Regret

Elena Dean

CHARACTER LIST:
Julie Gordon is an upcoming successful dramatic writer, as she’s published her second play after her debut play won the Olivier Award for Best New Play and went on to be performed on Broadway. Her name is one that many are familiar with in the drama world as a new and exciting playwright. She is 32 years old, has dark brown hair cut into a layered bob cut, and dark brown eyes. She is wearing a dark red turtleneck with a black belted pencil skirt.
Alexandria Demnasky is Julie’s best friend from college and is married to Nicholas Demnasky. She is a 31-year-old stage actress with red hair and blue eyes. She is wearing a baggy turquoise blazer with a white collared shirt and a matching turquoise skirt with a belt.
Nicholas Demnasky is Alexandria’s husband. He has a rich voice. He has sandy blond hair and a youthful boyish attitude. He is charismatic and has a good sense of humor. Nick, Alex, and Julie are all friends from college and fellow drama majors.
Young Julie is a young girl of 8 or 9. She is wearing a first communion dress, which is white, along with a white veil, gloves, and shoes.
Two Male Extras: One is an extra for the priest. He should be dressed in priest attire: a black cassock with a white surplus and white stole. The other male extra should be the godfather in dress pants, dress shoes, suit, and tie.
One Female Extra: should be dressed in nice clothes.

The play is set in the present time between two sets, a church and a nice apartment in New York City.

SCENE ONE

SETTING:
Morning, well-lit church.
PICTURE OF THE SET DESIGN:

Pews line across the front of the stage in front of the curtain. At the head of the stage is a table (altar). Some kind of crucifix on a stand should be placed in the altar center. A single candle is lit. Another small table with a water bowl is in front of the altar table.
[Curtain opens: two figures, one male and one female, stand before the altar. The woman holds a baby, which can be a baby doll. The man holds an unlit candle. A priest is before them. A spotlight is on the baby. The faces of the other two are indistinguishable.]
Priest: Julie Marie Gordon, I baptize thee in the name of the Father [begins pouring a trickle of water over the infant's head in the sign of a cross] and the Son [makes another sign of the cross] and of the Holy Ghost. [Makes a final sign of the cross. Throughout the water pouring, play a recording of an infant crying loudly. The altar boy holds a missal for the priest to read. He reads.] “May almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has given you a new birth by means of water and the Holy Ghost and forgiven all your sins, [anoints holy oil on the baby’s forehead with a small sign of the cross with his thumb] anoint you with the Chrism of salvation in the same Christ Jesus our Lord, so that you may have everlasting life.”
Man and Woman: [simultaneously] Amen.
Priest: Peace be with you.
Man and Woman: [together] And with thy spirit.
[The altar boy hands the priest a linen cloth. The priest places the cloth on the head of the child.]
Priest: Receive this white garment. Never let it become stained so that when you stand before the judgment seat of our Lord Jesus Christ, you may have life everlasting.
Man and Woman: [together] Amen.
[Priest takes the candle and lights it. He hands it back to the man.]
Priest: Receive this burning light, and keep the grace of your Baptism throughout a blameless life. Observe the commandments of God. Then, when the Lord comes to His heavenly wedding feast, you will be able to meet Him with all the Saints in the halls of heaven and live forever and ever.
Man and Woman: [together] Amen.
Priest: Julie Marie Gordon, go in peace, and the Lord be with you.
Man and Woman: [together] Amen. [Spotlight moves to the front of the church where the single candle burns brightly. The curtain closes briefly.]

[Curtain opens: Seven years have passed. The entire church is brightly lit. A young girl kneels before the altar in a white first-communion dress. The priest stands before her with a chalice and Host. Making a sign of the Cross with the Host, he gives her communion. The spotlight is focused on young Julie. Now it moves to the candle, which is still brightly lit. The curtain closes for a brief moment.]

[The curtain opens: Ten years have passed. The church is once again there; however, the atmosphere is drastically different. The church is empty and dark. The candle’s flame is out. A thunderstorm is heard outside. Rumbles of thunder are heard. A long flash of light highlights the extinguished candle. The scene ends.]

SCENE TWO

SETTING:
Late morning, Julie’s apartment.
THE PICTURE OF THE SET DESIGN:

Nice apartment: the front door is to the far left of the stage. Stairs start by the door and curve toward the right to the upstairs balcony. The background of the stage depicts big windows with skyscrapers outside. The buildings and city life outside bring in a faint light that displays only faint shadowy people when the lights are off. A white sofa is in the middle of the room, a white chair on either side, and a black table in front of the furniture with a vase filled with vibrant sunflowers. A stack of papers also resides on the table. There is a bar behind the sofa and chairs toward the far right corner. Two decanters are on top; both are full.

[Twenty-five years have passed. The curtain opens with a dimly lit stage. Lights on Julie stand at the front of the stage with her back to the audience. Curtains are drawn over the windows blocking out the light. The escaping light from the windows from the bustling city outside illuminates the outline of the furniture and figure. The appearance of a figure should be barely distinguishable sitting on the sofa. ]

Julie Gordon: [with emotion] So, that’s your final decision? [vehemently] You would rather stay with that little mouse you call your wife than be with me? I’m supposed to believe that after you promised me everything under the starlit sky. What about last night? [Silence. Julie walks up to the sitting figure and leans close. Looks like she peers into the figure’s face] When you held me in your arms, did none of it really matter? Was I just another woman to you? [turns away abruptly and pauses a moment in distress. She turns around suddenly, passionate and angry; her voice raises in volume.] Was I your toy to be played with and then forgotten and cast away when the fun wore off? [Scoffs. Says it with hostility. *Nick speaks; play the recording.] I would rather smolder in Hell than be used by a man!
Nicholas Demnasky: [amusement in his voice] Is that supposed to be a threat? Nothing like a woman scorned, huh? You actualize all the women tropes: the woman scorned, the shrew, and [chuckles] the whore.
Julie Gordon: [without a beat] I hate you.
Nicholas Demnasky: First, you love me, and now you hate me? Isabel Delrose, you are the most fickle girl I know. [Laughs again. He coughs.]
Julie Gordon: [coldly] I was hardly fickle when I poisoned your brandy with arsenic. [He coughs again.]
Nicholas Demnasky: [with surprise] What?
Julie Gordan: I told you I—[sudden knock on the front door. Disappointed and annoyed.] You got to be kidding me right now? [knock continues] Okay, I’m coming. [Julie runs to the door and turns the lights on. In her hands is a stack of papers stapled together. A recorder is on the table. There is no one on the couch, just a big pillow with a dummy head on top, giving the appearance of a figure. Julie opens the door. Alexandria walks in. She looks at the papers in Julie’s hands. ]
Alexandria Demnasky: Are you giving your script another go? [sees the dummy head] Is that mine?
Julie Gordon: Yes, to the dummy, and yes, to the script. Although, it’s nowhere near your performance. You’re the better actress; I’m just the writer trying to fix my script. I feel like the dialogue is a little off. Do you want to give it a go again?
Alexandria Demnasky: Oh, I—[Nicholas’ voice interrupts on the recorder.]
Nicholas Demnasky: [weakly] How could you do this to me? [Alexandria looks up, surprised.]
Julie Gordon: It’s just a recording.
Alexandria Demnasky: With Nick’s voice?
Julie Gordon: [quickly] Oh yes, Nick helped me with David’s part. Now, it’s on a recording, so I don’t have to get to do it every time I need a man’s voice. [She chuckles as she avoids eye contact with Alexandria as she neatly places the paper on the table by the recording. She turns it off.]
Alexandria Demnasky: So, that’s where Nick has been.
Julie Gordon: [surprised, slightly alarmed] What do you mean?
Alexandria Demnasky: He’s been out quite a bit lately, but it makes sense if he was helping you.
Julie Gordon: [watches Alex closely] He didn’t tell you about it?
Alexandria Demnasky: No, but he’s been busy with work and constantly forgetting things.
Julie Gordon: Oh. Do you want a drink?
Alexandria Demnasky: No, I– [Julie cuts her off.]
Julie Gordon: [preoccupied] Well, I do. [Walks over to the bar. Alexandria sits down. Picks up the first one and notices it's empty.] That’s funny; I could have sworn it was full. [Sets it down and picks up another.] I clearly drink too much of this stuff. But it helps me write. [Pours a glass from the other decanter. Takes a sip.] Alex, the problem is I’m not sure he should be killed with poison. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve researched lots of information on the effects of arsenic, but I don’t think it would be the weapon of choice for Izzy. [thinks as she sips] It’s too cold, too sneaky. She would want to kill him in a fantastic kind of way; it’s just her personality. She’s dramatic and bold. [excited] Alex, could you act the scene out with Izzy killing David with a knife? [sets her glass down and grabs a laptop by the bar] Let me quickly rewrite the scene. I know you’ll do a fantastic job; you’re the best actress I know, and I’m not just saying that because you’re my best friend. [Begins typing away as she rattles on.]
Alexandria Demnasky: [quietly] I’m your best friend? [Julie stops typing and looks up, surprised.]

Julie Gordon: [emphatically as she slaps the laptop shut and stands up.] Of course you are! Why would you think otherwise?
Alexandria Demnasky: [looks Julie dead in the eye] Oh, I don’t know; you really haven’t been around lately. You’ve kind of been distant.
Julie Gordon: Distant? Well, you know I get a little isolated when I’m working on a project. This one has been a little taxing, I’m trying desperately to get into my characters' heads, and honestly, it leaves me exhausted.
Alexandria Demnasky: [thinks] But this is something else. You’ve written before, and you’ve published two other plays. Why is this project so different? Why are you so different?
Julie Gordon: [slightly agitated] Alex, I don’t know what you’re getting at. If I’ve been a bit preoccupied and haven’t paid you enough attention, I’m sorry, but I’m working on something important. [softly and avoids eye contact] I thought you would be happy for me.
Alexandria Demnasky: Of course, I want you to be happy. [a slight pause] I just don’t think you are actually happy.
Julie Gordon: [snaps] What is that supposed to mean?
Alexandria Demnasky: You never come over to see Nick and me; in fact, it’s like you avoid us. [Bobs her head around to find Julie’s eyes, which she constantly turns away from Alex] And you won’t even look me in the face. [concerned] What is going on? You can talk to me. I hope you know that you can tell me anything, no matter what; I’ll support you. [Julie gives a look of inner turmoil].
Julie Gordon: [sits down opposite Alex. says decisively] There’s no dark secret. I’m fine. I’m just a little obsessive with my work; I promise if something were going on, I would tell you. [Alex nods but looks unconvinced; she assertively changes the subject.] Now, how about you give me a few days to rewrite this script; I’ve got some ideas to really flesh out, Izzy. I need people to see her personality displayed through her actions. Then, you can act it out; how about it? [persuasively] Afterward, I’ll take you out for coffee, and we can spill our guts out to each other, just like old times.
Alexandria Demnasky: [looks a little unsatisfied] Of course! Are you sure you don’t need some air to clear your head now? [persuasively] I was on my way out to check the stained glass art design in this beautiful little church; you could come with me.
Julie Gordon: [looks up in mock shock] You want me to go to a church for fun? Alex, I stopped going to church a long time ago. [Laughs then thinks.] It would have been when I started college. My philosophy is that church is for children and grandmothers.
Alexandria Demnasky: What a gross exaggeration! [feigned shock] Dr. Webble would be so disappointed that you have participated in the prolongation of stereotypes.

Julie Gordon: [rolls her eyes] I believe Dr. Webble was referring to archetype in reference to literary characters—[Alex cuts her off ]

Alexandria Demnasky: [argumentatively] Literary characters who represent stereotypical characters; it’s the same thing.

Julie Gordon: [raised eyebrows] Is that so?

Alexandria Demnasky: Yes, if you think about oftentimes, the religious characters who represent the pillar of faith in movies are grandmothers or brainwashed children. If they want to change it up, they should have a super-religious stripper or an abortionist. [gasps] An abortionist by night and a religious zealot by day.

Julie Gordon: [laughs] That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard; it's an oxymoron.

Alexandria Demnasky: [playfully difficult ] Why?

Julie Gordon: It’s fundamentally anti-Catholic; it's exactly what a good Catholic is not supposed to be or do.

Alexandria Demnasky: Says the bad ex-Catholic.

Julie Gordon: [laughs] Touche. [sips from her glass. A pause. Alex sighs.]

Alexandria Demnasky: [reminiscent] This is just like the good old days; you and me playfully sparring. You, Nick, and me at college together. Boring lectures and sleepless nights at the library as we crammed before our exams. [thinks, then excited upon remembering] Oh, and midnight snacks and drinks at Rick’s Place. We’d go there after a late night studying or on the weekends. It was the only place open late at night. Do you remember that place?

Julie Gordon: Yeah, the food was awful. [thinks] So, were the drinks.

Alexandria Demnasky: Yeah, but it was cheap, and we were broke college students.

Julie Gordon: [thinks] You know, it’s funny, but sometimes I miss the cheap beer there. [sighs] Life was simple then. [slight pause]

Alexandria Demnasky: [friendly surpise] Look at you, getting all sentimental. I bet you miss Karaoke Friday. [Julie shakes her head at Alex in slight embarrassment] You and Nick would always belt away.

Julie Gordon: [watches Alex closely] You could have joined us.

Alexandria Demnasky: You know I’m tone deaf; I can’t sing for the life of me. But I remember the two of you fighting over the mic after a few too many beers, so you did a duet. [thinks] What did you sing? Summer something?

Julie Gordon: [scrunches her eyebrows in thought] “Summer Nights” from Grease. [chuckles] Those were the days. [pause]

Alexandria Demnasky: Well, how about? Will you come to church with me?

Julie Gordon: [laughs] Good thing this recorder is off because this sounds awful. Coming to church with you?

Alexandria Demnasky: To look at stained glass windows, not to be baptized.

Julie Gordon: [smugly] I’ve already done both those things, so I’m good. Plus, I’m on a roll; you gotta follow the dice.

Alexandria Demnasky: Alright, I tried to save you from your writing. I give up. [Alex walks to the door]

Julie Gordon: [calls out to Alex] Let me know if you convert to Catholicism.

Alexandria Demnasky: [shakes her head in exasperation.] See you later, Julie. [Julie continues typing away. Lights out. Curtain closes. The scene ends.]

SCENE THREE

THE SETTING:

Evening, Nick and Julie in Julie’s apartment.

PICTURE OF THE SET:

[Curtain opens. The lighting in the apartment is dim. Two figures are by the apartment door. It is difficult to make out who there are, but it is clear that one is a woman and the other is a man. The woman leisurely leans the apartment door again. The male figure faces her; his left-hand holds her right hand, and his left hand is palm open on the door, supporting him as he leans close to the woman.]

Nick Demnasky: I love you [He picks up her hand and gently kisses her hand.]

Julie Gordon: You do?

Nick Demnasky: [with more emphasis] I love you. [He kisses her lips.]

[A beat.]

Julie Gordon: [shakily] Remember how we got here? To this point?

Nick Demnasky: Things change. Motives change.

Julie Gordon: I don’t think—[Nick cuts in]

Nick Demnasky: Don’t think. You’re always thinking and plotting. Just live in the moment [he kisses her again, and this time, she kisses him back passionately and wraps her arms around his neck.]

[A beat]

Julie Gordon: [pulls away] You should go. She’ll be looking for you soon.

Nick Demnasky: [playfully] But I don’t want to go.

Julie Gordon: [pushes him playfully] Go; I need to get some work done.

Nick Demnaksy: Fine, but [mimics Arnold Schwarzenegger’s voice] I’ll be back.

Julie Gordon: [playful annoyance] That line is so overused and mundane. Like, how can such a common phrase become such an iconic cinema line? It’s equivalent to Anakin Skywalker saying he “hates sand because it gets everywhere” in the Phantom Menace.

Nick Demnasky: You’re adorable when you rant. How about I stay and answer your question?

Julie Gordon: [emphatically] No, get out of here. [Makes shooing motions] Go on. [She moves away from the door. The man opens the door and steps out. She goes to close the door. He pops back in and kisses her nose.]

Nick Demnasky: Seriously, I’m coming back. You can’t get rid of me that quickly.

Julie Gordon: [Sufferingly] Would you just go, please? [He steps out, and she closes the door. She leans her back against it and slouches down a few inches. Sigh.]I’m in such a mess. I don’t see a way out.

[ Julie stands up and switches on the light. Light up the apartment. Julie walks over to the sofa and looks over some papers on the table. She stops and leans back on the sofa and sighs. She stays paused for a few seconds. Knock at the door.] Oh!

[drawn out a sigh. She slowly pulls herself up and rolls her eyes. She walks to the door and pulls the door open quickly in irritation.] Would you please leave me alone–oh!

[surprised as Alex walks in]

Alexandria Demnasky: [apologetic ] Is this a bad time? I saw your lights on–[pause]

Julie Gordon: [quickly recovers ] Oh no, of course not! I umm [ embarrassed ] I thought you were someone else. [ she goes to the decanter and pours herself a little, and knocks it back. Pours more.]

Alexandria Demnasky: It wouldn’t be Nick by any chance, would it? [ Looks around. Julie chokes on her drink. She coughs for a moment.] I seem to have lost my husband.

Julie Gordon: No, I haven’t seen him. [ Looks away and coughs again. ]

Alexandria Demnasky: [concerned] Are you okay?

Julie Gordon: [clears her throat ] Yes, it just went down the wrong pipe. Weren’t you supposed to be gone overnight for an audition?

Alexandria Demnasky: Yes, I was, but they canceled last minute. [she sighs] They’re going to reschedule, you know, the whole don’t call us, we’ll call you routine.

Julie Gordon: [guiniely sorry] Oh, I’m so sorry, Alex.

Alexandria Demnasky: Don’t worry about it. Something else will turn up.

Julie Gordon: [smiles] You could always be the leading lady in my play.

Alexandria Demnasky: [ laughs] Yes, I know I could, but you know how I feel about that.

Julie Gordon: Yes, I do. You don’t want to be in it because you think I’m just your friend, blah, blah, blah. [ scoffs playfully ]Like, I’m not critical of my work. You’re one heck of an actress; I know that; Nick knows that, even if those people do not.

Alexandria Demnasky: [smiles] Thanks, Julie. [sighs. Julie takes another sip of her glass while Alex watches. Alex seems to think for a moment. ] I hate to ruin this moment, but there’s been something on my mind for a while now. [a pause]

Julie Gordon: [confused ] Okay.

Alexandria Demnasky: [inner turmoil] I just don’t want you to get mad at me for saying something.

Julie Gordon: [a little concerned ] Mad at you? What are you going to say? [ makes an attempt at a laugh but doesn’t quite pull it off]

Alexandria Demnasky: [hedges] I just don’t want you to take it the wrong way.

Julie Gordon: [exasperated] Alex, just spit it out!

Alexandria Demnasky: Do you think you drink a little too much? [looks at the glass in Julie’s hand ]

Julie Gordon: [surprised] Drink too much?

Alexandria Demnasky: [defensive] You know, like you drink, anytime you get stressed or need to think. [a pause] It’s like you need it.

Julie Gordon: [sits down] Hmm. [a pause] You think I’m a drunk.

Alexandria Demnasky: I didn’t say that.

Julie Gordon: [pointedly] It’s what you are implying.

Alexandria Demnasky: [sigh] No, it's not. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t depended or get dependent on alcohol; that’s all. [sits down next to Julie on the couch. She grabs her hand.] I’m just trying to look out for you. [looks at her] You sometimes get a little too focused on your writing, and I don’t want you to lose yourself. [Julie looks ahead. She sighs.]

Julie Gordon: I understand what you’re saying, but there’s no problem. I’m fine.

Alexandria Demnasky: Okay. I’m glad.

Julie Gordon: Good. [a moment of awkward silence ]

Alexandria Demnasky: [remembers why she came over] Oh, have you seen Nick?

Julie Gordon: Oh, uh, no, I haven’t.

Alexandria Demnasky: Oh well. Before I left, he said he was going to stay home and mope around, but he wasn’t there; I thought maybe, he was helping you with your play.

Julie Gordon: Oh no, um, now, with the recording, I can work on a lot of the scenes by myself. I’m in the heavy writing stage, so I’ve been a bit of a hermit. I really should get back at it. [Julie dismissively grabs her laptop and looks at the screen. Alex watches her for a moment.

Alexandria Demnasky: [gets up] Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.

Julie Gordon: [smiles] All I need is a little time.

Alexandria Demnasky: [forced cheerfulness] Okay, see you around.

[ Alex leaves the apartment. As soon as the door closes, Julie drops her face in her hands. A pause. She lifts her head; sighs. She runs her hands through her hair and slides her hands down her neck, fingers locked together. She leaves her hands; fingers knitted together behind her neck.]

Julie Gordon: [To herself] I don’t know what to do. [pause] Yes, you do. [removes her hands from her neck and slaps her thighs] You can only finish the play. Once you complete the play, then you can put this sordid affair behind you once and for all. [stands up and grabs her laptop. Says emphatically to herself] Just finish the play. [ Sighs. She opens the laptop. Types for thirty seconds then pauses. She stares blankly at the laptop for thirty seconds] Maybe; I should get a drink; that might help. [Looks at the mostly full decanter. Shakes her head] No, that will be my reward. [firmly] I don’t need it yet. [she begins typing again.]

[Curtain closes. The scene ends.]

SCENE FOUR

SETTING:

Night the next day, Julie is in her apartment.

PICTURE OF THE SET DESIGN

Nice apartment: the front door is to the far left of the stage. Stairs start by the door and curve toward the right to the upstairs balcony. The background of the stage depicts big windows with skyscrapers outside. The buildings and city life outside bring in a faint light that displays only faint shadowy people when the lights are off. A white sofa is in the middle of the room, a white chair on either side and a black table in front of the furniture with a vase filled with wilted sunflowers. The room is cluttered with a few articles of clothing scattered about, and an empty bottle of Vodka is lying on the floor next to the sofa. A glass and a few scattered dishes are on the table. There is a bar behind the sofa and chairs toward the far right corner. Two decanters are on top; both are empty.

[Curtains open: Julie is seated longways on the sofa. She is rapidly typing away. Sounds of typing keys can be heard. Her pointing finger emphatically taps the space button.]

Julie Gordon: Lights out. Done. [long sigh. Claps the computer shut.] Finally. [Julie gets up and stretches. She takes in the mess of her apartment and begins to pick up. She throws away the empty Vodka container. She goes to the bar and grabs a glass. Knock on the door. She sets the glass down and goes to the door. She opens it.] Alex! You’re just the person I needed to see. [She warmly grabs her arm and pulls her inside. Alex looks visibly shaken. She is pale, and her appearance seems a little haggard. Julie, in her enthusiasm, fails to notice anything amiss.] I’ve made so many changes, but honestly, it needed to happen. [thinks] It was off, you know, I could just tell. Something didn’t sit right with me. [excited] So, I picked it apart. You are going to be so proud of me, the way I just annihilated it. I was absolutely savage in my revisions. [Alex sits down in one of the chairs.] Would you like a drink or something?

Alexandria Demnasky: No. But I needed to– [Julie cuts her off, totally oblivious]

Julie Gordon: Well, I deserve a drink. It’s my reward system for writing. [walks back to the bar and picks up her glass. Notices that both decanters are empty; she looks confused] Now, that’s funny; I could have sworn.

Alexandria Demnasky: [suddenly cold] Deserve? Do you think you get a reward for ruining my life?

Julie Gordon: [surprised, she looks up at Alex] What are you talking about?

Alexandria Demnasky: [pointedly] You know, exactly what I am talking about. The only just reward you’re getting is rotting in hell.

Julie Gordon: [suddenly pale and shaken] Nick told you about us?

Alexandria Demnasky: [coldly] Yes.

Julie Gordon: [pleadingly] Look, Alex, it’s not what you think. I know you will never forgive me, but I have just become obsessed with my writing. It was for the play; I needed to know how Izzy would feel having a secret affair with David; that’s all it was.

Alexandria Demnasky: All it was for you? What about Nick? It was real for him. He told me himself.

Julie Gordon: Nick?

Alexandria Demnasky: [her voice suddenly becomes thick with emotion] He fell for you, and you’re trying to tell me it wasn’t even real to you? [stiffles a sob] Do you even have a heart? [wipes the tears that have trickled down her face; utters a half laugh] Now, I understand why you were so distant. I can’t believe I was so blind. So loyal to my friend, my best friend. [Julie begins crying]

Julie Gordon: Alex, I don’t know how to fix this. I’ll do whatever you want; I'll leave New York.

Alexandria Demnasky: [firmly] There is no fixing this. Now, for the rest of my life, I will always wonder if I was just a second choice for Nick because you wouldn’t settle down. He always appreciated your personality; he basically said I didn’t have any of my own. He said that I never displayed my own emotions, but I was excellent at expressing others. I could act but lacked personal character.

Julie Gordon: [alarmed] Alex, that’s not true! Nick loves you. This was just a mistake on his part. I am to blame.

Alexandria Demnasky: You are. [disgusted] You ruined my life over a play? So, you could have your authentic portrayals of characters? [ Sarcastically ] So, you could win the next award for your astounding plays! What would this make? [Thinks in exaggeration ] Your third award? [Alexandria stands up] You’re disgusting. [Julie looks to the floor, ashamed.] Ruining my life over your obsession with your plays.

Julie Gordon: [quietly] I’m sorry, Alex.

Alexandria Demnasky: [looks at her curiously] I don’t think you are, but you will be. [ She wipes her face and looks away from Julie ]

Julie Gordon: [looks up] What do you mean?

Alexandria Demnasky: [emotionless and stares straight ahead ] Nick is dead.

Julie Gordon: [stunned ] He’s dead? How?

Alexandria Demnasky: Poison. [ pauses ] Well, arsenic, to be precise.

Julie Gordon: [Disturbed] You killed him?

Alexandria Demnasky: Oh no, you did. [nods to the decanter.] You poisoned him with your own brandy straight out of your play's plot. [gently chastizes] Remember, Izzy, the adulterer, kills David, not his wife, Rachel. Also, I don’t know how you’re going to explain away the fact that your and Nick’s fingerprints are the only ones on the decanter. Or the slight stain of brandy on your white sofa [points to a faint stain of brandy on the sofia], which you tried to vigorously wash out, but not completely. [chuckles] And then, there’s always the damning evidence of your browsing history. [Julie looks puzzled] You know, the research of different poisons that kill people and the particular effects of arsenic—the very poison used on Nick. [Julie looks alarmed] Oh, and let’s not forget my testimony. How obsessive you became of your writing and how it came to life.

Julie Gordon: [Apauled ] Alex, how could you do this?

Alexandria Demnasky: [ high pitched ] How could I do this? [borderline hysterical ] I? [ walks up to Julie, snearingly] You did this. [ Jabs her finger at Julie’s chest ] You started this. [ Julie completely crumbles; she breaks into sobs].

Julie Gordon: [ between sobs; her hand to her mouth ] What have I done? What have I done?

[ Alex, in a state of shock, walks to the sofa and sits down; she is emotionless and blankly stares ahead. Julie continues to cry in racking sobs. Lights out. The scene ends curtain closes for two minutes.]

SCENE FIVE

SETTING:

Early morning, in the church.

THE PICTURE OF THE SET DESIGN:

[It is dimly lit. A loud storm can be heard outside. Flashes of lightning are seen. A priest is sitting in one of the pews by the altar. The candle is still extinguished. The peaceful scene is undisturbed for a minute. Julie stumbles into the church; she collapses into one of the pews and begins to sob, unaware of the priest’s presence.]

Julie Gordon: [ with her head down, she sobs out the words] Father, please forgive me! [ pause] I was blinded; I couldn’t see what I was doing. Oh, poor Alex! [ Sobs again] Dear God, save me! [ Priest wiggles uncomfortably in his pew. He stands up and walks to the confessional. He sits down and places the purple stole around his neck. He patiently waits. Julie notices him walk by. She stares at the confessional, clearly suffering from inner turmoil. She looks away and folds her hands in prayer. She seems to pray for a minute. The priest remains sitting. She looks behind her, still seeing the priest. She makes a sign of the cross and kneels at the confessional. She clears her throat. Stammers] I uh–um, Father, I don’t quite remember how this works.

Priest: [calmly] Repeat after me, bless me, Father, for I have sinned.

Julie Gordon: Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.

Priest: Now, state how long it has been since your last Confession. [pause] You’re the best estimation.

Priest: [haultingly] It has been a long time. I guess it would have been since I first left for college. I fell away after that.

Priest: How long ago was that?

Julie Gordon: [pause] Twelve years, I think.

Priest: Good. Now list your sins to the best of your knowledge.

Julie Gordon: [voice filled with emotion] I uh–oh, Father, it’s so horrible. [cries]

Priest: [kindly] It is hard to humble ourselves before God, but God knows all things. He already knows your sin and me well; God works through me. I am only his humble instrument, a sinner; there is no reason for you to fear, my child.

Julie Gordon: [sniffles] But Father, I have sinned too greatly. God couldn’t possibly forgive me; I don’t deserve it.

Priest: None of us deserve God’s mercy, yet it never stops Him from offering it to us. To think your sin is too great for God to forgive is to diminish God’s power. Anything is possible with God. God will forgive you if you are truly sorry and earnestly seek His forgiveness.

[a pause]

Julie Gordon: [sigh] I uh–I had an affair with my best friend’s husband. [ begins to cry] I know I don’t deserve forgiveness, Father; I ruined her life over something so meaningless. I’ve made my work my own idol, and I’ve betrayed my friend–my best friend.

Priest: [kindly] My child, God forgives everyone, including His own crucifiers. No one is too sinful for God’s grace as long as they are repentant.

Julie Gordon: [ alarmed] But Father, I’ve been awful. How do I begin to change?

Priest: You are doing that right now. You’re here, aren’t you? It’s been twelve years since you have been to church, and here you are. [emphatically] You are doing the right thing.

Julie Gordon: [ cries] But Father, I don’t think she will ever forgive me.

Priest: [sadly] She might not, but then that is your cross to bear. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says: “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” You will have to bear it; your friend might not forgive you, but God will always forgive you if you are sorry. For your penance, I want you to say the rosary daily for a month. Now, say the act of contrition. [whispers incoherent Latin]

Julie Gordon: Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee. I detest all my sins for the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all for having offended thee, my God who is all good and worthy of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of grace, to confess my sins, do penance and amend my life. Amen.

Priest: Go in peace; your sins are forgiven. [Light the candle at the altar. Put the spotlight on the candle. Julie walks to the pew and kneels down. She bows her head and prays. The storm stops, and beautiful silence ensues.]

Julie Gordon: [sincerely] I renounce with my whole soul all my treasons against Thee and all the abominations and sins of my past life. I renew my promises made in baptism, and from this moment, I dedicate myself eternally to Thy love and service. Amen.

[Police sirens sound faint. Increases in volume. Red and blue lights bob to the right of the curtain. Julie makes the sign of the cross and walks towards the lights. Lights out. Curtains close.]

Elena Dean is a graduating EIU senior in English with a double concentration in Creative and Professional Writing. She is from Georgetown, Illinois, a small town surrounded by corn and soybean fields. After graduation, Elena will move on to graduate school at EIU and continue to write plays and short fiction. This is Elena's first creative piece published.