CHRISTINA: See? This page, it's like gibberish or Mexican. FREDERICK: (laughs) Mexican? CHRISTINA: Inside joke with Dulcie... FREDERICK: I'm not even going to ask.... Now let's see. Give me some of that paper will you? Now if you do this... Lights gradually lower to show a dim spotlight on Caroline scowling before going black.Caroline and Frederick are standing in the living room. Caroline is having a fit while Frederick tries to calm her.
CAROLINE: You like her better than me because she is blond! FREDERICK: I don't.
CAROLINE: You do! You named her after some T.V. bombshell you had a crush on! You love your daughter more than me!
FREDERICK: I was just helping her with math homework... CAROLINE: You never spend time with me but you always have time for her!
Caroline starts hitting Frederick's chest and face with her fists. Frederick tries to get a hold of her flailing arms. Caroline is screaming and sobbing.
CAROLINE: You love her better! I hate you! You don't love me! You are going to leave me! You think I’m crazy! You don't love me! FREDERICK: Calm down, babe... shhhh... don't talk like that... I'm not going anywhere... I love you... I do...
Caroline collapses against Frederick who holds her as she cries. When her tears calm to sniffles, Frederick carries her to the couch and covers her with a throw-blanket.
FREDERICK: Shhhh, go to sleep now. Everything is okay. I love you. 1:
Christina is in the kitchen and turns on the oven. She pulls out a cookie sheet and grabs bread and a steak knife. She heads towards the fridge as Kyle enters from the hall.
KYLE: What do you think you are doing? CHRISTINA: Making a grilled cheese sandwich. Do you want one? KYLE: No. And you can't make one. CHRISTINA: Sure I can. Its not hard. KYLE: You're not allowed to use the stove; you'll burn down the house. CHRISTINA: The stove is the top part; I'm using the oven. And I wont burn down the house. I know how to cook.
KYLE: Well, I said you can't have it. CHRISTINA: You cant tell me what I can and can't eat! KYLE: I'm not. I'm saying you're not allowed to eat at all. CHRISTINA: I don't think so!
Kyle grabs Christina by the wrist and uses two hands to twist her skin in different directions. Christina keeps trying to pull away but he just does it harder.
CHRISTINA: Owww stop it! KYLE: I told you, you weren't allowed. Don't even think of disobeying me. CHRISTINA: I don't have to obey you! KYLE: Yes, you do. I'm a man and you're nothing but a girl.
Kyle still has a hold of Christina's wrist. She tries to pull away but when that doesn't work Christina hits Kyle. Kyle gets angrier and shoves Christina hard enough that she smacks into the wall and falls to the floor.
KYLE: Now go to your room. You're grounded again, remember. CHRISTINA: You're not the boss of me. KYLE: Yes, I am. I can make you do whatever I want you to. If you don't do what I say, I'll hurt you.
As Christina gets up, Kyle grabs a steak knife from the counter and holds it in his fist like he is going to stab her with it.
CHRISTINA: Don't you threaten me. KYLE: What? Going to tell mommy? Its not like she'll believe you, now is it?
Kyle punches Christina in the stomach with the same hand that holds the knife. Christina gasps and bends over double. As she stands up, still slightly bent, she pulls a hand from her tummy and sees blood on her fingers. She looks up at Kyle.
KYLE: Clumsy you. That’s why you shouldn't try to cook. You only hurt yourself.
black. Christina is in the bathroom that is lit only by the night-light. She is cleaning dried blood off her stomach with rubbing alcohol, and then tries to tape gauze over it. Caroline enters from bedroom and since she finds the bathroom occupied so she bangs.
CAROLINE: (Yelling whisper) Get out of the bathroom! CHRISTINA: Just a minute.
Christina gets up off the closed toilet and flushes it. She hurries to put everything away into the closet, then turns on the sink and washes her hands. Christina leaves the bathroom.
CAROLINE: You can't hog the bathroom, its so inconsiderate.
Caroline pushes past Christina and walks into the bathroom. Christina stands there staring after her as the lights go black. 1:
Christina is clearing the dinner table around Frederick who is looking at a magazine. Caroline is washing dishes. Kyle enters the kitchen. KYLE: Don't let Little Miss Clumsy near the knives or she'll be sure to injure somebody. CHRISTINA: Shut up, Kyle CAROLINE: Don't talk to your brother that way! CHRISTINA & KYLE: (mutter) Half-brother. Christina and Kyle hear each other, Kyle glares and Christina makes a face. FREDERICK: What’s this about being clumsy? KYLE: Christina cut herself with a knife yesterday. Got her right in the tummy. FREDERICK: That's strange, how did you cut your stomach? CHRISTINA: By not having quick enough reflexes. CAROLINE: Well, it just figures that you are as incompetent in the kitchen as you are with everything else.
FREDERICK: Should we take you to the hospital? Do you need stitches? CHRISTINA: I'm all right, Daddy. CAROLINE: Stop babying her. She's fine. From now on, you aren't to touch any knives. You just might kill somebody like Kyle said. CHRISTINA: But then how am I to eat? CAROLINE: I don't care as long as you don't put the rest of us in danger by your clumsiness... Do you hear me?! CHRISTINA: Yes mother. Caroline exits to her bedroom while Kyle points and snickers at Christina. Christina glares at him and Frederick turns to see what is going on. Kyle puts on an “innocent” face before Frederick catches him, then Kyle snickers as he exits through the hall. Knock on door, Frederick answers and Dulcie enters. FREDERICK: Oh hi Dulcie. Christina, tell your mother i'm going to the store. CHRISTINA: OK Daddy. Hey Dulce, c'mon. Dulcie and Christina sit on the couch. DULCIE: Is your dad too afraid to tell her himself? They giggle.
CHRISTINA: Oh frig! Don't make me laugh, it hurts. DULCIE: Hurts? CHRISTINA: Yeah, look.
Christina grimaces and she shows Dulcie the cut on her stomach.
DULCIE: What happened?! CHRISTINA: Kyle punched me with a knife in his hand. It cut my stomach a bit. DULCIE: (Shocked) A bit? Frig, girl, that's deep enough for stitches! You haven't told anyone have you? CHRISTINA: Who would I tell?! My mom? I don't think so! He's her perfect child!
(mimics) “I was only seventeen; I was scared and lonely. Kyle was my only friend; his dad kept taking off with his own friends. We grew up together, Kyle and me. I'm so proud of him. He wont let the world step all over him again. He doesn’t even let me boss him around and I am glad. His daddy's parents called him a bastard and they called me a whore”. Frig! Like you can really become best friends with your baby. And how would he even remember any of that to 'overcome' it when he was, like, only two! DULCIE: You can report him to the police! CHRISTINA: Yeah and then what? When they question him then let him go? You think he wont hurt me anymore after that? No, it'll worse.
DULCIE: He's frigging abusing you! CHRISTINA: You think I don't know that?! But where am I supposed to go, Dulcie, huh? Mom would never allow me to move out. She'd never believe me. DULCIE: Show her your stomach! CHRISTINA: Kyle already told her all about it. About how clumsy I am and shouldn't be allowed to touch knives. DULCIE: You're friggin' sixteen! CHRISTINA: I know but at least I can say I can't do the dishes, now, because I'm not allowed to play with knives. DULCIE: Frig... Only you would see the good side of everything.
CHRISTINA: Well, you know how much I hate doing the dishes. Knock on door. CHRISTINA: Is this grand central station? Just a sec. DULCIE: Nah, I gotta leave anyways. They go to kitchen door. Enter Blake. DULCIE: Bye loverboy. See ya Chrissy. Blake kisses Christina and tries to feel her up.
CHRISTINA: Bla-ake. Stop that. BLAKE: (Teasing her) Tease. CHRISTINA: Blake, you know I'm not like that. BLAKE: Don't you love me? CHRISTINA: Blake...
Christina shoves him away.
BLAKE: Its okay, Christy. C'mon...
Blake starts kissing her neck and puts his hands up her shirt. Christina starts to panic and pushes him. Blake backs away two steps.
CHRISTINA: Blake don't! BLAKE: (Staring at her stomach) What was that? CHRISTINA: What’s what? BLAKE: On your stomach. CHRISTINA: Nothing. It doesn't matter. BLAKE: C'mon, what is it?
CHRISTINA: Its nothing.
BLAKE: Did you get a tattoo or bellyring or something? CHRISTINA: Oh, yeah. Like Mom would really allow that. BLAKE: You are such a goody-goody. CHRISTINA: What? BLAKE: You act like you're such a perfect princess. CHRISTINA: Where did that just come from? BLAKE: Well you do! CHRISTINA: Frig. Just go. BLAKE: Excuse me? CHRISTINA: I said leave!
Blake exits, slamming the door. Christina slides down the wall and sits ont he floor putting her head on her knees.
1:
Caroline is dressed nice and standing at the doorway of the hall. CAROLINE: Christina! Oh Christy! Christina enters wearing pjs. CHRISTINA: Yeah, Mom? CAROLINE: Go get dressed, we're going shopping. CHRISTINA: Sure! Christina exits and returns dressed, carrying a purse. CHRISTINA: Lets kick it! Christina and Caroline exit the kitchen door. Lights go down and come up on their entry hands full of shopping bags. There is a man's coat thrown over a kitchen chair. CAROLINE: Now that's what I call shopping. CHRISTINA: I can't believe we bought so much stuff! CAROLINE: If your father can spend all his money on his little hobby then we can spend money on ours... clothes are so much more fun than a bunch of old guns... CHRISTINA: I have the feeling that’s just our female perspective talking. I have yet to meet a guy who likes shopping for clothes...
CAROLINE: Well, when you find a straight one, snag him. CHRISTINA: Mo-om! CAROLINE: (laughing) What? CHRISTINA: That was so much fun. CAROLINE: Too fun not to repeat every month! CHRISTINA: Definitely! CAROLINE: I wonder who is here? CHRISTINA: It's Blake's coat. I need to get on my homework.
CAROLINE: Ok, I'll just take a nap. Caroline exits via bedroom door. Christina takes her stuff upstairs and returns with her bookbag and sits at the kitchen table. After pulling out her homework she pulls the coat over her shoulders and smells the collar and sighs. Blake enters from the hall.
BLAKE: Look... I'm sorry. CHRISTINA: I'm sorry, too. I didn't mean to freak about my stomach... I'm sure Kyle told you already I was clumsy and cut myself. Its embarrassing...
BLAKE: You don't have to be embarrassed with me. You're my girl. And you look so cute in my coat. We ok?
Blake leans over and kisses her.
CHRISTINA: (Nodding) Yeah... Ok.
Blake pulls her up from her chair and kisses her some more. The coat falls from Christina' s shoulders. He then starts to put his hands up her shirt. Christina pushes his hands away.
CHRISTINA: Blake! BLAKE: What? CHRISTINA: I don't mind kissing, but... there's a limit and you're crossing it. BLAKE: What? I care about you, I'm just trying to show you how much! CHRISTINA: I care about you too. But I'm not going to do anything like... that. You can tell me how much you care rather than show me in that way. Ok?
Kyle comes down the hall. Blake jumps away from Christina and grabs his coat from where it fell.
KYLE: You ready? BLAKE: Yeah. KYLE: Then lets go.
Kyle heads out the door. Blake starts to follow then turns and gives Christina a kiss on the cheek before leaving. Christina puts a hand to her cheek, confused, and turns to look back at Blake as he exits.
1:
Frederick is sitting at the kitchen table flipping through a magazine. Christina comes in the kitchen door with her school bag.
FREDERICK: Oh Christy. Good. I just realized today that we missed your birthday. With things so stressed over Christmas everything kind of blurred together-
Frederick gets sidetracked by his magazine and starts muttering about gun stats.
CHRISTINA: Yeah, just kinda melded right in there with New Years, and Valentines Day, even Mom's birthday... (To Frederick) Dad! Your point? FREDERICK: Hmmm.? Oh! How about I take us all out to eat for dinner tonight to make up for it. Would you like that? CHRISTINA: Yes, Dad. I would like that. Even if it is about three months late. FREDERICK: Why don't you go tell your mother, then, and we'll leave just as soon as Kyle gets in. CHRISTINA: Okay. (Mutters) But does he have to come?
Christina goes to the bedroom and knocks. Caroline yanks open the bedroom door.
CAROLINE: What! CHRISTINA: Daddy is taking us out to eat for a late birthday dinner. CAROLINE: Well, I'm not going because I don't feel up to it. Besides, we celebrated your birthday already. Why you're being so selfish is beyond me. CHRISTINA: You're sick then, Mum? CAROLINE: Yes, now go away. CHRISTINA: Fine by me.
Christina goes back to the kitchen just as Kyle comes through the door.
FREDERICK: Don't take off your coat, Kyle. We're just about to leave for dinner. Christy, is your mother coming? CHRISTINA: No, she doesn't feel well... but she said that we could go without her. KYLE: Do I have to go? FREDERICK: Yes. It's for your sister's birthday dinner. Can you believe we missed it?
Christina and Frederick exit.
KYLE: Half sister!
Kyle exits. Black. Caroline on the couch reading. Knock on the kitchen door, Caroline opens, enter Blake. CAROLINE: (Flirty) Oh, Blake. Come on in. BLAKE: Is, uh, Kyle here? CAROLINE: No, everyone is gone and won’t be back for a couple hours. BLAKE: Oh... I'll stop by later then. CAROLINE: Don't be silly. Why don't you stay? BLAKE: But... I don't want to bother you. CAROLINE: You think I'm hot right? BLAKE: ...Sure, Mrs G. CAROLINE: Call me Caro... And I'm sure we can find some way to pass the time. BLAKE: (Unsure, but interested) Um... CAROLINE: Don't you want me?
Caroline has her back to downstage. She undoes her shirt and it drops to her elbows. Blake is staring and then raises his hand towards her. Black.
1:
Blake enters from the hall and walks up behind Christina who is setting the table in the kitchen. After checking to see if no one is around he starts trying to feel her up while kissing her neck.
CHRISTINA: Stop it. BLAKE: What’s wrong with you?
CHRISTINA: You keep pushing me. I'm not like that. I don't do that. I'm not a frigging whore! BLAKE: Don't be such a liar. You put out for everyone else. CHRISTINA: (Gasps, crying) I can't believe you just said that! We're over! BLAKE: Its not like you're a fucking virgin or anything. You're mom says all the time what a slut you are. You with all your skanky little clothes.
Christina gasps. Kyle enters the room from the hall unnoticed. Christina slaps Blake across the face.
KYLE: What do you think you are doing? Don't you hurt my friends, you whore.
Kyle slaps Christina across the face knocking her into the table where she falls and hits her head. Kyle then kicks her. Blake looks shocked and starts to move as though to go help her.
BLAKE: What the hell, Kyle...? KYLE: C'mon, lets leave. Why the fucking hell did she hit you anyways?
Blake doesn't move as Kyle exits.
BLAKE: Christy...? CHRISTINA:(Choked sob) Go.
Blake leaves. Christina starts sobbing.
1:
Caroline and Blake making out in the living room. Blake has his shirt off and is undoing Caroline's shirt. Frederick walks into the house and stops.
FREDERICK: Caro...? CAROLINE: Frederick! I...
Caroline pushes Blake away and starts to do up her shirt again. Blake looks as though he just realized that he was having sex with a married woman. Frederick shakes his head and walks from the room.
CAROLINE: Oh my God. What have I done?
The lights go black then a pale spotlight is on Caroline in the bathroom with bottles of pills. She opens bottle after bottle and flushes them down the toilet as she is sobbing.
CAROLINE: Never again.... Never again....
INTERMISSION
ACT 2:
Christina runs down the stairs-hall. Frederick is reading a magazine at the table, Caroline is cooking, Kyle is watching TV.
CHRISTINA: Ok, I'm ready to go Daddy! FREDERICK: And you have a ride home after? CHRISTINA: If I had a ride home, I'd have a ride there! Everyone had a carload full, I called everybody. Why can't you get me after Youth Group, Daddy? FREDERICK: I'll still be at my meeting. CHRISTINA: Mom, could you drop daddy off for his meeting and keep the car so you could get me at nine? Please? CAROLINE: No, I cannot. I'm too busy to be driving all over the city. FREDERICK: Your brother will take you, he's not doing anything. CHRISTINA: He won’t do it. FREDERICK: Sure he will. Kyle, you are to pick your sister up after Youth Group. KYLE: No way! FREDERICK: You will do what you're told young man. When we bought you the car, it was under the agreement that you would run errands for your mother and I when we ask.
KYLE: I'm not playing chauffeur to the brat. FREDERICK: Think of her as an errand.
KYLE: Fine, whatever. CHRISTINA: Lets go Daddy! I'm going to be late!
Christina and Frederick exit out kitchen door. Black.Christina and Kyle enter the kitchen arguing.
CHRISTINA: You hit Tera with your car! KYLE: I did not. CHRISTINA: I saw the whole thing! KYLE: I'm in a hurry. I didn't have time to pick you up from youth group but I did anyways. So just shut the fuck up and get out of my way. CHRISTINA: You friggin' hurt her! KYLE: If, and I say if, she got nicked it was because she jumped in the way. CHRISTINA: Only a suicidal idiot would jump in front of a moving vehicle. Besides, you looked in the friggin' mirror and saw her there. She and Dulcie hadn't moved for ten minutes and you friggin' know it! KYLE: Fuck you.
Christina goes to the phone and dials.
CHRISTINA: (Into phone) Dulcie? What happened? Kyle hit her didn't he? Is Tera OK?... Oh no!... Sh-she called Blake?... Oh, he's taking her to the hospital... Ok then... Call me when you find anything more out... Luv ya, bye.
Christina and Kyle are in the kitchen standing in each other's faces.
CHRISTINA: See, you did! KYLE: Did not. CHRISTINA: Did too. KYLE: Did not! CHRISTINA: Did too!
Caroline walks in the door.
CAROLINE: What's with this fighting? KYLE: Mom- CHRISTINA: Kyle broke Tera's arm! CAROLINE: What? CHRISTINA: He hit her with the car when he picked me up. KYLE: I did not, you little liar. If she's hurt its because she jumped behind my car! CHRISTINA: She hadn't moved! She did not “jump” anywhere except maybe in attempt to keep from being killed! KYLE: Mom, I thought you said Christina wasn't to ever talk to Tera again. CAROLINE: That's not the issue right now Kyle. But she and I will discuss that later.
As for you, you really must be more careful with your driving. CHRISTINA: That's it? He tries to run someone over and you just tell him to be more
careful? Frig! Anymore careful and she would have been flattened. CAROLINE: Don't you use those words in my house. CHRISTINA: It's not swearing. Although Kyle on the other hand...
The phone rings and Christina jumps to answer it before Kyle.
CHRISTINA: Hello?... Yes, I heard... I know... Yes, she's right here, Mrs. Simpson. One
moment, please. (To Caroline) Tera's mother is on the phone and would like to speak to you.
2:
Christina bounces into the house happily.
CHRISTINA: Mom? Daddy? Kyle? Hellooo!
Christina goes to the phone and dials.
CHRISTINA: Dulcie? You have to come over right away!... no! I just have something to tell you!... Something!... See ya!
Christina hangs up the phone and she sits on the couch. The lights go black then come up again with Christina in a different position. She gets up and goes to the door and looks outside only to come back and sit down again. She fidgets. Then when there is a knock on the door she races over to it and opens it for Dulcie.
CHRISTINA: (Squealing) Dulcie!
DULCIE: What is it? What was the rush?
Christina drags Dulcie over to the couch and they sit.
DULCIE: Well?
Christina pulls out a piece of paper and shows it to Dulcie.
DULCIE: Your driver’s license! You finally went and got it! CHRISTINA: Uh huh. I don't want to beg rides from Kyle anymore after what happened. But guess what? I aced it! No mistakes at all. DULCIE: Bet you'll be lording that over your brother. Didn't he fail the first time? CHRISTINA: Yeah, but I don't know how. It was so easy! Now I'll just have to save up money to buy myself a jeep... DULCIE: Is Blake still going to teach you how? CHRISTINA: He doesn't seem to come around much anymore, so I dunno. DULCIE: Shall we call the girls over? CHRISTINA: Of course!
Dulcie grabs the phone and starts dialing. Lights go down then up again on Christina, Dulcie, Rose, and Tera (with her arm wrapped in an ace-bandage) in the kitchen eating chocolate cake.
TERA: OK, so what’s with the mini-party? CHRISTINA: Look!
Christina shows her license.
ROSE: We have to do a better celebration than just cake... TERA: Totally! The second of us to get her license...
DULCIE: Hey Rose, what did we do when you got your license? ROSE: My upper ear pierced, remember? CHRISTINA: I wouldn't want to do that... TERA: I just thought of something.... DULCIE: What? TERA: Once she gets her G2 she won’t have to get Kyle to drive her! CHRISTINA: How is your wrist by the way? TERA: It was just a sprain, thank goodness. That was really mean of your brother. What did your mom say about it? CHRISTINA: (Mocking) Kyle, you must be more careful when you're driving. ROSE: That's it? He practically killed her! CHRISTINA: I know, it really pisses me off how “perfect” he is to Mom... It makes me want to do something she'd really get mad about... DULCIE: I know.... CHRISTINA: What? DULCIE: What was it your mom said only prostitutes have? CHRISTINA: A belly ring! ROSE: So lets do it! TERA: Your mom is gonna freak! CHRISTINA: That’s the beauty of it.
DULCIE: You're so bad! CHRISTINA: I am now. They exit. Black. Caroline is drinking tea as Christina enters the kitchen.
CAROLINE: What is that? CHRISTINA: What's what? CAROLINE: (Pointing at stomach) That! CHRISTINA: Oh, you mean this? Its a bellyring. CAROLINE: Did I not tell you, you weren't allowed to have such things? Only prostitutes have them! CHRISTINA: So, you're calling me a prostitute? That's funny I thought you were the whore. CAROLINE: Don't you dare say that. CHRISTINA: You sleep with some guy when you're sixteen and get pregnant. The guy leaves you a year after your brat is born. Not too long after that, you get married. But wait, there was someone else in between them, wasn't there? I'd say that makes you pretty promiscuous. CAROLINE: Do not talk to your mother that way! CHRISTINA: Oh, so its okay if you say it to my face or, worse yet, you talk about me like that behind my back when I don't even do things like that! But if I merely state the truth, its wrong. Whatever, Mother. CAROLINE: Children obey their mothers. CHRISTINA: Like, Kyle obeys you? Sure! I'll do whatever I want when you're not around but act like an angel when you are. Got it. CAROLINE: That is different, your brother is a man. CHRISTINA: No, Kyle is a bastard! CAROLINE: Don't you call him that! CHRISTINA: I didn't mean it technically, Mother. Had I wished to speak about that, I would have probably used the term illegitimate. Did you know that in the eighteen hundreds, children born out of wedlock were considered not to have any parents and, by law, weren't considered people? Or that in Bible times, he would have been killed as soon as he was born and you would have had rocks thrown at your head? Interesting isn't it, the things you can learn. What do ya know.
2:
Rose, Dulcie, Tera, and Christina are in the living room. ROSE: Bad news, guys... My dad got transferred. I'm moving to Kingston. DULCIE: You're kidding me. I can't believe you're moving. TERA: When? ROSE: By next week! This is the last time I'll see you guys before I leave; I'll be too busy packing. DULCIE: This sucks. ROSE: Well, look on the bright side, its only to Kingston. I can come back once in a while, I do have my license... and once you get your G2s y'all can come see me. CHRISTINA: Swear you will come back to visit? In a couple months? ROSE: I swear! And I'll even bring my cousin Kendall. He'd be so perfect for you Christy! CHRISTINA: I don't know that I want a boyfriend right now. ROSE: Well, that’s okay cuz it won’t be for a couple months probably. CHRISTINA: That's not what I meant and you know it. TERA: Seriously, you don't know if you'll be ready for a boyfriend in a few days from now let alone months. CHRISTINA: ... Aright I'll think about it. Just don't expect anything. Dulcie gives a “what?!” at Christina behind Rose and Tera. Christina shakes her head and mouths “Later”. ROSE: No big deal. If you like him great, if not at least it was worth a try. DULCIE: And you will have made a new friend. You know you always like those. CHRISTINA: Well, in that case I have no issue with meeting him. Provided you don't say anything to him about attempting to set us up, you little matchmaker. They laugh. TERA: We'll miss you! Tera hugs Rose, then Christina joins, and Dulcie wraps her arms around all three. DULCIE: Group hug! CHRISTINA: The best kind. ROSE: Don't any of you start crying or you will set me off! CHRISTINA: Why would we cry when you said we would see you again soon? We have hope to keep us on not despair that this will be our last parting... TERA: (teasing) Uh oh, Christy is being poetic again. DULCIE: I thought it was her drama queen mode? ROSE: Could be her philosophizing. CHRISTINA: All right already! I'll shut up. They laugh.
ROSE: Love you guys. TERA, DULCIE, CHRISTINA: We love you too. ROSE: I had better go. Mom said I could only stay for a couple hours just to say bye. TERA: Drive me home? ROSE: Sure. Dulcie? DULCIE: No I'll stay for a while. I'll hitch a ride home with my mom when she gets off work. Rose and Tera exit out the kitchen door. Dulcie waits until Christina closes the door before turning to her.
DULCIE: So what’s up with you and Blake?
CHRISTINA: Over. DULCIE: What? Since when! CHRISTINA: Awhile.
DULCIE: Why didn't you tell me? CHRISTINA: Didn't matter. DULCIE: When you told me he kissed you for the first time you were so happy. You were glowing! How can it not matter? CHRISTINA: He didn't know me.
DULCIE: You've known each other for years though... CHRISTINA: He tried to make me have sex with him. He kept trying to touch me even when I told him not to. Its like he didn't believe I meant it. DULCIE: I don't get it, why? I mean, he's always seemed kinda sweet. CHRISTINA: I know. But he's changed. And I just didn't notice it happening, I guess. DULCIE: But why did he think you'd sleep with him? Everybody knows that you're waiting until you get married. CHRISTINA: There's a rumor going around the school that I will put out for anyone. DULCIE: Oh my god! Who'd say that about you? CHRISTINA: I'll give you one guess. DULCIE: Why the frig is Kyle so cruel to you? CHRISTINA: I don't know, I really don't. Its almost like he hates females, thinks they are beneath him. DULCIE: Is he gay? CHRISTINA: No, Kyle thinks homosexuals are beneath him too. He's chauvinistic. DULCIE: Oh, well, then I feel sorry for the girl who ends up with him. CHRISTINA: I hope no one is that unfortunate. DULCIE: Yeah, they'd have to be really desperate!
They laugh. Then Christina sobers.
CHRISTINA: I'm leaving. I need to get out of here before I go crazy. DULCIE: What do you mean you're leaving? CHRISTINA: Once I'm done high school I'm out of here. DULCIE: But that’s kinda of a long time from now. I mean, two years? What are you going to do until then? CHRISTINA: I don't know. But I can't take it anymore. I try so hard to pretend that every thing is okay. Its worse than you can even know, Dulcie. DULCIE: Then tell me. CHRISTINA: I can't. Its like all her rules are ingrained in me. 'Never tell anyone about our difficulties at home; what happens in this house, stays in the house. To speak of it is a betrayal to our family'... DULCIE: Doesn't you mom see a shrink? Isn't she 'betraying your family'? CHRISTINA: You'd think.
DULCIE: So? CHRISTINA: I feel like I'm going to scream and scream and scream and never stop but I just keep smiling and laughing and its all so fake. My whole life, its like nothing is real. I keep hoping its all just a horrible nightmare that I'll wake up from. But I don't. I can't seem to wake up no matter how hard I try, no matter how much I wish for it. DULCIE: Oh, sweetie... CHRISTANA: Why couldn't I be part of your family? DULCIE: You are, you're my sister remember?
CHRISTINA: If only I was.
Dulcie glances at her watch.
DULCIE: I'm afraid I gotta go. I gotta be at Mom's work by the time she's finished... But if Blake is like that then he's not good enough for you, sweetie. CHRISTINA: Yeah. Ok. See you. DULCIE: Bye.
They hug and Dulcie exits. 2: Christina is doing homework in the kitchen. Blake comes in the kitchen door.
BLAKE: Christina?
Christina pauses then continues writing.
BLAKE: Christy, I'm sorry. CHRISTINA: How could you Blake. You knew- you knew I wasn't like that and you still thought it. BLAKE: Its not my fault. Everyone said... CHRISTINA: They were rumors started by my brother. Its not the first time he's done that and you know it. You never listened to what he's said about me before, but this time you did, its what you wanted to believe. BLAKE: But your mom even... CHRISTINA: Blake, my mom wasn't right! She was on so much medication she didn't know who she was anymore. She changed her name! She flirted with you, even. You can't tell me that you thought she was acting normal, that she was thinking straight. You knew me, knew my beliefs... you wanted to think it. It was your decision and no one else's. BLAKE: I said I was sorry. I screwed up, I admit it. CHRISTINA: You tried to make me sleep with you; you kept pushing me... BLAKE: Its not like I raped you, stop making it sound like I did. CHRISTINA: No, I broke up with you before you could try that. BLAKE: How could you think that?! CHRISTINA: How could you think I was a whore? Besides, how do I know you wouldn't have tried? You tried everything else. And you're friends with him [point at stairs] he doesn't care who he harms, so why would you?
BLAKE: I could never do that, never hurt you like that. CHRISTINA: But you did, you did hurt me. BLAKE: I'm so sorry Christy. I am. What can I do to make it up? CHRISTINA: Leave? BLAKE: OK, Christina. I- I- I'm sorry.
Blake kisses Christina on forehead and walks out the door. Christina runs to the couch and throws herself on it crying. Black. Christina on the couch in the living room wrapped in a blanket and a box of kleen'x on the floor by her hand. Caroline enters with bags of groceries. She starts to put them away when she hears Christina snuffle-cough. Caroline goes into the living room.
CAROLINE: What are you doing? CHRISTINA: Nothing. CAROLINE: Well, I can see that. CHRISTINA: Then why did you ask? CAROLINE: Why are you lying on the couch in the middle of the day doing nothing? CHRISTINA: I don't feel well.
Caroline goes over to the couch and feels Christina's forehead.
CAROLINE: You don’t have a fever... CHRISTINA: Its probably a cold or something. CAROLINE: What's wrong? CHRISTINA: Well, my head hurts, my chest aches, my nose is stuffy, I have no energy, and I feel sick. CAROLINE: If you feel sick you should have a graval. CHRISTINA: Can you get me one?
Caroline goes to the kitchen and gets a bottle of water and a package of graval then takes it back to Christina who takes the pill.
CAROLINE: Let me know if you want something else. CHRISTINA: Just sleep. CAROLINE: All right then. But when you wake up, don't forget to make supper. CHRISTINA: But I'm sick CAROLINE: I had to cook when I was puking my guts out and take care of you and Kyle. I'm sure you can manage it with a little cold. Don't be so lazy! You have to start pulling your weight around here sometime.
Caroline goes back to putting away groceries. Christina starts to cry and buries her face in a pillow to stifle the sobs.
2:
Frederick is sitting at the kitchen table looking at a magazine. Christina enters from the hall, looks into the kitchen, and then checks the living room before going over to peer in the bedroom. She then goes to the kitchen.
CHRISTINA: Looking at a gun magazine Daddy? FREDERICK: Yup. CHRISTINA: Can I ask you a question? It's kind of important... FREDERICK: Sure, Christy. CHRISTINA:I know Mom is off her pills now but- FREDERICK: But what? CHRISTINA: Well, she doesn't seem any different. I mean she is less, um, bouncy, but she still seems... FREDERICK: Seems...? CHRISTINA: She still gets really angry at me for the smallest things. I don't get it. Kyle never gets in trouble but I get grounded if the dishes aren't done within a certain time limit. Its just not fair. FREDERICK:I know it appears like Kyle doesn't get into trouble... CHRISTINA: When was the last time he was grounded, Daddy? FREDERICK: Um...? CHRISTINA: He has never been grounded. FREDERICK: I’m sure he has. CHRISTINA: Really? Cuz I don't remember it. And since I'm almost always under grounding I'd know wouldn't I if he was stuck here with me. Believe me I'd know! FREDERICK: What would you like me to do about it? CHRISTINA:I don't know I'm just so sick of it. I'd like to go out with my friends once in a while but if I'm not grounded then I have to cook every meal or do the chores. I can't take much more of this. Its like Mom hates me!
Christina starts crying and Frederick pulls her into a hug.
FREDERICK: C'mere... Its ok. Your mom doesn't hate you. She doesn't...
2:
Christina is waiting in the kitchen. When there is a knock she jumps up to answer the door for Dulcie.
CHRISTINA: What was so important that you couldn't just tell me over the phone?
DULCIE: Um, I'm not sure how you're going to take this, so I thought it would be
best to tell you in person.
CHRISTINA: What's the matter? Did something happen? DULCIE: I guess you could say that. Well, Blake is seeing someone. CHRISTINA: Oh. OK. Well, he has every right to. It seems rather quick but we did break up. DULCIE: Its just... CHRISTINA: Just what? DULCIE: Its Tera.
CHRISTINA: Tera. DULCIE: Yeah. CHRISTINA: I- I- B-but why? DULCIE: Remember how I told you she had a crush on him? CHRISTINA: Yes, but that was months ago. DULCIE: Well, she's liked him all this time. CHRISTINA: But she always jumps from guy to guy... DULCIE: Apparently this is different. CHRISTINA: Does she know? DULCIE: I haven't told her. I don't know if Blake has. CHRISTINA: Probably not. DULCIE: You don't know that. CHRISTINA: Yeah, I do. I made him swear it. To never tell anyone so Mom wouldn't find out. He won’t break his promise. DULCIE: Are you OK about this? I mean he did- CHRISTINA: Yeah... He apologized.
DULCIE: You sure? CHRISTINA: As long as they are happy... That's all that matters. I'll be fine; I'll even forgive him... DULCIE: (Hugging her) Oh Chrissy...
2:
Christina is talking on the phone while drying dishes.
CHRISTINA: Are you really? You haven't come back to Belleville since you moved to Kingston!... I'd love to do something. You got anything in mind?... Sounds great!... Who is coming too?... Oooh, is that your boyfriend?... Oh that's right you did mention a cousin... You still think he's my type? I unno.... All right. I'll give him a chance to sweep me off my feet but you know I'm holding out for an Irish guy... OK so bilingual could be nice too... (laughs)...All right, give me a call when you come!... Luv ya, bye!
Christina hangs up the phone and gives a little jump-for-joy.
CHRISTINA: Yay yay yay!
Christina runs for the hall. Lights go down and come up. Caroline is reading in her bedroom. Christina comes down the hall and goes to the bedroom.
CHRISTINA: Mom, I'm leaving now. CAROLINE: Where are you going? CHRISTINA: Out with... my friend from Kingston. CAROLINE: Who? CHRISTINA: You know my friend who moved to Kingston a while ago...... CAROLINE: If she moved to Kingston what is she doing here? CHRISTINA: She wanted to visit me. CAROLINE: That doesn't seem like much to make the trip for. CHRISTINA: Its like a forty-five minute drive. That’s barely more time than it takes Dulcie to come to town. CAROLINE: Frankford is a lot closer than Kingston. CHRISTINA: Its no difference for you, you refuse to drive to either destination. CAROLINE: Are you being snarky? CHRISTINA: No Mom. Gotta go. Bye!
Christina runs for the kitchen door and leaves.
CAROLINE: You get back here! You can't go I'm grounding you for mouthing off at me! That child is just too much. Why can't she be more like her brother? He'd never do such a thing.
2:
Christina is lounging on the couch talking on the phone to Dulcie.
CHRISTINA: Hey Dulcie, do you remember that guy I was telling you about?... Yeah, her cousin, the one from Kingston... He's so cute!... Um, he's got golden-blond hair and these dashing gray eyes... Yes, dashing!... I have not been reading too many romance novels! You just haven't been reading enough... Well, he's tall... Maybe six foot?... I know I'm not even five foot but its not that big an issue... No he hasn't kissed me- Yet!... Do I want him to? I'm not sure. Maybe... Is it too soon after you-know-who? I don't want to be rebounding or anything... I guess you're right. If I'm worried about it then I must be past the stage for it!... Anyways, my point is that I'm going to Kingston for a few days with them. We're leaving tomorrow... Oh, I'm probably going to take the train back... Yeah, I know. I never thought Mom would let me go. Usually she gives people the third degree before I can get in the car with anyone let alone go visit. And a guy, no less!...No, I'm staying at Rose's... Of course I'll tell you everything when I get back. As if I wouldn't!...
Kyle enters from the hall and goes to grab the phone from the table only to realize its not there. Kyle makes a face at Christina.
CHRISINTA: Oh hold on... (To Kyle) What? KYLE: I want the phone. CHRISTINA:OK. I'll be off in a minute; just wait. (Into phone) Hey Dulcie? Kyle- KYLE: How 'bout no?
Kyle grabs the phone from her and hangs up.
CHRISTINA: You did not just do that! I told you I was going to be off in a second! KYLE:I don't goddamn care what you said.
Kyle exits down the hall with the phone. Christina stomps her foot on the couch cushion where she is sitting as she makes a frustrated/angry sound. Lights down then up on Frederick in the living room watching TV while Caroline is reading in the bedroom. Kyle enters from the hall and looks around, somewhat angrily. He goes into the living room
KYLE: Where's Christina? FREDERICK: Hmm? KYLE: Where's Christina?! FREDERICK: Did you try her room? KYLE: Yes. FREDERICK: I don't know then.
Kyle goes to the bedroom.
KYLE: Mom, where is Christina? CAROLINE: She's visiting a friend. Didn't you notice how nice and quiet things have been for the past few days without her? KYLE: Why did you let her go? CAROLINE: I needed a break from her bad attitude so I wanted her out of the house. KYLE: But who is going to make me something to eat? CAROLINE: Oh darling, don't tell me that you don't get anything to eat unless she makes it? KYLE: Yeah. CAROLINE: You poor dear. No wonder you're looking skinny, she hasn't been feeding you right. KYLE: She's not a very good cook. CAROLINE: Well, I'll just have to make sure she starts making all the meals from now on so she improves.
Lights go down then up when Christina enters the kitchen with a duffel bag. Caroline is reading on the couch.
CAROLINE: You’re back early? CHRISTINA: Yup, Mummie dropped me off. CAROLINE: (Starts crying hysterically) Mommy? I'm your mommy! If I'm not your mommy then you're not my daughter! CHRISTINA: What? You're my mom. CAROLINE: I'm supposed to be your mommy! CHRISTINA: You are. CAROLINE: You’re calling some other woman mommy! You took my title away... You're friends hate me, the least you can do is like me! CHRISTINA: My friends don't hate you. CAROLINE: They don't call me mommy! CHRISTINA: You never told them they could! You introduce yourself by your name so they call you that. And I don't call her mah-me, its muh-me. CAROLINE: It's the same thing! I'm supposed to be your mommy for the rest of your life! CHRISTINA: You are. I just grew out of saying mommy, that’s all.
CAROLINE: You’re calling other people mommy! CHRISTINA: It's not mommy!
2:
Christina in the kitchen cooking. The phone rings.
CHRISTINA: Hello?... Hey Dulcie... I wish! I have to make supper... I know i did it last night. The night before that too... Kyle told Mom I was a bad cook, now in order to improve I have perma-cooking duty... He may think I'm a bad cook but at least I know how! Would you believe that Mom actually woke me up early on Saturday to make breakfast?... Cereal? I wish that was all. No I had to make eggs and bacon and toast and sausage... I know, I'm not even a vegetarian and sausage makes me gag... Don't tell me! I don't want to know what’s in them! No one would appreciate my tossing my cookies on top of our dinner... No, I don't think they would let me out of kitchen detail if I did that, let alone go with y'all tonight. I wish I could though... There goes my social life? Like I had one to begin with when I'm grounded so much! But yeah, seeing as I have to cook like four times a day it kinda keeps me stuck at home. I'd never make a good housewife... Why'd I say four? Cuz Kyle has to have his snack. I'm lucky if it is only four meals a day... Wanna come over tomorrow?... Great! Um, I think I'm burning something so I'll talk to ya later, kk?... Luv ya, bye!
Christina runs over to the oven and opens it. She looks inside and grimaces.
CHRISTINA: (giggling) I seriously don't think a roast is supposed to look like that... Whoops.
Lights down then up on Dulcie and Christina hanging out in the living room.
DULCIE: What happened to your room while you were gone? CHRISTINA: Hurricane Mother. DULCIE: But I thought she was always telling you to keep your room clean? CHRISTINA: She is. DULCIE: Then why are your clothes all over the floor? CHRISTINA: Cuz there is no room in the closet. DULCIE: Who’s stuff was in the closet then? CHRISTINA: Mom, Dad, and Kyle's. DULCIE: Why is their stuff in your closet? CHRISTINA: Mom uses my room as storage space. That's why I have a china cabinet, two dressers, and three bookshelves. There used to be another desk and a couple of chairs in there as well which made it even harder to move around stuff than it is now. I had to climb over things just to get to my bed. DULCIE: Shouldn't your room be your own space? CHRISTINA: I wish. DULCIE: That isn't right. CHRISTINA: I can't do anything about it. DULCIE: Why not talk to your parents about it? CHRISTINA: I have, plenty of times. Mom said it was their house so they get to do what they want with it. DULCIE: But its your room... CHRISTINA: And their house. DULCIE: That just blows. CHRISTINA: I know it. DULCIE: You never did tell me what happened with hottie a la Kingston. CHRISTINA: Well... Here's a hint.
Christina displays her right hand with a Claddagh ring on it.
DULCIE: He turned your Claddagh ring?! CHRISTINA: Yup! Boyfriend and girlfriend. DULCIE: So, exactly what happened... CHRISTINA: Nothing I'm sharing.... DULCIE: Did you sleep with him? CHRISTINA: Yeeesss.... DULCIE: You lost your virginity? CHRISTINA: Nope. DULCIE: But you just said... CHRISTINA: I said I slept with him. I never said anything about sex. Although I will admit that not much sleep was involved this activity either.
DULCIE: You are so bad! CHRISTINA: Well, Mom would think so... but he didn't. DULCIE: You gave him a blowjob? CHRISTINA: (Laughing) No. I'm sorry. I'll stop teasing,, now. We just made out, like, all night, that’s all. DULCIE: You really had me going... CHRISTINA: You know me better than that. I'm waiting for marriage. I certainly don't want to end up like my mother: having to drop out of school just to raise a bratty kid. DULCIE: Not all kids are brats. CHRISTINA: I was more describing Kyle than implying that they were.
DULCIE: Well, I suppose that’s true... CHRISTINA: Spit it out. DULCIE: What? CHRISTINA: I know you! You're leading up to something. DULCIE: Tera's pregnant. CHRISTINA: What? DULCIE: Yeah... CHRISTINA: Is she nuts?!... Wait. Its Blake's, isn't it? DULCIE: Yeah, it is... They're engaged now, you know. CHRISTINA: She just turned sixteen... DULCIE: Well, now we know how they celebrated her no longer being jailbait. CHRISTINA: I can't believe you just said that! DULCIE: Cha! You were thinking it. CHRISTINA: But what's she gonna do? DULCIE: She intends to finish the year, then do some sort of home school type thing. CHRISTINA: Correspondence? DULCIE: Yes, that’s it...
CHRISTINA: I don't know how she could have done it; taken the chance... Taking care of a baby is hard. Even by correspondence its going to be difficult for her to graduate. Babies need a lot of time and attention...
DULCIE: What are you thinking? CHRISTINA: That could have been me. If I gave in to him, I would have been pregnant by now.
Black. Christina reading in “office” area. Blake comes in the kitchen door.
BLAKE: Hey... CHRISTINA: Hi. BLAKE: How are you doing? CHRISTINA: All right. BLAKE: I hear you're seeing some guy in Kingston. CHRISTINA: Yup. BLAKE: Guess its going good? CHRISTINA: Guess so. BLAKE: You happy? CHRISTINA: Yeah, I think I am.
BLAKE: Good.
Pause.
CHRISTINA:I hear congratulations are in order. Engaged to Tera... BLAKE: Yeah, she's pregnant. So we thought it'd be best. CHRISTINA: Now you see why I kept saying no? I mean, you're done school now and it doesn't make that much difference to you but its going to be hard for her to graduate and raise a baby. BLAKE: Yeah, yeah I know... Can you ever forgive me for being such a jerk? CHRISTINA:I don't know... but I guess I'll have to, you're marrying one of my best friends. BLAKE: Is it going to be weird between us? CHRISTINA: Kind of. BLAKE: Is there any way we can be friends again? CHRISTINA: Well, you can start by teaching me how to drive a jeep... BLAKE: Sure, come on.
They exit.
2:
Christina is in the kitchen doing her homework. Kyle enters from the hall, sees her, then grabs her wrist and shoves her towards the fridge.
KYLE: Make me something to eat. CHRISTINA: (Going back to the table) I don't think so. KYLE: Well, I do. I'm fuckin' hungry. CHRISTINA: I have a test tomorrow, I'm trying to study! I have youth group in an hour- KYLE: Do I look like I fucking care? CHRISTINA: If you want something to eat, make it yourself. KYLE: Do I look like a fucking woman? CHRISTINA: Excuse me? Do I look like your servant? I don't think so! KYLE: You look like a fucking girl who isn't earning her keep. CHRISTINA: What do you mean by that?! KYLE: Women are only good for three things- CHRISTINA: (Rolling her eyes and mutters) Dare I ask... KYLE: (Continuing) Cooking. Cleaning. And lying flat on their backs in bed. So you fucking whore make me something to fucking eat! CHRISTINA: I said no!
Christina goes back to the table and starts collecting her papers. Kyle gets mad by this and grabs her, the papers going flying. Kyle starts beating up Christina.
KYLE: Oh yeah? Well, I'll teach you for disobeying me! CHRISTINA: Oh my G...!
Christina tries to escape, to fight against him, but can't get away. Black. Lights come up on Christina lying unconscious on the floor, back to the audience, her clothes are torn. Dulcie knocks on the door then enters looking around.
DULCIE: Hello? Christina? Oh my God, Chrissy!
Dulcie sees Christina on the floor she runs over and drops to her knees.
DULCIE: Chrissy? Christina!
Christina tries to open her eyes to look at her and groans.
DULCIE: What the hell! When you didn't meet us, I came to see what was keeping you. Oh my God, Chrissy. I gotta call someone, the hospital? Your parents? Oh shit! Who am I supposed to call?
CHRISTINA: Blake.
DULCIE: Blake? CHRISTINA: Hospital. Bad.
Dulcie is sobbing and grabs the phone from the table and calls Blake.
DULCIE: Blake? It's Dulcie. Chrissy... Christina is beat up bad! She needs to go to the
hospital...(To Christina) Well, he's on his way. I don't think he even hung up the phone. I thought I heard a door slam.
Christina tries to smile but can't. Dulcie sniffles as she sits near Christina, stroking her hair. The lights dim then rise again just before Blake rushes in. Christina is unconscious again and Dulcie is sobbing.
BLAKE: Oh fuck! C'mon Dulcie. Let’s get her to the hospital.
Blake goes to pick Christina up and Dulcie helps him, still crying. They exit.
2:
Caroline is sitting at the kitchen table staring into space. Frederick is trying to get her to drink some tea. FREDERICK: Please dear, just drink a little bit? It will warm you right up. There is nothing we can do, we have to leave it up to the doctors. Christina will pull through, I know she will. Kyle enters the kitchen and gives a what-the-fuck look then shrugs before heading down the hall. Frederick growls at him. Caroline gives pitiful/hopeful look at Kyle. There is a knock on the door. Frederick opens it to Rose and Tera who have brought bouquets of daisies and yellow roses. TERA: Mrs. G? We brought these for you. They are Christina's favorite flowers... We thought you might like them because Christy said a person can't help but cheer up when they see daisies... Caroline, glaring, jumps up and slashes the bouquets out of their hands and onto the floor. CAROLINE: (screaming) Who cares what she says?! She's a liar; Kyle didn't hurt her. He'd never hurt anyone! He's my perfect baby boy! You're all liars! Especially you two! I told you to never come into my house again! Get out! Get out!! She then runs to the bedroom sobbing. Rose, Tera, and Frederick pick up the flowers and Frederick finds a vase to put them in. ROSE: We really thought they would help Mr. G. We didn't mean to... make her cry. FREDERICK: I know. I know. She's just upset right now, I'm sure she didn't mean... TERA: That's ok Mr. G. We understand. We shouldn't have come after Mrs. G. banned us from seeing Christina. We just thought since Christy is..
FREDERICK: No, No. You can stop by anytime. I know Christina will appreciate your company when she comes home from the hospital. I'm leaving it up to you girls to cheer her up, you hear me? ROSE: Yes Mr. G. We'll do our best. FREDERICK: That's all any of us can do...
2:
Kyle is sitting at the kitchen table eating a snack. There is a pounding on the door. Kyle lets Blake in.
KYLE: Hey, man. I haven't seen you around lately. Where have you been?
BLAKE: I've been at the hospital with your sister! What the hell did you do to her?! KYLE: What are you talking about? She's fine. BLAKE: I don't call that fine. KYLE: Its just a few bruises. I don't get what everyone is fussing about. BLAKE: She almost died! KYLE: What would you know? I don't even know why some idiot even took her to the hospital. BLAKE: I took her to the hospital! KYLE: So all this is your fault! BLAKE: What?! KYLE: Dad is all pissed at me because she was being a bitch. BLAKE: And just what did she do? KYLE: I told you, she was being a bitch.
Blake punches Kyle in the eye and knocks him to the floor. Kyle looks up at him as he sits up and feels around his eye.
KYLE: What the hell was that?! BLAKE: If you ever, ever, hurt your sister again I swear I will kill you. I hope she reports you to the police... It might do you some good to be in prison. KYLE: Why the fucking hell would I go to prison for teaching my sister a lesson in manners? BLAKE: It's called abuse, you asshole! KYLE: Well, fuck you. BLAKE: No thanks. But I'm sure you'll be some fat man's bitch in the penitentiary.
KYLE: Go to fucking hell. BLAKE: See you there.
Blake exits.
2:
Caroline is reading on the couch. Kyle tromps down the stairs with a duffel bag.
CAROLINE: Kyle, sweetie, is that you? KYLE: Yeah, Mom.
Caroline gets up and walks to him.
CAROLINE: What happened to your eye? KYLE: Blake punched me. CAROLINE: But he's your best friend! KYLE: Apparently not anymore.
CAROLINE: Oh... You have a bag, are you going somewhere? KYLE: A buddy invited me to his cottage for a couple weeks. CAROLINE: That sounds like fun. I wish I were going away for a few days, I can't take all this stress about your half-sister... KYLE: Its all lies anyways. She's such a whore. If the brat is even as hurt as she says she is, I'll bet it was her latest bed-buddy that smacked her around. CAROLINE: She said you were the one who did it... KYLE: You know I wouldn't do something like that, right Mom? CAROLINE: No, sweetie, I just couldn't believe what she said. I know you. You're my perfect little baby boy. You could never do something like that... KYLE: She hates me Mom. She's always lying, trying to get me in trouble. I'm so lucky I have you. CAROLINE: I'm lucky I have you too. Now have a fun time at your friend's cottage. Stay as long as you like, but don't wear out your welcome. KYLE: I wont Mom. Bye! CAROLINE: Goodbye darling!
2:
Dulcie, Rose, Tera, and Blake are in the living room.
ROSE: My god. I still can't believe that Kyle would do such a thing. I mean, he beat up his sister. TERA: It must have been so horrible to find her like that, Dulcie. I mean, when I saw her in the hospital I thought that was bad. I can just imagine... BLAKE: I know I was never so scared in my life. DULCIE: I'm just glad she made it. I can't believe she almost died. How could he do that? How could he fucking do that to her! TERA: Don't cry Dulcie. Christina wouldn't want you to cry. DULCIE: Yeah, she'd hate that. Chrissy hates to see anyone cry. She feels like she has to make you happy again. Chrissy says that’s what friends do, make each other happy. I can't imagine living without my best friend. BLAKE: Well, you don't have to. She's going to be ok. ROSE: What happened to the fucker anyways? DULCIE: He's gone to a friend's cottage for a couple weeks. ROSE: He has friends?
BLAKE: Not in me, anymore. TERA: Aren't they going to do anything about him? ROSE: You remember what happened when he hit you with his car... TERA: But he almost killed her! DULCIE: Just be glad he didn't have a knife this time... ROSE: What? DULCIE: He threatened her with a knife, and when she didn't obey him, he punched her. While holding a fucking knife!
BLAKE: The cut on her stomach... The one he said she got from being clumsy while cooking... He did that. Shit. If it had been any deeper... I can't believe I didn't realize that he did it. I should known. TERA: He punched her with a knife? DULCIE: Yeah. ROSE: Why didn't you tell us? DULCIE: She didn't want anyone to know. TERA: Then how did you know Blake? BLAKE: Um... DULCIE: Was that a car?
Rose looks out window of the door.
ROSE: Yeah, actually, it looks like Mr. and Mrs. Gilford are back. Tera goes over to Rose and opens the door. Dulcie and Blake exchange a look. Caroline and Frederick come in the house. Tera closes the door. Caroline goes to the bedroom.
TERA: You look happy. FREDERICK: They said she can come home tomorrow!
Tera, Rose, Dulcie, and Blake cheer.
FREDERICK: Now I want you guys to decorate the house when we go to get her from the hospital. We'll have a party, all right? ROSE: Sounds great Mr. G. DULCIE: Will she really be ok? FREDERICK: Yes, Dulcie. She's really going to be okay. You know what she said today? She said she might have had to put up with hospital food but at least she didn't have to take her final exams. DULCIE: She would. She could always see the bright side of things. No matter what happened. I wish I could be just like her. FREDERICK: Well, she's happy enough that you're her friend. DULCIE: No, I'm her sister.
The lights go down then up again on Dulcie, Rose, Tera, and Blake in the kitchen with balloons, a banner that says “Welcome Home Christy!”, a cake, prezzies, and a bouquet of daisies and yellow roses.
ROSE: Are they here yet? BLAKE: Not yet! ROSE: Well how much longer? TERA: They said they'd be at least two hours, and it hasn't even been that yet. DULCIE: She'll be so glad to leave. I remember Chrissy told me once that when Mrs. G broke her ankle a few years back and had to go to the hospital, all the smells make her get sick. Literally. Her dad had to take her home while Mrs. G. was getting a cast put on. BLAKE: How old was she? DULCIE: Like, twelve? She got better about it though, but she still hates hospitals. ROSE: I'd say more so now than ever. TERA: Lets not mention... you-know today. It's supposed to be a happy day and thinking about what you-know did will only make us angry and that will upset Christina. ROSE: But I'd still like to kick you-knows butt. BLAKE: We all do, now lets just leave it at that. Is everything set up for Christy's party? DULCIE: We got a banner, her favorite cake, balloons, her favorite flowers, prezzies... yup, think that’s it! TERA: I have a question. She has a sprained ankle, but with a broken arm, how is she going to use crutches? DULCIE: I think she said she got a wheelchair. She said it was great not having to walk but she hated that she was even shorter than ever.
BLAKE: Only she would think of something like that. DULCIE: Yeah she also said she was glad she looked good in hats cuz she's gong to be wearing them for a while...
ROSE: She was so pissed when she found out they had to shave off some of her hair to stitch up her head. But her hair should have started growing back by now I'd think. She was in the hospital for so long... DULCIE: But she's coming home now... she's really ok...
TERA: They're here!
Tera opens the door and Frederick walks in pushing Christina in a wheelchair while Caroline walks behind them with a duffel bag which she takes down the hall before returning, stoic.
DULCIE: Welcome home Chrissy! CHRISTINA: I love you guys! Is that a chocolate cake? TERA: Prezzie's first. Here's mine.
Christina tears open the package to find over-sized pink socks.
TERA: I thought your toes would get cold in that cast and I know how much you like to be fashionable. There is no way you'd wear those big ugly gray socks. CHRISTINA: You know me so well.
Rose hands Christina a present that is a hat.
CHRISTINA: It's so cute! And I definitely need hats right now!
Christina gives a mock shudder and everyone laughs.
DULCIE: Now mine.
Christina opens the gift and pulls out a picture frame.
CHRISTINA: It says “sisters”.
DULCIE: Cuz we are. Sisters forever and ever. CHRISTINA: Luv you. DULCIE: Luv you more.
Frederick pulls and envelope out of his pocket and hands it to Christina.
FREDERICK: We got you a gift too... CHRISTINA: Ohmi... BLAKE: What is it? CHRISTINA: I can't believe it... ROSE: What? CHRISTINA: Its a plane ticket to Ireland. You're sending me to Ireland? FREDERICK: We thought you might like to go with Dulcie and her family when they go next month. You deserve a chance to get away for a bit. CHRISTINA: Really? DULCIE: We're going to Ireland. CHRISTINA: We're going to Ireland... WE'RE GOING TO IRELAND!
Christina starts bouncing in her wheelchair.
FREDERICK: Easy now, you have to do physiotherapy on your ankle before you can start walking, let alone tramp around all over Ireland, so don't fall out of your chair and hurt yourself. CHRISTINA: Nothings going to stop me from going to Ireland. Now lets eat some cake!
Caroline starts cutting the cake.
2:
Dulcie and Christina are watching a movie. Dulcie is french braiding Christina's hair.
DULCIE: You excited about leaving for Ireland next week?
CHRISTINA: You have no idea! DULCIE: You sure your ankle will be fine by then? CHRISTINA: I've been doing physio and the buddy said it would be ok as long as I took it easy. No rock climbing or anything. Not that I could rock climb with a cast on my arm, but thank goodness the sling has gone buh-bye. DULCIE: As if! You know what I think of heights. CHRISTINA: Of course I do, that’s why we're friends. We both refused to climb up that stupid rope for the youth group obstacle course thingie. DULCIE: That’s right! I forgot that’s how we first met... CHRISTINA: Yup, us two chickens...
DULCIE: Hand me an elastic...
Christina hands an elastic to her.
DULCIE: Chrissy your ring is on wrong. CHRISTINA: No, its on right. DULCIE: The Kingston guy dumped you after what you went through? CHRISTINA: No, I broke up with him. When he came to visit me in the hospital I told him I need to deal with my family life before I could be able to handle a relationship. DULCIE: Oh. CHRISTINA: It really is for the best. Besides, you know I've been holding out for an Irish man since your family has been telling me all these stories about the Emerald Isle... Maybe I'll meet him on our trip. DULCIE: Settle for just one, at our age? Nah, we need a whole entourage! CHRISTINA: You nut! DULCIE: I can't be a nut, cuz then you'd be allergic to me. CHRISTINA: You're crazy you know that? DULCIE: That’s probably why we're best friends. CHRISTINA: I think you're right. DULCIE: All done. CHRISTINA: Took you long enough. DULCIE: Not as long as it would have taken you with that cast on. CHRISTINA: Mlah! DULCIE: Luv ya too!
The lights go down then up again on Dulcie and Christina entering via the hall-stairs and into the kitchen. Christina has a book bag on while Dulcie carries a suitcase.
DULCIE: You're sure you can handle this?
CHRISTINA: I'm fine, fabulous! Seriously, my ankle is fine. Nothing is going to stop me. DULCIE: I'm so glad you get to come with us. CHRISTINA: I'm so glad you guys go every summer to visit relatives. DULCIE: You'll love it Chrissy. Its home. I'd wish I still lived there except it would mean I'd have never met you. And I can't imagine life without my best friend. CHRISTINA: (teasing) Don't you mean your sister? DULCIE: My bad. Sister. CHRISTINA: So why don't we do it? DULCIE: What? CHRISTINA: After we graduate university, lets move to Ireland. DULCIE: You don't even know if you'll like it, for sure. CHRISTINA: If you say its home, I will. I could use a place that feels like home.
DULCIE: Things aren't better now? CHRISTINA: They are, but... You know that saying about an elephant on the table or something? Where everyone talks and pretends its not there? That’s what it feels like. I'm just waiting until Kyle comes home and everything is blown to pieces. Goes back to the way things were. DULCIE: Are they seriously not going to do anything about what your... what he did? CHRISINTA: Its kinda hard to think of him as my brother after that isn't it? But I don't know, Mom and Daddy wont talk about what happened. I guess its kinda hard to deal with the thought that your son could beat someone so bad he nearly kills them. DULCIE: How can you talk about it so calmly? CHRISTINA: I guess cuz I was just waiting for the day that he did. That he really would kill me. I should have realized that when I stopped worrying if it might happen and began to think of it as when, that something just wasn't right about that. DULCIE: Oh sweetie...
Dulcie hugs Christina then pulls away.
DULCIE: Friends forever? CHRISTINA: And sisters forever. DUCLIE: Always... Now lets go to Ireland! CHRISTINA: Yes, lets go to our future home.
2:
Frederick and Caroline in kitchen. Caroline is cooking while Frederick sets at the table.
FREDERICK: We have to talk about it sometime. CAROLINE: I still can't believe my baby would ever do something like that. FREDERICK: I have a hard time accepting it too, but we must. We have to do something about Kyle. CAROLINE: I'm sure it was an accident.
FREDERICK: When are you going to realize that no matter how hard you try to pretend it didn't happen your son has been abusing our daughter, that he nearly beat her to death? Doesn't she matter too? CAROLINE: She's always been troublesome... I'm sure- FREDERICK: No, she has not been “troublesome”. Its your son who is a very violent and misguided young man. CAROLINE: You always did favor her. Loved her the most.
FREDERICK: I have tried to be a good father to your son, a good husband to you... And our daughter isn't very hard to love, she's a very bright and caring girl. I never understood why you were so hard on her. CAROLINE: I'm only hard on her when she needs to be punished. Its not like you would ever punish her. You never paid enough attention to all the bad things she's done. FREDERICK: And you never see all the bad things your son does. Even now you refuse to believe he isn't the perfect child you want him to be. CAROLINE: He would never have done anything that she didn't deserve. FREDERICK: What’s wrong with you? He nearly killed her! We can't allow Kyle near Christina, you must realize that. CAROLINE: I don't see why not. FREDERICK: What if next time he beats her, he kills her, huh? Would you even mourn? Or would you just say he couldn't have done it, that it was an accident, that she must have deserved it?
CAROLINE: What are you saying? FREDERICK: I could forgive the affair you had with that god-damned teenager, but I can never forgive what Kyle did to our daughter. I will not allow him near her. Either he goes somewhere he can get help or I am taking Christina somewhere safe. CAROLINE: You'd leave me for her, for what she claims my son did? FREDERICK: When we decided to have a child, I made a vow to always do what’s best for our child, no matter what the sacrifice. That’s what parents do. I may not have been the best parent but I intend to make up for it. So for the safety of our daughter, yes, I would leave you. CAROLINE: Fine, take that lying slut somewhere else.
Lights go down then up as Christina stumbles in the kitchen door with a book bag, her suitcase, and a duffel bag. Then turns and waves out the door. Frederick is sitting at the table. Christina runs to give him a hug.
CHRISTINA: Daddy! FREDERICK: I missed you. CHRISTINA: I missed you too Daddy! But I had such a great time. I had to buy another bag just to fit all my souvenirs in! I can't wait until I finish university so Dulcie and I can move to Ireland! FREDERICK: You want to move there? CHRISTINA: Yeah Daddy, its fantastic! You would have just loved it too, I know it! FREDERICK: I need to talk to you sweetie... CHRISTINA: Daddy, I don't think I'm going to like this, am I? FREDERICK: Probably not... Lets sit down. CHRISTINA: Uh oh... FREDERICK: Your mother and I are getting a divorce. CHRISTINA: Is it cuz of me? FREDERICK: In a way... We don't seem to agree on how our children should be raised; on what is acceptable behavior... CHRISTINA: What do you mean? FREDERICK: She refused to believe that Kyle hurt you, and that if he did it was your own fault... CHRISTINA: But it is Daddy. If I had just made him something to eat like he asked instead of getting ready to leave for youth group... FREDERICK: He hit you because you didn't make him dinner? CHRISTINA: I should have just made it, Daddy, then you and mom wouldn't be separating. FREDERICK: No Christy, its not your fault that he hurt you. Nor is the divorce, your Mom and I also have other differences, ones we just can't seem to accept in each other... And you are going to live with me. I'm taking you with me. CHRISTINA: And leave Mommy alone? FREDERICK: She wont be alone, Kyle will be here. CHRISTINA: But-? FREDERICK: I told you that she didn't see what he did was wrong... CHRISTINA: Does Mom not love me at all? FREDERICK: She does, sweetie, she just... When she was younger, Kyle was all she had, he was her everything. She never managed to realize that she had us too, just as much... I didn't think you'd want to see Kyle ever again so I thought it best to take you with me. CHRISTINA: Where would we go? FREDERICK: How about Ireland? You said I'd love it as much as you do... Is that okay with you? CHRISTINA: Really Daddy? FREDERICK: Yeah, it seems like a good place to start over, start our lives again...
Lights go down then up on Dulcie and Christina in the living room.
DULCIE: I can't believe you're moving to Ireland.
CHRISTINA: I can't believe that my parents are getting a divorce. DULCIE: What? You told me what your dad said, and-! CHRISTINA: No, I understand that but... Remember how I said I felt like I was in a nightmare I can't wake up from? Doesn't my life just seem like a downward spiral of bad things happening? DULCIE: But soon you'll get to wake up. CHRISINTA: Huh? DULCIE: You get to start all over again. No one to hurt you, or say bad things, or make you sad... You're nightmare of a life is at an end. Now its time to start dreaming again.
CHRISTINA: But I'll miss you. DULCIE: You'll see me every summer. And don't forget our plan! Maybe I'll even come join you there for University rather than wait until we graduate. CHRISTINA: I like that better. DULCIE: I do too. But its enough for me to know that you'll finally have a chance to live life the way it should be, now you can finally be happy. CHRISTINA: Yeah, I guess so. I guess so... DULCIE: I better go, you have a lot of packing left to do. When do you leave, again? CHRISTINA: On Tuesday, 4 o'clock. You'll be there right? DULCIE: I'll be there. I love you. CHRISTINA: I love you too. Sisters forever? DULCIE: Sisters forever... and a day!
2:
Caroline is drinking tea at kitchen table. Christina is in the living room reading a book. A box of books is beside her. There is a knock on the door. Christina doesn't notice but Caroline startles as though lost in thought. Caroline opens the door to find Blake.
CAROLINE: Blake!
BLAKE: Oh hi... Mrs. Gilford. Is Christina around? I wanted to say goodbye to her before she leaves... CAROLINE: No, I don't believe she's here but would you please come in? BLAKE: Um... CAROLINE: I think we need to talk. BLAKE: (Entering) Yeah, ok. CAROLINE: Would you like something to drink? BLAKE: Uh... water's fine.
Caroline gets a bottled water then sits at the table with Blake. The lights go down then rise again. Christina finishes her book and puts it in the box. She pauses a moment hearing voices then mouths “Blake?”. Christina gets up and creeps over to peer into the kitchen and overhears what they are talking about.
CAROLINE: Sleeping together was really wrong of us, Blake... BLAKE: I know, what we did was nuts. I guess I didn't even think about what we was doing. That you're married. That you’re son's my best friend. That Christina- CHRISTINA: (Interrupting) What? BLAKE: Christy...? CAROLINE: Christina, I didn't know you were here. Did you- CHRISTINA: NO! You did what? You slept with Blake? (To Blake) My mother? (To Caroline) How could you? How could you do that?! (Choked sob) That is more wrong that you will ever know.
Christina sends a look to Blake. He looks pained and uncomfortable but Christina stares him down until he nods. Christina is trying to choke back tears the whole time. Christina looks back to Caroline, staring in confusion.
CHRISTINA: (Screaming) FUCK!
The lights suddenly go black with that word still ringing.
EPILOGUE
The lights are still out.
CAPTAIN: Welcome to Dublin International Airport. Please keep your seatbelt fastened until we reach the gate. Thank you for traveling Air Canada. If this is just a vacation, we do wish you an enjoyable trip; but if Ireland is your final destination: Welcome home. | 
fred 
christy ??? blake 
dulcie 
rose 
rose
man 
irish man
caroline 
Blake 
Dulcie 
Caroline
Frederick
Kyle 
