25
DR JENNING: And if it happens again, come back and see me and
we'll consider other possibilities.
(Light change as CYNTHIA and the DOCTOR exit and
the MOTHER moves behind the screen.)
SCENE 6:
Behind a backlit screen the MOTHER is sitting at the table
eating dinner. The outlines are silhouetted on the screen as
if on the curtain of a window at night.
A door opens and closes and the STEPFATHER enters with a
slightly drunken gait and throws a coat over the back of a
chair.
The MOTHER rises and makes a move towards him but stops before
she reaches him.
He meets her gaze and holds his arms out.
STEPFATHER: (aggressively) Hi, honey, I'm home. (pause)
Where's my kiss?
MOTHER: You told me you weren't going to spend all night
at the pub anymore.
STEPFATHER: Ah, come on. Once in a while doesn't hurt. Where
are the girls?
MOTHER: In bed, it's eleven thirty. And it's not once in
a while. It's been every day this week! You told
me you weren't gonna do it anymore. I can't cope
with this anymore, I feel like I'm being pulled in
ten different directions at once. I've had a
terrible day, thanks very much for asking, and I'd
just like a bit of support right now. Why can't
we talk about things anymore, instead of you going
off on your own or with your mates to I don't know
where and spending money I earned on my knees
cleaning other peoples houses and keeping
everything to yourself so I feel guilty about
telling you how I feel. I know you're going
through a tough time right now but I am too - we
can help each other. I may be getting paranoid
but lately I feel like you've been shutting me
out. You hardly even touch me anymore for
Christ's sake! (pause) You're not the same man I
married two short months ago.
STEPFATHER: (pause) You know, you're right. I've been
selfish. I'm sorry.
MOTHER: Well, show me how sorry you are, prove it. Anyone
can say they're sorry. Show me.
