1800 ACRES
//
Linda buys a ranch in West Texas to reclaim something lost.
Her claim to the land is challenged, giving rise to a host of hidden desires and impulses.
Produced at Riverside Studios in London. Directed by Alex Helfrecht
Read at The Lark Play Development Center. Directed by Daniella Topol.
Workshopped at The Old Vic Theatre in London as part of the Old Vic New Voices US/UK Exchange. Directed by Rachel Briscoe
1.
(Ever so slightly, the dirt seems to be breathing.)
2.
(In a ranch house in West Texas, around 10pm, Chris and Gus play cards.)
GUS
You ever get tired of playing cards?
CHRIS
Winning ain’t so bad.
Winning ain’t so bad.
GUS
I mean like you ever think about spending time off the ranch?
CHRIS
Like, what? Like heading down to Juarez?
Like, what? Like heading down to Juarez?
GUS
Yeah. Juarez, or, even a little bit further away.
Yeah. Juarez, or, even a little bit further away.
CHRIS
What, like down into Mexico City? It’s all polluted down there.
What, like down into Mexico City? It’s all polluted down there.
GUS
Or, other directions. It doesn’t have to be Mexico.
Or, other directions. It doesn’t have to be Mexico.
CHRIS
I don’t know Gus. It’s a lot of fun sitting here beating you at cards.
I don’t know Gus. It’s a lot of fun sitting here beating you at cards.
GUS
Gets boring for me, letting you win.
Gets boring for me, letting you win.
CHRIS
You wish.
You wish.
GUS
You ever thought about heading into some other kind of work?
You ever thought about heading into some other kind of work?
CHRIS
I thought about being a card shark in the big city, stealing the life savings of old folks like you.
I thought about being a card shark in the big city, stealing the life savings of old folks like you.
(Gus looks at Chris, frustrated.)
CHRIS
Have you any twos?
Have you any twos?
GUS
Go fish.
Go fish.
(Chris draws a card.)
GUS
(takes a moment) I got a check is what I’m trying to say. I got a check in the mail about a week ago and I haven’t said anything about it.
(takes a moment) I got a check is what I’m trying to say. I got a check in the mail about a week ago and I haven’t said anything about it.
(Outside, a car pulls up.)
CHRIS
What’s that?
What’s that?
GUS
Sounds like a car.
Sounds like a car.
CHRIS
It’s right in front of the house.
It’s right in front of the house.
(They stand to see what it is. We hear car doors open and close, people coming up to the house. Linda and Jacob approach from the other side of the house’s screen door.)
LINDA
Hello?
Hello?
(she knocks and opens the door.)
(entering) Can we come in?
CHRIS
Can I help you?
Can I help you?
LINDA
You must be August.
You must be August.
CHRIS
August? Who are you?
August? Who are you?
LINDA
I’m Linda. It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m sorry we’re so late.
I’m Linda. It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m sorry we’re so late.
CHRIS
You must be lost. What is it you’re looking for?
You must be lost. What is it you’re looking for?
LINDA
The ranch house.
The ranch house.
CHRIS
Gus?
Gus?
LINDA
I see. (to Gus.) You must be August, then.
I see. (to Gus.) You must be August, then.
GUS
Gus.
Gus.
LINDA
It’s a pleasure.
It’s a pleasure.
GUS
pleasure.
pleasure.
CHRIS
You know these people?
You know these people?
LINDA
This is my son, Jacob.
This is my son, Jacob.
(Gus shakes Jacob’s hand.)
GUS
Howdy.
Howdy.
LINDA
Say hello, Jacob.
Say hello, Jacob.
JACOB
Hi.
LINDA
Sorry, it’s been a long ride in the car. We did ten hours today. I hope we’re not getting in too late.
GUS
You come through Oklahoma?
You come through Oklahoma?
LINDA
No, we wound up taking a friend’s suggestion. We wanted to see Louisiana, so we took that route.
GUS
Wasn’t sure when you’d be getting in.
CHRIS
Who are you?
Who are you?
LINDA
Do you work with Gus?
Do you work with Gus?
CHRIS
Work with Gus?
Work with Gus?
LINDA
Not the sharpest tool in the shed are you?
Not the sharpest tool in the shed are you?
CHRIS
What the hell’s going on here? Who are you?
What the hell’s going on here? Who are you?
LINDA
I’m Linda. I thought we went over that.
GUS
Miss. He’s Chris Todd, who we talked about on the phone. He’s been living here.
Miss. He’s Chris Todd, who we talked about on the phone. He’s been living here.
CHRIS
“Been living here?”
“Been living here?”
LINDA
Oh. Excuse me, Mr. Todd. I didn’t realize. There must have been some miscommunication.
Oh. Excuse me, Mr. Todd. I didn’t realize. There must have been some miscommunication.
CHRIS
What are you doing here?
What are you doing here?
LINDA
Jacob, why don’t you go wait in the car, sweetie?
JACOB
What?
LINDA
Go ahead. (Jacob moves towards the door.) Mr. Todd. Chris. I’m sorry to spring this on you like this. Efforts were made to bring this to your attention in a different manner. You see, as of about a month ago, I own this property. I’ve got a deed here I can show you.
CHRIS
You own the property? Gus? Gus – you want to tell this woman she’s out of her mind?
You own the property? Gus? Gus – you want to tell this woman she’s out of her mind?
(Gus says nothing.)
LINDA
Jacob. The car.
(Jacob starts to go, but stays in the room.)
LINDA
If you’ll just look at this deed.
CHRIS
You take a step back.
You take a step back.
LINDA
I understand this might come as a shock. Gus here was supposed to let you know that we were coming.
I understand this might come as a shock. Gus here was supposed to let you know that we were coming.
GUS
I never agreed to that.
I never agreed to that.
CHRIS
You’ve made a mistake. You’ve got the wrong house. You’re gonna have to go.
You’ve made a mistake. You’ve got the wrong house. You’re gonna have to go.
LINDA
Right. That’s sort of the issue.
Right. That’s sort of the issue.
CHRIS
Get out.
Get out.
LINDA
If you take a look here at this deed.
If you take a look here at this deed.
CHRIS
Don’t come at me with that thing.
Don’t come at me with that thing.
GUS
Chris, maybe you should take a look.
Chris, maybe you should take a look.
CHRIS
I don’t think you’ve got a lot to say right now, Gus.
I don’t think you’ve got a lot to say right now, Gus.
LINDA
Look. It’s been a long day. I’m sure we’re all very tired. I know that Jacob and I, like I’ve said, have spent about 10 hours in the car today. Perhaps we could have a more reasonable conversation about this in the morning.
CHRIS
Nobody cares how long you were in the car, lady.
Nobody cares how long you were in the car, lady.
LINDA
I’m afraid we’re going to have to insist on a bed for the night.
I’m afraid we’re going to have to insist on a bed for the night.
CHRIS
This isn’t a hotel. (to Gus) You spoke to this woman?
This isn’t a hotel. (to Gus) You spoke to this woman?
GUS
If you take a look at the deed… she owns the place now. Someone from the land office was supposed to come and talk to you. This is what I was trying to say.
If you take a look at the deed… she owns the place now. Someone from the land office was supposed to come and talk to you. This is what I was trying to say.
(Linda tries to show the deed to Chris.)
LINDA
Here.
Here.
CHRIS
Stop right there. I told you not to come at me with that thing.
Stop right there. I told you not to come at me with that thing.
LINDA
Perhaps if we could all act like adults.
Perhaps if we could all act like adults.
CHRIS
I’m the owner of this property.
I’m the owner of this property.
LINDA
That’s plainly inaccurate at this point. Child-like insistence isn’t going to help you here. This is a legal document. If you take a look at line 4…
CHRIS
Step back.
Step back.
LINDA
Let me show you. (coming at him.)
CHRIS
I’m not looking at your papers.
I’m not looking at your papers.
LINDA
As of June 1st…
(Chris knocks the papers to the ground. Gus picks them up, hands them back to Linda.)
LINDA
Jacob. Will you start unloading the car please? Gus, where’s the master bedroom?
GUS
It’s back that way.
CHRIS
That’s my room.
That’s my room.
LINDA
Not anymore. If you’d like to get something out of there, now would be a good time to do it. (beat) Jacob. (to Chris and Gus.) Perhaps the two of you could share an accommodation for the night? Like I said, Jacob and I are going to need these beds. There are two bedrooms in the house?
GUS
One of them’s empty.
One of them’s empty.
LINDA
Jacob – you can put your things in that room. Gus, will you please show him where it is?
Jacob – you can put your things in that room. Gus, will you please show him where it is?
GUS
It’s in the back.
LINDA
Will you show him please? Let’s go boys, if we could get a move on. I’m eager to get to sleep.
Will you show him please? Let’s go boys, if we could get a move on. I’m eager to get to sleep.
CHRIS
This is my house.
This is my house.
LINDA
Okay. Don’t worry dear, we can talk about it in the morning. For now, let’s just get the sleeping arrangements set for the night.
CHRIS
Get the fuck out of my house!
Get the fuck out of my house!
LINDA
Jacob, I don’t want you to worry about this man, you go right ahead with your business. Gus, you will help him, yes? We would appreciate the hospitality.
CHRIS
Stop. Get out. Is this a joke? Gus? Lady, I don’t know who you are. I’ve lived in this house for 30 years. It’s not for sale. I was just sitting here playing cards.
LINDA
I understand this might come as a bit of a shock. I’d be happy to sit down and explain it to you step by step in the morning.
CHRIS
In the morning? You’re not staying here.
In the morning? You’re not staying here.
LINDA
I assure you that I am.
CHRIS
No you’re not.
No you’re not.
LINDA
-
CHRIS
You’re not!
LINDA
Take a look at this lease, young man.
(She comes at him again with the lease. Chris hits her across the face.)
GUS
(as if to a misbehaving dog) Chris! Goddammit!
(Chris storms out.)
GUS
Are you alright?
LINDA
Keep unloading, Jacob.
Keep unloading, Jacob.
JACOB
Mom – are you okay?
LINDA
Don’t worry about it, Jacob. Keep unloading please.
Don’t worry about it, Jacob. Keep unloading please.
JACOB
Mom-
LINDA
Do as I say, Jacob.
Do as I say, Jacob.
GUS
Are you alright?
LINDA
Give me some space, please.
GUS
Let me take a look at it, see if he broke the skin.
Let me take a look at it, see if he broke the skin.
LINDA
I said to give me some space. Jacob – go to the car and get your things. (he does.) Gus, I need you to make sure that man stays away from this house tonight.
I said to give me some space. Jacob – go to the car and get your things. (he does.) Gus, I need you to make sure that man stays away from this house tonight.
GUS
I can do that. (beat) Not exactly how I imagined our first meeting would go.
I can do that. (beat) Not exactly how I imagined our first meeting would go.
LINDA
You disappointed already, August?
You disappointed already, August?
GUS
Gus.
LINDA
Right. Sorry.
Right. Sorry.
GUS
Someone is going to have to talk to Chris.
Someone is going to have to talk to Chris.
LINDA
That was your job, Gus.
That was your job, Gus.
GUS
No ma’am, I would not have agreed to that. It’s not right for me to have to be the one to tell him. You made it sound as though someone was going to come out here and talk to him.
No ma’am, I would not have agreed to that. It’s not right for me to have to be the one to tell him. You made it sound as though someone was going to come out here and talk to him.
LINDA
Right. You. You were that someone. You were supposed to come out here and let him know I was coming.
GUS
I can’t “come out here.” I live here. Right over there, in that house, up the road.
I can’t “come out here.” I live here. Right over there, in that house, up the road.
LINDA
On the property?
On the property?
GUS
Yes, ma’am.
Yes, ma’am.
LINDA
Don’t call me ma’am.
Don’t call me ma’am.
GUS
(beat) Well, I suppose he knows now.
(beat) Well, I suppose he knows now.
LINDA
You’re going to have to talk to him, Gus. This is what I’ve paid you for.
GUS
-
LINDA
Tell me you’ll help me keep my son safe tonight.
Tell me you’ll help me keep my son safe tonight.
GUS
I’ll help you with your son.
LINDA
Thank you.
3.
(Jacob’s bedroom at night. He lies awake in bed, restless with the sounds of crickets. He gets up and looks around. He hoists himself up and climbs out the window. He stays low to the ground.)
JACOB
(Something catches his attention.)
Dad? Dad?
(a cat appears)
Oh shit. You scared me, cat. Scaredy cat.
(He picks up some dirt. Looks into the darkness, looking for a light or something.)
There’s nowhere to go.
(He lets the dirt fall through his fingers.)
4.
(The next morning, in the kitchen, Linda sits at the table, Gus is standing by the stove, with many different coffee preparation machines: a percolator, a stovetop espresso maker, a French Press, etc.)
GUS
I didn’t know how you take your caffeine.
I didn’t know how you take your caffeine.
LINDA
So, you bought all of these?
So, you bought all of these?
GUS
I tried to get bagels too, but they didn’t have any at the store, so I got English Muffins instead.
LINDA
Bagels?
GUS
That’s what you do in New York, right? Drink a cup of coffee, eat a bagel, read the morning paper?
That’s what you do in New York, right? Drink a cup of coffee, eat a bagel, read the morning paper?
LINDA
So you bought all these different coffee makers? (Gus nods) You drink coffee?
So you bought all these different coffee makers? (Gus nods) You drink coffee?
GUS
Sure. Every morning.
Sure. Every morning.
LINDA
Why don’t you make me a cup the way you make it for yourself?
Why don’t you make me a cup the way you make it for yourself?
GUS
All right.
All right.
(Gus begins to make the coffee. He boils water and heats up a pan.)
LINDA
Is there a hardware store around?
Is there a hardware store around?
GUS
What are you looking to get?
What are you looking to get?
LINDA
I need some soil for a garden.
GUS
Dirt?
Dirt?
LINDA
I’m going to plant a garden in front of the house, to make customers feel welcome. I need the right kind of dirt.
I’m going to plant a garden in front of the house, to make customers feel welcome. I need the right kind of dirt.
GUS
You know what kind you want?
You know what kind you want?
LINDA
Yes.
GUS
And how much?
LINDA
Yes.
Yes.
GUS
Cause I could go get it for you in the truck. That’s normally the kind of work I do around here.
LINDA
That’s very nice of you. Thank you, Gus. I’ll give you some money.
That’s very nice of you. Thank you, Gus. I’ll give you some money.
GUS
No problem. (Gus pulls an egg out of the fridge, cracks it in the pan, and puts the shell in a coffee mug.) So, you think people’ll want to stay here if there’s flowers out front?
No problem. (Gus pulls an egg out of the fridge, cracks it in the pan, and puts the shell in a coffee mug.) So, you think people’ll want to stay here if there’s flowers out front?
LINDA
Sure. A weekend getaway, or a week off from work.
Sure. A weekend getaway, or a week off from work.
GUS
Like, tourists?
Like, tourists?
LINDA
Absolutely. You sell them on the lifestyle, on the environment. And they get to sleep in a lovely bed & breakfast.
Absolutely. You sell them on the lifestyle, on the environment. And they get to sleep in a lovely bed & breakfast.
GUS
Guess it never occurred to me that a tourist would want to come out here. You must get a ton up in New York. What part did you say you’re from?
Guess it never occurred to me that a tourist would want to come out here. You must get a ton up in New York. What part did you say you’re from?
LINDA
Do you know Brooklyn at all?
GUS
I know about it. I been once, I know that.
I know about it. I been once, I know that.
LINDA
You were in Brooklyn?
You were in Brooklyn?
GUS
I was up in New York and I got on the wrong train and I ended up in Brooklyn.
LINDA
We’re from Brooklyn Heights.
GUS
Rough neighborhood?
Rough neighborhood?
LINDA
No.
GUS
Oh wait, don’t tell me. I heard something about this. All of Brooklyn’s gentrifying, right? People with money are moving in and pushing all the people who live there out. You got pushed out of there, and so you came out here. (Gus dumps coffee grounds into the hot water and stirs.)
Oh wait, don’t tell me. I heard something about this. All of Brooklyn’s gentrifying, right? People with money are moving in and pushing all the people who live there out. You got pushed out of there, and so you came out here. (Gus dumps coffee grounds into the hot water and stirs.)
LINDA
Brooklyn Heights has always been a nice neighborhood. We weren’t pushed out. Listen, Gus, I would like to have a look around the property and familiarize myself with the land a bit more. Is that something that you can join me for?
GUS
You could come with me when I check the fence in the morning.
LINDA
What’s that?
GUS
We take the horses out and ride around the perimeter, check to see if the fence has been knocked down. If it has, we put it back up. It’s a good way to see the property. (Gus pours the coffee from the pot into the mug with the eggshell in it.)
We take the horses out and ride around the perimeter, check to see if the fence has been knocked down. If it has, we put it back up. It’s a good way to see the property. (Gus pours the coffee from the pot into the mug with the eggshell in it.)
LINDA
Who knocks it down?
Who knocks it down?
GUS
Animals. (He adds some salt to the coffee.)
Animals. (He adds some salt to the coffee.)
LINDA
I see. That will be fine.
GUS
Coffee’s ready.
Coffee’s ready.
(He hands it to her.)
LINDA
Did you put an eggshell in there?
Did you put an eggshell in there?
GUS
It’s to separate the grounds.
It’s to separate the grounds.
LINDA
And salt?
GUS
Brings up the flavor.
LINDA
Not sugar?
GUS
Cowboy Coffee. That’s how my grandfather used to do it.
Cowboy Coffee. That’s how my grandfather used to do it.
(He hands her the cooked egg, which he has served onto a plate.)
LINDA
I dip the egg in?
GUS
No. The egg’s just for eating.
(Linda downs the whole mug in one gulp.)
LINDA
Am I supposed to eat the eggshell?
GUS
No. (beat) Did you like it?
No. (beat) Did you like it?
LINDA
Certainly has it’s own taste.
Certainly has it’s own taste.
GUS
(beat) I told him. Last night. I told him about how you bought the place, that it’s yours now. I told him everything I know about it. (beat) I’d rather not have to do that again.
LINDA
Have you seen him yet this morning?
Have you seen him yet this morning?
GUS
He’s asleep.
He’s asleep.
LINDA
He’s not an early riser.
GUS
No ma’am. I mean, “no.”
LINDA
Thank you for telling him.
Thank you for telling him.
GUS
(Gus nods.) Do you know a guy named Sam?
LINDA
Sam?
Sam?
GUS
Sam from Brooklyn? You got a letter.
LINDA
From Sam?
From Sam?
GUS
Right.
LINDA
You read my mail?
GUS
No. No, it says Sam on the back of the envelope. I didn’t want Chris to see it. I thought that would be a bad way for him to find out you were coming. I got it in my house. I can bring it over whenever you like.
LINDA
Let’s not tell anyone about this.
Let’s not tell anyone about this.
GUS
Okay. Is that, a, uh, amorous relationship?
Okay. Is that, a, uh, amorous relationship?
LINDA
He’s my ex-husband.
He’s my ex-husband.
GUS
I see.
(Jacob enters. It’s as though he’s interrupted.)
JACOB
What?
LINDA
Good morning, sleepyhead. Did you sleep alright?
Good morning, sleepyhead. Did you sleep alright?
JACOB
What were you guys talking about?
LINDA
Don’t you want to say good morning to Gus?
JACOB
Good morning.
GUS
I’ll leave ya’ll to enjoy your breakfast.
I’ll leave ya’ll to enjoy your breakfast.
LINDA
Alright. Thank you, Gus. You’ll stop by before heading into town?
GUS
Sure.
(Gus exits.)
JACOB
That man cook you breakfast?
LINDA
He made me this egg. Do you want it?
He made me this egg. Do you want it?
(Jacob takes the egg.)
JACOB
So, he’s like, our servant?
LINDA
He’s not a servant, Jacob.
He’s not a servant, Jacob.
JACOB
What’s his name?
LINDA
August. Gus.
JACOB
That’s a stupid name. He lives on the property?
LINDA
Just up that road.
Just up that road.
JACOB
Would you call him a friend?
LINDA
What do you mean?
What do you mean?
JACOB
You paying him?
LINDA
What are you getting at?
What are you getting at?
JACOB
Sounds like a servant to me. How’d you find him?
LINDA
You got something to say, Jacob?
JACOB
I’m just asking a question. How did you find this man and begin to employ him?
LINDA
He came with the ranch.
JACOB
Oh, I see. He came with the ranch. So, you’re right, he’s not a servant. He’s a slave. Maybe I’ll get him to pick some cotton for me later.
LINDA
Just shut up and eat your breakfast. I’m an employer. I’m his boss, not his master.
JACOB
Mmm hmm. Whatever helps you sleep at night.
LINDA
I hope you’re not going to be this way the whole time.
JACOB
We all got dreams, Mom. (beat) I thought this place was supposed to be empty.
LINDA
I had a miscommunication with Gus. I’m sorry for the confusion last night.
I had a miscommunication with Gus. I’m sorry for the confusion last night.
JACOB
That man hit you.
LINDA
I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me.
JACOB
He seems to think he owns the place.
LINDA
Maybe you should be a lawyer when you grow up. What do you think of that? I could send you off to law school.
JACOB
That might get rid of me, right?
LINDA
I’ve come up with your first chore while you were sleeping.
JACOB
Is that a joke?
LINDA
We’re going to put a flower garden out in the front of the house – to make people feel welcome. You’re gonna dig the flower bed.
JACOB
Me? Why don’t you get your slave to do it?
LINDA
I might ask Gus to help you.
I might ask Gus to help you.
JACOB
Oh, cause you don’t think I can do it on my own?
LINDA
Well, it’s got to be one way or the other, Jacob. It’s man’s work and I’m going to leave it to my little man. You think you can handle it on your own?
Well, it’s got to be one way or the other, Jacob. It’s man’s work and I’m going to leave it to my little man. You think you can handle it on your own?
JACOB
I’ll figure it out.
LINDA
It’s not complicated.
JACOB
I said I can do it.
(Chris enters. Tense Pause.)
CHRIS
I didn’t come to fight.
LINDA
-
-
CHRIS
I came to get a change of clothes. I slept on Gus’ couch last night. It’s an old couch.
I came to get a change of clothes. I slept on Gus’ couch last night. It’s an old couch.
LINDA
You can go ahead and get what you need to get.
(Chris heads towards the back.)
JACOB
What are you gonna do?
LINDA
What do you mean what am I gonna do?
JACOB
You got to get him out of here.
LINDA
I’m handling this.
JACOB
Mom. I’m serious. Get one of the knives out or something. He hit you.
LINDA
I told you I’m handling this.
JACOB
Fine.
LINDA
Sit down.
(Chris comes back in with some clothes and some papers.)
CHRIS
Got my copy of the deed. Remembered where I put it. I’ll get you out of here soon enough.
Got my copy of the deed. Remembered where I put it. I’ll get you out of here soon enough.
LINDA
You’ll lose. If I were you, I’d try and make a deal with me and cut my losses.
You’ll lose. If I were you, I’d try and make a deal with me and cut my losses.
CHRIS
Well, I guess I ain’t exactly you, now am I?
LINDA
Last time you were here you hit me.
CHRIS
I did.
I did.
LINDA
You know that’s not going to fly around here.
You know that’s not going to fly around here.
CHRIS
I wasn’t raised that way. I’m sorry I hit you.
I wasn’t raised that way. I’m sorry I hit you.
LINDA
Do it again and you’ll be in real trouble.
CHRIS
You’re making rules already, huh?
You’re making rules already, huh?
LINDA
Yes, I am.
Yes, I am.
CHRIS
You know I’ve been living here almost 30 years?
You know I’ve been living here almost 30 years?
LINDA
You mentioned that. That must be your whole life.
CHRIS
That’s right.
LINDA
Maybe it’s time to move on.
Maybe it’s time to move on.
CHRIS
This ranch has been in my family for over 50 years. My father got the lease from the state when he was 24. Earned up the money to buy it by the time he was 30.
This ranch has been in my family for over 50 years. My father got the lease from the state when he was 24. Earned up the money to buy it by the time he was 30.
LINDA
Well done.
CHRIS
He died before it was 50 years though. I got him buried under a tree ‘bout a quarter mile that way (he points). Did they tell you he died?
He died before it was 50 years though. I got him buried under a tree ‘bout a quarter mile that way (he points). Did they tell you he died?
LINDA
Did who tell me?
CHRIS
Whoever it is you made your illegal deal with.
Whoever it is you made your illegal deal with.
LINDA
Nobody told me anything about your father. But, it doesn’t make a difference. Everybody’s got a story.
Nobody told me anything about your father. But, it doesn’t make a difference. Everybody’s got a story.
CHRIS
You couldn’t last a day out here anyway.
You couldn’t last a day out here anyway.
LINDA
I’ve done all right for myself so far, haven’t I? Where did you sleep last night?
I’ve done all right for myself so far, haven’t I? Where did you sleep last night?
CHRIS
Fuck you.
LINDA
Don’t come into my house and talk like that while we’re eating breakfast. You got your clothes, now why don’t you get yourself out of here and take a shower. I can’t have you stinking up my kitchen.
Don’t come into my house and talk like that while we’re eating breakfast. You got your clothes, now why don’t you get yourself out of here and take a shower. I can’t have you stinking up my kitchen.
CHRIS
You can’t come in here and tell me how to do my business. I don’t care how important you think you are. The place is mine. I won’t lose it to some dumb ass city nigger.
You can’t come in here and tell me how to do my business. I don’t care how important you think you are. The place is mine. I won’t lose it to some dumb ass city nigger.
LINDA
Good. That was a nice little speech. You proud of yourself?
Good. That was a nice little speech. You proud of yourself?
CHRIS
Fuck you.
Fuck you.
LINDA
Go change your clothes. (he remains) Not yet? You want to say it again before you go?
Go change your clothes. (he remains) Not yet? You want to say it again before you go?
CHRIS
You’re a fucking nigger.
You’re a fucking nigger.
LINDA
That feel good?
CHRIS
Fuck you
Fuck you
(He exits. There is a pause.)
JACOB
Mom?
LINDA
It’s gonna happen Jacob.
It’s gonna happen Jacob.
JACOB
You alright?
LINDA
Don’t act like you didn’t know.
Don’t act like you didn’t know.
JACOB
I’m sorry.
LINDA
It’s not your fault. But you gotta know it’s gonna happen.
JACOB
I’m sorry I didn’t say anything.
LINDA
It’s not your fault.
It’s not your fault.
(Jacob is not convinced.)
5.
(Linda’s bedroom at night. She is awake, listening to the sounds of crickets and other nighttime noisemakers. The latch on the door rattles, and Gus enters as her ex-husband Sam.)
LINDA
Gus?
GUS AS SAM
Linda.
LINDA
What are you doing in my room?
What are you doing in my room?
GUS AS SAM
It ain’t who you think it is.
LINDA
Gus?
GUS AS SAM
It’s not me. It’s me.
LINDA
Sam?
GUS AS SAM
Who else is it gonna be… walking around in your head at night?
LINDA
Why’d you send that letter?
Why’d you send that letter?
GUS AS SAM
You can’t just run off like that.
LINDA
I can.
I can.
GUS AS SAM
The boy.
LINDA
That boy doesn’t need you.
That boy doesn’t need you.
GUS AS SAM
He does. And you do too.
LINDA
I don’t.
I don’t.
GUS AS SAM
Can’t just run off. You’ll miss me.
LINDA
Try me.
Try me.
GUS AS SAM
I didn’t know you scare so easy.
LINDA
Only thing I’m scared of is you ruining that boy’s life.
Only thing I’m scared of is you ruining that boy’s life.
GUS AS SAM
You’re scared I was right.
LINDA
I can handle anything you got, Sam.
I can handle anything you got, Sam.
GUS AS SAM
I meant it you know.
LINDA
You said your piece, and you got what you deserved.
You said your piece, and you got what you deserved.
GUS AS SAM
You think you’re better than us.
LINDA
I am better than you.
I am better than you.
GUS AS SAM
You think you’re better than where you came from.
LINDA
I am better than where I came from. The whole point was to get out of there.
GUS AS SAM
You got any friends that look like you?
LINDA
What’s that supposed to mean?
What’s that supposed to mean?
GUS AS SAM
You’re white.
LINDA
That’s an ignorant and hurtful thing to say, Sam.
That’s an ignorant and hurtful thing to say, Sam.
GUS AS SAM
You know it’s true. So you’ve run off to the only place in the country where you’re black. Did you feel your skin getting darker as you drove further and further out here? Bring yourself out to West Texas and the first thing they do is call you nigger. Just what you wanted. Now you got something to fight for.
LINDA
I don’t play this black enough / white enough game Sam.
I don’t play this black enough / white enough game Sam.
GUS AS SAM
You’re playing it.
LINDA
There were all kinds of reasons to leave New York.
GUS AS SAM
Don’t let that boy turn out to be another dumb ass city nigger. Am I right?
LINDA
I’m done talking about this with you.
I’m done talking about this with you.
GUS AS SAM
At least I don’t try and pretend to be something I’m not.
LINDA
That’s right, Sam. You can feel good about that. You always come across as exactly what you are.
GUS AS SAM
And what’s that, Linda? Go ahead and say it.
LINDA
You’re not even going to apologize to me are you?
You’re not even going to apologize to me are you?
GUS AS SAM
I’m not sorry. I mean it. (beat) You’re not as tough as you think you are. You’re gonna miss me real bad.
LINDA
I’m already forgetting what you look like.
GUS AS SAM
You remember what I feel like. That’s what matters.
LINDA
I’m forgetting as fast as I can.
GUS AS SAM
You’re gonna miss me so bad, out here all on your own.
LINDA
I’ve outgrown you.
I’ve outgrown you.
GUS AS SAM
You wish you’ve outgrown me. You’re still thinking about me late at night. Why don’t you let those sheets roll off your body?
LINDA
It’s over, Sam.
GUS AS SAM
Can’t be. Our love turned into a human being, baby. You can’t get rid of me without destroying the evidence.
LINDA
Leave Jacob alone.
GUS AS SAM
He’s my son.
LINDA
You had more than enough chances with him.
You had more than enough chances with him.
GUS AS SAM
Why don’t you let those sheets roll off your body?
LINDA
Get out.
Get out.
GUS AS SAM
You got so hard. You’re like stone now.
LINDA
I got people following me across the country to tell me I’m not black enough. That can make a person hard.
GUS AS SAM
You wish you didn’t love me, but you do.
LINDA
It’ll pass.
It’ll pass.
GUS AS SAM
I’m planted in you. You try and kill me, I’ll just rot inside you. I’ll get you from the inside out. You can get rid of the leaves, but not the roots.
LINDA
You don’t deserve him. You don’t deserve either one of us.
You don’t deserve him. You don’t deserve either one of us.
GUS AS SAM
That boy needs my guidance.
LINDA
You’re no kind of example for anyone. Stay out of my head.
You’re no kind of example for anyone. Stay out of my head.
GUS AS SAM
Let those sheets slide off your body.
LINDA
No.
No.
GUS AS SAM
You’ll miss me. (Beat) I brought you a present. (He pulls a plant out of his coat and places it near the bed.) For your bed & breakfast. Good luck.
THE PLAY IS NOT OVER! TO READ THE REST OF THE PLAY, PLEASE CONTACT THE AUTHOR:
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