`
Last Call
By: Neil Bond
Scene one
(Lights fade up; there is a bar, a bench by the wall, and a couple tables and chairs. One table has a chess board on it. 3 men sit at the bar conversing with the bartender up stage left. And a young man sits alone at a table down stage right with a drink. There is old bar songs (preferably Irish) lightly playing in the background)
Hart: I tell ya rudiger, my wife is like a mix between a bulldog and an Indian.
Rudiger: how d’ya figure hart?
Hart: well it’s simple really, when she’s not on the war path she is sittin on her ass growlin!
(All chuckle at this statement)
Phillip: (confused) I don’t get it Hart?
Hart: no man does Phillip; it’s just the way of things.
Phillip: (confused still) but what does that have to do with life?
Hart: (with the air of a father) everything
Lanyard: (rudely) come on Hart out with it!
Hart: patience my hostile friend.
Lanyard: look we have been sitting here for hours listening to you run circles around your theory on life and im tired of it! Say what you’ve got to say and let’s get on with our night!
Phillip: plus im ready to hear what your theory actually is.
Rudiger: (very sarcastically) yeah I got to hear this one.
Hart: well…… life is like a woman; my wife for example, if you fight with the bitch she turns your world into a living hell! (Chuckles)
Lanyard: that’s it?! That’s what we’ve waiting for all night?!
Hart: (unconcerned) more or less. Top me off would ya friend?
Phillip: I guess he does have a point
Rudiger: (filling up the glass) wow (with sarcasm) such wisdom
Lanyard: (slightly furious) you miserable waste of space! Going on and on for hours about the world and life, yet you never make any sense! (To Phillip) And you! You always blindly agree, even when you don’t know what the hell he is talkin about. Should a drowned you both at birth.
Hart: (sarcastically) aren’t you the sentimental one, Ill take that as a compliment though. What do you think Phillip?
Phillip: what do you mean?
Hart: I mean what do you think about mister lanyards statement?
Phillip: (nervously) I…I uh… I don’t know what I think. (Swallows down the rest of his drink) uh t…Top me off would ya Rudiger.
(Rudiger tops off his drink)
Hart: (playfully picking at Phillip) awe come on Phillip are you afraid of mister lanyard?
Phillip: (unconfidently) no!
Lanyard: (furious now) listen here you son of a-
Rudiger: (firm but not angry) alright boys! Calm it down; I don’t want any trouble in here tonight! (Gentler now, yet still firm) Just a nice quiet evening you here?
Hart: (sincerely) Sorry Rudiger and I apologize to the both of you to. I was just joking around, trying to break up the monotony you know?
Phillip: (hurt) hell of a way to do it Hart.
Hart: (genuinely) im sorry old friend, really.
Phillip: (half reluctantly) its ok, I forgive you. But still I don’t understand what you mean about life?
Hart: (like he is teaching a child) its like this Phillip, life is going to attack you with everything it has and like when dealing with a woman it becomes confusing at Times, and the only thing you can think to do is fight back. In turn that makes everything worse on you. Truth is the only answer to dealing with it all is to let it slide off your back and roll with the punches.
Phillip: oh.
Lanyard: sounds like a bunch of nonsense to me. Top me off.
Rudiger: well, you don’t have to believe what he says if you don’t want to, it’s all a matter of choice really. But you do have to wonder in the back of your mind….is he right?
Lanyard: (sharply and with a sense of nobility) who asked you bartender, and didn’t I say top me off
Rudiger: (apologetically) im very sorry mister Lanyard I didn’t mean to offend, (now with a change of tone) though I did mean for you to listen, and if you want to cause some more trouble like last time (pulls a big rough looking club from behind the bar) id be happy to oblige.
Lanyard: (nervously shrugging it off) just give me the bottle, ill fill it myself
(Rudiger gives him the bottle)
Hart: you know Rudiger you are right, it’s a choice. That is the basis of it all, love is a choice, God is a choice, emotions are a choice, you have to choose what you want to eat next, and what you are going to wear tomorrow. Life is a choice. Just what choice will you make?
Phillip: what do you mean?
Rudiger: he means that just like the woman you have a choice, to fight with her or just let it go. It’s the same with every situation in life; from the most important things to the most trivial there is a choice.
Phillip: oh so like he mentioned God, it’s a choice whether or not I want to believe in his existence or not?
Rudiger: correct my astute friend.
Lanyard: and I choose not to believe in God or continue this conversation.
(Lanyard gets up and moves to one of the tables by himself with his back to the three at the bar.)
Hart: I guess in the end there are those people who refuse to make any choice; they just stay where they are and never move.
Phillip: but why?
Hart: they each have there reasons, no one ever really knows. Some are just scared and some are just stubborn.
Phillip: wow that sounds kind of scary Hart.
Hart: yeah Phillip…yeah it is. Let’s just hope we never find our way there. (Directing his attention to Rudiger) would you mind topping me off friend?
Rudiger: sure thing hart, sure thing.
(Lights fade down and up. Lanyard is asleep with his head back and mouth open, he is also leaning back in his chair. Seeing this the others begin to toss ice cubes into his mouth waking him up. If it’s possible I want him to fall back in his chair when he wakes up.)
Lanyard: (waking up surprised and upset) what the hell!? Are you trying to choke me?! (The others laugh, guy alone is still unaffected, and Lanyard seeing them laugh acts in surprised accusation) you are! You are really trying to kill me!
Hart: (through laughter) settle down Lanyard, no body is trying to kill you.
Lanyard: then what do you call throwing ice down my throat while I was sleeping?!
Phillip: funny!
(Lanyard shoots Phillip a penetrating gaze)
Hart: you got that right!
Lanyard: well I don’t find it to funny.
Rudiger: (some what defeated agitation) now look guys, he hasn’t been awake for 2 minutes and you already got him steamed.
Hart: alright, alright. I’m sorry Lanyard, why don’t you come on back over here and top off your drink?
Lanyard: (giving in) alright fine, but this one is on your tab, and don’t get started on all that deeper life crap again ok?
Hart: cross my heart, (indicating Phillip) how bout you?
Phillip: (simple minded agreement) yeah, cross my heart!
Lanyard: well move over and you, bartender, give me the good stuff. None of that cheap crap up front!
Rudiger: some people will never change.
(A girl enters stage right, and she is dressed pretty risqué. Short/mini skirt, low cut button up shirt [lots of cleavage, character must be busty] with jacket to match skirt, and glasses with her hair up. Your basic teacher librarian fantasy. Rudiger watches intensely and defensively as she makes her way over and sits down at the table closest to the bar, and begins reading a book that she pulls out of her purse. All the fellas silently stare until Rudiger breaks the silence.)
Rudiger: what are you jerks looking at, say hello or offer her a drink. You know no one else ever comes in here.
Hart: right! Phillip get a glass of the finest hops and brings it to her.
Desire: (without visibly acknowledging the guys) I prefer it in the bottle and make it corona with lime would ya Hun?
(All look at each other in surprise for a moment?)
Hart: (amazed and in awe) well you heard the lady, get her a corona!
(Phillip starts scrambling to get the drink. Rudiger already has it prepared and hands it to Phillip. As he starts to bring it over to her, lanyard stops him and takes it.)
Lanyard: give me that boy; it takes a man to handle that kind of lady.
Phillip: hey!
Lanyard: sit down! (Very suave) Ill take care of the lady.
(walks over to desire and she lifts up her hand without looking as he gets to her as if to say give me my drink.)
Lanyard: (surprised) h…here ya go honey.
Desire: (still not looking up) I thought the cute one was bringing it?
Lanyard: what? (Trying to regain his confidence)I… I did sweetheart.
Desire: (glances up at him over her glasses and looks him up and down. Then looks back down at her book. Responding with disdain) like I said, I thought the cute one was bringing it…Sweet heart?
Lanyard: what! You mean the kid?
Desire: (sarcastically) yes, the kid.
Lanyard: I can’t believe this!
Desire: what cant you believe?
Lanyard: (stumbling over his words) you cant possibly…I…uh… it’s just that…
Desire: (closes book and stands up becoming very seductive) what, are you afraid that I would (very breathy) desire a kid more than a strapping, (places her hand on his chest and starts moving down to his crotch) handsome, strong, (lanyard is responding in the expected way as she slips her hand gently over his crotch, the grabs as if hurting him) little man with a big ego?
Lanyard: (now embarrassed) I…I…I
Desire: (almost whispers to him) look go on and sit down before you loose what self respect you have left, (to Phillip) and you, sweetie, come on over here and bring me a clean wet towel would ya?
(She sits back down and trains her attention back to the book until Phillip gets back over to her, Lanyards goes and sits down embarrassed and confused)
Hart: well isn’t that a sight? A beautiful woman walks through the door and in minutes the mighty fall and the weak rise to power. I tell ya Rudiger life is just that… a woman
Rudiger: (not looking up) more like a raving bitch if you ask me.
Hart: you are correct once again, but let us never forget how beautiful the greatest of bitches can be. Top me off would ya friend?
(Rudiger does so)
Phillip: (nervously) would ya mind if I asked your name mam?
Desire: no, not at all honey. My name is desire, but you can call me what ever you want.
Phillip: ill stick with mam
Desire: (delighted) ok Hun whatever you like.
(Notices that he is still standing)
Desire: why don’t you sit down honey, take aloud off, I aint gonna hurt ya.
Phillip: yes mam.
(He sits down awkwardly across the table from her, and she laughs sympathetically)
Desire: (with an inviting yet mischievous smile) come on honey, come sit a little closer.
(He scoots the chair a little closer0
Desire: (with a slight tolerant giggle) ok, a bit closer than that.
(he scoot a little closer, and she gets up with a sigh and moves toward him. he stiffens in an almost terrified manner as she grabs his chair and moves him to her desired position with there inner thighs almost touching. He lets out a squeak as this happens, and fingers his shirt and collar in a seductive way)
Desire: (satisfied) there that’s better, don’t you think?
Phillip: (still stiffened and barely able to speak, he lets out mere noises to sound his agreement.) uh huh
Desire: so tell me, what’s your name? Or do I call you honey for the rest of the night?
Phillip: Phillip, my names Phillip.
Desire: Phillip…that’s a good name, a strong name. Tell me Phillip do you think I am pretty?
(He nods in agreement)
Desire: (smiling) you are such a sweet man. Thank you.
Phillip: (almost blushing) you’re welcome.
(Desire keeps talking very quietly to Phillip, and moving closer to him. You can tell he is not a very touchy feely person. She is moving closer in an attempt to break him of the habit and gain his trust, Beautiful women intimidate him. They do all this while hart and rudiger talk)
Hart: aint this something?
Rudiger: what’s that?
Hart: our young friend getting some attention and he doesn’t even have to try to.
Rudiger: makes you wonder what the catch is huh?
Hart: sure. But then again was there a catch in the first place?
Rudiger: (sighs in defeat) ok Hart what do you mean?
Hart: well consider the players, a timid young man and a beautifully sensuous woman, yet is it what it seems? You see, what we perceive of each other in life isn’t always the truth. Take Phillip for example, is he truly the timid, uneasy, unconfident friend we know or is he merely playing the part to make us believe that he is for the sake of gaining what he desires. Or could it be that young desire puts up her front so that we will not see how emotionally vulnerable she has become in her years. Still the question remains, what truth do we seek to begin with? Phillip could be playing the part because he knows that desire would have him simply because she finds his persona cute or she feels bad for him. But is that what we want to believe?
Rudiger: what does what we believe have to do with it?
Hart: (excited) everything my friend! You see there could be no catch, nothing other than the simplicity of what we see. He is scared of her and she is intrigued by him, but if we believe that there is a catch to it, well then that could change everything. For all we have to do is say that there is a catch and the mind begins to wonder, therefore causing of young friends to doubt what the other is feeling, destroying the whole moment.
Rudiger: (shooting desire a quick glance) so do we say something if we believe there is a catch?
Hart: absolutely not!
Rudiger: why not?
Hart: because Phillip is a very tense young man and the lady seems to be willing to cure him of that, in essence she will make a man out of him. Top me off would ya friend.
Rudiger: that is some mind you have there hart. (Fills up his drink)
(They continue to talk quietly to each other as Phillip and desire start talking louder again. A key is produced in rudigers hand and they plainly discuss what is going to be done with the key. Lanyard has fallen asleep on the bar. The lone man sits alone still not making a sound staring into his drink)
Desire: (softly) give me your hand honey.
(He gives it to her and she slides it onto one of her breast, he gets rigid once again)
Desire: its ok, relax, enjoy it. I do.
(She grabs him and starts kissing him intensely, he could do whatever he wants at this point. Shake his leg like a dog, throw his arms and legs out and go stiff. What ever he likes, I advise just getting creative between the two actors)
(She backs away from him and he is stunned, again play with this, Rudiger calls him up to the bar)
Rudiger: hey kid come’er!
(Phillip goes up to the bar and meets them shyly)
Rudiger: (hands him a bottle of whisky two glasses and a key) I have a room in back take this and enjoy it on Hart, ok kid?
Hart: yeah, go get your woman kid. Go on now.
(Phillip walks over to desire and looks at her for a moment)
Desire: what is it hon.
(Phillip grabs her hand in his and takes off to the room with her. The door slams and Lanyard jerks awake at the sound)
Lanyard: what the hell was that?!
Hart: the soft fluttering wings of the birds and the bees.
Lanyard: (agitated) confusing pecker wood you. I’m goin back to sleep, don’t bother me.
Rudiger: don’t worry we wont, ill make sure of that myself.
(Lanyard puts his head down mumbling to himself, holding his drink tight in his arms; hart has a pensive look on his face)
Rudiger: what’s on your mind hart?
Hart: oh just thinking on the night.
Rudiger: the night huh?
Hart: yeah…. (In a very noble tone) for what obstacles will we find nesting in her bosom, (holding his drink up and looking at it) and how shall we embrace them?
Rudiger: so you think a storm is brewing on the horizon?
Hart: only father time can answer that question, what time is it?
Rudiger: oh, it looks like a quarter past 12.
Hart: very good. Hey would ya mind topping me off old friend?
Rudiger: sure thing hart, sure thing.
(Rudiger tops off harts drink while Lanyard lay sleeping, Hart speaks quietly to Rudiger as he is staring intently and the room where Desire and Phillip are. He has a look of hurt and worry on his face. the man still sits in the corner of the bar. the lights fade out while the bar music fades up.)
End scene one
Scene two
(Lights come up on a bed room scene; Desire is on the bed while Phillip stands in the corner with a bottle of whisky. She has a very confident look about her and he looks very nervous. The room should look like a classic hotel room with just a touch of brothel added to the bedroom suit. Really it depends on who is directing as to how it looks that is just my suggestion. Lights are low)
Desire: alright Conan, you got me in here, what are we gonna do know?
(Phillip, quietly nursing his bottle of whiskey, shrugs)
Desire: aint you got anything to say honey?
(Phillip responds in the same way)
Desire: (giving up) well at least come over and sit by me.
(Phillip moves closer to her but remains standing)
Desire: (realizing and sympathetic) I thought you were just nervous earlier, but you really don’t know what you are doing do you? (More concerned now) Christ, this must be terrifying for you?
(Phillip takes a swig of the whisky and sort of nods in agreement)
Desire: (curious) is this your first time with a woman honey?
(Phillip shakes his head in agreement)
Desire: is this your first time near a woman other than your mom?
(Again Phillip nods his head in agreement)
Desire: but you want to be near a woman….dont you?
(He looks embarrassed, if he can blush that would be great)
Desire: huh……you are quite the intriguing fella aren’t you?
(Phillip shrugs)
Desire: well we will just see what we can accomplish here, wont we?
(Phillip just stares at her now with great terror as she gets up and moves over to him. She gives him a kiss that makes him go rigid)
Desire: ill be back in a minute honey, I’ve got to go and freshen up.
(Phillip watches her leave, then goes over to the bed and slumps down on it in relief. Takes a swig off the bottle then holding it with both hands he begins his monologue)
Phillip: (some what nervous and upset) he was right; I’m not man enough to handle this woman! Fool! Look at your self! What the hell are you doing? You drag her in here and just stare at her like a….a…..a…..a…a…I don’t even know! There is not a man…not a thing in this world that would just stand there and do nothing when a beautiful woman offers herself up like that! I mean she couldn’t have spelled it out any clearer than that. Man….man why did I just freeze up like that? (Takes a swig off the bottle) I’m not a man at all; I’m not even a boy according to his standards. (Chuckles, almost reminiscent) The funny thing is he’s not even my father (his face and tone grow angry) so why does he hold such sway in my life? Other than the bar we have no connection! Why do you hate me……you bastard…. (Stands up) you son of a bitch! Look what you’ve done to me! I’m a freakin wreck because of you! (Slumps back down on the bed) I can’t even feel the gentle touch of a woman without going into shock. What have you done to me? What have I done to myself? It’s my own fault, I allowed this to happen. (Looks up and notices the door open a little, gets up and moves toward it and peaks in) there she is. The most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on and I’m stuck, frozen in my own fear. (Turns away and walks back over by the bed and sits back down, fingering the bottle lost in thought)
Desire: (from the other room, possibly bathroom) hey Hon? Can you do me a favor and turn on some music and light those candles?
Phillip: sure….. (To himself) I can answer her just fine when she is in another room but not here. Damn fool.
(He goes and starts lighting candles and turning on music)
Phillip: lighting candles and turning on music….if only the old man could see me now. The old bastard.
Desire: (once again from the other room) oh and can you turn down the lights?
Phillip: (nervously back to her) yes mam!
Desire: (breathy) thanks Hon!
Phillip: (to himself) no problem.
(He goes over and turns down the lights, as the main lights dim, special lights turn on giving the room a seventies adult film look. Like disco lights different colored lights. Anything that gives the feel of the moment to come. Also if possible the music should change from whatever is playing to a love song to fit the scene)
Phillip: (surprised then turns to really nervous at the sight of this) what the hell….oh God! (Takes a big long swig off the bottle and moves over to the corner of the room) why didn’t I listen to the old man?
(The door to the room where desire is begins to slowly open and it is dark on the inside. A hand appears out of the darkness of the room and with one finger starts motioning him over to the door. He moves to center stage [or in front of the bed, but must be close to the table] he of course has a nervous look about him. When he gets to that spot Desire moves out of the door and her hair is down)
Desire: come on Hon, relax. I aint gonna hurt you.
Phillip: y…yes mam….
(She then starts into a strip tease with this. Please keep in mind it should be raunchily tasteful)
Desire: (breathy) have you ever had a girl dance for you?
Phillip: (shakes his head no)
Desire: (looks at him with pity, feeling sorry for him, still dancing) how sad. I can’t believe no one has ever wanted to do these things for you. Well it’s ok, because I do.
(Feel free to play with this part. The exact points of the dance don’t matter as long as the lines are delivered. Maybe have the two work out the dance together with there dialogue, or get a choreographer)
(Phillip takes a swig off the bottle)
Desire: careful honey, don’t want to get to far gone before we even get started.
Phillip: (quickly) y….yes mam.
(Laughing she takes the bottle from and takes a swig herself)
Desire: (coughs) aah… this stuff tastes like shit! How have you been drinking it?
Phillip: (shrugs) I just have.
(She put s the bottle down and turns to him)
Desire: (with a smile) you know you need to loosen up a bit.
(He looks away from her and she smile and giggles. Not letting him she grabs his face and kisses him)
(He pulls away nervous)
Desire: (her gaze now set and firm) look its ok, you can kiss me, you can touch me, and you can even just look at me if you want.
(He looks up at her at this statement)
Desire: (noticing this action) that’s it isn’t it? That’s where we need to start huh? Well ok we can do that.
(She takes a step back and turns her back to the audience, and starts undoing her bra. [I want her facing in such a way that the audience will only see her backside during all this] she slides off her bra and depending on the actress and theater she can slide off her panties to. [At consent of director and theater, also if this is done a thought would be that she is wearing dance tights. Just a suggestion.] All the while keeping eye contact with Phillip. She stands there for a second and Phillip looks at her wide eyed. She then steps forward speaking to him)
Desire: now it’s your turn.
(She grabs his shirt and kisses him, then starts unbuttoning it, Phillip is breathing really heavy)
(Lights and music fade out while she is doing this)
End Scene Two
Scene three
(Lights come up and music fades down. stage is set the same only with a few changes. Lanyard is now lying on the bar its self embracing several bottles of whiskey now and he is nursing one. Hart and Rudiger are sitting at a table playing chess, and the lone man is still in his spot alone)
Hart: check mate!
Rudiger: damn it! I shoulda known better than playin chess with you Hart, especially betting on it!
Hart: oh come on Rudiger its just one drink.
Rudiger: yeah, yeah, yeah
(He goes to bar and starts making harts drink)
Hart: (teasing) its not like anyone comes in here anyway.
Rudiger: you do.
Hart: yeah but I don’t have any form of a social life other than this
Rudiger: obviously. You spend your nights here drinking with grandpa over there (Rudiger nudges Lanyard, he moans and shifts) hey wake up! You’re drooling all over my bar!
Hart: its no use, you know that
Rudiger: yeah, maybe you’re right. (Moving back over to the table with Hart) so where did you learn to play like that anyway?
Hart: actually, it’s my first time
Rudiger: (in unbelievable awe) you gotta be shittin me?
Hart: no sir, no shittin here!
Rudiger: but how did you know all they rules and how the pieces moved? How did you even know what they were called?
Hart: I read a lot….and I watched a few tournaments on TV
Rudiger: (still skeptical) really?
Hart: yeah, it’s amazing what you can learn when you just watch people do stuff. You should try it someday.
Rudiger: huh, is that so? Maybe I will (he gets up and heads back over to the bar) so is that how you gained your massive amount of genius, just watching people?
Hart: (somewhat unconcerned) more or less. The reality of life can teach you many things old friend, it just all depends on how deeply you are willing to look at the situations that surround you.
Rudiger: interesting…you never cease to amaze me Hart.
(Rudiger begins to clean up the bar; lifting Lanyards head in order to wipe up his drool)
Hart: well I do what I can.
Rudiger: ha! Yeah, right! … (Pauses, thinking, concerned) you know it’s been awhile since Phillip went in there with that girl? (With discontent in his voice) I wonder how our young friend is doin-
(There is a loud shriek from the room with Phillip and desire, then a crash. Lanyard shifts at the sound but doesn’t wake. Desire comes bursting out of the room wearing only her underwear and latching her bra. She has her skirt in hand. Hart and Rudiger look flabbergasted at what they are seeing)
Desire: (in a hurried tone) what are you staring at?! I need ice! Put it in this (hands him the skirt) (to Hart) and I need a towel and some water!
Rudiger: whoa, whoa, whoa what happened in there sweetheart?
(Desire shoots him a puzzled look as Phillip comes waddling out of the room shirtless and with his pants and underwear around his ankles, holding his head and covering his crotch with his shirt. He looks like a drunken man stumbling around on stage)
Phillip: (groaning and moaning)
(Hart and Rudiger are looking back and forth at the scene before them, and then stare at desire as if she has the answers to a mystery)
Desire: (noticing the guys just starring at her) look quit starring at me and get some ice! I’ll explain everything in a minute!
(She heads over to Phillip to help him get his pants up and sit him down)
(Rudiger is getting the ice and Hart takes off to the room, Lanyard lay sleeping)
Desire: (concerned) oh hon, you’re bleeding.
Phillip: (moan)
Desire: you might need stitches though, (he winces as she is looking at his wound) oh! I’m so sorry sweetie!
(Hart comes out of the room and looks excitedly concerned)
Hart: what were yall doing in there? It looks like a battle was fought all over the room, and the table lost! I think I even saw some blood!
Rudiger: (wide eyed) what!
Desire: (embarrassed and apologetic, still hurried) well… what happened was….I….ok look he was just standing there all nervous like with that whiskey bottle, and he wouldn’t do anything. I mean you’d a thought he was a caveman the way he grabbed me and hauled me in there, but once we got there I guess he didn’t know what to do. So I took over, I figured if anyone was gonna do it, it had to be me. So I started taking off my cloths, doin a little dance for him, thought it might ease the tension you know? Plus you can’t screw around with your cloths on, at least not comfortably. When I got done I noticed he had been suckin pretty hard on that bottle, I went to him and took it away laughing, thought id have a drink myself. It was about then he got pretty tense, I think it was because I got real close to him, and started unbuttoning his shirt. He was breathing real heavy, and by the time I got his boxers down to his ankles he yelped like a woman and up and fell over! Out cold! Bashed his head on the table and everything!
Rudiger: what?!
Desire: (to Hart) Now can you please get me that towel and water?!
Hart: yeah!
Rudiger: well is he ok?! Did anything break in the room?! I hope he has insurance!
(Hart comes back with the water and towel)
Desire: he’s fine …..Though…. I don’t think the table can say as much.
Hart: wow, poor fella. The best time he ever had and he breaks his head wide open.
(Hart leaves and goes back into the room)
Rudiger: (aggravated yet concerned) what’s worse the table or his head?
(Desire gets up and goes to Rudiger)
Desire: (sincerely) look im real sorry, I didn’t think he would pass out like that…
Rudiger: (forcibly calming down) its ok kid, I didn’t mean to sound upset. It was just so much to take in at one time, plus I was concerned about Phillip.
Desire: (genuinely apologetic) seriously I really am-
Rudiger: (assuringly firm) it’s ok, ok?
Desire: (with a slightly relieved smile) thanks.
(There is a pause then the two hug each other warmly, then quickly break apart when Hart returns again from the room holding Desires white button up shirt)
Hart: hey guys…. (Noticing the awkward moment)… Call me crazy, but shouldn’t we be a bit more worried about our young squire here?
Desire: yes, yes! (Rushing to Phillip) I’m sorry; I don’t now what I was thinking.
Rudiger: (taking control of the conversation) yeah, do you think he needs stitches?
Desire: I don’t know. Why don’t you take a look?
(Rudiger moves over to Phillip, Hart meets Desire with her shirt)
Hart: (with a suspicious yet puzzled tone) found this on the floor, figured you might be a little more comfortable in it.
Desire: oh….yes, Thank you. I’d forgotten all about that.
(She takes it and slips it on as she moves quickly over to Rudiger; Hart follows them both with his eyes)
Desire: what do you think?
Rudiger: well its hard to say, let me see that rag.
(She hands him the rag, and he starts wiping the wound clearing away the blood. Phillip winces and yelps waking up Lanyard, causing him to fall to the floor behind the bar everyone is startled by this)
Hart: Lanyard, you alright?
(Lanyard slowly peeks up over the counter of the bar, stunned at the sight he is seeing. They all pause staring at each other. Desire pulls her shirt down a bit seeing his gaze set on her, and Rudiger continues looking at the wound, Hart just smiles in amusement now)
Lanyard: wow. A lot happens when you are unconscious.
(They all look up once more, desire looks at him with disdain and moves behind Rudiger out of Lanyards view)
Rudiger: yeah we had an accident. It doesn’t look like he is going to need stitches, though he will need to be bandaged up pretty good.
Hart: well at least it isn’t bad. (Heads back to his drink)
Desire: do you have any bandages anywhere?
Ruduger: yeah, in the first aid kit behind the bar.
Desire: ok
(She heads to the bar to get the kit, and meets Lanyard as he is exiting from behind the bar. There is an awkward moment where they try to get past each other but keep stepping in each others way. Finally she steps to the side and lets him through then gets the first aid kit and brings it back to Rudiger)
Lanyard: (sitting next to Hart) so what happened to the kid?
Hart: fell down and hit his head on the table.
Lanyard: really? Wow that sounds like it hurt like hell.
Hart: yeah, looks like it to.
Lanyard: good, the little nut sack deserves it.
(Desire looks up at him as he says this)
Hart: What? Why?
Lanyard: (without looking at Hart) he just does.
Hart: simple enough I guess.
Lanyard: sure.
Desire: (joining the conversation) how can you be like that?
Lanyard: like what?
Desire: how could you be a complete dick to him?
Lanyard: it’s pretty easy actually.
Desire: (getting angry) you asshole! He hasn’t done anything to you so why treat him like shit!
Lanyard: (nonchalant) maybe I don’t like children……..maybe I don’t like who he is……..or maybe I just don’t like him.
Desire: (visibly angry now) you don’t like who he is! You just don’t like him! You don’t even know who he is! You know nothing about him!
(Lanyard gets up and moves to her with calm certainty)
Lanyard: (with a twisted smile) I don’t have to spread my legs to know someone-
(Desire slaps him and he takes it, she continues to slap him, by the third one Rudiger grabs her hand or puts his arm around her to stop her)
Rudiger: (firm) if you to are finished our friend is bandaged up and could use some help getting to the bed to lie down.
(Desire goes to Phillip and notices that the bandages are wrapped around his head, chin to crown holding the skirt wrapped ice in place. It is somewhat comical but not a lot of attention is brought to it. She then helps him up and to the bed room)
Rudiger: (moves closer to Lanyard, almost face to face, nose to nose) I suppose you need your drink freshened up, huh?
Lanyard: (sarcastically) why yes bartender, why don’t you be a dear and top me off.
(Rudiger stares him down for a moment then goes to get his drink, then returns it to him. While he is doing that, Lanyard sits down and mumbles to himself)
Lanyard: (to himself) I know plenty about the kid; he comes in here every night. So of course I know him.
Rudiger: (hands him the drink but hangs on to it as Lanyard grabs it) here’s your drink, (strong and through clenched teeth) and if you ever speak to her that way again, or do something to harm that kid, I swear I will end you!
(Shoves the drink into him, enough so that it splashes out of the glass on him a little. Lanyard stares at him for a bit then goes to his chair at the table)
Hart: (to himself, almost narrative) and so the obstacles are already unveiling themselves.
Rudiger: (distant) I’m sorry did you say something Hart?
Hart: oh just thinking out loud old friend.
Rudiger: oh ok.
Hart: top me off?
Rudiger: (clearing his mind) sure.
Hart: thanks friend.
(Desire enters from the bedroom and walks past Lanyard yet doesn’t make eye contact with him. She can feel that the tension is still in the air but it is lessening. She heads up to the bar and catches a seat next to Hart)
Desire: shot o Jose and a glass of water.
Hart: strange combination.
Desire: yeah, I need somthin strong to calm me, and something wet to hydrate me after all that.
(Rudiger brings her her drinks)
Rudiger: (warmly) here ya go sweetheart.
Desire: (catches his gaze and holds it until Hart interrupts) thanks
Hart: (noticing the two) I suppose you are right.
Desire: (startled) huh, what? Oh yeah, sure.
Hart: (suspicious) everything alright?
Desire: (a little nervous tension) yeah why do you ask?
Hart: you just seem troubled.
Desire: oh…no I’m fine. It’s just this last hour has been crazy.
Hart: true. (A pensive silence) have you ever thought about the eyes? They are a very unique creation. Probably one of the most unique things God ever created.
(Rudiger is cleaning some glasses but he has an eye on the two as they speak)
Desire: how do you figure?
Hart: (sipping his drink, he almost seems more interested in it than the conversation) well think about it, the eyes can open the very doors to a person’s soul. Or hide it from the world. The eyes can keep the intentions of a mans heart a secret from everyone or tell the whole world if they so desired.
Desire: really?
Hart: sure why not?
Desire: (inquisitively) so what are mine saying?
Hart: (matter of fact, still absorbed in his drink) that you are trying to hide something.
(Desire is shocked that he would just out and say that to her, she pauses to think of what to say)
Desire: well I-
Hart: its ok you don’t have to explain.
Desire: its not that I-
Hart: (clearly interrupting her) hey Rudiger how bout another round of Jose over here, I want one to.
Rudiger: (still a little uneasy) comin right up!
Desire: what are the drinks for?
Hart: to drown away our sorrows! To rid us of the night! To…….have a little fun.
Desire: (at ease) ok, lets.
(Rudiger places the drinks in front of them with one in his hand)
Rudiger: well, shall we? (Motions with his glass as if to say lets drink)
Hart: (amused) well alright! The bartender is going to join us! Now that means it is a good time!
Desire: (playfully) wow, you don’t really see that very often.
Rudiger: (defensively yet with a smile) hey! I drink to you know.
Desire: Ok! Ok! I get it.
Hart: well because it never really happens, something should be said…..
(He pauses and thinks)
Hart: ah, I’ve got it!
(Raising his glass he signals for the others to do the same)
Hart: look to the skies, and to your toes! Here’s to the eyes, down you go!
ALL: Yo ho!
(They all take the shot)
Rudiger: (coughs a little) here’s to the eyes?
Hart: yeah, I just made it up.
Rudiger: what does it mean?
Desire: (not wanting this to go any further) just a joke between friends is all.
Hart: yeah just a joke.
Rudiger: oh, ok.
(She shoots Hart a quick look as Rudiger turns away; Hart turns around with his original drink in his hand)
Hart: ah, life is good, aint it?
(Rudiger and Desire stare at each other for a second before responding)
Desire: sure it is. (Starts getting up) I better go check on Phillip.
Rudiger: yeah, gotta see how he’s doin. I gotta run in the back and grab some more tequila, would ya mind keeping an eye on things for me Hart?
Hart: sure no problem, go ahead.
(Rudiger starts to leave as Hart says something more stopping him)
Hart: did you know that you can tell a lot by looking into a mans eyes Rudiger?
(Rudiger stares at him for a moment with a knowing look on his face, then exits, lights fade leaving a spot on Hart)
Hart: it seems Father Time is revealing the storm already, heh, through the medium of a mans eyes. How intriguing old friend…… how intriguing. (Takes a sip of his drink) yet the storm has found nothing but a cold welcoming. You can almost sense her anger in the air; I guess we will just see how she rides out. Yeah, we will see.
(He turns again to the bar and holds his drink with both hands. The lights fade up; Lanyard still sits at the table. It Begins with Lanyard speaking to himself)
Lanyard: (angrily to himself) who the hell is he to threaten me? ……me of all people…..thinks he is something …ill show him…ill show the whole lot of ‘em.
Hart: (consoling) awe come on old man, he was just standin up for the lady.
Lanyard: (through clenched teeth, not facing him) no one was speaking to you.
Hart: oh, well I figured unless you were talking to the air, it had to be me.
Lanyard: (still through clenched teeth) I was talking to myself.
Hart: (hesitant) oh….
Lanyard: (accusing) what?
Hart: nothing….I just find it strange that you are talking to yourself.
Lanyard: what, an old man talks to himself and its strange? (Getting a little more intense) Why, he must be crazy if he talks to himself, is that right?! Is that it?! It couldn’t be that he was just thinking out loud, could it?!
Hart; whoa! Slow down there old man! No one here is callin you crazy alright?!
Lanyard: (accusing and angry) sure you are! You all are! I see it in your eyes every time you look at me! Especially that bastard bartender! I’m nothing but crazy to him, but I tell you this; if he wants crazy ill give him crazy! I know his secret! He doesn’t think so, but I do! I know all about him and that little whore that came traipsing in here tonight! The same one that comes in here every night!
Hart: (surprised but offended) hey watch it now! That bastard bartender left me in charge while he was gone and I’m not gonna have anyone talking about a lady like that!
Lanyard: (still through clenched teeth) you shut your damn mouth boy! You don’t know a damn thing! That….that thing is no lady, you hear me?! She is no lady!
Hart: (firm but understanding) alright now old man, you’re drunk, and you need to calm down!
Lanyard: what do you know?
Hart: what do you mean Lanyard? Come on man, we’ve been sitting here all night having a good time and you’ve just been pissed. What’s got you in such a bad mood?!
Lanyard: (low but firm) you. All you people around here who think you have it all figured out, you think you know what everyone in the world needs but you don’t. You have no idea what is needed. Sitting there up on your pedestal thinking you know all the working’s inside this world. You may be wise, but you have not yet lived what I have. You have not seen the terrors and hell that can consume ones life in one hand and destroy it in the other. (Getting louder and more intense) But I have my young friend…I have! I tell you here and now the world has no care for what you think it needs. And one day when you’ve have lived as long as I have, you will see that! Mark my words you will see it! (Calming a bit) all that is worried about, all that is thought upon, all that is wanted is truth or blood, and sometimes both. This world longs for it, (now condescending) so your sweet little beliefs that you hold so dear are worthless, and as far as the world is concerned, they are no more important than shit! So forget about it! There is no telling what is needed, because no one knows and can know! you hear me?!
(He looks at Hart for a bit then sits down mumbling incoherently to himself. Lights fade from the bar and rise on the backroom scene with Rudiger rampantly searching through boxes for something)
Rudiger: where the hell is it? Ahh I know its here, I just stocked it the other day! There is no way I can be out! This is ridiculous! (Stands up and pauses for a moment) I can’t be out of everything…can I?
(Shifts to the other side of the room looking through boxes and tossing stuff everywhere)
Rudiger: damn it! Why can’t I find anything around here! (Takes a box and starts beating it against a wall in a fury of frustration) nothing is ever where I last put it! Nothing! I don’t understand it, I’m the only one who ever comes in here (very frustrated and angry) I’m the only one with a key! (Sits and puts his head in his lap) What’s going on? Why can’t I find anything…….why can’t I let her go-…… (Pauses on that as if realizing what he just said) so that’s it huh? She shows up and you let it throw your whole world into a tail spin. Damn man; get a hold of your self! That was a long time ago and things have changed. (Gets up and starts to pick up a bit) she definitely isn’t the same person you remember, so get that through your head! (Stops and picks up an empty bottle) plus she has the kid now….. (Sarcastically) heh, you made sure of that. Plus I would only complicate things. Face it you old bastard there is no place for you in her life anymore… there’s no place for men like you anymore anyway. You are a dieing breed that no one wants…… (Looks at the bottle thoughtfully) either way I’m out of liquor, I guess that’s a good sign for a bar huh? All the liquor drank away? I had better get this mess cleaned up then go out and get some….plus I need a drink after all this. (Starts cleaning putting the room back together)
(Lights fade out over the back room and light up in the bedroom on Desire sitting on the bed next to Phillip fiddling with his hair)
Desire: (loving and quiet, looking at and speaking to Phillip) cute bastard….who would of thought I would actually have feelings for you. I’m here every night and you never notice me, though I have noticed you. So strange sitting there with those old men and you being so young, it’s a portrait that can only come from the oddest of minds. I watch you, you know? I do, every evening. I watch as you seek the attention and approval of that horrible man. That old son of a bitch Lanyard, why do you let him treat you so? Don’t you realize his thoughts don’t matter? Maybe that’s why….I know just how you feel. The only difference is that I am older now…..much too old for this game of pretend, yet I play every night like it’s the first time. Tell me my sleeping prince charming….how do I leave this place of weakness and forget the terrible things I have said? The things that have hurt so many that I love. (She pauses and waits as if Phillip is going to say something) I thought so, how can I expect you to tell me when you don’t even have the answers yourself…when you are not even awake
(She gets up and moves to the front and center of the room, and lights come up slightly on the other to rooms signifying that the other two characters are going to speak)
Desire: (as if speaking to God) God can you help me? I long to forget the past…to forget all the mistakes… (She starts to cry and slides to her knees) can you make it all disappear? Just make it go away.
(Phillip stirs and lets out a slight moan, she looks back at him then wipes her eyes and gets up and goes to him. Lights fade over them slightly and come up on Lanyard and Hart [the guy is still sitting in the corner with his drink] Lanyard attempts to get up but loses his balance and falls down spilling his drink and Hart rushes to him)
Hart: (concerned) hey, you ok old man? Let me help you up.
(Grabs his arm and shoulder to help him up, upon his touch Lanyard wrenches away)
Lanyard: don’t you touch me! I don’t need your help! (Starts to get up and just falls back down, hart watches this in awe) what! Go ahead and laugh at the old man! I know you want to!
Hart: (taken aback) no, Lanyard i’m not. Look maybe you need to slow down a bit you know, maybe just kick back and sober up a little?
Lanyard: fuck you! Condescending son of a bitch!
(Hart looks at him then puts his head down and goes back to the bar, grabs his drink, looks at it then puts it down. Lanyard turns away from him picking the bottle up off the ground and pulls his knees to his chest. The lights fade down on them and up on the back room with Rudiger putting the last box in place)
Rudiger: (sighs) I better get going, I don’t want to leave Hart baby sitting in there to long.
(Opens the door and starts to walk out then stops)
Rudiger: its all gotta end sometime.
(Turns out the light then walks out the door. Desire and Phillip make their way into the bar and sit down on the bench. Lanyard is already laid down asleep under the table. Hart gets up and goes over to him and takes the bottle out of his hands and returns to the bar with it and sits down. The lights go down and the music fades up. Note that the music should move with the emotions of the scenes)
End Scene Three
Scene four
(Lights fade up and music goes down, scene opens with Lanyard now under the table asleep. Desire sitting on a bench by the wall with Phillips head in her lap. Phillip is asleep and her eyes are closed. Hart is staring into his drink as Rudiger enters the stage. He has a brown paper bag in his hand. Noticing the scene before him he shakes his head)
Rudiger: what, am I running a hotel or a bar? (Pause) Sometimes I wish someone different would come in.
Hart: (taking notice of the statement) you don’t like us?
Rudiger: no, it’s not that at all.
Hart: (jokingly) because you know I think we are pretty nice people.
Rudiger: really it’s not that, ok?
Hart: ok, ok I get you.
Rudiger: so, how long did it take everyone to conk out?
Hart: well let’s see….grumpy over there started mumbling something about knights and honor, then crawled under the table and passed out about….oh, id say half hour after you left. The other two came out a little later and sat down right there. It wasn’t long before they were done to.
Rudiger: wow, light weights huh?
Hart: (agreeing) looks like it.
Rudiger: (to himself) honor…huh interesting.
Hart: what’s interesting?
Rudiger: do you think that in some past life grumpy was a knight in shinning armor?
Hart: maybe a knight, but shinning, I don’t think so.
Rudiger: it’s strange, the only thing we know about him is his name and that he is always in a bad mood.
Hart: you know your right. We know nothing of him really.
Rudiger: yep.
(He begins to remove the contents of the bag. A bottle of tequila and some other miscellaneous whisky bottles)
Hart: wow you must have really been running low?
Rudiger: (busy putting the bottles away, probably behind the bar on the shelf, but under the bar is fine to) yeah, I got to the back and realized that I was missing a few things so I ran to the liquor store.
Hart: oh so that’s what took you so long.
Rudiger: (pausing for a moment) yeah….sorry about that.
Hart: (taking quick notice of his pause) its fine, not much was goin on around here anyway.
Rudiger: yeah-
(Lanyard moves around under the table and begins to mumble)
Lanyard: nnnggg…..knight…….gallant……rescue….sir Heffner….Hugh…..
(He shifts a bit more then falls back to sleep0
Hart: speaking of strange……
Rudiger: how long has he been like that?
Hart: oh…. for about 45 minutes.
Rudiger: I wonder if we should wake him up.
Hart: you can if you want I’m just gonna sit here and enjoy the moment.
Rudiger: what moment?
Hart: (to Rudiger, but not looking at him) the one where he is quiet, and sleeping. And the one to come where you wake him up and he goes crazy on you.
Rudiger: (cynical) he won’t go crazy on me. He is grumpy but he’s not hostile.
Hart: (sarcastic) sure.
Rudiger: watch, you’ll see.
(Rudiger heads over to Lanyard and nervously starts to shake him)
Rudiger: hey…Lanyard….wake up old man….hey you are goin-
(Lanyard jumps awake with a huge start, screaming, and is flailing around, thrashing his arms about and swinging. He is knocking things over and glasses break. The man alone in the corner doesn’t even flinch, Desire and Phillip wake up startled)
Lanyard: ahhh! Ahhhhhhhhh! Die you son of bitch! I will rend your body in twain and keep thy head as a trophy!
Rudiger: (dodging the blows) Whoa! Whoa! Lanyard calm down man, it’s me Rudiger!
Lanyard: you speak lies foul demon! You cousin of Satan himself! I know no such name! Die!
(Hart watches in wonder and amusement while the others are frozen with shock, as Lanyard pulls a sword from beneath the table, though it seems as though it came out of nowhere)
Hart: (now concerned) hey now wait a minute Lanyard, this isn’t funny! The act is going to far now!
Lanyard: act…there is no act here sire! Stay thy hand and I will bring an end to this beast! Die I say!
Rudiger: whoa Lanyard stop! Seriously!
Desire: (scared) what’s going on?! Some body do something!
Hart: (authoritive) Now you listen to me Lanyard! Calm the hell down right now, and put that sword away!
(Backing Rudiger against the wall, with sword to his throat, Desire and Phillip are now d and to the r of Lanyard)
Lanyard: (firmly reverential) I am truly sorry my king, but this beast threatens danger and it must be made dead!
Desire: (desperate) please Lanyard stop!
Hart: you think I am your king?!
Lanyard: yes sire! Has this demon vexed you so that you cannot remember who you are?! Remember my king; I was thine father’s guardian and closest comrade! I promised him whilst in his final hour that I would do the same for you! Do you not recall!
Hart: what?! What the hell are you talking about?!
Lanyard: what sorcery have you placed upon my king wretch?!
Rudiger: I don’t know what you are talking about man!
Lanyard: speak swiftly or die slowly!
(Hart nods to Phillip as he gets up and tries to move behind Lanyard. Lanyard sees him out of the corner of his eye)
Lanyard: (turning to Phillip) so you to are of the ranks of the wicked! (Hart reaches behind the bar and grabs the club, Rudiger notices and motions for him to toss it to him) Very well, you shall die to!
Rudiger: look drop the sword and calm the hell down, now damit!
(Desire moves slowly to c flush with Phillip, directly behind him)
Desire: please…put the sword down Lanyard….please!
Lanyard: quiet your lips wench and cloth yourself! Evil temptress of the night! God will strike you down for your fornication!
(Rudiger quickly looks at her)
Phillip: (scared and nervous) h…hey don’t talk to her like that!
Lanyard: what and respect the stench of such whoredom?!
Rudiger: hey! Watch you mouth!
Lanyard: nay! You watch yours demon!
Rudiger: that’s my daughter you bastard!
(They all look at him in unison, and Lanyard smile wide)
Lanyard: oh, so she is the spawn of a beast? No wonder she craves such adultery!
Rudiger: all right I have had enough! Time for this to end!
Lanyard: yes demon! Time for this to end!
(He lunges at Phillip)
Lanyard: die!
(He lunges and stabs Phillip in the gut and he falls to the ground and starts to slowly die)
Desire: No!
(She starts toward Phillip and Lanyard stops her with the point of the sword)
Lanyard: let him be!
Rudiger: I’m telling you know old man, if you let him die-
(While his attention is on Rudiger, Desire breaks for Phillip and with gracefulness Lanyard turns and slashes her in the chest. She screams and falls to the ground)
Rudiger: I’ll kill you!
(Turning his attention to Hart)
Lanyard: (bowing) what say you sire?
(Hart turns his head, while Rudiger looks on in awe)
Lanyard: (to Rudiger, bowing with his sword down) then it is as you wish sir.
(Rudiger stares for a moment then with fury rushes forward and hits him in the head with the club as he is bowing)
Rudiger: Son of a bitch! (Hits him a few more times out of pure rage)
(Hart watches the scene before him with a knowing stare, Rudigers onslaught is interrupted by a moaning coming from behind him)
Desire: (moan)
Rudiger: (turning to her with fright) ……Desire….sweetheart?
Desire: (moans again)
Rudiger: (rushing to her) sweetheart! Are you alright?
(He lifts her up in his arms but she is unable to hold herself up)
Desire: (weak and scared) daddy?
Rudiger: (with fear in his voice) shh…its ok baby doll. Just take it easy. Try not to move to much ok.
(Rudiger starts checking the wound)
Desire: Daddy?
Rudiger: (fighting tears) y…yes sweetheart?
Desire: (fighting to talk through the pain) I. I’m sorry for the things I said to you that night. I…I never meant them.
Rudiger: (still fighting tears) its ok sweet heart….I know you didn’t.
Desire: Daddy plea…please say you forgive me.
Rudiger: (crying) I forgive you……
(She dies in his arms)
Rudiger: (through tears) Desire? Sweetheart? (He kisses her on the forehead, then lays her gently on the floor, still crying) I love you sweetheart, goodbye. (After a moment he stands up and speaks to Hart but not looking at him) you know that’s the first time she has called me daddy since she was 11? Heh, that was the first time I told her I loved her since she left. (Starts to cry then composes himself) I never cared about what was going on in her life, I didn’t care when she succeeded. Then she left and I was alone….I resented her for that, you never leave home, you always stay hear with your family. That’s how it goes you know? (Looks at Hart) How selfish was I? I didn’t care how hard her life had become; I didn’t care what she was going through. All I cared about was how she had hurt me, and I was never there. And now….when she needed me most….when she needed me to protect her and the one she cared for….I….I….(starts to cry and then stops) she’s dead now, and there is nothing I can do about it.
(Hart has been watching him this whole time listening to him)
Rudiger: (almost agitated but still distraught) well don’t you have anything sage like to say?
(Hart takes a sip of his drink and just looks at him)
Rudiger: nothing….all that wisdom you spout out, and now you have nothing. Seems right you know it all ends and there are no words but my own. (Walks back behind the bar and pours a shot) in the end we all find ourselves alone don’t we? (Shoots the shot) surrounded by darkness and silence, all alone with our thoughts to guide us. (Moves to Desires body, picks her up and lays her with Phillip. Speaking all the while) you know I’ve heard so many people tell me what they think awaits us on the other side, and that we should act a certain way to make it there, whether it is heaven, hell, purgatory, or the dark side of the moon behind some comet, and the only conclusion I’ve come up with is that they are all full of shit. We don’t know what to expect until we get there. All we can do is hope that we have done something right while here on this God forsaken planet, so we might meet some form of peace on the other side. (After placing the body he goes to the bar and casually reaches behind it and pours another shot) I guess what I’m trying to say is…..when we get down to the core of it all, none of this matters. Because we have left the world nothing, and we are left with nothing but the hope and fear that somewhere on the other side, there is rest. (Shoots the shot and grabs the gun from behind the bar and steps out in front revealing it to the audience, and goes to Hart and shakes his hand) you’ve been a good friend and an even better listener.
Hart: fare the well old friend
Rudiger: (smiles) and you as well
(Rudiger exits to the back room but it is completely black so no one can see, and after a few seconds of silence on the stage a gun shot is heard signifying that Rudiger is dead, Hart then moves behind the bar and freshens up his drink, the guy in the corner with the drink is still there unmoved by the events that have transpired)
Hart: (speaking to the guy in the corner but not acknowledging him) you know that was a pretty heartless way to go about things?
Smith: (not facing Hart) maybe so, but my choice nonetheless.
Hart: True, it just kind of surprised me you know?
Smith: you should know better than to be surprised by what I do. You are my voice…or have you forgotten that to?
Hart: No, I haven’t forgotten
Smith: It would do you well not to.
Hart: (moving back to his seat) I understand, but do tell me, where did the sword come from?
Smith: I gave it to him….or rather I willed it to him as some might say. I figured it would make his death more interesting, if not comical.
Hart: (puzzled) comical?
Smith: yes…comical. What better way to end an old mans life than to have him live what he has always dreamed?
Hart: I suppose so.
Smith: (in a questioning manner, yet amused) you didn’t like it?
Hart: though I can’t deny its creativity, I would have chosen a different rout….something more subtle and painless…..death in his sleeps maybe?
Smith: true, he was an old man. Though, this being our last together I found it fitting to give it a little flare, a little class. Everything else is too predictable.
Hart: our last?
Smith: you didn’t see it coming?
Hart: yes and no. I figured it would be soon, I just didn’t think tonight.
Smith: I guess it fits; my own creation can’t even follow my steps. No one can truly understand me, not even myself.
Hart: it seems so.
Smith: I commend you though. You have done very well, just not well enough.
Hart: yes, I wish I could have done better.
Smith: as do I. you definitely were my closest friend.
Hart: I am glad. It was an honor to be so.
Smith: yes….an honor.
(Smith gets up with his drink and moves over to Hart)
Smith: my exit is upon me friend.
Hart: as is mine then.
(Hart sets his drink down and Smith hands Hart his)
Smith: thank you.
Hart: aye
(They shake hands and embrace as two soldiers or sailors may. Then Smith exists out the door Desire entered through)
Hart: (he moves to front center) and so I come to my end and, it seems, the storm has proven to be too much. Such cruel games we play with father time, Games of survival and death. Though the outcome is always the same. For you see death will find us all in the end, no matter how hard we fight to survive. (To the audience) The difference is that my death is nothing like yours, for we are very different beings, even though our skin tells a very different story. Even so it doesn’t matter now anyway. Enjoy yours when it comes…and maybe, just maybe your hopes and dreams of what you’ll find on the other side will come true. I hope you find heaven…..or whatever it is you are searching for.
(Finishes the drink then walks back to the bar. As he gets there he grabs his chest and stumbles falling to the ground coughing, slowly dieing. As this is happening the lights go out and the music comes up. Now here there can be a skim that comes down or a complete scene change it does not matter but the setting needs to be inside a psyche ward and there needs to be a sign that reads “terries asylum” and there is two men sitting at two desk opposite each other dressed all in white. If it is a constructed set there need to be double doors in the center with windows at the top like in hospitals. Scene opens with the two men talking)
Mundsy: you catch the game last night?
Steve: (reading news paper and not looking up) yep
(Pauses for awkward silence, Mundsy uses this for effect)
Mundsy: quite the game huh?
Steve: yep
Mundsy: (frustrated) you never listen to me do you?
Steve: yep
Mundsy: (frustrated) you hate me don’t you?
Steve: yep
Mundsy: humph figures.
Steve: (realizing that he said something) huh? Did you say something?
Mundsy: (giving up) no I jus-
(Doors open and a man in white walks smith out in a straight jacket and both men stand up)
Steve: hello smith.
Smith: hello Steve.
Steve: how was therapy today?
Smith: it went well; I think I finally got my emotions under control.
(Smith turns with the man and exits the stage. The two men watch them as they leave)
(Curtain)
The end
