by
Jen Sjolund
Tommy, bar owner
Claire, Tommy's girlfriend/bartender
Valerie, Tommy's ex-girlfriend/business partner
Joe, a regular/war vet
[Setting: An old empty bar, anywhere. Scene 1. It is after hours and the bar is closed. Tommy is sitting at the counter with many bottles of beer next to him. He falls alseep.Valerie enters.]
VALERIE
Tommy! Wake up. My god, how many have you had?
TOMMY
I was dreaming…
VALERIE
I’m done with the books, now I’m cleaning up your mess!
TOMMY
It was a beautiful dream.
VALERIE
Make yourself useful for once--
TOMMY
God it’s always the same damn thing with you!
VALERIE
I ordered the new counter.
TOMMY
You what?! The counter is not replaceable!
VALERIE
Everything else is new, except this damn thing. It doesn’t fit the look I’m going for.
TOMMY
No. Some things are not to be replaced.
VALERIE
Remodeled, Tommy, the whole bar has been remodeled.
TOMMY
It is not an option, Val. This one is not up to you! I picked it out for a reason, it’s been here since the beginning, and it will be here until the end.
VALERIE
I made the executive decision. It’ll be here next week.
TOMMY
Being part owner does not give you the executive decision!
VALERIE
Someone needs to be able to make decisions around here. You know what? We will have this conversation when you aren’t completely wasted. Let’s go.
TOMMY
I’m not going, I have too much on my mind. I need to be here. Alone.
VALERIE
Fine.
[Valerie exits. Tommy lies his head on the table again, and falls asleep. Tommy's dream. Video of the ocean at night, with the moon reflecting in it, is projected onto the stage. Claire enters, holding a crystal.]
TOMMY
You finally came. But, I knew you would--
[Claire walks toward Tommy, holding the crystal out to him.]
After all this time-- How could you? Why-- why’d you leave me?
[Claire holds the crystal to her chest, and begins to exit, but stops as Tommy speaks. He reaches under the counter and takes out a bottle of pills and a polishing cloth.]
I should get rid of these, but I can’t. I can’t get rid of anything. It’s all I have left. I didn’t even know you still had them. Joe showed me where you kept… everything. I had no idea. How could I not have noticed? You were strong Claire! We were strong! We drift apart, only for a moment, and you’re gone? You were stronger than that. You knew me better than that. I thought you would come back, that night--
[Claire exits. Video fades out. End dream. Tommy slams the bottle of pills on the countertop, and takes another drink.]
I waited—I, I was wrong.
[End scene 1.]
[Scene 2: A Tuesday morning. Joe walks towards the bar, as he gets to the entrance he suddenly stops, and prepares to sneak up behind Claire.]
CLAIRE
Joe!
[Joe laughs]
You get me everytime! Jesus.
JOE
It’s not hard when no one else is around! Tommy’s already got you running the place!
CLAIRE
Hardly. I’m just polishing up some last minute details you know.
JOE
It’s looking great!
[Claire hands Joe a beer]
Ah, you shouldn’t have. It’s Tuesday morning! …what’s it matter.
CLAIRE
I’m sure you didn’t come all this way just to try and scare me.
JOE
Yeah, well, you know. You must be a morning person.
CLAIRE
Depends on the night before!
JOE
Sounds like Tommy needs to step his game up!
CLAIRE
(giggles) What are you doing up here so early?
JOE
On my way to the market, actually. Nothing like a mango in the morning. I tell ya… I spent most my life going to sleep as the sun came up. It’s nothing short of miraculous, after all these years-- to see each new day as it comes--
CLAIRE
I understand completely.
JOE
How does a sweet young girl like you understand a jaded vet-- completely?
CLAIRE
Well! Even ‘sweet young girls’ need miracles, sometimes.
JOE
Tommy told me about the hospital.
CLAIRE
He did?
JOE
Tough shit.
CLAIRE
He helped me through it. I tried to clean up so many times-- He helped me find the strength in myself.
JOE
Love can fall under the category of “miracles,” yes.
CLAIRE
Sometimes I still can’t believe it, that I’m not going to wake up and find myself behind four white walls, drowning in my own sweat…
JOE
Girl, you made it through detox, you’ll make it through anything.
CLAIRE
It would happen sometimes-- when I actually could sleep, I would dream about something, something completely--normal. Walking barefoot in the grass, you know? But then to wake up, and find myself there! --was worse than any physical pain!
JOE
You’re here now. You’ll get used to it. It takes a while, but all that shit fades away.
[Joe raises his bottle to Claire in a toast.]
To new beginnings! You need yourself a hobby--
CLAIRE
I dance!
JOE
There you go! I cook!
CLAIRE
You cook Joe?
JOE
It’s been a while, but yeah, I’m a damn good cook. I may even be a professional soon! I applied to a school in New York—
CLAIRE
No offense, but, aren’t you a little old to be going to school?
JOE
I’d like to believe those who say “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” I mean, Why not? The government pays for it. And I love the city. It’s like a wide open space, filled with all sorts of interesting things to discover.
CLAIRE
That’s what I love about Santa Fe. It’s not exactly the same, but kind of. An empty space, at least. Comparatively. It only seems that way, until the lightening storms come, and reveal all the energy!
JOE
I always thought deserts seemed so…. I don’t know, dead. Nothing but tumbleweeds.
CLAIRE
No! Joe, I mean, from TV I can see how you’d think so! But once you get there, you can feel it, it’s so… alive. I love it.
JOE
I’ll have to put it on my list of things to do. Visit Santa Fe.
CLAIRE
Tommy and I will move there some day, you can visit us then!
JOE
It’s a deal. --but yeah, I don’t know, the whole school thing. I mean, how does a paper application qualify you for cooking school? I’m tempted to just send them a bottle of my famous BBQ sauce! Anyway, I’ll have to bring something special by for you and Tommy sometime.
[Tommy enters]
Hey, there he is! What’s up man? I was just telling your girl I’m a damn good cook!
TOMMY
Yeah, Joe can hold his own!
[Tommy gives Claire a quick kiss]
Got to bring us some of that secret recipe BBQ sauce of yours sometime! Maybe for Thursday night!
CLAIRE
Yeah, we’re re-opening officially Thursday night, midnight!
JOE
Midnight BBQ! It’s on!
TOMMY
Excellent. It’s about time!
JOE
About time! I just might be the only regular you got left at this point.
TOMMY
It’s all right. A new beginning for all of us. And a new name! No longer “The Factory” we’re renaming it “Longfellow’s” ! What do you think?
JOE
Longfellow?
TOMMY
The sign should be in sometime tomorrow!
JOE
Like, the poet? Like, poetry slam night!
TOMMY
Great idea!
JOE
Then you have to get Karaoke too, it’s only right.
CLAIRE
You sing too?
JOE
Like a lonely skylark!
TOMMY
This I did not know!
JOE
Well you used to be kind of an asshole!
TOMMY
What!
JOE
Not paying attention and shit.
CLAIRE
Tommy, an asshole?!
TOMMY
Come on, I--
JOE
Even when he’s bad, he’s not that bad! Just glad to see you so happy, that’s all.
TOMMY
It wasn’t really me.
JOE
I know man. It got crazy around here, but it’s turning out for the best.
CLAIRE
I can’t imagine Tommy being an asshole!
TOMMY
It’s over.
JOE
It’s over. Good thing! Now you can enjoy my singing.
TOMMY
I can’t wait.
JOE
Dost thou mock-est me?
TOMMY
No! Really. I will get a Karaoke machine for opening night!
JOE
Alright! Well, see you Thursday then. I’m off to the market. A new tradition for me! Finally figured out what to do with Tuesday mornings.
TOMMY
I remember when Tuesday mornings were your Monday nights!
[Joe laughs.]
See you Thursday man.
CLAIRE
See ya Joe.
[Joe exits. ]
Joe’s great. Obviously been through a lot, but, haven’t we all!
TOMMY
Yeah, he’s a great guy. A true friend.
CLAIRE
Yeah. I love that I can just talk to him. I don’t feel ashamed, I mean, he brought up the hospital, and I could talk about it with him. What I’ve been though.
TOMMY
I hope you don’t mind that I told him.
CLAIRE
No. I’m glad I have another person I can truly be myself with.
TOMMY
I’m glad we came back here. In the end, it will work out for the best. Get the place running again, when we’re tired of it, we’ll sell it and “retire” in Santa Fe.
CLAIRE
Which calculates out to retiring at what, 35?
TOMMY
That gives us, well, me, a good seven years to become, yet again, incredibly successful!
CLAIRE
2nd time’s a charm?
TOMMY
Why not? But for now I think this is right. You just can’t replace people like Joe!
CLAIRE
In all seriousness, baby, I know it’s going to be good for you, to get the bar running again, this time we’ll make it the place you’d always dreamed it to be. Then, when we do leave, we’ll both be ready. If we just started there, this would all haunt you. Loose ends need to be tied. You taught me that!
TOMMY
You would know a thing or two about loose ends…
CLAIRE
Hey! I got my shit together, that’s what matters.
[Tommy and Claire kiss.]
TOMMY
It’s great to have you here.
CLAIRE
It’s great to be here.
[End Scene 2. ]
[Scene 3, Wednesday afternoon. Claire alone in the bar, polishing the countertop. Valerie enters.]
CLAIRE
Hey Joe.
VALERIE
Joe doesn't come in Wednesday afternoons.
CLAIRE
Oh, hi. Sorry... I, Joe usually sneaks up on me like that. You know Joe?
VALERIE
Did you start yesterday? I'm the one who built this place.
CLAIRE
I've been here a few months. And Tommy built this place. Who--?
VALERIE
Right! Tommy. He may have built it, but I ran it! He must have taken my picture down, you would have recognized me.
CLAIRE
You were Tommy's… partner?
VALERIE
Something like that. I should have made it legal, the fucker screwed me over!
CLAIRE
What do you want?
VALERIE
Look at this place! It's empty!
CLAIRE
To drink.
VALERIE
I don't drink. Not here.
CLAIRE
Then you'll have to excuse me I have work to do.
VALERIE
Right! Look at all the impatient customers!
CLAIRE
We haven't reopened yet. Joe still comes by though, as we've been getting everything together. This is beautiful wood, underneath all the crap built up. You never bothered did you?
VALERIE
Tommy picked the fucking wood. It's not practical. Do I look like a janitor to you? No one notices it anyway! Though… it is kinda nice. And smooth, now that you mention it. Hey, how about a vodka tonic, double.
CLAIRE
This place isn't so bad is it?
VALERIE
Yeah, that's why I suddenly need a drink. I'm Valerie, by the way.
CLAIRE
Claire.
VALERIE
I was surprised to see someone in here. I had to stop by. I didn't think Tommy would reopen the place. He shouldn't!
CLAIRE
Why not?
VALERIE
He can't do it alone--
CLAIRE
He's not alone.
VALERIE
You know what?! It's not my problem anymore!
[Claire hands Valerie her drink, and begins again to polish the counter. Joe enters, walks up to the bar, stops at the entrance, and prepares to sneak in.]
JOE
Val! Shit! What are you doing--
VALERIE
I'm doing great Joe, thanks. What are you doing here? Why aren't you with your mom?
JOE
She's better now, she's out of the hospital.
VALERIE.
Great. So now you have another day to come drinking.
JOE
It's not like that Val. I was just passing by. What are you doing here?
VALERIE
I was just passing by.
JOE
Well, you look great. See ya Claire.
[Joe quickly exits.]
VALERIE
Yeah, I know Joe. Good thing you like to clean, he can hardly hold his liquor.
CLAIRE
There hasn't been any problem. He's really gotten his life together.
VALERIE
Just wait til you open and he establishes his routine. You'll get it, you'll see. Sweetheart. Well! You act like you haven't even heard of me.
CLAIRE
Not really. Now that you're here some things are making sense.
VALERIE
What ''things''?
CLAIRE
Your presence…
VALERIE
I'm not a fucking ghost.
CLAIRE
All I know is things weren't left on good terms--
VALERIE
I'm not the one who left! Tommy has a bad day and shuts the whole thing down! Yeah, you could say he didn't exactly leave on good terms! And what does that leave me? Nothing!
CLAIRE
That's not what I heard.
VALERIE
Really! I'm not surprised! What exactly did you hear?
CLAIRE
Well, what I know is-- when I first got here I felt this gap, like… a wound, but… it didn't take long to see that everyone--
VALERIE
Everyone! THERE'S NOBODY HERE!
CLAIRE
That everyone was still creeping around like they couldn't believe this incredibly, overbearing… presence… was finally gone. No one likes to talk about it—
[Valerie laughs loudly]
So now that you're here it all makes sense, I can feel it! I don't need to know the details!
[Valerie finishes her drink and slams it on the counter.]
VALERIE
I was never here, got it? You never met me. And don't worry, I'm not coming back. I never should have.
[Valerie exits. Claire watches her go, and can't hold back a few tears. She puts away the glass, and exits. End Scene 3.]
[Scene 4. Valerie standing outside the bar.]
VALERIE
What am I doing here? Why did I even stop? I don’t know why I still walk this way at all.
I hardly even notice the place these days. But I saw a light on, and… I thought, it must be him! Who knew he would pick up some stupid chick and start the same shit all over again! Like he can fucking replace me.
I’m sick of it all. I don’t need to deal with this. We were successful! I made it work. You took that from me!
[Tommy exits the bar, but doesn’t notice Valerie standing outside, and exits the stage. Valerie begins to cry.]
Tommy!
[ Valerie’s memory.]
TOMMY
It’s just not working Val! I can’t do this. I can’t breathe. When you walk in the door, I can’t… I can’t ok? You’ve been great, we make a ton of money but, but it’s not enough… it doesn’t matter if I can’t even…
VALERIE
You’re breathing now. You’re full of shit.
TOMMY
It’s over. This is not what I want. Go back to school, get your MBA. You have the experience now. Go manage something, whatever the fuck it is you want to do. You’re good at it.
VALERIE
This is a business Tommy. We need to make money here. This is not a commune for drunken losers. I love Joe too, but if he can’t pay, he can’t pay. That’s why I had to--
TOMMY
This is exactly what I mean! I don’t allow friends to be kicked to the curb--
[End of memory.]
VALERIE
Tommy! You bastard! You don’t deserve this!
[Valerie throws a stone in the direction of the bar, missing by a lot. She exits. End Scene 4.]
[Scene 5, Thursday night. The new “Longfellow’s” sign is hung on the front of the bar. Claire is alone in the bar, finishing polishing the countertop. Tommy enters, gives Claire a quick hug and kiss, grabs a beer, and sits at the counter.]
TOMMY
Thought I’d find you in here. It’s looking great baby, no need to burn out before we even get started!
CLAIRE
No, cleaning eases my nerves. Like meditation for me. I just want to finish polishing this countertop before we open. It’s beautiful wood, it--
TOMMY
Yeah! It--
CLAIRE
--just hadn’t been taken care of.
TOMMY
Wow-- you’re right. I can’t believe I didn’t notice before. I mean, I was so careful in picking it out.
[Tommy walks over to Claire, holds her.]
It’s looking beautiful baby. Better than brand new!
CLAIRE
Thanks. What kind of wood is it?
TOMMY
Acacia. The only wood resistant to fire. I built this place to last.
CLAIRE
So what really happened? Why won’t you talk about it? You helped me when I needed it, let me help you now. Vague details aren’t enough anymore, I need to know what really happened.
TOMMY
Ah!
[Tommy sits back down, drinks his beer.]
TOMMY
Thought you’d never ask.
CLAIRE
Hoped I’d never ask?
TOMMY
Ha. Well. It wasn’t pretty.
CLAIRE
Yeah?
TOMMY
I told you, my business partner and I just, just had different business… methodologies, or whatev--
CLAIRE
Valerie stopped by yesterday. In the afternoon, when you were out.
[Tommy takes another drink.]
TOMMY
Jesus. I didn’t think she’d come back. Why didn’t you tell me?
CLAIRE
Apparently I’m not the only one leaving things unsaid. It wasn’t pretty.
TOMMY
Jesus. What’d she say to you?
CLAIRE
Nothing really. Except that she built the place, ran it--
TOMMY
I built this place! This was my dream and I made it happen. She had nothing to do with it!
[Claire walks over to the window, underneath the unlit open sign, and looks out. Tommy takes another drink and continues with the story.]
We met when I was starting to build this and, and she had a good business sense, it just seemed right at the time. Fuck.
CLAIRE
Just like I seem so right to you now?
TOMMY
Come on, we’re different.
CLAIRE
Right.
TOMMY
She seemed right to the situation. She was outgoing, fun, she new how to keep the business bottom line. I learned a lot from her--
CLAIRE
That’s just great!
TOMMY
I had the vision, she had the practical business sense!
CLAIRE
And a nice ass--
TOMMY
--she was so fucking jealous ok? To the point she planned my every move. I became her fucking puppet.
[Tommy takes a long drink.]
She took my dream from me. She made me a prisoner in my own dream! And she almost won. I loved this place, and she took full advantage of that. To the point I really didn’t believe I could do it without her.
CLAIRE
So what happened?
TOMMY
Getting the courage to break up with her was like trying to convince myself to jump off a bridge. It seemed like it was all over. It all had to end. The bar, me, her, everything--
CLAIRE
So that’s when you up and left?
TOMMY
I had to. I couldn’t breathe. Really. If I was even near her.
CLAIRE
Wow.
TOMMY
The thing is, she was relieved! I could have sworn it was her idea! Like she crafted this sick plan of escape… pushing me until I blew up. Until she realized I was closing the bar too. Totally leaving. Then she was pissed!
CLAIRE
Well from the five minutes I spent with her I could see that--
TOMMY
I didn’t tell her I was re-opening. I’m surprised she stopped by.
CLAIRE
I wish she didn’t.
TOMMY
I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about it.
CLAIRE
All I knew is that something had happened, and when she came in, it just all started to make sense. I’m not interested in being her fucking replacement--
TOMMY
Claire! It’s not like that ok. The space is the same, the work is the same, but now… it’s a labor of love. I wanted to create a space of community, not a fucking sweat shop!
[Claire sits next to Tommy]
I don’t know Claire. When we came back here I was scared. I wanted you here, with me, and it’s my dream! It had just been such a nightmare. But you helped me believe in it again.
CLAIRE
I could tell how much you love this place. And how much you love Joe… all the regulars you tell me about. That spark was still there! And I wanted to be here, with you.
TOMMY
You’re right for me. And running this bar works for us. We’re creating a space, a community to just be-- safe. We’re getting our lives together. That’s the difference. All the difference in the world.
CLAIRE
Well, it’s past now.
TOMMY
It’s past now. Let the dead past bury it’s dead! [Tommy thoughtfully picks up Claire’s polishing cloth] This place is totally renewed. I’m totally renewed.
CLAIRE
I love it here.
[Tommy and Claire kiss, Joe enters, holding a bag of his BBQ supplies, and walks toward the bar.]
JOE
Hey you forgot to turn on the sign ya lovebirds!
CLAIRE
Hey Joe.
[Tommy walks over to the window and turns on the open sign.]
TOMMY
Hey Joe.
[End Scene 5.]
[Scene 6. Later that night. Tommy, Claire, and Joe celebrating the official opening of Longfellow’s. Joe is singing Karaoke, as Claire and Tommy sit at the counter, with Tommy next to the window, and Claire next to him. ]
JOE
[finishing singing Karaoke to Cher’s “Believe”] Do you believe in life after love?/ I can feel something inside me say/ I really don’t think you’re strong enough / Do you believe in life after love?/ I can feel something inside me say/ I really don’t think you’re strong enough--
TOMMY
Wow Joe…
CLAIRE
That was great!
JOE
If Cher was a man…
TOMMY
You are drunk my friend. Have another…
[Tommy gets up to get Joe a beer.]
JOE
Dudes we have so much left over chicken! I didn’t realize we’d be the only ones to show up!
TOMMY
Well it is, what, 3 a.m.? This was more… for us. People will start coming during normal business hours--
CLAIRE
That was such good chicken. Joe you are a damn good cook--
JOE
I know!
CLAIRE
--and a pretty good Cher--
JOE
OK that’s it! Your turn. Sing!
[Joe sits in Tommy’s place, at the counter, next to the window.]
CLAIRE
No! I--
JOE
Come on! Sing!
TOMMY
I’ll sing!
JOE
Yay!
[Music to George Michael’s “Father Figure” begins to play.]
CLAIRE
Our song!
TOMMY
Of course baby…
[Tommy begins to sing.]
That’s all I wanted/ Something special, something sacred/ In your eyes/ For just one moment/ To be bold and naked/ At your side--
JOE
I will be your father-- oops--
TOMMY
Sometimes I think that you’ll never/ Understand me/ Maybe this time is forever/ Say it can be--
[Joe looks out the window as Claire starts to sing with Tommy from her stool, next to Joe.]
TOMMY and CLAIRE
That’s all you wanted/ Something special, someone sacred--
JOE
What the-- move! A car--
[Joe falls from his stool as Tommy grabs Claire and pulls her away from the window. Stage goes black. Tires screech, screaming, and the sound of impact as the car runs through the side of the bar. Claire screams. Voices are heard in the darkness, as the Karaoke machine’s music continues to play in the background.]
TOMMY
Claire! Are you ok? Oh my god, Joe… Joe?
CLAIRE
Joe!
TOMMY
Don’t look. Sit down Claire. Are you ok? Oh my god… Valerie! Oh my god…
[Sound of sirens fade in and fades out, Karaoke machine’s music lingers on George Michael’s “Father Figure,” and fades out. End Scene 6. ]
[Scene 7. Valerie’s hospital room. Valerie is standing by the window as Tommy enters, with flowers.]
VALERIE
What are you doing here?
TOMMY
I brought you some--
VALERIE
I see that. Why’d you come here? I’m not going to argue--
TOMMY
I came to see how you were doing. You seem to be ok?
VALERIE
I’m getting my stuff, I’m leaving.
TOMMY
Valerie, wait. I didn’t, I didn’t know you-- I never meant to hurt you--
VALERIE
I’m fine, ok? I’ve been fine. I just--you kicked me to the curb, Tommy. After all I did. Fuck you.
TOMMY
So you run your car--
VALERIE
I was drunk. It was an accident.
TOMMY
I heard your story. You sure have a way to bullshit-- You’re lucky Joe isn’t dead!
VALERIE
He broke his leg Tommy. You want me in jail? Is that why you came here, to tell me--
TOMMY
No. Actually, I was thinking, maybe you should come back. Run the books for me.
VALERIE
Oh, now you see how you need me. I should have knocked some sense into you a long time ago. What, your new chick doesn’t cut it?
TOMMY
Leave Claire out of this. Look. It’s not fair to you, I realize that now. Maybe it did take such a drastic measure, I don’t know. I was so caught up, before, I was so caught up in our personal… situation. I didn’t consider how much you had put into the place… look, you helped me get it started, I know, and you have every right to be a part of it now.
VALERIE
So you were listening! Reaction time a little slow, but… Look. This is what I want, but, I have some conditions. Make me part owner. Legally, this time.
TOMMY
What?
VALERIE
If I’m going to invest my time, my talent, it’s not going to be thrown away, again! Got it?
TOMMY
Alright. Why don’t you come by next week, and we’ll get it all arranged.
[Tommy hands Valerie the flowers and exits. End scene 7.]
[Scene 8. Tommy and Claire outside the bar, looking at the damage the car wreck caused. Claire is covered with bandages. ]
TOMMY
Claire…
CLAIRE
I need to be here. I have to see it. I can’t believe it.
TOMMY
I went and saw Joe yesterday--
CLAIRE
What? Why didn’t you bring me?
TOMMY
The doctors said you need your rest. You shouldn’t be doing too much. Don’t worry he’s fine, he’ll be ok.
CLAIRE
Well, I would have liked to have gone. I can’t believe they’re only giving Valerie a DUI. How is that even possible!
TOMMY
I don’t know exactly. She told them some story like she had to swerve to avoid hitting another car--
CLAIRE
I can’t believe it.
TOMMY
She can talk her way out of anything.
CLAIRE
She’s lucky Joe isn’t dead.
TOMMY
She’s lucky she isn’t dead! They had to practically strap her to the bed, she can’t stand hospitals.
CLAIRE
You visited her!?
TOMMY
Yeah. She’ll be fine.
CLAIRE
Tommy! She ran her car-- she tried to kill us--
TOMMY
What! You really think she meant to hurt any one of us? She lost it, she broke down, anyone is capable of that!
CLAIRE
What the fuck!
TOMMY
What’s your deal? Claire, come on, she’s hurt, and she needs support--
CLAIRE
Support? Tommy--
TOMMY
Claire I need to take responsibility for my part in this--
CLAIRE
Jesus Christ.
TOMMY
Listen Claire, the fact is I did the same damn thing to her when I left, I see that now. I was too caught up in my own issues to see that I--
CLAIRE
Ran your car into the side of her house!?
TOMMY
No, come on, settle down ok! When I left, I left her with nothing, and I come back here and reopen--
CLAIRE
Fuck you.
TOMMY
Claire! Come on, it is basic human decency to take care of one another--
CLAIRE
So you leave me home high on pain killers, while you take care of your fellow human beings!?
TOMMY
You were sleeping! How are your burns?
CLAIRE
It hurts.
TOMMY
Except for the point of impact, the building is fine. It didn’t … it doesn’t matter! You barely made it, and burnt pretty badly--
CLAIRE
You saved my life Tommy… If you didn’t grab me… I, it could have--
TOMMY
Shh. It’s ok. We’re all ok, that’s what matters.
CLAIRE
Maybe we should move. Start over. Let’s go back to Santa Fe, like we almost did—
TOMMY
Maybe we should have. None of this would have happened.
CLAIRE
It’s not too late--
TOMMY
We can’t leave now. The building can be repaired. And-- we’re here. We’ve only just begun.
CLAIRE
Think about it. The desert, the sky, the lightning…
TOMMY
I just, I can’t give up a second time…
CLAIRE
Shh. I know.
TOMMY
I love you.
CLAIRE
I love you too.
TOMMY
Let’s go home.
[Tommy and Claire exit together. End scene 8.]
[Scene 9. In the bar. Tommy is sitting at the counter doing paper work, when Joe starts to limp in. Tommy helps him to a seat at the bar.]
TOMMY
I’m glad you’re ok man.
JOE
Yeah. Well, considering, getting off with a broken leg ain’t such a bum deal!
TOMMY
Broken legs can heal, true true.
JOE
And the cast will be off by the time I leave for New York…
TOMMY
New York? You got in?
JOE
That’s right! Say hello to the future “new Joe”!
TOMMY
Congratulations man! Perhaps the oldest student chef ever, but a student chef none the less! One on the house.
[Tommy grabs a bottle of beer.]
JOE
Oh no, I quit drinking. Completely this time. How about an Iced Tea.
TOMMY
Really? Wow. The Drink-But-Don’t-Get-Wasted plan seemed to be working just fine-- Good for you though.
[Tommy gets Joe an Iced Tea.]
JOE
Yeah… I mean, it’s really happening. I’m really going to New York, I’m really going to be a chef! I’m really getting another chance. I’m taking it this time.
TOMMY
I’m proud of you man.
JOE
I mean, the irony of it… that night, I was pretty close to wasted, I was walking that line, and it was alright. It was great, hanging out with you and Claire, having a great time, but then a fucking car comes from nowhere and almost kills me. You know? The irony.
TOMMY
That was fucked up. Thank God we’re all ok.
JOE
It’s like, I’ve watched so many of my buddies live off the benefits, drink themselves to death, or go nuts. You know? I managed to not go, well, completely nuts anyway, but the drinking was like a promise… a promise to turn out like the rest of those vets, the ones who never really go on. I’m alive. And it’s taken a long time, but I appreciate that now!
TOMMY
Amen.
JOE
Amen. How’s Claire? She got some nasty burns.
TOMMY
She’s doing good. Still a little weak from all the pain killers, but she’ll be 100% soon.
JOE
100% plus some nasty scars. At least it wasn’t her face.
TOMMY
Yeah. Hey Joe I’ll be right back alright? I just got to take these papers-- hold the fort for me alright?
JOE
Alright--
[Claire enters.]
Hey Claire!
CLAIRE
Hey!
TOMMY
Hey baby, I’ll be right back, Joe’s holding down the fort, don’t do too much ok? Take it easy, I’ll be right back.
CLAIRE
What?
[Tommy quickly exits.]
What the fuck was that?
JOE
I don’t know, he said something about paperwork.
CLAIRE
Paperwork? For what?
JOE
I don’t know. How you doing?
CLAIRE
Much better. How are you? How’s your leg?
JOE
It’s alright. It’ll heal.
[Claire walks over to the bar and grabs a glass of water.]
Uh oh…
CLAIRE
What?
JOE
I didn’t think you even got angry, but…
CLAIRE
I’m fine Joe.
JOE
That’s not an “I’m fine” vibe you got going on--
CLAIRE
He’s got a lot to do, we just completed repairs, just opened. I understand.
JOE
Hmm. Want me to sing for you?
CLAIRE
No, I’m fine.
JOE
Then check out this poem I wrote for poetry slam night!
CLAIRE
Alright, let’s hear it.
[Claire sits down as Joe gets up to perform.]
JOE
I call this one… ok, I haven’t named it yet. Anyway.
“Dreams hold no fear
Nightmares are residual
Pain of waking life
Fear not dreams
Dreams are the nectar of life!”
CLAIRE
That was beautiful Joe. Thank you.
JOE
You’re welcome. Glad you liked it. Let’s see a smile. That’s the thing with Tommy, he will be here when you need him.
CLAIRE
That’s true. It’s hard to be mad with him.
JOE
I have news for you Claire.
CLAIRE
What’s that?
JOE
They accepted me. Cooking school, New York City!
CLAIRE
That’s great Joe!
JOE
I’m gonna be a star!
CLAIRE
Wow! Does Tommy know? He’ll be so happy for you! When are you leaving?
JOE
Yep, I just broke him the news! I’ll be leaving in September, just in time to get rid of this cast!
CLAIRE
That’s great Joe! I’m so happy for you!
[Claire walks back over to the counter, opens the drawer and grabs a bottle of pills.]
I left my pills in my drawer…
JOE
Why don’t you leave them at home?
[Claire takes a couple pills and swallows them.]
CLAIRE
Oh, well, I did, I ran out, I had some from before though…
JOE
What do you mean from before?
CLAIRE
Well, after detox, sometimes they helped, if I was feeling weak. But now I--
JOE
Claire. What’s going on?
CLAIRE
Nothing, I’m fine--
[Claire drops the bottle of pills as she nervously goes to put them back in the drawer, then knocks the drawer out as she reached for the pills, spilling the contents inside.]
JOE
What the fuck Claire!
[Joe reaches for her stash.]
What are you doing with this!?
[Claire grabs it and sticks it back in the drawer, and puts the drawer back in the counter.]
CLAIRE
I’ve always, I keep some around-- it’s just-- I need to know I have it, I don’t use it--
JOE
Bullshit! You’ve had it this whole time?
CLAIRE
No, after the wreck… I needed that extra sense of security, that’s all. Forget it Joe. Maybe one day it will all fade away as you say, but for now, I need it here.
JOE
Get rid of it. Or I’ll do it for you.
CLAIRE
I will. I need some time. Don’t worry, I’m strong, I’m just… tired.
[End scene 9.]
[Scene 10. Another day. Tommy and Valerie are in the bar, Valerie sitting on the countertop.]
TOMMY
Is it good to be back?
VALERIE
It’s alright. Looks like some of these fixtures are ready to be replaced. This place could use a good remodel.
TOMMY
Already? It’s only been a few years, since we first started—
VALERIE
Well I picked cheap shit to save the budget. Who knew we’d actually make it?
TOMMY
Well, it looks fine to me. And that’s what people come to expect now. People want what’s familiar, what they’ve grown to love--
VALERIE
Come on Tommy, people want nice stuff.
TOMMY
They want a space that holds their memories. I don’t want to clear that all out!
VALERIE
You’re ridiculous.
TOMMY
Come on, I’ll show you where I keep the books now.
[Claire enters.]
TOMMY
Claire! I was just--
CLAIRE
Doing the books? I see. Suddenly you need to do the books ALL THE DAMN TIME!
TOMMY
I was getting them organized, Valerie is going to help us out--
CLAIRE
Bullshit.
[Claire runs out, Tommy starts to go after her but Valerie grabs him.]
VALERIE
Let her go. She obviously misunderstood-- didn’t you tell her--
TOMMY
Let go of me.
VALERIE
We haven’t even given her anything to be truly angry about, yet--
[Tommy runs after Claire. End scene 10.]
[Scene 11. Late at night, the bar is empty. Claire drunkenly stumbles in, crying, goes to the counter, and takes out her bottle of pills. On second thought, she takes out her stash and a needle. Claire takes the needle and shoots up, collapses to the floor. Black and white video of the ocean at night, with the moon reflecting in it, projects onto the stage. Claire’s memory.]
CLAIRE
You saved my life Tommy… If you didn’t grab me… I, it could have--
TOMMY
Shhh…
CLAIRE
Let’s go back to Santa Fe, like we almost did—
TOMMY
We can’t leave now--
CLAIRE
Think about it. The desert, the sky, the lightning…
TOMMY
I just--
[Memory stops.]
CLAIRE
I know… I know…
[Memory continues.]
TOMMY
I love you Claire.
[End of memory.]
CLAIRE
I know…
[Video fades out, end of memory. Joe walks in.]
JOE
Hello? Tommy? Claire? Claire-- what are you doing-- are you ok? The door was open, I--
[Joe picks up the bottle of pills, then notices the needle next to Claire.]
Damn it Claire! Hold on, I’m, I’m calling the ambulance… they’ll be right here, hang on--
[Joe runs to the phone. End of scene 11.]
[Scene 12. Tommy sitting at the counter as in scene 1, with many bottles of beer next to him. Tommy drinks more.]
TOMMY
I went after you-- I thought you’d gone home, but-- you weren’t there. So I waited. I didn’t sleep-- I just waited… I waited Claire! And now you’re gone. And I’m exactly where I was before-- Like you never existed! How could you leave me all alone?
[Tommy’s memory.]
CLAIRE
I just had the craziest dream--
TOMMY
What’s that baby?
CLAIRE
We were at the ocean, on the beach… it’s was dark, we were staring at the moon--
TOMMY
Reciting spontaneous poetry, from the depths of our love, in a vain attempt to capture our overwhelming passions?
CLAIRE
[Claire giggles.] No! It was-- I decided to go swimming, the water was black, like ink, except for the reflection of the moon-- and you wanted to join me, but I told you to go home, and wait for me there…
[End of memory.]
TOMMY
I waited-- I waited-- I can’t wait, anymore-- I can’t--
[Tommy takes the rest of the pills. Stage fades to black. End scene 12.]
[Scene 13. Tommy’s hospital room. The crystal Claire had been holding in Tommy’s dream, scene 1, is hanging on the window. Joe enters.]
JOE
Hey… bet you’re ready to get out of here! How are you feeling?
TOMMY
OK. Thanks for coming to get me.
JOE.
You made it. I’ll help anyway that I can.
TOMMY
I don’t know what happened, I--
JOE
You don’t have to explain.
TOMMY
I’m leaving Joe. I’ve sold the bar to Val, completely, it’s all worked out. I’m moving to Santa Fe. I need to get out of here--
JOE
So I’m taking you straight to the airport?
TOMMY
No, I’m leaving in the morning.
JOE
Oh, alright. What are you going to do, in Santa Fe?
TOMMY
I don’t know yet. Start over. What better place? The desert, the sky, the lightning--
JOE
Good. I’m happy for you man. You know? I’ll be leaving for New York soon. Sometimes that’s all you need to keep going, a wide open space-- to just be.
TOMMY
I’m happy for you too. You’ve always been there for me, we’ve been through so much… it’s good to know you’ll be living your dream man.
JOE
And you’ll be making new dreams for yourself. Dreams are the nectar of life!
[Tommy gets up and gives Joe a hug. He notices the crystal hanging on the window, and grabs it.]
JOE
Is that Claire’s? She liked crystals, didn’t she?
TOMMY
Yeah, but no, I mean, it was just here… and that’s the thing, I had this dream…
JOE
Yeah?
TOMMY
Yeah. It… it was a beautiful dream.
[Tommy puts the crystal into his pocket and grabs his coat.]
Well, here we go--
JOE
Into the great, wide open--
TOMMY
Amen.
Into The Great Wide Open by Jen Sjolund is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
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