TANGLED UP & BROKEN
Amy Leigh McCorkle
CAST
KENDRA JEWELS–a young novelist in her early thirties who is slowly losing her mind/protégé to Wonderville world’s Matthew
MATTHEW LYONS–her therapist and eventual love interest/teacher, free thinker, dangerous to the king and queen
JACK ARANSON–prominent soap actor checked into hospital for exhaustion, charming, charismatic, and a womanizer, he is KENDRA’s portal to a whole new world, literally
KEVIN JEWELS–Kendra’s father, rebel leader
KALIAH JEWELS–Kendra’s mother, rebel spy
SETTING
Wonder Peace Psychiatric Hospital. Several rooms which include a commons area. Two personal rooms and the therapist’s office. And Wonderville, a mythical land populated by an evil king, worthless queen and brave rebels working to overthrow them. Consisting of the facade of a castle, a king’s war room, a bedroom, a prison ‘tower’ and the inside of peasant’s home.
TIME
Winter. Present day. A month’s time beginning at the start of December, ending on New Year’s Eve.
ACT I
SCENE ONE
(KENDRA JEWELS sits in the commons area disheveled and withdrawn. Her arms are crossed and she stares down at the floor. The television plays in the background. Her parents have just a paid a visit and on doctors orders, refusing to check her out. JACK ARANSON walks in, dressed in a black t-shirt and denim jeans. He takes a cigarette out and places it between his lips. He is the epitome of supersexycool.)
(JACK walks over to the television and looks at KENDRA.)
JACK
And my agent said I was a freak.
KENDRA
(looking up)
Excuse me? I am not a freak.
JACK
Oh, you most certainly are, sitting here with arms crossed, hair uncombed, and clothes all wrinkled up. All I need is a break and some smokes. You my friend are in need of some serious help.
KENDRA
One doesn’t come to to Wonder Peace Psychiatric Hospital for a ‘break’. I needed help. I’m fine now.
JACK
Is that why you’re family left you in here?
KENDRA
Watch your mouth.
JACK
Hit a nerve?
KENDRA
Go fuck yourself Mr.-I’m-A-Washed-Up-Soap-Actor.
JACK
(glaring)
It’s you who’d best watch their mouth.
KENDRA
Why? Did I hit a nerve?
(uncrossing her arms)
Don’t feel so bad, you’ll be out of here in no time, refreshed, on the wagon with a new lease on life that will last you all of sixty seconds in New York. I’m guessing that’s why you’re here. To dry out. To get clean. Until the stress starts to get to you and you slip again. It’s a vicious cycle.
JACK
You think you’ve got me pegged do you?
KENDRA
I don’t think Jack Aranson. I know.
JACK
Then try this on for size. You’re a struggling artist yourself. Probably not an actress, you’re too strange. You strike me as a writer. Yeah. That’s it. A writer. Novels. I love to read you know. I might have even read your first book, Big Blue Nation. You have good reason to be proud of that. It was excellent. But you’ve struggled since to even put two sentences together. The more time that goes by without a coherent paragraph the more you lose your grip on your reality. You could have this entire staff and your fellow freaks eating out of the palm of your hands. The way you can turn a phrase is golden. But you’re so busy drowning in whatever it is that’s got you here that you’re not allowing your imagination to take flight. And you’re alienating yourself from some who might be able to open doors for you that might otherwise be closed.
KENDRA
In other words, kiss your ass.
JACK
(lighting his cigarette, taking a draw)
When you put it that way it sounds so crass and demeaning.
KENDRA
I think that’s because it is. Now if you don’t mind I was watching the television.
(JACK turns off the t.v. and joins KENDRA on the couch.)
JACK
It’s called networking.
KENDRA
Call it what you want I am not going to be nice to someone just because they’re higher on the food chain than me. Besides, I don’t like to use people just to use them.
JACK
And why’s that?
KENDRA
I like your work. I respect your ethic when it comes to your work. But from what I read you’re a womanizing alcoholic who inspires fear, not trust, in your co-stars. It’s trial by fire. And I’ve had enough trial by fire than to engage in it again.
JACK
So it’s for purely selfish reasons that you put this wall up to keep people out.
KENDRA
(softly)
Actually, it’s to see who’s willing to climb over that wall and come find me. Because quite frankly, I don’t know where I’m at anymore.
JACK
Is that supposed to make feel sorry for you?
KENDRA
No. It’s to explain to you why being called a freak hurts me. I don’t have to be told I’m a freak or don’t fit in. I already know that. I already feel that. To the very core of me I’ve known that since I was a little girl. I wasn’t the last one picked because I always played with the boys anyway. And when it came to falling in love during high school—unrequited love isn’t the worst thing possible, being humiliated by the class bitch over that unrequited love is. I do in adulthood what I could never do completely in my school days. I escape. And for a long time I haven’t been able to escape and I think, no, I know, at this rate I will lose any sense of self I had coming in here.
JACK
How long have you been in here?
KENDRA
A month.
JACK
Can’t you just check yourself out?
KENDRA
When Mommy and Daddy foot the bill, no.
JACK
I have to know, why are you here?
KENDRA
(hesitating)
What the hell, you already think I’m a freak, right? My mom found me unconscious after taking too many of my psychiatric meds. Lovely, now you know my big secret as to why I’m such a freak.
(JACK’S gaze is intense and compassionate.)
JACK
I was wrong to call you that. We all have our secrets. It’s no secret I struggle with the booze. Narcotics are a big no no too. I have to watch what the doctors prescribe me, it was the legal pills that landed me here last time.
KENDRA
Who’s your therapist?
JACK
This time? A Matthew Lyons.
KENDRA
I’ve been through four so far. I think my belligerence is a big reason for it. But I’m a difficult match.
JACK
Matthew takes the hard cases. I’m not difficult, but I do find it easy to seduce women and seducing my therapists seem to have become a habit with me.
KENDRA
I don’t consider myself difficult.
JACK
Now I know you’re lying.
KENDRA
(laughing)
Maybe. You seem to have taken some pity on me. You’re the first person to have even bothered to try talking to me.
JACK
(lifting his foot up and putting the cigarette out on the bottom of his shoe.)
To be fair, I had to provoke you and I think there are better ways than treating a lovely, yet tangled up and broken soul like a diseased creature. I was wrong.
(He holds his hand out)
Apology accepted?
KENDRA
(She takes his hand)
Apology accepted.
(A NURSE walks in and sniffs the air.)
NURSE
Who’s been smoking?
KENDRA
I think a visitor of one of the patients came in here by mistake, I think they were puffing away.
NURSE
(Giving JACK the hairy eyeball.)
I’m watching you Mr. Aranson. Kendra, Dr. Lyons will see you now.
(They laugh as she walks out of the room.)
KENDRA
What do you know? We have something in common.
JACK
Do you know which room he’s in?
KENDRA
Nurse Busy Body will show me I’m sure.
(KENDRA stands up and smiles.)
KENDRA
See ya’ ‘round?
JACK
Count on it.
(KENDRA walks off stage.)
(Lights dim. End of Scene One.)
SCENE TWO
(DR. MATTHEW LYONS sits in his office, nose buried in a file, oodles of yellow legal pads litter his desk and the floor. His bookshelves crammed with legal journals, psychiatric manuals, and recreational reading materials—including KENDRA’S book Big Blue Nation. He is so lost in his work he doesn’t see KENDRA, who has been standing in his doorway for a few minutes now. She clears his throat, he looks up.)
(MATTHEW shuffles papers and files and smiles the smile of an intellectual, a highly intelligent, yet goofy absent minded professor he motions to the free seat next to him.)
MATTHEW
Please, Miss Jewels, sit.
KENDRA
Your office looks like mine.
MATTHEW
(smiling)
Great thinkers...
(He shuffles through his papers, closes the file he had been reading and pulls out hers, opens it and closes it again. He is all business, or what passes for business with him.)
Miss Jewels—
KENDRA
Um, you should know, if you’re going to get anywhere with me, calling me by my first name will get you much further than calling me by my hippie parents’ last name.
MATTHEW
Well then, I can see your file was right about one thing.
KENDRA
What, that I’m a trouble maker. Someone who is need of being strapped down at night?
MATTHEW
On the contrary. That you’re a wounded soul in of a little TLC. You’re angry about a lot of things, and strapping you down at night is the last thing you need.
KENDRA
Oh, and you’re just the one to give it to me?
MATTHEW
No, I’m the one who needs to show you how to give it to yourself.
KENDRA
Oh you are now are you?
MATTHEW
I’ve cracked tougher nuts than you. And from what I see you may have a tough shell, but you’re just waiting for someone to throw you a lifeline.
KENDRA
You think you know me so well then come and get me Dr. Lyons, because tougher men than you have tried and failed to touch me the way you think you can.
MATTHEW
Alright, alright. We’re getting off on the wrong foot here. Close that door. Give us a little privacy.
(KENDRA freezes to where she sits.)
MATTHEW
Alright, I’ll get it then.
(She starts to fidget. He crosses in front her, closes the door and pulls up a chair directly across from her.)
MATTHEW
You don’t like this do you?
(He leans in close with his elbows on his knees)
What about me, a bookish psychologist, intimidates you.
KENDRA
You don’t intimidate me.
MATTHEW
No? Then how come you’re trembling?
(Clasping her hands together, she wills them to stop moving. MATTHEW reaches out and takes them in his own.)
MATTHEW
(softly)
You don’t have to be scared of me. I’m not like the others in your life.
KENDRA
You lie. You read my chart and you just see a crazy person. You see a diagnosis. Another notch on your career belt. Hey I cured the novelist at Wonder Peace Psychiatric Hospital.
MATTHEW
The others either couldn’t understand or didn’t want to understand. They were just punching their time card. I’m not like that. I’m in it for the long haul.
KENDRA
That’s what they all say.
MATTHEW
Your parents—
(KENDRA pulls away violently, standing up.)
KENDRA
My parents are a joke. They pretend to love me then drop me off here. Wanna know how many times they’ve come to visit me since they dropped me off?
MATTHEW
I know, but—
KENDRA
But what? I’m hard to take? To swallow? To accept? Get in line. I can’t stand myself anymore than anyone else can.
MATTHEW
(clearing his throat)
Sit back down.
(KENDRA walks over to the edge of the stage and stares out a an unseen window.)
KENDRA
I know you think you’ve got my number, but it’s like I was telling Jack in the commons area, I’m not sure even I have my number.
(MATTHEW walks up behind her.)
KENDRA
It’s so beautiful out there. All snowy and white. Peaceful.
(She turns around and faces him.)
Are you going to give me that back?
MATTHEW
It’s not something as guaranteeing that if you mix the ingredients and bake at 350 degrees that it will come out the same for everybody at the same time. But if you can trust me, and do the work, then yeah, you can get there.
KENDRA
Can you get me there by Christmas?
(MATTHEW quickly turns away and walks back to his desk, and begins shuffling through his papers.)
MATTHEW
I’ve seen worse cases.
KENDRA
Yeah? Like who?
MATTHEW
I don’t know...the Grinch?
(Grabbing a blank sheet of legal pad paper, KENDRA wads it up and hurls it at MATTHEW’S head and starts laughing.)
KENDRA
You little shit.
MATTHEW
(grinning)
Watch the hair now. It’s insured you know.
KENDRA
The hair? That crazy, I’m as absent minded as I appear hatchet job you’ve got going on is actually insured?
MATTHEW
As sharp as a knife in person with those similes as you are in your book.
KENDRA
You make the second person who’s read my book around here.
MATTHEW
I had to. As soon as I found out you would be one of my clients I thought I should educate myself on what makes them tick.
KENDRA
And you know what? That I’m a writer? Fat lotta good that does you.
MATTHEW
Your style reveals quite a bit. Plus you mentioned to one of your therapists before me you felt blocked and it was making you feel like you would never write again.
KENDRA
So, every writer feels that way at some point or another.
MATTHEW
But not you. You’re always writing. And when that psychologist didn’t hear you on that point you shut down.
KENDRA
Ooo, Captain Obvious was able to crack my mysterious code.
MATTHEW
You’re not a code to be cracked Kendra.
KENDRA
I’m not. When I first came in here you said it yourself. I believe the turn of phrase was, I’ve cracked tougher nuts than you.
MATTHEW
A bad choice of technique. You’re much too sensitive for that kind of work.
KENDRA
(Looking out the window again.)
So I’m weak.
MATTHEW
No. Sensitive. It’s what makes you such an excellent writer. It allows you to access the pain quickly, easily. But leaves you vulnerable to triggering those highest of highs and those lowest of lows. That last one which landed you here.
KENDRA
Now you sound like my parents. The writing did it.
MATTHEW
How did you get that from what I said? Nevermind. The writing didn’t do it. You’re lack of coping skills did.
KENDRA
Oh yay. I’m mentally diseased and I’m a freak.
MATTHEW
You have a bipolar diagnosis. You are not mentally diseased. And up until now you have been able to cope. But you haven’t been put on medication yet.
KENDRA
I don’t think you get it Dr. Lyons. I’ve fallen down a well and I can’t get out. The ropes the others have thrown me have been too short, too slippery, or too thin to carry me back to the top.
(MATTHEW walks back over to KENDRA and presses a piece of peppermint into her palm.)
MATTHEW
Recovery and healing is a two party system. Like a pulley system. I’m the one with the rope. I’m the one who’s throwing it down to you. Now grab it as tightly as you can and start hoisting yourself up. Trust that I am at the other end, rope tied around my waist, using the the tree as a lever to help pull you up. Can you do that?
KENDRA
(Her hand closes around the peppermint.)
I can try. I haven’t trusted anyone in a long time.
MATTHEW
Grab the rope, Kendra, I’m your therapist, and I’m not going anywhere.
(Lights dim. End of Scene Two.)
SCENE THREE
(JACK stands outside on the rooftop
a forbidden bottle of scotch. With his own ice and glass and cigarettes he believes he is alone. Joining him however is KENDRA, who carries a journal in her hand, she clears her throat to make her presence known.)
KENDRA
Aren’t you here to get away from all that?
(JACK lights up, puffs out a ring of smoke, sucks the rest in, and chases it with a swallow of scotch.)
JACK
Aren’t you up passed you bedtime?
KENDRA
I’ve got another hour. You on the other hand—I could report you if I wanted.
JACK
But you don’t want to.
(looking up at her)
I’m the only one you trust around here. And that’s only because you think you’ve got my number.
KENDRA
Don’t I wish. I came out here hoping inspiration would find me and all I found was a mirror image of me. A struggling artist drowning in doubt, pity, guilt, and maybe a little bit of pain. No inspiration. Just a reflection.
JACK
Christ, you sound more like a therapist than a writer. Sit down here and have a drink.
KENDRA
What are you having?
(She sits down next to him and takes a sniff of the glass.)
My ex hit this crap hard when things weren’t going so well.
JACK
So all alcohol is bad?
KENDRA
No. It was just his particular demon.
JACK
Is it yours?
KENDRA
(KENDRA blows into her hands and rubs them together.)
Only when it was his.
JACK
Oh.
(Setting the bottle on the ground and the glass aside, he starts smoking again.)
KENDRA
(smiling)
Don’t worry. I was young, not stupid, and I had good friends.
JACK
You talk of them as if they live in the past.
KENDRA
In a way they do. They’ve moved to different parts of the country and have started personal and professional lives without me. We were young. And the ex who was my addiction, my demon, was incredibly charismatic and smart. He, ironically was the glue that held it all together.
JACK
So you don’t really have any touchstones from that time in your life.
KENDRA
No. But that was ten years ago and to be honest, I’d rather forget everything about that time.
JACK
Gloom and despair, right?
KENDRA
I find it difficult to make connections with people outside a structured environment, always have.
JACK
You must have friends. Even I have friends.
KENDRA
Why wouldn’t you have friends? You’re a normal, down to earth, charismatic, and talented actor with a drinking problem.
JACK
I have sycophants. And an agent, who says he’s my friend. Who sent me here.
KENDRA
Tell me, if you hate it here so much, why are you here? You’re obviously here under your own volition. You can leave any time you like. Me on the other hand, I’m here until the doctors and my parents say I can go free.
JACK
You seem to know why I’m here, Kendra, why are you sitting out here in the middle of the night, close to curfew when you could be inside writing in that thing there.
KENDRA
(smiling, looking up to the sky)
Like I said, looking for a little inspiration.
(Blessing him with a compassionate smile.)
Now tell me, why are you really here? I know you’re not hitting the scotch in thirty degree weather because you love the taste of it.
JACK
I guess I’m looking for a little inspiration myself.
KENDRA
Hmmm. Having it all isn’t what it’s cracked up to be, huh?
JACK
My life’s ambition was never to be a soap sensation. It was never to be a movie star. It was to be an actor of the highest caliber. To open a Broadway show, to act in the Academy Award level movies. Soap operas were only supposed to be a step towards those goals. Not the goal itself.
KENDRA
Have you ever forced yourself to get outside that box?
JACK
You mean audition?
KENDRA
What else would I mean?
JACK
In the beginning I auditioned all the time. But after my third Emmy nomination without a win I started being looked over. It was like, the moment I walked in their eyes glazed over, and the audition was over before it ever got started.
KENDRA
How long have you been in the film industry?
JACK
Since I was a kid.
KENDRA
Have you struggled?
JACK
Not really. I was always working. But...
KENDRA
You hunger for more.
JACK
Always.
KENDRA
Can I ask you about something that you’ve destroyed more professional men and women over?
JACK
Please. I don’t talk about her.
KENDRA
Okay.
(He takes a drag off his cigarette. She opens her journal and starts writing in it. A few moments of silence follow. He peers over at her notes.)
KENDRA
If there’s something you want to know you just need to ask.
(He leans back.)
JACK
What are you writing about?
KENDRA
About how maybe my parents aren’t as terrible as I think they are. That maybe they just don’t get it even though they’re trying real hard too. I’m also writing about the new therapist who seems like a decent guy. And I’m writing about the anonymous actor who wants to come off like an uncaring asshole is anything but.
JACK
You’re too kind, Jewels. I am an uncaring asshole.
KENDRA
Then how come you’ve decided to talk to me.
JACK
Everybody needs a friend. Even crazies like us.
KENDRA
What do you think they’ll do if they find us up here?
JACK
What’s the worst thing they could do? Kick us out?
KENDRA
(distantly)
Strap us down...
(JACK puts his cigarette out. They look at each other.)
JACK
You’ve done this dance before.
KENDRA
The first time was when I was sixteen. I was convinced I had sprouted wings and could fly. Told everybody I was a messenger angel on a mission from God.
JACK
(laughing softly)
How’d they get you down? A tranquilizer dart?
KENDRA
No. They tackled me to the ground and cuffed me. Convinced I was high as a kite on drugs.
JACK
You weren’t?
KENDRA
I was in the middle of my first manic episode. It took them two weeks to figure that nightmare out. Until then they had strapped down and pumped full of Valium.
JACK
When did it dawn on the geniuses you were sick?
KENDRA
When the hallucinations started, that keyed one of the better nurses in and I was given a psyche consultation.
JACK
When did the restraints come off?
KENDRA
Only during the doctor’s sessions and family visits. The Valium disaster was mercifully short and then they introduced me to the miracle of lithium.
JACK
And here I was feeling sorry for myself. Why are you here now?
KENDRA
I was depressed so I took too many pills. I’m well enough to be out of those restraints, but not well enough to go home. Too many sharp objects and pills with not enough supervision.
JACK
I had the scotch brought in from the outside. I have ‘friends’ who will do anything I ask them too except go straight.
KENDRA
Could you do me a huge favor and try not to get kicked out?
JACK
Why do you care whether or not I get kicked out?
KENDRA
Remember what I said about looking for a little inspiration?
JACK
(grinning)
Me? A novelist’s muse?
KENDRA
(smiling back)
Something like that.
JACK
What am I in your story?
KENDRA
I don’t know yet. I just know someone who looks like you is there in this world that might become clearer if you stay.
JACK
I haven’t been a muse in almost twenty years.
KENDRA
What about the show?
JACK
That’s a paycheck.
KENDRA
You would’ve never become my muse if I hadn’t seen you on All My Lives first.
JACK
Maybe one day I will tell you about Paula.
KENDRA
(softly)
That might be nice.
(pause)
Now get rid of that scotch and go inside. I’ll even leave first so that it doesn’t look like we’re up to anything.
JACK
But we are up to something, aren’t we?
KENDRA
(blushing)
Maybe.
(pause)
It’s cold. I have to get back inside.
(JACK takes her hands in his and rubs them, then blows on them.)
JACK
Go ahead. I’ll be inside soon. I won’t do anything else to get kicked out. I promise.
(KENDRA picks up her pen and journal and heads back inside as she reaches the edge of the stage JACK calls out to her.)
JACK
Hey Jewels.
KENDRA
Yeah, Jack.
JACK
When you’re dreaming tonight, think of me.
KENDRA
Right.
JACK
I’m serious.
KENDRA
Okay. Jack and Kendra in Wonderville.
(They both laugh.)
JACK
Promise me you’ll let me be the first person to see it.
KENDRA
(pause, smiling shyly)
Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
(JACK pulls out another cigarette.)
JACK
Now get inside before they kick the both of us out and I don’t get the chance to read your book.
(KENDRA smiles and disappears wordlessly. JACK lights up and exhales a long stream of smoke.)
JACK
I love you Paulette. I know it doesn’t seem like it. But I do. Above any other, I do.
(Lights dim. End of Scene Three.)
SCENE FOUR
(JACK sits in the commons area watching the television. MATTHEW walks passed him but is caught by the distinct scent of alcohol. He stops and turns off the television.)
JACK
I was watching that.
MATTHEW
I could have you kicked out.
JACK
For what, Doc? Watching t.v.?
MATTHEW
You may have the women under your spell but I’ve seen the
toughest of the tough and you, Jack Aranson, aren’t it.
JACK
So what? You’re going to terminate my residency? Go ahead. What
do I care?
MATTHEW
I think you care a great deal more than you let on. Or else you
wouldn’t still be drinking like a fish.
JACK
I like you Dr. Lyons, but you have no clue as to what makes me
tick.
MATTHEW
I’m not here to figure that out.
JACK
Then what are you here for?
MATTHEW
I’m here to help you figure out what makes you tick. What makes
you drink and seek out the company of women instead of seeking
out real relationships and friendships.
JACK
Well, if the new girl likes you I guess you can’t be all bad.
MATTHEW
What new girl?
JACK
Kendra...Jewels. Yeah. That’s her name, Kendra Jewels. The manic-
depressive. Smart girl. Beautiful. Sad. Almost tragic.
MATTHEW
Jack please, don’t make me have to kick you out. Something
happens to her your career would never survive it.
JACK
(as if being struck across the face)
I don‘t give a flying fat fuck about my career. If something were
to happen to that woman, nevermind what the press would do, I
would crucify myself.
MATTHEW
I’m not asking you to crucify yourself. I’m asking you to stay
away from Kendra with your problems. She has a lot to deal with
as it is.
JACK
I can‘t make that promise Dr. Lyons.
MATTHEW
This is not the real world. This is rehab where everything is a
controlled setting and you work on what you need to work on, and
romantic relationships are forbidden.
JACK
Whoa, whoa, whoa. I’m not looking for any romantic relationship.
We’ve had a grand total of two conversations. The woman needs a
friend. So do I for Chrissakes. Is that forbidden too?
MATTHEW
When you reek of booze and she feels like she has no one it’s a
recipe for disaster.
JACK
Do you have any idea just how lost that girl is?
MATTHEW
I just had my first appointment with her so yes, I’ve got more
than a little bit of an idea of what’s going on.
JACK
You wanna know what I think Dr. Lyons?
MATTHEW
Alright Jack, I’ll take the bait, what do you think?
JACK
I think you feel a little extra protective of this girl. She’s
smart, she’s funny, and yes a little tragic, maybe even a little haunted.
MATTHEW
Maybe that’s what you think, Jack Aranson, but nothing could be further from the truth. Maybe you’re seeing something in me that’s really inside yourself. Besides it’s just as unhealthy for the therapist to form a bond outside the bounds of client/doctor as it is for a drunk to ease into a place another patient struggles to deal with tragedy of.
JACK
Tragedy?
(Unbeknownst to JACK and MATTHEW, KENDRA has entered the commons area. She drops her journal and ink pen.)
KENDRA
(whispering)
You said I could trust you.
(She turns and runs off stage.)
MATTHEW
Look what you’ve done.
JACK
I’m not the one she was looking at.
MATTHEW
I’m not finished with you.
JACK
What? Are you the Wicked Witch of the West?
MATTHEW
She needs you. So help me God, she needs your bad ass attitude.
JACK
Not right now. Right now she needs someone with a softer touch. Someone she thinks has betrayed her. And that’s not me.
MATTHEW
Damn it.
(He runs off stage when JACK scoops up the journal and pen. He goes to call after MATTHEW, but instead opens it and begins to thumb through it. From off stage we hear KENDRA’S ethereal voice start a tale she’s been longing to tell for what seems like an eternity.)
KENDRA
(O.S.)
Jackson was a warrior and a rebel from the day he was born. His brother Robin, the thinker and philosopher. Both were desirable to the female eye, especially the Queen of Wonderville’s eyes. But where Jackson would take what he wanted, Robin thought carefully and denied himself of almost everything in the name of all that was right and good. It wasn’t that Jackson betrayed the Causes for which their father led, it was that he could not help but indulge in the pleasures of the flesh. And even though he was good at not getting caught, when he decided to tangle with the Queen it was his brother’s life he risked being broken.
(JACK sits down on the couch and turns a page. Completely engrossed he forgets all about curfew and the fact that these are the private thoughts and notes of a woman he barely knows. After a few seconds he produces an ink pen and starts to scribble a message of his own.)
JACK
(softly)
With this hand walk through the door to Wonderville. Let my voice tell you the tale of two brothers and their love of country, and their destined battle for the love of one woman.
(Lights dim. End of Scene Four)
Scene five
KENDRA lays on her stomach on her bed in her room, her face buried in a pillow. The door opens. She hurls something at it, the sound of glass shattering causes MATTHEW to retreat momentarily. The door opens again. A soft light comes up, illuminating the room.)
MATTHEW
(softly)
Kendra.
(KENDRA turns her head away as MATTHEW closes the door and stands at the foot of the bed.)
KENDRA
Go--away.
(MATTHEW walks around and sits down on the bed next to her. She turns her head to face away from him.)
MATTHEW
I didn’t disclose anything to Mr. Aranson. I was only laying boundaries down that you might otherwise find difficult to do for yourself.
KENDRA
I have no friends Dr. Lyons. It’s been a long time since I felt like I could talk to anyone. I’m not dating the man, I’m enjoying his company as a person.
MATTHEW
That’s how it starts. You have a magnet on you and attracts the most broken souls to you field of friendship.
KENDRA
So it’s my fault I get hit by drunks and my friends scatter after the relationship ends?
MATTHEW
You have a pattern of self destructive behaviors. Jack is just a manifestation of that pattern.
KENDRA
I have been through eight therapists–not including you. That’s two a week. All of them thought they could fix me. You’re number nine and you’ve already managed to alienate me. I’ve talked to Jack a grand total of two times and have come away feeling more comforted in a day more so than I have in the last five years.
MATTHEW
I know. Mr. Aranson is just a good guy with a lot of pain haunting him. He’d been drinking tonight. After this I have to go check his room for anything his friends might have smuggled in. Do you have any knowledge of where it might be?
KENDRA
I don’t trust you. Why would I tell you?
MATTHEW
So there is a stash.
KENDRA
Not that I’m aware of, no.
MATTHEW
How do I know you’re not lying to me?
KENDRA
I guess you just have to trust me.
(Grasping KENDRA by the shoulder, MATTHEW turns her on her side.)
MATTHEW
This isn’t a game. This is his life we’re talking about.
KENDRA
And my life? It means nothing, right?
MATTHEW
This has everything to do with your life and saving it.
KENDRA
Go away Dr. Lyons. If you could save my life I would already have the tools to do it.
(She turns away.)
MATTHEW
(tenderly)
Kendra.
KENDRA
Go away.
(MATTHEW stands up and opens the door. The sound of KENDRA’S crying catches his attention and he stops. He closes the door and walks over to the visitor’s chair and turns off the light to the room and switches the night light on and leans back in the chair and opens a book.)
(Lights dim. End of Scene Five, ACT I)
ACT II
SCENE ONE
(A one room home set in the world of Wonderville. KALIAH JEWELS, KENDRA’S mother tends fire and cooks breakfast. In a corner KENDRA sleeps while her father, KEVIN, leader of the rebellion, is flanked to his left by JACK, his second in command as they go over plans to infiltrate the KING’S army. A loud knock at the door surprises them and commotion springs to life. JACK slides several swords beneath the cot and grabs his cloak, pulling up the hood and sits over KENDRA who stirs not a single time. KEVIN rolls up his map and shovels it beneath the cot along with the swords. KALIAH sets a plate of half eaten food and a cup of coffee in front of her husband. There is another knock, this one louder, longer, and more persistent. KALIAH looks out a peep window. Shuts it and throws open the door, practically dragging a scholarly FATHER LYONS inside and closing the door. She throws her arms around him.)
KALIAH
Thank God you’ve come. She’s barely eaten in seven days and has only been awake to drink water for four. I’ve tried everything I can think of to break the fever. Cold savves, hot savves. Leeches. She just grows weaker and paler with each passing day.
(FATHER LYONS looks at KEVIN who grunts his approval for him to care for his daughter. JACK is less than forthcoming with such grace.)
FATHER LYONS
Must we do this now?
KEVIN
Come over here Jackson. Let the Father do his work.
(FATHER LYONS takes a seat and touches KENDRA’S forehead. Squeezes her arms and opens her eyelids. He shouts over his shoulder)
FATHER LYONS
Quinine. Three tablespoons for every cup of water. Cold. Once an hour, every hour. No more leeches. And cold compresses. Two for her arms. Two for the back of her knees. One for the back of her neck and one for her face.
(KALIAH springs into action.)
KEVIN
What’s wrong with my daughter?
FATHER LYONS
She has malaria. I’m just glad you contacted me when you did.
(KALIAH slides up next to the FATHER LYONS and hands the cup to him.)
KALIAH
Wake child. Wake, Father Lyons has brought medicine.
(KALIAH lifts KENDRA up and pats her face.)
KALIAH
Come child. Come on now. Wake so that you can take the quinine.
(She stirs as FATHER LYONS presses the cup to her lips. As the water passes through them she sucks it down as if it were manna from Heaven.)
FATHER LYONS
That’s right. Drink up. Drink up until there’s none left.
(He removes the cup from her mouth and hands it off to KALIAH. He takes over the cradling duties as she comes to.)
KENDRA
I’m cold.
FATHER LYONS
Hand me my cloak.
KALIAH
But Father, it’s lined with pelts and furs gifted to you by the King. He would punish you if he knew it was used to comfort a rebel’s child.
FATHER LYONS
I serve God and my parishoners, not a tyrant. And Kendra is my parishoner. All of you are. Even you Jackson.
KENDRA
Jack...
(She struggles to sit up.)
FATHER LYONS
He’s fine. He’s here with us.
KENDRA
Don’t go. Don’t do it.
FATHER LYONS
Tell her you’re okay. Tell her you’re not going to do it.
JACK
I can’t.
FATHER LYONS
Why the hell not?
JACK
Because it would be a lie. And as a warrior she has to learn warriors must endure sickness even in the face of unpleasant truths.
(She cries out.)
KENDRA
No! No! No! Come back, Jack! Come back...
(KEVIN stiffens and turns on JACK.)
KEVIN
What is she talking about?
JACK
She’s delirious.
KENDRA
Don’t...don’t leave us...don’t...
FATHER LYONS
Shh. Rest Kendra. He’s coming. I see him just over that hill.
KENDRA
Okay...okay...Father Lyons?
FATHER LYONS
Yes, Kendra?
KENDRA
How did you know where to find me?
FATHER LYONS
God works in mysterious ways.
(KENDRA reaches out and touches his cheek. FATHER LYONS
takes her hand and lays it in her lap. Easing her back onto the cot she slips back into slumber. He takes his cloak and drapes her in it.)
KALIAH
Will she die?
FATHER LYONS
I’ve done all I know to do. All that we can do now is continue to pray and give her the quinine. Which brings me to this, how did she get all those mosquito bites anyway?
(JACK stands up and walks over to the fireplace.)
JACK
She’s the daughter of a leader. Should something happen to her mother and father she must be able to fight off the enemy.
FATHER LYONS
So you take her to a mosquito infested swamp to teach her toughness and leave her there to fend for herself?
JACK
It was years ago. At the beginning of her training. How she got lost there again is as big a mystery to me as it is to you.
(KALIAH rushes to her daughter’s side and breaks out into sobs. FATHER LYONS gets up takes his place by JACK.)
KEVIN
If my daughter leaves this planet before her time is through here I will personally hold you both responsible.
(KEVIN stands and joins his wife at KENDRA’S side.)
JACK
Do you want me to round the men up.
KEVIN
Nothing is to be done until I know what will become of my child.
(looking to FATHER LYONS)
Can you stay?
FATHER LYONS
Of course. Do you have any candles that won’t draw the King’s men’s attention?
JACK
(pause, softly)
I do.
(He produces them. FATHER LYONS lights his in the
fireplace, JACK lights his off of FATHER LYONS. Lights dim. They stand in silence for a few moments.)
(End of Scene One.)
SCENE TWO
(Still the one room home. Only now everyone expect FATHER LYONS and KENDRA are there with him feeding her broth and taking care of her.)
KENDRA
Why are you still here? You risk too much in staying.
FATHER LYONS
(smiling)
I risk nothing. You are my protégé are you not? It’s the perfect time to continue your lessons in reading and writing isn’t it?
KENDRA
I do love a good story. The only thing better than reading one is writing one. But not even Mom knows how to write, and she’s a spy. Besides, I’m a warrior, I’m destined to lead in battle. How much will any of this help me there?
FATHER LYONS
Who’s been filling your mind with this crap? Jack? Your father? They almost killed you with their training exercises.
(KENDRA pushes the broth away. FATHER LYONS puts the broth on the table and comes back to KENDRA’S side.)
KENDRA
My father is a good man. He will be a great leader. But there are those who would do him great harm. I must do everything I can to serve and protect and him.
FATHER LYONS
Kevin is your father. It is his job to protect you. Not the other way around. Furthermore a daughter does not serve her father. She should serve only the Lord.
KENDRA
You serve your parishoners.
FATHER LYONS
Our Lord God resides within all of us. So in serving you, I serve Him.
KENDRA
If you follow that logic wouldn’t I be serving the Lord in serving and protecting my father?
FATHER LYONS
You serve and protect your father in the name of war and attach God’s name to it. I love your family as I care for all of my parishoners. I even believe in your Cause. But to war in the name of our Lord God Almighty is blasphemy. And when I see innocents hurt by it, it bothers me.
KENDRA
(puffing out her chest)
I am hardly an innocent. I am thirty three and have seen battle and the brutality of war made on women and children by our King already.
FATHER LYONS
Yes, yes you have. But I think you would be of far greater use as a strategist than as a foot soldier. You’re a great thinker and problem solver. I saw you scribble notes on your father’s map and let Jack take credit for it.
KENDRA
My father is ahead of his time in many ways. It’s what drew him to my mother. It’s why I can read and write when many of the women of Wonderville can not. It’s why he trains me to be a warrior, so that I might protect myself should something happen to him and my mother. But ultimately it is Jack Aranson who lead, not I .
FATHER LYONS
Jack is a fine warrior. Loyal. Fierce. True as they come. Give him an order and he will follow it to its end, no matter what the cost might be. But he’s not half the strategist you are and the sooner you tell your father that the better off everyone will be.
KENDRA
I can’t do that. I won’t do that.
FATHER LYONS
(standing up abruptly)
Why the hell not?
KENDRA
I love Jack. He’s the best at what he does.
FATHER LYONS
I love all of my parishoners. Even the ones who don’t believe in your Cause. But I’m smart enough to know not to let them in on my involvement in what has become a personal crusade outside of my duties to the Church.
KENDRA
I was born into this reality, Father Lyons. What do you expect from me? A rebellion within a rebellion?
(FATHER LYONS crosses the room and sits back down next to her, places his hand on top of her head, and sighs.)
FATHER LYONS
How long have you known Jack?
KENDRA
Since I was five and he was eighteen.
FATHER LYONS
(removing his hand)
And when he met Olivia?
KENDRA
I was ten. He was twenty-three.
FATHER LYONS
What kind of woman was she.
KENDRA
Beautiful, almost...ethereal.
FATHER LYONS
Did you like her?
KENDRA
It was impossible not to like her. Until...
(This is painful for her, as she closes her eyes and looks away.)
FATHER LYONS
Until what?
KENDRA
Until I overheard her with her bridesmaids on her wedding day.
FATHER LYONS
I found you crying that day. Why?
KENDRA
Because I told Jack what she said and he didn’t believe me.
(He takes her hand.)
FATHER LYONS
You never told me what either of them said. You just asked if you could hide in my office.
KENDRA
Everyone heard me anyway. They all just thought I was some lovesick eleven year old.
FATHER LYONS
Olivia seemed like such a beautiful woman. Her death was such a shock.
KENDRA
I guess.
FATHER LYONS
Tell me what they said to break you at such a young age.
KENDRA
Jack was my hero. My father loves him as if he were his son. And on that day he chose Jack’s happiness of my truth. My knowledge. I died a little that day. I can’t tell you what they said, I’d die all over again.
FATHER LYONS
You were a lovesick eleven year old. But Jack was family. And you loved him and Olivia made him happy so you loved her. People have a tendency to overlook or push aside a child’s emotions as silly or unimportant. I’m no better than Jack or your father on that count. But your father and Jack still have close ties to Olivia’s friends and family. If there’s something she said that would hurt them or the Cause they fight so hard for you need to tell someone. If no one else, tell me.
KENDRA
Why?
FATHER LYONS
Because I’ll believe you.
KENDRA
How can I trust that will be true? That you won’t just think I’m petty, or nursing a broken heart?
FATHER LYONS
You have been nursing a shattered heart since that day. You talk of truth and knowledge and a warrior’s destiny. But you’re wrong. That eleven year with the warrior’s heart died that day and in it her place were the ashes waiting for the phoenix of a leader to rise up out of them. But that can’t happen unless you start the healing process. What did she say? What did Jack say? What did your father say?
KENDRA
(taking a deep breath)
I was just so excited that day. I was the miniature bride and I got to hang around the women and have my hair done and my make up matched hers, even my nails were painted like hers. God, I so much wanted to be like her. I think every woman wanted to be. And I was so lucky to be in the wedding. I had just finished getting my nails done. They had just dried and they had all forgotten I was even there. I didn’t even mind. Just being around them was such a great feeling. They were all so pretty, and even though I had been called a great many things, pretty was never one of them.
(FATHER LYONS tilts her chin up so that they are eye to eye.)
FATHER LYONS
Olivia may have been the bride that day, but you were more beautiful that day than you will ever know.
KENDRA
Let me do this before I lose my nerve.
FATHER LYONS
Alright. Go on.
KENDRA
I was about to leave when I heard the snickers. Being at that age where gossiping is a natural thing to do I hid and listened. And man did I get an earful.
FATHER LYONS
How bad was it?
KENDRA
I loved him, so it was like a knife through my heart. The first thing was, he’s not the father. What if he comes out looking like Samuel? The second was, he won’t break his vow, just get him to put the ring on your finger. The third was, you have nothing to worry about, he’s stupid, a lout. When she asked about the Cause, one of her bridesmaids, her sister, said not to worry, that he would die in the fighting and she would be free to love whoever she wanted. What does an eleven year old do with that kind of information? An eleven year old who’s been taught that truth and honor come above all else?
FATHER LYONS
Did you run straight to him?
KENDRA
Yes.
FATHER LYONS
I guess it wasn’t pretty.
KENDRA
I was able to get him alone. He listened. I don’t know what I expected him to do. Fix it somehow. Confront her. He did neither. He told me to leave. That he didn’t want to hear a peep out of me for the rest of the day. That I was just a jealous little girl trying to get her way when she had run out of all other options. And this was the worst, that he would never forgive me for trying to sew the seeds of doubt in his heart about the only woman he’d ever truly loved.
FATHER LYONS
You didn’t give up though. You still had hope someone would stop this. Kevin. Father. He could always be counted on.
KENDRA
Jack beat me to him. He took me outside and told me that I had brought shame to the Jewels family name by trying to stop a union so obviously blessed to be. That he didn’t want to see my face for the rest of the week. Which wasn’t too hard, he and the rebel forces were going out the next morning.
FATHER LYONS
Which was why I found you sleeping outside in the fields next to the water well the next day and you wouldn’t talk to me. You couldn’t even look your mother in the eye. She was the only one I remember showing any tenderness towards you that day. God they broke you. They broke you into a million different pieces and here you’ve been trying to put yourself back together and they keep letting you down over and over again.
KENDRA
I know my father loves me. But Jack. I knew when Olivia died in childbirth he would never forgive me, especially when the little girl died a few days later.
FATHER LYONS
You took his abuse so that he could heal, but you’ve never been allowed to heal.
KENDRA
(shrugging and smiling)
I’m healing now.
FATHER LYONS
(Caressing her cheek, he gazes into her eyes.)
You are so beautiful. Jack’s a fool not to see what you offer so freely to him.
KENDRA
You flatter me Father Lyons.
FATHER LYONS
Please, Kendra, call me Matthew.
(He slips his hand behind her neck.)
KENDRA
Matthew. I’ve known you for almost all my life and that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you say your name.
MATTHEW
You deserve so much more than what you’re taking. You’re smart, and so much lovelier than Olivia dared to be.
(Their foreheads rest to one another.)
MATTHEW
You make me think dangerous thoughts Kendra Jewels.
KENDRA
You make me dare to dream the impossible. That my father will respect me. That Jack will forgive me. That someone will love me.
MATTHEW
(Pulling back, MATTHEW takes KENDRA’S face in his hands and caresses it with his thumbs.)
Dare to dream Kendra. Respect yourself. Forgive yourself. Because someone does love you.
KENDRA
I used to want Jack to love me like he loved Olivia. But I don’t want that. That love was based on a lie. I want someone who loves me for me.
MATTHEW
Your father would kill me if he knew what I was about to do to you.
KENDRA
Do you love me?
MATTHEW
Since I tended to you after your first battle.
KENDRA
Then I don’t care what happens. Kiss me. Love me. And whatever you do, don’t let go of me.
(He pulls her into his arms and they kiss tenderly and passionately.)
(Lights dim. End of Scene Two.)
Scene THREE
(KENDRA’S room, morning. She wakes and looks around. She is alone, her journal sits on the table next to her, an exquisite pen sitting on top of it. She shakes her head and rubs her eyes and picks up the journal. Opening it she reads it and starts scribbling madly. There is a knock at the door. JACK pokes his head in.)
JACK
Hey stranger.
KENDRA
Who said you could write in my journal?
JACK
Just thought you could use a little inspiration.
KENDRA
I think you lucked out. I had the strangest dream last night.
(JACK walks in and sits down on the bed where KENDRA
has been writing. She closes the journal, marking her place with a ribbon.)
JACK
What? You don’t trust me now?
KENDRA
Don’t take it personally, I don’t trust anybody with this.
JACK
I didn’t have to bring it back.
KENDRA
You didn’t have to read it or write in it either.
JACK
Did it help?
KENDRA
(smiling)
That’s besides the point.
JACK
So it did.
KENDRA
You put some kind of writing mojo in it and on me. I woke up for the first time ready to write in longer than I can remember.
JACK
What can I say? I just have that effect on women.
KENDRA
(laughing)
You do do you now?
JACK
You’re writing and you’re smiling. Score two points for the washed up soap actor.
KENDRA
Come on, none of that. We freaks have to stick together.
JACK
(beat)
How come you didn’t rat me out to the good doctor?
KENDRA
I have too many of my own problems to get involved. I need to have my own head straight on right before I try to go about fixing someone else’s, wouldn’t you say?
JACK
That’s the doctor talking.
KENDRA
That’s all the doctors talking. There’s so many of them I don’t know which one to trust. They all made it their mission to crack me wide open and see what made me tick. I was a puzzle to figure out. But this one. Dr. Lyons. He just might be different.
JACK
I noticed he was in here sleeping when I returned that journal earlier. I think he has it in for me.
KENDRA
I may not want to be here, but I do know that I’m sick. I wonder if you even know that.
JACK
(grinning mischievously)
Honey, I’ve been bad all my life. He even said you needed my bad ass attitude.
KENDRA
I need to know how to live. And this morning is the most alive I’ve felt in months. But I know if I’m not writing I’m lost. It’s happened before, it’ll happen again. No amount of medication or therapy is going to change that. I have an inner bad ass. And trust me, when I need it I trot her out for show.
JACK
But I am bad. I leave women in my wake. I’m a diva. Even when I check myself in for rehab, I’m an asshole.
KENDRA
You have a reputation for being bad, and you feed into it with your behavior. That doesn’t make you bad. It makes you misunderstood.
JACK
And watch me reel in another one.
KENDRA
Notice I didn’t say it excused your behavior.
JACK
I dumped the bottle out last night.
KENDRA
After one last drink no doubt.
JACK
(winking)
I couldn’t disappoint my public now could I?
KENDRA
You and your public. I swear.
(beat)
So you really dumped the bottle?
JACK
Would I lie to you?
KENDRA
I don’t know. Would you?
JACK
If I wanted to get into your pants I might. But something about you inspires me to be a better man.
KENDRA
Thanks. I think.
JACK
God that came out all wrong.
KENDRA
What? That you find me physically repugnant or that I make you want to be a good guy because of it?
JACK
Neither. I find you quite attractive. But there’s something about you period that inspires me to be a better person.
KENDRA
(clearing her throat)
I think you should go.
(JACK reaches out to touch her hand, she pulls back.)
KENDRA
Just go.
JACK
Kendra...
KENDRA
Come back later, after you’ve found some beautiful soap ingenue to seduce. Leave this freak alone.
JACK
You’re not playing fair. You’re pushing me away without giving me a chance.
KENDRA
A chance to what? Shred me like everyone else in my life has?
JACK
You know I’m not trying to shred you.
KENDRA
Do I?
JACK
You gave me some truth out on the roof yesterday. Well, here’s some from me. As much as those people may have shredded you, your illness has shredded them right back. You punished your parents by not talking to them once they decided to let you stay here. I saw that you were hurting, but they were too.
KENDRA
Well boo-fucking-hoo.
JACK
Here’s another truth. It’s not your illness that makes you a freak.
KENDRA
Then tell me Dr. Aranson, what exactly makes me a freak?
JACK
Your inability to trust anyone who just might want to get close to you. It’s that which makes you a freak.
(JACK stands and starts to walk away. KENDRA grabs a glass and throws it at his head but misses. It crashes against the wall and falls to the floor, shattering.)
JACK
Goodbye Kendra. I’ll be seeing you around.
(KENDRA curls into a ball and starts to cry. JACK walks back over to her and lifts her into his embrace and begins to stroke her hair and rock her.)
KENDRA
(looking up at him)
I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I just...I’m sorry...
(He kisses her forehead and continues to rock.)
JACK
Me too, Kendra. Me too.
(Lights dim. End of Scene Three.)
SCENE FOUR
(KENDRA sits at the desk, writing intently in her room. She still wears her pajamas. Dido plays on her CD and she is lost in her fictional world until there is a knock on the door. DR. LYONS walks in.)
DR. LYONS
I see you haven’t gotten dressed yet.
KENDRA
(without looking up)
I had a strange dream a few nights ago. Been writing ever since.
(DR. LYONS closes the door and takes a seat on the bed.)
DR. LYONS
And what’s this I hear about a misunderstanding between you and Jack?
KENDRA
It was just that. A misunderstanding between acquaintances.
DR. LYONS
You’ve missed two appointments with me. You understand that if you don’t keep them you won’t be able to leave.
KENDRA
I’m writing.
DR. LYONS
Well, it seems as if you’ve moved passed your block.
KENDRA
(looking up, politely smiling)
I had a little help with that.
DR. LYONS
Are you referring to your sessions with me? Or maybe your sessions with Jack Aranson?
(KENDRA lays her pen down and closes her journal.)
KENDRA
Neither. I had a strange dream. I woke up with the urge to write. It’s that simple.
DR. LYONS
Tell me about the dream. Did it make you feel happy, sad, mad?
KENDRA
(facing Dr. Lyons)
Good Doctor. I know you want to fix me. Make me better. That would like nothing better than to heal me. Have you ever considered the possibility that the reason I’m not getting any better is because I need to get out of this place?
DR. LYONS
I know you feel trapped—
KENDRA
(Standing up.)
I am trapped. I’ve been trapped for the last four weeks. Before then I was just alone. Now I’m trapped and alone.
DR. LYONS
You’re not trapped or alone. I can see why you’d feel that way. But here you’re neither.
KENDRA
(KENDRA walks over to the door and hits her against it over and over again.)
Yes–I—am. Yes–I–am. Yes–I–am...
(DR. LYONS leaps up and restrains her as she repeats herself over and over again. They slide to the floor.)
DR. LYONS
Stop this Kendra. You’re not crazy. You’re just sick. You won’t have to stay here much longer if you take your medicine and listen to me.
(Slowly KENDRA stops repeating herself and instead of having to restrain her DR. LYONS is able to hold her in a comforting embrace.)
KENDRA
(beat)
He used to hit me.
(beat)
First with his words. Then with his fists. I loved Logan. He was the only one I ever loved and he would just hit me so hard...
DR. LYONS
(softly)
I know. He’s gone now. He can’t touch you. But if you need someone to hang onto and confide in, I’m a good choice.
KENDRA
You won’t discuss this with anyone will you?
DR. LYONS
No. No one.
KENDRA
Swear.
DR. LYONS
I swear.
KENDRA
I was with him for five years.
DR. LYONS
Sounds like you loved him.
KENDRA
In the beginning with everything I had.
DR. LYONS
Think back Kendra, were there signs even then. Signs that maybe you didn’t pick up on until later. Or maybe things you just didn’t want to see?
KENDRA
He was volatile. Always. Passionate in every way. Passionate about his work, passionate in family life, passionate with me. And in the beginning it was very easy to get swept in that. I was an artist too. And he represented the brass ring. He had attained some of the very things I aspired too. And he was good looking too. And here I was, little miss struggling artist all goo-goo eyes over him.
DR. LYONS
Sometimes volatility is mistaken for passion.
KENDRA
You can’t have passion without a little of it. It’s not something you can force. Either you’ve got it or you don’t.
DR. LYONS
Are you a passionate person?
KENDRA
Given a little inspiration I can be the most passionate person in the room.
DR. LYONS
(DR. LYONS pulls back.)
You’re crying.
KENDRA
It’s all that volatility coming to the surface.
DR. LYONS
For the most part you’re anything but, someone has to come between you and your heart’s deepest desires for you to act out violently.
KENDRA
Is that what it was that caused me to shoot Ryan? My lawyer called it self defense.
DR. LYONS
It was self defense. It’s a miracle you got out alive.
KENDRA
He’s a vegetable whose mother calls me no matter how many times I change my number. How do I explain that to her, I’m the victim, not her son? You tell me how to do that and I’ll find a way to forgive myself.
(DR. LYONS hesitates in reaching out to touch her cheek.)
DR. LYONS
What you did was horrible and violent, but tell me, what were your other options?
KENDRA
(softly)
I could’ve let the book burn. But...
DR. LYONS
But what?
KENDRA
It was my lifeline. It was the only thing I had that gave me any sense of worth. Of value.
DR. LYONS
What happened that night?
(This is a visceral experience for KENDRA, just telling her story is forcing her to relive it all over again. There is the sound of a MAN and WOMAN fighting O.S. as she tells her tale.)
KENDRA
He’d found me writing in the office. There was no warning just boom and he was on me. Grabbing me by my hair, slamming me against the wall, choking me, throwing me to the ground, and kicking me in the stomach.
DR. LYONS
How long did this go on?
KENDRA
An hour, two, three, I lost count.
(She stands up and walks up to her desk, which is facing the audience.)
Somewhere in there the words came.
DR. LYONS
(He stands up.)
You don’t have to do this now.
(A quick glance over her shoulder.)
KENDRA
Sure I do. I want out of this place so I have to talk about this. I haven’t talked since I gave my deposition as to what happened that night. That was eight years ago. I’d say it’s about time.
(DR. LYONS approaches her carefully.)
KENDRA
Stop.
(DR. LYONS stops.)
MAN
O.S.
Bitch.
KENDRA
Bitch.
MAN
O.S.
Whore.
KENDRA
Whore.
MAN
O.S.
Hack. You’ll never make it. You’re words aren’t fit for print.
(DR. LYONS places a hand on her shoulder.)
KENDRA
Hack. You’ll never make it. You’re words aren’t fit for print.
(A long agonizing silence.)
KENDRA
The book he tried to burn was the book that sold to Penguin for five thousand dollars. It sold well enough for them to pick up the option for another book but the deadline’s coming and all I’ve got is something they’re not going to like. I should have let the bastard burn the thing.
(The sound of a gun shot from O.S. She collapses to the chair. DR. LYONS stoops down next to her.)
DR. LYONS
You are not a hack. You, are not a bitch. And you are most certainly not, a whore. And if you need me to say it a million times to you while you’re here I will. But you won’t believe it until you stop punishing yourself for something you feel you had to do.
KENDRA
I was trapped, I was so fucking trapped.
DR. LYONS
Your friends?
KENDRA
Who stands up to the star? And if nothing else he was the star. Even now he’s the star and I’m still the prisoner.
DR. LYONS
(tenderly)
It’s within your power to change that.
(Finally KENDRA looks at DR. LYONS with a faint glimmer of hope.)
DR. LYONS
If you trust me now, I’ll take you on a field trip off Wonder Peace grounds. Now, you have to come back to complete treatment. But you took a big step. I want to reward that.
KENDRA
Am I going to McDonalds?
DR. LYONS
(smiling)
It’s nice to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor. No, we’re going to a place that brings you a great amount of peace. And at the rate it’s been snowing you should have a good time.
(Placing her fingertips lightly at the sides of his face KENDRA kisses his forehead and then his lips.)
KENDRA
(whispering)
Thank you.
(DR. LYONS can hold back no longer. He knows he should resist but doesn’t. He gives in and brings them both to their feet in a soft, gentle, and deep kiss.)
KENDRA
Isn’t this against the rules? Couldn’t you lose your job?
(He gazes down at her and caresses her cheek and allows his fingers to trail down her throat.)
DR. LYONS
Tell me you want me to stop and I will.
KENDRA
Do you do this with all your patients, Dr. Lyons?
DR. LYONS
(whispering in her ear)
Call me Matthew, Kendra. And no, I’ve never done this with any other patient.
KENDRA
Why not?
MATTHEW
Because I’m a doctor.
KENDRA
Then why me? Why now?
MATTHEW
Because you bring out the passion in me.
(He kisses her again, this time lifting her up, and laying her to the bed.)
KENDRA
Careful Matthew, that’s my heart you have in your hands.
MATTHEW
I wouldn’t dream of handling it any other way.
(They kiss.)
(Lights dim, end of Scene Four.)
SCENE FIVE
(JACK sits in a confessional, with FATHER LYONS on the other side. JACK has come from a reconnaissance mission and knows the time has come to be honest about who has been planning the successful strategic missions. But he fears not just harsh reprisals for himself, but possible exile from the ranks of a family he has come to depend on and love as he does his own. It falls to FATHER LYONS to steer him right, without letting his own personal feelings get involved.)
FATHER LYONS
How long has it been since your last confession?
JACK
Four weeks, two days, and twelve hours, Father Lyons.
FATHER LYONS
What brings you to me on this day?
JACK
I’m afraid I’ve done a terrible grievance to someone I care about greatly, in the name of someone I have been angry with for a very long time.
FATHER LYONS
What is it that could be so terrible you’ve waited until now to say anything?
JACK
I was happy once. Happier than I thought possible. And then a little bee came and burst the bubble.
FATHER LYONS
Did you believe the little bee?
JACK
I adored the little bee. She was the sister I never had.
FATHER LYONS
Had she betrayed your trust?
JACK
If you had asked me in the past I would have answered yes without thinking about it. But now...
FATHER LYONS
But now what?
JACK
She was only ten at the time and I’d been so quick to dismiss her...but here recently she’s been ill. And—
FATHER LYONS
How ill?
JACK
Close to death ill. And I’m afraid that it is I who may have betrayed her.
FATHER LYONS
You must remember, in his infinite love God sent His only Son to die for all of our sins. And in His infinite wisdom he will see fit to forgive you if you only confess your mistakes and offer the olive branch to the person you may have wronged all those years ago.
JACK
She told me my betrothed was not in love with me, and that another man had already fathered the child she was carrying. This shattered me. In the five years I had known her she had been diligent, loyal, and loving, even to my Olivia. I called her a liar. A lovesick brat who I would never forgive. And when Olivia died I watched another man, Samuel, grieve as deeply as I. And I knew. I knew Kendra had been right all those months before and instead of being relieved, I hated her for it and turned my back on the truth. When her father chose me to train her as a warrior I assigned her tasks I knew even the strongest of men would have trouble accomplishing. And somehow she would think her way through them, but not without great damage to her physical well being. I must admit, with some guilt, the first time I hoped she would die. Until, as she lay there on their only bed under my care while her mother and father were searching for a cure, she uttered,
(pause, choking up)
I wasn’t lying, maybe I was wrong to say anything, but I wasn’t lying. I swear I wasn’t lying. By then she’d already been scribbling notes on her father’s map and I’d been taking credit for it. Now she’s better from her latest battle with death and I know her recovery has everything to do with you Father Lyons. But if I own up to what I’ve done, I’ll never have the chance to make it up to her or her father. I’m a good soldier, I’m good at carrying out orders. But I am not a good strategist. You must know that by now.
FATHER LYONS
Yes, I do. But if you approach Kendra first, and ask for her forgiveness, I’m sure you’ll be surprised at how forthcoming she will be with it. Armed with that, the two of you could approach Kevin then.
JACK
He will treat me as I’ve treated his daughter for the last twenty years. With anger, hatred, and contempt.
FATHER LYONS
Yes you have. But she sees you through those ten year old’s eyes. Her father will respect that, even if he suffers from a bout of his own anger. To be a man of God you must have the strength to honor all of his people. Even those you fear might not love you anymore.
JACK
Kendra still loves me as she did when she was ten?
FATHER LYONS
With all that is in her.
JACK
And she will stand by me when I face her father?
FATHER LYONS
Ask for her forgiveness and I feel she will offer you the world.
JACK
Father Lyons?
FATHER LYONS
Yes Child?
JACK
If you could, would you offer her the world?
FATHER LYONS
Should the Lord make it so I would offer her all that I have. But the Lord has not made it so, so I offer her only what I can.
JACK
May I offer you one suggestion Father Lyons?
FATHER LYONS
Yes, I suppose you can.
JACK
Her heart has been broken too many times already.
(pause)
Don’t do it again.
FATHER LYONS
Fear not Jackson. There is nothing more precious to me than Miss Kendra Jewels’ heart. I would be lost without it. Now, say three Hail Mary’s and go make amends with the family you so adore.
JACK
Yes Father.
(JACK lowers his head and crosses himself then steps out of the confessional and walks off stage.)
(Lights dim. End of Scene Five, ACT II.)
ACT III
SCENE ONE
(The forests of Wonderville. JACK is training KENDRA in the ways of a Wonderville Warrior. They reach a moment of silence and utter expenditure. KENDRA kneels down at the babbling brook at which they are training by in order to take a drink. Before she can lower her head to the water JACK offers her a canteen of sorts.)
JACK
Here. There’s no need for that.
KENDRA
I thought rebels relied on no one but themselves.
JACK
I made a mistake in telling you that.
KENDRA
What if there is no one else to rely on?
JACK
If no one else, you can always rely on me.
(KENDRA takes the canteen and places the liquid to her lips and hands it back to JACK.)
KENDRA
I used to believe that, a long time ago I used to believe in a lot of things.
(Extending his hand.)
JACK
Take my hand.
(Eyeing JACK warily KENDRA chooses to pick up her weapon and get to her feet without the help.)
KENDRA
(after a moment of silence she speaks)
What brings on this bout of kindness?
JACK
You must know everything about being a warrior. You have absorbed every physical lesson there is to learn about being a warrior. I have failed in teaching you about the spiritual needs of a rebel. I’m afraid I’ve left you prey to something far worse than my cold shoulder could’ve ever been.
KENDRA
(holding his gaze)
If there’s something you should never doubt, it’s that in my aging, there was nothing worse than your banishment of me from your heart.
JACK
(Sheathing his weapon, he steps towards her.)
I’m sorry. I was wrong. I was so wrong.
KENDRA
And what do you want now? My forgiveness? Not even on my death bed did you come to me. Only Father Lyons and my mother and father did. And even father was more caught up in the strategy that you took credit for. Strategy that I knew everyone would be able to execute. Now Father not only loves you more than me, he respects you as well.
JACK
Come to me lass.
KENDRA
(KENDRA brandishes her weapon.)
I’m not your lass anymore. I’m an adult, a warrior. I am what you made of me.
JACK
You’ve always been my lass, I’ve just abused my position in your life these past years.
KENDRA
I’ve had a friend.
JACK
Father Lyons is your spiritual advisor, not your friend.
KENDRA
Matthew has been at my side in my darkest of moments. Where have you been?
JACK
I don’t have any excuses lass. I only have penances. I don’t want to fight you. I want to be the one you can count on.
KENDRA
I have the one I can count on.
JACK
Father Lyons isn’t someone who’ll always be there. Even though he wants to be, the nature of who he is and what he does, doesn’t allow for it.
KENDRA
In the way you’ve decided to treat me over the years I’ve become acutely aware of what value as a person is to each and every person in my life. And Matthew loves me and offers me a life that I wouldn’t have otherwise.
JACK
Your father would never approve. You deserve better.
KENDRA
My father doesn’t care what happens to me. Neither do you for that matter. You only want to ease your guilty conscience.
JACK
Matthew serves only one Being. You on the other hand serve a Cause higher than God. You serve the people of Wonderville. You serve your father. You serve —–
KENDRA
I serve who? You?
(her mood blackens)
I serve no one. I love no one.
JACK
Not even Father Lyons? Once upon a time I remember you telling me you loved only two men. Me and your father.
KENDRA
What makes you think I don’t now?
JACK
You say it now as if you hate us.
KENDRA
And this surprises you? You both betrayed me. How could I not hate you?
JACK
But the love is there.
(She swings her sword with all that she’s got. He jumps back with each lunge.)
KENDRA
I hate you. I hate you. I hate you.
(She swings until she is breathless.)
I hate you.
JACK
(He takes her sword.)
But you still love me.
KENDRA
Yes. I’ve always loved you. But you broke that part of me that could ever love you with my whole heart again. I can’t trust you. I won’t.
(JACK wraps his hand around KENDRA’S wrist and takes her sword from her hand.)
JACK
Matthew may love you and give you the softness that you crave, but he is ultimately a man of God and his role in our rebellion is crucial. He will never make you his wife. King Rosen would have his head. And we would lose a strong financial supporter of the Cause.
KENDRA
Do you take me for a fool? He offers me things you can’t, things you would rather die for than share them with me.
JACK
If you are talking about the pleasures of the flesh then I can tell you that I am far more skilled than any priest of their small cloister.
KENDRA
It’s clear to me that I’m wasting my breath on you. I once longed for your forgiveness. I longed for it like my lungs longed for the air it breathes every day. I used to lay in my bed on the floor at night and sob into my pillow until I was numb. I’d dream of you coming to me, taking me in your arms and telling me that you loved me, that you believed me, that you forgave me. But once Olivia died so did the dream. With her gone I knew you would never come to me.
JACK
Kendra...
(She tugs away, he tightens his grip.)
KENDRA
Don’t.
JACK
(softly)
Look at me. I know Matthew has been teaching you to read and write. Things even your mother doesn’t have complete mastery of. But you, you have your father’s military mind with your mother’s ability to envision the greater good. I can execute and lead, but I can not strategize, I don’t have the mind for it. I should’ve never let it go this far. I should’ve told your father the first time it wasn’t me. But I was just so angry and so bitter. I’m sorry Kendra.
(Cupping her cheek, he strokes it.)
You were just a little girl. I should have believed you. And I shouldn’t have blamed you for the mess that became my personal life. You had no control over that. You were just trying to help.
(JACK drops her sword and takes her in his arms.)
KENDRA
What are you going to tell Father?
JACK
The truth. That it was you from the beginning who made the notes on his map. Not me.
KENDRA
And Matthew?
JACK
I can’t advise you on that. You seem to have your heart set on him no matter what I say.
KENDRA
(looking up at him)
He’s the only man who’s ever loved me.
JACK
(beat)
No he’s not. He’s just the only one who’s ever had the decency to show it.
(She rests her head against his chest, he rests his cheek to the top of her head.)
(Lights dim. End of Scene One.)
SCENE TWO
(MATTHEW sits at his desk going over his files. JACK knocks on the door.)
JACK
Hey Doc. Needed to see me?
MATTHEW
Yes. Please, close the door and have a seat.
(JACK does so and lays down on the couch.)
JACK
Talk to me.
MATTHEW
Sit up.
JACK
Oh Doc, I thought we knew each other better than that.
MATTHEW
Not today Jack. You’ve missed almost every session except this one and a simple passing where you informed me of how you may have hurt Kendra’s recovery process.
JACK
I stayed with her until she told me she was alright.
MATTHEW
That’s not good enough.
JACK
Christ, what are you, her shrink or her boyfriend?
MATTHEW
I’m here to make sure she gets out of here in one piece. That includes protecting her from well meaning, but insensitive types like yourself.
JACK
I thought you were here to help me too.
MATTHEW
Jack, I’ve dealt with types like you before. In fact, I’ve dealt with you before. You go out and for a few years you’re as clean as a whistle, but after a while the siren call of alcohol or drugs, or even both comes calling and you’re right back here where I try to convince you yet again why going back to Hollywood is the biggest mistake you can make because it will test an already fragile recovery.
JACK
Is this the part where you tell me to lay off your girlfriend or else?
MATTHEW
Are you even listening to me? Kendra has a great deal of affection for you. She likes you. She depends on you. But you’re jerking her around and it’s setting her back.
JACK
I like her too, but she misunderstands things and twists them around. I’ve spent a lot of time with her. We’ve talked about a lot of things and one of those things was you.
(MATTHEW locks up. His body stiffens and he turns back to his papers. JACK sits up and becomes a force of nature.)
JACK
Hey Doc, I’m talking to you. You’re pigeon holing me about your patient and telling me I need to treat her with kids gloves when all she wants to talk about with me is you.
(MATTHEW turns around.)
MATTHEW
And how does that make you feel, Jack?
JACK
Honestly? It pisses me off. I like the girl. I want to see her make it. And each time I see her it’s like she’s slipping further and further away. Because she’s either talking about you or her work. And even though I understand where she’s coming from, I can see a disaster coming from miles in the opposite direction. The bottom is going to fall out on her when you break it off and what will you do then?
MATTHEW
You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.
JACK
Don’t I? What do I do when a new girl joins the cast of my show? I befriend her. I teach her. I seduce her. Get her a storyline, then dump her. Sometimes she can handle it, sometimes she can’t. I’m getting to be the sleazy guy you want to avoid. You’re one of the good guys Doc, don’t be like me. Because this one, this birdie, she won’t be able to handle it when you let her down.
MATTHEW
Jack.
JACK
Yeah Doc.
MATTHEW
Kendra is a lovely, talented, tough on the outside, soft on the inside kind of girl. I’m her psychiatrist. I’ve treated plenty of women who suffer from the same problems she suffers from now. I’m professional enough to know if I’ve crossed a line.
JACK
She has a light about her now that she didn’t have before. And she practically glows when she talks about you. If you haven’t crossed a line yet, you will soon.
MATTHEW
You’re here voluntarily aren’t you?
JACK
My agent highly recommended I take a break from the rat race.
MATTHEW
Has Kendra told you why she’s here?
JACK
That would mean I have to break her confidence.
MATTHEW
I’m going to take that as a no.
JACK
Then what is she here for Doc?
MATTHEW
Problems unique to her issues with life.
JACK
She shot her abusive boyfriend and proceeded to have several manic breakdowns, which finally landed her in here. And until you she hadn’t stuck with a single solitary psychiatrist for more than a few days. You’ve made it three whole weeks. She trusts you. I’ve had to earn that trust back over the last two weeks.
MATTHEW
Are you jealous?
JACK
Are you sleeping with her?
MATTHEW
Why would you ask such a question?
(JACK turns red and his energy balls up like a ticking time bomb. Beat. Beat. Beat.)
MATTHEW
Rest easy. I would never do anything that would risk the health of my patient.
(JACK lifts MATTHEW out of his chair and seethes, each word shooting like a bullet in the psychiatrist’s face.)
JACK
Shatter her heart and I’ll give Wonder Peace Mental Health Hospital a reason to keep me here.
MATTHEW
Let go of me Jack.
JACK
Are we understood?
MATTHEW
Let go of me Jack.
(JACK tightens his grip on MATTHEW and shakes him.)
JACK
She’s a good woman and she’s in love with you. Why do you think she sits down at that desk and writes every day?
MATTHEW
Do I need to call security?
(JACK flings MATTHEW backwards.)
JACK
I think our time here is over for today.
(MATTHEW slumps to his desk as JACK storms out. He looks up to the ceiling.)
MATTHEW
Dear God. What have I done?
(Lights dim. End of Scene Two.)
SCENE THREE
(Wonder Peace rooftop. It is snowing and JACK stands at the edge smoking a cigarette. He is bundled up, on the bench is a half drank bottle of scotch. KENDRA comes out, looks at the scotch, looks at JACK and joins him at the edge of the stage.)
KENDRA
Penny for your thoughts?
JACK
My thoughts aren’t for sale.
KENDRA
I didn’t say they were asshole. You’re obviously in pain. I’m here because you’re my friend. And it seems like you’ve been avoiding me the passed few days and it’s not like you to do that unless something’s on your mind.
JACK
You’ve known me for less than a month and you think you know what makes me tick?
KENDRA
I never said that. Obviously I’ve done something to hurt you, but I can’t fix it if you don’t tell me what it is.
JACK
(Flicking a few ashes over the parapet he relents and looks at KENDRA.)
It’s not you. It’s the good Doctor. He’s ordered me to stay away from you.
KENDRA
He knows my personality type. I’ve had friends like you before. And when they let me down it devastated me. But I don’t think you’re like them.
JACK
How so?
KENDRA
Even though you hate yourself there’s something that drives you to succeed. To be something more than you are. Even now, as you stand there, surly and drunk, smoking a cheap cigarette, you want more than what life is giving you. You’re worth my time. You’re worth everyone’s time. Whether you’re a star or an everyday citizen you’re worth the love and attention you get.
JACK
No I’m not. I’m a drunk piece of shit who’s hurt you more than once and if given half the chance would just disappoint you like a lot of the people in your life have.
KENDRA
Where is this coming from?
(JACK walks up to her, pulls her into his arms and into a passionate clinch. KENDRA pushes away and slaps him across the face.)
KENDRA
Why are you doing this?
JACK
Because you’re the first real person to touch me in years. Everyone else around me is a yes man or is handling me. You’re just you and all you care about is getting better and helping others get better. And I want to touch that, feel that, be wrapped up in it. But you’re wrapped up in someone else and he’s going to do exactly what he says I’m going to do.
KENDRA
What are you talking about?
JACK
You’re in love and it’s not with me.
KENDRA
You really need to tread lightly.
JACK
Dr. Lyons is a good guy but what he’s doing with you is wrong. It won’t end well. The nature of his job won’t allow it to.
(She slaps him again.)
KENDRA
If I’m going to be a prisoner here, I’m going to allow myself to know his love, no matter what form it might come in.
JACK
Do you hear yourself talking? Your affair is going to be temporary at best. He’s going to break your heart.
KENDRA
You’re drunk.
(She starts to walk off the stage, he grabs her wrist and explodes.)
JACK
He doesn’t love you. I love you. I’m the one who can follow you out of here and protect you.
KENDRA
(Twisting and pulling she can’t break free.)
Let go.
(beat)
Let go, now.
(JACK sets her free.)
KENDRA
No one loves me. No one can protect me. I shot and killed the only man who ever loved me even for a little while. Matthew is the only one who I’ve ever known who didn’t judge me, who could could touch the pain and wipe it away even for a little while. He gives me peace, he brings me comfort. You do nothing but bring me pain with sweet tender apologies that tempt me to touch the passion I know that’s there. But at what cost?
JACK
What is it you love above all else? It’s not me. It’s not Doc Lyons. It’s the words. And whatever we’re stirring in you it’s brought them back to you. I watch you at night and during the day when you think no one’s looking, or maybe it’s more like you’re unaware anyone is looking. Your book will be brilliant. But at what cost? I promise you, I may be deeply flawed, from the cigarettes to the scotch I can’t seem to kick, but I’d give it all up just for you. Can your sweet doctor say the same? Tell me you didn’t feel anything in that kiss and I’ll back off. I’ll slip off into the abyss of Hollywood and you’ll never see me again. But if you did I’ll give it all up. I’ll do local theatre for the rest of my life just to be close to you.
KENDRA
You couldn’t give up acting anymore than I could give up the words. It’s as entrenched in you as the words are in me.
JACK
That doesn’t answer my question. You felt something. I felt you respond.
KENDRA
You’re bad for me. You’re just like him. Sometimes you’re a saint, sometimes you’re the devil. I live that daily, I can’t have that doubled. I can barely take care of myself. I can’t take care of you too.
JACK
I would never hit you.
KENDRA
No? You grabbed me. I slapped you. Who’s to say I wouldn’t shoot you dead?
JACK
You’re not the same person you were then. Doc may have taken a left turn but when he’s doing what he’s supposed to be doing he’s good.
KENDRA
I love him.
JACK
He’s only going to break your heart.
KENDRA
And what are you doing now?
(He throws the cigarette down on the ground and stamps it out. He steps to her and takes her hands. The snow is falling as he gazes up to the sky, then down at her.)
JACK
(tenderly)
Tell me you feel nothing right now and I’ll walk away.
KENDRA
I love him.
JACK
Tell me you feel nothing.
KENDRA
I can’t...
(JACK cups KENDRA’S face and kisses her tenderly and sparks fly.)
KENDRA
I need to know something.
JACK
What?
KENDRA
Are you really going to make an effort at laying down the scotch?
JACK
The only way that’s going to happen is if I don’t ever go back into the entertainment business.
KENDRA
How about I make a deal with you. I’ll help you lay off the scotch if you help me figure out what’s going on in here.
(She covers her heart and pats it lightly with her hand.)
Can you do that?
JACK
Anyone ever tell you that you’re golden?
KENDRA
No. I’ve been called Anne Oakley. I’ve been called crazy. And those were on good days.
JACK
Wherever this goes, you just remember that. You’re not crazy. You’re not Anne Oakley. You’re golden.
KENDRA
So are you. Even when you’re drowning in your own pain and self destruction, so are you.
(JACK wraps her up in his embrace and lifts her off the ground.)
JACK
I’m going to sweep you off your feet. I’m going to win you over. I’m going to help get Doc Lyons out of your head and chase all those other demons away too.
(He sets her back down on her feet. She caresses his cheek.)
KENDRA
I’m afraid no one can do that, Jack.
(beat)
Besides, I’ve gotta go inside it’s too cold out here.
JACK
Wait a minute. There’s something I gotta do to prove my word to you.
(JACK grabs the scotch bottle and chucks it off the top of the building. He turns around and caresses KENDRA’S cheek.)
JACK
Now go inside and keep writing that book.
KENDRA
Jack?
JACK
Yeah Jewels?
KENDRA
(she looks as if she’s about to cry)
Nothing.
(She runs off stage. JACK races after her.)
JACK
Kendra. Kendra. Kendra!
(Lights dim. End of Scene Three.)
SCENE FOUR
(MATTHEW sits in his office with only the desk light on. He is pouring over files, but over one in particular, KENDRA’S. A knock at the door, he opens it. It’s KENDRA. They close the door. Immediately they embrace for an extended period of time.)
KENDRA
Tell me I’m going to be okay.
(With tenderness and intimacy he caresses her back and kisses her at her temple then her lips.)
MATTHEW
We’ll figure it out.
KENDRA
(Clutching him tightly.)
That’s not good enough. I need to know for sure.
MATTHEW
Where’s this coming from?
(She drags herself from his his embrace and gazes up into his eyes.)
KENDRA
When it comes time for me to leave here what happens to us?
MATTHEW
I...I...I don’t know Kendra. I’m a psychiatrist. You’re my patient. I just don’t...I don’t know. Where is this coming from?
KENDRA
(exploding)
Not good enough.
MATTHEW
Jack’s talked to you hasn’t he?
KENDRA
This has got nothing to do with Jack. We’ve made love. You’ve told me that you love me, and God knows I love you. But is it a lie. Are you like the rest of the men in my life except my father? Do I simply fascinate you?
(MATTHEW tries to comfort her to no avail, KENDRA pushes him away.)
MATTHEW
Of course you fascinate me. It’s part of the reason why I love you the way that I do. You’re strong. You’re tough. You’re smart. But you have this other part you show no one, a part, that if you’re patient with, you get to see.
KENDRA
And what part is that?
MATTHEW
The part you’re trying so desperately to hide now. A soft, raw, and confused side that people have bruised and battered over the years that needs to be healed.
KENDRA
And you’re my own personal Jesus?
MATTHEW
Please Kendra, don’t push me away.
KENDRA
Why the hell not? You’re not following me out of here? You can’t. You have a passion for helping people. What kind of woman would I be to keep you from that passion?
MATTHEW
I have a passion for you Kendra.
KENDRA
I was the lost soul with a broken wing. I had lost my way. I had lost my passion. You and Jack, something in you two has stirred my blood. I may love you Matthew, but Jack’s right, I can’t ask you to walk away from everything that you love. Everything that you’ve worked for just for me.
(She collapses to the couch when he doesn’t answer immediately.)
MATTHEW
(whispering)
Can’t you?
(Kendra looks up with disbelief.)
MATTHEW
I’ve fixed dozens of little girls with broken wings. I’ve helped hundreds of lost souls find their ways. And I’ve seen enough broken hearts to know when they can’t be mended. But I’ve never had a client who challenged me in the ways that you did. You say I stirred something in you, and that you can’t ask me to walk away from my work. But our relationship, whatever it may be, demands that you ask for equality and respect.
KENDRA
And Jack?
MATTHEW
What about him?
KENDRA
He’s your client too.
MATTHEW
He’s of no concern to me other than the role he plays in your heart. And I can tell just by looking in your eyes you feel something for him. I can tell it’s more than friendship. How much more than friendship I don’t know.
KENDRA
If you were to leave here I would never make it out of here alive.
MATTHEW
Yes you would. You would just have to be more cooperative with your new psychiatrist and therapist.
KENDRA
We wouldn’t be able to touch, hold hands, or make love. Where would my inspiration come from?
(MATTHEW trails her cheek with the back of his fingers.)
MATTHEW
I would never admit to an affair here. I would never leave until your treatment was complete. I need you as much as you need me. I love you, Kendra. You’ve swept me off of my feet.
KENDRA
And I love you, but...
MATTHEW
But you love him too and you don’t know what to do.
(He holds her face in his hands and gazes down at her.)
MATTHEW
Then go finish your book. And remember, whatever you decide, I will always love you.
KENDRA
Why?
MATTHEW
Why? Because no one has ever stirred my blood or changed my life so that I know I will never love another woman the way that I love you.
KENDRA
Can you really walk away from your career for me?
MATTHEW
You made me see something that’s been right in front of me for a long time.
KENDRA
What’s that?
MATTHEW
That I needed to walk away from it for me.
KENDRA
I need you to know something before I go finish my novel tonight. Both you and Jack may be in my heart, but it’s you who laid your healing hands upon it and untangled it first.
(MATTHEW lays a chaste, yet lingering kiss to her lips and presses his forehead to hers.)
MATTHEW
I love you, Kendra.
(KENDRA burrows into his embrace.)
KENDRA
I love you too, Matthew.
(A simple guitar strain starts and they begin to dance sweetly to the music.)
SCENE FIVE
(The scene is split into three stages. All of them representing her decision. We start with KENDRA asleep, her face on the journal, her pen beneath her hand. Her desk faces out towards the crowd. A raunchy slow guitar riff starts and and plays softly through KENDRA’S O.S. monologue. No longer ethereal, but now grounded, we see how she has grown and that she is truly ready to leave Wonder Place and Wonderville forever.)
KENDRA
O.S.
It’s Christmas Eve as I write, and I find as I think about the decision that I’ve been not only writing about, as well as living it, that no matter what I decide I will not be able to avoid the inevitable.
(beat)
My heartbreak, as well as someone else’s. I think of what I’ve done in my life and the cards I’ve been dealt and I’ve come to know through Matthew and Jack, truly the loves the of my life, that ultimately I must make a decision that is best for me.
(Lights dim. Set changes. A battlefield with a stage full of men dressed in armor. Some in red and gold, some in blue and black. Swords clank. KEVIN is in the middle of the battle, leading his men as they push back KING ROSEN’S men. Near the front of the stage KENDRA and JACK fight side by side. They over come their foes at the same time.)
JACK
I’ve underestimated you for too many years, Kendra. I should have never underestimated your love for our people, your ability to follow your father into battle, and your loyalty to me.
KENDRA
We all flounder from time to time. I’m just happy to have you back in my life.
(Noise fades into the background and the spotlight shines on JACK and KENDRA.)
JACK
How happy?
KENDRA
You’re my best friend. But I’ll always love you with the fear of you turning your back on me again. Not in battle. I’m sure you’ll always protect me here. But at home, in your heart I’m sure you’ll always carry the death of your Olivia in your heart and a part of that will always belong to me. So no matter how fond of me you that you are—
(Suddenly JACK lurches forward and grabs his stomach. Blood flows through the spaces of his fingers. He falls to his knees and soldier wearing red and gold puts his foot to JACK’S back and pulls his sword. He has no time to react as KENDRA runs him through. Noise returns as she falls to her knees and lifts a dying JACK up into her arms.)
KENDRA
No, no, don’t leave me, you can’t leave, you can’t leave me. Not now. Not now. Not now.
(JACK cups her cheek.)
JACK
I let go of Olivia and her child a long time ago. The only one in my heart now is you.
(He struggles but lays a tender kiss to her lips before laying back and dying. KENDRA clings to him and begins to rock him back and forth.)
KENDRA
(sobbing)
No. No. No.
(MATTHEW runs out onto the stage and tries to pull her from JACK.)
MATTHEW
(softly)
Come now, come with me. We must get you to safety.
(She resists at first. She turns and mourns in his arms.)
KENDRA
He loved me. He never stopped loving me.
MATTHEW
How could anyone ever stop loving you?
(Noise lowers, spotlight shines directly on MATTHEW and KENDRA. KENDRA lays JACK to the ground and puts her arms around MATTHEW’S neck.)
KENDRA
I love him. I’ve always loved him. I will always serve in memory of him. But it’s you that I want. You that I’m in love with. You that I want a legacy to share with. Can you give me that?
(MATTHEW lifts her off the ground and into his arms.)
MATTHEW
To you, I can give the world.
(KENDRA lays her head to his chest. Lights dim. Set changes. The facade of Wonder Peace dominates the far distance. DR. MATTHEW LYONS stands outside in black jeans and a black t-shirt. It is bright and sunny as he waits. KENDRA walks out the door in a 2009 Script Frenzy t-shirt, her hair down, curly, clean, and shiny. She smiles when she sees him. She walks slowly, but quickly starts to break out into a run until she is in his arms.)
MATTHEW
I thought this day would never come.
KENDRA
Between your superiors and my parents I wasn’t too sure either.
MATTHEW
I know your parents want to see you, but do I have to share you just yet?
KENDRA
You brought me back from the depths of a blackness I thought I’d never recover from. We can do whatever you want to do.
MATTHEW
Right now...
(He leans in as if to kiss her.)
(He slides his tongue into her mouth and they kiss.)
(Lights dim. End of Scene Five, ACT III.)
