Give Me My Sin Again
A One-Act Play
normal what’s normal
what’s normal what
what what norm what
what what what what
Pinter
Kaylie
Stage as bare as possible
Scene 1
(Lights on.)
(Pinter in a bar. It’s 8.58 pm)
Pinter Listen! … Listen! … Listen! I agree, Roberto. I do agree. Totally. That’s not it. Kaylie … Kaylie always tells me. That’s why she does it. To tell me. That’s – the understanding. – I love to listen. Oh boy do I. And then … oh, Roberto, you’d understand. She’s the born storyteller. – It’s –
(Drinks.)
It’s just – this one … This one time it’s not quite good for me, you know. I think I’d prefer not to know about this one. (Suddenly.) Look at me!
(Poses, grins.)
Come on, look at me! I know you do. Roberto. Look at me! Look how I’m built. How everything’s in place. And functioning according to God’s great plan. Just look!
(Another pose, less convincing.)
Gotta go. Always good to see you, baby.
(Empties his glass. Gets up, leaves money.)
She’s expecting me. I’m rather late already. (Smiles, for himself.) “Raaa-ther, raaa-ther.”
(Sits down again.)
One day, I swear, one day I’ll come home with my story. And then she’ll listen. You’ll see. She’ll listen.
(Beat.)
(Lights out.)
Scene 2
(Lights on.)
(Pinter and Kaylie in their living room. It’s 10.12 pm)
Kaylie (sexy) So he comes rolling into the gallery on this lovely spring day, and me expecting nothing out of the ordinary – you know I never do –, but wearing the raaa-ther short skirt you like so much –
(Stops because Pinter stares at her.)
What’s wrong, Pinter?
Pinter Nothing.
Kaylie Something’s wrong, Pinter.
Pinter The travel agency woman called.
Kaylie Yes?
Pinter Left a message.
Kaylie Pinter, please.
Pinter The rooms are still available.
Kaylie That’s great.
Pinter She says she needs to know.
Kaylie Let her know.
(Beat.)
Pinter Let her know – what?
Kaylie That we’ll – go.
Pinter (surprised) We are?
(Beat.)
Kaylie Are we – not?
Pinter Yes, yes, but –
Kaylie But what? She did an excellent job last time, did she not?
Pinter Rosaria.
Kaylie Right, Rosaria. The islands of the Western hemisphere.
Pinter (warming up) Be your own best friend.
Kaylie We were.
Pinter Indulge in luxury.
Kaylie And everything else.
Pinter It was quite a cruise. Half the planet. It meant the world to me.
Kaylie Let’s do the other half. The Eastern hemisphere. Indulge in luxury … Come on, Pinter! And Rosaria. She waited to be your story. How she looked at you. – You got lazy, baby. You let me do all the work.
(Gets up.)
But now, baby, now look at me. Look at me in the raaa-ther short skirt. Oh, how I love the way you say “raaa-ther”, the a all long and longing! Say it, baby, please.
(Beat.)
Raaa-ther. Raaa-ther. (Girlish, pleading) You say it, baby …
(Beat.)
Pinter Will you marry me, Kaylie?
Kaylie What?
Pinter On the ship …
(Beat.)
Kaylie What is it, Pinter?
Pinter It’s just –
Kaylie What?
(Beat.)
Pinter It’s over.
Kaylie Is it?
Pinter I’m asking you.
Kaylie Us?
Pinter No.
Kaylie Oh, us. (Laughs.) You mean since you walked out on me in … I don’t know what to call it. In indignation. – Since you had a drink at Roberto’s? – Was it in indignation?
(Beat.)
Pinter Drinks.
Kaylie (stares at him.)
Pinter Drinks. The plural of drink. I had more than one. Time enough to place a phone call, Kaylie. I had an extra beer. That gave you extra time.
Kaylie That’s raaa-ther considerate of you.
(Beat.)
Pinter (trying) You do look good in that skirt.
Kaylie Gimme me that, baby, com’on, gimme that! – Gimme more!
Pinter There’s no more.
Kaylie Oh there is! I know there is!
(Beat.)
Kaylie You care for another beer?
Pinter Now?
Kaylie Yes.
Pinter No. – Yes.
(He gets up slowly, exits.
Kaylie sits, motionless.
Pinter returns with an open beer bottle.)
Kaylie I’ll see him later tonight.
Pinter Oh. – To tell him?
Kaylie That it’s over?
Pinter Yes.
(Drinks.)
Kaylie No. Because it isn’t. I’m not done with him yet.
Pinter But why see him again today? Don’t tell me –
Kaylie Don’t tell you – what? I want to tell you. It tell you everything, darling.
Pinter I don’t want to hear it.
Kaylie That’s a first.
Pinter Why again tonight? Why so late? Are you staying the night? Are you – coming back?
(Beat.)
Kaylie So many questions. – We’re just meeting for a drink. Maybe drinks. Plural. So you know. But I wont be long. Actually –
(Beat.)
Pinter What?
Kaylie Actually – This is funny. He wants to know how it went. Another first.
Pinter It’s against our understanding.
Kaylie Yes. Maybe. – He wants to see me again tonight so I can tell him how it went.
Pinter What’s funny about that?
Kaylie I seem to be attracted to the same kind of man over and over again.
Pinter Stick with me. Why change if it’s not a change? – Anyway, you’re wrong. We have nothing in common. You hear me, Kaylie. Nothing. – That’s not funny.
(Beat.)
Kaylie He wants to know how you take it.
Pinter Oh. – How do I take it?
Kaylie So far so bad.
Pinter Is that what you’re going to tell him?
Kaylie If that’s all you’re going to say.
Pinter Donald will be disappointed.
Kaylie I am.
Pinter Alright then.
Kaylie Alright then.
(Gets up.)
Pinter Already going to see him?
Kaylie I’ll walk.
(As Pinter doesn’t answer.)
I’ll put the story in the refrigerator. I don’t want this one to go bad. You still owe me Rosaria.
(Kaylie hesitates.
Pinter hands her his bottle.
She drinks.)
Thanks.
(Beat.)
Pinter Is that his name? Donald?
Kaylie Yes. Donald.
Pinter I always hated that name.
Kaylie You’ll get used to it.
Pinter Donald Duck. Donald Trump. Donald Donald Donald Donald Donald. – No, you don’t.
Kaylie Donald Hill.
Pinter Hill. That’s appropriate. (Sings clumsily.) Ain’t no hill high enough.
Kaylie Mountain.
Pinter (doesn’t understand.)
Kaylie The song. It’s “mountain.” (Sings.) Ain’t no mountain high enough.
(Beat.)
Pinter So he …
Kaylie So?
Pinter So – I’ll book the cruise?
Kaylie Of course.
Pinter So – he makes you come?
Kaylie What? – I thought you’re not in the mood.
Pinter I’m not.
(Beat.)
Kaylie Not like you do.
Pinter That’s not what I asked.
Kaylie He makes me scream.
Pinter You’re not a screamer.
Kaylie With Don I am. When you’re ready I’ll tell you. When you’re ready I’ll scream for you.
Pinter (disgusted) I’d rather throw up. (Giggles despite himself.) “Raaa-ther.”
Kaylie There you go.
Pinter (mockingly) There I go.
(Beat.)
Don. Don Johnson. Don Rumsfeld. Don Imus. Don Duck. DonDonDonDonDon … No, you don’t get used to it. – You scream. Wow. – What is it you scream?
Kaylie “Don, Don, you’re so handsome, Don! Don, Don! Oh, Don … oooh, oh Don, Don …”
Pinter (furious) KNOCK IT OFF! STOP IT, WILL YOU? STOP IT!!
(Beat.)
(can’t help it) I guess he does it with his fingers.
Kaylie They’re long and strong and inventive instruments.
Pinter His tongue?
Kaylie A lean mean furry little animal. All wild and tender.
Pinter It better be.
(Beat.)
Kaylie And then he fucks me.
Pinter What?
Kaylie Then he fucks me.
Pinter He fucks you.
Kaylie Till I scream.
Pinter But –
Kaylie But what?
Pinter But he’s in a wheelchair.
Kaylie So?
Pinter He’s paralyzed.
Kaylie He’s not.
Pinter He’s not?
Kaylie No.
Pinter Then why is he in a wheelchair?
Kaylie I don’t know. I guess his disability put him there. I didn’t ask. (Checking her watch.) I gotta go.
(Gets up.)
Pinter You didn’t ask?
Kaylie It’s got something to do with his muscles.
Pinter I bet. – Isn’t it …
Kaylie What?
Pinter Isn’t it awkward that you don’t know what he has.
Kaylie What more do I need to know about him? (Smiles.) And I was right. I instantly knew. I had a – (Interrupts herself.)
Pinter I don’t want you to go.
Kaylie I wont be late.
Pinter I don’t want you to see him again. Ever.
Kaylie Ever.
(Beat.)
You’re really worried, aren’t you? Baby, baby, there’s nothing to worry about. Go to bed. Go to sleep. Don’t let the bedbugs bite you. I’ll wake you up the way you like it. We’ll take the story out of the refrigerator. You like that, don’t you?
Pinter (despite himself) I do. You know I do.
Kaylie You’ll have to show me that you do, darling.
(She prepares to leave, stops.)
Is that what you’re afraid of? That you might lose me? That’s sweet, love. You won’t, I swear. I love you, baby, not Donald. He’s no different than the others.
(She prepares to leave again, stops again.)
And tomorrow, tomorrow you’ll call Rosaria. Let’s indulge in the other half of the planet. The Eastern hemisphere. It’ll make our world complete.
(Lights out.)
Scene 3
(Lights on.)
(Kaylie is sitting in the bar. It’s 11.38 am)
Kaylie A hunch. I had a – hunch. It’s true that you can’t tell. But why jump to conclusions? Don looks so strong. He’s radiating energy. Sexual energy. He looks like he could just walk out of that chair. Maybe he can. Maybe he’s fooling me. I wrap my arms around him as if to hug him – which is what I do –, then pull him to his feet. With assistance he can walk a bit. Enough to get to the bed. So I help him into be. Afterwards I asked him, “Are you faking?” – “Sure,” he said, “That’s how I pick up girls. It’s my dating shtick.”
(Laughs, drinks.)
You’ll see for yourself, Roberto. He’ll be here any second. After a few moments you forget that he’s in a wheelchair. But don’t try anything stupid. For the time being he’s mine. – Don says it’s a gift some people have. The gift to know.
(Checks her watch.)
He’s actually quite late. The subway elevator out of service or something. No cell reception down there. Only he doesn’t need to ride the subway to get her.
(Drinks, then nervous, fast.)
I met him in my gallery. He’s into drawings. Sculpture, too, but they’re expensive. He has the drawings kind of money. Well, he summoned up all his financial strength to buy an Eva Hesse print. Rolls in my gallery, gracefully, in a motorized chair, but not one of those gigantic scooters. Something quite elegant. Rolls in and knows. That’s what he said later. He had a hunch too. He knew that I knew. Because I gave him “the look.” The one that wants to know. He buys the Hesse with a smile, and leaves me with a funny feeling. Or was it a grin? A few weeks later he comes back, for a Bourgeois print. We chitty-chat. Did I give him the look again? He says I did. I don’t remember. He buys the print, and off he rolls. The next morning I call him up to tell him I had another Hesse print. “You don’t,” he says. I said I didn’t. – I’ll have another Cabernet, Roberto, please.
(Before the glass arrives.)
I should go. He’s forty minutes late. Is he going to stand me up? Am I being dumped by a guy in a wheelchair?
(Lights out.)
Scene 4
(Lights on.)
(Pinter and Kaylie in bed. 1.15 am.)
Kaylie (sleepy, sexy) … and me expecting nothing out of the ordinary, but wearing the raaa-ther short shirt you like so much –
(Beat.)
Raaa-ther, raaa-ther.
Pinter (doesn’t react.)
Kaylie Still not in the mood, Pinter?
Pinter So he stood you up?
Kaylie He called. He called to say he’s sorry he couldn’t make it.
Pinter How long would you have waited for him? Forever?
Kaylie His wife got suspicious.
Pinter What?
Kaylie That’s why he couldn’t make it.
Pinter Because his wife –? … He’s married and –?
Kaylie You’re surprised.
Pinter … and has an affair? Maybe I should meet this guy. Take lessons.
Kaylie You know him.
Pinter I’m not even married.
Kaylie Once you’ve accepted me for who I am I’ll marry you.
Pinter What does he have that I don’t have?
Kaylie Humor.
Pinter I have humor!
Kaylie Sexual humor. I’ve never felt a man so comfortable in his body. He makes me laugh with his cock. And sob and scream. (As Pinter doesn’t answer.) He’s actually married for the second time. He has a daughter from his first marriage, and a son from his second. Now it seems that his second marriage is on the rocks too.
Pinter That’s not funny.
Kaylie It’s normal.
(Beat.)
Pinter How come I know him?
Kaylie He’s a client of mine. Comes to all the openings.
Pinter One more thing we have in common.
Kaylie I think I’ve seen you chat. Quite vividly. – Don’t pat somebody’s shoulder just because he’s in a wheelchair.
Pinter I did?
Kaylie Don’t say things like, “Do you have a driver’s licence, chief?”
Pinter I did?
Kaylie Did you? – Don says he doesn’t put his hand on a girl’s knee just because she’s cute.
Pinter Oh … oh, right. I do remember him. Is he the guy who’s … who’s into Hesse, Bourgeois, Smith?
Kaylie Not Smith.
Pinter I think we did talk. I think he said he didn’t like Kiki Smith.
Kaylie That’s the guy. The guy who doesn’t like Kiki Smith.
Pinter But I didn’t put my hand on his shoulder.
Kaylie Don says that’s okay. Just don’t pat.
Pinter I’m sure I didn’t.
Kaylie No. You’re not the type.
(Beat.)
He said he had expected me to call. He said I was the type.
Pinter You didn’t like to hear that.
Kaylie I was furious. Can you believe it? He said, “I expected your call!” And before I could say why, he said, “You’re the type.”
Pinter And what did you say?
Kaylie I said – I should have said I’m no type – I should have said, and what type are you? But instead I said, “I have another Hesse for you.”
Pinter And he said?
Kaylie Nothing. Then, “That’s not why you called, Kaylie.”
Pinter And you said?
Kaylie “How do you know?” And when he said, “Shall I pick you up at the gallery?,” I said, “Certainly not.”
Pinter Why not?
Kaylie That’s what he said. He said, “I’m interested in the Hesse drawing. I’d like to give it a look. It’s considered normal to look at art in a gallery. I’m a client, remember?”
Pinter Remember?
Kaylie That’s what he said.
Pinter Remember.
Kaylie He acted like he didn’t give a shit. He did, believe me. He does. I know he does.
(Pinter gets uncomfortable, but remains silent.)
So I said, “How could I forget that?” And added, stupidly, “Since you still owe me the last installment for the Bourgeois drawing.” He said, “I’ll be there tomorrow.” And hung up. And he was. Right after lunch. With a check, and a big grin. “So show me the drawing.” I said, “You know I don’t have one.” His grin got even bigger, and he said, “Then why don’t we have a drink?” He said that in front of Eddie, who wouldn’t move an inch, and I said, “You keep the shop going, Eddie, while I’ll go fuck Don.” He blushed and disappeared.
(Beat.)
Pinter Nice story, Kaylie.
Kaylie I couldn’t believe I said that, you know, but I said it, it bursted out of me, “Eddie, I’ll go fuck Don,” but it broke the ice between me and Don, it cut right through his playing with me, so I did go fuck Don.
Pinter Here?
Kaylie In the bathroom for the disabled at MOMA. We have stairs, Pinter. Don says, they’re even better since the renovation.
Pinter But why?
Kaylie I told you, baby. Don’s married.
(Beat.)
Are you in the mood now, lover?
Pinter (stares at her in disbelief.)
(Lights out.)
Scene 5
(Lights on.)
(Pinter is sitting in the bar. It’s 3.35 am)
Pinter Look! … Look! … Look at me! What’s wrong with me, Roberto? Nothing! I’m goodlooking. I go to the gym! I’m a great dresser! I’m successful. I got money. I am funny. I’m moving up on the social ladder, no stopping me. I got great genes! All my muscles work! I’m perfect, baby! God made me perfect. I’m Evolution’s darling. Nature is proud of me. Any girl would chose my genes over anybody else’s! We’d had tons of little Pinters. But not Kaylie. She won’t even consider to marry me! So the question is, What’s wrong with her? – Another beer, Roberto.
(Gets his beer.)
Thanks, my friend. You are my friend, Roberto. I need a friend now. I don’t know what to do. She left. The building, not me. We didn’t really have a fight. On the contrary, actually. She wanted to seduce me. I resisted. She jumps out of bed, throws on some clothes and announces, “Gotta go.” Gotta go where? To meet him again? Does he ever get tired? Don’t his muscles slow him down? She says, “I need fresh air.” I say, “No one needs fresh air at 2.15 am.” But she leaves anyway. So I throw on some clothes too and storm after her, but when I arrive on the street, she’s already gone. Got a cab right away, at 2.15 am! No one gets a cab in the city at 2.15 am!
(Drinks.)
I know I don’t make sense. I know. I’m sorry. I panic. I feel I lost her. She’ll come back. But she’ll come back someone else. She’ll be different. I’ll be the same, waiting for her. She’ll be too good for me. But then she always was.
(Drinks.)
What’s wrong with me, Roberto?
(Beat.)
(Lights out.)
Scene 6
(Lights on.)
(Kaylie in the bar. It’s 4.45 am)
Kaylie I think, I just did the stupidest thing.
(Laughs uncomfortably, drinks.)
Or is it the most stupid thing?
(Drinks.)
I’m sitting in our backyard – it’s after 2, but I couldn’t sleep – so I’m sitting in our backyard to figure things out. Pinter acted so strangely, so not like him. I sit there for maybe half an hour, unable to think straight, and I get a little cold, so I go back to the apartment, but he’s gone. Gone where? I panic. There’s only one place in my mind where he can be. I race over to Donald’s place. Oh my God, I think, what is he doing to Don? Of course, the doorman wouldn’t let me in. That’s why he’s a doorman. To keep away crazies like me. I’m surprised he doesn’t call the police. These days school principals call the police when a six-year old is misbehaving. But what they find unusual is that the state doesn’t provide handcuffs that size. I say I’m a very special friend in a very special situation. The doorman nods as though he’s seen it all before. I convince him to call Donald, “my Donald,” I think I said. “He’ll come down,” the doorman says stone-faced. I barely thanked him when the elevator door opens, and a woman, wearing a bathrobe, appears. Too big for her. Don’s bathrobe I think. She seizes me up and down and finally says, “Oh, you. The gallery owner. You’re his type alright.” – “And who are you?”, I ask, although of course I knew. – “I’m his wife,” she says, “And I came down to tell you to fuck off before he does. He always does. You lasted long, I give you that. It just takes him longer to put on his bathrobe. That is I have to help him. So I can as well do it for him, right? I always do, sweetheart. In return he tells me everything.” She gives me a big grin, I recognize it’s Don’s, and, stepping back into the elevator, she says, “And now fuck off or I’ll call the police.”
(Beat.)
The doorman opens the door for me, and I tip him, Roberto. I thought a ten was appropriate given the cicumstance. But now I think I should have given him a twenty. Tipping’s a bitch in the city. – Then, on the street, I realize why I had come. To make sure Pinter didn’t beat up Donald or cut his throat or whatever it is you do when a cripple fucks your wife. I wanted to protect Donald. But I feel like Donald’s just slit my throat. And I know if he’ll call me tomorrow or in a month I will simply say yes and where and go and scream.
(Beat.)
What shall I do, Roberto? What will I do? All I can think of is those handcuffs that are too big for children.
(Lights out.)
Scene 7
(Lights on.)
(Pinter and Kaylie in their living room. Pinter has blood all over him. Kaylie is exhausted. It’s 6.15 am.)
Kaylie Is there any reason why you did what you did?
Pinter Is there any reason in anything we do?
(Beat.)
Kaylie Do you believe, Pinter?
Pinter In God?
Kaylie In evolution. In a parking lot. In a planet named after you. In something.
Pinter (looks at his blood-stained hands) I believe in sacrifice. That is now I do. This one’s for you, Kaylie.
Kaylie (nods) Can I trust you, Pinter? Can I?
(Beat.)
What did you do?
Pinter I smell.
Kaylie You need a shower.
Pinter Do you believe in me?
Kaylie I believe in showers.
Pinter I knew you were going to say that.
Kaylie Can I?
(Beat.)
Pinter I lack sleep.
Kaylie I believe in sleep. I’m exhausted too. – Are we too much for each other?
Pinter We’re perfect for each other.
Kaylie Or not enough?
Pinter I don’t know.
(Beat.)
Are you going to call the police?
(Beat.)
I believe in you.
Kaylie You’re not a six-year old. They have the handcuffs your size. When they arrest six-year olds the murderers go free.
Pinter I don’t understand.
Kaylie What do you have to offer?
Pinter A twenty-four hour advance.
Kaylie Why would you suggest that?
Pinter To ease you’re mind. I’m your lover. I’m a murderer. A word and I’m a fugitive. Although –
Kaylie What?
Pinter You don’t believe me.
Kaylie (hesitates) Are you also a rapist?
Pinter She agreed.
Kaylie To be raped?
Pinter She seduced me.
Kaylie How convenient.
Pinter She’s your age.
Kaylie You’re still a murderer.
Pinter Then she seduced me to kill her.
Kaylie The world is a strange place.
(Beat.)
It’s still murder.
Pinter She’d disagree.
Kaylie Hard to proof now.
Pinter I got it on tape.
Kaylie That will be dismissed in court.
Pinter Am I on trial? She taped it for you.
Kaylie She did? Do I know her?
Pinter You know the type. You want to listen to the tape?
(Beat.)
Kaylie No. It’ll work against you. Everything will now. Unless …
Pinter Unless?
Kaylie Unless I start to believe in you again.
(Beat.)
Pinter But you don’t. Give me twenty-four hours. Then call the cops. They have handcuffs my size.
Kaylie They haven’t a chance to find you.
Pinter Only if you tell them. You will do the right thing.
Kaylie Destroy the tape.
Pinter You don’t want to hear it?
Kaylie I want to hear the story, not the evidence. Did you leave fingerprints?
Pinter No.
Kaylie Not even on her?
Pinter She asked me to wear rubber gloves.
Kaylie And a rubber?
Pinter And a rubber.
Kaylie She really thought of everything.
Pinter She reminded me of you.
Kaylie Did she scream?
Pinter When I killed her. When she came she sobbed. She apologized. She said, “I sob when I come. That’s why I rarely come. It’s embarrassing.” Then she screamed, “Kill me! Kill me now!” Then she sobbed again. Then I sliced her throat and drank her blood until she was dead.
Kaylie You’re a devoted man.
Pinter I’m devoted to you.
Kaylie Be honest with me if you want my trust back, Pinter.
Pinter I am honest.
Kaylie What did she scream?
Pinter “Kill me! Kill me now!”
Kaylie What else?
Pinter “Don! Don! Please kill me now!”
Kaylie Don?
Pinter I told her my name was Don.
(Beat.)
Kaylie (laughs, then) You’re …
(Beat.)
Pinter What?
Kaylie (smiles) You’re an innocent now, Pinter. Now you’re pure.
(Pinter looks at his blood-stained hands.
Kaylie nods)
Pinter You should have seen her. She said that when I entered the bar she immediately knew it was me.
Kaylie Did she have a hunch?
Pinter She didn’t say ‘hunch.’ She said, “I had no doubt it was you.” She said, “Let’s have a mojito together.” Then she said, “Let’s go to my place and sacrifice me.”
Kaylie That’s asking a lot.
Pinter That’s what I said. But I never felt so needed in my life.
Kaylie Oh. Did you? – Did you say that?
Pinter No.
(Beat.)
Kaylie And she said?
Pinter She said, “That’s what our ancestors used to do. Sacrifice someone to appease the Gods. To solace your soul.”
Kaylie And you said?
Pinter I said, “But we don’t do that anymore. We’re civilized now.”
Kaylie And she said?
Pinter “Are we? Let’s see whether we can reconnect.”
Kaylie Reconnect.
Pinter And I said, “It’s illegal.” – And she went to the kitchen and came back with a knife and said, “Not if I consent. Let’s give it a try. Let’s be pioneers. Pioneers of love.”
Kaylie And then?
Pinter And then we fucked. And the she sobbed and apologized for sobbing. And then she screamed. And then I sacrificed her. She’s yours now.
(Beat.)
Kaylie Mine? – Oh.
Pinter I dedicated her to you.
Kaylie To me? – Oh. Did you ask her?
Pinter Yes.
Kaylie And she said?
Pinter Yes. And she screamed your name, too. “Kaylie! Kaylie!”
Kaylie You told her my name.
(Beat.)
(desperate) How do I know you didn’t actually murder her? in a frenzy? How do I know you’re dishing out a story that is not true? How can I believe you?
Pinter Call the police.
(Beat.)
Kaylie (gets up and picks up the phone.) Oh. Oh. – Does she have a name?
Pinter Beth.
Kaylie I always hated that name.
Pinter Beth-Beth-Beth –
(Beat.)
(Kaylie puts the phone back and sits again.
They laugh together.)
Kaylie Why you?
(Beat.)
It was the way Donald touched the Eva Hesse drawing. It was behind glass, so I let him touch it. I watched him. He tried to understand the piece. It grew three-dimensional under his touch. I believe in that. Remember how we met? Our hands met under water. We sat at the edge of a fountain. It was the way you let your hand sink into the water. The way water surround it. I closed my eyes and reached for your hand.
(Beat.)
Pinter I’m not a drawing.
Kaylie You became three-dimensional. Under water. Ever since I believe in you. I never regretted it.
Pinter Not even today?
Kaylie Certainly not today. I feel that urge again.
Pinter I’ll wash.
Kaylie No. It’s her blood on your skin I want to taste.
Pinter It dried.
Kaylie Still. (Touches Pinter’s hand, tastes it.) It is dry.
(Beat.)
(She slowly get up.)
Pinter You’re calling the police?
Kaylie (kisses him) I’m burning those clothes.
(Lights out.)
Scene 8
(Lights on.)
(Pinter sits on the sofa in the living room. His hair is wet. He’s neatly dressed.
Kaylie sits on the floor, her arms around his legs, her head in his lap.
It’s 6.27 am.)
Kaylie Sins from thy lips. O trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again.
(Beat.)
Pinter So I entered this bar, so unlike Roberto’s bar, and there she sat, alone at a table, wearing a raaa-ther short skirt –
(Beat.)
What is it?
(Beat.)
Kaylie (giggling) She was not!
Pinter (giggling) She sure was …
Kaylie She was not …
Pinter The way we like them …
(Beat.)
What?
(Beat.)
What is it now, Kaylie?
Kaylie Will you marry me, Pinter?
(Long silence.)
(Lights up very bright.)
(Lights out.)
A One-Act Play
normal what’s normal
what’s normal what
what what norm what
what what what what
Pinter
Kaylie
Stage as bare as possible
Scene 1
(Lights on.)
(Pinter in a bar. It’s 8.58 pm)
Pinter Listen! … Listen! … Listen! I agree, Roberto. I do agree. Totally. That’s not it. Kaylie … Kaylie always tells me. That’s why she does it. To tell me. That’s – the understanding. – I love to listen. Oh boy do I. And then … oh, Roberto, you’d understand. She’s the born storyteller. – It’s –
(Drinks.)
It’s just – this one … This one time it’s not quite good for me, you know. I think I’d prefer not to know about this one. (Suddenly.) Look at me!
(Poses, grins.)
Come on, look at me! I know you do. Roberto. Look at me! Look how I’m built. How everything’s in place. And functioning according to God’s great plan. Just look!
(Another pose, less convincing.)
Gotta go. Always good to see you, baby.
(Empties his glass. Gets up, leaves money.)
She’s expecting me. I’m rather late already. (Smiles, for himself.) “Raaa-ther, raaa-ther.”
(Sits down again.)
One day, I swear, one day I’ll come home with my story. And then she’ll listen. You’ll see. She’ll listen.
(Beat.)
(Lights out.)
Scene 2
(Lights on.)
(Pinter and Kaylie in their living room. It’s 10.12 pm)
Kaylie (sexy) So he comes rolling into the gallery on this lovely spring day, and me expecting nothing out of the ordinary – you know I never do –, but wearing the raaa-ther short skirt you like so much –
(Stops because Pinter stares at her.)
What’s wrong, Pinter?
Pinter Nothing.
Kaylie Something’s wrong, Pinter.
Pinter The travel agency woman called.
Kaylie Yes?
Pinter Left a message.
Kaylie Pinter, please.
Pinter The rooms are still available.
Kaylie That’s great.
Pinter She says she needs to know.
Kaylie Let her know.
(Beat.)
Pinter Let her know – what?
Kaylie That we’ll – go.
Pinter (surprised) We are?
(Beat.)
Kaylie Are we – not?
Pinter Yes, yes, but –
Kaylie But what? She did an excellent job last time, did she not?
Pinter Rosaria.
Kaylie Right, Rosaria. The islands of the Western hemisphere.
Pinter (warming up) Be your own best friend.
Kaylie We were.
Pinter Indulge in luxury.
Kaylie And everything else.
Pinter It was quite a cruise. Half the planet. It meant the world to me.
Kaylie Let’s do the other half. The Eastern hemisphere. Indulge in luxury … Come on, Pinter! And Rosaria. She waited to be your story. How she looked at you. – You got lazy, baby. You let me do all the work.
(Gets up.)
But now, baby, now look at me. Look at me in the raaa-ther short skirt. Oh, how I love the way you say “raaa-ther”, the a all long and longing! Say it, baby, please.
(Beat.)
Raaa-ther. Raaa-ther. (Girlish, pleading) You say it, baby …
(Beat.)
Pinter Will you marry me, Kaylie?
Kaylie What?
Pinter On the ship …
(Beat.)
Kaylie What is it, Pinter?
Pinter It’s just –
Kaylie What?
(Beat.)
Pinter It’s over.
Kaylie Is it?
Pinter I’m asking you.
Kaylie Us?
Pinter No.
Kaylie Oh, us. (Laughs.) You mean since you walked out on me in … I don’t know what to call it. In indignation. – Since you had a drink at Roberto’s? – Was it in indignation?
(Beat.)
Pinter Drinks.
Kaylie (stares at him.)
Pinter Drinks. The plural of drink. I had more than one. Time enough to place a phone call, Kaylie. I had an extra beer. That gave you extra time.
Kaylie That’s raaa-ther considerate of you.
(Beat.)
Pinter (trying) You do look good in that skirt.
Kaylie Gimme me that, baby, com’on, gimme that! – Gimme more!
Pinter There’s no more.
Kaylie Oh there is! I know there is!
(Beat.)
Kaylie You care for another beer?
Pinter Now?
Kaylie Yes.
Pinter No. – Yes.
(He gets up slowly, exits.
Kaylie sits, motionless.
Pinter returns with an open beer bottle.)
Kaylie I’ll see him later tonight.
Pinter Oh. – To tell him?
Kaylie That it’s over?
Pinter Yes.
(Drinks.)
Kaylie No. Because it isn’t. I’m not done with him yet.
Pinter But why see him again today? Don’t tell me –
Kaylie Don’t tell you – what? I want to tell you. It tell you everything, darling.
Pinter I don’t want to hear it.
Kaylie That’s a first.
Pinter Why again tonight? Why so late? Are you staying the night? Are you – coming back?
(Beat.)
Kaylie So many questions. – We’re just meeting for a drink. Maybe drinks. Plural. So you know. But I wont be long. Actually –
(Beat.)
Pinter What?
Kaylie Actually – This is funny. He wants to know how it went. Another first.
Pinter It’s against our understanding.
Kaylie Yes. Maybe. – He wants to see me again tonight so I can tell him how it went.
Pinter What’s funny about that?
Kaylie I seem to be attracted to the same kind of man over and over again.
Pinter Stick with me. Why change if it’s not a change? – Anyway, you’re wrong. We have nothing in common. You hear me, Kaylie. Nothing. – That’s not funny.
(Beat.)
Kaylie He wants to know how you take it.
Pinter Oh. – How do I take it?
Kaylie So far so bad.
Pinter Is that what you’re going to tell him?
Kaylie If that’s all you’re going to say.
Pinter Donald will be disappointed.
Kaylie I am.
Pinter Alright then.
Kaylie Alright then.
(Gets up.)
Pinter Already going to see him?
Kaylie I’ll walk.
(As Pinter doesn’t answer.)
I’ll put the story in the refrigerator. I don’t want this one to go bad. You still owe me Rosaria.
(Kaylie hesitates.
Pinter hands her his bottle.
She drinks.)
Thanks.
(Beat.)
Pinter Is that his name? Donald?
Kaylie Yes. Donald.
Pinter I always hated that name.
Kaylie You’ll get used to it.
Pinter Donald Duck. Donald Trump. Donald Donald Donald Donald Donald. – No, you don’t.
Kaylie Donald Hill.
Pinter Hill. That’s appropriate. (Sings clumsily.) Ain’t no hill high enough.
Kaylie Mountain.
Pinter (doesn’t understand.)
Kaylie The song. It’s “mountain.” (Sings.) Ain’t no mountain high enough.
(Beat.)
Pinter So he …
Kaylie So?
Pinter So – I’ll book the cruise?
Kaylie Of course.
Pinter So – he makes you come?
Kaylie What? – I thought you’re not in the mood.
Pinter I’m not.
(Beat.)
Kaylie Not like you do.
Pinter That’s not what I asked.
Kaylie He makes me scream.
Pinter You’re not a screamer.
Kaylie With Don I am. When you’re ready I’ll tell you. When you’re ready I’ll scream for you.
Pinter (disgusted) I’d rather throw up. (Giggles despite himself.) “Raaa-ther.”
Kaylie There you go.
Pinter (mockingly) There I go.
(Beat.)
Don. Don Johnson. Don Rumsfeld. Don Imus. Don Duck. DonDonDonDonDon … No, you don’t get used to it. – You scream. Wow. – What is it you scream?
Kaylie “Don, Don, you’re so handsome, Don! Don, Don! Oh, Don … oooh, oh Don, Don …”
Pinter (furious) KNOCK IT OFF! STOP IT, WILL YOU? STOP IT!!
(Beat.)
(can’t help it) I guess he does it with his fingers.
Kaylie They’re long and strong and inventive instruments.
Pinter His tongue?
Kaylie A lean mean furry little animal. All wild and tender.
Pinter It better be.
(Beat.)
Kaylie And then he fucks me.
Pinter What?
Kaylie Then he fucks me.
Pinter He fucks you.
Kaylie Till I scream.
Pinter But –
Kaylie But what?
Pinter But he’s in a wheelchair.
Kaylie So?
Pinter He’s paralyzed.
Kaylie He’s not.
Pinter He’s not?
Kaylie No.
Pinter Then why is he in a wheelchair?
Kaylie I don’t know. I guess his disability put him there. I didn’t ask. (Checking her watch.) I gotta go.
(Gets up.)
Pinter You didn’t ask?
Kaylie It’s got something to do with his muscles.
Pinter I bet. – Isn’t it …
Kaylie What?
Pinter Isn’t it awkward that you don’t know what he has.
Kaylie What more do I need to know about him? (Smiles.) And I was right. I instantly knew. I had a – (Interrupts herself.)
Pinter I don’t want you to go.
Kaylie I wont be late.
Pinter I don’t want you to see him again. Ever.
Kaylie Ever.
(Beat.)
You’re really worried, aren’t you? Baby, baby, there’s nothing to worry about. Go to bed. Go to sleep. Don’t let the bedbugs bite you. I’ll wake you up the way you like it. We’ll take the story out of the refrigerator. You like that, don’t you?
Pinter (despite himself) I do. You know I do.
Kaylie You’ll have to show me that you do, darling.
(She prepares to leave, stops.)
Is that what you’re afraid of? That you might lose me? That’s sweet, love. You won’t, I swear. I love you, baby, not Donald. He’s no different than the others.
(She prepares to leave again, stops again.)
And tomorrow, tomorrow you’ll call Rosaria. Let’s indulge in the other half of the planet. The Eastern hemisphere. It’ll make our world complete.
(Lights out.)
Scene 3
(Lights on.)
(Kaylie is sitting in the bar. It’s 11.38 am)
Kaylie A hunch. I had a – hunch. It’s true that you can’t tell. But why jump to conclusions? Don looks so strong. He’s radiating energy. Sexual energy. He looks like he could just walk out of that chair. Maybe he can. Maybe he’s fooling me. I wrap my arms around him as if to hug him – which is what I do –, then pull him to his feet. With assistance he can walk a bit. Enough to get to the bed. So I help him into be. Afterwards I asked him, “Are you faking?” – “Sure,” he said, “That’s how I pick up girls. It’s my dating shtick.”
(Laughs, drinks.)
You’ll see for yourself, Roberto. He’ll be here any second. After a few moments you forget that he’s in a wheelchair. But don’t try anything stupid. For the time being he’s mine. – Don says it’s a gift some people have. The gift to know.
(Checks her watch.)
He’s actually quite late. The subway elevator out of service or something. No cell reception down there. Only he doesn’t need to ride the subway to get her.
(Drinks, then nervous, fast.)
I met him in my gallery. He’s into drawings. Sculpture, too, but they’re expensive. He has the drawings kind of money. Well, he summoned up all his financial strength to buy an Eva Hesse print. Rolls in my gallery, gracefully, in a motorized chair, but not one of those gigantic scooters. Something quite elegant. Rolls in and knows. That’s what he said later. He had a hunch too. He knew that I knew. Because I gave him “the look.” The one that wants to know. He buys the Hesse with a smile, and leaves me with a funny feeling. Or was it a grin? A few weeks later he comes back, for a Bourgeois print. We chitty-chat. Did I give him the look again? He says I did. I don’t remember. He buys the print, and off he rolls. The next morning I call him up to tell him I had another Hesse print. “You don’t,” he says. I said I didn’t. – I’ll have another Cabernet, Roberto, please.
(Before the glass arrives.)
I should go. He’s forty minutes late. Is he going to stand me up? Am I being dumped by a guy in a wheelchair?
(Lights out.)
Scene 4
(Lights on.)
(Pinter and Kaylie in bed. 1.15 am.)
Kaylie (sleepy, sexy) … and me expecting nothing out of the ordinary, but wearing the raaa-ther short shirt you like so much –
(Beat.)
Raaa-ther, raaa-ther.
Pinter (doesn’t react.)
Kaylie Still not in the mood, Pinter?
Pinter So he stood you up?
Kaylie He called. He called to say he’s sorry he couldn’t make it.
Pinter How long would you have waited for him? Forever?
Kaylie His wife got suspicious.
Pinter What?
Kaylie That’s why he couldn’t make it.
Pinter Because his wife –? … He’s married and –?
Kaylie You’re surprised.
Pinter … and has an affair? Maybe I should meet this guy. Take lessons.
Kaylie You know him.
Pinter I’m not even married.
Kaylie Once you’ve accepted me for who I am I’ll marry you.
Pinter What does he have that I don’t have?
Kaylie Humor.
Pinter I have humor!
Kaylie Sexual humor. I’ve never felt a man so comfortable in his body. He makes me laugh with his cock. And sob and scream. (As Pinter doesn’t answer.) He’s actually married for the second time. He has a daughter from his first marriage, and a son from his second. Now it seems that his second marriage is on the rocks too.
Pinter That’s not funny.
Kaylie It’s normal.
(Beat.)
Pinter How come I know him?
Kaylie He’s a client of mine. Comes to all the openings.
Pinter One more thing we have in common.
Kaylie I think I’ve seen you chat. Quite vividly. – Don’t pat somebody’s shoulder just because he’s in a wheelchair.
Pinter I did?
Kaylie Don’t say things like, “Do you have a driver’s licence, chief?”
Pinter I did?
Kaylie Did you? – Don says he doesn’t put his hand on a girl’s knee just because she’s cute.
Pinter Oh … oh, right. I do remember him. Is he the guy who’s … who’s into Hesse, Bourgeois, Smith?
Kaylie Not Smith.
Pinter I think we did talk. I think he said he didn’t like Kiki Smith.
Kaylie That’s the guy. The guy who doesn’t like Kiki Smith.
Pinter But I didn’t put my hand on his shoulder.
Kaylie Don says that’s okay. Just don’t pat.
Pinter I’m sure I didn’t.
Kaylie No. You’re not the type.
(Beat.)
He said he had expected me to call. He said I was the type.
Pinter You didn’t like to hear that.
Kaylie I was furious. Can you believe it? He said, “I expected your call!” And before I could say why, he said, “You’re the type.”
Pinter And what did you say?
Kaylie I said – I should have said I’m no type – I should have said, and what type are you? But instead I said, “I have another Hesse for you.”
Pinter And he said?
Kaylie Nothing. Then, “That’s not why you called, Kaylie.”
Pinter And you said?
Kaylie “How do you know?” And when he said, “Shall I pick you up at the gallery?,” I said, “Certainly not.”
Pinter Why not?
Kaylie That’s what he said. He said, “I’m interested in the Hesse drawing. I’d like to give it a look. It’s considered normal to look at art in a gallery. I’m a client, remember?”
Pinter Remember?
Kaylie That’s what he said.
Pinter Remember.
Kaylie He acted like he didn’t give a shit. He did, believe me. He does. I know he does.
(Pinter gets uncomfortable, but remains silent.)
So I said, “How could I forget that?” And added, stupidly, “Since you still owe me the last installment for the Bourgeois drawing.” He said, “I’ll be there tomorrow.” And hung up. And he was. Right after lunch. With a check, and a big grin. “So show me the drawing.” I said, “You know I don’t have one.” His grin got even bigger, and he said, “Then why don’t we have a drink?” He said that in front of Eddie, who wouldn’t move an inch, and I said, “You keep the shop going, Eddie, while I’ll go fuck Don.” He blushed and disappeared.
(Beat.)
Pinter Nice story, Kaylie.
Kaylie I couldn’t believe I said that, you know, but I said it, it bursted out of me, “Eddie, I’ll go fuck Don,” but it broke the ice between me and Don, it cut right through his playing with me, so I did go fuck Don.
Pinter Here?
Kaylie In the bathroom for the disabled at MOMA. We have stairs, Pinter. Don says, they’re even better since the renovation.
Pinter But why?
Kaylie I told you, baby. Don’s married.
(Beat.)
Are you in the mood now, lover?
Pinter (stares at her in disbelief.)
(Lights out.)
Scene 5
(Lights on.)
(Pinter is sitting in the bar. It’s 3.35 am)
Pinter Look! … Look! … Look at me! What’s wrong with me, Roberto? Nothing! I’m goodlooking. I go to the gym! I’m a great dresser! I’m successful. I got money. I am funny. I’m moving up on the social ladder, no stopping me. I got great genes! All my muscles work! I’m perfect, baby! God made me perfect. I’m Evolution’s darling. Nature is proud of me. Any girl would chose my genes over anybody else’s! We’d had tons of little Pinters. But not Kaylie. She won’t even consider to marry me! So the question is, What’s wrong with her? – Another beer, Roberto.
(Gets his beer.)
Thanks, my friend. You are my friend, Roberto. I need a friend now. I don’t know what to do. She left. The building, not me. We didn’t really have a fight. On the contrary, actually. She wanted to seduce me. I resisted. She jumps out of bed, throws on some clothes and announces, “Gotta go.” Gotta go where? To meet him again? Does he ever get tired? Don’t his muscles slow him down? She says, “I need fresh air.” I say, “No one needs fresh air at 2.15 am.” But she leaves anyway. So I throw on some clothes too and storm after her, but when I arrive on the street, she’s already gone. Got a cab right away, at 2.15 am! No one gets a cab in the city at 2.15 am!
(Drinks.)
I know I don’t make sense. I know. I’m sorry. I panic. I feel I lost her. She’ll come back. But she’ll come back someone else. She’ll be different. I’ll be the same, waiting for her. She’ll be too good for me. But then she always was.
(Drinks.)
What’s wrong with me, Roberto?
(Beat.)
(Lights out.)
Scene 6
(Lights on.)
(Kaylie in the bar. It’s 4.45 am)
Kaylie I think, I just did the stupidest thing.
(Laughs uncomfortably, drinks.)
Or is it the most stupid thing?
(Drinks.)
I’m sitting in our backyard – it’s after 2, but I couldn’t sleep – so I’m sitting in our backyard to figure things out. Pinter acted so strangely, so not like him. I sit there for maybe half an hour, unable to think straight, and I get a little cold, so I go back to the apartment, but he’s gone. Gone where? I panic. There’s only one place in my mind where he can be. I race over to Donald’s place. Oh my God, I think, what is he doing to Don? Of course, the doorman wouldn’t let me in. That’s why he’s a doorman. To keep away crazies like me. I’m surprised he doesn’t call the police. These days school principals call the police when a six-year old is misbehaving. But what they find unusual is that the state doesn’t provide handcuffs that size. I say I’m a very special friend in a very special situation. The doorman nods as though he’s seen it all before. I convince him to call Donald, “my Donald,” I think I said. “He’ll come down,” the doorman says stone-faced. I barely thanked him when the elevator door opens, and a woman, wearing a bathrobe, appears. Too big for her. Don’s bathrobe I think. She seizes me up and down and finally says, “Oh, you. The gallery owner. You’re his type alright.” – “And who are you?”, I ask, although of course I knew. – “I’m his wife,” she says, “And I came down to tell you to fuck off before he does. He always does. You lasted long, I give you that. It just takes him longer to put on his bathrobe. That is I have to help him. So I can as well do it for him, right? I always do, sweetheart. In return he tells me everything.” She gives me a big grin, I recognize it’s Don’s, and, stepping back into the elevator, she says, “And now fuck off or I’ll call the police.”
(Beat.)
The doorman opens the door for me, and I tip him, Roberto. I thought a ten was appropriate given the cicumstance. But now I think I should have given him a twenty. Tipping’s a bitch in the city. – Then, on the street, I realize why I had come. To make sure Pinter didn’t beat up Donald or cut his throat or whatever it is you do when a cripple fucks your wife. I wanted to protect Donald. But I feel like Donald’s just slit my throat. And I know if he’ll call me tomorrow or in a month I will simply say yes and where and go and scream.
(Beat.)
What shall I do, Roberto? What will I do? All I can think of is those handcuffs that are too big for children.
(Lights out.)
Scene 7
(Lights on.)
(Pinter and Kaylie in their living room. Pinter has blood all over him. Kaylie is exhausted. It’s 6.15 am.)
Kaylie Is there any reason why you did what you did?
Pinter Is there any reason in anything we do?
(Beat.)
Kaylie Do you believe, Pinter?
Pinter In God?
Kaylie In evolution. In a parking lot. In a planet named after you. In something.
Pinter (looks at his blood-stained hands) I believe in sacrifice. That is now I do. This one’s for you, Kaylie.
Kaylie (nods) Can I trust you, Pinter? Can I?
(Beat.)
What did you do?
Pinter I smell.
Kaylie You need a shower.
Pinter Do you believe in me?
Kaylie I believe in showers.
Pinter I knew you were going to say that.
Kaylie Can I?
(Beat.)
Pinter I lack sleep.
Kaylie I believe in sleep. I’m exhausted too. – Are we too much for each other?
Pinter We’re perfect for each other.
Kaylie Or not enough?
Pinter I don’t know.
(Beat.)
Are you going to call the police?
(Beat.)
I believe in you.
Kaylie You’re not a six-year old. They have the handcuffs your size. When they arrest six-year olds the murderers go free.
Pinter I don’t understand.
Kaylie What do you have to offer?
Pinter A twenty-four hour advance.
Kaylie Why would you suggest that?
Pinter To ease you’re mind. I’m your lover. I’m a murderer. A word and I’m a fugitive. Although –
Kaylie What?
Pinter You don’t believe me.
Kaylie (hesitates) Are you also a rapist?
Pinter She agreed.
Kaylie To be raped?
Pinter She seduced me.
Kaylie How convenient.
Pinter She’s your age.
Kaylie You’re still a murderer.
Pinter Then she seduced me to kill her.
Kaylie The world is a strange place.
(Beat.)
It’s still murder.
Pinter She’d disagree.
Kaylie Hard to proof now.
Pinter I got it on tape.
Kaylie That will be dismissed in court.
Pinter Am I on trial? She taped it for you.
Kaylie She did? Do I know her?
Pinter You know the type. You want to listen to the tape?
(Beat.)
Kaylie No. It’ll work against you. Everything will now. Unless …
Pinter Unless?
Kaylie Unless I start to believe in you again.
(Beat.)
Pinter But you don’t. Give me twenty-four hours. Then call the cops. They have handcuffs my size.
Kaylie They haven’t a chance to find you.
Pinter Only if you tell them. You will do the right thing.
Kaylie Destroy the tape.
Pinter You don’t want to hear it?
Kaylie I want to hear the story, not the evidence. Did you leave fingerprints?
Pinter No.
Kaylie Not even on her?
Pinter She asked me to wear rubber gloves.
Kaylie And a rubber?
Pinter And a rubber.
Kaylie She really thought of everything.
Pinter She reminded me of you.
Kaylie Did she scream?
Pinter When I killed her. When she came she sobbed. She apologized. She said, “I sob when I come. That’s why I rarely come. It’s embarrassing.” Then she screamed, “Kill me! Kill me now!” Then she sobbed again. Then I sliced her throat and drank her blood until she was dead.
Kaylie You’re a devoted man.
Pinter I’m devoted to you.
Kaylie Be honest with me if you want my trust back, Pinter.
Pinter I am honest.
Kaylie What did she scream?
Pinter “Kill me! Kill me now!”
Kaylie What else?
Pinter “Don! Don! Please kill me now!”
Kaylie Don?
Pinter I told her my name was Don.
(Beat.)
Kaylie (laughs, then) You’re …
(Beat.)
Pinter What?
Kaylie (smiles) You’re an innocent now, Pinter. Now you’re pure.
(Pinter looks at his blood-stained hands.
Kaylie nods)
Pinter You should have seen her. She said that when I entered the bar she immediately knew it was me.
Kaylie Did she have a hunch?
Pinter She didn’t say ‘hunch.’ She said, “I had no doubt it was you.” She said, “Let’s have a mojito together.” Then she said, “Let’s go to my place and sacrifice me.”
Kaylie That’s asking a lot.
Pinter That’s what I said. But I never felt so needed in my life.
Kaylie Oh. Did you? – Did you say that?
Pinter No.
(Beat.)
Kaylie And she said?
Pinter She said, “That’s what our ancestors used to do. Sacrifice someone to appease the Gods. To solace your soul.”
Kaylie And you said?
Pinter I said, “But we don’t do that anymore. We’re civilized now.”
Kaylie And she said?
Pinter “Are we? Let’s see whether we can reconnect.”
Kaylie Reconnect.
Pinter And I said, “It’s illegal.” – And she went to the kitchen and came back with a knife and said, “Not if I consent. Let’s give it a try. Let’s be pioneers. Pioneers of love.”
Kaylie And then?
Pinter And then we fucked. And the she sobbed and apologized for sobbing. And then she screamed. And then I sacrificed her. She’s yours now.
(Beat.)
Kaylie Mine? – Oh.
Pinter I dedicated her to you.
Kaylie To me? – Oh. Did you ask her?
Pinter Yes.
Kaylie And she said?
Pinter Yes. And she screamed your name, too. “Kaylie! Kaylie!”
Kaylie You told her my name.
(Beat.)
(desperate) How do I know you didn’t actually murder her? in a frenzy? How do I know you’re dishing out a story that is not true? How can I believe you?
Pinter Call the police.
(Beat.)
Kaylie (gets up and picks up the phone.) Oh. Oh. – Does she have a name?
Pinter Beth.
Kaylie I always hated that name.
Pinter Beth-Beth-Beth –
(Beat.)
(Kaylie puts the phone back and sits again.
They laugh together.)
Kaylie Why you?
(Beat.)
It was the way Donald touched the Eva Hesse drawing. It was behind glass, so I let him touch it. I watched him. He tried to understand the piece. It grew three-dimensional under his touch. I believe in that. Remember how we met? Our hands met under water. We sat at the edge of a fountain. It was the way you let your hand sink into the water. The way water surround it. I closed my eyes and reached for your hand.
(Beat.)
Pinter I’m not a drawing.
Kaylie You became three-dimensional. Under water. Ever since I believe in you. I never regretted it.
Pinter Not even today?
Kaylie Certainly not today. I feel that urge again.
Pinter I’ll wash.
Kaylie No. It’s her blood on your skin I want to taste.
Pinter It dried.
Kaylie Still. (Touches Pinter’s hand, tastes it.) It is dry.
(Beat.)
(She slowly get up.)
Pinter You’re calling the police?
Kaylie (kisses him) I’m burning those clothes.
(Lights out.)
Scene 8
(Lights on.)
(Pinter sits on the sofa in the living room. His hair is wet. He’s neatly dressed.
Kaylie sits on the floor, her arms around his legs, her head in his lap.
It’s 6.27 am.)
Kaylie Sins from thy lips. O trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again.
(Beat.)
Pinter So I entered this bar, so unlike Roberto’s bar, and there she sat, alone at a table, wearing a raaa-ther short skirt –
(Beat.)
What is it?
(Beat.)
Kaylie (giggling) She was not!
Pinter (giggling) She sure was …
Kaylie She was not …
Pinter The way we like them …
(Beat.)
What?
(Beat.)
What is it now, Kaylie?
Kaylie Will you marry me, Pinter?
(Long silence.)
(Lights up very bright.)
(Lights out.)
