Hello all,
Sorry about the huge gap between the last part and this one, things have been busy and I haven't had time. Hope you enjoy, leave a comment below you did or if there is something you want to say. Thanks
Scene 4
At RISE:
(A living room, lushly decorated in the style of a lodge. There are a couple of sofas, two tables, and a door to the kitchen in the back. There is a hallway on the left that leads to a bedroom. The bedroom is similarly decorated as the living room. To the right, there is the front door, leading out onto a set of steps. Only the living room is fully lit, but all three settings are visible. Dave is sitting on one couch, with a distant look on his face. His father, Jeff, is sitting on the opposite couch texting, with his feet on the table in-between. Dave’s mother, Eileen, is in the kitchen, offstage. It has been raining outside.
Jeff
You looking forward to the church hiking trip? I’m glad you’re finally leader.
Dave
Hm? Oh yeah, not really. I was wondering if I could miss out on this one, sir? I-
Jeff
What? Not go? I will not have people think I raised a slacker. It’s your duty to your family and church.
Dave
Yes sir, you’re right sir.
Eileen (off)
How’s it going with Elaina?
Dave
Oh, she’s nice.
Eileen
You should take her to the church dance. The theme is cool this year, dress as your inner self.
(Dave snorts)
Very spiritual.
Jeff
Elaina is from a good family, and she is quite the buxom beauty. You would make a cute couple.
Dave
(Sounding dejected)
Yes sir.
(Knock at the front door, rather timid. Jeff looks up, Eileen enters and goes to open the door, and Dave looks up blandly.)
Eileen
Who’s there?
Aaron
(From outside)
A friend of Dave, is he here?
(Dave looks to the door, a brief flash of joy in his face, but then quickly hidden. His father notices, though, and he looks accusatory.)
Dave
I’ll handle this, mom.
Eileen
Sure dear, ok.
(She goes back to the kitchen. Dave goes out the front door to speak to Aaron. Jeff gets up and follows, staying back from the door. Dave shuts the door, and the lights shift to Aaron and Dave on the steps. They embrace. Aaron looks tired, is soaking wet from the rain, and has a huge backpack on.)
Dave
Aaron, why are you here?
Aaron
I couldn’t stay there. I know I’m probably ruining your life, but I have nowhere else to go.
Dave
It’s ok pup, I’m glad you’re here
Aaron
Can I have some money for a motel? I don’t think I have enough.
Dave
(looking puzzled)
Motel? Why?
Aaron
I have to sleep somewhere. I still have two more months until college starts, and I can’t get housing early.
Dave
You’re not going to a motel, you will stay here with me. And not on the couch, either. You’ll sleep with me, pup.
Aaron
Aren’t your parents here?
Dave
They are.
Aaron
Do they know?
Dave
(winks)
Not yet. Come inside, you’re soaked and-
Aaron
(backing away)
No, I don’t want to cause a fight. I can’t bear for you to go through anything like I went through.
Dave
It was going to happen anyway, although I feel bad you have to witness it. Still, you will be here with me.
Aaron
Won’t your parents throw me out?
Dave
(smiling)
Oh no, they would hate a scandal.
Aaron
(frowning)
I don’t know…
Dave
(He grabs Aaron’s arm, pulling him toward the door.)
I do. You’re coming with me.
(The light shifts to the living room as they come in. Dave has his arm around Aaron. Jeff is glaring at them. Eileen comes in from the kitchen, holding a plate of sandwiches. Aaron looks painfully awkward and uncomfortable. Dave is cheerful and confident.)
Dave
Let me introduce you to my mate. This is Aaron. He’s going to be staying here for a while.
(Jeff glares angrily at his son. Eileen glances at Jeff, notices his expression, and quickly sets the sandwiches down.)
Eileen
Mate? Is he from Australia?
(She laughs awkwardly, then pauses, waiting for someone else to laugh. Tension builds as the silence drags on. Jeff looks murderous, Dave is calm, and Aaron looks like he wants to run out screaming.)
Jeff
Shut up, Eileen, and go give us a minute.
(She looks apologetically at Aaron, and then goes back into the kitchen.)
Jeff
So, Aaron, you think you can mooch off our son?
Aaron
(Stuttering)
Nnn-no sir, I-
Dave
Aaron, this is my father, Jeff. You may call him sir, but I’m done with that. Why don’t you go to my room and settle in? It’s down the hall to the left. Take a shower or something, and take a sandwich, too.
(Aaron tentatively grabs a sandwich, skirts around the fuming Jeff, and hurries down the hall. The lights change briefly to show Aaron entering Dave’s room, taking off his backpack, and collapsing on the floor. The lights shift back to Dave and his father. They are having a strong confrontation.)
Jeff
He is not staying here. I will not have the town talking about my son and his little faggot bitch.
Dave
You will not call him that. But you’re right, he is mine. And speaking of scandals, if you send him away, you’ll get one like you won’t believe.
Jeff
Worse than a gay son? You know what? It’s worse than that. You seemed so… oh I don’t know, straight. You hiked, biked, led church events. I was proud. But all that was a lie. False. It’s bad enough that you have to stay here, but I can’t deal with him here, too.
Dave
You never asked or showed any interest in my personality, or what I identify with or as. I wanted you to be proud of me, But I knew you couldn’t deal with who I am, so I did what you want, I was the son you wanted. But I’m done. I didn’t intend for Aaron to come here, I was just going to leave, go to college and begin a different life, but then Aaron did show up here. He needs me, and I need him. We won’t stay for long though, just until I’m all set and ready to go. I’d hate to prolong your misery.
Jeff
I, I don’t know… I’m sorry Dave. We’ll talk about this tomorrow. You can stay; I don’t want you to leave. I do value you as a person, Dave, more than the family’s image.
(Dave raises his eyebrows)
Oh yes, it’s true, I care about your views. I always wanted the good life for my family, and I’ve done my best
Jeff (Cont’d)
to make it that way. I thought you were happy and that you actually liked leading church groups. You never complained.
Dave
You rarely talked to me, except to tell me what to do, who to hang out with, to protect the family image. I figured it would be better to go along with it.
Jeff
I’m sorry for not paying attention to you, son. Go to bed now, we’ll talk tomorrow. Your friend Aaron can stay for now, but if I hear one questionable sound from your room, I won’t be so accepting. Goodnight Dave.
(Jeff gets up and walks out of the room, shaking his head. Dave gets up and goes to his room. The stage is dark for a minute, then the light comes up on Dave’s room. Dave and Aaron are in bed together, topless, and covered in a blanket. Aaron is snuggled up to Dave’s chest, and Dave’s arms are around him.)
Aaron
So, how did it go? Will they let me stay with you?
Dave
Surprisingly, it did go well. I didn’t expect him to be so…
Aaron
Hm?
Dave
Oh, I don’t know, honest. Or open. I never considered that he might care about my feelings, or my interests.
Aaron
Did you tell him you’re a fur?
Dave
No, I figured I would leave that until later. He just thinks I’m gay.
Aaron
So what did he say about me?
Dave
Boy. Aren’t you full of questions? You’re welcome to stay, as long as we’re delicate.
Aaron
Delicate?
Dave
(Smirks, pulling Aaron tighter to is body)
If we do anything, we have to keep the growling and moaning to a minimum.
Aaron
As much as I would love to take things further than just heavy petting,
(Dave snorts and Aaron elbows him in the ribs)
pun not intended, there is something disturbing about doing it in your parent’s house, especially with your parents here.
Dave
Oh shut up wolfy, everything will be fine, go to sleep.
(Aaron snuggles closer, and the light slowly fades.)
End Scene 4
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