Download - Choices - Rebekah Grace

8/12/2019 Choices - Rebekah Grace

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CHOICES 1

SCENE 1

SETTING

(A psychotherapists office. Mid-after noon.

LOCKWOOD is sitting at his desk reading over

files, however he is not seen until after MELANIE

is onstage. There is a desk, with a leather wingback

chair that LOCKWOOD is sitting in, and then catty-

corner to the desk is a love-seat sofa with pillows.

To the left of the sofa is an end table with tissues,

and a small trashcan sits under it.)

AT RISE

(The office is dark, hidden almost. A woman,

MELANIE enters, and with her the surroundings

are revealed. LOCKWOOD is still concealed from

view, a faceless shadow of a person. MELANIE

tentatively sits down on the sofa and begins to play

with her hands, out of nervousness. There is

silence.)

MELANIE

So do I just talk to you, is that what I do?

(MELANIE is talking to LOCKWOOD, who cannot be seen or heard yet.)

Where do I start I dont really know-

(Pauses as if she were interrupted.)

It started with demeaning words, when my father was angry with me.

(Gradually over the last few words, LOCKWOOD and his desk are

revealed.)

LOCKWOOD

What about physically? Was he excessive? Abusive even?

MELANIE

It was his temper, it got away from him sometimes mostly yelling harsh wordsmade me cry. Sometimes almost beating me when I was about 6 years old my father

had me, by the neck, up against the bedroom door.

(MELANIE takes a deep breath.)

All I said was Daddy please dont kill me


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CHOICES 2

LOCKWOOD

That wasnt your fault. Stop blaming yourself for your fathers sins know that he

cannothurt you here. You are safe. Tissues are on the side table.

(MELANIE leans over, pulls a tissue, and quickly wipes the tears away.)

Were there other times?

MELANIE

Sophomore year, there was a boy I liked. My dad found out about him and flipped

started yelling and screaming breaking Christmas ornaments anything he could get

his hands on. He came after me too mom got in his way, so he hit her. After that all I

remember is his laughter.

LOCKWOOD

Did he try to hurt you again or your mother?

MELANIE

Not that night. I stopped talking to the boy for a while. Sort of feel bad, blaming him

which was very wrong.

LOCKWOOD

Did you tell him why?

MELANIE

No meant to

LOCKWOOD

Was that the worst it got physically for you?

MELANIE

One time, it started with the normal yelling and swearing. He got right in my face and

hit me, not very hard but enough. So I ran to another room and he followed me then

I was on the floor he decided to grab me by my ankles dragged me across the carpet.

(MELANIE rises and stands behind the chair, gripping the top tightly.)

I gripped the edge of the step, with all my strength willing my fingers to hold that he

would not win. When it was over I was sitting in the corner hugging my legs tight to

my chest blood trickling down my fingertips my nails had broken off rocking

back and forth praying for God to make it stop.

LOCKWOOD

Melanie, open your eyes. You arent there anymore. You are in my office, and you are

safe.


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CHOICES 3

MELANIE

Do I have to talk about him anymore?

LOCKWOOD

No, thats enough for now, how about you tell me more about your mother.

MELANIE

My mom now, or back then?

LOCKWOOD

Anything you would like. This is your session after all.

MELANIE

Now you tell me My mom and I have weird relationship she never was really amotherto me

LOCKWOOD

How is that?

MELANIE

Dad stayed home and mom worked full time

LOCKWOOD

Did she try to make a bond with you?

MELANIE

Later on, we talked more. Did stuff together. Girlie things. That was high school.

LOCKWOOD

What motivated this?

MELANIE

No idea.

LOCKWOOD

What would you hope the reason was?

MELANIE

Me growing up.


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CHOICES 4

LOCKWOOD

Did your father start to draw away from you then?

MELANIE

Maybe its so hard to remember clearly

LOCKWOOD

Melanie, close your eyes. Now, take deep breaths. Focus on your breathing. Relax. Now

find a happy memory, any memory.

MELANIE

And then?

LOCKWOODFeel the happiness in it. Remember it, focus on it.

MELANIE

So, just focus

LOCKWOOD

on the emotion.

MELANIE

Okay, but how

LOCKWOOD

put thathappiness into the void, replace the negative emotions.

MELANIE

Will that fix it? The pain?

LOCKWOOD

Nothing can fix you; the pain is all in your memories.

MELANIE

So I have to accept that? That will make it better?

LOCKWOOD

Yes, and no. Its a daily struggle.


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CHOICES 5

MELANIE

Any more tips and tricks for me, doc? Cause I am really messed up over here.

LOCKWOOD

Messed up? How so?

MELANIE

The stuff with my parents and then instead of making friends, I created imaginary ones

from the characters in the books I read

LOCKWOOD

That was one of the best things you could have done.

MELANIESo imaginary friends are healthy?

LOCKWOOD

No.

MELANIE

But, you just said

LOCKWOOD

the key part of my statement was best for you.

MELANIE

Oh

LOCKWOOD

Are you uncomfortable?

MELANIE

Yes.

LOCKWOOD

Do I make you uncomfortable? Or is it talking about your past?

MELANIE

I dont know.


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CHOICES 6

LOCKWOOD

What would you rather talk about?

MELANIE

Something less painful.

LOCKWOOD

Next time, we can talk about other things. How does that sound?

MELANIE

Sounds okay.

LOCKWOOD

Well then, thats all for today. Ill see you again in a week. Please try to take what I saidto heart.

(MELANIE stands awkwardly, before heading off stage, leaving

LOCKWOOD at his desk. Lights fade. The focus shifts to another part of

the stage. A living area with a sofa, ottoman, and short coffee table. There

is also a desk with a chair. Adjacent is a very cramped kitchen area, big

enough for two people only. Already lounging on the sofa is GARRETT.

MELANIE enters, not paying attention to her surroundings.)

GARRETT

So, how did it go, Melanie?

MELANIE

Therapy was hard.

GARRETT

Wanna talk about it?

MELANIE

Its hard talking about that sort of stuff with someone.

GARRETT

You talk to me about it.

MELANIE

Thats because youre you.


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CHOICES 7

GARRET.

What makes me easier to talk to?

MELANIE

Its hard to explain, Garret Why cant life be simple, and happy, and uncomplicated?

GARRETT

What would be the fun in that?

MELANIE

Is your mom home?

GARRETT

Nope.

MELANIE

Eaten dinner yet?

(GARRET grunts to the negative, but doesnt elaborate.)

So Im making then?

GARRETT

Yep.

MELANIE

Any frozen dinners left? Dont feel like cooking anything right now.

GARRETT

Not sure.

MELANIE

Well, Mr. Monosyllabic, would you mind taking a look for me?

GARRETTSure.

(GARRET doesnt move. MELANIE watches to see if he will get up.)

MELANIE

Could you?


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CHOICES 8

GARRETT

Only if you say the magic words.

MELANIE

Bite me.

GARRETT

Thank you.

(GARRET finally gets up. Starts to walk off, then stops, walks back and

hugs MELANIE. Continues off to kitchen area.)

MELANIE

Men.

( MELANIE shakes her head as she sits down on the sofa.)

Did the freezer eat you?

GARRETT

Nope. Just perusing the possibilities.

MELANIE

As if you were going to make anything.

GARRETT

(GARRET enters back to living room area.)

I could make something...

MELANIE

What?

GARRET

Suggestions.

MELANIE

Silly boy(MELANIE moves to the kitchen area, GARRETT follows.)

What are you hungry for?

GARRETT

Food.


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CHOICES 9

MELANIE

So it looks like we have Chicken Alfredo mac n cheese corn on the cob chicken

nuggets crinkle sweet potato fries mixed vegetables you know Im not saying all

this for my health right?

GARRET

What ever you want, Mel.

MELANIE

That is not an answer.

GARRETT

Yes it is, its just not the one you where looking for.

MELANIEFine. (MELANIE roughly grabs a random box and bag out of the freezer and shuts it a

little too hard. GARRETT begins to pull out plates, silverware and cups, as MELANIE

starts the bag in the microwave.) Could you have been any more helpful?

GARRETT

I am being helpful see I got the plates out. Whats wrong? You are never are this tense

unless something bad has happened

MELANIE

Nothing bad has happened.

GARRETT

Somethings up. (MELANIE ignores him and busily tries to avoid responding by

prepping more food.) Melanie, stop. Please. (MELANIE halts her movements but stays in

the same position.) Could you turn around so I can look at you?

MELANIE

What if I dont want to talk about it?

GARRETT

Right now, its more about what you need. And I am here for you...but if you really dont

want to talk about it, then I wont push...too much.

MELANIE

How was work today?


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CHOICES 10

GARRETT

The usual. Not too many problems. Gave out a study guide, which they worked on. Kept

them pretty quiet.

MELANIE

Thats good. Did you get an email about the set for Sunday?

GARRETT

Not yet, Don hasnt figured out which closing song to use introduce a new one, or pull

an hymn.

MELANIE

You singing, or working the computer?

GARRETT

Singing. No other guys on rotation for this week. Do you have nursery duty?

MELANIE

Nope. Thats next month. I switched off with Rachel. She is going on a mini vacation

next month to visit some family.

(MELANIE stops what she is doing in the kitchen.)

Therapy was hard today.

GARRETT

You said that earlier.

(GARRET sits back down on sofa, gesturing for MELANIE to sit next

to him.)

Wanna talk about it?

MELANIE

Its hard to explain.

GARRETT

Would Nutella help?

MELANIE

Maybe


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CHOICES 11

GARRETT

And a foot rub?

MELANIE

Yeah

GARRETT

You have to come over then.

(GARRETT pulls small container of Nutella and breadsticks out of

ottoman, as MELANIE comes over and sits down. He hands her the snack

and grabs her feet, taking her socks off to begin massaging.)

MELANIE (Between bites.)

First off, it is plain weird talking to a shrink about my problems.. .I know I am a littlecrazy just dont need another person especially one with a degree in diagnosing

people knowing that.

GARRETT

But if you dont talk to him about whats wrong, how can you get help?

MELANIE

Thats just the thing! He told me that he cant fix me. Cant fix my problems.

GARRETTWhere you expecting him to?

MELANIE

Yeah, otherwise why else would I have gone to him in the first place.

GARRETT

Back up, and tell me about the no fix thing.

MELANIE

As long as you keep massaging

GARRETT

Scouts honor.

(GARRETT forms the boy scouts honor salute with hand.)


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CHOICES 12

MELANIE

(Rolls here eyes.)

Doesnt count if you werent a scout...but thanks.

(The microwave goes off.)

GARRETT

Let me.

(MELANIE takes a moment to think, then nods. GARRET goes to the

microwave in kitchen.)

Its done. Put in the oven to stay warm, and then start the next one?

MELANIE

Just dont take the plastic top off this one.

GARRETTI canread directions, you know.

MELANIE

Whether you do is another thing.

GARRETT

I resemblethat.

(First container is put in the oven, which is set to warm.)

MELANIE

Sure do, fly boy.

GARRETT

(Puts second container in microwave and starts the timer.)

Back to your story.

MELANIE

It was awkward at first. I didnt know what to say.

GARRETT

Understandable.

MELANIE

Then he had me start talking about my dad and you know

(GARRETT leaves the kitchen area to stand by MELANIE.)


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CHOICES 13

GARRETT

Did he make you feel uncomfortable?

MELANIE

Yes. No. Maybe. It was more talking about the past that past.

GARRETT

Did you let him know that?

MELANIE

Yeah, then he changed subjects.

GARRETT

Thats good.

MELANIE

I am just anxious about the rest of the sessions. What more are we going to talk about?

How is talking going to help me?

(GARRET sits down next to MELANIE and puts his arm around her,

pulling her towards him in a side hug, and places a kiss on the top of her

head.)

GARRETT

Mel, calm down, youre overthinking it.

(Tilts up her chin to see her face.)

Just take it one session at a time. Now, we have a dinner to finish warming up. Think you

are up to peel some of the Granny Smiths, while I open the ice trays?

(MELANIE curls up closer to him, hugging GARRETT tighter a silent

thank you.)

END OF SCENE


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CHOICES 14

SCENE 2

SETTING (Back in LOCKWOODs office. Late

morning. Several therapy sessions later.

LOCKWOOD is at his desk.)

LOCKWOOD

How are you doing today, Melanie?

MELANIE

Well. Been sleeping a bit better since you suggested the deep breathing exercises before

bed.

LOCKWOOD

How are you doing in your classes?

MELANIE

Pretty good. Better in theatre and english than chemistry.

LOCKWOOD

So youre more of an artsy person?

MELANIE

I guess.

LOCKWOOD

So I thought today we could talk about relationships, other than your parents.

MELANIE

Dating advice?

LOCKWOOD

Not exactly. Are you currently in a relationship?

MELANIE

Yes.

LOCKWOOD

And how serious is it?


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CHOICES 15

MELANIE

Pretty serious. (Holds up left hand.)

LOCKWOOD

Whats his name?

MELANIE

Garret.

LOCKWOOD

And how long have you two been together?

MELANIE

About two years.

LOCKWOOD

Is that two years engaged or two years together?

MELANIE

Both.

LOCKWOOD

How long where you dating before he proposed?

MELANIE

A few months.

LOCKWOOD

That was fast. Where there other contributing factors to why he would propose so soon?

MELANIE

It just made sense. We sort of grew up together, so there wasnt a whole lot getting to

know the other person.

LOCKWOOD

What changed in your relationship with him, to go from friends to dating?

MELANIE

Just one of those thoughts of, what if.

(She begins to relax and smile while talking about Garrett.)


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CHOICES 16

I mean, we always treated each other like siblings, but I definitely didnt see him like a

brother. You dont have daydreams about kissing your brother

LOCKWOOD

Then it was you who made the first move?

MELANIE

Yes. It took a bit for him to get the wholeI care about you- not in a platonic way. Sort of

was cute when he figured it out.

LOCKWOOD

You initiated the relationship.

MELANIE

To keep waiting for him to act on his feelings would have taken a Herculean feat.

LOCKWOOD

I can tell you care about him a great deal. Theres a noticeable difference when you talk

about him, you become more relaxed. Your voice even softens.

MELANIE

Really?

LOCKWOOD

Yes, and it is a good thing. I am happy you have a person in your life whom you arewilling to open to and vulnerable with.

MELANIE

We still have our fair share of arguments.

LOCKWOOD

As does any other couple in the world, I would be more concerned if you didnt fight.

Before Garrett, where there any other serious relationships?

MELANIE

Not that serious.

LOCKWOOD

But there was the potential to become that serious


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CHOICES 17

MELANIE

There was this one boy, the summer before I started college. It was a big mistake.

LOCKWOOD

What do you consider to be a mistake about it?

MELANIE

I was more infatuated with the idea of the relationship, than him, and I just let him walk

all over me a bit more than I should. Also I ended it badly.

LOCKWOOD

It sounds like there are some unresolved issues with that part of your past.

MELANIENot unresolved, just regrets. I made some very bad choices regarding boys in high

school.

LOCKWOOD

What does Garrett feel about these regrets, these past relationships?

MELANIE

He doesnt know. Not the full details. He knows I am damaged goods, with a tattered

past.

LOCKWOOD

Damaged?

MELANIE

I wasnt raped or anything. And I wasnt a slut either.

LOCKWOOD

I wasnt about to mention anything like that.

MELANIE

Sorry. I just have never talk about this with anyone before.

LOCKWOOD

Im here to listen, not to judge.


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CHOICES 18

MELANIE

Still getting used to all this. Talking about my dad, its hard but I can mostly handle it.

Talking about my own mistakes not so easy.

LOCKWOOD

That shows you are human. So why do you feel like damaged goods?

MELANIE

I have always had an image problem still do When a boy showed interest, I really

wanted him to like me. Wanted him to care about me.

LOCKWOOD

Because your father didnt seem to.

MELANIEKind of.

LOCKWOOD

Again, that is a human reaction. And you never told Garrett about this?

MELANIE

He knows enough.

LOCKWOOD

When you do premarital counseling, these past relationships may come up you havent

gone thought it yet, have you?

MELANIE

Not yet.

LOCKWOOD

Whens the date?

MELANIEThat is a whole different conversation.

LOCKWOOD

Tension over setting a date?


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CHOICES 19

MELANIE

Try tension over deciding on anything that has to do with the wedding. I try to talk to

him; but when I show him stuff, his comment is that looks nice.

LOCKWOOD

Has nice become a bad thing?

MELANIE

To me, nicemeans not terrible, but not spectacular. I just want his input, not a simple one

word response.

LOCKWOOD

Have you told him any of this?

MELANIESort of.

LOCKWOOD

How long have you been having these communication problems?

MELANIE

About the wedding, maybe five or six months. Ever since I started getting really serious

about planning the wedding.

LOCKWOOD

You should talk to him about why all this bothers you. In the mean time, is there a reason

you are trying so hard to get married so soon.

MELANIE

We have been engaged for two years! How is this rushing things?

LOCKWOOD

How quickly you jump to the pronoun we, when I said you.

MELANIE

What huh?

LOCKWOOD

Why are you pushing to hard to get married? Are you afraid of him leaving you? Do you

need a binding commitment to be secure in your relationship?


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CHOICES 20

MELANIE

No, no thats not it.

LOCKWOOD

Then what is it?

MELANIE

Im just so ready to be married. So ready to start that next part of my life, our life

together.

LOCKWOOD

And you feel like you are stuck right now?

MELANIEYes! Exactly, stuck in the netherworld of not dating but not married. I dont know what

we are right now; we have been engaged so long, without really progressing or changing

our relationship, that I just want to next step, to be something more.

LOCKWOOD

Is this about him and marriage, or is it really about you?

MELANIE

Of course it is about our relationship. What else would this be about?

LOCKWOOD

How intimate is your relationship with Garrett?

MELANIE

Is that really relevant?

LOCKWOOD

Youre avoiding the question.

MELANIE

We live together I mean I live with his mom, and he does too

LOCKWOOD

Do you two share a bed?


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CHOICES 21

MELANIE

If you are asking if we are sleeping together, no.

LOCKWOOD

So you have your own room?

MELANIE

Something like that.

LOCKWOOD

How long have you all been in this living situation?

MELANIE

About a year. Since me and my dad well you know about that situation.

LOCKWOOD

Was there anywhere else that you could have stayed?

MELANIE

People knew my situation; Garretts mom offered and I have been living there since.

LOCKWOOD

Have you been trying to find another place to live?

MELANIE

Ive thought about it; but with being a full time student - working a minimum paying part

time job - I cant afford to pay for rent around here.

LOCKWOOD

And there arent any older women at your church, who would enjoy the company of a

young woman in their home?

MELANIE

My situation isnt exactly broadcast in the weekly newsletter. But, no, there is no onewho has offered. Im fine with my situation.

LOCKWOOD

Has living in such close proximity with Garrett caused more tension?


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CHOICES 22

MELANIE

Not really. Maybe some, but its fine. We are fine.

LOCKWOOD

Why are you so defensive in talking about how close you are with your fiancee? Does it

go back to things in the past he doesnt know?

MELANIE

No.

LOCKWOOD

Look, I am here to help. I cant do that if you dont let me in.

MELANIE

Its nothing; the past is the past.

LOCKWOOD

Just because its past, doesnt mean it cant haunt you now.

MELANIE

Its nothing you can help with. Trust me.

LOCKWOOD

Why dont you let me be the judge of that.

MELANIE

Fine. Garrett and I have slept together.

LOCKWOOD

And?

MELANIE

Garret is trying to get a job in ministry. It wasnt planned or anything, it just happened.

LOCKWOOD

Was it a one time thing?

MELANIE

No. We tried to just brush it off as a mistake, a moment of weakness, but then it happened

again and again and again


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CHOICES 23

LOCKWOOD

And you feel guilty about it.

MELANIE

We both do. God, we both do. Its just there are these moments, and its so hard to just

walk away and stop that desire, that yearning.

LOCKWOOD

Are you still sleeping together?

MELANIE

No. Not in a month or so. Not since

LOCKWOODSince what? Did something change?

MELANIE

You could say that. The first time we where together was not planned and we

hum had a bit of a scare

LOCKWOOD

A pregnancy scare?

MELANIE

Thats what I told him.

LOCKWOOD

You lied to him.

MELANIE

I dont know, thats the thing. My period was 2 weeks late, and it was different and I

got this feeling, a bad feeling.

LOCKWOOD

But you never told him any of this?

MELANIE

No! I thought it was a mistake I mean the sleeping together part I was just so guilty

and confused.


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CHOICES 24

LOCKWOOD

But you never took a pregnancy test to confirm?

MELANIE

I was too scared.

LOCKWOOD

Does Garrett want children?

MELANIE

So much so. Both of us are only children, and its kind of always been a dream of his to

have a large house full of kids.

LOCKWOODWhy havent you told him, a miscarriage is a terrible thing to deal with emotionally, and

you chose to go through it alone.

MELANIE

That was the first miscarriage.

LOCKWOOD

There have been others?

MELANIE

Yes.

LOCKWOOD

How many?

MELANIE

Two others at least; and one Im still unsure of.

LOCKWOODHow did you keep four miscarriage from your fiancee, especially with living in the same

house as him?

MELANIE

He knows about the middle two. We went to the OBGYN, had blood work and even

ultrasounds done. He was so devastated when we lost them.


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CHOICES 27

(MELANIE rises quickly and begins to make her way out of the office.

LOCKWOOD partially rises as he tires to calm her down.)

LOCKWOOD

Melanie, you dont have to leave

MELANIE

(Stops by the door, back to LOCKWOOD.)

Yes, I do. This was not why I came here.

LOCKWOOD

Are you quite sure?

MELANIEVery, Doctor Lockwood.

LOCKWOOD

Will I see at our next session?

MELANIE

Provided you stay out of my personal relationships, and any past personal decisions.

LOCKWOOD

We can talk about anything you want next time. Just please remember my advice.

(MELANIE exits during his last line, leaving him alone in his office.

Lights fade.)

END OF SCENE


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CHOICES 28

Scene 3

SETTING (Mid-Afternoon. Immediately

following the scene with LOCKWOOD.

In the house, GARRETT is lounging on the sofa

with his computer open. MELANIE enters loudly,

tired and still flustered.)

GARRET

Youre back early howd it go today?

MELANIE

Same. We talked, I got upset.

GARRETT

What did he make you talk about today?

MELANIE

You.

GARRETT

How was that upsetting?

MELANIE

He just tried to pry into things that where none of his concern.

GARRETT

What things specifically?

MELANIE

How I felt about you and how our relationship is progressing.

GARRETTAnd that upset you?

MELANIE

He was concerned about my living with you.


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CHOICES 29

GARRETT

Does he know

MELANIE

Yes, of course I told him that it is more of me living with your mother, while you live

here too.

GARRETT

If he knew that, then what set you off?

MELANIE

He started butting in with suggestions.

GARRETT

What suggestions?

MELANIE

That perhaps another woman in our church could put me up in her home

GARRETT

What did you say to that?

MELANIE

Nothing.

GARRETT

Thats it? Why didnt you

MELANIE

Do what?

(Pulls off shoes and socks; silently offering her feet to GARRETT for a

massage.)

Argue with my shrink? The last time I tried to argue with a healthcare professional she

would have dropped me as a liability to her practice if I hadnt taken that script forantidepressants. Even when I told her I didnt feel that they would help.

GARRETT

Lockwood is different


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CHOICES 30

MELANIE

Can we please not talk about this? I just want to relax.

GARRETT

Okay, Ill drop it.

(Moves to massaging her calves.)

What did he want to know about our relationship?

MELANIE

He started off simple, with your name, and how we met. How long we have been

together how serious is our relationship how intimate thats when the living with

you came up.

GARRETT

Did you enjoy talking about me?

MELANIE

It was a change from the past few sessions a nice change though. How was school

today?

GARRETT

Stressful.

MELANIE

What happened?

GARRETT

Had to send a kid to the office.

MELANIE

One of your kids? What did he do?

GARRETT

Made a stupid comment to a girl in class a mean comment about going back to whereher parents where from.

MELANIE

Did he apologize?


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CHOICES 31

GARRETT

Kind of. I made him apologize. But you know twelve year old boys, they rarely feel sorry

for what they apologize for Thank God it was a half day.

MELANIE

Want me to make you a sandwich and an ice water, love?

GARRETT

You dont have to

MELANIE

I want to.

GARRETT

Who am I to refuse such a kind offer, fair maiden?

MELANIE

Ever the gentleman

(Continues the conversation into the kitchen area)

So have you been job searching lately?

GARRETT

Seen a few promising candidates, just need to do a cover letter and upload some videos of

myself.

MELANIE

Any local?

GARRETT

One is over in Ghent, really close to MacArthur. Was thinking we could visit on Sunday,

if you dont have nursery duty

MELANIE

Sounds good; formal or casual dress?

GARRETT

A nice dress should be fine, maybe we could do lunch out after

MELANIE

Olive Garden is doing their endless pasta bowl deal


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CHOICES 32

GARRETT

Why am I not surprised that you know this?

MELANIE

I saw the commercial last night.

GARRETT

Cant promise anything, but maybe if you are good and finish your homework.

MELANIE

Im not a child, you know.

GARRETT

I know I also know you tend to procrastinate on your work.

MELANIE

If you arent going to be nice, I guess you dont want this sandwich?

(MELANIE enters back into the living room area.)

GARRETT

Give it here.

(MELANIE holds the sandwich just out of his react.)

Please, love. Im sorry.

MELANIE

Since you apologized.

(Hands over sandwich.)

Wheres your cup?

GARRETT

Should still be in the dishwasher, I havent used it since everything was last washed.

MELANIESo this church, are they looking for someone to fill the position soon?

GARRETT

Thats what the posting online said. They would be interview me, then the committee

would vote on if I am a good candidate to present for the church, and I would then


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CHOICES 33

provisionally lead for a few Sunday and Wednesday services, before the congregation

votes.

MELANIE

At least they will let you lead worship before voting.

GARRETT

I have to make it past the search committee first.

MELANIE

So, should I start working on wedding stuff?

GARRETT

If you want; we wont know anything for sure for at least a month or so.

MELANIE

Im asking you.

GARRETT

And I am telling you to plan if you want to.

MELANIE

But I want your opinion and input on this. It would be our wedding.

GARRETT

We have talked about this before, just show me what you come up with, and Ill comment

on it then.

(MELANIE makes a face, then looks away.)

What?

MELANIE

Nothing.

GARRETTNo, it was something.

MELANIE

Just drop it okay?


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GARRETT

Dont get frustrated and then not tell me. If I make you mad, at least tell me so I know

whats wrong when you get in a mood.

MELANIE

But when I tell you, you always take it the wrong way. And then we fight, and I cry, and

you feel bad.

GARRETT

You cant keep bottling it all up. Talk to me. Tell me whats wrong, and then we can talk

through it.

MELANIE

Its just, like I told the Doc earlier, we dont have a plan. Its always the same thing. We

set a date; I plan and I get my hopes up, and then it falls through. Again.

GARRETT

You didnt say he asked about our wedding plans.

MELANIE

How can I tell him what our plans are; when I dont even know if we have a plan?!

GARRETT

I thought the plan was to get married as soon as I found a full time job with benefits.

MELANIE

Thats not a plan. Thats an objective.

GARRETT

What more do you want from me? I am apply for jobs left and right. I cant make them

give me the job!

MELANIE

Yes, you can.

GARRETT

No, Mel, I cant. It doesnt work like that.

MELANIE

Well, it should (Pause.) God, I sound like a child


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CHOICES 35

GARRETT

No, you sound frustrated, and that is perfectly alright.

MELANIE

I just wish things where simpler less complicated.

GARRETT

Im sorry that I am making this frustrating for you. Im only trying to get a full time job

during a recession, in a field that isnt really hiring younger men.

MELANIE

And what do I do? I am in school full time, working part time when I have free time, and

helping take care of your mother, all while doing the majority of the cooking and

cleaning around here.

GARRETT

I never said you didnt do anything.

MELANIE

But when is the last time you though about the fact that I do all this, without complaining.

(MELANIE starts to rant, raising her voice.)

When your mom is too sick to clean the dishes, I do it. When youve had a long day at

school, and havent had a chance to do laundry, I do it, and iron your dress clothes. I take

out the trash and make sure you have a lunch to take with you in the morning when isthe last time you asked me if I needed a hand?

GARRET

Mel

MELANIE

You dont think. No one ever does. People are always forgetting about me. I dont ask for

much.

GARRETT

Do I make unfair demands of you?

MELANIE

No.


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CHOICES 36

GARRETT

Then why are you taking this out on me?

MELANIE

I dont mean to I didnt mean to say anything, it just came out. Im sorry.

GARRETT

What can I do to fix it?

MELANIE

You cant fix it. No one can fix it. That is just the way my life is.

GARRETT

Im just trying to help you, no need to bite my head off.

MELANIE

Well, how about you say something that actually helps.

GARRETT

That was not called for, Mel. Im not the bad guy here.

MELANIE

Why cant you just help me - do something! - instead of suggesting useless things?

GARRETT

I dont know what to do! There, are you happy? Im a guy who doesnt know what to do.

Thats why I am asking you. Tell me something!

MELANIE

I dont know. I dont know what to tell you. I dont know what I want. I just dont

know.

GARRETT

Then how am I supposed to help you?

MELANIE

I dont know! What more do you want from me?

GARRETT

Mel


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CHOICES 37

MELANIE

(In exasperation.) What?

GARRETT

Is something else wrong?

MELANIE

We are in the middle of an argument and you are asking if something elseis wrong?

GARRETT

Yes!

(Takes a moment, then begins again in a lower and calmer voice.)

Because I know you. And right now you are picking a fight with me. Pushing all that

negative emotion out any way you can.

MELANIE

Dont you dare put this all on me.

GARRETT

Thats the thing, Im not.

MELANIE

You just said

GARRETT

(Grasps MELANIEs forearms and pulls her closer to him, looking intently into

her eyes.)

Look me in the eyes and tell me that this is just another frustrated argument about

wedding stuff!

MELANIE

(Cannot meet his gaze, and struggles in his grasp.)

Let go of me.

GARRETT

Not until you tell me what really is wrong.

MELANIE

Nothing. (Again MELANIE cannot meet his eyes.)


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CHOICES 38

GARRETT

Why dont I believe you?

(MELANIE continues struggling. GARRETT holds on firmly, but never enough

to hurt her in any way.)

MELANIE

(Beginning to feel cornered.) Just drop it, okay?

GARRETT

You are shutting me out.

MELANIE

I dont have to tell you everything, you know.

GARRETT

But, Im your fiancee, your best friend, who else can you talk to if not to me wait

did it have to do with something you talked about in therapy today?

MELANIE

(Stops fighting his hold on her.) Please stop.

GARRETT

You talked about something today. Something big. But you wont talk to me about it

why?

MELANIE

Please.

GARRETT

You cant keep holding everything in, hiding all your problems from the world. Not even

you are strong enough for all that, love.

(Slowly pulls her closer, until he is almost embracing her in a hug, her head

resting on his sternum and arms rigidly at her sides.)

MELANIE

It hurts too much.


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CHOICES 40

GARRETT

Because I know that you dont mean it all to hurt me. Yes, you are frustrated about

planning the wedding. Yes, I know that therapy has brought up a lot of old memories and

emotions. And yes, we may fight and argue, but its not the end of the world. What

matters is we love each other, and in the end we make it right.

MELANIE

I love you, Garrett, so much.

GARRETT

And I you, Melanie. With all my heart.

(GARRETT kisses the top of her head and holds her closer, this time

MELANIE wraps her arms around him tightly, fisting his shirt.)

Hey now, whats wrong?

MELANIE

Im a terrible person.

GARRETT

What do you say that, angel?

MELANIE

I I there is something I havent told you.

GARRETTWhat?

MELANIE

I dont know how to tell you

GARRETT

What ever it is, know that we can get through it, together.

MELANIE

You say that now The truth is I lied I lied about something huge, and I did it to

protect you.

GARRETT

What are you talking about?


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CHOICES 41

MELANIE

I knew how much having children means to you and I couldnt hurt you like that, not

again

GARRETT

Melanie, youre scaring me.

MELANIE

There where two other miscarriages.

GARRETT

(Pulls away startled, but MELANIE refuses to make eye contact. After a

moment.)

What?

MELANIE

Im sorry.

GARRETT

When where you going to tell me?!

(Melanie turns away, wrapping her arms around her waist tightly.)

(Louder) Where you ever going to tell me?!

(MELANIE shudders at his raised voice.)

MELANIE

Garrett, please

GARRETT

How could you do this to me? I thought we where supposed to be a team. I thought we

told each other things like this. I thought you trusted me.

MELANIE

I do, I did it just

GARRETT

Just what? You thought you could keep it to yourself? Ignore the pain until it went away?

It doesnt work like that.

MELANIE

(Now yelling.) I know that!


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CHOICES 42

GARRETT

Then just tell me why

MELANIE

Because I was ashamed. Because I was scared. Because

GARRETT

I could have been there for you.

MELANIE

And done what? Held me as a cried, told me it wasnt my fault. Dont you think I know

that?! But every day I have to live with the fact that I am a failure as a mother. A failure.

GARRETTIt was not your fault.

MELANIE

It was my body.

GARRETT

Mel (Takes a step toward her, as if to gather her into his arms again and she again

backs away.) Melanie, please.

MELANIE

Every time I see a women with a baby, or small children, all I can think about is that

should be me, those should be my children, but they arent. And it hurts so much. And it

wont stop.

GARRET

Is that why youve been so distant this past month? Why you barely let me touch you,

why we dont

MELANIE

Yes.

GARRETT

And why you have been so insistent about me finding a full time job? And all the

wedding planning?


43/59


44/59

CHOICES 44

GARRETT

No, you didnt think. Didnt think that I had a right to know, that I could have been a

father, again. Didnt think I deserved to know that we lost another child. Didnt think I

should be there to help you through the physical and emotional pain, again.

MELANIE

I didnt tell you because I was scared.

GARRETT

Dont you think I have been scared too? You have been distant and moody, some days

more so than others. And all I could do was watch you, try and help you through the

depression that I thought was because of therapy.

MELANIEIm so sorry.

GARRETT

Sorry isnt good enough. Sorry wont fix this.

(GARRETTs hands dart out quickly, and he pulls MELANIE to him. She

is very startled by this and begins to struggle. GARRETT does not let go

of her, his grip remains firm.)

You should have told me.

MELANIE

I couldnt.

(Continues struggling more strongly, as she begins to feel trapped and a bit

controlled by the confined space of GARRETTs grasp.)

GARRETT

Didnt you think I had a right to know? What else have you been keeping from me?

MELANIE

I was trying to protect you.

GARRETT

That is supposed to be my job.

MELANIE

It was my choice.


45/59

CHOICES 45

GARRETT

It takes to people to bring a child into this world.

MELANIE

But only one feels the pain of child birth. You didnt feel the contractions, the sense of

dread as you start to bleed, and your first though it, dear God, not the baby. You didnt

spend every day worrying if this would be the day it all cam crashing down, or was there

hope that this child, this innocent new life, would make it to full term. And you didnt

have to feel the emptiness in your very soul, when you realized there would be no happy

ending to this story. Only tears and pain.

GARRETT

That was not your cross to bear alone. You should have

MELANIE

Who gave you the right to tell me what I should or shouldnt do?!

GARRET

I though us being in a relationship meant something to you, I thought that ring on your

finger mean that we where a team. When did you stop believing in us?

MELANIE

You know what, fine.

(In a fit of frustration, MELANIE struggles to pull the diamond solitaireoff her left ring finger.)

GARRETT

(In total shock) What are you doing?

MELANIE

Sending you a message.

(Holds the small ring in the palm of her hand.)

Here you go.

(GARRETT doesnt move.)

GARRETT

Why are you doing this?

MELANIE

I cant do this.


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CHOICES 46

GARRETT

Do what?

MELANIE

This.

GARRETT

So you are just giving up? You keep this huge secret from meand you cant handle it

when the whole thing blows up in your face.

MELANIE

Its not just this, its everything!

GARRETTAnd walking away from me will magically fix all of that? Where will you go? Your father

certainly wont let you back home, even if your mother wanted you to what is so

terrible about me and this that, you cant stand.

MELANIE

Its not you, its me!

(Silence. MELANIE stares down at the ring in her hand.)

I am running away from myself. I lied to you, lied to your mom, lied to my friends. Im a

mess and I didnt even let myself feel. I was so scared of falling apart.

GARRETT

Mel, you dont always have to stay strong.

MELANIE

But I do. I dont know how to be any other way. I was raised to be strong and

independent. Dont get involved in a relationship unless you are ready to be alone, he

always said.

GARRETT

You are notalone. And he was a bastard for telling you that; just add it to the ever

lengthening list of his parenting screw-ups.

MELANIE

But


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CHOICES 47

GARRETT

but nothing! He was wrong. I am here for you, I will always be here for you. Not

matter what.

MELANIE

Doesnt feel like it sometimes.

(Pause.)

Sometimes it feels like you dont see how much pain I am in, all the tears that are just

waiting to be ahead from my eyes. Sometime I feel like the world has forgotten me, and

the scarier part is sometimes I feel glad.

(Pause.)

Because if the world has forgotten me, then I dont have to hid anymore. It gets so hard

sometimes to just hid all this pain and heartbreak.

GARRETTWhy do you hid it from me? You have seen me at my worst tears, bad temper and all.

Why cant you just let me in? Why cant you trust me?

(MELANIE flinches at the word trust.)

After all this time, all we have been through, trustis still the problem?

MELANIE

You wouldnt understand.

GARRETT

Try me.

MELANIE

I am already broken too much, been hurt too many times. One more time, and I dont

know how I will wake up in the morning if I will want to wake up in the morning

GARRETT

Dont talk like that.

MELANIE

But its true. You wanted the truth, here it is. Sometimes I just want to pain to stop, and at

those points I dont care how.

(MELANIE starts to become emotionally detached as her confession

continues.)

Remember that one time, I was in so much pain, and was really sick, so sick you almost

took me to the ER. That was one of those times. I just kept thinking that if I just went to

sleep, I wouldnt hurt anymore Didnt work out the way I planned it too.


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CHOICES 48

GARRETT

What did you do? What did you take?!

MELANIE

Just some pain pills, they where supposed to make me numb and sleepy guess I took

too many

GARRETT

How many?

MELANIE

What does it matter, it didnt work

GARRETTYou tried to kill yourself, and you say it doesnt matter?! What is wrong with you, dont

you care about anything enough to live. Did you even think about what that would do to

me?

MELANIE

I just wanted the pain to go away.

GARRETT

(Walks purposely towards MELANIE and roughly grabs her chin, forcing

her to look him in the eyes)Thats never the answer. You hear me, never. I cant lose you.

MELANIE

Maybe you would be better off without me, less of a hassle.

GARRETT

(Yelling.) No!

MELANIE

(Jumps slightly, startled at the loudness of GARRETTs voice.)

Why do you care so much for me? The girl with so many problems. The child her parents

didnt want. The person everyone made fun of in school. Why me?

GARRETT

Because you are special.


49/59

CHOICES 49

MELANIE

Yeah, right.

GARRETT

You are, you just cant see it right now. You are the most kind and caring person I know.

You have taken care of me for so long, let me take care of you, this once.

(GARRETT tries to pull MELANIE back into his arms, to hold her but she

begins to struggle.)

Melanie, Im not trying to hurt you. Trust me.

MELANIE

(Struggling to break out of GARRETTs hold of her.)

Let me go, please just let me go.

GARRETTNo, Im not going to let you run away and hide. That wont fix anything.

MELANIE

(Becoming frantic and a little hysterical, as she continues to struggle.)

Please, just please. Garrett

GARRETT

Im not like your father, Im not him. But you have to let me help you.

MELANIE

(Something snaps in her.)

No!

(She violently pulls herself away from GARRETT, and in his surprise, his

grip loosens, allowing her to pull free. He tries to grab her again, this time

a little hard than he means to, and MELANIE reacts, badly. She struggles,

and seems in pain.)

GARRETT

Melan

(MELANIE slaps him in the face, hard. GARRETT instantly lets go, more

out of shock than pain. MELANIE freezes in shock, realizing what she

has just done. GARRETT just stands there.

MELANIE

I should go.


50/59

CHOICES 50

GARRETT

Yeah

MELANIE

Garrett I didnt mean

GARRETT

You said you where leaving

MELANIE

Yeah

(Looks down at her hands, realizing the engagement ring is still in her

other hand. Pauses for a moment, then turns, setting the ring down on the

table as she leaves. She stops right before exiting, but doesnt turn back

around.)Maybe I could see if Dr. Lockwood could see us both at my next session

GARRETT

No, I think I have quite enough of what therapy does.

MELANIE

But maybe

GARRETT

Therapy is what caused this, do you really think it will helpfixthis?

MELANIE

I dont know I was just

GARRETT

You went to therapy to talk about your past and your father when did I become an issue

too?

(MELANIE turns, pain and guilt etched into her features. GARRETT isnt

even looking at her, his face blank and expressionless.)

MELANIE

I never meant to hurt you. You just needed to let me go a bit, give me a second, some

space something.


51/59

CHOICES 51

GARRETT

I have been trying to do that, but you couldnt keep running forever. Maybe I should

never have suggested therapy

MELANIE

I could try harder try to be more open

GARRETT

With him? But not with me?

MELANIE

I didnt mean it like that.

GARRETT

Thats how it sounded.(Pause.)

I think you should go now.

MELANIE

So I have to choose

GARRETT

What you do with your life is up to you. That much you have made perfectly clear.

MELANIE

So you wouldnt want to get some help.

GARRETT

Therapy wont fix this fix us.

MELANIE

Garrett

GARRETTThis is your choice let me know when youve made it.

(GARRETT turns and exits opposite of MELANIE. There is silence.

During that moment, MELANIE takes a step toward where GARRETT

has just left, but then pause. Her face shows the inner turmoil of her


52/59


53/59

CHOICES 53

Scene 4

SETTING (Later. In the house. The atmosphere of the place is

somber and void of emotion, with an air of

brokenness. GARRETT is sitting on the sofa, a

bleak expression on his face.)

MELANIE

Hello?

(No response GARRET doesnt react.)

Garret

(Comes to stand next to GARRET.)

Im sorry.(Pause.)

Are you even listening to me?

(Pause.)

I did it no more therapy.

(Pause.)

Did you hear me? Im done please, love, could you just look at me?

(Sits down but there is a noticeable space between them.)

Honey?

(Touches his arm tentatively.)

GARRETT

I heard you.

MELANIE

And?

GARRETT

Good.

MELANIE

Are you happy now?


54/59


55/59

CHOICES 55

MELANIE

And instead I hurt you.

GARRETT

I can take it.

MELANIE

I lied to you.

GARRETT

I understand why you did it, and I forgive you.

MELANIE

Can we agree that we both made mistakes?

GARRETT

Yes, but I cant promise that I wont make more.

MELANIE

I wouldnt want you any other way.

GARRETT

So can we fix this?

MELANIE

Id like to try. Im sorry I hit you.

GARRETT

Im sorry I pushed you too hard. And for yelling at you.

MELANIE

Didnt we just agree that we both make mistakes?

GARRETT

Sorry.

MELANIE

So what now?


56/59

CHOICES 56

GARRETT

(Taking a deep breath.)

Thats up to you.

MELANIE

What happened to us being in a partnership?

GARRETT

Again thats up to you.

MELANIE

What are you talking about?

GARRETT

(Takes another deep breath, before slowly getting of the sofa and down onone knee in front of MELANIE)

Fixing us.

MELANIE

What are you doing?

GARRETT

(Pulls a simple black velvet ring box from his jeans pocket, all the while

starring intently into MELANIEs eyes.)

Melanie Grace Swanson, you are my best friend, and the only woman in the world whom

I wish to spend the rest of my life with. We may not always agree, or get it right, but

know that I will alway fight for you, and love you. I can be stubborn, pig-headed, a jerk,

and a lot of other terrible things. But I know that being with you has made me a better

person, made me want to be the man you deserve. And I promise from this day on, to

alway say I love you, to never let you feel alone or unappreciated, and to always be here

to talk to when you need me.

(Opens the ring box, to reveal not just the solitaire engagement band, but

an enhancer band as well, with two large diamonds set in prongs, with

three other smaller diamonds on either side, set into the band itself.

MELANIE gasps, and looks up at GARRET, at a loss for words.)

I know I have already proposed once, and I was saving this for our anniversary, but now

is just as good a time. Will you, Melanie Grace Swanson, accept the humble apologies of

a very flawed man, and promise to spend the rest of our lives making happy memories.


57/59


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CHOICES 58

(MELANIE smiles brightly up at GARRETT, and they interlock hands,

and walk off stage.)

END OF SCENE

END OF ACT

END OF PLAY


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CHOICES 59