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

Someday You Will Be Loved

Act Two, Scene Ten

(Maggie and Matthew in cafe.)

Maggie:

So, I think I got it.  Making all the drinks is still a little scary but--

Matthew:

You'll get it.  Don't be nervous at all.

Maggie:

First day jitters that's all.

(Thomas enters.)

Maggie:

Shit.

Matthew:

Want me to get this one?

Maggie:

No, no.  I got to face it sometime.

(Thomas approaches counter, looks at Maggie, awkward silence.)

Thomas:

Hey.

Maggie:

Hi.

Thomas:

Did I see the other night, with Deborah?

Maggie:

Yeah, girls' night.

Thomas:

Yeah, yeah.

Maggie:

So, you work there?

Thomas:

Yeah.

Maggie:

You like it?

Thomas:

Yeah, it pays the bills.  The church, well, you know.

Maggie:

Yeah.

(silence.)

Thomas:

So, you work here now? How do you like it?

Maggie:

First day.

Thomas:

Well, its pretty easy.  You'll get the hang of it.  I wish I was still here sometimes.

Maggie:

Bet you do.

(silence.)

Get you anything?

Thomas:

Just a cup of coffee and one of those amazing peach pecan muffins.

Maggie:

All right.

(She pours coffee, gets muffin, sets it on the counter.  He lays some cash on the counter, takes both in hands, waits.)

Saving up money...for school.

Thomas:

School?

Maggie:

Yeah...in California.

Thomas:

Out of state. Huh?

Maggie:

Yeah. What do you think about that?

Thomas:

(after a moment)

If you need to do that...

Maggie:

Yeah, well.  I can't stick around here all my life.

Thomas:

Yeah.  Well, good luck.

(He turns and walks down to patio, sits. Ray enters slowly, nods to Thomas, then enters cafe.)

Matthew:

Hi there, Ray.  How are you?

(Ray nods at him. He sits at table down center, pulls out paper from coat pocket, unfolds it, stares at it.)

Matthew:

Need coffee?

(Ray nods. Matthew goes behind counter, grabs a cup of coffee, and brings it down to him.)

Matthew:

(handing it to him and sitting across from him.)

So, everything okay?

Ray:

Well...

(pushes paper across to him. Matthew turns it toward him, looks at it.)

Matthew:

I'm...sorry.

Ray:

Thanks.

Matthew:

So, how long do you...

Ray:

have to live? Well, there is a place up north where I can get regular treatments, should give me a few more years.

Matthew:

So, you're going to go.

Ray:

Don't have a choice, if I want to live.

Matthew:

Yeah.  Just keep in touch.

Ray:

Of course.

(Thomas gets up and crosses to them, sits.)

Thomas:

So, she works here now?

Matthew:

Yeah. So?

Thomas:

Says she's moving...for school?

Ray:

So, you gonna say something?

Thomas:

What is there to say?

Ray:

So, that's that.

Thomas:

Yeah, I guess so.

Ray:

Really? Really?

Thomas:

Yeah, really.

Ray:

Its just...

(looks at paper.)

Thomas:

What?

Ray:

You only get one chance at this, you know.

Thomas:

At what?

Ray:

Life, is all.

Thomas:

Well, well, well. Since when have you become a philosopher?

Matthew:

Hey, Thomas--

Ray:

(hesitating)

Since this.

(pushes paper towards Thomas, who looks at it.  Silence.)

Thomas:

Sorry, man.

Ray:

No worries.  So going up north for treatments and living.

Thomas:

Seems like everyone's taking off, then.

(Maggie crosses down to table, sits nearest Matthew.)

Matthew:

Not everyone.

Thomas:

What about you, man? You going to stick around here the rest of your life?

Matthew:

Hopefully, not.

Thomas:

So, what's with you and Deborah?

Matthew:

Nothing. I mean, we're done.  She called it off...

Ray:

And, you're okay with that?

Matthew:

I shouldn't be? What else can I do?

Ray:

Sometimes if you want something, you got to fight.

Matthew:

What, are you Shaggy now?

Ray:

Yeah, never give up the fight, that's right.  Life is short...

Thomas:

So, Deborah?

Matthew:

She and James are...

Thomas:

Really?

Maggie:

(after a moment)

Its been a few weeks since they got together, all seems well, I guess. But, you know, how James is, classic Leo. Passionate one moment, Fire the next.

Thomas:

I don't quite follow you.

Maggie:

Runs hot and cold that one. I just hope she doesn't end up hurt.

Thomas:

Well, the future is not in our hands.

(He finishes coffee and rises, throwing a couple dollars on table)

I got to get to work.

(Looks at Maggie, then away.)

I'll be seeing you.

(To Matthew.)

Later, man.

(Ray rises.)

Ray:

Well, I got a doctor's appointment...

(rising slowly.)

Matthew:

(rising with him.)

Take care of yourself. You know what Shaggy always says...

Ray:

Yeah, yeah I do.

Matthew:

Right, that. So, don't.

(Thomas and Ray exit, Matthew watches after them.)

(Lights fade.)

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

China

Act Two, Scene Eight

Loud dance music, lights fade into bar on stage right, Maggie and Deborah enter, all dressed up, breathless, lean against the bar.

Maggie:

(yelling, as music fades)

Can I get you anything?

Deborah:

(laughing)

You don't have to yell.

Maggie:

Sorry.  Get you anything?

Deborah:

Um, I'd love a long island.

Maggie:

Wow, girl.  You like your liquor!

Deborah:

Well, its a celebration!  Girls' Night!

Maggie:

Then I'll have one too.

(turns towards bar, notices Thomas, working behind bar, few feet away.)

Shit, look whose working tonight.

(Deborah notices.)

Deborah:

I've got this.

(Maggie hands her the money.)

Maggie:

Thanks.

(Thomas crosses down to them.)

Deborah:

Hey, Thomas.

Thomas:

Hi! How are you?

Deborah:

All right.  I didn't know you worked here.

Thomas:

Just started last week.

Deborah:

Awesome.  You like it?

Thomas:

It pays the bills.  The church isn't a big fan of it, but you know, my life. Get you anything?

Deborah:

Two long islands?

(He takes money, starts making drinks.)

Glad you're doing well.

Thomas:

Yeah, thanks.

(sets drinks on counter.)

How are you and Matt? He here?

Deborah:

No, girls' night.

(starts to motion towards Maggie then stops.)

See ya!

(She turns with drinks and she and Maggie head to table down from bar, they sit.)

Wow, close one.

Maggie:

Did he notice me?

Deborah:

I don't think so.

Maggie:

Did he say anything?

Deborah:

Not much.  Oh, just that the church doesn't really like him working here much.

Maggie:

Oh, that.  Always "the church".

Deborah:

How did he..I mean, why Mormonism?

Maggie:

His family. He was raised that way.

Deborah:

So, have you talked to him?

Maggie:

What's there to say?

Deborah:

I don't know, just closure, I guess.

Maggie:

Huh.  Isn't this supposed to be a girls' night?

Deborah:

Yeah, sorry.

(They both drink and look around.)

Besides, there's lots of fish in the sea.

(They both laugh)

Maggie:

I've been thinking of moving anyway.  For school.

Deborah:

Oh yeah, where at?

Maggie:

California, most likely. I'm thinking of getting a masters in education.

Deborah:

So you'll be a teacher?

Maggie:

Yeah. Help corrupt the next generation! You inspired me!

(They both laugh.)

Deborah:

Matthew always tells me to kick the kids.  He says 'kick them, they bounce.'

(They both laugh)

Maggie:

So, how are you two?

Deborah:

We're good, I guess.

Maggie:

Uh oh.  What's that supposed to mean?

Deborah:

Well, there's lots of fish in the sea...

Maggie:

And?

Deborah:

I'm starting to like someone else, is all.

Maggie:

Who? Do I know him?

Deborah:

Yeah, I think so...

Maggie:

Who is it?

Deborah:

(hesitating)

James...

Maggie:

Oh no.

Deborah:

Why?

Maggie:

Well...he's a dark one, that one.

Deborah:

Yeah, I guess that's why I like him.  Mysterious.

Maggie:

Yeah well. Runs hot and cold, is all.

Deborah:

How do you mean?

Maggie:

He and I had a thing, for a bit. He was all into it and then he wasn't.

Deborah:

Did you ever find out why?

Maggie:

No, he would never say.  It was just over. Kind of broke my heart, you know.

Deborah:

Oh, I'm sorry. I really am.

Maggie:

It's okay.  It was awhile ago, before me and Thomas. Thomas helped me get over him actually.

Deborah:

I see.  I don't know where this is coming from, this thing with James.  I just feel drawn to him, more and more. It just happened.

Maggie:

Just happened? Have you done anything? Told him? Matt?

Deborah:

Not really. I don't know what to do, confused.

Maggie:

Ain't love grand? Sometimes you fall in love at first sight, sometimes it takes awhile, right?

(Lights fade.)

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

Act One, Scene Six

(Thomas and Ray are alone at the table.)

Thomas:

Women!

Ray:

What's that?

Thomas:

James doesn't know how good he's got it, is all.

Ray:

Well, yeah, but what's this about "women"?

Thomas:

My wife...ex-wife...she's a real piece of work.

Ray:

Yeah?

Thomas:

Totally all up in the church, totally brainwashed.

Ray:

I thought you were--

Thomas:

Not anymore, I left...

Ray:

Really? Wow.  Why?

Thomas:

I couldn't take it anymore, couldn't be true to myself...

Ray:

Fair enough.  So, who are you, then?

Thomas:

Not someone who wants to be married...at least...

Ray:

At least?

Thomas:

((under his breath) )

To women!

Ray:

( (leaning in, then breathing out) )

I heard that.  So, you on the other team?

Thomas:

Don't know, not sure...think so.

Ray:

Well, I'm here if you need anything.

(He leans in and takes Thomas' hand.)

Thomas:

Thanks...

(pause, Thomas looks at Ray)

You doing okay? With everything?

Ray:

Still strong enough for...

(leans in and whispers in Thomas' ear, pulls back with a wink.)

Thomas:

((coughing))

They should be back soon.  We should get going.

(He looks upstage, after a moment, turns and kisses Ray, then looks away.)

Lights fade.

Let's Get It On

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.)