Cafe-Girl: A Novella

Deborah sat at the table in the restaurant surrounded by her best friend, Mari, across from her and her ex-boyfriend, Brent, who wouldn't leave her alone, by her side. They both bowed their heads and prayed before eating their nachos and cokes. Deborah closed her eyes and patiently waited for them to finish. Once they had opened their eyes, Mari looked straight across at them and asked in a straightforward, inquisitive fashion all her own,

“Are you guys gonna get married?”

At once, Deborah answered “No” while Brent answered “Yes.” There was a long awkward pause as Brent glared over at Deborah who cowered into her coca-cola. Mari looked back and forth between them, apologetically and a bit ashamed for bringing it up. The rest of the meal was spent in silence as they hurriedly ate their meal, unsure of what to say. Off and on, Brent would question her whether she had started up a relationship with that 'coffee boy', the non-christian sinner who worked at the coffee shop she was now frequenting. Deborah again and again said no, which was true, but denied even liking him, even as she reached into her purse and felt over and over to make sure her cell-phone was on and turned up so she could hear any incoming calls. It had been a whole day since she had given him her phone number but that seemed like an eternity to her. Notably, more out of embarrassment and shyness than any kind of flirtatious ploy, she had not ventured down to the coffee shop that day.

They finished their meal and made their way to her car, where Mari piled in the backseat and Brent in the passenger seat. Deborah drove Mari back to her house in the outskirts of town. Brent berated her all the way, about her spiritual walk with Jesus (what?), her duty to him after three years of relationship (even though she had broken it off last summer), and questioned her repeatedly whether she liked this coffee boy (she continuously denied even as she pined for Matt's phone call).

At Mari's house, they quickly hurried back to her bedroom, saying a quick hello to Mari's room-mate and her children. Mari asked Brent for a massage, and as she laid on the bed, he climbed on top of her to comply, Brent continuing his barrage of insults towards Deborah in hopes she would comply to his wishes of marriage.

When the massage had ended, Deborah's phone rang. She looked down and recognized the unknown caller from earlier that day. Her heart quickened, could it in fact be him? If so, she'd have to ask him why he didn't...Brent tried to snatch the phone from her hand, she held it firm.

“Is that him?” he spat out.

“Uh, no, no,” she responded quickly.

“Let me talk to him,” came Mari's insistent comment, seemingly from far off. Deborah shook her hand and demanded, “no,” sticking her phone deep down in her pocket.

“Let's get you home, Brent,” was all she said and Mari ushered them out the door.

They parked on the hill down the street from Brent's house. The dark of the night emptied itself around her car, shrouded them in secrecy.

“Please, Deborah, tell me,” he insisted in his best seductive whisper. “Do you like him?”

Deborah shook her head, tears springing to her eyes, fighting them back.

“Do you still love me?” he wanted to know again. Deborah stared straight ahead, not sure of how to answer. “Please answer me,” he insisted.

“I need to get home,” was all she could say. “Early day tomorrow.”

“You are going to call him back, aren't you?” Brent demanded.

“I don't know, Brent, I don't know, okay?” was all she could say, hoping he would get out of the car and leave so she could at last be done with him.

“Well, what are you doing tomorrow?” Brent wanted to know, a tinge of hope springing in his heart.

“What?” Deborah seemed confused and then, “Oh, I don't know...”

“You said you had an early day tomorrow,” Brent started. “You going down to the cafe?”

“Oh, no, I, uh, um, have stuff to do around the house, before work next week,” came Deborah's fumbled reply.

“Yeah, okay,” Brent said, grabbing the door handle. “I'll call you.”

He opened the door and let it slam behind him, moving up the steep hill to his house. Deborah started the engine and let the car drift down the hill, slowly making her way home, breathing a sigh of relief. She'd avoided that catastrophe at least for tonight.

At her house, she walked quietly into the back bedroom she rented from the couple upstairs. Sitting on her bed, she pulled out her phone and kicking off her shoes and pulling her legs up on her bed, she pressed “call back” on the number that had called a few hours earlier.

“Hello?” came the familiar warm and friendly voice of her cute coffee boy.

“Hi,” Deborah said, a smile on her face and in her voice.

“Oh, hello there,” he breathed a smile of his own. “How are you?”

“Doing well, yourself?” she really wanted to know.

“All right,” he said. “Doing better now.”

Deborah smiled into the phone. She propped up a pillow, and flipped on the lamp by her bed, then got up and turned off the overhead light in the room. Pressing the phone against the ear, she simultaneously pulled her pants off, letting them fall to the floor and asked,

“So what did you do today?”

“Had to work a double shift,” came Matthew's reply. “Barbara called in sick.”

“Barbara?”

“The girl that works at the cafe,” Matthew explained. “The only one left besides me, although I think Randy is thinking of re-hiring Thomas, at least part time.”

“Thomas?”

“One of my friends, hangs out with me at the cafe, used to work there before me,” Matthew explained. “Sorry about all the confusion and Randy is the owner.”

“Oh I see,” Deborah was thinking. “Is Thomas the one that always wears a tie or...?”

“Yeah,” Matthew laughed. “Except he doesn't ALWAYS wear a tie, only for work. But nice description, I'll tell him you said that.”

They both laughed.

“So tell me about your other, um, friends,” Deborah continued the conversation.

“From the cafe?” Matthew wanted clarification and confirmation.

“Yeah, them,” was all Deborah confirmed.

“Well, there is Shaggy, knew him in high school, James, who I just met, and Ray, and you know Thomas,” Matthew began. “That's pretty much the regulars although there are a few more that come by from time to time.”

“Okay, so which is which?” Deborah asked. “And Shaggy?”

Matthew laughed and began to explain.

“Yeah, Shaggy is the one that looks like Shaggy from Scooby-Doo,” Matthew said. “When you come in tomorrow, you'll notice him, can't miss him. Crazy hippie conspiracy theorist probably at the computer!”

“Oh, so I'm coming in tomorrow, huh?” Deborah teased.

“Well, I hope so,” Matthew admitted.

“Okay then,” Deborah agreed. “So, then there is, um, Ray, and, um, James and they are--”

“Okay, James is the one that always wears all black and Ray is, well, Ray is the other one,” Matthew explained.

“Okay, I got it, I think,” Deborah said. “So, I've got another question for you.”

“So many questions!”

“Sorry,” Deborah relented.

“No, its okay, I just have a few for you, that's all,” Matthew explained. “Go ahead.”

“I got this phone call yesterday after I left the cafe, from an unknown number, but I think it was yours,” Deborah awkwardly began.

“Yeah, you know, I saw a number had been dialed out from my phone,” Matthew quickly interjected. “I don't know what that was about, I mean, maybe it was a butt dial or maybe one of my friends was playing a practical joke or something. Sorry about that.”

“Its okay,” Deborah. “It was just a little weird, I guess.”

“Yea, sorry,” Matthew apologized again.

“Don't worry about it, its fine,” she said again. “So, what are your questions? What do you want to know?”

“Um, let's see I know you just graduated college, so you are one of those transplant types,” Matthew began and then awkwardly sputtered out, “You seeing anyone?”

“Well, not right now, I'm alone in my room,” Deborah joked. Then, she explained, “Not anymore, I was but we broke up last summer. It's totally over.”

And, that was all the information she would give to him about Brent. He didn't need to know anything more about Brent, as far as Deborah was concerned, no matter what Brent wanted or thought, they were over.

“Yeah, okay, good,” Matthew was relieved. “So, where are you from?”

“Well, I grew up in California but I don't like to admit that,” Deborah laughed into the phone. Matthew joined her. The joke around town was how much the townies and the locals hated Californians, the yuppies that moved into the town and took over completely.

“Well, I won't hold it against you,” Matthew reassured her.

“But you will hold yourself against me,” Deborah inwardly cringed at her forwardness and Matthew laughed,

“If you insist,” he smiled into the phone. “So, you coming into the coffee shop tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I can do that, what time?”

“Well, I'm not working tomorrow,” he began. “So, I thought we could meet and then go for a walk or something, maybe.”

“I'd like that,” Deborah said excitedly.

“How about we meet around 10:30?” he asked hopefully.

“Sounds perfect,” she agreed.

The Story of My Life

Cafe Girl: A Story of Coffee, Sex, Cigarettes, & True Love

Act Three, Scene Two

(As she talks, all five of the boys appears behind her, as they say their line. When she speaks, each boy takes turn arranging the coffee shop and disassembing the apartment on the platform.)

Deborah:

So, what's the story about? A story of...of what...too much caffeine?

Thomas:

Seen you at the coffee shop, sometimes, Deborah.

Deborah:

Of the Golden Road? Of Youth?

Ray:

King of the lawn gnomes, they call me.

Deborah:

How does the story end? A story of a journey? Of friendship?

Matthew:

First snows are the best times for walks.

Deborah:

A story of regrets? A story of the search for true love?

James:

I'll meet you in my dreams tonight.

Deborah:

A story of pain, or strength?

Matthew:

You're all right, yourself, Deborah.

Deborah:

A story of hope, or nothing?

Matthew:

Live your life, Deborah, and be happy, no matter what, be that.

Deborah:

A story of truth?

Shaggy:

Never give up the fight.

Deborah:

A story of forgiveness, of letting go? a story of redemption? "I started going to a coffee shop recently, never thought I'd be a cafe girl, you know, but I always wanted to be....I just wish there was some book, something to explain and help navigate. I just wish it didn't hurt so bad. Endings."

James:

When I look into your eyes, I see the reflection of my own soul.

All boys:

One of us, one of us, one of us.

(As the boys chant, Deborah crosses downstage to donkey and feeds the donkey, as she speaks the boys stop.)

Deborah:

A story of love.

The Rose

(Black out.)

Cafe Girl: A Story of Coffee, Sex, Cigarettes, & True Love

I Will Follow You Into The Dark

Act One, Scene Eleven

(Single spotlights, Deborah downstage center, in chair, reading letter, Matthew upstage left speaking letter. While he reads, James, Ray, Shaggy, and Thomas dissemble cafe behind them.)

Matthew:

Dear Deborah, Not much going on here, really, but there have been a few changes. Ray left, up north, is now living in some hippie commune, good for him. He's still taking his meds and stuff. Thomas moved back to his home-town too, met some girl, and shacked up with her, I think, and they moved to, like, North Dakota. Had a kid or something. He's been calling me, all miserable and stuff. Gawd, am I going to have to go on a rescue mission?

(laughs)

Shaggy, did take that internship with NASA, remember how he used to rail on about the federal government and NASA, and he's gone back to school up north, getting his degree in computer science. Life is funny, like that. James is MIA, since you left. He just took off and no one knows where. And, the cafe, well, you were right, I guess you are a prophetess. It closed, you know that, I told you. But, more than that, they, the city, tore the whole building down, completely. Nothing left. Going to put in a fancy condiminion or something like that, some fancy tourist attraction. City improvement at its finest. What's my town coming to? And, me. Well, I got a new job at a restaurant. And, I'm thinking about going back to school or something.  Maybe getting my pilot's license after all. Well, I hope all is well with you at school. I got to get to work so I'll end this. Be well, Deborah. Much love, Matt.

(Single spotlights fade in on James, upstage right, Thomas, Ray, and Shaggy up on bare platform where cafe was)

James:

the universe would turn to a mighty stranger: I should not seem a part of it

Deborah:

We may long have left the golden road behind, but its memories are the dearest of our eternal possessions.

(Black out.)

Cafe Girl: A Story of Coffee, Sex, Cigarettes, & True Love

Torn

Act Two, Scene Eight

(James sits alone, on patio, sipping a cup of coffee. Deborah enters.)

Deborah:

James, hello.

James:

Hi.

Deborah:

(sitting)

You okay?

James:

Sort of, just thinking about some stuff Shaggy was talking about--

Deborah:

What about?

James:

Toxins in the environment, the air, the food we eat. Like they're out to get us..

Deborah:

James, you can't let this get you down--

James:

What am I supposed to do? Fight? But how?

Deborah:

(reaches across table and taking his hand)

I don't know but there's got to be away.

James:

(taking her hand)

Yeah, there's got to be some way.

(Their eyes meet.)

Do you want to get out of here, take a walk?

Deborah:

Sure.

(They get up and slowly walk downstage, holding hands.)

This feels nice.

James:

Yeah, comfortable.

(They walk in silence. Approach donkey)

You got any nickels?

Deborah:

Oh, god, yeah.

(They both pull wallet out of pants/purse and count out change. They cross to donkey.)

Deborah:

How did this get started anyway?

James:

I don't know, Shaggy and Matthew found it first, then took us all here. Its been a thing ever since.

Deborah:

Our thing!

(James laughs, finishes "feeding the donkey", then turns to Deborah. They share a moment.)

James:

Why do I feel so comfortable? With you?

Deborah:

I don't know, its just what is, I guess.

James:

Yeah, what is. But, I feel like I could tell you anything, like I've known you before we met.

Deborah:

Yeah, I feel the same.

James:

Thanks for, being there.

Deborah:

No problem.

(They kiss, she pulls away.)

I'm sorry...

James:

I'm not.

Deborah:

But Matt...

James:

He'll understand, I think he saw this happening anyway.

Deborah:

Really? I didn't think...

James:

I know.  It'll be okay now.

Deborah:

I'm just so overwhelmed.  How can I be feeling this? Just snuck up on me.  I like Matt, I think I love him, in away.  But then you are there...I feel like I need you but don't need you.  Its not a basic need for living, but a need of the...the heart.  Its like that line from Shakespeare I love so much..."My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite."

James:

Its more than just fire, bells, and whistles. It just is.

Deborah:

Like Wuthering Heights!

James:

Oh, yeah right, you were saying the other day. What about it?

Deborah:

I've always felt, well, that's always been one of my favorite books. And, now I kind of feel like I'm living it, sort of. You know that line, "if all else fails and he survives, I should still continue to be."

James:

Right. So, I'm Heathcliff and you are Catherine?

Deborah:

Yeah, something like that.

James:

So, you going to die and I'm going to go on, somehow?

(They both laugh.)

Deborah:

But, seriously, do you believe in destiny? Fate?

James:

Yeah, definitely.

Deborah:

What's the difference or are they the same thing?

James:

Fate is...the journey, destiny is the final destination, as it were.

Deborah:

Like fate is the people and events that get you where you are going, to your destiny?

James:

Yeah, something like that.

Deborah:

I'll buy that.

James:

(taking her hand)

I can see that we are cut from the same cloth.

(He kisses her hand. Lights fade in on Shaggy, stopping Matthew as he heads to patio with coffee.)

Shaggy:

I met someone.

Matthew:

Really?

Shaggy:

Her name's Ashlynn. So beautiful. I think she could be, you know, the one.

Matthew:

Really? That serious?

Shaggy:

Well, I mean, I just met her. But, I got a good feeling about this one.

Matthew:

Congrats, man. When do I get to meet her?

Shaggy:

Oh well, we'll see.

(They both laugh.)

Deborah:

I love you, James.

James:

I love you too, Deborah.

(They lean in and kiss.)

(lights fade out.)

Cafe Girl: A Story of Coffee, Sex, Cigarettes, & True Love

Tom's Diner

Act Two, Scene Seven

Lights fade in on patio, all sit gathered around on patio, raining.

Deborah:

Have you ever read Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte? Its about a man named Heathcliff who is brought into this family at a young age and adopted, but he's basically a servant because he's lower class, or family origin unknown. But, the daughter, Catherine befriends him and as they grow up together, they sort of fall in love. But, due to societal pressures or something she marries someone else, and then shortly after that she dies.

Matthew:

Sounds tragic.

Deborah:

Yeah, but anyway right before she gets married she is talking to this maid, Nell, I think and the maid asks her how she can marry someone else if she loves Heathcliff, how she can stand to be separated from him. And she, Catherine, explains that she will never be separated because she and Heathcliff are one, she says after this long dramatic monologue, "if all else fails and he survives, I should still continue to be." I, kind of, always felt akin to that story, you know.

Matthew: W

hy is that?

Deborah:

I don't know why, actually. It just, kind of, hits me in the heart. It makes sense. I read a lot, always have.

Matthew:

That's cool.

Deborah:

Do you like to read?

Matthew:

Of course. You said you were reading The Hitchhiker's series?

Deborah:

Yeah, I just finished.

Matthew:

What'd you think?

Deborah:

Hilarious. Except I found something odd.

Matthew:

What's that?

Deborah:

The restaurant at the end of the universe, which this cafe is named after--

Matthew:

What about it?

Deborah:

That's where they watched the Universe end, explode, sort of.

Matthew:

So?

Deborah:

What's that say about this place?

Matthew:

That, maybe, we'll watch the end of the universe from this place?

Deborah:

And then, what?

Matthew:

Who knows?

Ray:

Will you two stop flirting already? Can't a guy get some service around here?

Matthew:

All right, lawn gnome. I'll be right back, okay?

(She nods, Matthew exits into cafe, Deborah looks outward into audience, thinks.)

James:

So about the book?

Deborah:

The book?

James:

The one you were just talking about--

Deborah:

Oh, Wuthering Heights?

James:

Yeah.  Why do you think it hits you like that?

Deborah:

I guess, I just feel like Catherine, you know.

James:

Like how?

Deborah:

Trapped...somehow.

Ray:

Trapped?

Deborah:

Yeah, trapped. By what others think of you, what you can and can't do, what you should do with your life, love.

Ray:

That is...trapped.  You'll find your way to, let it go.

Deborah:

Oh yeah, how?

Ray:

Well, first, the end isn't always such a horrible thing.

Deborah:

Yeah, but its still hard, you know, still hurts.

Ray:

Pain is necessary.

(silence, thunder.)

Thomas:

Dramatic.

Deborah:

Beautiful though.

Shaggy:

But deadly.

James:

What do you mean by 'love'?

Deborah:

What?

James:

How does love trap you?

Deborah:

What is it anyway? How do you know when you feel it?

James:

You just do, really. Why?

Ray:

You love Matt?

Deborah:

I think so, but--

(after a moment, quietly.)

That's not the only issue.

Ray:

What is?

Deborah:

What if you find yourself falling for...can you fall in love with two people at once?

Ray:

Who says you can't?

James:

(to Shaggy)

What do you mean, deadly? Lightning?

Shaggy:

Toxins in the air. Falling through the rain.

Thomas:

Oh God, is nothing safe?

Ray:

You are so young, Deborah.

Deborah:

What's that supposed to mean?

Ray:

But, you'll figure it out, in the end.

Deborah:

In the end?

(Lightning. Shaggy starts counting quietly.)

James:

So, you think you are in love with two people?

Deborah:

I think so.

James:

Does Matt know?

Deborah:

Well, I haven't said.

James:

Why not?

Deborah:

Because I don't know how the other person feels.

James:

Would that make a difference?

Deborah:

(after a moment)

Yes.

(Thunder, louder.)

Shaggy:

Three miles away.

Thomas:

Better get inside.

(All exit save Shaggy.)

Shaggy:

So, this is how it ends? With a bang after all?  The end of the universe?

(Lights out.)

Cafe Girl: A Story of Coffee, Sex, Cigarettes, & True Love

Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangster

Act Two, Scene Six

Interior, cafe: Ray and Thomas sit together, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. Shaggy is upstage at computer, online. James and Matthew sit on patio, Deborah enters.

Deborah:

Hello, boys.

Matthew:

Hi.

(gets up and hugs her, she hugs him and then looks at James)

Deborah:

Hi.

James:

Hello there, Deborah.

Matthew:

Can I get you anything?

Deborah:

Coffee, please. Thanks.

(Matthew exits into cafe, crosses to counter, as he is preparing, watches the two of them through window, Deborah sits across from James)

How are you?

James:

Doing well. You?

Deborah:

All right. Actually, what I mean is, what we talked about yesterday--

James:

Yes...

Deborah:

So, how are you?

James:

It comes, it goes.

Deborah:

Well, I'm here for you, you know, if you ever need to, talk, you know, as a friend.

James:

What about Matt?

Deborah:

He's great, really.

James:

Okay, just checking.

Deborah:

What?

James:

Nothing.

Deborah:

Actually, there has been some issues related to him and I.

James:

Yeah?

Deborah:

I think I love him, but I'm afraid to--James, can I ask you a question?

(lights fade out on them, fade in on Shaggy, turning around to face the rest of cafe)

Shaggy:

Did you see this? It says NASA is launching another ship into space, but not telling anyone. Going to their secret base on Mars, they've had one for years, you know. Its all a conspiracy, really.  This article says they are going to leave us here, in the destruction of the planet, and the elite will leave.

Ray:

You believe that?

Shaggy:

Who knows?

Ray:

Why such an interest in NASA?

Shaggy:

You know something, its job-related.

Thomas:

What?

Shaggy:

So, my advisor at school recommended some summer internships, they were on the top of the list.  I contacted them and, well, looks like I've got a summer job.

Matthew:

Well, that certainly is a surprise.

Ray:

You said it.

Matthew:

(not taking his eyes off Deborah and James)

So, why the change of heart?

Shaggy:

I just feel that, there is always something we can do...to fight. Never give up the fight. Sometimes you have to go on the inside in order to do that.

Ray:

Yeah, but what if it doesn't work?

Shaggy:

There is always a need.

(Thomas picks up paper.)

Thomas:

(reading paper)

Soul-mates. New study about the nature of relationships.

Matthew:

Yeah? What of it?

Thomas:

Says that scientifically findings do not show factual evidence of the existence of soul-mates. Furthermore, no logical reasoning for love or how one loves or chooses to love is reported or discovered.

(looking up)

Guess it really is a matter of the soul, then? A spiritual thing?

(silence.)

Ray:

So, think I'm going to be taking a little trip.

Matthew:

Where to?

Ray:

Not sure, up north perhaps. Anyway, I wanted you all to be the first to know.

Matthew:

Things will be different without you, lawn gnome.

(lights fade, fade in on Deborah and James)

Deborah:

Do you believe in soul-mates?

James:

Like there is just one person for all of us?

Deborah:

Yeah, something like that.

James:

I used to think Danielle was my soul-mate--

Deborah:

Danielle?

James:

My ex-wife. But, then she went and cheated on me.

Deborah:

Oh, god, my ex cheated on me. Don't know why I stayed with him after that.

James:

With the whole town, practically.

Deborah:

Really?

James:

Yeah, and that was during the time of all the craziness, when I was being followed. So, I really wasn't aware. Slept with one eye open after that.

Deborah:

Oh, James, that's terrible. Is that true?

James:

Of course it is. Why wouldn't it be?

Deborah:

I don't know, it just seems too crazy to be true.

James:

Well, yeah, it happened. I don't like to talk about it much, you know.

Deborah:

I can see why.

James:

Kind of makes you think, who can you trust?

Deborah:

Right, I can see that. So you no longer believe in soul-mates?

James:

I don't know, maybe there is more than one soul-mate just brought to us at different times, to teach us different lessons, in different times of our lives. Hopefully.

(Lights up on Shaggy and Matthew, who is getting ready to take coffee to Deborah)

Shaggy:

Never give up the fight.

(Lights fade in on Thomas and Rae)

Matthew:

Right, never give up, I'll remember that.

Ray:

Our souls will always be, connected?

Thomas:

Yeah, guess so.

(Matthew crosses downstage right to patio with coffee, hands her cup and hands it to Deborah.)

Deborah:

I want to believe in that. In soul-mates.

(lights fade out.)

Cafe Girl: A Story of Coffee, Sex, Cigarettes, & True Love

I Think I'm Paranoid

Act Two, Scene Five

Interior: cafe: As lights rise, all the boys are hovered over computer, where Shaggy sits. Deborah enters, watches for a moment then speaks.

Deborah:

Can I get some service here?

They all turn and come down stage, Matthew kisses her.

Matthew:

Get you anything?

Deborah:

Yeah, cappuccino, maybe?

She hands him some cash, he smiles and kisses her and exits towards counter to make her espresso drink.

So, what are you all doing around the computer? Looked conspiratorial?

Ray:

You don't know the half of it!

They all gather around center table, holding coffee cups.

Deborah:

Okay, now I'm interested.

Ray:

Shaggy was just showing some of his "research".

Shaggy:

You don't really believe, do you?

Ray:

Sounds a bit fishy? Sometimes I wonder if conspiracy theorists aren't closely related to evangelists! You sure, you and Thomas aren't distant cousins or something?

Shaggy:

What's that supposed to mean?

Thomas:

Yeah, what's that supposed to mean?

Ray:

You know how you both feel like you found "the truth" and you think that's the only way, that's how it is, and you insist that everyone has to believe or, I don't know, die.

Thomas:

That's not what I'm saying---

Ray:

Its just that everyone believes what they want to believe, what's true to them, right? And, why must it be this struggle between ourselves? You know, in the words of Rodney King, why can't we all just get along?

Thomas:

Its not like I'm not.  I'm just trying to help...

Ray:

I know, Thomas.  We all know.

Deborah:

So, your research, Shaggy?

Shaggy:

You sure you want to hear it? You want to be proseltyzed?

Deborah:

I've done the church thing before, so maybe I oughta try this.

Thomas:

You go to church too!

Deborah:

Not really, just with my family, you know, when the grandparents visit.

Thomas:

Really? What'd you think?

Ray:

God, Thomas, never thought you'd be one of those types, a CIA!

Thomas:

CIA?

Shaggy and James:

CIA?

Ray:

Yeah, Christian In Action!

Shaggy:

Back to my discoveries, if you may. See, Deborah, its all ties back to the Illumati or the Rothschilds, an elite banking family that rose to power in the turn of the first century and quickly began spreading out its branches into all sorts of different aspects of society, mainly, the major world governments. Yes, including the CIA, not like Thomas though. They founded the federal reserve after they constructed the crash of the stock market that brought about the great depression, they offered the way out, the president accepted, well, he had no choice, really. They constructed evidence against him to destroy him, if he didn't. He had to comply. Since then, the presidency is just puppetry and pagentry, a cover for the Illumati, the real power in control.

Deborah:

Wait a minute, you believe all this?

Shaggy:

Well, not believe, know. The evidence is clear.

Deborah:

Okay...

Shaggy:

If I may continue...Since then, they've been working behind the scenes, orchestrating world events to bring about the downfall of the masses and their eventual reign. Like 9-11--

Thomas:

9-11?

Shaggy:

Yeah, it was an inside job. You want to see?

He gets up and heads back towards computer. Thomas and Ray follow, reluctantly. James sits, staring into space, motionless.

Deborah:

You okay, James?

He looks up.

James:

Just thinking.

Deborah:

About?

James:

It just brings back, flashbacks, I guess.

Deborah:

Flashbacks?

James:

When I lived in New Orleans---

Deborah:

Really? When was that?

James:

My first wife and I lived there for awhile, I got a job there. About two years ago.

Deborah:

Oh, okay.

James:

And, there was an office of the CIA set up in that town.

Deborah:

Really? Christians in Action?

James:

No. Do you know about them? Shaggy didn't even touch them. They conduct experiments on the general public, mind control. I have proof, they did it to me.

Deborah:

What?

James:

It started simply. I noticed blue cars, always blue, unmarked, following me wherever I went. Then, I started having dreams but they weren't dreams, you know, I don't think so. I was in some sort of room, on an examination table, and they inserted something in my brain. Since then, I've had this terrible ringing. My ex-wife, she woke up one morning with a bloody nose, metallic object fell out of it. Then, she started saying that never happened. And, then she started telling my friends she wanted to have me committed. That's when she went to "their side."

Deborah:

What? James, are you okay?

James shakes himself.

James:

Yeah. Sorry, flashbacks.

Deborah:

Have you told anyone about this? A doctor?

James:

Who would believe me? They'd lock me up, call it "schizophrenia." Just to hide it.

Deborah:

But you can't keep this inside--

James:

Who can I tell?

Deborah:

Well, to start with, me. I'll listen. I'll try to help.

James:

Really? What if---

Deborah:

What if, what?

James:

Well, you and Matt--

Deborah:

Well, I'm your friend.

James:

You are so sweet. Thank you.

He reaches for her hand, she takes it as lights fade out.

Cafe Girl: A Story of Coffee, Sex, Cigarettes, & True Love

Thank You By Dido

Act Two, Scene Three


Lights show the end of the day, early evening as the rise on cafe. Matthew is busy closing up shop, putting chairs up on tables, vacuuming (miming with real vacuum but silent, the audience will get the idea, one beat and Deborah enters, knocking on the door. Matthew doesn't hear for a moment, so she knocks louder, yelling his name over the din. Then finally she enters, crosses to him, touches him on the shoulder. He turns, startled.

Deborah:

Hi.

Matthew:

Good to see you!

Deborah:

(entering, looking around)

Closing for the day?

Matthew:

Doesn't it look like it?

Deborah:

Need any help?

Matthew:

No. But thank you. I just need to put this away.

(gestures towards vacuum)

And, then how about a walk?

Deborah:

It looks like snow?

Matthew:

First snows are the best times for walks.

(He smiles, she returns the smile)

Let me just--

(He moves to vacuum, placed where ever the director wants him, makes a show of rolling up cord, and dragging vacuum cleaner up stage to kitchen, exits, Deborah looks around, then Matthew re-enters).

All ready?

Deborah:

Yeah. Its so cozy here.

Matthew:

Yeah, I like it too. Its just a shame that--

Deborah:

What?

Matthew:

Business is slow, is all.

(She nods understandingly)

Ready? I know a great place.

Deborah:

Okay.

(They exit through door, Matthew locks it, lights fade on coffee shop as they slowly cross left across stage.)

Just beginning to snow. Its so beautiful.

(Does a ballet-type spin, stops, embarrassed.)

Sorry.

Matthew:

Why?

Deborah:

I just...

Matthew:

It was beautiful.

(She pulls coat closer to her, sticks hands in pockets, no gloves, pulls up hood.)

Hands cold?

(takes gloves out of his pocket.)

Hear, have mine.

Deborah:

But you need them....

(he pushes them towards her)....

Matthew:

Please, I insist. I'm used to it anyway.

Deborah:

Wait, I have a better idea.

(She hands him one, they put gloves on free hands and hold the bare hands, begin walk.)

Matthew:

Wow. Good plan.

Deborah:

You were telling me, on the phone, about your last girl-friend?

Matthew:

Yeah. Not much more to say. She cheated on me, with the whole town, you know. Girls and guys. So, its just messed up. I had the engagement ring ready and everything.

(He takes a few steps in front of her then turns)

You?

Deborah:

Me?

Matthew:

Your ex?

Deborah:

Oh, he was a real slob, drank too much, smoked too much, never completed anything. Lived with me without paying rent or anything...a big mooch. Lame.

Matthew:

Yeah. Looks like we've both been through the ringer!

(They walk a little.)

Deborah:

Yeah.

(They walk in silence. She pulls out hand, turns away.)

Kind of makes you wonder why you do it.

Matthew:

(He takes her hand in his, looks at her.)

It'll be all right. This time.

Deborah:

How do you know?

Matthew:

( He studies her, shakes his head.)

Because, you're all right, yourself, Debi.

Deborah:

Eh, don't call me that. I like Deborah, or even, Deb.

Matthew:

Well, then you're all right, yourself, Deborah.

(thinks)

What about Rah?

Deborah:

What about what?

Matthew:

DeboRAH!

Deborah:

(laughs)

What should I call you then, Hew? Or?

Matthew:

Just Matt. My mom calls me Matthew when she's mad at me.

(mimics mom)

Matthew William Downey!

(They both laugh.)

Deborah:

Sounds familiar!

(mimics mom)

Deborah Ruth Seller!

(silence.)

Where are we going?

Matthew:

You'll see. But, first a little detour, okay?

Deborah:

Do I have a choice?

(laughs)

Matthew:

Sure, you always have a choice, Deborah.

(Matthew crosses downstage center, where stands statue of a donkey.)

Few years ago, my friends and I randomly discovered this. Don't know who made it or even why its here? But, anyways, we started "feeding" it.

Deborah:

What?

Matthew:

It likes this, five nickels. Only five nickels.

Deborah:

Why "five nickels"?

Matthew:

See, they fit perfectly in his mouth. Look.

(He inserts nickels and gestures to them.)

Deborah:

Yeah, I see. So, five nickels?

Matthew:

Yep, five nickels!

Deborah:

Not quarters, pennies, dimes?

Matthew:

No, five nickels, only five nickels. Mr. Donkey here knows what he likes.

(They both laugh, grab hands, continue walking.)

Matthew:

So, you mentioned you finished school? Congratulations!

Deborah:

Thank you.

Matthew:

So, what's next?

Deborah:

Not sure yet. I mean, maybe more school to get a real degree. Seems like nowadays a bachelors doesn't mean much. A professor told me a bachelors is like a high school diploma these days...so what did I just do with four, no, five years of my life? I don't know. I don't want to live my life doing the 9-5, you know, going to work, coming home, paying the bills, feeding the kids, the house, the car. It all seems so pointless. There must be something more, you know?

Matthew:

Yeah, I know what you mean.

Deborah:

What do you want to do?

Matthew:

I don't know yet.

Deborah:

Work in the coffee shop?

Matthew:

Probably not.

(after a moment)

My parents want me to go into the family business, but I don't know. Thought about being a pilot once.

Deborah:

Really?

Matthew:

Yeah, took some lessons just had to finish the final before I got my initial license.

Deborah:

Can you fly?

Matthew:

Sort of. I'll take you up sometime, anywhere you want to go.

Deborah:

Anywhere? I've always wanted to go to Mexico.

Matthew:

Then, we'll go.

Deborah:

Right on! But seriously, you should just do what you love. That's what everyone says, do what you love.

Matthew:

Yeah, what do you love?

(She looks at him, smiles.)

Deborah:

Dancing, yeah. I love it. Unfortunately, according to my parents, you can't make money at that. But, I don't know, I just...when I dance, I feel free. Guess that's why I love it.

(Silence.)

So, where are we going?

Matthew:

Almost there, just a little climb.

(They walk hand in hand down stage left, there can be a small boulder big enough for them to stand on together to show overlook.)

Matthew:

This is what I wanted to show you.

Deborah:

(staring, transfixed.)

Its so beautiful.

Matthew:

Right?

(They stare together in silence, song plays softly.)

Deborah:

Thank you, for bringing me here.

(She turns to him and he to her. They look into each others eyes for a moment, then slowly, awkwardly lean in, and kiss.)

I think this is the start of a very special relationship.

(They kiss again, lights fade.)

Deborah:

(in blackout)

Once upon a time we all walked on the golden road. It was a fair highway, through the Land of Lost Delight; shadow and sunshine were blessedly mingled, and every turn and dip revealed a fresh charm and a new loveliness to eager hearts and unspoiled eyes.

Act Two, Scene Three

The bar scene, down stage right, Deborah and Matthew enter hand in hand, crossing up to table and chairs where James, Shaggy, Ray, Thomas sit with drinks. They are enthralled in a game of Go. As the two approach, they look up and all yell: Matthew.)

Matthew:

Hey, guys. This is Deborah. Deborah, this is

(gesturing to each)

Shaggy, Ray, Thomas, and James.

(All nod, Deborah looks at James. One beat.)

Deborah:

Hi.

James:

Hello.

(Matthew sits in chair down stage left, next to Shaggy. He takes Deborah onto his lap. Jame sits directly across from them, Thomas and Ray are next to each other, facing audience.)

Matthew:

(to Deborah)

So, Thomas, you know. And, he and this girl, Maggie, they used to be together, but not now. And, Thomas just converted to mormonism, so that's even weirder because we think he and Ray...He tried to get Maggie to convert, then Ray before...I mean, so yeah, just weird all around.  You know? And, that's Shaggy.

Deborah:

Shaggy? Strange name.

Shaggy:

(overhearing)

That's not my real name.

Matthew:

After the Scooby Doo character, looks like him.

Deborah:

What's your real name?

Shaggy:

Not Shaggy.

Deborah:

Mysterious. So, what are you guys playing?

James:

Go.

Deborah:

What? I just got here--

Matthew:

No, its the name of the game, Go.

Deborah:

  How do you play?

Shaggy:

Not really hard.  Kind of like checkers, try to get your pieces to the other side of the board, capturing your opponents.  Wanna play next game?

Deborah:

Okay.

Thomas:

Seen you at the coffee shop, sometimes, Deborah.

Matthew:

Thomas works there too, sometimes.

Deborah:

I see. So, what's with the name, 'End of The Universe' Cafe? I like it but where'd that come from?

Ray:

42!

Matthew:

Sounds esoteric, right? But, ever heard of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series?

Deborah:

Just reading it, right now.

Matthew:

Yeah well, you'll see, based on that.

Shaggy:

You know, there is documented evidence that says Adams reasoning for Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and further books were proof of the Illumati's power and influence in earth's impending destruction.

Ray:

Yeah, like 42?

Matthew:

(whispering to Deborah)

He's kind of crazy, that one.

(to the group)

Hey, Deborah, what does Ray remind you of?

Deborah:

(looking at him, they all stop and watch her amusedly)

I...don't...know.

(Ray has on a snowcap, pointed upwards, red nose, long face)

Matthew:

Give you a hint, lawn gnome?

Deborah:

Oh my god, yeah.

(They all laugh.)

Ray:

King of the lawn gnomes, they call me!

James:

That true, Shaggy? About Hitchhiker's?

Shaggy:

Oh yeah, man. There is tons of documented evidence on the internet about the Illumati's hunger for power and how they infiltrate all sorts of different media, art, what have you to influence and exercise their control. I'll show you sometime.

(finishing drink and getting up)

Matthew, you guys want something?

Matthew:

(bringing out wallet and handing some money)

Two guinesses? That all right?

Deborah:

Yeah sure, thanks.

Thomas:

I'll come too.

(Thomas and Shaggy exit upstage right, Deborah and Matthew kiss.)

Matthew:

(takes off fedora and places it on her head.)

Here. Looks good, why does everyone look better in my hat than I do?

(They kiss, James studies them.)

James:

Are you guys being cute?

Deborah:

(looks at James, unafraid)

Do you think we are being cute?

(James blushes, and nods, their eyes meet, Deborah looks at Matthew, then back at James, one beat.)

So, who are you, James?

James:

I am me.

Deborah:

What do you do?

James:

This and that.

Deborah:

Oh, I see, another mystery man.

James:

Computer programmer, sometimes. You?

Deborah:

Trying to figure that out, I guess. Just finished college, joining the ranks of the real world. Guess this is it?

(gestures all around, Thomas and Shaggy return with drinks.)

Thomas:

Real world? You could try...church?

Matthew:

Church?

(smirks)

Deborah:

Eh, no thanks, Thomas, I'm okay.

Thomas:

Well, if you change your mind--

Ray:

Cut it out, Ray.

Thomas:

Well,I...Don't worry, I'm not one of those Christians, I think, anyways.  Sorry, Deborah, I didn't mean--

Deborah:

Its okay, really.  We're all just trying to figure things out, the meaning of life--

Ray:

42.  The answer to life, the universe, and everything.

Deborah:

Something like that, yeah.

James:

I used to go to church, when I was a kid.

Deborah:

Yeah? What happened?

James:

Hypocricy, that's what happened. So, if Thomas can't convert you, then maybe, we will?

Deborah:

Excuse me?

(looks at James, then Matthew)

Maybe. Just maybe.

(thinks, looks at drink)

You know, never actually had guiness.

Shaggy:

Where have you been?

James:

Well, then I guess your indoctrination starts with this?

Deborah:

Huh, what? It's not like I'm a stranger to alcohol..

Matthew:

Not guiness. Come on, drink.

All chant:

Drink, drink, drink.

(Deborah takes a drink)

One of us, one of us, one of us.

Thomas:

(after a moment)

Crap, Maggie's here.

Ray:

Shit!

(drains drink.)

We got to get out of here!

(Thomas and Ray get up.)

Shaggy:

I'm with you.  I don't want to deal with her.

(He drains drink, James gets up too.)

James:

You comin with, Matt?

(Matt looks from James to Deborah.)

Matthew:

Um, no.  I think it'll be fine.  I'll catch up with you guys later.  Where you going to be?

Shaggy:

I don't know, the usual.  Out haunting! See ya.

(Thomas, Ray, James, and Shaggy exit.)

Deborah:

So, what's wrong with Maggie?

Matthew: Eh, she's...all right.  Just awkward because she and Thomas...you know, like I said.


(Maggie enters and crosses to Matthew and Deborah.)

Maggie:

You seen Thomas around?

Deborah:

Um?

Matthew:

You know, he left awhile ago.

Maggie:

Know where he went?

Matthew:

Couldn't tell you that!

Maggie:

Oh, okay.

(She collapses into chair.)

Matthew:

Think we need another drink?

Deborah:

Sure.

Matthew:

You want anything, Maggie?

(Maggie shakes her head no. Matthew gets up and exits.)

Maggie:

So, you guys are?

Deborah:

Yeah, I guess we are.  We just met, really.

Maggie:

Oh, I see.

Deborah:

You okay?

Maggie:

Not really, actually.

Deborah:

Sorry.

Maggie:

Not your fault. Just confused is all.  But, that's life, I guess.

Deborah:

You love him?

Maggie:

Not sure, really.  What is love, after all? Two people coming together...my mother always tells me, "Maggie, sometimes you fall in love at first sight, sometimes it takes awhile."

Deborah:

Smart lady.

Maggie:

So, what do you do?

Deborah:

Teach, sort of.  Well, day care.

Maggie:

But, what do you really want to do?

Deborah:

Um, dance, I guess.  You?

Maggie:

I love dancing. We should go out sometime.

Deborah:

Maybe I could teach you a few things!

(Lights fade. The boys are seen drunkenly by the donkey,mime laughter, mirth while "feeding donkey", when they finish, lights fade and in darkness we hear Deborah.)

Deborah:

On that road we heard the song of morning stars; we drank in fragrances aerial and sweet as a May mist; we were rich in gossamer fancies and iris hopes; our hearts sought and found the boon of dreams; the years waited beyond and they were very fair; life was a rose-lipped comrade with purple flowers dripping from her fingers.

Cafe Girl: A Story of Coffee, Sex, Cigarettes, & True Love

Act One, Scene Seven

(James is in his apartment, frantically looking around, he's got a backpack and he's stuffing it with random articles, clothing, books, food, etc, Deborah enters through front door and stands watching for a minute.)

Deborah:

Hello.

James:

Hi.

(points to kitchen)

There's a note on the counter. We're through. (Deborah crosses to counter, reads note, looks at him)

Deborah:

James, let's sit down and talk.

(motions to couch)

James:

Talk? We've talked enough. We're through. I have to get out of here, Away from you. For my own safety.

Deborah:

Why? What have I done?

James:

(approaching her, backing her onto couch and leaning over her)

If you don't know by now, you're even more clueless than I thought.

(holds fist in her face)

You see this mark? You did this, when I was asleep, had them come in, put a chip in me.

Deborah:

Who? What? Why?

James:

Just like in New Orleans, its happening again...

(grabs head)

The buzzing.  The buzzing. Why are you lying to me? I know the truth now, Deborah. You are one of them.

Deborah:

I'm not. Remember, the cafe. End of the Universe. Its me.

(James moves to coffee table, picks it up and dumps it over, storms downstage, Deborah follows him and stands beside him, he doesn't look at her.)

James, calm down, you are not yourself...I know you.

(There is a knock at the door. Deborah moves to answer. James stops her.)

James:

If you really knew me, you wouldn't have done what you did.

Deborah:

I have to get the door--

(James grabs her arm. Knock again.)

James:

This is the end. All my friends see it, you're crazy---

Deborah:

What friends?

(Another knock, then door opens, Matthew, Shaggy, Ray, and Thomas stand in doorway, holding beer.  Neither James nor Deborah notice them.)

James:

Our friends, Matthew, Shaggy, all of them. They are so done with you.

(He faces audience.)

Deborah:

That can't be.

(She steps in front of him.)

James:

Its true. They are done with you, they don't believe in...fairy tales anymore. End of the Universe is over. Its over. We're over.

(after a moment)

We are through.

(He backs her up, but she trips and falls on the ground.)

Deborah:

James!

James:

YOU HEAR ME! WE'RE THROUGH. I'M DONE, WE'RE DONE.

(He holds up a fist in front of her, as if daring her to stop him, when she does nothing, he grabs a nearby chair, picks it up gets ready to throw it, but M, S, T, & R run over and pull him back.)

WE'RE DONE!

(M,S,T,&R hold James back.)

Deborah:

((quietly) )

Go.

James:

What?

Deborah:

Go, just go, then. You're...sick. You're not...yourself. There is nothing...I can't help you. This isn't working.

(She falls to the ground.)

James:

(breaks away)

Now you see.

Deborah:

You're sick, you know that.

(Matthew steps between Deborah and James, trying to stop him.)

James:

You're sick.

(to Matthew)

She's sick.

Matthew:

James!

Deborah:

(getting up and grabbing his backpack)

Go, just go. Go now, please. GO!!! JUST GO!!!!

(James looks at her, turns, opens door, slams his fist, and leaves, silence.  She sits on the ground, motionless.)

Matthew:

(crossing to her)

Deb?

Deborah:

(sitting on bed)

Matthew? He's gone.

Matthew:

I saw.

Deborah:

I...I...I...did it. I..kicked him out.

Matthew:

I know.

(He helps her stand and walks her over to the bed, sits with her.)

Shaggy:

Where do you think he's gone?

Deborah:

I...don't know.

Shaggy:

We should go after him.  Make sure he's safe.

Deborah:

Yes please, do that.

(Ray crosses to her and hands her a beer.)

Ray:

Here.  Looks like you might need this.

Deborah:

(takes it, but doesn't open it.)

Thanks.

Shaggy:

Come on.

(motions to M, T, R).

Deborah:

Matthew, can you...stay?

Matthew:

Yeah.

(turns to Shaggy)

Call me when you find out--

Deborah:

Guys?

(M,S,T,&R turn toward her.  Silence as she takes them in.)

Just wanted to say...Thank you.

Shaggy:

Yeah, well, you're one of us, right? Come on, guys.

(S,T,&R exit. Matthew crosses down to Deborah.)

Matthew:

How are you?

Deborah:

He said, you told him to leave me. He said you were on his side---

Matthew:

Well, no.  You can see that...I just said you guys should give each other space, that's all.

Deborah:

I did give him space. I did...I tried...

Matthew:

I know, I know.  Not your fault.

Deborah:

Now what?

Matthew:

What can I do?

Deborah:

Just make me feel...just sit here with me, okay?

Matthew:

(after a moment)

Remember...remember the first time we met? At the cafe? It was late, the end of the day, you came in wanting---

Deborah:

Coffee for my room-mate. You sold me moka java, your favorite. And, I said...nice to meet you.

Matthew:

So did I.

Deborah:

Yeah.  Then later I said, something like, I think this is going to be an interesting relationship.

Matthew:

And it was, it is. That was the night of the first snow, right?

Deborah:

Yeah, it was beautiful. All those walks we took.  They were all like that.

Matthew:

I took you to that look out.

Deborah:

Yes.  It was--

Matthew:

Yeah. It still is.

Deborah:

We should go there again sometime.

Matthew:

Yeah.

(silence, motions to her beer.)

May I?

(She hands it to him, he opens it and takes a swig, hands it to her.  She sips, hands it back.)

Deborah:

It's like Shaggy used to always say--

Matthew:

The government is out to get you.

Deborah:

No, no, no, not that.  Please not that. No, the other thing--

Matthew:

Never give up--

Deborah:

the fight.  Yeah, that's right. I never really understood that.  And, how he was always singing "Damn it used to be a gangster" like everywhere we went.

(They both laugh.)

You know, what is his real name anyway?

Matthew:

(laughing)

Oh, that's classified information. (zips mouth.)

Deborah:

So, what now, Matthew?

Matthew:

I don't know.  Maybe we take down the governmen--

(cringes)

Sorry.

Deborah:

You ever finish your pilot's license testing?

Matthew:

Yep, I can fly.

Deborah:

Really? You always said you would take me up.

Matthew:

You were always...busy.

(Silence, they sip beer.)

We can now.  We can go anywhere.  I've always wanted to see so many places, you know, like New Orleans--

Deborah:

No, not New Orleans.  Never New Orleans.

(silence.)

You said you'd take me to Mexico, is that still all right?

Matthew:

Yeah, sure. We can do that.

(Deborah leans against him.)

Deborah:

You know, I love you, right?

Matthew:

You're all right yourself.

Deborah:

You always used to say that, but I get it now. I know what you're really saying.

Matthew:

It's true.

(His phone rings. He stands, pulls it out of pocket, answers.)

Hello?

(listens.)

God, no.

(listens.)

Okay, um, just call me when you find out more.  Thanks.

(hangs up.)

Deborah:

What is it?

Matthew:

(after a moment, sits.)

It was Shaggy.  They found James.  He wasn't himself, you know, he was in the street and a truck hit him, like a semi or something.  Ambulance came and--

(Deborah screams, Matthew grabs her.)

Matthew:

I've got you.  I've got you.

(He strokes her hair as she sobs.) L

Lights fade.  End of Act One.

Falling In Love at a Coffee Shop

Cafe Girl: A Story of Coffee, Sex, Cigarettes, & True Love

Don't Speak

Act One, Scene Four

( (Downstage right, at the Bear, Matthew, Maggie, and Deborah sit together.))


Matthew:

So, what happened? You called at like the crack of dawn this morning?

((Deborah is silent, sits staring)

What's going on?

Deborah:

He left, last night late. I don't know where he is.

Maggie:

What? James, who?

Matthew:

What happened?

Deborah:

He was angry. He gets that way, sometimes. But, its getting worse. Sometimes its good, then its not. I never know when...I walk on eggshells, even when its good. Its not like I remember him.

Matthew:

Did you do anything?

Deborah:

I don't know, I don't know. He says the strangest things. Have you ever seen anything with him?

Maggie:

Honestly, yeah, I have. He hasn't been the same for awhile. But, then I thought he's always been a little, different.

Deborah:

He gets really angry at me, for little things....

Matthew:

Has he ever, you know, hurt you?

Deborah:

No, but he's thrown things at me...

Matthew:

Did they hit you?

Deborah:

( (pulling up leg and revealing bruise)

Yeah...

Maggie:

Oh my...

Matthew:

Wow.

Deborah:

What do I do now? What do I do? Its like Madonna sang in Evita, "What do I do for our dreams to survive?" What do I do? Tell me, please, because I don't know anymore.

Maggie:

You keep fighting.

Deborah:

Fighting? For what? There's nothing left of me, in me. What am I fighting for? Really, I don't know. For us? Its in the past, I see that now. You can't reclaim what once was...I wish we could go back to...the golden road, the good times. But, who am I fighting for now? What am I fighting for?

Matthew:

Deborah, I don't know what to say.

Maggie:

For yourself.  You fight for you, the only person that matters.

Deborah:

Yeah, yeah, fight. Never give up.  Whatever.

((Maggie reaches for her hand,takes it, lights fade. Lights fade in again to Matthew, at the Bear, now sitting with James, Shaggy, Ray, and Thomas.))

Shaggy:

((to Ray and Thomas))

Hey guys, how long you in town?

Ray:

Just for a few days. Got to pick up some more, um, supplies.

Thomas:

Supplies?

Ray:

You know, food, water, clothes, camping stuff, and you know, beer.

( (All laugh.))

Shaggy:

How's the wife and kids, Thomas?

Thomas:

Kids are fine.  But wife is...no more.

((looks at Ray. He holds up empty ring finger.))

Its like this.

Shaggy:

Oh shit I am sorry to hear that.

Thomas:

How's school, Shaggy?

Shaggy:

Oh, you know, going all right. One more year to go. Got a full-time job with NASA lined up once I get down. And the girl, of course, she wants to get married, then.

Thomas:

Well, it ain't all what its cracked up to be, marriage, that is.

James:

Hear, hear.

Thomas:

But, it ain't all that bad either, really.

James:

You're working for NASA?

Shaggy:

Yeah, isn't that ironic?

James:

But, don't you know about them? Don't you remember what you used to tell us?

Shaggy:

Oh well, now that I see it from the inside, it really isn't like that--

James:

But, the evidence---

Shaggy:

Is not really that important anymore. If you want to make a difference, you've got to get in the trenches, you know the inside out kinda thing, you got to stop believing in theories in order to fight--

James:

Really?

Shaggy:

In order to find the truth, not just theories, that is.  You can't live your life afraid, running away all the time.  You gotta get in there, and well, fight at some point.

Matthew:

Never give up the fight, right, Shaggy?

James:

I just can't believe it, man.

Shaggy:

How are things with you and Deborah, James?

James:

She is...crazy.

Shaggy:

Well, we all knew that but Deborah was, she was Deborah, you know, sweet.

James:

You don't know her like I do.

Shaggy:

Yeah, but that was always the case---

James:

Its not that, you just don't know.

Shaggy:

Um, okay, man, just calm down.

Matthew:

James, relationships are hard. You guys just need to take space is all---

James:

Space? Right, like that'll happen.

Matthew:

So, where is she...right now?

((James shrugs.))

Matthew:

You don't know, do you? So, proves my point that---

James:

That what? You on her side?

Matthew:

She'd give you space, is all. If you wanted.

James:

You don't know her like I do, is all.

Shaggy:

What has she exactly done? I want to know.

James:

You on her side?

Shaggy:

I'm not on anyone's side, but I just want to know--

James:

She come to you---

Matthew:

Yeah, Maggie and I talked to her--

James:

Listen.  I've tried to have patience with her but she just doesn't listen, you know.  I've tried to help her, to understand.  I swear I've lost so much weight because she can't really cook.  Its better if I just don't eat rather than die of poisoning or something..

Thomas:

Now, hold on--

James:

Even accidentally! I'm telling you, she's not all there.  Not like she was back in the day. She takes meds now, you know, from a psychiatrist. They've messed her up.  She's like one of them now.

Shaggy:

No, she's one of us.

((chants) )

One of us. One of us. One of us. (laughs) Come on, man,don't be crazy, you can't possibly believe that Deborah would do anything to hurt---

James:

((getting up))

You don't know her like I do!

((He exits, silence.))

Thomas:

What just happened? What is going on?

Shaggy:

Something isn't right there, man, not at all.

Matthew:

Yeah, I know, I know.

Shaggy:

Should we do something?

Matthew:

Like what?

Ray:

Have you talked to her?

Matthew:

A little.

Ray:

And?

Matthew:

She doesn't know what to do either. I'm trying to stay neutral, you know, but...I don't know.

Ray:

Why don't we go over there, then? You know, get some beer, play go, like old times?

(Lights fade out.)

Cafe-Girl: The Story of Coffee, Sex, Cigarettes, & True Love

Act Two, Scene Three

( (Down stage left, there is a small "apartment" set up for Matthew, with Maggie and Shaggy, all sit drinking beers. Behind them, in semi-darkness, the platform is set up as James and Deborah's future apartment.))


Matthew:

Yeah, Ray, well, he's still up at the commune, living well, I guess. Thomas goes to see him, which is, interesting. And, Thomas got married, had a kid, divorced. Now, he's with another girl, I think this is the third marriage he's had.

Shaggy:

And, what about James?

Maggie:

He and Deborah, you know, she's back in town. They moved in together, have an apartment over on B Street, got engaged even, as far as I know, its going well.

(Lights up on platform, where James and Deborah's apartment is set up. Downstage left on platform, there is a single bed, upstage of that, living room area,where the counter was, to the right of that is the kitchen, directly behind that, is the door to the bathroom, the front door is down right of kitchen. Lights up on James in kitchen, as the lights come up we hear a crash, as if a dish has been broken, Deborah enters kitchen.)

Deborah:

James? Oh my god!

James:

Why don't you do the dishes? The sink is too full, I can't even find my dish in there.

Deborah:

So get another one out of the cupboard---

James:

That's wasteful, can't you be more practical?

Deborah:

James, please calm down, please. Those aren't just my dishes...

(James punches wall.)

I can't do everything--

(James hits wall again, picks up dish from dishrack)

James:

Look at this, does this look clean to you?

Deborah:

Yeah...

James:

(turns it over)

Look at this spot, Deborah, PAY ATTENTION!

Deborah:

James...

(James throws plate on ground)

((Lights up on down stage left, in Matthew's apartment))


Maggie:

Its kind of cool, really. How they met at "End of the Universe", fell in love, didn't work out, but then found each other again many years later...its so romantic, like a fairy-tale.

((Lights fade out on them and in on James and Deborah, sitting in the living room, having dinner.))


James:

This isn't cooked all the way.

Deborah:

I cooked it for over an hour.

James:

Its not done. What are you trying to poison me? What are you trying to kill me? You're trying to kill me, aren't you?

Deborah:

No, James, of course not.

James:

(leaning over her)

What do I have to do to get you to pay attention?

Deborah:

Who...are...you?

James:

(getting up)

I have to get out of here, for my own safety. Do you hear that buzzing? In the apartment? Its bugged, I know it is. They are listening to us.

Deborah:

What...Who is?

James:

I know its there. I can sense these things on a higher plane than others.

Deborah:

James, you're...paranoid. No one--

James:

You are one of them, aren't you?

Deborah:

No, no, James, I'm not.

(James starts throwing things in a blind rage, picks up coffee table throws it, dishes from dinner shatter)

JAMES!!

James:

(mostly to himself)

Got to get out of here, for my own safety.

(holds head)

The buzzing, its in my head. I knew they got to me years back, in New Orleans, stuck a metal recording device in my head.

Deborah:

New Orleans, what?

James:

A few years back, we lived there, me and the first wife.  And, they found me there, got a hold of me, followed me everywhere, the black helicopters, drugged me, used me for...experiments.  Ahhhhhh!  Got to get out of here!

(heads toward door, Deborah runs and stands in the way)

Get out of my way.

(She shakes her head.)

Deborah:

No, you can't leave. You're not safe---

James:

GET OUT OF MY WAY!

(He pushes her to the ground.)

Bye, Bitch!

(runs off stage right.)

(Black out)

Again and Again

Cafe-Girl: A Story of Coffee, Sex, Cigarettes & True Love

The Story of My Life

ACT I

Scene 1

Act One, Scene One Blank stage, with platform where cafe was. Deborah enters from stage right and walks around platform. She pulls book out of backpack, begins reading and walking around platform, deep in thought.

Deborah:

((reading) )

The light wraps you in its mortal flame. Abstracted pale mourner, standing that way against the old propellers of the twilight that revolves around you.

Speechless, my friend, alone in the loneliness of this hour of the dead and filled with the lives of fire, pure heir of the ruined day.

A bough of fruit falls from the sun on your dark garment. The great roots of night grow suddenly from your soul, and the things that hide in you come out again so that a blue and palled people your newly born, takes nourishment.

Oh magnificent and fecund and magnetic slave of the circle that moves in turn through black and gold: rise, lead and possess a creation so rich in life that its flowers perish and it is full of sadness.

(James entering from stage left, as if walking by, then suddenly stops to notice. He stares for a few minutes, waiting until she finishes)

James:

Kind of shocking, isn't it?

Deborah:

(turning)

James?

James:

(crossing to her upstage)

Yeah. How are you?

Deborah:

Good. Just got back into town.

James:

For a visit?

Deborah:

No, no. For good, this time. Maybe. You?

James:

Not sure. On my way through, maybe I'll stay.

Deborah:

What have you been up to, all these years? What has it been, six years?

James:

Yeah, I think so. Just...traveling.

Deborah:

Oh? Where to?

James:

Here and there.

(Deborah wanders around a bit.)

Got sick.

Deborah:

Oh yeah?

James:

Yeah, I had hookworm.

(Deborah stops and looks at him, suddenly.)

Yeah, then caught pneumonia, almost died.

Deborah:

(crossing to him)

Oh my god. You okay?

James:

Healing, you know. Its like Shaggy used to say, you remember?

Deborah:

Yeah, yeah I do.  Never give up the fight!  How is he by the way?

James:

I don't know, haven't seen him in awhile...

Deborah:

(turning to him)

I knew something was wrong, with you. I could feel it, I remember.

James:

Really?

Deborah:

I could feel you, when you were faraway, suddenly I'd, like, wake up from a dead sleep. We are connected, you know, cut from the same cloth, someone once said.

James:

That's right.

Deborah:

Not like I had a choice, really.

James:

So, you seeing anybody?

Deborah:

Not at the moment, no.

(looks around)

What are they going to put up here anyway?

James:

I heard some restaurant. I wonder what the restaurant next door thinks about that. Like we need another restaurant in this town.

Deborah:

Everyone needs to eat.

(after a moment)

So, you single?

James:

Yes, at present.

(They look at each other.)

Deborah:

Good. I mean, oh.

James:

Oh?

Deborah:

I didn't know what to say.

James:

I know, I get it.

Deborah:

You know, back in my home-town, it wasn't all that nice for me. I got sick too, I went through sort of a mental breakdown. Bipolar, they call me now.

James:

Sorry to hear that. I thought I had that, maybe I do. A lot of my friends have it, to some degree.

Deborah:

What do you do for it?

James:

For bipolar? Not sure if I do, but I wouldn't take any of those "pharmaceuticals!"

Deborah:

Why not? I do...

James:

Oh.

Deborah:

Oh?

James:

There are other ways, alternate ways.

Deborah:

Alternate ways?

James:

Medical marijuana. I believe in that.

Deborah:

Well, I don't know.

James:

Ever tried it.

Deborah:

Not in a very long time. Why do you think that works for you--

James:

Not think, know. And, have seen it with my friends. And, have seen documented evidence of how it helps people with bipolar and other such "issues."  And, what those "pharmaceuticals" really do to a person!

Deborah:

Oh.

James:

Oh?

Deborah:

Yeah, oh. I didn't know what to say.

James:

You see, the government, they give us these types of medicines to control us, to afflict our bodies with these chemicals, in order to bring upon our destruction. To dull our senses so we can't understand when they rise to power and take over--

Deborah:

You sound like Shaggy now!

James:

Well, maybe he was right.

Deborah:

Oh.

James:

Don't know what to say, huh?

Deborah:

Yeah, I guess. I just don't know what to think.

James:

We can talk about this more, if you'd like. Want to go somewhere?

Deborah:

Sure. Where are you staying?

James:

Um...with friends.

Deborah:

Oh.

James:

Keep saying that and your mouth will get stuck. Maybe good for me, that position.

Deborah:

What?

James:

Come on, let's go.

(Lights fade)