Sisters
Act One
A house. Kitchen stage left. Living room stage right. Nicely furnished but a little dusty. A hallway goes off to the bedrooms centre stage.
Karen walks in. It is early morning and she just arrived home from the night shift at a local grocery store. She takes a bowl out of the cupboard and fills it with cereal. She goes to the fridge and pours milk on it. She sits at the kitchen table and eats.
Another girl walks in. Her name is Amy. She waves hello and takes the same cereal as her sister.
Amy: Good morning.
Karen: Good morning.
Amy: Did you just get home?
Karen (nods): Yes. (Pause) How’s school?
Amy: Good. I’ve got a test on Monday.
Karen: On?
Amy: The Great Depression.
Karen (laughs): At least you’ll have firsthand experience.
Amy (pause): I guess so.
They eat their cereal in silence. Karen finishes.
Karen: I’ve got to get some sleep. I’ve got another shift tonight.
Amy: Alright.
Karen starts to walk out of the room.
Amy: Karen?
She looks up.
Amy: Is there anything that I can do? You know, to help?
Karen: Amy, no. I don’t want you to work. It’ll affect your schoolwork.
Amy: But maybe if I earned some extra money you could go back to school.
Karen: No Amy. It’s fine. School’s your job. I don’t want you to have to worry.
Amy: But I am worried. I’m always worried.
Karen: Well, don’t be. It’ll all work out. Just you see.
Karen walks up to Amy and kisses her head.
Karen: Now, get ready for school. No more talk of jobs; it’s my responsibility, alright?
Amy nods.
Karen: Good.
She walks from the room. Amy hears a door close in the hall. Amy continues to eat her cereal and then when she’s done she put the bowl and spoon in the sink.
Jennifer walks in from the hall clutching her head. Amy smiles at her.
Amy: Hi.
Jennifer nods and groans.
Amy: Hung-over, huh?
Jennifer: Big time. It’s like somebody strapped a gong to my head and hit it.
Amy: Here. Have some water. I have to get ready for school.
Jennifer: Why?
Amy: Because school’s important.
Jennifer laughs.
Amy: What?
Jennifer: Nothing. It’s just that school is for nerds.
Amy: What? It is not.
Jennifer: Yes, it is. That’s the way I see it.
Amy: Not all of us partied so hard that they failed all their classes and was forced to drop out of school.
Jennifer: They didn’t need me. I hated it there anyway. It was full of pretentious people who told you what to do all day long. Mom and dad did that to me enough. I didn’t want them to do it to me at school too. Do you like people telling you what to do?
Amy: No.
Jennifer: Then why do you like school?
Amy: What?
Jennifer: You heard me. Why do you like school?
Amy: I don’t know. It gives me something to do. It’s challenging; it makes you think.
Jennifer: It makes you think. Oh please. Nobody cares what you think.
Amy stands still looking at Jen as if she’s about to cry.
Amy: They do too!
Jennifer: Who then? Who’s they?
Amy: I – I – don’t know. I just know they do, ok?
Jennifer: Trust me Amy. Nobody cares what you think. The only people who did were mum and dad but - guess what – they’re dead.
Amy: (on the verge of tears): Shut up!
Jennifer: You know it’s true. Nobody cares what you think; not anymore!
Amy runs crying from the room. Jennifer laughs happily as she hears Amy’s bedroom door slam.
Christina (off stage): Amy? What?
She storms in and glares at Jennifer. Amy briskly walks by her sisters and slams the front door behind her.
Christina: Why did you have to be so mean to her? You know how sensitive she is!
Jennifer: Relax, she’ll be fine by the time she gets home. It’s no big deal.
Christina (rolls her eyes): What did you say to her?
Jennifer: I just gave her a little reminder that mum and dad were dead.
Christina: Not everyone is like you Jen!
Jennifer: We should all be sensitive like Amy then, shouldn’t we?
Christina: Each one of us has a sensitive side. Amy’s just happens to be larger than everyone else’s.
Jennifer: I don’t have one.
Christina: Yes, you do. Everybody does. Yours is non-existent.
Jennifer: That’s right. And it plans to stay that way.
Christina sits beside her on the couch. Jennifer looks into her eyes. A smile flickers across her face.
Christina: So, what are you up to today?
Jennifer: I don’t know. Maybe watch a little TV.
Christina: Maybe get a little job…
Jennifer: Ha! That almost made me laugh.
Christina: Why not?
Jennifer: Because I don’t want to.
Christina: You should want to.
Jennifer: Why?
Christina: Because with mum and dad gone –
Jennifer: Mum and dad are fine. And it’s not like Karen has a problem. If she wanted us to get a job then she should ask.
Christina: She did. But I can’t. I’m in school. You’re not. You dropped out.
Jennifer: Right. But Karen’s doing it. She’s fine.
Christina: She works for minimum wage at a grocery store. I don’t think she’s fine.
Jennifer: Christina, honey, you have to stop worrying about this. Here, I’ll make you a margarita.
Christina: Oh, no thank you.
Jennifer: Why not?
Christina: You know me and alcohol don’t mix. I’ll be drunk during class.
Jennifer: And what’s wrong with that?
Christina: Everything. You know not everyone hates school. I actually like school.
Jennifer: Great. Another Amy.
Christina: That’s right.
Jennifer: There should be more people like me in the world.
Christina: If there were then society wouldn’t exist.
Jennifer: Just trust me.
Christina: Not now. Maybe later.
Jennifer is in the kitchen getting the ingredients ready. She puts two glasses on the table.
Christina (walks over and puts her cup away): I told you, I’m not having one.
Jennifer: Yes, you are. Live a little.
Christina: Fine.
Jennifer: Glad you finally agree with me.
Christina: With what?
Jennifer: That you have a boring life.
Christina: I do not!
Jennifer: It’s always school, home, homework, sleep. Nothing extra. Nothing fun. You – you need to have fun.
Christina: Well, if that’s what the doctor recommends.
Jennifer: That’s exactly what she recommends.
While the margaritas are in the blender she walks over to the stereo and turns on the music and takes Christina’s hand. Christina shakes her head.
Christina: No, no…Karen’s sleeping.
Jennifer: What happened to living a little?
Christina: I live. Just cautiously.
Jennifer: Chrissy! You need to throw caution to the wind. Indulge me please.
Christina: Fine. But we’re turning the music down.
Jennifer: Fair enough.
They begin to hold onto one another as they grind on the living floor. After a few minutes of dancing sporadically, the radio turns to a different channel. They change position into that of a slow dance.
The blender stops and the margarita’s are ready. Jennifer and Christina stare into each other’s eyes as if entranced by the other. Christina stops.
Christina: The margaritas are done.
Jennifer: Right. (Pause) I forgot about those.
Christina: Yeah. Me too.
Jennifer goes to get them while Christina turns the music off and sits down on the couch. She sits on the left; Jennifer sits on the right. Jennifer raises her glass.
Jennifer: Cheers.
Christina: Cheers.
They drink. After they drink Jennifer looks into Christina’s eyes. She inches closer until her lips are pressed on her sister’s. Jennifer stops kissing Christina.
Christina: Wha-?
Jennifer: Shh (puts a finger on her sister’s mouth). I don’t want to stop.
Christina says nothing.
They continue to kiss. Black Out. End of Act One.
Act Two
Scene Two
Same.
Amy walks in the front door. Jennifer is sitting on the couch watching TV. Jen waves but Amy ignores her and goes to her room.
Jennifer: Amy?
Amy says nothing.
Jennifer: Amy?
Still no response.
Jennifer: Amy? I’m talking to you.
Amy: And I’m not.
Jennifer: You just did. (Laughs)
Amy (rolls eyes): What do you want?
Jennifer: To apologize.
Amy (stares blankly at her sister): Why?
Jennifer: Because…you’re my sister. And I didn’t mean to say that people didn’t care what you think.
Amy: Wow. And I thought you’d give me an actual apology. Shame that didn’t happen.
Starts to walk away. Jen grabs her arm.
Jennifer: Look, I’m trying to be nice here.
Amy: Well, it’s not working.
She keeps walking away.
Jennifer: Amy? (Pause) Please?
Amy: You know what Jen? What you said to me really hurt me.
Jennifer: I know.
Amy: No. You don’t know. And until you do, I’m not going to accept your apology.
Amy walks away. She walks into her room and Christina walks back into the living room. A smile appears on Jen’s face; she walks over to her sister.
Jennifer: Hey.
Christina: Hey. Listen, I want to talk to you.
Jennifer nods. Karen walks in awake from her nap.
Karen: Good morning.
Jennifer: Good morning? You mean, good afternoon.
Christina: How’d you sleep?
Karen: Ok. What’d you two do today?
Jennifer: Watched two guys beat each other to a pulp.
Karen: I’m not surprised. What’d you do Christina?
Jennifer: Oh, she met somebody.
Karen: She did?
Christina: I did?
Jennifer: Yes, she did. And he happens to be a very good guy.
Christina shakes her head.
Karen: That’s good. What’s his name?
Christina: Uh…J…Jared.
Karen: Jared, huh? Not a very familiar name. Where’d you meet him?
Christina: At school. Guess I thought I knew everyone at school.
Karen: That’s great Christina. Make sure you bring him by sometime.
Christina (nervous laughter): haha…ok…Jennifer, can I talk to you?
Jennifer: Sure.
They walk off to the side. Karen sits at the kitchen table with a magazine and a cup of coffee.
Christina: What was that about? I didn’t meet anyone.
Jennifer: Yes, you did. (Her hand trails up her sister’s side. Christina takes it away).
Christina: Are you out of your mind?
Jennifer: What are you talking about?
Christina: Look, I just don’t like lying, ok?
Jennifer: But you’re not. You did meet someone.
Christina: I didn’t meet anyone. Especially not someone named Jared.
Jennifer: Relax, you need to relax. You’re always so tense.
Christina: Yeah, now I know why.
Jennifer: What’s that supposed to mean?
Christina: You know what it means.
Jennifer: I am not the reason that you’re so edgy.
Christina: No, of course not.
Jennifer: You are just like that. You’re too scared to break out of your shell.
Christina: I am not.
Jennifer: Yes you are. Give me one reason that tells me otherwise.
Christina: I kissed you, didn’t I?
Jennifer (smiles): I knew you liked it.
Christina: No, I didn’t.
Jennifer: Why not?
Christina: We’re both women and, let me see, we’re both sisters.
Jennifer: So? You don’t choose who you love.
Christina: I don’t love you.
She starts to walk away. Jennifer grabs her arm.
Jennifer: Then why did you kiss me?
Christina: I don’t know.
Jennifer stares down at the ground and while Christina walks back to the table. She sits beside Karen.
Karen: Is Jen alright? She ran out of the room.
Christina: She’s fine.
Scene Two
Same as before.
Karen, Jennifer, Christina and Amy have just finished dinner and are all sitting at the table.
Amy: Thanks for dinner Karen.
Christina: Yes, thank you.
Karen: You’re welcome. I am getting better, aren’t I?
Christina: Yeah. Your lemon chicken is starting to taste like mom’s. (Looks at Amy). Sorry.
Amy: That’s ok.
Jennifer glares at Amy. She gets up and exits the room and slams the bedroom door behind her.
Karen: Are you sure everything’s alright Christina?
Christina: Yep. (Walks away). Thanks again for dinner.
Karen nods. She starts collecting the dishes. Amy gets up.
Amy: No, no. Let me do it. You sit down and relax.
Karen sits while Amy collects the dishes and begins washing them.
Karen: You know? You’re the only one who offers to help me.
Amy: That’s because I don’t want you to get stressed out. I love you.
Karen: I know. I love you too.
Silence. Amy washes the dishes. Karen sips her drink.
Amy: You know, Karen?
Karen: Mhmm…
Amy: I really appreciate everything you do around here. Really.
Karen: Mhm..Thanks. (Pause) Amy?
Amy: Yeah?
Karen: Am I doing a good job?
Amy (laughs): I just told you, you are.
Karen: I know but how come nobody else tells me.
Amy: Christina is too busy. She’s a third year at university. She’s too busy with her studying to even take a second glance at the house. And Jen (pause). Jen’s too busy sitting on her butt all day to care.
Karen (laughs): I guess that’s true.
Amy: It is.
Karen: But then…why do you care?
Amy: Because if somebody didn’t you’d go insane. And because I really do care about you; I don’t want you to get hurt. I know you can never replace mom or dad but you’re doing a good job so far.
Karen: When mom and dad died I didn’t know what to think. You know, I remember sitting in this exact chair when the police knocked on the door. When I heard the news I knew that as the oldest it was my responsibility to keep you guys together, if I didn’t then you’d be sent to an orphanage or a boarding house. Christina and Jen would be forced out on their own. Nobody would be happy. Family is supposed to be with each other. They can’t live without one another. I didn’t want to break you guys up…
Amy looks over and puts down the plate. She walks over and hugs her sister. She kisses her head.
Amy: I still don’t know how to accept their death. I don’t think I ever will. Each time I hear it from Jen or Christina I get so upset that I don’t know how to face it. I cry Karen. I cry every day they’re not here with me.
Karen: I do too Amy.
A long pause. Amy keeps hugging her sister and Karen holds her sister close. Crickets could be heard outside. A quiet solitude fills the room.
Amy: Karen?
Karen: Yes.
Amy: Remember the lullaby mum used to sing to us?
Karen: How could I forget?
Amy sinks into Karen’s lap. She wraps her arm around her sister’s neck.
Karen: See that star, up high
That is you and this is I
We will meet together
Wait and see…wait and see…
Amy: Thanks.
Karen: No problem kiddo.
Karen rocks Amy to sleep as the lights fade to black.
Scene Three
Same as before.
Next day, midday. Jennifer is lying down on the couch. She looks to the china cabinet in the hall. She walks over and removes the picture frame carefully. It’s her parents. As if it could break at any moment, she carries it back to her spot on the couch. She traces the edge lovingly and wipes a tear from her eye.
Jennifer: I miss you…come back, please? Please?
Christina enters and looks at her sister strangely.
Christina: Who are you talking to?
Jennifer looks at Christina and she immediately hides the frame.
Jennifer: No one. Mind your own business.
Christina: Jennifer, it’s ok to tell me. I’m your sister.
Jennifer: I don’t want to talk about it.
Christina: Jen…maybe I could help I –
Jennifer: No, I’m fine.
Christina: Are you sure. You look…
Jennifer: I said I don’t want to talk about it.
Christina: Ok. (She smiles). What were you looking at anyways?
Jennifer: Nothing.
Christina walks over and sits down beside her sister. She puts a hand on her leg and gently rubs it.
Christina: Jen, it’s ok. You can tell me.
Jennifer doesn’t respond. She looks at her feet. Christina gently removes the pillow from her grasp and takes the frame from her hands.
Christina: It’s mom and dad…On their wedding day. Where’d you get it?
Jennifer: Over there.
Christina: I forgot it was there.
Jennifer: I didn’t. Every day when I walk by that stupid china cabinet I see their happy smiling faces. And I hate it. I hate it because they’re not here. And they’re not here to share their happiness with us anymore. I…I hate them.
Christina: Why?
Jennifer: Because they took all our happiness away.
Christina: No, they didn’t.
Jennifer: Yes, Christina. They did. They had to die and they stole all our joy and all the happiness we had in the world.
Christina: You’ve got it backwards honey. They want to see us happy. They don’t want us to be sad. No sweety.
Christina puts a hand on Jennifer’s chin and her sister slowly moves her head to stare into her sister’s eyes. Their lips meet and they kiss. Christina’s hand goes up Jennifer’s leg; Jennifer’s hand across her sister’s back. Their kiss is passionate and loving.
Suddenly, they hear the door open. Scared of being caught they stop and Jen puts the frame back in the china cabinet. Amy walks in as Jen sits down.
Christina: Hey Amy. How was school?
Amy: Great!
Christina: That’s the first time I’ve heard that word come out of your mouth.
Amy: I know. I met this boy. His name is Jack and I met him in detention.
Jennifer: Detention? What’d you do?
Amy: Just started a food fight.
Christina: Oh…just! (giggles)
Amy: Yes just. He threw something at me!
Christina: Who Jack?
Amy: Yes Jack.
Christina: I see.
Amy: So, anyway, the principal gave us detention for the next two weeks. But I don’t really care. I get to spend it with him.
Christina: Is he cute?
Amy: Yeah. He’s so hot. He’s got these dimples that look so cute when he smiles.
Jennifer: He sounds great.
Amy: Oh, he is great Jen. I’m so happy.
She goes to her room and closes the door.
Christina: See Jen? You can be happy just like her. You just have to find it.
Jennifer: I’ll only be happy when they’re back.
Christina: That’s never going to happen Jen.
Jennifer: Then I guess I’ll never be happy.
Christina gets up and wraps her arms around Jen’s middle and up her arms to meet her shoulder. Jennifer stares blankly at the kitchen wall.
Karen enters. Jen and Christina let go of one another.
Karen: Do either of you know why Amy isn’t home yet?
Jennifer: She is. She’s in her room. She had detention. But guess what?
Karen: What?
Jennifer: She met a cute boy.
Karen: I hope she’s careful.
Jennifer: What do you mean?
Karen: Well, if anyone knows Amy it’s me. And I’m just scared she may go too fast.
Christina: Fast? They just met.
Karen: I know. But I still think I should talk to her.
Christina: It’s not your responsibility.
Karen: If I don’t talk to her then she may go off and do something stupid.
Jennifer: For Christ sakes Karen! She just met the guy.
Karen: I’m still going to talk to her.
Christina: I still don’t think that’s a good idea.
Karen: This is her first boyfriend. She needs to understand.
Christina: Understand what?
Karen: You know what. Amy!
Christina: You’re being stupid.
Amy (off stage): Yeah?
Karen: Can you come here for a few minutes?
Amy: (off stage): Ok.
Karen: I’m not being stupid. I’m being responsible.
Amy walks in and Karen brings her over to the couch. Jennifer and Christina stay on the other side in the kitchen.
Karen: What happened at school today?
Amy: I was late. I’m sorry. I had detention…and the best part is I met this really cute guy named Jack.
Karen: That’s what I heard from Christina and Jen. I hope you didn’t do anything bad to just get in detention with him so you could see him.
Amy: What? I’m not that shallow.
Karen: I’m not saying you are.
Amy: Then what are you saying?
Karen: I’m saying you need to be careful.
Amy: Careful? Of what? We just met.
Karen: I understand that but –
Amy: Oh my God! You actually think I’m going to have sex with him!
Karen: No, not at all.
Amy: Yes, you do. You think that’s why I got detention. You think I got it just to see this cute guy I want to have sex with!
Karen: Amy, I –
Amy: Say it Karen!
Karen: Amy!
Amy: Say it!
Karen: I’m not saying it.
Amy: Damn it Karen! I’m not some whore that takes off her top for any guy! I have respect for myself and I am not going to let anybody take advantage of me like that! I would have thought you had a better opinion of me.
Karen: I do have a –
Amy: No, obviously you don’t.
She storms out of the room with tears flashing in her eyes. After hearing the door slam, Jennifer speaks.
Jennifer: That went well.
Karen: Oh shut up Jen.
Christina: Don’t tell her to shut up.
Karen: I’ll tell her what I want.
Christina: No, you won’t.
Karen: Yes, I will Christina. At least I don’t sit around on my ass all day long doing nothing. At least I’m not some princess who chooses to do nothing. That’s what I think.
Christina: Well, Karen, you wanna know what I think. I think that after mum and dad died you thought because you were the oldest that you could take over and become them. You could just be mom and dad and everyone will be fine; that’s why you won’t let anyone help you out and that’s why you accused Amy of being a slut.
Karen: I just want to protect everyone.
Christina: Well, you can’t, you’re not mom and dad. So stop acting like them and stop acting like a dictator cause that’s all you’ve been doing. You’ve been marching around here with our nose in the air thinking you’re so perfect because you’re the oldest. You’re not perfect Karen.
Karen is silent. Christina walks dangerously close to her sister. She glares at her.
Christina: Maybe you should find a better way to grieve…because this is obviously not working for you.
Christina walks out of the side door slamming it upon her exit. Karen sits down on the couch. She stares at her feet.
Karen (quietly): I guess I messed everything up.
Jennifer sits beside her and clutches her hand. She nods.
Black out. Intermission.
Act Three
Scene One
A week has passed since the climax between Karen and Christina. The house hasn’t changed much…just a bit dirtier since nobody has had time to clean it.
Christina enters the house through the kitchen door. Amy is sitting in a chair facing the door. They smile at one another.
Amy: How was class?
Christina: Boring. As always. How was school for you?
Amy: Boring. But it’s what happened after school that I liked the most.
Christina: Jack!
Amy: Yep. He kissed me.
Christina: Wow! Your first kiss! How’s it feel?
Amy: Alright. It wasn’t all that it’s cut out to be.
Christina: I liked mine.
Amy: Who was yours?
Christina: Daniel. Black hair and blue eyes and he always had peppermint breath.
Amy: Was he good?
Christina: He was alright.
Amy: Jack is amazing.
Christina: Is he now?
Amy: Yes. He asked me out too.
Christina: Your first date too! You have to tell me all about it when you come home tonight, alright?
Amy: Of course Christina. Why wouldn’t I?
Pause while they hug.
Christina: Hey, when is it?
Amy: Tonight.
Christina: I’ll help you pick out what to wear. I’ve got this really cute dress you could try on.
Amy: Oh, is it the pink one?
Christina: Yeah.
Amy: I love that dress. Do you think Jack will like it?
Christina: Like it? Darling, he’ll love it. He’ll love it so much that he’ll want to take it off you.
Amy giggles and follows Christina to her room.
When they leave the kitchen Karen enters. She puts her bag down on the chair Amy was sitting on and yawns. She goes to lie down on the couch. She picks up a magazine and starts reading it. After a few minutes Amy runs in. She opens a few cupboard drawers in the china cabinet.
Amy: Where is it Christina?
Christina (offstage): In the china cabinet. The bottom drawer.
Christina comes out and crouches beside Amy. Karen looks up from her magazine and sees Amy. It’s the first time she’s seen her since their fight.
Karen: Amy?
Amy and Christina stop. They look at each other. Amy steps forward.
Amy: Yes?
Karen: I’m sorry about what I said last week. I didn’t mean it.
Amy stares at her.
Amy: I’m sorry; what are you talking about?
Karen: Amy, you don’t remember?
Amy: No, I do remember. Now, if you’ll excuse me I have to get ready for my date with Jack.
They exit leaving Karen standing lonesome in the hallway. She goes back to her seat and tries to read her magazine. After a few seconds she rolls it up and throws it across the room.
It hits the picture frame of their parents wedding. Karen doesn’t notice and continues to stare at the ground.
Tears stream down her face as she listens to Amy and Christina chat happily about her upcoming date.
After a minute, Karen decides to pick the magazine up. She sees the photo and picks up the pieces and slowly places them on the counter.
Amy (as she goes into the living room): Bye Christina.
Karen jumps and cuts herself with the glass. Amy sees this and looks at Karen as she crosses to the sink.
Amy: Are you ok?
Karen: I’m fine. Go on your date.
Amy: You’re hurt.
Karen: No, I’m fine.
Amy: But you’re bleeding.
Karen: Don’t be silly Amy. Go on your date. Go on.
Amy stands there. Karen looks up.
Karen: Why are you standing there? Go. You’ll be late.
Amy nods and goes toward the door.
Karen: Oh, Amy? Before you go…I’m really sorry…
Amy: No. I don’t think you are.
She leaves and Karen keeps soaking her hand in cold water. She dries it with a tea towel and goes to find a bandage.
Christina enters as Karen exits. Christina is obviously looking for her. She finds the remains of the picture frame.
Christina: Did you break this?
Karen (who walks in): What?
Christina: Did you break mom and dad’s wedding photo?
Karen: It was an accident.
Christina: Really? Was it?
Karen: You wouldn’t honestly believe that I actually broke their frame on purpose?
Christina: Well, you think Amy’s a slut so…
Karen: I do not thinks she’s a -
Christina: Didn’t you call her one last week?
Karen: I did not Christina.
Christina: Then what did you call her?
Karen: I don’t have time for this.
She goes to leave the room but Christina grabs her arm.
Christina: You’re not running away this time, ok? Now, tell me did you break mom and dad’s picture on purpose?
Karen: No Christina! I can’t believe you would think that!
Christina: I’m just warning you that Jennifer is going to be really angry with you when I tell her you broke the frame.
Karen: Oh, who cares about Jen!
Christina: HEY!
Christina marches up to Karen and slaps her sister across the face.
Christina: I care about her! Got it?
Karen (nods): Ok.
Christina: You’re nothing but a bitch Karen. You’re not trying to protect us…you’re trying to control us. Face it; you’re not mom or dad! You’re Karen – the big bitch!
Karen stares silently at the ground while Christina stares at her sister’s face.
Jennifer walks in through the door. She sees Christina and Karen staring at each other. She looks at the picture frame on the counter. She walks over to pick up the broken pieces.
Jennifer: Who did this?
Pause.
Jennifer: Who did this? Who broke this?
Christina: She did.
Jennifer: Why Karen?
Karen: It-it was an accident.
Jennifer: Yeah, right.
Karen: No, Jennifer. I swear it was.
Jennifer trades places with Christina and grabs Karen’s arms. She squeezes them roughly and shouts into her face.
Jennifer: Why did you do it?
Karen: Jen –
Jennifer: Why?
Karen: Jen you’re –hurting me…
Jennifer: I don’t give a fuck! Why did you break their picture frame!
Karen: It was an accident.
Jennifer: I don’t believe you.
Karen: You’re going to have to.
Jennifer twists Karen’s arms. Karen buckles in pain.
Karen: Stop!
Jennifer: Why did you break it!!
Karen: Please Jen. Get off.
Jen: WHY!!
Karen: Please…get off.
Jen: I WANT TO KNOW WHY! TELL ME WHY!
Jennifer’s grip weakens and she let’s go of Karen’s arms. Christina puts her hands on Jen’s shoulders.
Karen: They’re my parents too.
Jennifer: What did you say?
Karen: They’re my parents too.
Jennifer: Your parents! You don’t act like they’re your parents!
Karen: How would you like me to act then?
Jennifer: CRY!
Karen: I can’t cry! I have to be the responsible one! I have to be the one to work and bring home the money. I had to be the one to drop out of school and find a full time job that I hate! But you know what? I still do it! Why? Because I love you guys! Even though you fucking treat me like shit I still go to work. I have no other choice! If I wasn’t the parent nobody would be.
So excuse me for having a break down? I’m sorry, I’m not allowed to be a person. I’m not allowed to have feelings. I’m just a robot who has two options…work and sleep! I don’t have time for anything. I can’t go to school like you, Christina, or Amy! And I can’t sit around on my ass like Jen and do nothing. I have to be the parent. I have to be the grown up. Because none of you are!
Christina and Jennifer stand stunned as Karen gets up and walks out of the room to get her uniform.
Karen: Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go to work.
She closes the door and Christina and Jen look at each other.
Scene Two
Same as before.
Amy comes home from her date and Christina is in the room. She is sitting in a kitchen chair drinking a cup of tea.
Christina: How was your first ate?
Amy: So amazing. Jack was so great.
Christina: What’d you do?
Amy: He took me to a classy place. I was worried I wasn’t dressed well enough.
Christina: Were you?
Amy: Yeah. He took me to Gaston’s on Fifth Ave. There were candles on the table, a red rose which he gave to me afterwards.
Christina: That’s nice.
Amy: We ordered the best food on the menu. And by best I mean the most expensive. And as we ate we talked about our lives. His parents divorced when he was young and he admitted to me that he acts out to get attention from them and others. He’s got the cutest smile and dimples and when he turns his head the light bounces off his head in such an admirable way. He grew up with his mom mostly. It was his second date. That’s when he asked me if this was my first date. I said no. Well, before you say anything, I’m not going to tell him that it’s my first date if it’s not his. It’d make me look bad.
Christina: And like a liar.
Amy: Oh, I’m pretty sure he didn’t care. You have to lie sometime in your life anyway. And then after our dinner he took me to this great movie. He took me to that new romance with Regina Wilson. He told me he wanted to see it. So of course I went with him. While we were in the theatre he held my hand and I put my head on his shoulder. He was crying when Sarah leaves Mitch. It was so cute.
Christina: I’m glad you had fun.
Amy: The best part was when he kissed me. He took me to my step and gently brushed his lips against mine. He added a little pressure after I did. It was so magical and exciting. I didn’t want to let him walk away but he eventually did. He had to go home to his sick mother.
Christina: He sounds very…
Amy: Romantic, doesn’t he?
Christina: Yeah. Romantic.
Amy: Well, I’m going to bed. Oh, wait, I want to show you a picture that we took.
She takes out her camera and shows Christina the picture. As she puts the camera back she rustles around to find the right spot and a condom falls out. Amy doesn’t notice. Christina picks it up.
Amy: Well, goodnight.
Christina (who turned the other way entranced by the condom pack): Goodnight…
She puts the condom on the counter. Karen walks in.
Christina: Good, you’re home.
Karen: What’s up?
Christina: Amy came home from her date and she was showing me the pictures in her camera but a condom fell out of her purse.
Karen: What! Show me. Is it open?
Christina shows Karen the pack.
Christina: No. I – I don’t think so.
Karen: It doesn’t matter. If she has a condom that means she’s probably planning on using it.
Christina: Why?
Karen: To have sex.
Christina: No, I know that. But why?
Karen: I can’t remember that Christina. I don’t know myself. (pause) We’ll talk to her about it in the morning.
Christina: We should do it now.
Karen: Ok, I’ll leave it up to you then. Goodnight.
Christina nods. She goes to her sister’s door and knocks lightly.
Christina (offstage): Amy?
Amy (offstage): Yes?
Christina (off stage): Can I talk to you?
Amy (offstage): Ok. But can’t it wait until morning?
Christina (offstage): No.
They walk onstage together.
Christina: I found this when you dropped it.
Amy: Oh…
Christina: Do you want to explain why you have it?
Amy: I wasn’t going to use it.
Christina: Then why do you have it?
Amy: I got it at school.
Christina: That’s a lie. Try again.
Amy: Why are you being so mean?
Christina: I’m not being mean. I’m trying to protect you.
Amy: Why is everyone trying to protect me?
Christina: Because you obviously can’t do it yourself.
Amy: I can’t believe you. You and Karen ganged up on me, haven’t you?
Christina: We’re just concerned.
Amy: That I’m going to have sex! I would never do that!
Christina: Then why do you have a condom?
Amy: I told you. I got it at school.
Christina: And I told you that was a lie.
Amy: I don’t lie Christina.
Christina: You’re doing it now.
Amy: I don’t believe this. First Karen and now you! Why doesn’t anyone treat me with respect?
Christina: We do! We’re trying to keep you safe.
Amy: No. You’re trying to oppress me. Both Karen and, now, you. So you know what Christina? Take your protection somewhere else because I don’t need it.
She storms out of the room and angrily slams the door behind her. Jennifer walks in.
Jennifer: Who was that?
She sees Christina staring at the ground.
Jennifer: Hey, you ok?
She doesn’t get a response. Jennifer walks to Christina and lifts up her chin. Christina kisses Jennifer like she’s never kissed her before. She leads Jen to the couch and kisses Jen before standing centre stage.
Jen: Chrissy? What are you doing?
Christina starts taking off her clothes. First her shirt and then her shoes and socks and then she slips off her jeans.
Jennifer: Why are you doing this?
Christina: Don’t you like it?
Jennifer: I don’t –
Christina: Answer the question.
Jennifer gets up and walks to Christina. Christina puts Jennifer’s hands on her breasts. She snaps open the bra from behind. Jennifer replaces her hand on Christina’s breasts. Christina’s eyes fill quickly with tears and Jen wipes them away. Christina puts her head on Jen’s chest.
Black out.
Scene Three
Same as before.
Jennifer and Christina are asleep together on the couch wrapped in a blanket. Both are naked under the blanket.
Karen walks in.
Karen: Uh…Good morning.
Both Jen and Christina slowly wake up and look at Karen.
Jennifer: We were…
Karen: I…I don’t want to know. Just keep doing what you’re doing.
She walks out the door with a thermos in hand. She waves goodbye. Christina waves back.
Christina: What did we just do? (Pause) Did we?
Jennifer (nods): Yeah. What’s wrong?
Christina: What’s – what’s wrong? I slept with a girl! I slept with my sister! It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
Jennifer: What?
Christina: It was just a secret relationship. I wasn’t…we weren’t…
Jennifer: Hey, I never did anything. You were the one who…
Christina: I know. I know. I know. But…I – I have class. I have to go to class…
Jennifer: Stay with me.
Christina: I can’t.
Jennifer: Why not?
Christina: Just because Jen. I can’t.
Christina hurriedly puts on her clothes and rushes out the door. Amy walks in as Christina’s leaving.
Amy: Hi.
Jennifer: Hi.
Amy: So, why are you not wearing clothes in our living room?
Jennifer: I thought I would sleep out here tonight.
Amy: But why did you have a bed…wait, why was Christina…
Jennifer: Amy…
Amy: Ew! You slept with Christina! She’s my sister! She’s your sister!
Jennifer: I know. I know Amy.
Amy: So then why did you -?
Jennifer: I love her. But not the way you’re supposed to love your sister. Like you love your spouse or partner.
Amy is silent. She doesn’t know what to say.
Jennifer: Amy, I’m gay. I’m a lesbian. I like girls.
Amy is still silent. Jennifer gets up and walks over still holding the blanket over her.
Jennifer: Hello? Amy? Are you in there?
She knocks on her sister’s head.
Amy: Hey! Ow!
Jennifer: Oh, good. She speaks! I was worried you had gone mute on me.
Amy: I have to go to school….
Jennifer nods and watches as Amy leaves the room.
Christina slams the door upon reentering.
Christina: Why don’t you have clothes on?
Jennifer: Because I was hoping for round 2.
Christina: Don’t ok. This is not funny.
Jennifer: Ok, Jeez…I’ll put my clothes on.
Christina: Good.
Jennifer: Good.
Long pause as Jennifer dresses.
Christina: So – so how is it that I took my clothes off in front of you?
Jennifer: Well, if you want a reenactment –
Christina: No, no. I do not want a reenactment. I want the truth.
Jennifer: The truth? I’m a lesbian. And you are either a lesbian or bisexual.
Christina: I am neither of those things.
Jennifer: Oh, yes you are. That’s the only reason you’re so attracted to me, that you took your clothes off in front of me.
Christina: I can’t be attracted to my sister. That’s wrong on two fronts.
Jennifer: Two? Excuse me?
Christina: Yeah! It’s wrong to be gay and wrong to be in love with your sister.
Jennifer: So why were you kissing me and having sex with me last night?
Christina: Jesus Jen! I don’t know!
Jennifer: Why not?
Christina: I just don’t, ok?
Jennifer: Not ok. (Pause). Tell me why you led me on.
Christina: I didn’t lead you on.
Jennifer: Yes, you did.
Christina: How?
Jennifer: By kissing me. Not only kissing once but twice, three times and stripping and fucking me last night!
Christina: I can’t deal with this right now Jen.
Jennifer: Yes you will.
Christina: No. I’m sorry.
Jennifer: Why?
Christina: Because I didn’t think this was a big deal!
Jennifer: It wasn’t a big deal? You thought it wasn’t a big deal when we kissed and made love and you knew whole heartedly that I loved you!
Christina: I didn’t know you loved me.
Jennifer: Yes you did. You liar!
Christina: It wasn’t supposed to be serious.
Jennifer: Then what the fuck was it supposed to be? A mysterious relationship! Something secret!
Christina: Yes! That’s all I thought it would be.
Jennifer: No. You wanted me.
Christina: I’m not talking to you about this Jen.
Jennifer: Yes you are!
Christina walks to her room while Jen falls to the ground in the hallway and cries.
Scene Four
Same as before.
This is a continuation of the last scene. Jen remains crying in the hallway. Christina whisks by with a jacket.
Jen: WAIT!
She stops and turns around.
Christina: Yes?
Jen: Why did you lead me on like that?
Christina: I had no idea you had such strong emotional feelings. If I had known then I wouldn’t have led you on.
Jen: You’re a liar!
Christina: You know I’m not.
Jen: Yes, you are. Why would you do that?
Christina: I told you why.
Jen: No, you didn’t.
Christina: I don’t have time for this.
Jen: Yes, you do. Why won’t you answer me?
Christina ignores Jen and rushes out the door slamming it behind her.
Jen (running up to the door): I hate you! I hate you!
She begins to sob hysterically dissolving to the floor in shakes and tears. Karen slowly walks into the room.
Karen: Jen?
Jen looks over and sees Karen. A pause.
Karen: What’s wrong?
Jen: Nothing.
Karen: No, Jen. Something’s wrong. What is it?
Jen tries to get up but fails and falls back to the ground. Karen rushes over to help her sit in a chair.
Karen: Why are you crying? What’s wrong?
Jen: Christina…Christina hates me.
Karen: Why would she hate you?
Jen: Because…because I’m gay. And because…because I kissed her.
Karen is shocked.
Karen: Did you have feelings for Christina?
She nods. Karen hugs her sister. Jen hugs back.
Jen: Thanks. (Pause). You give hugs like mom.
Karen: Nowhere close.
Jen: Yeah…you do actually. You look like her too.
Karen: I do?
Jen: Yeah…you have her eyes.
Karen: Really?
Jen: Yeah…and hair.
Karen: People have told me that before. That’s all they kept telling me at the funeral. “Oh, you look so much like your mom.” But, it was surprising when you said it…different.
Jen: Why?
Karen: I don’t know. Maybe because you’re my sister. And because I love you. Not like that.
Jen (laughs): I love you too.
Long pause. They sit silence.
Karen: Can I – Can I ask you a question?
Jen (pauses): Ok.
Karen: When – when you kissed Christina what did it – feel like?
Jen (smiles): Like the most wonderful feeling in the world. Like I was floating up from the ground and I could never come down. Like I had a balloon attached to my heart…
Karen: And she felt that way with you?
Jen: No. I mean, when she was doing it with me it felt like she was but…
Karen: I know (hugs her sister) I know (Karen kisses Jen on her check. Jen smiles benevolently. Tears escape from her eyes and roll down her cheeks).
Jen: You really are like mom.
Karen: Thanks. Want some tea? (Jen nods).
Pause. Karen gets up to make some tea.
Jen: Hey Karen?
Karen: Yeah?
Jen: Have you ever been in love?
Karen (pause): No. Not the way you were. I never got that opportunity. I never will.
Jen: But you must’ve liked someone.
Karen (nods): I did. But he didn’t like me back. So, I understand how you feel.
Jen: Christina did like me back. She loved me. She’s just too scared to admit it.
Karen puts two cups on the table and some tea bags in the cups. Karen sits down and takes Jen’s hand. Jen smiles.
Jen: Who did you fall in love with?
Karen: Teddy Stevenson. In 10th grade. I loved his smile. But he didn’t love me.
Jen: What happened?
Karen: Well, I was sitting in math class and was watching him from my seat. I loved him for two months at that point. So, I had to tell him. So, I decided that after math class I would tell him. And he said he loved me back.
Jen: But that’s good, isn’t it?
Karen: No…he totally played me and made me look like a fool. So, I understand how you feel.
Jen: It was the worst feeling I’ve ever felt in my life.
Karen: I know the feeling. It hurts so much. But you move on. And you’ll get over it; even though you may not think so right now.
Jen: You think?
Karen: I know.
The kettle on the stove whistles. Karen rises to get it and pours the boiling water in the cups.
Jen: Thank you. (Pause). Did you ever find someone else?
Karen: No. (Sips). I never had time. Especially after mom and dad died.
Jen: But you should enjoy life.
Karen: I’m not meant to enjoy life. Some people are. Some aren’t. I’m just one of those people.
Jen (pauses): What do you mean?
Karen: Some people find the success they were meant to find but others don’t. Those that do enjoy the niceties; those that don’t just work and pay their bills. They don’t have the capabilities to have fun.
Jen: But…that’s sad, isn’t it?
Karen: That’s my life.
This time Jen puts a hand on Karen’s. She looks up. They smile at each other.
Scene Five
Same as before.
It’s been three months since the last scene. Jennifer is just starting to get over Christina. Jen, Amy and Karen are in the kitchen eating supper.
Amy: Thank you Karen.
Jen: Yes, thank you.
Karen: No problem. What do you have planned tonight?
Amy: We should be the ones asking you that.
Karen: Oh? Why’s that?
Jen: I kinda told Amy what you told me.
Karen: You told Amy about Teddy!
Jen: Yeah. Only because we care and love you.
Karen: How does this show you care and love me?
Amy: Because we set you up.
Karen (drops the plate): What!
Jen: That’s right. Now, you have to get dressed; he’ll be here soon.
Karen: Do I have any say in this?
Jen and Amy: No.
Karen: Well, I wouldn’t know what to wear.
Jen: That’s alright Amy and I will help you.
Amy: Yeah. It’ll be fun.
Karen: Well, I…I don’t know.
Jen: C’mon Karen.
Karen: It’s been such a long time…
Jen: And it’ll be a longer time if you don’t go out tonight.
Karen (looks at Jen): Alright. I’ll do it; only because I love you two.
Jen: Good. Now, hurry up. You need to get ready.
Karen laughs and nods. Amy follows her out.
Jen is also in the kitchen she clears her plate in the kitchen. She hears the lock in the door. Christina enters.
Christina: Hello Jen.
Jen stops but refuses to listen and keeps clearing her dish.
Christina: Are Amy and Karen around? I’ve got something to tell you and them.
Jen continues to ignore Christina.
Karen and Amy enter the room.
Amy: Christina!
She runs to her sister to hug her.
Christina: Karen.
Karen: Why are you here?
Christina: I need to tell you something. Even you Jen.
Amy nods and sits down on the couch. Karen follows along with Jen who takes her time. Christina stands in the room in front of them.
Christina: I’m pregnant.
Amy: You are!
She runs to hug her sister.
Christina: Well? Karen?
Karen: (pause) Congratulations.
Christina: Jen?
Jen: Yeah…what she said…
Christina: Would you two leave me alone with Jen?
Karen: No.
Christina: Please Karen. You may not be very happy with me right now but I want to talk to Jen.
Karen: Then you could say it in front of us.
Christina: Karen -
Jen: No. It’s fine. I need to do this on my own.
Karen: Ok. Let’s go Amy.
They leave. Christina sits on Jen’s left side.
Christina: I –
Jen: You’re not pregnant.
Christina: Excuse me!
Jen: You heard me.
Christina: I am pregnant Jen.
Jen: Yeah, well you didn’t get pregnant because you wanted to. You got pregnant because you wanted to distance yourself from your bisexuality.
Christina: I do not like girls.
Jen: Then why did you kiss me?
Christina: Because I did not want to hurt your feelings.
Jen: So it was better to hurt my feelings than tell me the truth?
Christina: No but…please understand this from my point of view?
Jen: I’m sorry. I can’t. You’re a bitch. You’re a lying bitch.
Christina: Jen – I –
Jen: I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t even want to look at you.
Christina: Jen…
Jen: Leave!
Christina: But –
Jen: LEAVE! (She gets up and pushes Christina)
Christina: Jen…Why are you -?
Jen: Leave! Go! Go!
Jen continues pushing Christina out the door. Each time harder than the last. Karen and Amy rush in from the loud noise. Jen pushes Christina into the door.
Christina: The baby!
Jen: There is no baby!
Jen grabs the fabric from beneath Christina’s clothes and she begins hitting her sister with it. Harder and harder than the first time.
Jen: I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!
Jen falls from physical exhaustion to the ground. Amy and Karen glare at Christina from the ground. Christina looks at them for a minute and then leaves. After a long pause.
Karen: I shouldn’t go.
Amy: Karen, you’ll be missing out on a wonderful time with someone. You need some sort of life. I’ll stay with Jen. You can go.
Karen: Jen?
Jen made her way to the couch and is holding the fabrics that Christina had underneath her clothes. She rocks back and forth.
Amy: Go have fun Karen. I’ll stay here.
Karen: Are you sure?
The door bell rings.
Amy: Yeah. Besides, the guy is already here, you’re all dressed up. Don’t let all this pretty go to waste. Go have fun. We all need to have fun sometime. This is your time.
Karen: Ok. (She walks up to Jen and hugs her. Jen hugs back). You call me if you need to talk. I’ll be right home.
Jen nods. Amy waves goodbye and Karen smiles and looks over at Jen and leaves.
Amy walks over to Jen and sits down. She touches her sister’s arm and puts her head on her shoulder. She wraps an arm around her neck.
Amy: See that star, up high
That is you and this is I
We will meet together
Wait and see…wait and see…
Black out.
Scene Six
Same as before.
Karen is in the kitchen making breakfast. The room smells of blueberry pancakes. Amy comes on stage in pajamas.
Amy: Smells good.
Karen: That’s good. Come and have some. I made them myself.
Amy goes to sit down. Jen walks in with her pajamas too.
Karen: Good morning Jen. Come have some pancakes. I made them myself. Just like mom used to make.
Jen doesn’t respond and lies down on the couch.
Karen: Jen…please come eat. I know Christina left last night but I really would like you to eat something.
She walks over to Jen and kneels beside her on the couch.
Karen: Please Jen.
Jen: I’m not hungry.
Karen: But I –
She touches Jen’s arm. Jen screams in agony and glares down at Karen. Karen crouches on the ground. She looks up.
Karen: Ok. I’ll let you stay here. You can come to the table when you’re ready.
Karen goes back to the kitchen and sits beside Amy. They slowly eat their pancakes. They are silent.
When Amy is done she gets up and goes to her room and gets her purse.
Karen: Where are you off to?
Amy: Out with Jack.
Karen: Ok. Come back by dinner.
Amy: Ok. Bye.
Karen: Bye.
Karen finished her pancakes and washes both plates when she finishes. She looks over at Jen. Karen walks over to Jen and looks at her sister the same way she did a few minutes earlier.
Karen: Do you want to talk about it?
No response.
Karen: Ok. I’ll be in my room if you want to talk.
Karen gets up and begins to exit the room. As she is about to leave Jen speaks.
Jen: She was the only girl I ever loved. The only person, really.
Karen stops and looks at Jen.
Jen: When I realized I loved her, I was terrified. Not only was she a woman but she was my sister. My sister! There was no way I could love her, no way. But I did. And I didn’t know how else to tell her…so I kissed her and she kissed me back.
That’s when I realized she was the one for me. She was my girl. Even if she was my sister. And you know what Karen? I didn’t care. I just didn’t care. As long as I loved her and she loved me that was all that mattered.
Then a few weeks after I kissed her and we started seeing each other in secret she and I made love. It was our first time with one another. That was the best part of my life. Because I was with the person I loved…but, she wasn’t.
Jen breaks down in hysterics. She collapses on the ground shuddering from the convulsions going through her. Karen turns to her side to help her sit down and holds her hands.
Jen: Last night was the darkest day of my life. She came in here and ripped my heart out. She tore it in half and threw it to the ground without a second thought. And what I really don’t understand is how someone can do that to another person and not feel sorry.
They sit on the couch. Karen clutches Jen’s hands in comfort. Jen shakes uncontrollably. It’s like her other half is gone.
Jen: She gave me so much hope. She made me believe that she loved me. She hates me. She hates me.
Karen: No, she doesn’t hate you.
Jen: Then why did she walk out on me? On us?
Karen: A lot of people are scared and confused when confronted with the fact that they might be homosexual or bisexual.
Jen: Ok. But she didn’t have to walk out on us.
Karen: I know she didn’t. But she probably needs to think about something.
Jen: Like what?
Karen: I don’t know sweety. I just don’t know.
Jen nods. They hug for a long time.
Karen: I know Jen. I know.
The door slams open. Both women look up. Amy is at the door.
Amy: I HATE JACK!
She storms through the room and into her bedroom. Jen gets up and goes to the door.
Jen: What the fuck Amy!
Karen: What happened Amy?
Amy: Jack is a cheating – (screams)
Karen: What Amy? How do you know?
Amy: Because he told me. Today. After he dumped me. For her.
Karen: Amy, that’s horrible.
Amy: I don’t understand why he would do that to me. After I was so nice to him.
Jen: Maybe he’s just a scumbag Amy.
Karen looks at her sister. Jen shrugs her shoulders.
Jen: What? Maybe, he is.
Karen: That’s not the point.
Amy: I don’t have anybody anymore.
Karen: That’s not true. You have us.
Amy: No, I don’t. You hate me! And Jen hates me. And Christina hates me!
Karen: That’s not true Amy and you know it.
Amy: Yes it is. That’s why Christina left.
Karen: That’s not the reason. She left to sort out her own personal problems.
Amy: She hates us. She hates all of us.
Karen: You’ve got it all wrong Amy.
Amy: Then why did she leave?
Karen: We don’t know Amy.
Amy exits her room and joins Karen and Jen in the living room.
Amy: Isn’t that why you were yelling at me a few months ago Karen?
Karen: When did I tell at you?
Amy: You accused me of having sex.
Karen: I wanted you to be safe.
Amy: I was! I used a condom!
Karen: Condoms don’t always work.
Amy: How would you know Karen?
Karen: That’s not the point.
Amy: And Jen.
Jen: Don’t you dare accuse me of anything Amy. I never did or said anything to hurt you.
Amy: Yes, you did. You said I wasn’t important. What I said wasn’t important.
Jen: And I apologized.
Amy: And I know Christina hates me because she left.
Karen: Amy! That’s not the reason she left.
Amy: Then why did she leave?
Jen: Because she didn’t want to be with me!
Amy: Oh my God! I just realized – you know whose fault this is: Mom and Dad’s.
Karen: Amy! How could you-?
Amy: It is! If they didn’t die then we wouldn’t be in this mess. Karen wouldn’t have to work her ass off for an ungrateful family; Jen wouldn’t be a fucking desperate lesbian that she had to have sex with her sister; Christina wouldn’t have to have left; and I – I wouldn’t be the fucked up mess you see before you. I wouldn’t have out all my love and energy in Jack. So, you know what? Thank you Mom and Dad.
Karen: Do you hear yourself?
Amy: Yes, I do. And you both know I’m right.
Karen: Amy –
Amy: I think Mom and Dad deserve to know how I feel.
Karen: Amy –
Amy: What Karen?
She grabs the kitchen knife.
Karen: Amy please. Don’t.
Amy: I’m going to tell them. I’m going to tell them about the fucking wonderful life we lead after their death. Do you think they’ll want to hear that?
Karen: Amy. We can fix that.
Amy: No. We can’t.
Amy takes the knife and cuts both her wrists. Karen screams and runs to her. She rips the knife out of her hand but it is too late. Her hands are filled with her sister’s blood.
Karen: Call 911 Jen.
Jen stands frozen unsure of what to do.
Karen: JEN! HURRY UP! CALL 911!
Karen holds onto Amy. She gets a towel and soaks it with cold water and pressed it to her sister’s wrist.
Black out.
Act Four
Same as before except a dining room table is now centre stage.
It’s Christmas Eve. A large Christmas tree stands in the corner of the room. A large poinsettia plant is on the centre of the table. Gold rimmed plates and cutlery are on the table. Karen walks in wearing a Christmas apron. She walks into the kitchen to check on the turkey.
Karen: Jen! Turkey’s almost done.
Jen comes in wearing a stick of poinsettia in her hair.
Jen: Great.
Karen: Great. Can you help bring some stuff to the table?
Jen: Sure.
Jen walks to the counter and brings the mashed potatoes and gravy. Karen brings the vegetables and cranberry sauce.
Karen: A few more minutes and the turkey will be ready.
Jen: Ok.
Jen looks over at Amy’s chair.
Jen: It’s too bad Amy’s not here to see this. She loves mom’s turkey.
Karen: I know. She would have loved this.
Jen: You made mom’s recipe, right?
Karen: I tried. I hope everything goes well.
Jen nods. She walks over to the Christmas tree.
Jen: Hey? You put up our ornaments?
Karen: Of course I did. (Joins her by the tree). How could I not? I was so cute. Oh, and you were too.
Jen: I was cute. (Gasp). Look at Amy. Wasn’t she adorable?
Karen: Yeah. And she always wore pigtails. Never took them out.
Jen: I remember. Mom used to try to get her to but it never worked.
Karen: It never did.
Jen stands over the table to look at the plates.
Jen: I can’t believe we found some of the dishes Mom and Dad used to use.
Karen: They were buried in the attic.
Jen: I know. I helped you take them out. Along with all the decorations.
Karen goes up behind Jen and hugs her. She kisses Jen’s cheek. Jen puts a head on Karen’s shoulder.
Karen: I love you Jen. So much.
Jen: Love you too.
There’s a giant ho-ho-ho heard in the house.
Karen: That’s strange. Who could be here on Christmas Eve?
Karen walks to the door and opens it. Christina is on the other end.
Karen: What do you want?
Christina: To talk. To talk to Jen.
Karen: I don’t thinks she wants to talk to you right now.
Karen goes to close the door but Christina puts her foot in the door.
Christina: I know you probably hate me more than anything right now. But it’s Christmas and more importantly we’re family. We’re sisters. Can I please come in?
Karen looks at Jen. A pause. Jen nods.
Karen: I’ll be in my room. Yell, if you need me.
Jennifer nods. Karen kisses Jen on the way out.
Christina stands on the other side of the room and Jen on the other.
Christina: How are you?
Jen: I’ve been better.
She nods. Pause.
Jen: Why are you here Christina?
Christina: Because I heard about Amy. And I wanted to make sure everyone was alright.
Jen: Ok. But you could have asked Karen. Why did you want to talk to me?
Christina: I want to apologize. Because I know the way I treated you was wrong. And I spent the last year wondering if I should come back here. And I am. I couldn’t do much of anything over the past year.
Jen nods.
Christina walks closer.
Christina: I missed you.
She walks towards Jen and holds her arm. Jen walks away.
Christina: Listen, I know you hate me right now. And I don’t blame you. But I was scared.
Jen: What do you think I was Christina! You don’t think I was fucking scared when I realized I liked a girl and at the same time it was my sister. You don’t think I was scared. More like petrified.
Christina: I know. I worked as a cashier at a grocery store while I was gone and while I was there I realized that family is the most important thing in the world. And that we only had each other. It was selfish of me to leave you three alone and when I heard Amy died…I knew I had to come back.
Jen still ignores her. She turns her back to her.
Christina: I know I had to come back because I love you Jen, I love you so much it hurts. Every day I was apart from you it felt like half of me was gone. Didn’t you feel that way?
Christina puts a hand on Jen’s shoulder. She could see her sister shuddering Tears roll down her face, she turns Jen’s around.
Christina: I am so sorry that I left you and that I led you on. I didn’t mean to. It was selfish and unkind and ignorant to everyone around me. I thought I was the only one that was right but you were right. You were right.
Jen continues to sob uncontrollably into Christina’s hands.
Christina: Jen. I not only ask you as my sister but as my best friend and lover – will you forgive me?
Jen nods through tears. She hugs Jen. After the hug they look into each other’s eyes and kiss. After they kiss Christina bend down on one knee.
Christina: While I was gone I learnt a lot, and I also learnt that you are the only one I want to be with. So Jen, will you marry me?
Jen nods and Christina puts a ring on Jen’s finger. They kiss.
Christina: I love you so much Jen.
Jen: I love you too Christina. Karen!
Karen walks in.
Karen: What?
Jen shows Karen her finger and she hugs them both.
Karen: I am so happy for you guys. Can I be your bridesmaid? Or yours? You know what, it doesn’t matter. I’ll be somebody’s bridesmaid.
She hugs her sister’s tightly. Karen kisses both Jen and Christina.
Karen: Let me check on the turkey.
They nod and Jen and Christina go to sit down at the dining room table. Karen brings over the turkey. She puts it in the middle and begins to carve it. She gives a piece to each person. She fills the glasses with wine.
Christina: I’d like to purpose a toast. To Jen.
Jen: To Christina.
Christina: To Karen.
Karen: To Amy.
They toast with one another’s glasses and sip their wine. Black out. A spot light shines on Amy’s chair for a few seconds.
Curtain
Act One
A house. Kitchen stage left. Living room stage right. Nicely furnished but a little dusty. A hallway goes off to the bedrooms centre stage.
Karen walks in. It is early morning and she just arrived home from the night shift at a local grocery store. She takes a bowl out of the cupboard and fills it with cereal. She goes to the fridge and pours milk on it. She sits at the kitchen table and eats.
Another girl walks in. Her name is Amy. She waves hello and takes the same cereal as her sister.
Amy: Good morning.
Karen: Good morning.
Amy: Did you just get home?
Karen (nods): Yes. (Pause) How’s school?
Amy: Good. I’ve got a test on Monday.
Karen: On?
Amy: The Great Depression.
Karen (laughs): At least you’ll have firsthand experience.
Amy (pause): I guess so.
They eat their cereal in silence. Karen finishes.
Karen: I’ve got to get some sleep. I’ve got another shift tonight.
Amy: Alright.
Karen starts to walk out of the room.
Amy: Karen?
She looks up.
Amy: Is there anything that I can do? You know, to help?
Karen: Amy, no. I don’t want you to work. It’ll affect your schoolwork.
Amy: But maybe if I earned some extra money you could go back to school.
Karen: No Amy. It’s fine. School’s your job. I don’t want you to have to worry.
Amy: But I am worried. I’m always worried.
Karen: Well, don’t be. It’ll all work out. Just you see.
Karen walks up to Amy and kisses her head.
Karen: Now, get ready for school. No more talk of jobs; it’s my responsibility, alright?
Amy nods.
Karen: Good.
She walks from the room. Amy hears a door close in the hall. Amy continues to eat her cereal and then when she’s done she put the bowl and spoon in the sink.
Jennifer walks in from the hall clutching her head. Amy smiles at her.
Amy: Hi.
Jennifer nods and groans.
Amy: Hung-over, huh?
Jennifer: Big time. It’s like somebody strapped a gong to my head and hit it.
Amy: Here. Have some water. I have to get ready for school.
Jennifer: Why?
Amy: Because school’s important.
Jennifer laughs.
Amy: What?
Jennifer: Nothing. It’s just that school is for nerds.
Amy: What? It is not.
Jennifer: Yes, it is. That’s the way I see it.
Amy: Not all of us partied so hard that they failed all their classes and was forced to drop out of school.
Jennifer: They didn’t need me. I hated it there anyway. It was full of pretentious people who told you what to do all day long. Mom and dad did that to me enough. I didn’t want them to do it to me at school too. Do you like people telling you what to do?
Amy: No.
Jennifer: Then why do you like school?
Amy: What?
Jennifer: You heard me. Why do you like school?
Amy: I don’t know. It gives me something to do. It’s challenging; it makes you think.
Jennifer: It makes you think. Oh please. Nobody cares what you think.
Amy stands still looking at Jen as if she’s about to cry.
Amy: They do too!
Jennifer: Who then? Who’s they?
Amy: I – I – don’t know. I just know they do, ok?
Jennifer: Trust me Amy. Nobody cares what you think. The only people who did were mum and dad but - guess what – they’re dead.
Amy: (on the verge of tears): Shut up!
Jennifer: You know it’s true. Nobody cares what you think; not anymore!
Amy runs crying from the room. Jennifer laughs happily as she hears Amy’s bedroom door slam.
Christina (off stage): Amy? What?
She storms in and glares at Jennifer. Amy briskly walks by her sisters and slams the front door behind her.
Christina: Why did you have to be so mean to her? You know how sensitive she is!
Jennifer: Relax, she’ll be fine by the time she gets home. It’s no big deal.
Christina (rolls her eyes): What did you say to her?
Jennifer: I just gave her a little reminder that mum and dad were dead.
Christina: Not everyone is like you Jen!
Jennifer: We should all be sensitive like Amy then, shouldn’t we?
Christina: Each one of us has a sensitive side. Amy’s just happens to be larger than everyone else’s.
Jennifer: I don’t have one.
Christina: Yes, you do. Everybody does. Yours is non-existent.
Jennifer: That’s right. And it plans to stay that way.
Christina sits beside her on the couch. Jennifer looks into her eyes. A smile flickers across her face.
Christina: So, what are you up to today?
Jennifer: I don’t know. Maybe watch a little TV.
Christina: Maybe get a little job…
Jennifer: Ha! That almost made me laugh.
Christina: Why not?
Jennifer: Because I don’t want to.
Christina: You should want to.
Jennifer: Why?
Christina: Because with mum and dad gone –
Jennifer: Mum and dad are fine. And it’s not like Karen has a problem. If she wanted us to get a job then she should ask.
Christina: She did. But I can’t. I’m in school. You’re not. You dropped out.
Jennifer: Right. But Karen’s doing it. She’s fine.
Christina: She works for minimum wage at a grocery store. I don’t think she’s fine.
Jennifer: Christina, honey, you have to stop worrying about this. Here, I’ll make you a margarita.
Christina: Oh, no thank you.
Jennifer: Why not?
Christina: You know me and alcohol don’t mix. I’ll be drunk during class.
Jennifer: And what’s wrong with that?
Christina: Everything. You know not everyone hates school. I actually like school.
Jennifer: Great. Another Amy.
Christina: That’s right.
Jennifer: There should be more people like me in the world.
Christina: If there were then society wouldn’t exist.
Jennifer: Just trust me.
Christina: Not now. Maybe later.
Jennifer is in the kitchen getting the ingredients ready. She puts two glasses on the table.
Christina (walks over and puts her cup away): I told you, I’m not having one.
Jennifer: Yes, you are. Live a little.
Christina: Fine.
Jennifer: Glad you finally agree with me.
Christina: With what?
Jennifer: That you have a boring life.
Christina: I do not!
Jennifer: It’s always school, home, homework, sleep. Nothing extra. Nothing fun. You – you need to have fun.
Christina: Well, if that’s what the doctor recommends.
Jennifer: That’s exactly what she recommends.
While the margaritas are in the blender she walks over to the stereo and turns on the music and takes Christina’s hand. Christina shakes her head.
Christina: No, no…Karen’s sleeping.
Jennifer: What happened to living a little?
Christina: I live. Just cautiously.
Jennifer: Chrissy! You need to throw caution to the wind. Indulge me please.
Christina: Fine. But we’re turning the music down.
Jennifer: Fair enough.
They begin to hold onto one another as they grind on the living floor. After a few minutes of dancing sporadically, the radio turns to a different channel. They change position into that of a slow dance.
The blender stops and the margarita’s are ready. Jennifer and Christina stare into each other’s eyes as if entranced by the other. Christina stops.
Christina: The margaritas are done.
Jennifer: Right. (Pause) I forgot about those.
Christina: Yeah. Me too.
Jennifer goes to get them while Christina turns the music off and sits down on the couch. She sits on the left; Jennifer sits on the right. Jennifer raises her glass.
Jennifer: Cheers.
Christina: Cheers.
They drink. After they drink Jennifer looks into Christina’s eyes. She inches closer until her lips are pressed on her sister’s. Jennifer stops kissing Christina.
Christina: Wha-?
Jennifer: Shh (puts a finger on her sister’s mouth). I don’t want to stop.
Christina says nothing.
They continue to kiss. Black Out. End of Act One.
Act Two
Scene Two
Same.
Amy walks in the front door. Jennifer is sitting on the couch watching TV. Jen waves but Amy ignores her and goes to her room.
Jennifer: Amy?
Amy says nothing.
Jennifer: Amy?
Still no response.
Jennifer: Amy? I’m talking to you.
Amy: And I’m not.
Jennifer: You just did. (Laughs)
Amy (rolls eyes): What do you want?
Jennifer: To apologize.
Amy (stares blankly at her sister): Why?
Jennifer: Because…you’re my sister. And I didn’t mean to say that people didn’t care what you think.
Amy: Wow. And I thought you’d give me an actual apology. Shame that didn’t happen.
Starts to walk away. Jen grabs her arm.
Jennifer: Look, I’m trying to be nice here.
Amy: Well, it’s not working.
She keeps walking away.
Jennifer: Amy? (Pause) Please?
Amy: You know what Jen? What you said to me really hurt me.
Jennifer: I know.
Amy: No. You don’t know. And until you do, I’m not going to accept your apology.
Amy walks away. She walks into her room and Christina walks back into the living room. A smile appears on Jen’s face; she walks over to her sister.
Jennifer: Hey.
Christina: Hey. Listen, I want to talk to you.
Jennifer nods. Karen walks in awake from her nap.
Karen: Good morning.
Jennifer: Good morning? You mean, good afternoon.
Christina: How’d you sleep?
Karen: Ok. What’d you two do today?
Jennifer: Watched two guys beat each other to a pulp.
Karen: I’m not surprised. What’d you do Christina?
Jennifer: Oh, she met somebody.
Karen: She did?
Christina: I did?
Jennifer: Yes, she did. And he happens to be a very good guy.
Christina shakes her head.
Karen: That’s good. What’s his name?
Christina: Uh…J…Jared.
Karen: Jared, huh? Not a very familiar name. Where’d you meet him?
Christina: At school. Guess I thought I knew everyone at school.
Karen: That’s great Christina. Make sure you bring him by sometime.
Christina (nervous laughter): haha…ok…Jennifer, can I talk to you?
Jennifer: Sure.
They walk off to the side. Karen sits at the kitchen table with a magazine and a cup of coffee.
Christina: What was that about? I didn’t meet anyone.
Jennifer: Yes, you did. (Her hand trails up her sister’s side. Christina takes it away).
Christina: Are you out of your mind?
Jennifer: What are you talking about?
Christina: Look, I just don’t like lying, ok?
Jennifer: But you’re not. You did meet someone.
Christina: I didn’t meet anyone. Especially not someone named Jared.
Jennifer: Relax, you need to relax. You’re always so tense.
Christina: Yeah, now I know why.
Jennifer: What’s that supposed to mean?
Christina: You know what it means.
Jennifer: I am not the reason that you’re so edgy.
Christina: No, of course not.
Jennifer: You are just like that. You’re too scared to break out of your shell.
Christina: I am not.
Jennifer: Yes you are. Give me one reason that tells me otherwise.
Christina: I kissed you, didn’t I?
Jennifer (smiles): I knew you liked it.
Christina: No, I didn’t.
Jennifer: Why not?
Christina: We’re both women and, let me see, we’re both sisters.
Jennifer: So? You don’t choose who you love.
Christina: I don’t love you.
She starts to walk away. Jennifer grabs her arm.
Jennifer: Then why did you kiss me?
Christina: I don’t know.
Jennifer stares down at the ground and while Christina walks back to the table. She sits beside Karen.
Karen: Is Jen alright? She ran out of the room.
Christina: She’s fine.
Scene Two
Same as before.
Karen, Jennifer, Christina and Amy have just finished dinner and are all sitting at the table.
Amy: Thanks for dinner Karen.
Christina: Yes, thank you.
Karen: You’re welcome. I am getting better, aren’t I?
Christina: Yeah. Your lemon chicken is starting to taste like mom’s. (Looks at Amy). Sorry.
Amy: That’s ok.
Jennifer glares at Amy. She gets up and exits the room and slams the bedroom door behind her.
Karen: Are you sure everything’s alright Christina?
Christina: Yep. (Walks away). Thanks again for dinner.
Karen nods. She starts collecting the dishes. Amy gets up.
Amy: No, no. Let me do it. You sit down and relax.
Karen sits while Amy collects the dishes and begins washing them.
Karen: You know? You’re the only one who offers to help me.
Amy: That’s because I don’t want you to get stressed out. I love you.
Karen: I know. I love you too.
Silence. Amy washes the dishes. Karen sips her drink.
Amy: You know, Karen?
Karen: Mhmm…
Amy: I really appreciate everything you do around here. Really.
Karen: Mhm..Thanks. (Pause) Amy?
Amy: Yeah?
Karen: Am I doing a good job?
Amy (laughs): I just told you, you are.
Karen: I know but how come nobody else tells me.
Amy: Christina is too busy. She’s a third year at university. She’s too busy with her studying to even take a second glance at the house. And Jen (pause). Jen’s too busy sitting on her butt all day to care.
Karen (laughs): I guess that’s true.
Amy: It is.
Karen: But then…why do you care?
Amy: Because if somebody didn’t you’d go insane. And because I really do care about you; I don’t want you to get hurt. I know you can never replace mom or dad but you’re doing a good job so far.
Karen: When mom and dad died I didn’t know what to think. You know, I remember sitting in this exact chair when the police knocked on the door. When I heard the news I knew that as the oldest it was my responsibility to keep you guys together, if I didn’t then you’d be sent to an orphanage or a boarding house. Christina and Jen would be forced out on their own. Nobody would be happy. Family is supposed to be with each other. They can’t live without one another. I didn’t want to break you guys up…
Amy looks over and puts down the plate. She walks over and hugs her sister. She kisses her head.
Amy: I still don’t know how to accept their death. I don’t think I ever will. Each time I hear it from Jen or Christina I get so upset that I don’t know how to face it. I cry Karen. I cry every day they’re not here with me.
Karen: I do too Amy.
A long pause. Amy keeps hugging her sister and Karen holds her sister close. Crickets could be heard outside. A quiet solitude fills the room.
Amy: Karen?
Karen: Yes.
Amy: Remember the lullaby mum used to sing to us?
Karen: How could I forget?
Amy sinks into Karen’s lap. She wraps her arm around her sister’s neck.
Karen: See that star, up high
That is you and this is I
We will meet together
Wait and see…wait and see…
Amy: Thanks.
Karen: No problem kiddo.
Karen rocks Amy to sleep as the lights fade to black.
Scene Three
Same as before.
Next day, midday. Jennifer is lying down on the couch. She looks to the china cabinet in the hall. She walks over and removes the picture frame carefully. It’s her parents. As if it could break at any moment, she carries it back to her spot on the couch. She traces the edge lovingly and wipes a tear from her eye.
Jennifer: I miss you…come back, please? Please?
Christina enters and looks at her sister strangely.
Christina: Who are you talking to?
Jennifer looks at Christina and she immediately hides the frame.
Jennifer: No one. Mind your own business.
Christina: Jennifer, it’s ok to tell me. I’m your sister.
Jennifer: I don’t want to talk about it.
Christina: Jen…maybe I could help I –
Jennifer: No, I’m fine.
Christina: Are you sure. You look…
Jennifer: I said I don’t want to talk about it.
Christina: Ok. (She smiles). What were you looking at anyways?
Jennifer: Nothing.
Christina walks over and sits down beside her sister. She puts a hand on her leg and gently rubs it.
Christina: Jen, it’s ok. You can tell me.
Jennifer doesn’t respond. She looks at her feet. Christina gently removes the pillow from her grasp and takes the frame from her hands.
Christina: It’s mom and dad…On their wedding day. Where’d you get it?
Jennifer: Over there.
Christina: I forgot it was there.
Jennifer: I didn’t. Every day when I walk by that stupid china cabinet I see their happy smiling faces. And I hate it. I hate it because they’re not here. And they’re not here to share their happiness with us anymore. I…I hate them.
Christina: Why?
Jennifer: Because they took all our happiness away.
Christina: No, they didn’t.
Jennifer: Yes, Christina. They did. They had to die and they stole all our joy and all the happiness we had in the world.
Christina: You’ve got it backwards honey. They want to see us happy. They don’t want us to be sad. No sweety.
Christina puts a hand on Jennifer’s chin and her sister slowly moves her head to stare into her sister’s eyes. Their lips meet and they kiss. Christina’s hand goes up Jennifer’s leg; Jennifer’s hand across her sister’s back. Their kiss is passionate and loving.
Suddenly, they hear the door open. Scared of being caught they stop and Jen puts the frame back in the china cabinet. Amy walks in as Jen sits down.
Christina: Hey Amy. How was school?
Amy: Great!
Christina: That’s the first time I’ve heard that word come out of your mouth.
Amy: I know. I met this boy. His name is Jack and I met him in detention.
Jennifer: Detention? What’d you do?
Amy: Just started a food fight.
Christina: Oh…just! (giggles)
Amy: Yes just. He threw something at me!
Christina: Who Jack?
Amy: Yes Jack.
Christina: I see.
Amy: So, anyway, the principal gave us detention for the next two weeks. But I don’t really care. I get to spend it with him.
Christina: Is he cute?
Amy: Yeah. He’s so hot. He’s got these dimples that look so cute when he smiles.
Jennifer: He sounds great.
Amy: Oh, he is great Jen. I’m so happy.
She goes to her room and closes the door.
Christina: See Jen? You can be happy just like her. You just have to find it.
Jennifer: I’ll only be happy when they’re back.
Christina: That’s never going to happen Jen.
Jennifer: Then I guess I’ll never be happy.
Christina gets up and wraps her arms around Jen’s middle and up her arms to meet her shoulder. Jennifer stares blankly at the kitchen wall.
Karen enters. Jen and Christina let go of one another.
Karen: Do either of you know why Amy isn’t home yet?
Jennifer: She is. She’s in her room. She had detention. But guess what?
Karen: What?
Jennifer: She met a cute boy.
Karen: I hope she’s careful.
Jennifer: What do you mean?
Karen: Well, if anyone knows Amy it’s me. And I’m just scared she may go too fast.
Christina: Fast? They just met.
Karen: I know. But I still think I should talk to her.
Christina: It’s not your responsibility.
Karen: If I don’t talk to her then she may go off and do something stupid.
Jennifer: For Christ sakes Karen! She just met the guy.
Karen: I’m still going to talk to her.
Christina: I still don’t think that’s a good idea.
Karen: This is her first boyfriend. She needs to understand.
Christina: Understand what?
Karen: You know what. Amy!
Christina: You’re being stupid.
Amy (off stage): Yeah?
Karen: Can you come here for a few minutes?
Amy: (off stage): Ok.
Karen: I’m not being stupid. I’m being responsible.
Amy walks in and Karen brings her over to the couch. Jennifer and Christina stay on the other side in the kitchen.
Karen: What happened at school today?
Amy: I was late. I’m sorry. I had detention…and the best part is I met this really cute guy named Jack.
Karen: That’s what I heard from Christina and Jen. I hope you didn’t do anything bad to just get in detention with him so you could see him.
Amy: What? I’m not that shallow.
Karen: I’m not saying you are.
Amy: Then what are you saying?
Karen: I’m saying you need to be careful.
Amy: Careful? Of what? We just met.
Karen: I understand that but –
Amy: Oh my God! You actually think I’m going to have sex with him!
Karen: No, not at all.
Amy: Yes, you do. You think that’s why I got detention. You think I got it just to see this cute guy I want to have sex with!
Karen: Amy, I –
Amy: Say it Karen!
Karen: Amy!
Amy: Say it!
Karen: I’m not saying it.
Amy: Damn it Karen! I’m not some whore that takes off her top for any guy! I have respect for myself and I am not going to let anybody take advantage of me like that! I would have thought you had a better opinion of me.
Karen: I do have a –
Amy: No, obviously you don’t.
She storms out of the room with tears flashing in her eyes. After hearing the door slam, Jennifer speaks.
Jennifer: That went well.
Karen: Oh shut up Jen.
Christina: Don’t tell her to shut up.
Karen: I’ll tell her what I want.
Christina: No, you won’t.
Karen: Yes, I will Christina. At least I don’t sit around on my ass all day long doing nothing. At least I’m not some princess who chooses to do nothing. That’s what I think.
Christina: Well, Karen, you wanna know what I think. I think that after mum and dad died you thought because you were the oldest that you could take over and become them. You could just be mom and dad and everyone will be fine; that’s why you won’t let anyone help you out and that’s why you accused Amy of being a slut.
Karen: I just want to protect everyone.
Christina: Well, you can’t, you’re not mom and dad. So stop acting like them and stop acting like a dictator cause that’s all you’ve been doing. You’ve been marching around here with our nose in the air thinking you’re so perfect because you’re the oldest. You’re not perfect Karen.
Karen is silent. Christina walks dangerously close to her sister. She glares at her.
Christina: Maybe you should find a better way to grieve…because this is obviously not working for you.
Christina walks out of the side door slamming it upon her exit. Karen sits down on the couch. She stares at her feet.
Karen (quietly): I guess I messed everything up.
Jennifer sits beside her and clutches her hand. She nods.
Black out. Intermission.
Act Three
Scene One
A week has passed since the climax between Karen and Christina. The house hasn’t changed much…just a bit dirtier since nobody has had time to clean it.
Christina enters the house through the kitchen door. Amy is sitting in a chair facing the door. They smile at one another.
Amy: How was class?
Christina: Boring. As always. How was school for you?
Amy: Boring. But it’s what happened after school that I liked the most.
Christina: Jack!
Amy: Yep. He kissed me.
Christina: Wow! Your first kiss! How’s it feel?
Amy: Alright. It wasn’t all that it’s cut out to be.
Christina: I liked mine.
Amy: Who was yours?
Christina: Daniel. Black hair and blue eyes and he always had peppermint breath.
Amy: Was he good?
Christina: He was alright.
Amy: Jack is amazing.
Christina: Is he now?
Amy: Yes. He asked me out too.
Christina: Your first date too! You have to tell me all about it when you come home tonight, alright?
Amy: Of course Christina. Why wouldn’t I?
Pause while they hug.
Christina: Hey, when is it?
Amy: Tonight.
Christina: I’ll help you pick out what to wear. I’ve got this really cute dress you could try on.
Amy: Oh, is it the pink one?
Christina: Yeah.
Amy: I love that dress. Do you think Jack will like it?
Christina: Like it? Darling, he’ll love it. He’ll love it so much that he’ll want to take it off you.
Amy giggles and follows Christina to her room.
When they leave the kitchen Karen enters. She puts her bag down on the chair Amy was sitting on and yawns. She goes to lie down on the couch. She picks up a magazine and starts reading it. After a few minutes Amy runs in. She opens a few cupboard drawers in the china cabinet.
Amy: Where is it Christina?
Christina (offstage): In the china cabinet. The bottom drawer.
Christina comes out and crouches beside Amy. Karen looks up from her magazine and sees Amy. It’s the first time she’s seen her since their fight.
Karen: Amy?
Amy and Christina stop. They look at each other. Amy steps forward.
Amy: Yes?
Karen: I’m sorry about what I said last week. I didn’t mean it.
Amy stares at her.
Amy: I’m sorry; what are you talking about?
Karen: Amy, you don’t remember?
Amy: No, I do remember. Now, if you’ll excuse me I have to get ready for my date with Jack.
They exit leaving Karen standing lonesome in the hallway. She goes back to her seat and tries to read her magazine. After a few seconds she rolls it up and throws it across the room.
It hits the picture frame of their parents wedding. Karen doesn’t notice and continues to stare at the ground.
Tears stream down her face as she listens to Amy and Christina chat happily about her upcoming date.
After a minute, Karen decides to pick the magazine up. She sees the photo and picks up the pieces and slowly places them on the counter.
Amy (as she goes into the living room): Bye Christina.
Karen jumps and cuts herself with the glass. Amy sees this and looks at Karen as she crosses to the sink.
Amy: Are you ok?
Karen: I’m fine. Go on your date.
Amy: You’re hurt.
Karen: No, I’m fine.
Amy: But you’re bleeding.
Karen: Don’t be silly Amy. Go on your date. Go on.
Amy stands there. Karen looks up.
Karen: Why are you standing there? Go. You’ll be late.
Amy nods and goes toward the door.
Karen: Oh, Amy? Before you go…I’m really sorry…
Amy: No. I don’t think you are.
She leaves and Karen keeps soaking her hand in cold water. She dries it with a tea towel and goes to find a bandage.
Christina enters as Karen exits. Christina is obviously looking for her. She finds the remains of the picture frame.
Christina: Did you break this?
Karen (who walks in): What?
Christina: Did you break mom and dad’s wedding photo?
Karen: It was an accident.
Christina: Really? Was it?
Karen: You wouldn’t honestly believe that I actually broke their frame on purpose?
Christina: Well, you think Amy’s a slut so…
Karen: I do not thinks she’s a -
Christina: Didn’t you call her one last week?
Karen: I did not Christina.
Christina: Then what did you call her?
Karen: I don’t have time for this.
She goes to leave the room but Christina grabs her arm.
Christina: You’re not running away this time, ok? Now, tell me did you break mom and dad’s picture on purpose?
Karen: No Christina! I can’t believe you would think that!
Christina: I’m just warning you that Jennifer is going to be really angry with you when I tell her you broke the frame.
Karen: Oh, who cares about Jen!
Christina: HEY!
Christina marches up to Karen and slaps her sister across the face.
Christina: I care about her! Got it?
Karen (nods): Ok.
Christina: You’re nothing but a bitch Karen. You’re not trying to protect us…you’re trying to control us. Face it; you’re not mom or dad! You’re Karen – the big bitch!
Karen stares silently at the ground while Christina stares at her sister’s face.
Jennifer walks in through the door. She sees Christina and Karen staring at each other. She looks at the picture frame on the counter. She walks over to pick up the broken pieces.
Jennifer: Who did this?
Pause.
Jennifer: Who did this? Who broke this?
Christina: She did.
Jennifer: Why Karen?
Karen: It-it was an accident.
Jennifer: Yeah, right.
Karen: No, Jennifer. I swear it was.
Jennifer trades places with Christina and grabs Karen’s arms. She squeezes them roughly and shouts into her face.
Jennifer: Why did you do it?
Karen: Jen –
Jennifer: Why?
Karen: Jen you’re –hurting me…
Jennifer: I don’t give a fuck! Why did you break their picture frame!
Karen: It was an accident.
Jennifer: I don’t believe you.
Karen: You’re going to have to.
Jennifer twists Karen’s arms. Karen buckles in pain.
Karen: Stop!
Jennifer: Why did you break it!!
Karen: Please Jen. Get off.
Jen: WHY!!
Karen: Please…get off.
Jen: I WANT TO KNOW WHY! TELL ME WHY!
Jennifer’s grip weakens and she let’s go of Karen’s arms. Christina puts her hands on Jen’s shoulders.
Karen: They’re my parents too.
Jennifer: What did you say?
Karen: They’re my parents too.
Jennifer: Your parents! You don’t act like they’re your parents!
Karen: How would you like me to act then?
Jennifer: CRY!
Karen: I can’t cry! I have to be the responsible one! I have to be the one to work and bring home the money. I had to be the one to drop out of school and find a full time job that I hate! But you know what? I still do it! Why? Because I love you guys! Even though you fucking treat me like shit I still go to work. I have no other choice! If I wasn’t the parent nobody would be.
So excuse me for having a break down? I’m sorry, I’m not allowed to be a person. I’m not allowed to have feelings. I’m just a robot who has two options…work and sleep! I don’t have time for anything. I can’t go to school like you, Christina, or Amy! And I can’t sit around on my ass like Jen and do nothing. I have to be the parent. I have to be the grown up. Because none of you are!
Christina and Jennifer stand stunned as Karen gets up and walks out of the room to get her uniform.
Karen: Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go to work.
She closes the door and Christina and Jen look at each other.
Scene Two
Same as before.
Amy comes home from her date and Christina is in the room. She is sitting in a kitchen chair drinking a cup of tea.
Christina: How was your first ate?
Amy: So amazing. Jack was so great.
Christina: What’d you do?
Amy: He took me to a classy place. I was worried I wasn’t dressed well enough.
Christina: Were you?
Amy: Yeah. He took me to Gaston’s on Fifth Ave. There were candles on the table, a red rose which he gave to me afterwards.
Christina: That’s nice.
Amy: We ordered the best food on the menu. And by best I mean the most expensive. And as we ate we talked about our lives. His parents divorced when he was young and he admitted to me that he acts out to get attention from them and others. He’s got the cutest smile and dimples and when he turns his head the light bounces off his head in such an admirable way. He grew up with his mom mostly. It was his second date. That’s when he asked me if this was my first date. I said no. Well, before you say anything, I’m not going to tell him that it’s my first date if it’s not his. It’d make me look bad.
Christina: And like a liar.
Amy: Oh, I’m pretty sure he didn’t care. You have to lie sometime in your life anyway. And then after our dinner he took me to this great movie. He took me to that new romance with Regina Wilson. He told me he wanted to see it. So of course I went with him. While we were in the theatre he held my hand and I put my head on his shoulder. He was crying when Sarah leaves Mitch. It was so cute.
Christina: I’m glad you had fun.
Amy: The best part was when he kissed me. He took me to my step and gently brushed his lips against mine. He added a little pressure after I did. It was so magical and exciting. I didn’t want to let him walk away but he eventually did. He had to go home to his sick mother.
Christina: He sounds very…
Amy: Romantic, doesn’t he?
Christina: Yeah. Romantic.
Amy: Well, I’m going to bed. Oh, wait, I want to show you a picture that we took.
She takes out her camera and shows Christina the picture. As she puts the camera back she rustles around to find the right spot and a condom falls out. Amy doesn’t notice. Christina picks it up.
Amy: Well, goodnight.
Christina (who turned the other way entranced by the condom pack): Goodnight…
She puts the condom on the counter. Karen walks in.
Christina: Good, you’re home.
Karen: What’s up?
Christina: Amy came home from her date and she was showing me the pictures in her camera but a condom fell out of her purse.
Karen: What! Show me. Is it open?
Christina shows Karen the pack.
Christina: No. I – I don’t think so.
Karen: It doesn’t matter. If she has a condom that means she’s probably planning on using it.
Christina: Why?
Karen: To have sex.
Christina: No, I know that. But why?
Karen: I can’t remember that Christina. I don’t know myself. (pause) We’ll talk to her about it in the morning.
Christina: We should do it now.
Karen: Ok, I’ll leave it up to you then. Goodnight.
Christina nods. She goes to her sister’s door and knocks lightly.
Christina (offstage): Amy?
Amy (offstage): Yes?
Christina (off stage): Can I talk to you?
Amy (offstage): Ok. But can’t it wait until morning?
Christina (offstage): No.
They walk onstage together.
Christina: I found this when you dropped it.
Amy: Oh…
Christina: Do you want to explain why you have it?
Amy: I wasn’t going to use it.
Christina: Then why do you have it?
Amy: I got it at school.
Christina: That’s a lie. Try again.
Amy: Why are you being so mean?
Christina: I’m not being mean. I’m trying to protect you.
Amy: Why is everyone trying to protect me?
Christina: Because you obviously can’t do it yourself.
Amy: I can’t believe you. You and Karen ganged up on me, haven’t you?
Christina: We’re just concerned.
Amy: That I’m going to have sex! I would never do that!
Christina: Then why do you have a condom?
Amy: I told you. I got it at school.
Christina: And I told you that was a lie.
Amy: I don’t lie Christina.
Christina: You’re doing it now.
Amy: I don’t believe this. First Karen and now you! Why doesn’t anyone treat me with respect?
Christina: We do! We’re trying to keep you safe.
Amy: No. You’re trying to oppress me. Both Karen and, now, you. So you know what Christina? Take your protection somewhere else because I don’t need it.
She storms out of the room and angrily slams the door behind her. Jennifer walks in.
Jennifer: Who was that?
She sees Christina staring at the ground.
Jennifer: Hey, you ok?
She doesn’t get a response. Jennifer walks to Christina and lifts up her chin. Christina kisses Jennifer like she’s never kissed her before. She leads Jen to the couch and kisses Jen before standing centre stage.
Jen: Chrissy? What are you doing?
Christina starts taking off her clothes. First her shirt and then her shoes and socks and then she slips off her jeans.
Jennifer: Why are you doing this?
Christina: Don’t you like it?
Jennifer: I don’t –
Christina: Answer the question.
Jennifer gets up and walks to Christina. Christina puts Jennifer’s hands on her breasts. She snaps open the bra from behind. Jennifer replaces her hand on Christina’s breasts. Christina’s eyes fill quickly with tears and Jen wipes them away. Christina puts her head on Jen’s chest.
Black out.
Scene Three
Same as before.
Jennifer and Christina are asleep together on the couch wrapped in a blanket. Both are naked under the blanket.
Karen walks in.
Karen: Uh…Good morning.
Both Jen and Christina slowly wake up and look at Karen.
Jennifer: We were…
Karen: I…I don’t want to know. Just keep doing what you’re doing.
She walks out the door with a thermos in hand. She waves goodbye. Christina waves back.
Christina: What did we just do? (Pause) Did we?
Jennifer (nods): Yeah. What’s wrong?
Christina: What’s – what’s wrong? I slept with a girl! I slept with my sister! It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
Jennifer: What?
Christina: It was just a secret relationship. I wasn’t…we weren’t…
Jennifer: Hey, I never did anything. You were the one who…
Christina: I know. I know. I know. But…I – I have class. I have to go to class…
Jennifer: Stay with me.
Christina: I can’t.
Jennifer: Why not?
Christina: Just because Jen. I can’t.
Christina hurriedly puts on her clothes and rushes out the door. Amy walks in as Christina’s leaving.
Amy: Hi.
Jennifer: Hi.
Amy: So, why are you not wearing clothes in our living room?
Jennifer: I thought I would sleep out here tonight.
Amy: But why did you have a bed…wait, why was Christina…
Jennifer: Amy…
Amy: Ew! You slept with Christina! She’s my sister! She’s your sister!
Jennifer: I know. I know Amy.
Amy: So then why did you -?
Jennifer: I love her. But not the way you’re supposed to love your sister. Like you love your spouse or partner.
Amy is silent. She doesn’t know what to say.
Jennifer: Amy, I’m gay. I’m a lesbian. I like girls.
Amy is still silent. Jennifer gets up and walks over still holding the blanket over her.
Jennifer: Hello? Amy? Are you in there?
She knocks on her sister’s head.
Amy: Hey! Ow!
Jennifer: Oh, good. She speaks! I was worried you had gone mute on me.
Amy: I have to go to school….
Jennifer nods and watches as Amy leaves the room.
Christina slams the door upon reentering.
Christina: Why don’t you have clothes on?
Jennifer: Because I was hoping for round 2.
Christina: Don’t ok. This is not funny.
Jennifer: Ok, Jeez…I’ll put my clothes on.
Christina: Good.
Jennifer: Good.
Long pause as Jennifer dresses.
Christina: So – so how is it that I took my clothes off in front of you?
Jennifer: Well, if you want a reenactment –
Christina: No, no. I do not want a reenactment. I want the truth.
Jennifer: The truth? I’m a lesbian. And you are either a lesbian or bisexual.
Christina: I am neither of those things.
Jennifer: Oh, yes you are. That’s the only reason you’re so attracted to me, that you took your clothes off in front of me.
Christina: I can’t be attracted to my sister. That’s wrong on two fronts.
Jennifer: Two? Excuse me?
Christina: Yeah! It’s wrong to be gay and wrong to be in love with your sister.
Jennifer: So why were you kissing me and having sex with me last night?
Christina: Jesus Jen! I don’t know!
Jennifer: Why not?
Christina: I just don’t, ok?
Jennifer: Not ok. (Pause). Tell me why you led me on.
Christina: I didn’t lead you on.
Jennifer: Yes, you did.
Christina: How?
Jennifer: By kissing me. Not only kissing once but twice, three times and stripping and fucking me last night!
Christina: I can’t deal with this right now Jen.
Jennifer: Yes you will.
Christina: No. I’m sorry.
Jennifer: Why?
Christina: Because I didn’t think this was a big deal!
Jennifer: It wasn’t a big deal? You thought it wasn’t a big deal when we kissed and made love and you knew whole heartedly that I loved you!
Christina: I didn’t know you loved me.
Jennifer: Yes you did. You liar!
Christina: It wasn’t supposed to be serious.
Jennifer: Then what the fuck was it supposed to be? A mysterious relationship! Something secret!
Christina: Yes! That’s all I thought it would be.
Jennifer: No. You wanted me.
Christina: I’m not talking to you about this Jen.
Jennifer: Yes you are!
Christina walks to her room while Jen falls to the ground in the hallway and cries.
Scene Four
Same as before.
This is a continuation of the last scene. Jen remains crying in the hallway. Christina whisks by with a jacket.
Jen: WAIT!
She stops and turns around.
Christina: Yes?
Jen: Why did you lead me on like that?
Christina: I had no idea you had such strong emotional feelings. If I had known then I wouldn’t have led you on.
Jen: You’re a liar!
Christina: You know I’m not.
Jen: Yes, you are. Why would you do that?
Christina: I told you why.
Jen: No, you didn’t.
Christina: I don’t have time for this.
Jen: Yes, you do. Why won’t you answer me?
Christina ignores Jen and rushes out the door slamming it behind her.
Jen (running up to the door): I hate you! I hate you!
She begins to sob hysterically dissolving to the floor in shakes and tears. Karen slowly walks into the room.
Karen: Jen?
Jen looks over and sees Karen. A pause.
Karen: What’s wrong?
Jen: Nothing.
Karen: No, Jen. Something’s wrong. What is it?
Jen tries to get up but fails and falls back to the ground. Karen rushes over to help her sit in a chair.
Karen: Why are you crying? What’s wrong?
Jen: Christina…Christina hates me.
Karen: Why would she hate you?
Jen: Because…because I’m gay. And because…because I kissed her.
Karen is shocked.
Karen: Did you have feelings for Christina?
She nods. Karen hugs her sister. Jen hugs back.
Jen: Thanks. (Pause). You give hugs like mom.
Karen: Nowhere close.
Jen: Yeah…you do actually. You look like her too.
Karen: I do?
Jen: Yeah…you have her eyes.
Karen: Really?
Jen: Yeah…and hair.
Karen: People have told me that before. That’s all they kept telling me at the funeral. “Oh, you look so much like your mom.” But, it was surprising when you said it…different.
Jen: Why?
Karen: I don’t know. Maybe because you’re my sister. And because I love you. Not like that.
Jen (laughs): I love you too.
Long pause. They sit silence.
Karen: Can I – Can I ask you a question?
Jen (pauses): Ok.
Karen: When – when you kissed Christina what did it – feel like?
Jen (smiles): Like the most wonderful feeling in the world. Like I was floating up from the ground and I could never come down. Like I had a balloon attached to my heart…
Karen: And she felt that way with you?
Jen: No. I mean, when she was doing it with me it felt like she was but…
Karen: I know (hugs her sister) I know (Karen kisses Jen on her check. Jen smiles benevolently. Tears escape from her eyes and roll down her cheeks).
Jen: You really are like mom.
Karen: Thanks. Want some tea? (Jen nods).
Pause. Karen gets up to make some tea.
Jen: Hey Karen?
Karen: Yeah?
Jen: Have you ever been in love?
Karen (pause): No. Not the way you were. I never got that opportunity. I never will.
Jen: But you must’ve liked someone.
Karen (nods): I did. But he didn’t like me back. So, I understand how you feel.
Jen: Christina did like me back. She loved me. She’s just too scared to admit it.
Karen puts two cups on the table and some tea bags in the cups. Karen sits down and takes Jen’s hand. Jen smiles.
Jen: Who did you fall in love with?
Karen: Teddy Stevenson. In 10th grade. I loved his smile. But he didn’t love me.
Jen: What happened?
Karen: Well, I was sitting in math class and was watching him from my seat. I loved him for two months at that point. So, I had to tell him. So, I decided that after math class I would tell him. And he said he loved me back.
Jen: But that’s good, isn’t it?
Karen: No…he totally played me and made me look like a fool. So, I understand how you feel.
Jen: It was the worst feeling I’ve ever felt in my life.
Karen: I know the feeling. It hurts so much. But you move on. And you’ll get over it; even though you may not think so right now.
Jen: You think?
Karen: I know.
The kettle on the stove whistles. Karen rises to get it and pours the boiling water in the cups.
Jen: Thank you. (Pause). Did you ever find someone else?
Karen: No. (Sips). I never had time. Especially after mom and dad died.
Jen: But you should enjoy life.
Karen: I’m not meant to enjoy life. Some people are. Some aren’t. I’m just one of those people.
Jen (pauses): What do you mean?
Karen: Some people find the success they were meant to find but others don’t. Those that do enjoy the niceties; those that don’t just work and pay their bills. They don’t have the capabilities to have fun.
Jen: But…that’s sad, isn’t it?
Karen: That’s my life.
This time Jen puts a hand on Karen’s. She looks up. They smile at each other.
Scene Five
Same as before.
It’s been three months since the last scene. Jennifer is just starting to get over Christina. Jen, Amy and Karen are in the kitchen eating supper.
Amy: Thank you Karen.
Jen: Yes, thank you.
Karen: No problem. What do you have planned tonight?
Amy: We should be the ones asking you that.
Karen: Oh? Why’s that?
Jen: I kinda told Amy what you told me.
Karen: You told Amy about Teddy!
Jen: Yeah. Only because we care and love you.
Karen: How does this show you care and love me?
Amy: Because we set you up.
Karen (drops the plate): What!
Jen: That’s right. Now, you have to get dressed; he’ll be here soon.
Karen: Do I have any say in this?
Jen and Amy: No.
Karen: Well, I wouldn’t know what to wear.
Jen: That’s alright Amy and I will help you.
Amy: Yeah. It’ll be fun.
Karen: Well, I…I don’t know.
Jen: C’mon Karen.
Karen: It’s been such a long time…
Jen: And it’ll be a longer time if you don’t go out tonight.
Karen (looks at Jen): Alright. I’ll do it; only because I love you two.
Jen: Good. Now, hurry up. You need to get ready.
Karen laughs and nods. Amy follows her out.
Jen is also in the kitchen she clears her plate in the kitchen. She hears the lock in the door. Christina enters.
Christina: Hello Jen.
Jen stops but refuses to listen and keeps clearing her dish.
Christina: Are Amy and Karen around? I’ve got something to tell you and them.
Jen continues to ignore Christina.
Karen and Amy enter the room.
Amy: Christina!
She runs to her sister to hug her.
Christina: Karen.
Karen: Why are you here?
Christina: I need to tell you something. Even you Jen.
Amy nods and sits down on the couch. Karen follows along with Jen who takes her time. Christina stands in the room in front of them.
Christina: I’m pregnant.
Amy: You are!
She runs to hug her sister.
Christina: Well? Karen?
Karen: (pause) Congratulations.
Christina: Jen?
Jen: Yeah…what she said…
Christina: Would you two leave me alone with Jen?
Karen: No.
Christina: Please Karen. You may not be very happy with me right now but I want to talk to Jen.
Karen: Then you could say it in front of us.
Christina: Karen -
Jen: No. It’s fine. I need to do this on my own.
Karen: Ok. Let’s go Amy.
They leave. Christina sits on Jen’s left side.
Christina: I –
Jen: You’re not pregnant.
Christina: Excuse me!
Jen: You heard me.
Christina: I am pregnant Jen.
Jen: Yeah, well you didn’t get pregnant because you wanted to. You got pregnant because you wanted to distance yourself from your bisexuality.
Christina: I do not like girls.
Jen: Then why did you kiss me?
Christina: Because I did not want to hurt your feelings.
Jen: So it was better to hurt my feelings than tell me the truth?
Christina: No but…please understand this from my point of view?
Jen: I’m sorry. I can’t. You’re a bitch. You’re a lying bitch.
Christina: Jen – I –
Jen: I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t even want to look at you.
Christina: Jen…
Jen: Leave!
Christina: But –
Jen: LEAVE! (She gets up and pushes Christina)
Christina: Jen…Why are you -?
Jen: Leave! Go! Go!
Jen continues pushing Christina out the door. Each time harder than the last. Karen and Amy rush in from the loud noise. Jen pushes Christina into the door.
Christina: The baby!
Jen: There is no baby!
Jen grabs the fabric from beneath Christina’s clothes and she begins hitting her sister with it. Harder and harder than the first time.
Jen: I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!
Jen falls from physical exhaustion to the ground. Amy and Karen glare at Christina from the ground. Christina looks at them for a minute and then leaves. After a long pause.
Karen: I shouldn’t go.
Amy: Karen, you’ll be missing out on a wonderful time with someone. You need some sort of life. I’ll stay with Jen. You can go.
Karen: Jen?
Jen made her way to the couch and is holding the fabrics that Christina had underneath her clothes. She rocks back and forth.
Amy: Go have fun Karen. I’ll stay here.
Karen: Are you sure?
The door bell rings.
Amy: Yeah. Besides, the guy is already here, you’re all dressed up. Don’t let all this pretty go to waste. Go have fun. We all need to have fun sometime. This is your time.
Karen: Ok. (She walks up to Jen and hugs her. Jen hugs back). You call me if you need to talk. I’ll be right home.
Jen nods. Amy waves goodbye and Karen smiles and looks over at Jen and leaves.
Amy walks over to Jen and sits down. She touches her sister’s arm and puts her head on her shoulder. She wraps an arm around her neck.
Amy: See that star, up high
That is you and this is I
We will meet together
Wait and see…wait and see…
Black out.
Scene Six
Same as before.
Karen is in the kitchen making breakfast. The room smells of blueberry pancakes. Amy comes on stage in pajamas.
Amy: Smells good.
Karen: That’s good. Come and have some. I made them myself.
Amy goes to sit down. Jen walks in with her pajamas too.
Karen: Good morning Jen. Come have some pancakes. I made them myself. Just like mom used to make.
Jen doesn’t respond and lies down on the couch.
Karen: Jen…please come eat. I know Christina left last night but I really would like you to eat something.
She walks over to Jen and kneels beside her on the couch.
Karen: Please Jen.
Jen: I’m not hungry.
Karen: But I –
She touches Jen’s arm. Jen screams in agony and glares down at Karen. Karen crouches on the ground. She looks up.
Karen: Ok. I’ll let you stay here. You can come to the table when you’re ready.
Karen goes back to the kitchen and sits beside Amy. They slowly eat their pancakes. They are silent.
When Amy is done she gets up and goes to her room and gets her purse.
Karen: Where are you off to?
Amy: Out with Jack.
Karen: Ok. Come back by dinner.
Amy: Ok. Bye.
Karen: Bye.
Karen finished her pancakes and washes both plates when she finishes. She looks over at Jen. Karen walks over to Jen and looks at her sister the same way she did a few minutes earlier.
Karen: Do you want to talk about it?
No response.
Karen: Ok. I’ll be in my room if you want to talk.
Karen gets up and begins to exit the room. As she is about to leave Jen speaks.
Jen: She was the only girl I ever loved. The only person, really.
Karen stops and looks at Jen.
Jen: When I realized I loved her, I was terrified. Not only was she a woman but she was my sister. My sister! There was no way I could love her, no way. But I did. And I didn’t know how else to tell her…so I kissed her and she kissed me back.
That’s when I realized she was the one for me. She was my girl. Even if she was my sister. And you know what Karen? I didn’t care. I just didn’t care. As long as I loved her and she loved me that was all that mattered.
Then a few weeks after I kissed her and we started seeing each other in secret she and I made love. It was our first time with one another. That was the best part of my life. Because I was with the person I loved…but, she wasn’t.
Jen breaks down in hysterics. She collapses on the ground shuddering from the convulsions going through her. Karen turns to her side to help her sit down and holds her hands.
Jen: Last night was the darkest day of my life. She came in here and ripped my heart out. She tore it in half and threw it to the ground without a second thought. And what I really don’t understand is how someone can do that to another person and not feel sorry.
They sit on the couch. Karen clutches Jen’s hands in comfort. Jen shakes uncontrollably. It’s like her other half is gone.
Jen: She gave me so much hope. She made me believe that she loved me. She hates me. She hates me.
Karen: No, she doesn’t hate you.
Jen: Then why did she walk out on me? On us?
Karen: A lot of people are scared and confused when confronted with the fact that they might be homosexual or bisexual.
Jen: Ok. But she didn’t have to walk out on us.
Karen: I know she didn’t. But she probably needs to think about something.
Jen: Like what?
Karen: I don’t know sweety. I just don’t know.
Jen nods. They hug for a long time.
Karen: I know Jen. I know.
The door slams open. Both women look up. Amy is at the door.
Amy: I HATE JACK!
She storms through the room and into her bedroom. Jen gets up and goes to the door.
Jen: What the fuck Amy!
Karen: What happened Amy?
Amy: Jack is a cheating – (screams)
Karen: What Amy? How do you know?
Amy: Because he told me. Today. After he dumped me. For her.
Karen: Amy, that’s horrible.
Amy: I don’t understand why he would do that to me. After I was so nice to him.
Jen: Maybe he’s just a scumbag Amy.
Karen looks at her sister. Jen shrugs her shoulders.
Jen: What? Maybe, he is.
Karen: That’s not the point.
Amy: I don’t have anybody anymore.
Karen: That’s not true. You have us.
Amy: No, I don’t. You hate me! And Jen hates me. And Christina hates me!
Karen: That’s not true Amy and you know it.
Amy: Yes it is. That’s why Christina left.
Karen: That’s not the reason. She left to sort out her own personal problems.
Amy: She hates us. She hates all of us.
Karen: You’ve got it all wrong Amy.
Amy: Then why did she leave?
Karen: We don’t know Amy.
Amy exits her room and joins Karen and Jen in the living room.
Amy: Isn’t that why you were yelling at me a few months ago Karen?
Karen: When did I tell at you?
Amy: You accused me of having sex.
Karen: I wanted you to be safe.
Amy: I was! I used a condom!
Karen: Condoms don’t always work.
Amy: How would you know Karen?
Karen: That’s not the point.
Amy: And Jen.
Jen: Don’t you dare accuse me of anything Amy. I never did or said anything to hurt you.
Amy: Yes, you did. You said I wasn’t important. What I said wasn’t important.
Jen: And I apologized.
Amy: And I know Christina hates me because she left.
Karen: Amy! That’s not the reason she left.
Amy: Then why did she leave?
Jen: Because she didn’t want to be with me!
Amy: Oh my God! I just realized – you know whose fault this is: Mom and Dad’s.
Karen: Amy! How could you-?
Amy: It is! If they didn’t die then we wouldn’t be in this mess. Karen wouldn’t have to work her ass off for an ungrateful family; Jen wouldn’t be a fucking desperate lesbian that she had to have sex with her sister; Christina wouldn’t have to have left; and I – I wouldn’t be the fucked up mess you see before you. I wouldn’t have out all my love and energy in Jack. So, you know what? Thank you Mom and Dad.
Karen: Do you hear yourself?
Amy: Yes, I do. And you both know I’m right.
Karen: Amy –
Amy: I think Mom and Dad deserve to know how I feel.
Karen: Amy –
Amy: What Karen?
She grabs the kitchen knife.
Karen: Amy please. Don’t.
Amy: I’m going to tell them. I’m going to tell them about the fucking wonderful life we lead after their death. Do you think they’ll want to hear that?
Karen: Amy. We can fix that.
Amy: No. We can’t.
Amy takes the knife and cuts both her wrists. Karen screams and runs to her. She rips the knife out of her hand but it is too late. Her hands are filled with her sister’s blood.
Karen: Call 911 Jen.
Jen stands frozen unsure of what to do.
Karen: JEN! HURRY UP! CALL 911!
Karen holds onto Amy. She gets a towel and soaks it with cold water and pressed it to her sister’s wrist.
Black out.
Act Four
Same as before except a dining room table is now centre stage.
It’s Christmas Eve. A large Christmas tree stands in the corner of the room. A large poinsettia plant is on the centre of the table. Gold rimmed plates and cutlery are on the table. Karen walks in wearing a Christmas apron. She walks into the kitchen to check on the turkey.
Karen: Jen! Turkey’s almost done.
Jen comes in wearing a stick of poinsettia in her hair.
Jen: Great.
Karen: Great. Can you help bring some stuff to the table?
Jen: Sure.
Jen walks to the counter and brings the mashed potatoes and gravy. Karen brings the vegetables and cranberry sauce.
Karen: A few more minutes and the turkey will be ready.
Jen: Ok.
Jen looks over at Amy’s chair.
Jen: It’s too bad Amy’s not here to see this. She loves mom’s turkey.
Karen: I know. She would have loved this.
Jen: You made mom’s recipe, right?
Karen: I tried. I hope everything goes well.
Jen nods. She walks over to the Christmas tree.
Jen: Hey? You put up our ornaments?
Karen: Of course I did. (Joins her by the tree). How could I not? I was so cute. Oh, and you were too.
Jen: I was cute. (Gasp). Look at Amy. Wasn’t she adorable?
Karen: Yeah. And she always wore pigtails. Never took them out.
Jen: I remember. Mom used to try to get her to but it never worked.
Karen: It never did.
Jen stands over the table to look at the plates.
Jen: I can’t believe we found some of the dishes Mom and Dad used to use.
Karen: They were buried in the attic.
Jen: I know. I helped you take them out. Along with all the decorations.
Karen goes up behind Jen and hugs her. She kisses Jen’s cheek. Jen puts a head on Karen’s shoulder.
Karen: I love you Jen. So much.
Jen: Love you too.
There’s a giant ho-ho-ho heard in the house.
Karen: That’s strange. Who could be here on Christmas Eve?
Karen walks to the door and opens it. Christina is on the other end.
Karen: What do you want?
Christina: To talk. To talk to Jen.
Karen: I don’t thinks she wants to talk to you right now.
Karen goes to close the door but Christina puts her foot in the door.
Christina: I know you probably hate me more than anything right now. But it’s Christmas and more importantly we’re family. We’re sisters. Can I please come in?
Karen looks at Jen. A pause. Jen nods.
Karen: I’ll be in my room. Yell, if you need me.
Jennifer nods. Karen kisses Jen on the way out.
Christina stands on the other side of the room and Jen on the other.
Christina: How are you?
Jen: I’ve been better.
She nods. Pause.
Jen: Why are you here Christina?
Christina: Because I heard about Amy. And I wanted to make sure everyone was alright.
Jen: Ok. But you could have asked Karen. Why did you want to talk to me?
Christina: I want to apologize. Because I know the way I treated you was wrong. And I spent the last year wondering if I should come back here. And I am. I couldn’t do much of anything over the past year.
Jen nods.
Christina walks closer.
Christina: I missed you.
She walks towards Jen and holds her arm. Jen walks away.
Christina: Listen, I know you hate me right now. And I don’t blame you. But I was scared.
Jen: What do you think I was Christina! You don’t think I was fucking scared when I realized I liked a girl and at the same time it was my sister. You don’t think I was scared. More like petrified.
Christina: I know. I worked as a cashier at a grocery store while I was gone and while I was there I realized that family is the most important thing in the world. And that we only had each other. It was selfish of me to leave you three alone and when I heard Amy died…I knew I had to come back.
Jen still ignores her. She turns her back to her.
Christina: I know I had to come back because I love you Jen, I love you so much it hurts. Every day I was apart from you it felt like half of me was gone. Didn’t you feel that way?
Christina puts a hand on Jen’s shoulder. She could see her sister shuddering Tears roll down her face, she turns Jen’s around.
Christina: I am so sorry that I left you and that I led you on. I didn’t mean to. It was selfish and unkind and ignorant to everyone around me. I thought I was the only one that was right but you were right. You were right.
Jen continues to sob uncontrollably into Christina’s hands.
Christina: Jen. I not only ask you as my sister but as my best friend and lover – will you forgive me?
Jen nods through tears. She hugs Jen. After the hug they look into each other’s eyes and kiss. After they kiss Christina bend down on one knee.
Christina: While I was gone I learnt a lot, and I also learnt that you are the only one I want to be with. So Jen, will you marry me?
Jen nods and Christina puts a ring on Jen’s finger. They kiss.
Christina: I love you so much Jen.
Jen: I love you too Christina. Karen!
Karen walks in.
Karen: What?
Jen shows Karen her finger and she hugs them both.
Karen: I am so happy for you guys. Can I be your bridesmaid? Or yours? You know what, it doesn’t matter. I’ll be somebody’s bridesmaid.
She hugs her sister’s tightly. Karen kisses both Jen and Christina.
Karen: Let me check on the turkey.
They nod and Jen and Christina go to sit down at the dining room table. Karen brings over the turkey. She puts it in the middle and begins to carve it. She gives a piece to each person. She fills the glasses with wine.
Christina: I’d like to purpose a toast. To Jen.
Jen: To Christina.
Christina: To Karen.
Karen: To Amy.
They toast with one another’s glasses and sip their wine. Black out. A spot light shines on Amy’s chair for a few seconds.
Curtain
