29
STEPFATHER: Don't worry about it. I'm sure it'll pass.
MOTHER: I hope so. I hope Cynthia's not having any
troubles at school, you know what young girls are
like.
STEPFATHER: Actually, no, I've forgotten.
MOTHER: I try to talk to her about it but she won't talk
to me anymore. I think what she needs is a
boyfriend.
STEPFATHER: How do you know she hasn't got one?
MOTHER: Well, she hasn't said anything about one. I'm
sure she'd tell me if she did and anyway, even if
she didn't it'd show up on the phone bill.
(She laughs as she puts an arm around him and
starts kissing him. He doesn't respond.)
MOTHER: What's the matter?
STEPFATHER: Nothing. I'm just really tired that's all. It's
already late and I have to get up early to go to
the agency tomorrow.
MOTHER: (playful) It doesn't have to take too long.
STEPFATHER: I just don't feel like it, okay?
MOTHER: You never feel like it anymore, what's wrong with
you? Or is there something wrong with me?
STEPFATHER: No, there's nothing wrong with you. It's just me.
It's the stress I suppose, I've got too many
things on my mind.
MOTHER: I'm stressed too. I've got a lot on my mind.
STEPFATHER: I know, well, you deal with it your way and I'll
deal with it my way.
MOTHER: (making another advance) This is my way.
STEPFATHER: Well, it's not my way, so find another way.
MOTHER: Fine.
STEPFATHER: Look, I'm sorry, I just don't feel like it, okay.
MOTHER: Fine. (pause) I just think we should work through
our problems together instead of just closing off and shutting
each other out.
