David- Amanda's best friend and sometimes lover. We see everything through his memories as he paints the portrait of Amanda's life. At times he is angry with her and frequently calls her by all manners of slurs, but in truth she is his one true love. He was one of the "weird" kids in high school, the type that wears black all the time.

Amanda- She has a dark sense of humor and demeanor, sometimes bordering on brooding. She seems twisted on some level and very sado-masochistic. Her parents are very rich, but she doesn't really hang out with the other rich, clique oriented kids.

Julie- David's girlfriend during college. She is light-hearted and perky. What we see of her is brief and angry, but she is always the forgiving type. She is willing to forget David's obsession with Amanda in order to be with him, even though it tortures her.

Alex- at some point, Amanda's boyfriend and a good friend to David. Just trying to make it through every day life.

Tim- another friend of David, sarcastic sense of humor.

Jake- another friend of David, bisexual, hits on Alex quite a bit.

Bethany (Beth)- Julie's best friend. Kind and down to earth, probably the least screwed up.

Scene One, The Pouncing: Amanda's bedroom

Scene Two, She's a Fox: High school

Scene Three, The Shoebox: David's House

Scene Four, Maybe When You're Older: Amanda's bedroom

Scene Five, The Very First Time: Junior High School

Scene Six, Can I Have You for Tonight: Amanda's bedroom

Scene Seven, My Name Is Julie: David's House

Scene Eight, Eavesdropping: David's House

Scene Nine, Antagonism: Amanda's bedroom

Scene Ten, Beyond Hearing: Mausoleum

Scene Eleven, Well Kids: David's house

Scene Twelve, Every Night Until the End of Time: Mausoleum

The Pouncing

(Lights up on stage right only. Here we see David standing behind a podium on the far stage right, with a coffin set on a table behind him. He is wearing all black.)

David: Stupid bitch. I can't believe she did it. Right in front of us she did it. She kissed the barrel of the gun and blew her head off at the party. No one thought the gun was loaded. Everyone thought she was joking. Funny thing was, she wasn't joking. She had every intention of going out in front of a crowd. Sick bitch. I remember Julie squirming in disgust as a piece of Amanda landed on her lap. I just laughed. Everyone panicked and someone placed their hand over my mouth to stop the outpouring of hysterical laughter. She wouldn't have covered my mouth. Oh no. If it had been someone else killing themselves in front of us she would have joined in and laughed with me. She was sick like that. I remember the very first time we had sex. We were sophomores in high school, both of us virgins. We were sitting on her bed, just watching some stupid after-school cartoon.

(David walks over to bed, which is center stage and sits on it next to Amanda, lights up full)

Amanda: Who do you want to be with your first time?

(David looks at her uncomfortably for a moment)

David: Do you want the truth or a pretty lie?

Amanda: Come on, you know me, the truth.

David: Well, you of course. You?re my best friend and the most fucked up person I know. I think it would be interesting.

Amanda: Then take me (crawls towards him seductively).

David: Right now? You're crazy.

Amanda: Oh come on. You know you want me. You could rape me you know.

David: How does that saying go: you can't rape the willing?

Amanda: Oh please. You've got the kind of face that no jury on this earth could convict. Jesus, if they had a video tape of you raping and pillaging they still couldn't put your adorable, little face behind big, thick bars. Now, take me (practically on top of him, delivering the lines over his shoulder).

David: Are you a willing participant, or shall I use force?

Amanda: I'm willing, but use force anyway (she wraps her arms around him).

David: Are you enjoying this?

Amanda: This what?

David: This ritualistic pouncing? You're like a kitten on top of a ball of yarn.

Amanda: I feel sorry for the yarn.

David: I feel sorry for what the yarn may do to the kitten, if she keeps it up.

Amanda: (Growls) Come on. How long do I have to paw at you before you realize I'm serious?

David: You really want to do this?

Amanda: I'm throwing myself at you boy! Most men take that as a compliment. Oh no, not you. You just sit there all cute and naïve. Take me.

David: Take you?

Amanda: Now.

David: Ok.

Amanda: Finally.

(They laugh and she starts to unbutton his shirt from behind. Lights fade)

She's a Fox

(A spot is on David sitting on the bed as he starts to button his shirt back up, the spot follows him for the next speech, which is delivered pacing on the edge of the stage)

David: It was amazing. Our first time together, and certainly not our last. There were times when we were just too lazy to find other people to be with. So we would fall into the old routine. "Hey Amanda, I'm horny. Could you come over?" She'd be on her way before the phone even reached the cradle. It worked in the opposite direction as well. She would call up acting coy and seductive and I would melt. Amanda knew my buttons; she pushed them whenever she had the chance. After about a year of casually fucking around she up and decided she wanted a relationship. Thank god it wasn't with me.

(David walks over to a picnic table, which has replaced the bed center stage. Jake, Tim, and Alex are seated at the table, lights up full)

Tim: Hey David?

David: (Sits) Hey what?

Tim: I saw you and that Amanda girl today.

Jake and Alex: Ohhhhh?

David: What?

Tim: Why don?t you just date her? We all know you two are getting it on.

David: That's disgusting. We are not getting it on.

Jake: Oh please. She practically undresses you with her eyes every time you walk into the room. She's got a major Jones for you dude.

David: That doesn't mean it's reciprocal.

Alex: Come on. How long have you known her for?

David: Since junior high.

Tim: She's a fox my friend. If you've got the opportunity, bag her.

David: (Turns to audience) Tim, Jake, and Alex (he motions to each one on their name). My best friends besides Amanda, and they had no idea what I felt for her. Hell, I had no idea.

Jake: So, are you going to go for her?

David: (Turns back to table) I don't think so. We're just really good friends.

Alex: Well, if you don?t mind could I encroach on your territory?

David: Huh?

Alex: I don't know. I think she's pretty cute.

David: She's pretty weird, but it's your call. Have at.

Alex: Thanks.

Tim: Hey Alex?

Alex: Yes Tim?

Tim: If you get laid, do we get all the details?

Alex: Perhaps.

David: You guys are disgusting.

Tim and Alex: Thanks.

Jake: Hey, if she's into kinky threesome kind of stuff, give me a call?

Alex: I refuse to sleep with you man.

Jake: Damnit.

(All the boys laugh at this exchange. Lights fade)

The Shoe-box

(A spot comes up on David sitting on the table, the spot follows him for the next speech, which is delivered as he walks towards the podium. At some point he strokes the coffin lovingly)

David: That was the beginning of Alex and Amanda's doomed relationship. They were on and off with each other for about a year or so. And in between every break up and reunion I was there for her, picking up the pieces and gluing them back together with my amazing sexual prowess. As for poor Jake, well, we all knew he had homosexual tendencies. One day he just turned to us and came out with it. He said thus far he was bisexual, since he still took an active interest in women. Alex was a little bothered by the fact that Jake always joked about having sex with him. Things were a little weird for all of us. It was our junior year in high school. Everyone was making plans for college.

(The table has been replaced by a couch and a love seat. Alex and Amanda are seated on the love seat with Tim and Jake on the couch, David joins them, lights up full).

Alex: So have you picked a school yet?

Amanda: I'm pretty stuck on Hartwick.

Jake: I was always fond of Penn State myself. I'm working on getting a scholarship.

Tim: I?m not really sure yet actually. I'll probably go wherever my mom tells me to.

Jake: (Laughs) How about you Dave?

David: I'm sticking around here. Community college is just around the corner. It's cheap.

Amanda: (Looks at David sadly) I always thought we would stick together through college.

David: I know, but I don?t have parents like yours who can pay for everything. The community college is the only school in my budget range.

(Alex looks at both of them somewhat bothered)

Jake: Well hey. We'll always come home for vacations. And all of this is at least another year away.

Amanda: I suppose. It's just kind of depressing.

Tim: Well, like Jake said, we'll always come back for vacations. There's no reason to be sad about it.

(Amanda sighs and Alex tightens his arms around her)

Alex: Tim is right. College is going to kick ass.

Amanda: I am excited. I just hate to leave everyone and everything I've ever known. It's all a little scary and confusing.

(David gets up and walks offstage unnoticed by everyone else)

Tim: Hey Amanda, think of all the new hot guys! Then you can dump that loser Alex.

Alex: Yeah, I heard he's a real problem.

(Jake and Tim laugh)

Jake: Honestly though, we'll meet all kinds of new people. And just imagine all that freedom.

Tim: Just imagine all that beer.

Alex: (turning to Jake) Just hope that you get that scholarship for Penn or you'll be stuck here with David.

(They all laugh)

Amanda: Where is he anyway?

Tim: I didn't even see him get up.

Jake: No, me either.

Alex: Hmm. He's a sneaky fellow isn't he? I guess he always was. Do you remember that time way back in fifth grade when we first met Tim?

Jake: Oh yeah.

Tim: How could I forget?

Alex: Dave, Jake and I had broken into the janitor's closet at the elementary school. We hung out there sometimes instead of going outside during recess. Tim found us in there and was about to rat us out when Dave snuck around him and tied him up. We locked him in the closet for the rest of the day.

Jake: The teacher kept asking if anyone had seen Tim. It was all we could do to keep from laughing.

Tim: And I spent the day in the closet.

Amanda: (Laughing) And then you became friends with these guys?

Tim: Well, you know. As the class snitch I didn?t have any friends. Everybody hated me.

Jake: Heh, heh. We were his only choice.

Amanda: Poor Tim.

(Everyone laughs, David returns with a wrapped box in his hand, he stashes it quickly beneath the couch)

Amanda: Hey kid, where'd you go?

David: Oh, I needed to get something.

Alex: Care to elucidate?

David: It's a surprise.

Alex: Oh.

David: (Laughs) I'll tell you all about it when you're older.

Jake: Well guys, it's been fun but I've got to go. Almost time for work.

Alex: Saving up for college?

Jake: Trying to.

Tim: I should get going too.

Alex: Me three. Do you need a ride Amanda?

Amanda: Ah, no. I'll walk thanks.

Alex: Ok. See you guys later.

David: Bye.

(Tim and Jake exit, Alex follows after kissing Amanda goodbye on the cheek. Amanda stands up and turns to David)

Amanda: I should get going too.

David: Wait. I was getting the surprise for you.

Amanda: Really?

David: Yeah. I know you've been feeling down lately so I figured I'd make you a little something.

Amanda: Thank you.

David: It's the least I could do (he reaches underneath the couch for the box). Here you go (Amanda takes the box and sits down on the couch to open it). I hope you like it.

Amanda: Me too.

(They both laugh as she tosses torn pieces of wrapping paper at him)

Amanda: Did you put this bad bear together just before you brought it down?

David: Well, kind of. I had the stuff. I just had to put it all together, put it in the box and wrap it. That's what took me so long.

Amanda: You didn't miss much. The boys were telling me that wonderful story of how you tied Tim up and locked him in the janitor's closet.

David: Hmm. One of my favorite stories.

Amanda: Poor Tim. The class snitch trapped by the weirdoes.

David: I don?t remember you from elementary school.

Amanda: I wasn't in your school. My parents sent me to private school for the longest time. One day I just got fed up and I refused to go anymore. That's when I transferred to public school.

David: Ah, and that's when I met you.

Amanda: Precisely.

David: Are you going to look at your present?

Amanda: I guess so (she looks down and gasps gently). You saved all of this stuff?

David: I'm a sentimental kind of guy. I thought it would be nice to give you some of those things that reminded me of you.

Amanda: (Sifts through the contents of the box and lifts out a piece of paper) What's this?

David: The very first love-letter you ever sent me.

Amanda: Yeah right. I never did any such thing!

David: (Laughs) You know I always had a crush on you. Since the very first day I met you in fact. It was a love-letter to me.

Amanda: (Reading aloud) Dear David, I love the way you wear your black, I love the way you sit in back, of the class you are the one, that I am now thinking of. Always yours, Amanda (She puts the letter back in the box). I suppose that would lead one to believe it was a love-letter.

David: I told you.

Amanda: (Laughs and continues to sift through the box) You kept this (She pulls out a ticket stub for a movie)?

David: Oh yeah, our first date.

Amanda: (Rolls her eyes) Batman and Robin, ugh. Wasn't that the one where we walked out halfway through?

David: Yeah. That had to be the worst movie I've ever seen.

Amanda: No, the Avengers was worse.

David: Forgot about that one. You remember after the movie, we went to the arcade? Do you remember the vintage Pac-man machine they had?

Amanda: Oh my god, yes! That was one of the best afternoons I've ever had.

David: (Suddenly sentimental) Me too.

Amanda: (Looks down sadly and then turns back to him almost desperate) David, I don?t want to go away for school.

David: You don't have to. You can stay here and go to community college.

Amanda: I? I can't (sobs). My parents expect me to go away. I (more sobbing)? Oh god. Just promise me you'll never forget me?

David: How could I? You're my one and only, right?

Amanda: (Laughs and sniffles a bit) Not really, but close enough

(They embrace and the lights fade).

Maybe When You're Older

(Spot follows David who sits on edge of stage for next speech)

David: It seemed that everything was depressing Amanda. Her and Alex were absolutely tedious. If they weren't fighting, they weren't together. But being your average, flighty high school couple they were always reconciling and getting back together. I wanted to tell her how I felt about the whole thing, but I figured it would only complicate things more. Their relationship left me feeling uneasy. I think it's because I coveted her more than anything else I had ever wanted and couldn't have. I would go over to her place sometimes to find her all despondent and she would just curl up in my arms and talk for hours on end.

(Lights full up; bed is back center stage. Amanda is curled up in David's arms, who is sitting Indian style on the bed)

Amanda: Have you ever thought about suicide?

David: That's a really fucked up way to start a conversation.

Amanda: I?m serious. Have you?

David: Of course. I think everyone has. Why?

Amanda: I don?t know. I always thought it would be nice to go out by your own hand. Kind of mocking the gods and saying "Ha, I beat you to it."

David: What would drive you to do such a thing?

Amanda: Any number of things. Loss, grief, depression (each one more melodramatic than the last).

David: (Laughs) I suppose. I don't think I could ever hurt myself though. Maybe in some desperate and unique situation.

Amanda: Desperate and unique? Oh please. You'd do it if I did it.

David: You know it. I think I'd laugh at you first though.

Amanda: That's not very nice.

David: Neither are you. Just make sure that if you ever do, you'll save some extra bullets or pills for me. Better yet, use a razor. Those can always be reused.

Amanda: You are one sick bastard.

David: And you closely follow suit.

Amanda: Sure do (sighs).

David: Where's your man at?

Amanda: I'm here, with him.

David: No. I mean your real man, Alex.

Amanda: Do you honestly believe that I love him?

David: (Confused) I'm not sure.

Amanda: I think I fooled myself into loving him, because he loved me. There's only one person I've ever truly loved.

David: Yourself?

Amanda: Fuck off.

David: Are you going to tell me?

Amanda: Maybe when you're older.

David: Please?

Amanda: Not now. It's not right just yet. But I promise, later.

David: Well that was cryptic.

Amanda: It's to keep you guessing. To? To whet your appetite.

David: It's whetted, among other things?

Amanda: (Laughs) Do you think I would ever cheat on Alex?

David: No.

Amanda: Shows how much you know me.

David: Funny.

Amanda: Take me (suddenly serious and seductive).

David: Uhh? No (almost regretful).

Amanda: Why not?

David: I can't do that to Alex.

Amanda: Forget Alex. He's not here. You are, and you're what I want.

David: I can't. Please.

Amanda: Fine.

David: Amanda?

Amanda: Don't bother, just go.

David: I'm sorry.

Amanda: David? Just go before I hurt you, Ok?

David: Ok. Goodnight.

Amanda: Night (sighs).

(Lights fade)

The Very First Time

(David is walking to his podium again, the spot follows him)

David: I look back on my life and I wonder why the hell I did some of those things. I don't really regret it. Part of me says that I wouldn't be who I am if I hadn't done all of that. But another part of me knows that if the time machine were ever invented, I would go back and make it all happier at the very least. The first time I met Amanda was back in junior high school. She was one of those rich girls, but you could tell right away that she was different from them. I was just some poor sap that sat at the "weird" table during lunch.

(He walks over to the picnic table and sits down, Amanda enters and sits next to him)

Amanda: Hi.

David: Hello.

Amanda: One question for you.

David: Shoot.

Amanda: Well, I've been checking out the scene here at this school. I noticed something fairly peculiar about your self. Why do you always wear black?

David: I like dark things.

Amanda: That's funny. I can be a dark thing sometimes.

David: (Laughs) I?m not quite sure what to make of you.

Amanda: What do you mean?

David: Well, no offense, but you're one of those prissy rich girls talking to one of the "weird" kids.

Amanda: Actually, I'm a weird kid at heart. It's a shame that my parents are rich.

David: That is a shame.

Amanda: What's your name "weird kid?"

David: David, and you?

Amanda: Amanda.

David: Amanda. That's nice. It rolls off the tongue.

Amanda: (Laughs) Thanks.

David: So you've been just slinking around here observing people?

Amanda: Pretty much. Anthropology is one of my favorite subjects.

David: That's a big word. Anthropology is when someone studies how people interact with each other, right? (Amanda nods in agreement) So as an anthropologist what have you observed of this school?

Amanda: Well. I'm running an experiment. It's all about labels that people put on each other, like you did just a while ago. You called me a "prissy rich girl" and you called yourself a "weird kid." My question to you is why do you use those kinds of labels?

David: I don't know. I guess I just always have.

Amanda: Hmm? Well hey, whatever flips your skirt.

David: That's vile (laughs). I like it.

Amanda: You know, I see us getting along very nicely.

David: That is my hope.

Amanda: Oh.

David: Yeah.

(Amanda smiles and nods, lights fade.)

Can I Have You for Tonight

(Spot follows David from his seat at the table back to his podium)

David: After that we were best friends for life. I wanted to keep her by me forever. Unfortunately, college called to us one day, and we answered. She was off to Hartwick, and I was going to stay here. She called me over one last time before she left for school. She looked so sad. She was wearing some dark, velvety little dress that I instantly wanted to rip off of her. I was so angry with her. Alex had her wrapped around his finger and she kept running back and forth between the two of us.

(Bed is placed center stage. Amanda is seated on it and David joins her, lights up but dim. David is cold and angry until the very end where his voice gets softer.)

Amanda: Alex left me today.

David: I know. He called me.

Amanda: Listen. I've been a real bitch to you. I want to apologize before I go off to school.

David: Apology accepted.

Amanda: Please talk to me.

David: I am.

Amanda: Not all half-assed like this. I want a real conversation here!

(David looks down almost bitterly and speaks in a low, growling tone)

David: Funny how every time he leaves you, you end up here with me. And we end up in each other's arms, moaning and crying out to the gods each other's names. Am I to be your sexual whipping boy forever more Amanda?

Amanda: That was really hurtful.

David: (Looks up) Alas, yet it was really truthful.

Amanda: I just want to set things right before I leave.

David: And I acknowledged your presence and you have been absolved.

Amanda: David.

David: What do you want from me?

Amanda: Just your love. I don?t care how you give it or show it. I just want it.

David: You could've had it, ever since junior high.

Amanda: I know that, but I didn't realize then. I realize now.

David: That's convenient. Your timing was always so precise. The moment I think I'm over you, you throw yourself at me. Not again, Amanda.

Amanda: What do I have to do to convince you that I'm telling the truth here?

David: I don't know.

Amanda: Well that's helpful.

David: What do you want from me? I wait for years on end for you to pick between me and Alex and just when I think you've finally chosen him over me, oh look I'm wrong. Did you think I would carry my torch for you forever?

Amanda: I just thought that you loved me.

David: I don't know anymore. I?

Amanda: David, I want this. I want us. I want it to be perfect.

David: (Softer) You could have said that sooner. You could have decided that before the whole Alex fiasco. It would've saved all of us a lot of trouble.

Amanda: I'm sorry.

(He reaches out his hand to comfort her and she takes it)

David: I forgive you.

Amanda: Do I have your love?

David: All you have to do is ask for it.

Amanda: Can I have you for tonight? Can you lie in my arms just once and truly be mine?

David: Every night until the end of time.

(Amanda closes her eyes and they embrace. He touches her cheek, almost as if this is too good to be true. Then he kisses her with burning passion and the lights fade out slowly)

My Name Is Julie

(Spot follows David as he paces the stage)

David: Damn that Amanda. When she left for school she didn't ever call or speak to me. I left a thousand messages and not a single one of them was ever answered. Eventually I got tired of waiting and started looking elsewhere for love. At the community college I met Julie. Sweet, gentle, perky Julie. She was the crystalline drops of rain to my dark and stormy clouds. I loved her so much, but not like Amanda. Julie realized this and had a difficult time with me at first. She kind of just accepted it eventually, but we had our bouts from time to time.

(Lights up on couch. David and Julie are seated and he turns to her suddenly)

David: You're so beautiful.

Julie: (Looks down for a moment, a little embarrassed by the compliment) Thank you.

David: I love you Amanda

Julie: Julie (she looks up angrily)? Julie, Julie, Julie, fucking Julie!

David: Oh god.

Julie: When is this going to stop? You do it every time. Amanda this, Amanda that. I'm not her, I never will be!

David: That's why I love you.

Julie: Right. And that's why you call her name in the heat of passion. That's why every time you utter I love you to me, you use her name. That's why sometimes in the middle of the night you'll throw your arm around me and murmur "Amanda" in your sleep.

David: I know, I know.

Julie: Then stop it. Do you have any idea how much it kills me every time you do this?

David: I'm sorry. I promise. I promise it'll stop.

Julie: Please. If you can't get over her then why are you with me?

David: I'm with you because I love you.

Julie: Right.

David: I do. You're wonderful, smart, pretty, funny. What's not to love?

Julie: The fact that I'm not her?

David: Julie, I'm trying. She had her fingers in my brain for, god, at least since junior high. It's like trying to forget the first time you had sex. It's damn near impossible.

Julie: And the part about you losing your virginity to her doesn't help out at all either!

David: What do you want me to do?

Julie: Stop treating me like this. I deserve better. I need better.

David: I'm so sorry.

Julie: I don?t believe you. I need proof. I need you to tell me that she's not important to you anymore and that you love me.

David: I do love you.

Julie: What about her?

David: I? I don't know.

Julie: Great. The indecisive boyfriend strikes again.

David: Please, give me a chance to change?

Julie: I am, but it doesn't seem to me like you're really trying.

David: Please, forgive me?

Julie: I don?t know if I can.

David: If I try, will you?

Julie: (pauses, sighing) Yes.

(David smiles at her almost lovingly. She kisses him gently and in turn he kisses her on the forehead. Lights fade)

Eavesdropping

(Spot on David, who is standing at his podium again)

David: The truth of the matter was that Julie was my replacement for Amanda. If I couldn't be with her then I had to have someone to help me forget her. Of course, I fell for Julie because she was just a wonderful girl. Sophomore year in college, Julie and I had been dating for about a year and a half. I had by now met her parents. From what I could tell they approved of me, but I don't think Julie told them the whole truth of our relationship. She was plagued with the "I'm-inferior-to-Amanda-complex." One night when her friend Beth was over I happened to overhear their conversation.

(Beth and Julie are seated on David's couch. David is seated in front of his podium aptly listening)

Julie: Beth, do you honestly think me stupid for staying with him?

Beth: Well, yeah. But you do love him and I think, somewhere, somehow in that heart of his he loves you too.

Julie: I know. But he's always calling me Amanda.

Beth: Amanda?

Julie: Yeah. Apparently she's been his best friend since junior high. He even lost his virginity to her.

Beth: Why do you put up with it?

Julie: He tries not to say it. It's hard for him.

Beth: Does he treat you well?

Julie: The Amanda thing is my only real gripe.

Beth: Do you love him enough to let that slide?

Julie: For now. But no one can let something like that go on forever.

Beth: Agreed. I don't know though. I get this weird vibe from him.

Julie: Beth you get that weird vibe from all of my boyfriends.

Beth: But it's different here Julie. I don't know if I like him or not.

Julie: Please try and like him for me. He thinks you're wonderful.

Beth: (doubtful) I don't know. I think he's an ok guy, but he doesn't seem right for you. And this Amanda thing is just ridiculous.

Julie: (pauses as if gathering her thoughts) I love him. That's all there is to it.

Beth: Do you have a sign on your forehead that says 'Hi, I'm a doormat. Please walk all over me?' Honestly, what do you see in him?

Julie: He's so kind and sweet. He's very intelligent.

Beth: I think you are being taken advantage of.

Julie: I think you are way too cynical to be my best friend.

(Julie throws a pillow at Beth and they both start to giggle)

Beth: I'm sorry. I just get all worked up when someone doesn't treat you right. You deserve better than some black wearing, freak boy who can't get over his ex-best friend or whatever she is.

Julie: She's just another woman. No one can hold that much power over one man.

Beth: I don't know. I think that if this girl ever came back to him he'd leave you and run off with her.

(Silence for a moment. David gets up and walks into the scene. He joins them on the couch)

David: Hello ladies.

(Girls look embarrassed)

Julie: Hey you.

David: Anything new?

Beth: Not really. We were talking about ex-boyfriends and how they affect our lives.

David: Oh. Interesting. I haven't had any of those.

Beth: That's not what I've heard.

David: I've never dated besides Julie.

Beth: Bullshit. I call your bluff.

David: No seriously.

Beth: So who's this Am?

Julie: (cutting her off) Anyway, I think we'd best be going. It's a late night honey and I've got work to do.

David: You sure?

Julie: Yes, I have a test tomorrow.

David: All right. You know I'm always here for you.

(Beth huffs)

Julie: (hesitates) I know.

David: Goodnight.

(Girls exit and lights fade)

Antagonism

(Spot comes up on David. He remains at his podium)

David: So Beth disapproved. And all the while I was still thinking about Amanda. Day in and day out she was sitting on top of my brain. The last time Amanda and I had spoken was the night before she had left for school and Alex had called it quits. Two whole years. I was home for Christmas break, just sitting on my couch watching the same stupid after school cartoon I had watched five years ago when Amanda and I first made love. She called me, desperate to talk. I was reluctant to go, but she begged me to come to her place.

(Amanda seated on bed; David joins her and lights up full)

David: So what's up?

Amanda: I just needed someone to talk to.

David: Ok.

Amanda: I heard you had a new girlfriend.

David: Yeah, Julie. She's great.

Amanda: Perfect.

David: Are you Ok?

Amanda: Not really.

David: Want to talk about it?

Amanda: I? Listen, things are really fucked up for me right now. I couldn't really tell you if I was coming or going, and to tell you the truth I don't think it matters. I just needed a friend.

David: You know I?m here for you.

Amanda: I suppose.

David: But please understand that I have Julie now. It can't be like it used to be.

Amanda: That's fucking beautiful.

David: Stop.

Amanda: "Oh, I?m sorry Amanda, but you just don?t fit into my life right now." So you honestly think I came back to hear you ramble on about your new fucking girlfriend? You are such an insensitive prick!

David: Oh get off it Amanda. Did you honestly think that I was going to sit around and wait for you to make up your mind? It's been two years since we last made love. Two years since you last talked to me. Do you remember that? It was just after you and Alex broke up. Then you left for school. You never called, never visited. I thought you'd had enough of me. So I forgot about you. I?m sorry.

Amanda: David, I think I love you. No, I know I love you. I've always loved you.

(David looks at her intensely for a moment. Amanda laughs uncomfortably)

Amanda: This is so fucked up.

David: I don?t know what to say.

Amanda: How about what you feel? "Yeah Amanda, that's great. I love you too." Or how about: "Fuck you, you crazy bitch. I never did like you, but you were damn good in bed." Just something, anything!

David: I don?t know.

Amanda: Fuck you.

David: I'm sorry.

Amanda: I'm going downstairs.

(Amanda leaves the room)

David: (Whispering) I love you too.

(David is sitting on the bed for a moment or two, his head in his hands, near tears. Lights fade)

Beyond Hearing

(Spot follows David as he walks to stage right. He takes his time getting to his podium)

David: Sometimes when I'm lying in my bed trying to sleep I can see her there, in her little coffin. I worry about her. I know she's dead, but I think somewhere maybe her soul is floating around. There are times when I want to join her. I get the urge and I just have to get out of the house. Too many sharp objects that I don?t trust myself with. I wonder what she sees from inside of that cold mausoleum.

(Lights up center on Amanda sitting up in her casket)

Amanda: It's so cold in here. All this gray. Gray walls, gray coffin, gray dress, gray skin.

David: I wonder if she regrets doing it.

Amanda: Not really. Don?t you remember? I always thought it would be nice to go when I wanted to, and not when anyone else said it was time.

David: Does she ever think of me?

Amanda: God David, every minute I?m in here.

David: I wonder if she could tell me about heaven or hell.

Amanda: I don't know. It's just all this gray everywhere. It's kind of lonely, but I expected as much.

David: Why didn't she save any bullets for me?

Amanda: I didn't want to take you with me. You have so much more life left in you.

David: (Angrier) Why didn't she save any bullets for me?

Amanda: I didn't want to hurt you.

David: She hurt me by not asking me to come along.

Amanda: I'm sorry.

David: Self-centered, selfish little bitch.

Amanda: I'm sorry!

David: Damn her! Why did she always toy with my head?

Amanda: Because I loved you (pauses) and that scared me.

David: She never could make up her mind as to who she wanted to be with.

Amanda: It was between true love and a high school sweet heart. I think I was too young to realize what I was passing up.

David: Did she ever really love me?

Amanda: You have to ask?

David: No. She did. She loved me too much.

Amanda: I don't think I loved you enough you poor fool.

David: There are so many things I would've said to her if I had known her plans.

Amanda: Stop.

David: I would've told her everything. How I felt, what I thought.

Amanda: (Louder) Stop!

David: Maybe I could've changed her mind.

Amanda: (Screaming) STOP!

(There is a pause. She looks at him, her face changing from anger to love as he stares out into the audience)

David: I love you. I could never say it to you while you were living, but I love you.

Amanda: I know. I love you too.

(Lights fade)

Well Kids

(Spot up on David walking around the front of the stage)

David: It was all Amanda's idea. Have a big party at my house. Invite all the old gang. She came over early, before anyone else had arrived. She had on that same slinky, black velvet dress. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from her. I never could. At the very least we had smoothed things out between us. She explained that our last meeting had been rough and she apologized for everything that was said. I didn't bother to ask her about her confessions of love or why she never bothered to call me back in college. By this point I just didn?t care, as long as she loved me and wasn't mad at me anymore.

(Lights up on David and Amanda straightening out the room. There is the usual couch, love seat and now a chair)

Amanda: So tonight's the big night?

David: Really now?

Amanda: You'll see. David?

David: Yes?

Amanda: Will you miss me?

David: Where are you going?

Amanda: On a trip.

David: Ever the cryptic one, eh?

Amanda: (Laughs) So will you miss me?

David: Of course I will.

(David crosses to her and wraps his arms around her. Amanda looks happy for a moment but then her face falls. She pulls away gently)

Amanda: Remember, you can't do that anymore (she sits on love seat).

David: Ah yes, but you are my best friend. I am allowed to hug you (he joins her).

Amanda: That was not a hug. It was an embrace.

David: Have it your way. But you liked it; you can't deny it.

Amanda: I will deny anything I want. But you're right.

David: Amanda? I?

(Laughter is heard offstage)

Amanda: Sounds like our guests are arriving.

David: Oh, right, yeah. I'll get the door.

Amanda: You do that.

(David walks offstage for a moment and walks back on with Jake and Tim in tow)

Jake: Amanda! It's so good to see you. Where the hell have you been?

Amanda: School.

(She stands and Jake hugs her. Tim follows suit)

Amanda: So how's school working out for you guys?

(Everyone takes a seat: David on the chair, Jake and Tim on the couch and Amanda on the love seat)

Tim: Same as always. Spending all my time learning nothing and all my money on beer.

(Alex enters)

Alex: What's this? Starting the party without me?

Tim: We tried to, but then you showed up!

Alex: Thanks so much. (Turns to Amanda) It's good to see you.

Amanda: (Smiles weakly) Likewise.

(Alex joins Amanda on love seat)

Alex: So David, where's the new woman?

David: (Strained smile) She should be coming soon. I think she had to pick up our friend Beth first.

Tim: Oooo, fresh meat.

Jake: Speak for yourself.

Alex: So you haven't found a partner in the quest yet, I'll take it?

Jake: No go. There is one fine young gentleman, but I don?t think he plays for my team. I've all but given up on women!

Alex: Well, you know if I swung that way?

Jake: We'd already have moved to Hawaii for the marriage license.

(Everyone laughs, lightening the atmosphere some. There's a knock at the door and Amanda gets up for it. The next conversation is heard offstage)

Amanda: Oh hi. You must be Julie.

Julie: Yes. And you're Amanda? I've heard so much about you. This is my friend Bethany.

Bethany: (strained) You can call me Beth.

Amanda: Well ladies, come on in.

(The three girls enter)

Julie: (To David) Hey you.

(They embrace and she sits on his lap. Beth takes a seat on the couch and Amanda resumes her place on the love seat)

David: Well everyone, this is Julie and Bethany.

Tim: You've been dating this girl for how long and you haven't once brought her home to me? And she even has a friend for double dating possibilities?

Jake: And you wonder why he never introduced you two!

(Everyone laughs, for the first time truly comfortably. Amanda gets up and walks offstage slowly)

David: Did you guys know Amanda's going on a trip?

Tim: No. I haven't really spoken to her since before college.

Jake: Same here.

Alex: Ditto. Where's she going?

David: She wouldn?t say. I'm a little worried, but is that new to anyone?

Tim, Jake and Alex: No!

(Mindless chit-chat for a few minutes. Amanda comes back onstage after a particularly uncomfortable pause. She has a gun in hand, but holds it so that no one can see it)

Amanda: Well kids. As you know, or should know by now because David can never keep his mouth shut, I'm going on a trip.

Jake: Where to?

Amanda: You'll see (she swings the gun into view so everyone can see it).

(There is some uncomfortable laughter)

Amanda: I figured you guys could send me off with fond wishes.

Tim: Sure.

Jake: Enjoy you're vacation.

Tim: Yeah, send us post cards.

Alex: Come back soon.

(Beth and Julie look at each other mildly scared and very confused)

David: So why have you decided to go?

Amanda: Oh, I just need a break. I'm so tired of everything.

David: I'll miss you.

Amanda: I know.

Jake: When are you leaving?

Amanda: Soon (pauses), well kids?

(Black out)

Every Night until the End of Time

(The casket has been moved to center stage now, David paces around it for a bit, speaking low and building in intensity)

David: I just remember sitting there, on the couch. Your body lying on the floor before me. "Cool as a cucumber," they said. I sat there near lifeless, just like your corpse upon the floor. When almost everyone had gone off to call the police or get help, I moved to your side. I picked up your gun and looked into the barrel. Julie tugged at my sleeve, but I shrugged her off. You didn't leave any extra bullets for me. I think at that moment I was angry at you. Angry that you didn't ask me to come too. Selfish, stupid, angry little? Argh! You didn't save any bullets for me, Amanda. I curled up next to you and wrapped your bloody arms around my body. You were still warm. The police filed in a short while later and found me in your stiff arms. "Crazy," they said. "Poor fool went crazy." Maybe. I don?t really think I was ever that sane to begin with. Poor Julie visited me in the hospital the first few days. I was kind of in and out of consciousness. She just stopped coming and I haven't seen her since. Can't say that I blame her. They told me that you were going to be placed in a family mausoleum. How exciting. So here I am, standing in your family's rectified fucking monument.

(He steps up on a chair behind the coffin, standing above it for a moment)

I don?t know what to do without you Amanda. Why couldn't you have just saved a bullet? Something, anything! Say something you cold stiff corpse! Sit up and argue with me. Please.

(He leans down and opens the casket. Amanda is lying in it, pale, lifeless. He lifts her body into an embrace)

So cold. You're so cold. I remember the very last thing you said at that party.

Amanda: (She speaks without opening her eyes) Well kids, this is it. I love you all.

David: We all laughed nervously for a bit. Everyone hoped you were kidding. You put the gun to your mouth and looked straight at me. I knew then that you weren't kidding. And you muffled something around the barrel at me. I couldn't quite make it out, but I?m certain I had heard you say it before.

Amanda: (She sits up on her own in the coffin, still in his awkward embrace) You did. Do you remember?

David: I think so. It was just before you left for college.

Amanda: That's right.

David and Amanda: Can you lie in my arms just once and truly be mine?

Amanda: Well, can you?

David: Every night until the end of time.

(Amanda lays back down in her coffin and David closes the lid. He lays down on top of the closed casket)

David: (Whispers) Every night until the end of time.