** PROLOGUE ** [Stage black and silent. Suddenly, there is a flash of light and the sound of a car screeching. There is a crash. Silence. The voice of a radio DJ is heard through speakers.] DJ: The entertainment world is shaken today with the death of music pop star Wendy Starson last night. According to police reports, her car careened out of control and smashed into a tree instantly killing her. Police do not yet know the cause of the crash but suspect mechanical failure. Wendy's husband, rock star Larry Storm, could not be reached for comment. In other news ... (voice trails off) [PROLOGUE music starts] ** ACT ONE ** SCENE 1: Kitchen [Lights come up on the kitchen of the Sterman's, Larry's parents. It is early morning. NICOLE, Larry's mother, enters and walks over to the outside door, opens it, and picks up the paper and puts it on the table. She turns and starts to prepare breakfast. RUSSELL, Larry's father, enters and crosses to the table and picks up the paper and starts to read.] RUSSELL: I don't believe it. NICOLE: (slightly distracted) What? RUSSELL: The budget talks have stalled again. It doesn't look like they're going to make it in time. NICOLE: (crosses over with breakfast) Are you sure? RUSSELL: (points to paper) That's what it says here. Listen to this. ``The state assembly has told the governor that it will not accept the latest proposal of cuts without the consideration of more tax increases.'' NICOLE: What's going to happen? What about your job? RUSSELL: There's nothing we can do. We're caught in the middle. If the budget doesn't go through, I don't get paid. NICOLE: The boat. RUSSELL: We're going to have to return it. NICOLE: Russell, please no. I love that thing. RUSSELL: I know. I know. But, without money there's nothing else to do. NICOLE: Does the paper say how close they are to reaching an agreement? RUSSELL: When hell freezes over, it seems. (Russell takes out another section of the paper and starts to read. His expression turns to surprise.) RUSSELL: Nicole, you ... (Phone rings) NICOLE: (crosses to phone and answers it) Hello. Larry? Is that you? ... It's been so long. How have you ... What? ... No I didn't see the news ... I'm s ... You're where? ... Of course you can, I can come and ... Of course you can ... OK, that'll be great ... How soon ... See you soon. (hangs up) (turns to Russell) You won't believe it but that was Larry. He sounded terrible. It seems ... RUSSELL: His wife died. I know. It's here in the paper. Some sort of car accident. What a shame. It seems the news is bad for everyone this morning. (pause) NICOLE: He's coming here. RUSSELL: What? NICOLE: Larry's coming. He's at the airport. He wants to stay with us for awhile. At least, that's what it sounded like. RUSSELL: You think that's such a good idea? NICOLE: Russell Sterman! Of course I think it's a good idea. He's our son. He deserves our help and comfort. RUSSELL: He deserves nothing of the sort! NICOLE: What? RUSSELL: You heard me. He's a self-centered, egotistical brat who doesn't deserve to set foot in this house. NICOLE: Calm down! RUSSELL: I can't, knowing he's coming here. NICOLE: This is a chance to see our son for the first time in four years. He's changed a lot since then. He turned his life around and made something positive out of it. He's successful and famous. I don't care what you think, but I'm proud of him. RUSSELL: Do I need to remind you of what happened four years ago? Our wonderful son nearly destroyed everything we had. I don't care how famous he is, I can't forgive him for that. NICOLE: I have. RUSSELL: Well, good for you, but that still doesn't change my feelings about him coming. NICOLE: Jesus Christ, Russell he's upset. His wife's dead. That's not something to take lightly no matter what you may think of him. Will you take a second to relax. It's been a long time, surely your anger can't run that deep. (Russell has calmed down a little) What's got into you? RUSSELL: Four years of frustration. Our son, the rock star. What do we get? Nothing. No letters. No phone calls. Nothing to show that he even cares or thinks about us. And, now, miraculously after four years he's coming just like that, because his wife's dead, and he's needs sympathy. Tough shit. NICOLE: How dare you! (pause) It's time to change all that. RUSSELL: What do you mean? NICOLE: This is our chance to start over. Whatever mistakes we made in the past, we move forward. Give him the benefit of the doubt for now. Please. RUSSELL: (thinks about it) OK. Sure. For now. But, I'm still not convinced his coming here is a good idea. NICOLE: Why not? RUSSELL: He needs rest. His coming here is only going to create tension. Do you really think it's good for him? NICOLE: He needs somebody to turn to, and that's what we're here for---support. Good or bad we are still his family. RUSSELL: Does he know that? NICOLE: Remember, the benefit of the doubt. (ROBYN enters) ROBYN: What's all the commotion about? NICOLE: Robyn, your brother's coming. ROBYN: (surprised) When? NICOLE: Soon. He's catching a cab from the airport. ROBYN: I wonder what the special occasion is to be blessed with his presence. RUSSELL: Here. (He hands her the paper.) ROBYN: Oh. NICOLE: Your father and I were arguing about whether or not it would be in Larry's best interest to come here. ROBYN: What's the big deal? It's not like he's been kind to us since he left. Running off, becoming a star, while I'm stuck here working my butt for practically nothing. NICOLE: Not you, too. ROBYN: He's a no talent jerk. NICOLE: He's your brother. ROBYN: Not anymore! NICOLE: Don't judge him like this. You know, maybe, Larry could help you with your theater career. I'm sure he has connections. ROBYN: I don't want his help. I'll do things my way. It's not easy fighting your way through a sexist system, but when I do it, it'll be on my terms. NICOLE: How noble. Look where your artistic integrity has got you---still living at home. ROBYN: You honestly are looking forward to seeing him again? NICOLE: Of course. ROBYN: Larry never liked it here. How can you be so sure things will be different this time around? RUSSELL: She's got a point. NICOLE: Will the two of you stop this bickering? It's too early in the morning for it. Like it or not Larry's coming. RUSSELL: I just think you're missing the point. NICOLE: What point is that? RUSSELL: Of what will happen when he gets here. I'm not sure how he'll react to seeing us again. I'm not sure how to react. It's hard to know nothing about your son except from what you read in the newspaper. When he left four years ago, I lost all contact to him. Our lives are no longer a part of his. It's the way he made it. NICOLE: Then why's he coming back? RUSSELL: I don't know. NICOLE: Well, I do. Four years can make a huge difference. Even if you don't learn to forget you learn to forgive. And that's what I've done---forgive. The way you view circumstances changes with time. He's let the past go and has moved on. I wish you would do the same. RUSSELL: It's not that simple. NICOLE: You're still fighting a battle that is over. RUSSELL: How can you dismiss it so easily? We're talking about things that stay with you for the rest of your life. These battles are never fully over. NICOLE: I'm willing to keep trying my best for him, no matter the consequence. RUSSELL: Then I guess I have no choice. (Nicole shakes her head.) ROBYN: So much for a quiet day. NICOLE: Come on. He'll be here soon. We should all get ready. (Robyn and Nicole leave. Russell looks at the paper and out the window.) RUSSELL: Ready for what. [He leaves. Lights fade.] SCENE 2: Outside the house [LARRY is seen approaching the house. He is carrying two suitcases. He is walking slowly with apprehension. He looks behind himself several times. He stops in front of the door and waits for a moment.] LARRY: (sung) Welcome home, Larry How is life on your own, Larry I missed your grin, Larry You look a little thin, Larry Why haven't you written, Larry Sorry to hear what happened, Larry Most unfortunate, Larry Nobody knows who I am I'm not the famous Larry, just a man Living in a world of illusion No reality, just confusion My world has been broken And this is where it was first spoken A place where nothing was right My home which was the site Of anger and hatred Where have the times gone When things were calm and life was good No cares, no worries, no pain Only childhood fantasies and games The future was vast and free Waiting for someone like me But that has changed My life's been re-arranged Leaving me alone astray Looking for assistance Finding indifference So I ran away Time to forget these four years No remembrance no tears Forget what's been said Just keep looking ahead The Storm has weakened Time to start over again [Larry moves towards the door, but then decides to leave. He gets halfway down the walkway before he changes his mind and goes to the door and knocks. Segue to Scene 3.] SCENE 3: Living room [Light comes up on the Sterman living room with Nicole, Robyn, and Russell anxiously waiting. After the knock, Nicole quickly rushes over to the door. She hesitates for a moment them swings open the door. Larry enters slowly. He walks in a few steps before Nicole gives him a big hug and kisses him on the cheek. Robyn comes over and greets Larry warmly, but Russell is remaining aloof. Larry crosses over to the couch and sits down. He is lost in a daze.] NICOLE: (straining for a place to begin) It's been a long time. LARRY: Yes, it has. NICOLE: Too long if you ask me. (strained pause) You look a little thin. (to Russell) Don't you think he looks a little thin? RUSSELL: (obligingly) A little. NICOLE: How is life on your own? LARRY: It's been better. NICOLE: Of course, I'm sorry. I didn't mean ... (pause) NICOLE: Why haven't you written, Larry? RUSSELL: Four years is a long time not to hear from your own son. (Nicole glares at Russell.) NICOLE: What we're saying is, is that we're all worried about you. Isn't that true, Russell? RUSSELL: (again obligingly) Right. NICOLE: So much has happened since you left. You know Mr. and Mrs. Rebusial? Their son, Rich, just graduated from Harvard in the top ten percent of his class. Isn't that great? You and he were such great friends. LARRY: Yeah, we were. NICOLE: You won't believe everything that's changed around here. All the construction that's been going on. Everywhere you turn there's a new shopping center or housing development or office complex or something. It sort of makes you old to see everything change so quickly. I wish it could be like it was. LARRY: Yeah. (pause) NICOLE: Even, Robyn's been doing well. She graduated valedictorian in her class. She always had the brains while you had the ... Anyway, Robyn is directing a musical over at the Shreeves Theatre. (to Robyn) What's the name of the show? ROBYN: ``Better Bodies Through Broken Hearts''. It won the Tony award a couple of years ago. LARRY: I saw it. It's pretty good, though a little too commercial for my taste. ROBYN: (mumbled to herself) I didn't know that existed. NICOLE: Even Russell and I are trying new things lately. How about it, Russell? RUSSELL: (trying to be polite) Yes. NICOLE: We bought a new boat. Well, actually, we are trying it out to see if we like it. Did you see it out back? LARRY: No. NICOLE: It's the nicest thing. We go out whenever the weather's nice. RUSSELL: When you're out there on the water, it helps you forget about your troubles for a moment---so peaceful and pleasant. I wish we could keep it. But, with the budget problems, I don't think we'll be able to afford it. Y'know, the budget problems and all. LARRY: I'm sorry. NICOLE: You wouldn't believe how nice things have been around here since you left. (realizes what she said) I mean, it's just that things have worked out well for everyone I guess. (awkward pause) RUSSELL: (to Larry) So what's new with you these past four years? LARRY: I don't want to talk about it. NICOLE: Of course, you're upset. We understand. LARRY: (suddenly angry) Do you? Do you really think you understand what I'm going through? You have no idea how painful it is. No where to go. No one to talk to. NICOLE: It's alright. You're with family now. LARRY: Please, I want to be alone for a while. NICOLE: Are you sure? LARRY: Yes. RUSSELL: We were only trying to help. LARRY: I didn't come here for help. RUSSELL: Then why did you come here? (silence) RUSSELL: Are you going to answer me? NICOLE: Larry, we didn't mean any harm. We were just trying to make you feel at home ... RUSSELL: ... which isn't easy considered you haven't been here in a long time. NICOLE: Russell! LARRY: Good 'ol dad with his holier-than-thou attitude. I forgot how perfect and pious you are. RUSSELL: Hold on one god-damned minute. We welcomed you back in our home. I think that after considering what you did four years ago, we've been more than generous. LARRY: It didn't take you long to bring that up. RUSSELL: Excuse me for remembering your setting fire to our bedroom. It's not something easily forgotten. LARRY: But, you missed the whole point. RUSSELL: What point is that? I don't care how bad you felt, this was an overly extreme way to deal with whatever problem you have, don't you think? LARRY: No one ever listened to me. RUSSELL: So, you pulled this stunt just so we would listen to you? Do you know how idiotic that sounds. ``No one listens to me, so I'll set fire their house. Then they'll listen to me.'' Maybe you'd be noticed more if you would stop running away from everything. LARRY: Are you that blind to the truth? RUSSELL: You ran away from home. What other truth is there? NICOLE: Russell, please stop. RUSSELL: I'm willing to bet that you probably pulled some stunts like this to make it as a singer. Hell, maybe this whole death thing is nothing but a publicity stunt just so poor Larry can be noticed. LARRY: SHUT THE FUCK UP!! (Larry crosses to Russell and takes a swing at him. Russell moves away just in time. Larry is about to try him again when Nicole rushes between and grabs Larry.) NICOLE: STOP! What is wrong with the two of you? (pause) I don't belive it. The two of you started up just like everything happened yesterday. LARRY: For me, it did. NICOLE: Larry, I'm sorry. I didn't think this would happen. Why don't you go to your room, you can be alone there. (Larry picks of his luggage and exits.) RUSSELL: You're not letting him stay here are you? NICOLE:(she nods) Robyn could you excuse us. I want to talk to your father alone. ROBYN: Sure. (Robyn exits.) RUSSELL: My God, he tried to kill me. NICOLE: If he didn't I would've! What the hell was that all about? What happened to the benefit of the doubt? RUSSELL: He's the one who came in with a chip on his shoulder. NICOLE: Do you have no sensitivity? Just imagine everything he's been through, and you go and compound it. I've never seen you act this way before. RUSSELL: How can you defend him like this? Just consider ... NICOLE: (interrupting) We've put that all behind us. Let's not vent any lingering hostilities at Larry. He doesn't deserve it. RUSSELL: Neither do I. NICOLE: I think you should apologize to Larry. RUSSELL: NO! NICOLE: Try to be nice, for me. RUSSELL: (reluctantly) You're pushing this benefit of the doubt way too far. NICOLE: You're the one doing the pushing. We've come to peace with the past. It took us a long time but we made it. Larry still has a ways to go. We are not helping him by making him feel unwelcome. This is a chance to make it all right again. Don't blow it. (Larry re-enters.) RUSSELL: Larry, (glances at Nicole) I've got something to say. LARRY: Me, too. I'm sorry. I'm just not myself. I didn't mean anything by what I said. RUSSELL: I'm sorry, too. It was cruel of me to make accusations like that. How about forgetting it and let's start over? LARRY: Everything's best forgotten. NICOLE: Good. I'm glad that's all settled. Russell, let's leave Larry alone. (Nicole, Russell leave. Larry walks over to the couch and sits down staring off into space. Robyn re-enters. She sees Larry alone and is about the exit again when Larry turns and notices her.) LARRY: Robyn, can I talk to you for a little bit? ROBYN: I guess. Y'know, what a way to make an impression after all this time. You still haven't lost your charm with them. LARRY: They'll be alright. ROBYN: So, what did you want to talk about? LARRY: Karen. ROBYN: Oh. LARRY: Do you know what happened to her? ROBYN: (slight hesitation) I don't know. When you left, I didn't see her around anymore. LARRY: Damn. I was hoping she'd still be here. ROBYN: Sorry, I can't help you. LARRY: Robyn, how have things really been like since I left? ROBYN: It took a long time for things to quiet down when you left. But, gradually everything got back to a semblance of what passes for normal around here. LARRY: Do you think it's a good idea for me to be here? ROBYN: I don't know. (pause) Why are you here? I mean, shouldn't you be at Wendy's funeral or something? LARRY: (forcefully) NO! ROBYN: I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything ... LARRY: No, I'm sorry. I'm just edgy I guess. ROBYN: Listen, if you're not doing anything this evening, you should come by the theatre. We're still in rehearsal. LARRY: Anyone I know in the show? ROBYN: Do you remember Bobby? (Larry nods) Well, he's the male lead. LARRY: I never liked him. He always had this annoying way of getting under your skin without ever saying a word. ROBYN: He's still that way. LARRY: How about the female lead? ROBYN: (quickly) You don't know her. LARRY: Oh. Hell, why not. What time? ROBYN: We start around 7:00. LARRY: I'll be there. ROBYN: Listen, I should get going myself. (starts to leave and stops) By the way, you didn't answer my question. LARRY: What? ROBYN: Why did you come back? LARRY: I really don't know. ROBYN: Well, see you tonight. LARRY: At seven. (Robyn exists. Larry sits on the couch for a while just staring off into space again. At times, he is approaching tears. Finally, he gets up and walks around.) Larry: (laughs to himself) What am I doing here? This is not what I wanted. I wanted to ... It was foolish to come back. Forgetting the past just to end up chasing it. Still, if only ..., I have to find out. Try to forget four years in a day and pick up the pieces from here. But, can things be the same? Does she know why I left? Why am I here? Do I know why I'm here? (sung) Difficult situations compel us To choose between love and success And when you choose, you wonder What it might have been like with the other Where have you gone, Karen I want to know was I wrong My destiny was not for here Staying left only fear Enduring hostility No chance for tranquility Why didn't I ask you to come with me Of everything I wish I could retain You are the one I wish still remained But we were forced to continue on Without each other to depend on Just to see you again To say how sorry I am Forgive me, Karen [Lights fade] SCENE 4: Theatre [There is a dimly lit blank stage. Robyn is seen down stage giving directions to two people for the scene they are doing from ``Hearts''. There are people constantly moving in the background carrying props, costumes, etc.] ROBYN: Listen, Bobby. I don't believe what's going on between the two of you. You're pushing. There's no genuine emotion. BOBBY: That's because there is not a genuine emotion in the entire script. It's a piece of trash. ROBYN: That may be so, but audiences seem to love it, and that's why we do it. People come, we make money, and everyone's happy. BOBBY: Except me. KAREN: Will you stop being so difficult. Give the script a chance. BOBBY: But, it's so demeaning. No one in their right minds would buy a story so lame. ROBYN: It's not for you to like. It's for you to act. BOBBY: But, how can I act in something I don't like? ROBYN: That's what acing is all about. Or are you not up to the challenge? BOBBY: You don't have to tell what acting is, and I will not stand here and be insulted by some inferior woman director. I'm leaving! ROBYN: Excuse for not living up to your high standards of directing oh great one. Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I'll back down every time you challenge me. If you feel threatened, then why don't you just leave. I am sick of your whining and moaning about this and that. It'll be no problem to find someone else to play your part. I'm sure there are a lot of people who would die for the role. BOBBY: A dead man sounds about right for this role. I'm an actor, and I hate to have my craft lessened by such drivel. KAREN: Bobby, please ... ROBYN: You know, I heard that a New York talent agent might be coming to see the show. BOBBY: Really? ROBYN: It could be your big chance. BOBBY: (thinks for a moment) I've changed my mind. ROBYN: Alright, can we try this again from ``... but she didn't mean anything to me.'' (pause) ROBYN: Bobby, that's your line. BOBBY: (egotistical) Of course it is. ROBYN: Then can we get started? BOBBY: Right. Honey, I know you're upset, but she didn't mean anything to me. KAREN: You bought her an engagement ring! BOBBY: It was either that or a car. The ring was cheaper. KAREN: ``The ring was cheaper.'' At least you're a frugal cheater. BOBBY: I spend a lot of money on you. KAREN: When? BOBBY: How about the washing machine, or the dryer, or that state of the art vacuum cleaner? They weren't cheap. (pause) KAREN: We've been going to that health spa for how long? BOBBY: Four months. KAREN: And how long have you been seeing the aerobics instructor? BOBBY: Three months and twenty-seven days. KAREN: So, it took you all of four days before you decided to have sex with her. BOBBY: No, only one day. We started in February. KAREN: I don't believe this. BOBBY: I have pictures. Do you want to see them? KAREN: No! (pause) I don't believe that you would cheat on me like this, and then brag about it like some adolescent. BOBBY: But, you said not to keep any secrets from you. KAREN: Why did we ever go to that stupid health spa? BOBBY: You said that by getting in shape we would become more attracted to one another and improve our sex lives. KAREN: So much for that idea. BOBBY: I don't see what you're complaining about---it worked for me. KAREN: That's it. I've had it. BOBBY: (tenderly) Missy, dear, don't be upset with me. Sure I've had sex with plenty of other women since we've been married, but I don't love them. I love you. After I'm done with them, I'm glad I've got you to come home to. KAREN: That's supposed to cheer me up? BOBBY: Well, how about this? (sung) You're the one that I adore Through thick and through thin You give me everything A man like me could hope for But man is ruled by more than love alone There is sometimes a higher call That forces us to do such deeds As would hurt the ones we need \par} refrain:But it's you that I love No matter where I go No matter what I do You're the one to see me through repeat refrain KAREN: Your feelings tell me one thing But your actions say another How can I believe you When you lie to your own mother How many more women will you see Having sex repeatedly Then come home to me And wonder about my frigidity You can say no more until You're blue in the face But I know you will You just better beware of mace BOBBY: refrain By telling me beware It's a sign that you care So stop with the stare And bring on the fanfare (Bobby grabs Karen, and they start to dance around the stage. As they move around, Bobby notices a couple of women in the back who are doing aerobic exercises. He breaks off the dance and goes to them mimicking their movements which become more sexual as it progresses. Finally, Bobby starts to move to Karen. He is about to start, but he forgets the words. He then stumbles and falls. The music stops, and everyone is laughing except Bobby.) ROBYN: (trying to contain laughter) I don't remember seeing that in the script. BOBBY: Isn't anybody going to ask me if I'm alright? At least, could someone help me up? (Bobby gets up by himself) Thanks for all your help. I'm surrounded by amateurs. ROBYN: So, what went wrong this time? BOBBY: I couldn't hear the music so I didn't know when to come with the next verse. (turns to pit) You guys don't play loud enough. ROBYN: Bobby, it looked to me as if you forget your line. BOBBY: I never forget my lines. How dare you accuse me of such a thing. ROBYN: Forget it. Let's continue ... BOBBY: I will not forget it! I want you to apologize. ROBYN: For what? BOBBY: For doubting my abilities as an actor. ROBYN: Bobby, I'm the director of this show. It is my job to doubt the abilities of others to make them better, and I don't have to apologize to anyone about it. Is that clear? BOBBY: Well, Ms. Director, you no longer have a leading man. ROBYN: What about the New York agent? BOBBY: I don't care if the whole state of New York comes, I quit! (Bobby storms off the stage. He passes by Larry who has just come on stage with noticing him.) KAREN: I should probably go after him. (Karen starts to run after Bobby, but she stops when she sees Larry standing there. Everyone now notices Larry's presence. There is talking and giggling and general commotion about seeing a celebrity. Robyn silences them. Karen is motionless.) LARRY: Karen. (Karen and Larry look at each other for a long time. Larry is about to say something when Robyn rushes over.) ROBYN: (talking more for show) How am I supposed to get anything done if my leading man keeps running away like this? Well, I guess that's all for tonight. Wait a minute, I got an idea. Larry, why don't you play the role? LARRY: (coming out of daze) What? ROBYN: I need to see how the staging is going. Come on. LARRY: I don't know the song. (Robyn hands him the script. There is more giggling from the others.) ROBYN: Here, you can use this. LARRY: I'm not sure this a good idea. ROBYN: Sure it is. Karen do you have any objections? (answers before Karen can say anything) Good. Let's pick it up where we left off. (Robyn points to the place in the script for Larry who gives her a nasty look) Music please. LARRY: (sung) Hurting you was never my intention It was an effect not the cause But now let's take one pause For you to forgive my transgressions I love you, Missy Let me say it another time I love you, Missy Because I know that you're mine So stay with me And you will see A brand new life With no more strife KAREN: Your words remove your shame And for that I will relent But you must not stray again No matter what the event BOTH: refrain LARRY: I swear with hand on heart So let's celebrate this new start I pledge to keep this promise With a passionate kiss (Larry looks at Karen for a moment, not sure if he should continue. He then kisses Karen firmly. They remain there until Bobby comes loudly back on stage. Music stops.) BOBBY: What the hell do you think you're doing? I leave for a couple of minutes and already I'm being replaced. Well, I'm back, and I would appreciate if you would refrain from kissing my wife. LARRY: Your wife? KAREN: Larry, I'm ... BOBBY: If you don't mind I think I will be leaving for tonight. (to Robyn) We can pick up where we left off tomorrow. Karen, let's go. KAREN: I have to go. (She thinks of something else to say, but turns and walks out with Bobby. Larry watches them exit and turns to Robyn.) LARRY: How could you do this to me? ROBYN: So I told a little lie. What's the harm? LARRY: You know exactly what the harm is. You knew about Karen. You knew everything. ROBYN: So. LARRY: So what's the harm in telling me the truth? ROBYN: You don't deserve it. So I didn't give it to you. LARRY: And set me up by asking me to come to your ``rehearsal.'' ROBYN: Yeah. I amaze myself sometimes at my ingenuity. LARRY: You've done some mean things in the past, but never with so much hatred. ROBYN: Stop being so melodramatic, you're a singer not an actor. Which is good for you, because you stunk in that scene with Karen. LARRY: Don't try to change the subject! I want to know why. ROBYN: Why what? LARRY: Stop these games, Robyn, or so help me God ... ROBYN: What are going to do? Runaway again? That seems to be the only thing you're really good at. You're nothing but an overgrown wimp. You always have been. The fact that you're some big shit rock star doesn't change the facts. Why don't you run away to you're little corner and suck on your thumb for a while? The rest of us have real work to do. LARRY: You're not getting off that easy. ROBYN: Just watch me. (Robyn starts to leave when Larry rushes over and grabs her.) ROBYN: Let go of me. LARRY: Not until I get some answers from you. ROBYN: Eat shit. (Larry squeezes harder) Let go, you're hurting me. LARRY: Isn't that a shame. Maybe I should squeeze a little more, then maybe I'll get some answers. ROBYN: Fine. You want to know the truth? I thought that considering everything that's happened to you, the time wasn't right to tell you about Karen. LARRY: What a load of shit! If that's true then why did you invite me here? ROBYN: OK. I did it because I thought you deserved it. LARRY: Why? ROBYN: Because I hate you. That's why. LARRY: (lets go of her) What did I ever do to you to make you hate me so much? ROBYN: Everything. Growing up I was always the little darling. I had brains and talent. People would always look at me and say ``she going to be the best, she's going to go far.'' You, you were always in and out of trouble. Well, look at me. I'm struggling with penny-assed theater groups while you're off making millions of dollars for doing practically nothing. LARRY: You're jealous. ROBYN: You're god-damned right I'm jealous. Not to even have the opportunity to succeed. Nothing but shit. Shit from above and shit from below. I'm sick of all this shit! LARRY: Maybe I can help you, I know some people ... ROBYN: I don't want your help! LARRY: Then what do you want? ROBYN: To be an only child again. Life was sweet without you. I was their little darling. Well, now that you're back that's all been blow to hell. Do me a favor and stay out of my spotlight. I've suffered enough without you around. LARRY: Excuse me, but you don't have a monopoly on suffering. ROBYN: Foolish of me to forget the great trials and tribulations of the famous Larry Storm. Get out of here, I have no sympathy for you. LARRY: (sung) I look for peace And all I find is rejection Lying,deceit And lack of compassion If only you could see The hurt I've been through You'd say you understand But that's not within you ROBYN: There's nothing here you can gain So why have you returned Redemption is never given away It's a thing to be earned LARRY: It's not redemption I seek But it's the comfort of a freindly face Some one who will be with me And will not get on my case ROBYN: Why don't you go back to your career To the people who are willing to fawn Don't worry we will survive We're all used to you gone LARRY: This is like you so jealous Of my fortune, my cars, my fame You could never out do me And I see through your wicked mind game ROBYN: This is like you so petty The whole world revolves around you You play hide and seek with your emotions But this time it's me who's found you \par} LARRY: You can play your silly game The ones your so good at I've never done you wrong ROBYN: Then what about the cat LARRY: (spoken) What cat? ROBYN: (sung) The one I got for Christmas The one you stuffed in a washing machine LARRY: It was just a prank ROBYN: (spoken) A prank? LARRY: (sung) And at least he died clean ROBYN: The sensitivity of a mule LARRY: The jealousy of a fool BOTH: That is the problem with you ROBYN:(starts to leave) By the way, there are other things about Karen, equally shocking, which you don't know about yet. [Robyn exits. Lights fade] SCENE 5: Sterman kitchen [Nicole is cleaning up the kitchen after the breakfast rush. She does all this while watching a TV talk show.] TV HOST: Good morning. Today's show ``Children Runaways.'' We are going to be talking to runaways to find out what drove them from them homes. Also, we will be re-uniting them with their families for the first time since they left. For some, that is fifteen years. Our first guest is Cindy Binten. Cindy ran away from home at the age of sixteen. Tell us what made you a runaway. CINDY: My parents were upset with me for being pregnant. They told me they were ashamed of me. They refused to listen to me, calling me crazy. So, I felt that by leaving I could make a fresh start with people who accepted me for who I am. TV HOST: What about the father of your child? CINDY: He wanted nothing to do with me. Once he learned I was pregnant, he stopped everything. TV HOST: How did that make you feel? CINDY: Alone. It makes it much easier to leave when there is nothing to stick around for. TV HOST: And how is life on your own? CINDY: It has its ups and downs, but I'm generally happier. TV HOST: Do you miss not being home, seeing your parents? CINDY: Once in a while, but it goes away when I think of what they did to me. I have no real desires to go home again. (Larry enters. He is wearing the same clothes from yesterday. He has slept in them. He crosses to the table and sits down. He is in a daze. Nicole is washing the dishes and does not yet notice Larry. When she is done she turns around and sees Larry. She turns down the volume on the TV.) NICOLE: Did you have a nice sleep? (no response) NICOLE: It's past ten. You must have been really tired? You've never slept this late before. (no response) NICOLE: Did you have a fun time at the theater last night? Robyn was in such a good mood this morning. I've never seen her so happy. It's good to see the two of you getting along again after all this time. (no response) NICOLE: I didn't even hear you come in last night. What time did you come in? (no response) NICOLE: I just cleaned up. If you want breakfast you're going to have to fix it yourself. (no response) NICOLE: Are you feeling OK? You don't look so good. Were you out drinking last night? (pause) At least, I hope you weren't driving. I worry about you. (still no response) NICOLE: Here, you want to watch television. It's that new morning talk show. They're talking about runaways. Sort of ironic, isn't it? (still no response) NICOLE: (agitated) Are you just going to sit there and stare at me for the rest of your god-damned life? You could at least say something. I don't understand you. Why on earth did you want to come back here? You never seemed to like it here when you were happy. You were always looking for an excuse to escape from reality. You always needed your little world to run to when things got difficult for you. This is not that place. There is no hiding here. The rest of us learn to live with ourselves and can do it staying in one place. ( pause) Do you think you're so special that you don't have to live by the same rules as the rest of us? To me, you're Larry Sterman, my son. I am happy when you are. I am sad when you're sad. Nothing I've done and nothing you've done can change that. Why don't you tell me what's wrong? Maybe I can help. Please. (pause) Will you stop judging me with your eyes? We all make mistakes that hurt the people we love. Jesus Christ, say something! (Larry digs in his pocket and picks out a lighter. Nicole is watching with some fear. He changes it to its largest setting and lights it. Nicole flinches. Larry stares at the flame for a moment. He then reaches into his shirt pocket and draws a cigarette and lights it. He then picks out the whole pack and lights it and places it on the table staring intensely. The pack quickly burns out.) NICOLE: (softer) You gave me a scare for a moment. Listen, even when things are at its darkest, there is always some light to help see you through, but you must follow that light. There are people willing to help you. You're not any less of a person by letting someone help you. It shows you how much we really need one another. (pause) Remember how scared of the dark you used to be? I used to check the closet and under the bed for you before you even entered the room at night. And I used to sing you a little lullaby to help you sleep. (sung) Sleep well my little sweet Another day we will greet No evil or gloom Shall ever enter this room For I am with you always Even when I am away But just call and I will appear Because I love you, my dear That used to always calm you. [She starts to cry. Larry puts out his cigarette on leaves. Lights fade] SCENE 6: Theatre [Karen and Bobby are center stage doing a fight scene from ``Hearts''. There is furniture and other belongings strewn all over the stage.] BOBBY: Listen, all I want to know is how long have you been seeing him? KAREN: That's the first I saw him in at least four years. BOBBY: Well, it looks like you two have started again right where you left off. KAREN: It was just a harmless kiss. BOBBY: That's not what it looked like to me. KAREN: Grow up. It was nothing more than a welcome home kiss. BOBBY: And what's it going to be the next time? KAREN: I don't believe you. You fool around with countless women. BOBBY: Is this your way of getting even with me? KAREN: If I wanted to get even with you. I would have done far more than just kiss him. BOBBY: Maybe you would've if I hadn't walked in on the two of you ... KAREN: What's the matter? Can't stand it when the shoe's on the other foot? BOBBY: What are you saying? KAREN: I'm saying that now you finally know how I felt for all these years that you've been fooling around. BOBBY: Used to. I've stopped. Besides, I would've never left you for any of them. KAREN: I'm really glad to hear it. You're making too much out of a small little thing. BOBBY: I would agree with you if you hadn't gone out with him for all those years. KAREN: That was long before I met you. BOBBY: And now he's back. Where does that leave us? KAREN: Us? This is a first. You actually care about us. Well, it's a little too late. BOBBY: What's that supposed to mean? KAREN: I've about had it with your chauvinistic jealousy. BOBBY: Isn't that a sign I care? KAREN: God. You care for nothing but yourself. BOBBY: If that's true would we be arguing right now? KAREN: Sometimes you act just like a child. BOBBY: It keeps me young at heart. KAREN: And it also keeps you from seeing things in a responsible, adult manner. BOBBY: Tell me, Miss Responsible Adult, if you saw someone kissing your wife how would you react? KAREN: If I was concerned, I would sit down and talk to her to find out the whole truth before all this yelling and throwing things about. BOBBY: Fine, let's have it your way for the moment. Why did you kiss him on the lips? Why not a little peck on the cheek? KAREN: Just when I think I'm getting through. I'm a big girl now, I think I can kiss whoever I want, where ever I want without having to ask for your approval. BOBBY: Not as long as you're wife you can't. KAREN: What? BOBBY: It means that you are supposed to do as I say. KAREN: I am not your property. BOBBY: Then stop acting like a piece of garbage. KAREN: You son-of-a-bitch! (Karen picks up a nearby object and throws it at Bobby who dodges it.) BOBBY: Shouldn't this be the time for adult talking and not childish throwing of things? KAREN: That's it. I am not going to stand here and endure any more of this! I'm leaving. BOBBY: What again? This makes it---the what---fifth time this month you've threatened to leave. Yet, you're still here. You can't leave and you know it. KAREN: You know why I haven't left yet? I was afraid of having to start over by myself with nothing. Well, I don't care anymore! Everytime I threaten to leave you promise you'll change, but everytime you stay the same jackass that I married. BOBBY: Wait! Let me explain. (music begins) KAREN: I'm sick of your explanations. (Bobby is about to sing when he forgets his opening line of the song. Robyn rushes over to Bobby and Karen. Larry enters without notice.) ROBYN: I don't believe it. That was the best I've seen you do the scene, Bobby. Everything was so real. What happened? BOBBY: I hate this song. I don't want to sing it. ROBYN: Bobby, it's a beautiful love song. Come on, it's probably the best song in the whole show. BOBBY: I don't care. I hate it, and I will not do it. ROBYN: Damn it! I am the director, and you will sing the song. BOBBY: Then you can find someone else to play this role because I quit. (Bobby leaves.) ROBYN: (calling after him) Now wait just a god-damned minute here. You can't do this to me. (Robyn runs after him. Karen is about to follow when Larry runs up to her.) LARRY: Can I talk to you? KAREN: I should be going after him. He's very temperamental. LARRY: I only need a moment. KAREN: It's a little late for words, don't you think? LARRY: Give me a chance? Let me to get off on the good foot this time? KAREN: That's going to be hard considering one foot was in your mouth, and the other was out the door without ever saying goodbye. LARRY: I'm sorry about that. I wish things could have been different ... KAREN: But, they're not! And they can't ever be again. LARRY: Please don't be angry with me. KAREN: You leave me behind, make it big, and marry you're pretty star, and you ask me not to be angry? I'm sure not overjoyed. LARRY: That's what I want to talk to you about. KAREN: Please go. LARRY: You weren't angry the other day. KAREN: I was too shocked to be angry. Now I want to forget. LARRY: You can't push everything aside like that. KAREN: You did! LARRY: And now I'm back to correct my mistakes. KAREN: And tell me what? ``Oh, I'm sorry. I loved you Karen. Even after I got married I was always thinking of you.'' I don't want to hear your excuses. Just leave me alone. LARRY: Please. Everything we've been through entitles me to something. KAREN: Larry, the timing isn't good. LARRY: Nothing much. Just a little time. KAREN: I'm married. It doesn't look good for me to be with ex-boyfriends. Bobby's a jealous husband. LARRY: Bobby's an asshole. KAREN: But, at least he's an asshole who's around when I need him. Leave. I've got nothing more to say to you. LARRY: Karen, please ... (Larry stops when he hears Bobby and Robyn talking. The two of them are approaching, and Larry quickly leaves before anyone else sees him.) ROBYN: Alright. Let's continue. We're skipping Bobby's song for the time being. Karen, let's pick it up with you going over to Sally's house. (Karen walks across the stage and pretends to be knocking on a door. ``Sally'' opens the imaginary door.) ``SALLY'': Missy, what's wrong? KAREN: I've left Richard. ``SALLY'': Why? KAREN: He doesn't appreciate me. He treats me like a toy not a person. Well, I wasn't going to have it anymore. ``SALLY'': Good for you. It's about time you left that dick. Who needs Richard? Anyway, I hear Kevin's back. I don't see why the two of you broke up in the first place. KAREN: (sung) When I first saw him No feeling could express My way of thinking About his gentle presence But, time pressed forward Patience was not his distinction He sought something further To give him satisfaction I was devastated and dejected He took my heart and my fun But then I met the one and I accepted Because I knew he wouldn't run You love the one who leaves You wonder where he's gone Does he recall your name The impression remains so strong You compromise your goals And you marry the man who stays He isn't the one you want But he's there to give you praise And everyday I wake up I wonder was I right What if I had waited Would I have been contrite Time destroyed my hope He was not returning So I made my resolution No more longing Put an end to speculation Devoid of my fears I found happiness No more tears Forget his callowness Now he's back What am I to do Do I just go forward Without notice or care Or, should I go with him And risk being left again unaware Or, do I go to the one Who I know will always be there [Karen finishes and looks at Bobby and starts to cry. Bobby comes over and kisses her on the cheek. Lights fade] SCENE 7: Restaurant [Larry is sitting at a table by himself staring at nothing particular. The customers and employees all look excited to be near him. Throughout the scene a couple of them walk by to get a closer look at him. PHIL, Larry's agent enters and notices Larry sitting at the table and quickly joins him.] PHIL: Here you are. I've been looking all over for you. LARRY: Go away! PHIL: Not until ... WAITRESS: (just approaching) (to Larry) Can I get you anything to drink? LARRY: Diet soda of some sort. (Waitress runs off.) PHIL: Do you know how long it took for me to find you? Why didn't you tell me you were going home? I have a right to know. LARRY: I have nothing to say to you, Phil. I'm through with the music business. I don't need an agent anymore. That's it. (The waitress comes back and places the soda on the table so that her breasts are in Larry's face. Larry tries to ignore her. The waitress smiles and runs off without saying a word.) PHIL: Will you get a hold of yourself for a moment. This is not some little thing we're talking about. There is too much at stake for one hasty decision to ruin it all. LARRY: This is not some little thing we're talking about here. It's my happiness, my sanity. I don't find it in music anymore. I don't find it anywhere anymore. PHIL: You've only given it up for a couple days. I don't think you've given yourself enough time to come to terms with your feelings. You can't expect pain to go away so soon. LARRY: It's not just that. It's ... (One of the customers approaches them.) CUSTOMER: Aren't you Larry Storm? (Larry nods.) CUSTOMER: I just love your music. I have all your albums. Sorry to hear about your wife ... LARRY: Is there something you want? CUSTOMER: Well, could I have an autograph? LARRY: I don't have a pen. WAITRESS: (coming over) Here take mine. And could I get one, too? (She hands the pen to Larry who grabs it and starts to sign the napkin for the customer.) CUSTOMER: Could you make it out ``to my good friend and pal, Joanne''? WAITRESS: And mine, ``to Rachel with love''? (Larry does so and hands them to the ladies who run off excited and giggling.) LARRY: Where were we? PHIL: You were about to tell me why you're giving your up livelihood. LARRY: Phil, every time I think of a song I think of her. Do you know how that feels? I can't even listen to the radio. Too many memories trapped in there. If I hear one of my songs I start to cry. I'm paralyzed by what I've done for the past four years. Well, no more. I can't do it anymore. It's too painful. PHIL: She was my friend, too. LARRY: Imagine spending three years of your life with her. PHIL: But, now it's time to move on. You can't let yourself be bogged down by this. Let the dust settle for a while. Take a few weeks off, then you'll be ready to hit the road again. No one will think any less of you for it. LARRY: I don't think you understand. I'm finished. I want to do something else with my life. PHIL: Great! Like what? Cry for every fucking bleeding heart in the whole god-damned world? I don't think you understand. There are too many people who depend on you to maintain a living. I speak for them when I tell you to stop sulking and move on. LARRY: Why don't you tell them from me to ... (Another customer approaches.) LARRY: LEAVE ME ALONE! (Customer runs off. Everyone in the restaurant is now looking at them with shocked expressions.) PHIL: Good move! You have such a good way with people. LARRY: Get lost! PHIL: We have a contract. You have to honor it. LARRY: I don't have to do a god-damned thing! You're the agent, you do as I tell you. And I tell you to get lost. PHIL: What's the matter with you? I've never seen you so angry at everything before. LARRY: Now I have something to be angry about. PHIL: What are you trying to do to yourself? You're not a child. LARRY: And you're not my father. PHIL: But I am your agent, which is the next closest thing. I know you're upset. I'm sorry. I really am. LARRY: (sarcastic) I'm touched. PHIL: But, you have to see things from my perspective. LARRY: Which means ... PHIL: Which means we can't turn our backs on the people who made you famous. We owe them a lot. LARRY: What do I owe them? Do I owe them for all the people who clamor their way to see me and wreck whatever I'm doing? Look around. I can't do a god-damned thing in public without having some jackass staring at me. Do I owe them for that? PHIL: These jackasses buy your albums, which in turn pays for everything. LARRY: Good'ol Phil. Always putting things in terms of money. You could care less about me. It's your own income you're worried about it. Isn't it? PHIL: It's not a crime to earn a living. Everyone does it. LARRY: Find someone else to leech off of. PHIL: You've become cynical now. LARRY: I've always been cynical. It's just now I feel like expressing it to the whole world. PHIL: Why not do it in song? It could reach a larger audience than by word of mouth alone. LARRY: Always looking for the quick spell. PHIL: That's part of my job. LARRY: Was your job. I'm no longer interested. PHIL: God-damn it! You've never been good at handling a crisis. I guess I shouldn't expect you to start now. LARRY: What's that supposed to mean? PHIL: It means, that other people have lost their wives and have been able to handle it. Why can't you? LARRY: Not with the same circumstances. PHIL: Just a variation on a theme. LARRY: You heartless son-of-a-bitch. I ought to flatten you where you stand. (Larry gets up and starts to walk away. Phil runs up and grabs him.) PHIL: We're not through talking yet! We all lose someone close to us once in a while. We all miss Wendy. But we learn to live with it. You're not special. You're not immune to common suffering. LARRY: You're starting to sound like my mother. PHIL: Maybe you should listen to her. Stop acting like an asshole and come with me so we can get started. LARRY: Let go of me! PHIL: Not until you agree to come back. LARRY: I'm not coming back! PHIL: Your wife is dead! Don't kill yourself with her. LARRY: How can you speak of her like that? PHIL: At least I was at her funeral. Where were you? (Larry breaks free and punches Phil. Phil falls and Larry runs out of the restaurant. A couple people come over to see if Phil's alright. Phil gets up and shouts after Larry.) PHIL: It's not over yet! I'm not giving up that easily. WAITRESS: Is Larry OK? PHIL: I don't know. CUSTOMER: It must be nice to be famous like that. Not a worry in the world. PHIL: Yeah. Something like that. [Phil looks at the customer and leaves the restaurant. Lights fade] SCENE 8: Kitchen [Nicole enters and crosses to the door, opens it, and gets the paper. She places it on the table and starts to prepare breakfast. Russell enters and sits down at the table and starts to read the paper.] NICOLE: Anything of interest in the paper? RUSSELL: Nope. Same old news. NICOLE: Isn't that a sign of good news? (pause) NICOLE: Any more on the budget talks? RUSSELL: No. (pause) NICOLE: I'm worried. RUSSELL: It's not time to start panicking. We've still a couple days before we have to commit to the boat. NICOLE: Not about the boat. About Larry. RUSSELL: Oh. What now? NICOLE: He's acting strange again. RUSSELL: How? NICOLE: I don't know. The other day, I tried talking to him, but all he did was sit there emotionless. Didn't say a word. He just sat there staring at me. I'm not sure he even heard a word I said. RUSSELL: (reading the paper) Uh huh. NICOLE: Are you listening to me? RUSSELL: What? NICOLE: (tears newspaper from him) I said are you listening to me? RUSSELL: Of course I am. NICOLE: I don't know what to do about Larry. He doesn't look happy. RUSSELL: His wife's dead. I wouldn't be feeling good if that happened to me. NICOLE: I know. But, it seems like there's something else as well. Like he doesn't want to be here? RUSSELL: That surprises you? NICOLE: No, I guess not. But, I hoped that his being here would have cheered him up. He needs it. RUSSELL: His life is too different from ours. He doesn't live in the same world as us. He's famous; we're \dots (shrugs) I don't think we'll ever be truly happy together. NICOLE: I know. But, I wanted to change all that. His coming back was like a second chance. I wanted to make a good impression. Let the past remain in the past and look toward the future together, that's what I told myself. But, look at what's happened. It's just the same old way of things again. Larry's not talking and keeping to himself. No fun, no room for anyone. I don't want it! RUSSELL: It's not for you to want. It's for you to accept. You've done everything you can. If he's not going to talk to us, he's not going to talk to us. There is nothing we can do to change that. NICOLE: But, then, what I don't understand is why did he come back? RUSSELL: Who knows. I'm not sure he even knows why. I think he just needed someone to run to, and we were the most convenient choice. NICOLE: He's always looking to run somewhere. RUSSELL: It's his way of dealing with pain. It's so sad. NICOLE: What do we do? Do we try to help? Do we leave him alone? RUSSELL: I don't know. I guess the best thing to do is to leave him alone. I don't want to give him anymore reasons to hate us. NICOLE: How can we do that? That's so heartless. I want him to feel wanted here. RUSSELL: He doesn't care if he is wanted here or not. He's just here because he doesn't know what else to do for the moment. Once he's decided, he'll leave. NICOLE: And when will he come back? I'm afraid of losing him for good. RUSSELL: We've already lost him. We are no longer a part of his life, difficult as that may be. NICOLE: I don't believe it. If that was true, he would have found somewhere else to go, but he came here. He wants our help. I know it. (She starts to cry.) RUSSELL: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I just think you're putting too much hope into a place where it probably doesn't exit. NICOLE: I wish that wasn't true ... RUSSELL: But, you know it is? NICOLE: Why doesn't he even talk to us? RUSSELL: You could come up with hundreds of questions of why this or why that, but the only answer is that that's the way Larry is now. Nothing we can do can change that. NICOLE: So, do we let him stay? RUSSELL: I don't see why not. NICOLE: As long as he's here, there is always the possibility he will open up to us, right? RUSSELL: Of course. (pause) RUSSELL: What's wrong? NICOLE: I just can't stop picturing the other day. You should have seen how awful he looked. Then ... RUSSELL: Then, what? NICOLE: Well ... nothing. RUSSELL: What is it? What happened? NICOLE: When he wouldn't talk to me, he took out his lighter and ... nothing really. It just scared me for a moment. All he did was light a cigarette and ... the pack itself. It really wasn't a threat. Was it? RUSSELL: Why didn't you tell me sooner? NICOLE: I ... I really didn't know what to make of it. It was just a cigarette. Maybe I'm reading too much into this ... RUSSELL: Or maybe not. It's one thing to have him around if the only one he talks to is himself, but if shows any signs of doing anything like before, then it's time to think of our safety. NICOLE: What are you thinking? RUSSELL: I'm thinking of telling Larry to go somewhere else, like a hotel or something, but he can't stay here. It's too dangerous for everyone. NICOLE: Aren't you over-reacting? RUSSELL: Can we afford not to be sure? There's no telling what he can do in his present state of mind. NICOLE: We can't kick out our son. Something about it just seems wrong. RUSSELL: It's not like I want to do it, but I think that it's for the best. I'm not asking him to leave town, just the house. NICOLE: What's he going to do all day? RUSSELL: What's he doing now? NICOLE: I still think we're over-reacting. Sure he's upset, but I don't think he's dangerous. RUSSELL: Are you absolutely sure? We had no warning the last time. Remember? He just set fire to the house. NICOLE: I know, but he was angry then. But now, I think he's more upset than anything else. And he's not even upset with us. He's lost someone close to him. It's a new experience for him. He's not sure how to handle it, but I know that he doesn't want to be alone. RUSSELL: You want him to stay that bad? (Nicole nods.) RUSSELL: I never could win an argument with you. NICOLE: Thank you. RUSSELL: But, still, let's watch him to make sure he isn't going to pull one of his ``stunts'' again. (pause) NICOLE: It's funny how children grow up. Who would have ever thought that our children would have turned out the way they did. All the good and plenty of the bad---yet I wouldn't trade any of it no matter what. Isn't that funny? RUSSELL: I don't think so. NICOLE: Neither do I. (sung) An empty house And an empty heart I'm so depressed 'Cause I'm no longer a part Of their busy lives And their hectic pace And their secret dreams And when they all grow up you wonder How could it be Then they take and leave you Quite unexpectedly An empty bed In an empty room In my head I carry the bitter gloom Of memories Of a day long past A day when love can overcome And out last The hurt of a parent And the scorn of a grudge The dirt of the past fades Until just a tiny smudge And in the final day Who is qualified to be the judge RUSSELL: An empty yard Helps me stay at ease And I'm working hard To set my boat on the seas And now his return Is meant to punish me For the love I could never give I loved him well enough But somehow the sentiment went unsaid And how the feelings Between us are now cold and dead We speak in threats If we speak at all We both have regrets But not the guts to call Each others' bluff Or to say how we feel Or just to say enough (They embrace one another. Robyn enters with a letter.) ROBYN: (holding up letter) Look at what I found in Larry's room. NICOLE: What does it say? ROBYN: ``I've been a fool. I thought that coming home would calm me down. It's had the opposite effect. Everywhere I turn, I find people who don't care for me, but who want to exploit me and my position. I came here to get away from all that. I'm sorry I just can't live here anymore. I can't see any of you anymore. The memories just run too deep to be forgotten even by four years. It's a shame, but it is now obvious to me that I no longer have a family. Too much has happened that can't be changed. I hope you see things from my perspective and do not feel angry with me. I do this out of necessity not out of maliciousness. Good-bye. --Larry'' NICOLE: (yelling to note) To hell with your perspective and to hell with you, Larry Sterman. Damn it! I love you. There's no perspective I know of that allows someone to run from those that love them. RUSSELL: Nicole, please clam down. He can't hear. It's over. NICOLE: No, it can't be over. No, I won't let it happen. This was our second chance to put everything back together again. RUSSELL: Nicole, you need rest. C'mon. NICOLE: Larry. I love you. I will always be proud of you. You are always welcomed here anytime you like. (Russell leads Nicole away. Robyn stands in front of the couch looking at the note.) ROBYN: You'll be back. I know it. [She tears up the note and leaves. Lights fade] ** END OF ACT ONE ** ** ACT TWO ** SCENE 1: Theatre [Music begins in a fast, hurried pace. Lights come up on the backstage of the theatre. It is opening night of ``Better Bodies Through Broken Hearts'', and there is the general commotion that accompanies such an event. People are putting on costumes, make-up, etc. Bobby is seen pacing around.] KAREN: (to Bobby) Calm down. Everything's going to be okay. BOBBY: Of course it is. I'm just worried that someone else is going to ruin the show for me. KAREN: We've all worked too hard to let that happen. Why don't you sit down? BOBBY: I'm fine. KAREN: There is nothing to be afraid of. BOBBY: (insulted) Who said anything about being afraid? KAREN: It's obvious to everyone. (Before Bobby can respond Robyn enters.) ROBYN: Listen up everyone. (things quiet down) I have a couple of things to say to you all. We've spent a lot of time together, and we're like a family. We are the best damn show that this place has ever seen. (a couple people holler their approval) Let's more than knock them dead. Let's bury them where they sit. (There is more cheering. Everyone huddles up. The music begins for ``Better Bodies Thru Broken Hearts''. The set changes to the stage, and the chorus breaks their huddle and start the song.) CHORUS: Better bodies thru broken hearts Building up all your body parts Better bodies thru broken hearts Check your standing on the progress charts FIRST WOMAN: My husband and I were quite a pair of swingers Existing for parties, martinis, margaritas and stingers But then we got in shape Now our sex life is great And I don't have to bring anymore ringers CHORUS: Better bodies thru broken hearts Building up all your body parts Better bodies thru broken hearts Check your standing on the progress charts FIRST MAN: My wife let herself go and I looked elsewhere Especially that young thing working out on the stair But since my wife came things haven't been the same She's a dynamo and I know life is unfair CHORUS: Better bodies thru broken hearts Building up all your body parts Better bodies thru broken hearts Check your standing on the progress charts SECOND WOMAN: My husband, Ray, and myself would have the same fight We argued that he couldn't last the night But I have to hand it to Ray He' been working out each day And with the rising sun our fun becomes out of sight (There is laughter while the chorus begins to move around imitating various aerobic and physical exercises. Bobby and Karen then move to the front and start to lead the chorus in a perverted exercise routine. Bobby at one point stumbles, but he is able to regain his footing and continue. The dance concludes.) KAREN: He's been cheating on me whenever he had the chance All the time I tried to recapture the romance At first I had my doubts But it seems that working out Can work out his problems without him dropping his pants CHORUS: Better bodies thru broken hearts Building up all your body parts Better bodies thru broken hearts Check your standing on the progress charts BOBBY: My wife thinks that she has me tied to the end of her string And I'll come running whenever she just rings But if I play the fool I can break every rule And score with more babes before the spring CHORUS: Better bodies thru broken hearts Keeping them away from those man stealing tarts Better bodies thru broken hearts This is the place to find girls without smarts Better bodies thru broken hearts Trying to catch Cupid's darts Better bodies thru broken hearts Sweat, pump, kick ,strain Is it worth the muscle pain Can we start over again Better bodies thru broken hearts Better bodies thru broken hearts Better bodies thru broken hearts Better bodies thru broken hearts Better bodies thru broken hearts [Lights flash then go black] SCENE 2: Restaurant [Members of the cast of ``Better Bodies'' are strolling to celebrate opening night. Everyone is telling stories about this and that. Most of them poke fun at Bobby's performance, which wasn't very good. As they sit down, Bobby and Karen enter. Bobby looks distracted and upset.] BOBBY: What a horrible night. KAREN: I didn't think it went all that bad. BOBBY: Maybe not for you, but I didn't do anything right out there. KAREN: You're exaggerating. BOBBY: I felt like a zombie out there. Going from place A to place B, then say my lines, and back to place A again. I looked like a stupid, amateur, community actor, (points to the cast members sitting at the table) no better than those morons over there. KAREN: You were just nervous. It happens to everyone. BOBBY: I'm better than everyone. KAREN: Of course you are, but sometimes there are nights we all just would like to forget. I mean things just don't work out the way you plan, and then they have this annoying habit of re-surfacing when you wish they wouldn't and ... BOBBY: Are we still talking about me? KAREN: I'm sorry. I just can't help wondering. BOBBY: About what? KAREN: Things. Y'know. What would my life be like if I did this instead of that. Would things have been better? Things like that. BOBBY: It's Larry again, isn't it? Why can't you put him out of your mind? KAREN: It's not that easy, Bobby. I loved him, once. (pause) I still do. BOBBY: He's run away for the second time. There's nothing for you to hold onto with people like that. He doesn't care for you. He doesn't look after you. He's not responsible. KAREN: I know. I know. BOBBY: You're tearing yourself apart just like the last time. I may not be perfect, but I do love you, and you're the most perfect thing I got. KAREN: This is my ex-boyfriend we're talking about. BOBBY: I'm your husband. He's part of the past. You and I are the present. KAREN: Thank you. (she hugs Bobby) God, I need a drink. (Karen leaves to get a drink. Bobby walks over to the rest of the cast. He tries to join in, but the others are ignoring him. Karen walks back with a full glass of wine that she continues to drink quickly. Robyn enters. Everyone starts to clap.) ROBYN: Thank you. Thank you. You were all terrific. (more applause) That was by far the best damn show to hit this place in a long time. (more applause) CAST MEMBER: Any word on the review? ROBYN: I have a friend at the paper who's going to get me an advanced copy. She should be here soon. So, eat, drink, and be merry, but be at the theatre tomorrow at 5:00. I still have plenty of notes to talk to you about. (Robyn lets things settle for a moment and approaches Bobby.) ROBYN: Bobby, can I talk to you for a moment? BOBBY: Sure. (Bobby gets up, and Robyn leads him to a more quiet section of the restaurant away from the rest of the cast.) BOBBY: Is something wrong? ROBYN: I was going to ask you the same question. What were you doing out there? You almost single-handedly ruined the show. BOBBY: Me? I may not have given the best performance of my life, but I wouldn't say I was that bad. ROBYN: Well, I would. I want you in by three so that we can go over the show line by line so that we can make you less embarrassing to the rest of the cast. BOBBY: I don't believe you. ROBYN: Oh no? Read this. (Robyn pulls out a piece of paper from her pocket and hands it Bobby.) BOBBY: What's this? ROBYN: Read it. BOBBY:(reading) ``Better Bodies Through Broken Hearts'' is the best show to be performed in this area for as long as I have been reviewing theater. Robyn Sterman's insightful direction keeps the show from drowning in mediocrity. Most of the cast seems to share Ms. Sterman's high energy style, but the same cannot be said for Bobby Drennary. Mr. Drennary does everything humanly (and sometimes in-humanly) possible to destroy a wonderful show. His performance is the reason that putrid remains in the dictionary. A trained monkey could probably give a more convincing performance, not to mention sing better, given an hour or two practice. (Bobby stops reading and tears up the paper.) ROBYN: Don't tear it up! I want to share this with the rest of the cast. BOBBY: NO! ROBYN: It's either they hear tonight or tomorrow morning. No matter what, they will read it. BOBBY: It's not like they don't laugh at me enough. Now this. ROBYN: We'll go over it tomorrow. Tomorrow won't be as bad as tonight. BOBBY: Are you sure? ROBYN: Trust me, it can't get much worse. BOBBY: How dare you insult me. ROBYN: Relax, I was just trying to lighten the mood. BOBBY: Well. I don't think it's very funny. In fact, why don't you hire a monkey to take over for me. ROBYN: The zoo's closed tomorrow. BOBBY: I quit! ROBYN: Will you stop. So you got a bad review, it's not the end of the world. It's like ... (Robyn is distracted and glances over at Karen and sees Larry behind her. Larry grabs Karen and leaves with her when no one else is watching.) BOBBY: Hello? ROBYN: Listen, I forgot something at the theatre. I'll be back in just a moment. We'll talk then. BOBBY: I'm quitting, and you think something you forgot at the theatre is more important? If you leave now, I won't be here when you get back. ROBYN: Bobby, this is important! BOBBY: So is this. ROBYN: Damn! Alright, what's it going to take to keep you in the show? [Robyn glances at the exit and looks at her watch, sighs and listens to Bobby. Lights fade] SCENE 3: Theatre [Larry rushes in dragging Karen onto the dark, empty stage. Karen does not quite know what is happening---she is too drunk. Larry leaves her center stage and runs off and turns on a spotlight shown directly on Karen.] LARRY: (from off-stage) How long have you been involved in the theater? KAREN: (half-aware) What? LARRY: What is your childhood ambition? KAREN: (treating this like a game) To be President. LARRY: What is your favorite television show? KAREN: I don't know. LARRY: When was the first time you had sex? KAREN: Sixteen. LARRY: What's your favorite cartoon? KAREN: Bullwinkle. LARRY: Who is your favorite singer? KAREN: I don't have one. LARRY: Why did you marry Bobby? KAREN: Larry? LARRY: (re-entering) Why did you marry that no good son-of-a-bitch Bobby? KAREN: What the hell are you doing? LARRY: I'm asking you a question. KAREN: Why did you bring me here? LARRY: We need to talk. KAREN: They'll miss me at the restaurant. LARRY: Everyone's having too good a time and drunk to notice. KAREN: Why should I tell you anything? LARRY: Because I deserve some answers. KAREN: What do you mean you deserve some answers? You kidnap me and tell me I deserve to give you answers. Fame has gotten to your head. You deserve nothing, and that's all you're going to get from me! Excuse me, but I'm leaving. LARRY: (grabs her) You're not going anywhere. KAREN: Who do you think you are? I don't want to go through this all over again. Please let me go. LARRY: Karen, everything is falling down around me. I need someone to talk to. KAREN: Is that why you're back? LARRY: I guess so. I needed to talk to someone I could trust. KAREN: You're too late. I can't have you back in my life anymore. LARRY: I need ... want your help. KAREN: Larry, what do you want me to do? I can't perform miracles. LARRY: I need a friend. KAREN: And you think I'm a good choice? LARRY: Karen, I still love you. KAREN: And that's supposed to make everything alright. Larry, that was four years ago. Life for me has taken me in a different direction and you're not a part of it. LARRY: Karen, I meant to tell you why I left. KAREN: But you didn't. LARRY: I didn't want to drag you into my problems. KAREN: Isn't that what you're doing now? LARRY: Karen, things haven't been easy for me either. KAREN: I agonized for months about what to do and how to go about doing it. It took me a long time to get going again. I'm not willing to go through all that again. LARRY: I didn't want to leave you. KAREN: You don't know how hurt I was. One day we're having the time of our lives, the next moment nothing. I kept telling myself you would be back, that it was just a bad dream. But, it was just loneliness. LARRY: I thought that my love for you would give some miracle answer to make everything alright. I was wrong. KAREN: Love can't solve those problems. You must solve them for yourself. LARRY: I tried. I tried. As soon as things turned around I wrote you. KAREN: By then it was too late. Maybe if you had writen sooner? LARRY: I had nothing. No food, no money, nothing of any worth. I couldn't ask you to live like that. KAREN: The problem is that you never asked, you just assumed. LARRY: Would you have come? KAREN: It's too late to know anymore. LARRY: What happened after I left? KAREN: Larry, it's not important anymore. LARRY: It is to me! KAREN: (a little angry) If you would stop running away from everything maybe you could find out for yourself what effect you actions caused. Larry, please leave me alone. Don't give me a reason to hate you even more. LARRY: I'm not running away. Not this time. KAREN: I don't believe you. LARRY: Karen, don't judge me for what I did four years ago. KAREN: We were happy together. We loved one another. I didn't think anything could come between that. LARRY: I didn't want to leave. KAREN: But you did. LARRY: It had nothing to do with you. There was something else. I couldn't stay. KAREN: So what's changed in four years? It still seems to me like you can't stay in the same place for too long. LARRY: I'm trying to change. KAREN: You're not doing a very good job. LARRY: I'm sorry. This is not easy for me. (pause) You know what's so funny about all this? Everything that I had hoped would change is still the same and everything I hoped to be the same is different. KAREN: Larry, I know you're upset, but I'm not sure I have the answers you're looking for. LARRY: You're the only one I know who can be honest with me. KAREN: Larry, I don't think you realize how hard this is for me. I want to help, but I can't get involved. LARRY: That's it? KAREN: What else do you want me to say? LARRY: Karen, please. KAREN: (sung) I love you More than you will ever know More than words can say But then our growing trust The secrets we shared between us Bordered with you on the first Bus to L.A. And I hated you More than any man 'Cause I thought I was to blame So when you left I sobbed Three weeks of life you robbed Me so I wed the first man LARRY: (spoken) Bobby KAREN: (sung) The same And I'm miserable And it's all your fault If you knew what you're selfishness has done LARRY: I never meant any harm KAREN: Please let go of my arm Save your charm for your son (Larry lets go of Karen and falls to the floor.) LARRY: My son? KAREN: Now do you understand? You can't come in here and pretend things were the same as before. Too much is changed for that to be true anymore. LARRY: I never knew. Does anyone else know? KAREN: No. LARRY: Does Bobby know? KAREN: I never told him. I let him think the baby was pre-mature, but I think he knows. He's not that much of a fool. Larry, I never stopped thinking about you, but at the same time I had to. LARRY: What's his name? KAREN: Ben. LARRY: Ben. I wish you would have told me. KAREN: I tried. I wrote you several letters saying so, but I could never send them. I wondered every night if I had made the right choice. But, it was unfair to Bobby, and he deserved better. LARRY: My God, Karen. What's happening to me? KAREN: All of your running is catching up to you. LARRY: What? KAREN: Just when things start to turn bad, you have this habit of running away, sometimes leaving those closest to you behind. Well, this time there was nowhere you could run to avoid the inevitable. If you want my opinion, it's time to confront your problems, all of them. You've let things get out of hand, and it's killing you. LARRY: Where do I start? KAREN: You already have. (sung) Do you know How hard it is to love When that love can never be repaid? You'd broken all your ties Leaving us only with lies But the warmth in you eyes When did it fade? I waited and waited For a card of a letter you'd send me Days and nights and weeks and months Spent waiting for you Then Wendy LARRY: (sung concurrent with Karen) My son, I miss him As I miss you I miss you You never knew how much You hair, your eyes, your touch The light catches the sparkle of your smile I'm sorry so sorry What do you want me to do I know the pain I put you through Tell what I can do LARRY: (reflectively) Wendy. KAREN: What was she like? I only saw her on television. She was very pretty. LARRY: (abruptly) I don't want to talk about it! KAREN: What's wrong? (Larry gets up to leave.) KAREN: Jesus Christ, where the hell are you going? Haven't you been listening? Larry, you can't run forever! LARRY: I can't tell you. KAREN: Why? LARRY: I ... can't. KAREN: Larry, I'm still here. In spite of all this, I'm still here. You asked me for help. I can't help unless you tell me everything. LARRY: My wife is dead! What else is there to say? KAREN: You tell me. LARRY: Wendy was wonderful. She was the first person to actually listen to me as a person instead of some super-star. Karen, she was so much like you. That's why I loved her---so much like you. (stops for a moment) Alright, the truth from the beginning. Well, months after arriving in L.A. I was struggling trying to do anything for money. Then, by accident, I found myself singing for this local band. We weren't spectacular or anything, but we had a following and made a name for ourselves in the clubs. During a performance, Wendy came and saw the show. She talked to me afterwards and introduced me to her agent. The two of us really hit it off. The next thing I know, I'm in love and I've become the famous Larry Storm. I went from having nothing and miserable to having everything and happy. Unfortunately, the music industry is not kind to its members. I started taking coke. It was hard to resist, it's everywhere you turn. But, that's not the worst part. I coerced Wendy to try and got her hooked too. Soon afterward, we were married. Out of an act of responsibility we decided to go cold turkey. I thought it worked. We were happy and clean. KAREN: But. LARRY: A few months ago I started my latest tour. After a couple months, I was looking forward to getting back to L.A. to see Wendy again. She was going to pick me up at the airport, and have the proverbial ``night on the town.'' So, I arrive and look for Wendy. She's nowhere to be found. It turns out there was a severe accident just a few miles from the airport, so I thought she was just caught in traffic. Then, an airline worker stops me and says the police need to talk to me. Wendy wasn't caught in the traffic jam, she was the cause.I rushed to the hospital, but it didn't matter. She was already dead. KAREN: How did it happen? (pause) Larry? LARRY: She was high. She was taking coke. I told her to stop, but she didn't. KAREN: Larry, I'm sorry. LARRY: Karen, I'm responsible. I got her hooked. I killed her. It's all my fault. KAREN: You can't blame yourself. LARRY: I lost my child. KAREN: What? LARRY: Wendy was pregnant. (sung) It's all my fault KAREN: No, it isn't LARRY: Yes, it's because of me My wife is dead KAREN: You couldn't have prevented it LARRY: And Bobby has everything I came here for He has my son He has my love He has my life I cannot stay any longer 'Cause every time I look I see Another painful memory Of you and me And of Wendy I've got to leave KAREN: Where will you go LARRY: I don't know KAREN: And how long will you stay? LARRY: What do you mean? KAREN: Just leave and go away Go back to L.A. Go to hell Just run and leave me and your son It's the one thing you do so well (Karen turns her back to Larry and leaves.) LARRY: Karen, please wait. (Karen does not listen) NO! Karen! Wendy! (starts to cry) (sung) I ran to L.A. And indulged in excess Of women, booze, and dope Phil showed me the way The straight path to success And I found love and hope But what's is all worth If my parents can't accept my birth? I need a place to stay A shelter from pain and duress A place where I can cope This is my final stand I have nowhere to run I need to face the light I need to see the sun I'm tired of living life On a darkened stage I need to settle down I need to act my age I need a place to rest Where my soul can revive And not wake again confused In which town did we arrive I'm sick of hotel rooms And sleeping to three And people who assume I'll do what they want of me I need a home I need a bed I cannot roam Until I am dead Please give him a helping hand He's worth nine hundred grand Watch his estates expand Until he is tops in the land (spoken) Ladies and gentlemen, live from our stage, Larry Storm, makes his final stand! (Larry stands still for a moment. One person clapping is heard off-stage.) LARRY: Who is that? ROBYN: (entering) Bravo. Bravo, ``Pagliaccio.'' Leoncavallo would be proud. What an absolutely pathetic display. LARRY: What do you want? ROBYN: I want my leading lady back. LARRY: She just left. ROBYN: Too bad. LARRY: I'm not in the mood. I want to be alone. ROBYN: I've waited four years for this moment. LARRY: What are you so angry with me? What have I done? ROBYN: It's not what you did, it's what you became. You have everything I long for. You're successful, famous. I'm struggling in this living hell while you get to take it easy. It's not fair. LARRY: So, you're struggling and it's all my fault. ROBYN: It's more than that. You have the life I want. You have the life I deserve. What makes you so special that millions of fans would love to kiss your feet on demand? I've worked too hard just to be another ass-kissing nobody who never got a break. LARRY: I didn't become successful because of doing nothing. I, too, worked hard for this. Getting my foot in the door may have been a fluke, but being successful because of it was my doing and nobody else's. It's not going to come easy. ROBYN: But, it's not coming at all for me! Look at the shit I have to put up with. I'm ready for something bigger. I'm good enough. LARRY: Talent only take's you so far. You need to take the risks, so that your talent can be shown. I can help. ROBYN: I don't want your help! You represent everything that I despise in entertainment. (brief pause) Do you know what happened after you left? It was agony living with them day after day. You ruined our family. (sung) You never thought You couldn't care So I was left to see their stare I had to be the perfect child Because my brother went a little wild LARRY: I'm sorry ROBYN: Sorry don't cut it anymore The day you walked out that door Is the day you stopped being my brother You think only of yourself, no other And left me to answer to dad and to mother And now you're back From God know where Mom is distraught Dad sits in his chair Why did you leave? How could you tear Our family apart LARRY: (forcibly) Because of mom's affair! ROBYN: What are you talking about? LARRY: Robyn, there's more to the story than me setting fire to the house. I did it becuase I caught mom cheating. I came home sick from school one day and found mom in bed with another man. ROBYN: Who? LARRY: I don't know. I don't remember. I went crazy. I wanted to erase everything from my mind. I set fire to the room. I became openly hostile to her. I ran away. ROBYN: What about dad? LARRY: He knows. The bastard knows. ROBYN: Larry ... LARRY: After I set fire to the bedroom, I told him. He didn't do a damn thing. He just went on as if nothing ever happened. I can never forgive him for that. Never! ROBYN: Larry, I think I owe you an apology. I never knew. LARRY: Robyn, I need help. (sung) That's the reason I ran away I couldn't face her Day after day ROBYN: All these years I hated you For all you put Our family through I see something in your eyes It's not so easy to forget This is quite an unexpected surprise The master of lies Now lies in regret You were easy to dislike You were so god-damned self aware But fate threw you a strike Your armor's been spiked And you don't have a spare You need a helping hand LARRY: Someone who'll understand ROBYN: I think I can God knows I should try To forgive and forget Leave the past behind us Let our love remind us To forgive and forget No more stones or sticks Or hateful, dirty tricks I forgive you LARRY: It's what I need to hear ROBYN: I forgive you LARRY: This time I won't disappear I'll be here ROBYN: I forgive you (spoken) Larry, you know what Sunday is? LARRY: Of course. ROBYN: They still celebrate it, even though you've haven't been home for the past four years. Come home and surprise them. Don't worry. (starts to exit) LARRY: Robyn, thank you. [Robyn stops and turns to Larry, and they embrace.] SCENE 4: Sterman Kitchen [Lights come up on Nicole and Russell staring at a birthday cake on the kitchen table. Nicole lights the candles, stands back for a moment, and then blows them out with a sigh. Russell hugs her.] RUSSELL: Another year, another birthday. NICOLE: I really thought he was going to make it this year. Why isn't he here? RUSSELL: We've been through this over and over. Let's not worry about it anymore. Larry's birthday has come and gone, and so has Larry. Maybe in another four years ... NICOLE: I don't want to wait another four years! It's been long enough. RUSSELL: Nicole, try as you might, Larry isn't coming. Not for his birthday, not for nothing. NICOLE: Where did we go wrong? RUSSELL: We didn't go wrong. He grew up, and it took him in a different direction than us. NICOLE: So, all that's left to do is sit around and read the papers to see what happens next to our son. Completely removed. RUSSELL: Nicole, please, calm down. Things will be alright again. It's happened before, and we survived. We can do it again. NICOLE: A new start. RUSSELL: What? NICOLE: It was supposed to be a new start. RUSSELL: It's late. I'm going to bed. Don't worry. (Russell gets up and leaves. Nicole doesn't move just staring at the cake. After a brief moment, Robyn enters with Karen, Bobby, and Ben.) ROBYN: Mom, you're still up, good. NICOLE: It's awful late isn't it? ROBYN: Just some last minute tinkering and polishing up, trying to improve on things. NICOLE: (noticing Ben) Who's this? KAREN: Ben. NICOLE: I didn't know you had a kid. He's quite big, isn't he? KAREN: He's three and a half. It was too late to get a baby-sitter so I thought I would bring him along. I hope you don't mind. NICOLE: Of course not. It's been a long time since there were little children about. (stares at Ben for a moment) Y'know, he has Larry's eyes. Don't you think so? KAREN: I hadn't noticed. ROBYN: We have a lot of work to do, so we better get started. (Nicole waves to little Ben as they exit into the home. Nicole turns her attention back to the cake for a moment. She then gets up and starts to clean up when Larry quietly enters and sits down at the table noticing the cake. Larry purposely coughs quietly, startling Nicole.) NICOLE: Who is ... Larry! (she rushes over and hugs him) I knew you would come back. LARRY: Hi, mom. NICOLE: I knew it. I knew it! LARRY: Mom, please, can we talk for a moment. NICOLE: Of course. What's on your mind? LARRY: Everything. I don't know where to begin. NICOLE: Just take your time. LARRY: Mom, I ... I'm sorry. I've been a conceited fool. I didn't mean to harm you. Well, I did mean to harm you then, but not now. I don't know what I was thinking. NICOLE: Relax, Larry, I forgive you. LARRY: But, you shouldn't. All the things I've done. I've been nothing but trouble all my life. Nothing has worked out, and I keep alienating everyone I care about. NICOLE: Larry, you have nothing to fear. You're with family again. There's nothing I won't forgive you for. (pause) LARRY: Mom, why did you have an affair? NICOLE: Larry, I ... LARRY: I need to know. How could you? NICOLE: Larry, you don't understand. Life isn't as simple as getting from A to B. There are temptations. You try to be strong and brush them aside, but sometimes one hits you and you can't ignore it no matter how hard you try. You make a choice, and you must accept the consequences. It's never easy, but you do it. LARRY: But what about the people you hurt along the way? NICOLE: I didn't want to hurt you. LARRY: That doesn't change the fact. NICOLE: Larry, you won't believe this, but when you caught me, you saved my marriage. When I saw you standing there in the doorway looking, I realized what was missing from my life. It wasn't sex, it was love. I swore to myself and to Russell that it would never happen again. And I've never strayed from that promise. LARRY: How could dad just give in like that? Forget anything happened. NICOLE: Because we love one another. The two of us love each other so much that we were willing to work to save our marriage. Love itself wasn't the answer, but it led us to solution. We spent months putting things back together, and we did it. Larry, we also wanted to help you, but you wouldn't let us. You were so locked into your own mindset that it was too late, and things started getting out of hand. LARRY: I hated you. I especially hated dad. I couldn't believe the two of you could sidestep this as if nothing happened. I reacted as if to destroy any evidence that it ever happened. NICOLE: Just like what you're doing now? LARRY: What? NICOLE: This whole thing with Wendy. Aren't you trying to forget it ever happened? LARRY: I guess. NICOLE: Stop it. Larry, you are home. We care about you and will do anything possible to make sure that you are happy and that includes Russell. You've come home. Stay here and let us help. There's nothing wrong to admit your mistakes. We've all made them. I won't hold you in contempt. LARRY: Neither will I. NICOLE: Larry, happy birthday. LARRY: I love you, mom. (Larry moves over and embraces Nicole.) NICOLE: Let's celebrate. (Nicole rushes around the kitchen and gets some plates and a knife. In the meantime, Karen walks in.) LARRY: Karen! KAREN: Larry, I didn't know ... LARRY: About the other night, I owe you an apology. You're right. It's time for me to stop running. I didn't mean you any harm. I understand, finally. KAREN: I'm happy for you. LARRY: I wish you and Bobby well. KAREN: Thank you. (Robyn, Bobby, and Ben enter.) NICOLE: It's going to be a real party after all. LARRY: (to Karen) Is this ... KAREN: Yes. LARRY: Hi, there. How are you doing? I'm Larry. NICOLE: (to Bobby) How are things going in there? BOBBY: Quite well. Robyn's quite good. Better than I ever gave here credit for. Don't tell I said that though. NICOLE: Of course. ROBYN: (takes Larry aside) Is everything okay? LARRY: Never better. Thank you again, Robyn. ROBYN: You owe me one. LARRY: (hands her a piece of paper) Here. ROBYN: What's this? LARRY: It's the number of my agent. He saw your show and liked it. I'm sure you can talk him into doing something a little larger, if you're willing. ROBYN: Thank you. When did you see him? LARRY: I called him right after we talked. I going to sing again. ROBYN: Congratulations. LARRY: Thank you, for everything. (Russell enters.) RUSSELL: What's all the commotion down here? NICOLE: Looks who's back. RUSSELL: Larry. LARRY: Hi, dad. (Larry walks over to Russell and before he has time to react Larry hugs him.) LARRY: (whispers in Russell's ear) I love you. RUSSELL: Happy birthday, son. NICOLE: Now that we're all here, it's time to congratulate the birthday boy. (sung) Life sometimes doesn't have respect What did you expect You have to connect Let life do want it does Simply because You can't change what it was Being together Is better than being alone Without a home Being together Is the only way To guarantee Our family Will see A bright new day KAREN: Don't think that you're alone in the end We can make amends And then still be friends We can never be what we were before But what's in store Will certainly be better than before Being together Helps weather Any on coming storms That form Being together Will wash away our faults And keep in mind The ties that bind Don't grind Us to a halt LARRY: How could I be so wrong You've made me realize Alone you can never be strong For strength You must strengthen your ties Your ties CHORUS: Being together Is better Than being alone Without a home Being together Is the only way To guarantee Our (your) family Will see A bright new day ROBYN: Now we've put our differences aside I'll never deride What you feel inside You must give up your hateful spite Be more contrite And make your peace with mama tonight Being together Unfetters the chains of guilt That you have built Being together RUSSELL: Washes away the sins of a wife ROBYN: You've made you're stand Now take her hand That gave you life NICOLE: (lights the candles) (spoken) Go ahead Larry, make a wish and blow out the candles. LARRY: To the four most important ladies in my life. Mom, Karen, Robyn, and Wendy. Each has shown me their love and kindness, and I hope I can continue to have them beside me, inside of me, to love and cherish. (he blows out the candles) Goodbye, Wendy. NICOLE, RUSSELL, ROBYN: (sung) Here's the spot you need NICOLE, ROBYN: A place that's safe and warm NICOLE: Don't you know that home Is the heart of the storm Welcome home, Larry Welcome home LARRY: (over last two lines) Welcome home Welcome home [Larry hugs Nicole, Robyn, and Karen. He looks up for a moment. Lights fade] ** FINIS **