by Amy Gallagher

Created on: September 18, 2008

A 5- apartment. Amy is a young 21-year-old woman and James is a 26-year-old man.
Amy is sitting in a living room, alone, in the dark. She stays there, in silence, for a few moments. Then, James comes back to the apartment and begins taking off his coat. Amy opens a lamp. James turn towards her.
Amy: Where have you been?
James: Uhh Out. I was out.
Amy: I see that. My question is where, not what.

James: Right. I was with Brian.
Amy: I called Brian. (Pause.) You weren't there.
James remains silence.
James: Ah right.
Amy gets up and approaches James.
Amy: So, what explanation are you going to give me this time?
James: I uh
Amy: Exactly as thought. You don't have one! As always.
Amy and James stay in silence for a moment or two. James takes a deep breath.
James: I'm sorry, Amy. I don't what to tell you.
Amy: The truth would be nice.
James: I can't. I really can't.
Amy: You are unbelievable, James! This happens again and again! Night after night!
Amy sits back down. James takes a moment and goes to see her.
James: I really want to make it up to you, okay?
Amy: You keep saying that when this happens, every single time.
James: I really do want to make it up to you.
Amy: And do what?
James: Let's just spend a weekend somewhere anywhere away from here.
Amy stays silent for a moment and sighs.
Amy: You keep saying that. You made it a rule. Remember that?
James: (Sighs) Yes, I do. You're right, Amy.
James and Amy fell silent.
Amy: Are you going to tell me where you were?
James: Why do you really want to know?
Amy: James, you haven't been here all night. I was worried.
James: Okay, you've made a good point. (Sighs.) I was working late.
Amy: Again? James, this is getting ridiculous!
James: I know, I know,
Amy: Honey, we need to take care this. It's getting out of hand.
James: Yeah.
Amy: What's going on? What are you not telling me?
James: I thought I just did.
Amy: We both know that that is a lie.
James: Amy, I really don't know what to tell you.
Amy: The truth would be nice.
James: The truth about what?
Amy: Tell me everything! We've been through this!
James: You know I can't tell you everything. Because of the job.
Amy: Well, tell me what you can tell me.
James: Ahh, I'm not sure.
Amy stays silent for a moment.
Amy: Fine, if that's how it's going to be, then, this can't work. We can't work.
James: I do want to tell you the truth, Amy, but
Amy: Then tell me! It's not that difficult.
James: This is just one of those things I just can't.
There is a moment of silence from both Amy and James.
Amy: If we can't talk to each other, then what do we do?
James: I'm not sure, Amy. I'm really not sure.
Amy: Since you don't want to talk, you figure out how to change work and secrets.
James: Honestly, I think we should it together. That's what couples do, right?
Amy: Yes, but how can we, when you don't want to talk?
James: I don't know what to tell you, Amy.
Amy: See that's why you need to figure it out on your own.
James: Okay, fine.
Amy: In the meantime, I'm going to spend a few days with my sister.
James: Wouldn't it be better if you stayed here? Especially now.
Amy: I'm not sure, if that's such a good idea.
James makes a few steps away from Amy, in silence.
James: How long are you going to spend at your sister?
Amy: Just a few days, no more than that.
James: Okay. Just call me okay, when you get there.
Amy gets up and starts heading towards the bedroom. She makes a few steps, stops, and turns toward James, who had his back to her.
Amy: We can continue this conversation, when I get back, okay?
James: Okay. I'd like that.
Amy enters the bedroom that is offstage.

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