WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND UNAFRAID PENNY.

PENNY. Agnes, I only have two hours to finish this and I have like, a
hundred pages, so….
Scene 1 AGNES. Alright, alright. (She moves into the kitchen)
(For a moment, they both work silently.)
A farmhouse kitchen. Spacious and cluttered. A large, rustic wooden table AGNES. I don’t think Yale accepts women.
in the center. A wooden countertop, stools in the front. Behind, a PENNY. Yes they do. They went co-ed four years ago.
refrigerator, oven, stove-top- nothing is new. All old, practically AGNES. It’s awfully far away.
vintage-looking. And hardy. Cast-iron pots hang from the ceiling. Stacks PENNY. We live on an island. Everything is far away.
and stacks of cookbooks. A well-used, well-loved space. PENNY. Do you even know where my birth certificate is?
A narrow staircase, upstage, leads into the upper regions of the house. AGNES. Of course I do.
A sliding door, downstage, leads to the dining room and front entrance. PENNY. Really?
Penny sits at the kitchen table, reading by candlelight. Footsteps down the AGNES. I’ll find it. (Penny goes back to reading. Agnes takes another
stairs. Agnes appears. Sleeep. She looks at Penny, confused. Penny looks long moment to look at her. This time Penny looks up and catched Agnes.)
up and smiles briefly, then goes back to her book. Agnes turns on the PENNY. Why are you looking at me?
lights. AGNES. I’m your mother. (She returns to her muffins.)
PENNY. Are we full tonight?
AGNES. Why are you up? It’s 5:30. AGNES. Oh. No, we’re not that full. (The percolator boils over. She pours
PENNY. I need to finish this before English. coffee for herself and Penny.) I ran into Mrs. Cleary at the market. She
AGNES. You need to sleep. asked me who was taking you to the prom. I told her I didn’t know.
PENNY. I have a chemistry test [Link] reminds me, I need my birth PENNY. I’m not going to the prom.
certificate. AGNES. Okay.
AGNES. Why? PENNY. I can’t think of anything more bourgeois.
PENNY. For driver’s ed. To get my license. AGNES. You’re probably right.
AGNES. I thought you had decided not to take driver’s ed. AGNES. If nobody has asked you yet, why don’t you ask somebody?
PENNY. I never said that. PENNY. Why do you want me to go so badly?
AGNES. You said everyone who drives a car is expediting the apocalypse AGNES. I don’t care if you go.
by destroying the ozone. PENNY. Good. Because I’m not going.
PENNY. I’m going to need a car at Yale. AGNES. I just don’t want you to miss it, that’s all. I missed my own prom
AGNES. Yale? Who do you know who goes to Yale? (Penny doesn’t and always regretted it.
answer) Penny?
PENNY. That’s because you grew up in a time where women measured Agnes and Mary Anne are seated in the kitchen, talking by candlelight.
their self-worth by their desirability. I am, happily, free of that patriarchal Mary Anne is both exhausted and wired. She’s tapping a penny over and
oppression and do not need to attend some sort of bastardized summer over again against the tabletop. She’s got a swollen eye and a split lip.
solstice ritual, where I am paraded around like a sheep, in order to absolve
myself for having a vagina. Is that okay with you, Agnes? AGNES. Are you on something?
AGNES. It’s fine with me, Penny. MARY ANNE. Ma’am?
PENNY. (Agnes spoons the muffins into the tin. Silence. Penny works.) Do AGNES. Drugs?
you know Tommy Butler? MARY ANNE. No ma’am.
AGNES. No, who’s that? AGNES. That’s just the nerves then? (She indicates the penny. Mary Anne
PENNY. He’s in my chemistry class. He’s on the football team. didn’t know she was doing it.)
AGNES. Oh. MARY ANNE. Oh my God.
PENNY. He’s driven me home a couple of times. AGNES. It’s alright.
AGNES. I thought you’ve been riding your bike to and from school. MARY ANNE. I didn't realize I was-
PENNY. I have. But sometimes he gives me a lift. AGNES. It’s alright. (Mary Anne looks at the door, suspiciously.) So
AGNES. I don’t see why he needs to do that. It’s only a few miles and you you’re not on any drugs then?
have a perfectly good bike. MARY ANNE. No ma'am
PENNY. Sometimes it’s raining. AGNES. Would you like some Tylenol? For the-? (She indicates Mary
AGNES. So you’ll get a little wet. It’s good for you. (There’s a gentle Anne’s bruises.)
chime sound. Subtle. You could miss it. But Penny and Agnes don’t. They MARY ANNE. No ma’am. I want to feel this. (Agnes nods. She
freeze. And wait. And then come four soft knocks. Penny looks at Agnes.) understands.)
PENNY. Again? So soon? AGNES. Can I see? (Mary Anne reluctantly allows Agnes to examine her
AGNES. Go change your sheets. (Penny nods and goes. Agnes puts a eye and lip.) That needs stitches.
“closed” sign on the door. She sets the deadbolt and shuts the blinds. Then MARY ANNE. No, ma’am. I’ll be fine.
she takes out a flashlight, turns off the lights, pulls up a rug, opens a trap AGNES. Call me Agnes or I will strangle you. (Beat.) I’m sorry, that was
door in the floor, and descends.) a poor choice of words. (Mary Anne smiles again, despite herself.)
MARY ANNE. Ow
Scene 2 AGNES. Now, I need to ask you a few questions, alright? (Mary Anne
nods.) I bet you’d be more comfortable if you sat. (Mary Anne sits. The
oven timer dings. Mary Anne jumps up.) It was the oven. (Agnes takes the
steaming hot muffins out of the oven.)
MARY ANNE. Is that cardamom? AGNES. John what? (Mary Anne doesn’t reply.) If you were to go out for
AGNES. (Surprised.) Yes. Pumpkin cardamom. For tomorrow morning. a walk and disappear, whose house should I send the police to?
They’re usually a guest favorite, though once I had a lady who was MARY ANNE. He doesn’t know I’m here. (starts breathing hard.) He
expecting and she couldn’t stand the smell of them. Would you like doesn’t know where I am. (Beat.) He probably- (Beat.) He probably-
something to drink? (She pulls a soda can out of her fridge.) Ginger ale? AGNES. (Closing the book.) It’s alright. Dear, it’s alright. Look, I’m
MARY ANNE. Do you have any whiskey? putting the book away, okay? We’ll do this later. We can do all of this later.
AGNES. (Sighs.) Everyone always wants whiskey. (She puts the soda can MARY ANNE. He probably hasn’t even noticed that I’m gone. (She is
back and pulls a bottle of whiskey from inside her cabinet. She pours some heaving.)
for Mary Anne, who grabs it and gulps it down. Agnes takes out a AGNES. Probably not.
notebook and opens to a fresh page. Writing.) Okay, on to my questions. MARY ANNE. He was drunk. He was so drunk-
Mary Anne. (Looks up.) What’s your last name, dear? AGNES. I’m sure he was, dear.
MARY ANNE. Why are you writing it down? MARY ANNE. When he gets drunk like that, he doesn’t know what he’s
AGNES. This is how we do things around her, darling. You don’t like it, doing.
you don’t have to stay. (Beat.) AGNES. He knows what he’s doing, but that’s alright. Breathe,
MARY ANNE. Rainer. Mary Anne Rainer. sweetheart. Just breathe. (Mary Anne keeps breathing heavily, trying to
AGNES. Is that your maiden name? calm herself. Penny creeps into the room. Agnes sees her and shakes her
MARY ANNE. Yes. head. Penny disappears.) Why don’t I tell you a little about what we do
AGNES. That’s a very pretty name. here?
MARY ANNE. Thank you. MARY ANNE. (Weakly.) We?
AGNES. And how old are you, Mary Anne? AGNES. Yes, me and my daughter, Penny. You’ll meet her. She’s sixteen.
MARY ANNE. Twenty-five. She helps me out quite a bit with the girls. You’ll be staying in her room-
AGNES. Any children? (Beat.) MARY ANNE. Oh no! I don’t want to put her out-
MARY ANNE. No. (Agnes looks at her keenly.) AGNES. It’s fine. She’s used to it. She’ll stay with me.
AGNES. You want to think about that some more? MARY ANNE. I can just stay down there in the basement.
MARY ANNE. No. AGNES. What are you, a dog?
AGNES. How long have you been married? MARY ANNE. (Slowly.) No.
MARY ANNE. Six years. AGNES. Good. Then you’ll sleep in a bed like a human being . We ask
AGNES. What’s his name? (Beat.) that you stay up there during the day. We’ll bring your meals to you. You
MARY ANNE. John. can read. You can sleep. You can watch television. Rest. When your face
heals, then you can come down, help us with the cooking and the cleaning,
if you like. Though you don’t have to. When you’re ready we can talk AGNES. Why don’t we clean up that face of yours, while we’ve got you
about what your next move will be. Any questions? distracted? (Mary Anne nods. Agnes wets a clean cloth and takes out a
MARY ANNE. Why do I have to stay upstairs? medical kit. As she sterilizes the needle, Penny takes Mary Anne’s hand.)
AGNE. Our guests are nice people, on vacation, hoping to relax. I can’t PENNY. We need to think about something happy right now. What makes
have someone walking around here looking like a ghoul, spoiling the view. you happy?
Understood? You got to stay up there until your face looks normal again. MARY ANNE. I don’t know.
MARY ANNE. How long do you think that will take? PENNY. A place? A person?
AGNES. Depends whether or not you let me stitch it. MARY ANNE. Um… I can't think of anything. (Agnes cleans Mary
MARY ANNE. You’re a doctor? Anne’s face with a cloth.)
AGNES. I was a nurse. (Lights down.)
MARY ANNE. (Touches her face delicately.) Will it hurt?
AGNES. Some. Something tells me you can take it. (Mary Anne looks at
Agnes, sharply.) It will heal more quickly if it’s stitched. Up to you. (Agnes Scene 3
starts taking the muffins out of the tins and placing them in a basket.
Penny enters the room again. She waves at Mary Anne. Mary Anne waves Agnes is at the kitchen table, balancing her checkbook. There’s a gentle
back.) knock on the door to the main room. A rough young woman stands there.
PENNY. Penny. Looking wary and uncomfortable.
MARY ANNE. Mary Anne.
AGNES. Careful. They’re hot. (Penny bites into a muffin. Steam rises.) AGNES. May I help you?
You going to school? HANNAH. I’m looking for work.
PENNY. Thinking about it. AGNES. How did you get in here?
AGNES. Did you finish your homework? HANNAH. Through the door. Your sign’s falling down out front. I could
PENNY. I’ll finish it there. start there.
AGNES. I put the rest of the coffee in a thermos for you. AGNES. That’s very kind of you, but I like it that way. I think it’s
PENNY. Thanks, Agnes. (Penny looks at Mary Anne. Tears are streaming, charming. (Hannah eyes the muffins.) Are you hungry?
silently, down her cheeks.) Why are you crying? HANNAH. (Quickly.) No.
AGNES. Are you alright? Are you in pain? AGNES. Would you like to take a a muffin with you? For later?
MARY ANNE. (Quietly.) I miss my mama. HANNAH. I’m not asking for handouts. I want to work. (She starts to
PENNY. We don’t usually get along this well. (Mary anne smiles.) exit.)
AGNES. What’s your name?
HANNAH. (Turns back.) Hannah. PAUL. Anyway, I had to get away from the city. I can’t concentrate there
ANGES. What brings you to our island? anymore. (Agnes stares at him blankly.) That’s why I came here. To your
HANNAH. I’m looking for some people. inn. I thought you might like to know. (Beat.)
AGNES. Okay. Well good luck to you. AGNES. Paul, this is my quiet time in my private space. I socialize with
HANNAH. You too, lady. (She goes. Agnes returns to her paperwork. A my guests later in the evening. I’m sure you understand.
moment. And then another knock on the door. A man sticks his head into PAUL. Oh. Of course I- I’m sorry-
the room. Tall and pale. Handsome and soft-spoken.) AGNES. Not at all- Is there anything I can help you with pertaining to
PAUL. Hello? your room?
AGNES. My God, doesn't anybody read anymore? PAUL. To find the hot water…?
PAUL. I’m sorry? AGNES. Turn the handle around twice.
AGNES. There is a sign, clear as day, on the front door that specifically PAUL. Yes, that’s right. Well, it was nice talking to you. I’m planning on
states all guests should ring the bell and wait for assistance. staying here for a while. To finish some songs that I- (Mary Anne enters
PAUL. I’m sorry. Name’s Paul. I checked in last night? the room from the staircase, wearing sunglasses.) Hello.
AGNES. I remember. MARY ANNE. I’m sorry. (Turns and disappears back up the stairs before
PAUL. (Surprised.) Oh, uh, and- I can’t figure out how to get hot water. Agnes can stop her.)
AGNES. What room are you? PAUL. Who was that?
PAUL. 3. AGNES. Uh, that was my niece. (Penny enters. She pushes past Paul and
AGNES. You have to turn it around twice. heads up the stairs that Mary Anne just came from. Alarmed.) What's the
PAUL. Ah, so there’s a trick. matter?
AGNES. Sorry about that. (She goes back to reading her paperwork. Paul PENNY. Nothing.
lingers in the doorway.) AGNES. Why aren't you at school?
PAUL. I am a songwriter. PENNY. I feel sick (Penny races up the stairs. Agnes is bewildered. Paul
AGNES. Of course you are. is smiling.)
PAUL. Sorry? PAUL. I like it here. (Lights down.)
AGNES. I mean, that’s wonderful Paul. Good for you.
PAUL. Thanks. I’m from San Francisco. I work as a piano teacher. Had Scene 4
myself a nice little practice going there, for a while. I’m classically trained,
see. The middle of the night. The kitchen is dark. Mary Anne sits at the table,
AGNES. Are you? alone, staring straight ahead. Smoking a cigarette. Penny enters quietly,
holding a textbook.
 PENNY. Yeah, but it’s been their own damn fault. They screw up. They
PENNY. Why are you up? “miss him.” They make a call. (Beat. Penny goes back to her work. Mary
MARY ANNE. I can’t sleep. Anne fills the percolator with water and sets it on the stove.)
PENNY. I have to finish my math homework somewhere. I usually work at MARY ANNE. So, do you have a boyfriend?
this table. PENNY. I’m not really interested in boys.
MARY ANNE. I’ll help you. MARY ANNE. Why not? (Penny puts down her pencil and looks at Mary
PENNY. You know calculus? Anne, pointedly.) They’re not all like John. (Penny goes back to work.
MARY ANNE. No. I could sit with you though, if you’d like some Mary Anne sits down a the kitchen table and casually leafs through a
company. cooking magazine.)
PENNY. That’s okay. (Beat. Mary Anne nods. Stands.) PENNY. There is one guy I kind of like.
MARY ANNE. Good night. (Starts towards the stairs. Penny feels bad.) MARY ANNE. Tell me about him. What’s his name? (Beat.)
PENNY. Do you want some coffee? I was just about to make some. PENNY. Tommy.
MARY ANNE. I’ll make it. You have work to do. MARY ANNE. Tommy what?
PENNY. Okay. (She sits at the kitchen table and opens up her notebook. In PENNY. Butler.
the kitchen, Mary Anne begins measuring coffee grinds into a percolator, MARY ANNE. Does he have a girlfriend?
very quietly. Mary Anne smiles. Penny stares at her black eye.) That’s a PENNY. No.
nasty shiner he gave you. MARY ANNE. So why aren’t you with him?
MARY ANNE. I know. PENNY. He’s not interested in girls like me.
PENNY. First time he’s hit you in the face? MARY ANNE. How much do you like him? (Beat.)
MARY ANNE. Yes. PENNY. I like him a ton.
PENNY. That’s what I thought. Most of you finally leave when he hits you MARY ANNE. And what kind of girls does he like?
in the face. PENNY. You know… the ones who wear dresses and go to his football
MARY ANNE. (Self-conscious.) How many girls have been through this games.
place? MARY ANNE. Do you own any dresses?
PENNY. Two or three a year for as long as I can remember. PENNY. Of course.
MARY ANNE. And where do they all go when they leave? MARY ANNE. So why don’t you put one on and go to his game?
PENNY. Depends. Some of them go on to friends and other relatives. PENNY. (Stares at Mary Anne.) I can’t do that. It isn’t me.
Some of them go back. A few of them have gotten themselves killed. MARY ANNE. Ah (Goes back to her magazine.)
MARY ANNE. Killed! PENNY. I asked him to the prom this afternoon.
MARY ANNE. (Surprised.) You did?
PENNY. Yeah, In the cafeteria.
MARY ANNE. (puts her magazine down.) Tell me exactly what happened. AGNES. Who you calling? (Mary Anne jumps and hangs up the phone.)
Everything you remember. MARY ANNE. My mother.(Beat.)
PENNY. Well, he was sitting with the football team. And I said, “Hey AGNES. Well, go ahead.
Tom, can I talk to you for a second.” And he said, “Sure Penny, what’s MARY ANNE. That’s alright. She’ll probably still be asleep. (Agnes isn’t
up?” We took a walk down the hall, past all the football trophies, and I was buying it, but she doesn’t say anything. She puts hot water on the stove for
so nervous, I could barely get the words out of my mouth. I said, “Would coffee and takes out ingredients for the muffins. Outside, the sound of
you like to go to the prom with me.” And he looked kinda shocked. And thunder.) Can I help you?
he said, “Can I think about it?” And I said, “I guess so.” And he said AGNES. How’s your eye?
“Great. See you around.” And that was it. MARY ANNE. The swelling has gone down.
MARY ANNE. So he didn’t actually say no. AGNES. Come here. Let me see. (Mary Anne shows Agnes her face.) So it
PENNY. He basically did. has. I did a fine job. Now, do you remember how I asked you to stay
MARY ANNE. I think maybe he does want to go with you. I think he just upstairs until it had healed completely?
wants to be the one to ask. (Penny makes an exasperated sound and MARY ANNE. Yes, ma’am. (Heads towards the stairs as Penny comes
returns to her homework.) If you want to get the guy, you have to act like flying down them.)
the girl. Right now, you’re acting like the guy. (Picks up her magazine and PENNY. (To Mary Anne.) Out of my way. I’m late.
resumes reading. Silence.) AGNES. Coffee will be ready in a minute.
PENNY. Where are you from? PENNY. I don’t have time. I have a test first period and I want to get there
MARY ANNE. Fort Lewis. early to cram.
PENNY. What’s it like to live on base? AGNES. I thought you studied last night.
MARY ANNE. Why do you ask? (Beat.) PENNY. Not enough.
PENNY. (Self-conscious.) Tommy wants to enlist after graduation. AGNES. I’m going to call the school today. They’re giving you too much
MARY ANNE. (Knowingly.) Ah. (They both go back to reading. Lights homework.
down.) PENNY. If you do that, I will never speak to you again.
AGNES. The other parents must be concerned as well. If everyone is
Scene 5 working as hard as you-
PENNY. Nobody else is working as hard as me! Nobody else is trying to
Early the next morning. In the kitchen. It’s raining. Mary Anne is using the get into Yale.
phone on the wall. She waits as it rings. Agnes appears at the base of the AGNES. Would you like me to bring your lunch later?
stairs. PENNY. I’ll eat at the cafeteria.
AGNES. I can pick you up after school. I’ll be in town anyway. AGNES. Girls like you never had a chance. I’m not trying to work any
PENNY. If you do that, I’ll kill myself. (Races out the door. Silence.) miracles. I just think everyone deserves a chance. (Mary Anne sits down at
AGNES. (Mary Anne turns to go.) Can you make a decent chocolate chip the table. She’s overwhelmed.) You can stay here as long as you need. As
cookie? I need two dozen. long as it takes for you too feel able to face the world again. But as long as
MARY ANNE. You got it. (Moves around Agnes. Compiling ingredients, you’re here, I’m going to ask you to promise me something.
mixing bowls, and utensils.) MARY ANNE. Anything.
AGNES. So how did you find out about us here? AGNES. If you are planning to go back to John-
MARY ANNE. (Carefully.) I went to see a woman. She told me about this MARY ANNE. I’m not!
place. AGNES. I know, right now, you’re not. But if that changes and you find
AGNES. You mean you had an abortion. that you are, I want you to tell me first. I won’t try to stop you. You’re a
MARY ANNE. Yes. grown woman and you can make your own decisions. But I need to know
AGNES. Did your husband know that you were pregnant? what’s happened to you. Promise me.
MARY ANNE. No. MARY ANNE. I promise. (A knock on the kitchen door.)
AGNES. Good. That’s good. You’re a smart girl, Mary Anne. (Mary Anne PAUL. Agnes, I’m sorry to bother you but I was wondering if you had a
opens the flour canister.) (Hands Mary Anne a different conister.) Have map of the island.
you given any thought to what you’ll do now? AGNES. (Annoyed.) They’re on the side table by the door.
MARY ANNE. What do you mean? PAUL. Thanks. Oh and thanks for sending your girl up to fix the shower.
AGNES. Where will you go after this? AGNES. My girl? You mean my daughter?
MARY ANNE. Oh. PAUL. I mean that woman who works here.
AGNES. Do you have any money? AGNES. What! When was she here?
MARY ANNE. No. PAUL. Just now. She’s still up there, I think.
AGNES. I know some people who might be able to help you. Women who AGNES. Excuse me, please. (She races out of the room. Mary Anne smiles
have passed through here. Started new lives back east. Or up in Canada. at Paul, shyly.)
MARY ANNE. Canada? Oh no. That’s too far. MARY ANNE. Would you like some coffee?
AGNES. Too far from what? (Mary Anne doesn’t answer.) One of my girls PAUL. Yes, but I’m not allowed to come in. This is Agnes’s special space.
opened up a flower shop in Toronto. I can find out if she’s hiring. MARY ANNE. I think it’s alright
MARY ANNE. Why do you do this? PAUL. In that case. (Practically leaps into the room.) I spent the morning
AGNES. What do you mean? reading a very interesting article.
MARY ANNE. I’m a stranger to you. MARY ANNE. About what?
PAUL. Entropy. I don’t understand it perfectly myself. But it’s got PAUL. (To Agnes.) I’m sorry, this is my fault. I thought she worked here.
something to do with heat, see? In a closed system, when the heat is low, (Over the screams.) Do you want me to take her outside?
the energy is low and the order maintains, but when the heat rises, all the AGNES. (Over the screams.) I don’t know. I can’t think straight when
little molecules start moving like crazy. Bouncing off the walls… It’s she’s screaming like that.(Paul starts to hustle Hannah towards the door.)
happening right now in San Francisco. I don’t usually talk to anyone about Paul, let go of her.
anything. PAUL. (Confused.) What?
MARY ANNE. What about your wife? AGNES. Mary Anne, get him out of here- Take him for a walk or
PAUL. My wife? (Mary Anne points to Paul’s wedding ring.) Oh, I don’t something. (Mary Anne takes Paul’s hand. Surprised by her touch, he lets
talk to her anymore. go of Hannah. Mary Anne leads Paul reluctantly out of the room. Agnes
MARY ANNE. Why not? looks at Hannah evenly. For the first time, the younger woman looks
PAUL. She left me. almost ashamed.)
MARY ANNE. Oh, I… I’m sorry. AGNES. Would you like something to eat? (Lights down.)
PAUL. Me too. (Looks at Mary Anne, thoughtfully.) What’s your name?
(Now Mary Anne is nervous.) Scene 6
MARY ANNE. Mary Anne.
PAUL. (He stares at Mary Anne. She brings her hand to her eye. Later that night, Mary Anne is again sitting in the darkness drinking
self-consciously.) What happened to your eye, Mary Anne? (The sound of whiskey. Her hands are trembling. The glass rattles when she puts it down
footsteps racing down the stairs, and Agnes enters, carrying a pair of on the table. Penny enters from the staircase. She doesn’t see Mary Anne.
shoes and a coat, followed by Hannah in bare feet and wet hair.) She tries to sneak quietly across the room, but trips on Mary Anne’s chair.
AGNES. It is trespassing. You were taking a shower.
HANNAH. But I fixed the shower. PENNY. (Whispering.) Dammit!
AGNES. It’s still trespassing. Hold her Paul, I’m calling the police. MARY ANNE. (Whispering.) I’m sorry!
(Moves for the phone. Hannah regards Paul.) PENNY. Mary Anne?
HANNAH. You would call the police on a sister, but you let the real MARY ANNE. Wait let me just turn on the-
enemy sleep in your bed? PENNY. Just don’t do anything. (She rummages through a drawer and
AGNES. Paul is a guest. He pays money to stay here. pulls out a candle, which she lights, then sets out on the table. The soft
HANNAH. There’s a word for the sort of arrangement, lady. It’s called glows fills the small room.) Are you going to be here every night?
prostitution. (She makes a break for it. Paul blocks her way.) You touch MARY ANNE. I can’t sleep.
me and I’ll yell. (She tries to move past him. He catches her arm. PENNY. What were you thinking about, sitting here in the dark?
Screaming.) MARY ANNE. (Honestly.) John.
PENNY. You should try not to think about him. before graduation. But you have to stay here tonight. (Gets up and pours
MARY ANNE. I know. another glass of whiskey. She pushes it across the table to Penny. Penny
PENNY. You made a mistake. You married the wrong person. Move on. hesitates. Then sits. She drinks. She’s never had whiskey before. She gags.)
MARY ANNE. It’s not that easy, Penny. (Penny stands and tests her toe.) PENNY. That’s disgusting.
Where are you going? MARY ANNE. You’ll get used to it. So what’s happened between you and
PENNY. Out. Tommy since you asked him to the the prom?
MARY ANNE. It’s midnight. PENNY. Nothing. He’s been ignoring me. We used to sit next to each
PENNY. I won’t be out long. other in chemistry class, but yesterday I raised my hand to ask Mr.
MARY ANNE. Are you going to meet that boy? Cornelius a question and Tommy leaned over and kept saying, “What is it?
PENNY. No. I’ll help you,” which annoyed me because if I didn’t know the answer, it
MARY ANNE. You’re going to meet him now? was really unlikely that he did. So I told him to quit it. He got up and
PENNY. I just said I wasn’t. changed seats. And then he wouldn’t even smile at me today, so I figured
MARY ANNE. Are you sure that’s a good idea? (Penny starts for the he was really mad, which is why, when he came up to me after school and
door.) Wait! I have a rubber in my purse if you need it. asked me to meet him on the beach tonight, I said yes.
PENNY. I don’t need a rubber. We’re just going to talk. MARY ANNE. You made two crucial mistakes there. The first one in
MARY ANNE. Where? Any boy who asks you to meet him at midnight class. You should learn to let men help you.
does not want to talk to you. Why don’t you stay here? PENNY. But I didn’t need his help.
PENNY. Because he’s waiting for me. MARY ANNE. That’s not the point. Men need to feel useful. Second, you
MARY ANNE. So let him wait. Stand him up. should never have agreed to meet him down on the beach.
PENNY. I can’t do that! PENNY. But I want to.
MARY ANNE. He’s captain of the football team, right? MARY ANNE. And now he knows that now.
PENNY. Yeah. PENNY. So what?
MARY ANNE. So nobody stands him up. It’ll intrigue him. When you MARY ANNE. So you surrendered a very tactical position. You lost the
don’t show up, he’ll go home thinking about you. And I guarantee you, in element of surprise. If you don’t show up tonight, you can reclaim it.
a week or so, he’ll ask you out again.(Penny is shocked.) PENNY. Why do you talk about dating like it’s warfare?
PENNY. Tommy isn't like the guys you know. MARY ANNE. Because it is, Penny. Men only approach a situation one
MARY ANNE. Penny! Wake up. Look, I know you think I’m some stupid way. What do I have to kill? Who do I have to conquer?
hick who gets herself beat up, and maybe I am. But I know men. Now, if PENNY. That is so depressing.
you want, I can tell you exactly how to get this boy to ask you to the prom MARY ANNE. Well, luckily the war doesn’t last very long and the point
and bring you home to meet his parents and propose marriage to you, all is to lose it anyway. You just need to keep it up long enough to make sure
he’s only fighting on one front. After that, all you have to do is surrender. PENNY. If Agnes knew we were even talking like this…
(Shoots the rest of her whiskey down, pours herself some more.) MARY ANNE. Ten bucks said Agnes never went to her prom. (Penny
PENNY. It’s not supposed to be like this! We’re supposed to be equal. doesn’t answer.) It’ll be our secret. If you do exactly what I told you, it
Men and women. will work.
MARY ANNE. (Reaches into her purse, pulls out a pack of cigarettes, and PENNY. I guess I should go back to bed.
lights one.) If you’re looking for “gender equality,” I don’t know what to MARY ANNE. Okay. Good night.
tell you. The only thing I promised you was a date to the prom. (Silence.) PENNY. Why don’t you try to go back to sleep too?
If you do what I say, he’ll be going to the prom with you. Will you do what MARY ANNE. You go ahead. I just want to freshen up down here .(Penny
I say? (Beat.) hesitates, then goes upstairs. Mary Anne takes a moment to clean the
PENNY. Fine. glasses and put the whiskey away. She opens the window to let in the fresh
MARY ANNE. Good. Now you’re going to wear a dress to school night air. She’s struggling. She sticks her head out the window and takes a
tomorrow. deep breath. She closes the window and heads towards the stairs- she
PENNY. Have you lost your mind? turns. And suddenly, she’s across the room, the phone is in her hand and
MARY ANNE. And let me iron your hair a little. And after school you’re she’s dialing a number. It rings. Mary Anne trembles. Lights down.)
going by his practice to watch him play. And when it’s over you’re going
to tell him what a good job he did and how strong he looks out there and Scene 7
you’re going to say you need him to walk you home.
PENNY. Why do I need him to walk me home? The next morning. Agnes is making muffins. Hannah is kneeling in front of
MARY ANNE. Because you’re afraid of bears. (Penny hits her head the kitchen table, fixing the wobbly legs with a screwdriver.
against the table.) Or cars. Or coyotes. Or the dark. And while he’s
walking you home, you’ll et to talking, about classes and summer plans, AGNES. So tell me about these people you’re looking for.
and you’re going to gently steer the conversation back around to the prom. HANNAH. The Gorgons?
He’s going to ask if you’ve found a date, and you’re going to say you’re AGNES. Is that a band?
considering a couple offers- HANNAH. Uh, no.
PENNY. That’s a lie! AGNES. Is it a group of female monster with snakes for hair who can turn
MARY ANNE. But you don’t want to make any definite plans yet. And as men into stone just by looking at them? (Hannah thinks.)
you’re saying that, you’re going to touch his arm and look away- HANNAH. Kind of. (Stands and checks the table.) Fixed it.
PENNY. No. No. No. AGNES. Thank you.
MARY ANNE. Yes, yes, yes. and by the time you’ve gotten to this door, HANNAH. So, are we square now?
he will have asked you. (An afterthought.) Don’t let him kiss you. AGNES. We are.
HANNAH. What about for the room last night? How am I gonna pay you AGNES. Seriously. (Hannah looks at Agnes like she’s seeing her for the
for that?​ first time.)
AGNES. Don’t worry about it. HANNAH. They’re lesbian separatists.
HANNAH. I gotta worry about it. I owe you money and I haven’t got an, AGNES. Who?
so…. HANNAH The Gorgons. The people I’m looking for.
AGNES. Can I offer you some coffee? Or a muffin maybe? AGNES. Oh. That’s interesting.
HANNAH. No thank you. HANNAH. (Hannah helps herself to another muffin.) A bunch of sisters
AGNES. You must be hungry, Hannah. have been meeting up in Seattle for a while now, and they’ve been talking
HANNAH. Sure I’m hungry, but like I said, I don’t have any money- about finding some land out here. To build a community.
AGNES. (Frustrated.) I’m not selling you coffee- it’s on the house. AGNES. What kind of community?
HANNAH. You mean it’s free? HANNAH. Just for women. (Beat. Agnes thinks about that.) You support
AGNES. Yes. women’s lib?
HANNAH. (Suspicious.) Why? AGNES. Of course I do.
AGNES. Because this is a bed and breakfast, alright? If you stay here, you HANNAH. Well, Ti-Grace says feminism is the theory and lesbianism is
get breakfast. For free. the practice.
HANNAH. You run the place with your husband? AGNES. What does that mean?
AGNES. I’ve never had a husband. HANNAH. It means if you say you’re a feminist but not a lesbian, then
HANNAH. (Frowns.) How’d you get a house then? you’re really just full of smoke. (Beat.)
AGNES. I bought it. AGNES. I don’t thinks that’s fair. Just because I’m not personally attracted
HANNAH. With whose money? to women- (Hannah snorts.) That doesn’t seem legitimate to you?
AGNES. Mine. HANNAH. Sure lady. Whatever.
HANNAH. You rob a bank? AGNES. So all women are lesbians?
AGNES. (Smiles.) I worked. As a nurse. I was trained in the Army. HANNAH. (Excited.) Yes! Right! You gotta get outside the system, see?
HANNAH. You still a nurse? You’ve got all these brain-washed coeds thinking they can reform a system
AGNES. No. from within. (Agnes drops a cup and it shatters in the sink.)
HANNAH. Why not? AGNES. Dammit!
AGNES. I had my license revoked. HANNAH. I’m sorry. I talk too much.
HANNAH. What for? AGNES. No, it’s not that. I cut myself. Can you get me the medicine kit?
AGNES. Performing abortions. (Beat.) It’s right above the stove. (Hannah jumps back on the counter and pulls
HANNAH. Seriously? down a medicine kit from the top shelf. Agnes holds a towel to her hand.)
HANNAH Let me see it. PAUL. Oh, come one. I’m sure she isn’t completely naked.
AGNES. No, it’s fine. HANNAH. (Moves in front of him, blocking his way.) Remember me?
AGNES. Just hand me a few bandages. PAUL. I thought you were leaving.
HANNAH. I’m not contagious, Agnes. (Beat. Agnes gives Hannah her HANNAH. Change of plans.
hand.) PAUL. Isn’t there a convention of miserable people somewhere that you
AGNES. (Softly.) Thank you. (The sound of footsteps down the stairs. should be attending right now?
Agnes pulls away from Hannah, quickly, and turns back towards the sink. MARY ANNE. Paul! (Comes out from behind the kitchen island and into
Penny bursts into the room, wearing a dress.) Paul’s sightline. He smiles.)
PENNY. (Cheerfully.) Morning, Agnes. (Stops when she sees Hannah.) Oh PAUL. I just wanted to make sure we’re still on for tonight.
hello. MARY ANNE. Of course.
HANNAH. Hello. PAUL. Pick you up at six?
PENNY. I’m Penny. MARY ANNE. I can’t wait.
ANGES. Hannah is just passing through.(Turning around, she sees HANNAH. (To Mary Anne.) So, you got a thing for creeps, huh?
Penny.) Oh my God! What are you wearing?​ MARY ANNE. (Ignoring her.) Penny, that dress looks perfect on you.
PENNY. A dress. PENNY. You think so?
AGNES. Why? (From the staircase, Mary Anne slips into the room, in her MARY ANNE. Absolutely. He’ll be putty in your hands.
nightgown. She looks exhausted.) AGNES. Who?
MARY ANNE. Please tell me there’s [Link] my God Why is she still PENNY. Nobody.
here? AGNES. What’s going on? Why are you wearing that dress?
AGNES. I hired her to so some work around the house. MARY ANNE. Penny has an interview today at school. For college. Isn’t
MARY ANNE. But she’s crazy. that right, Penny?
HANNAH. Mind your own business. PENNY. Uh, yeah. A college representative is coming to meet with us
MARY ANNE. Are you sure this is a good idea, Agnes? today, so Mary Anne suggested I dress up.
HANNAH. Oh, why don’t you go back upstairs or something. (A knock on AGNES. Which college?
the door outside.) MARY ANNE. A really fancy one. I’m so bad with names-
PAUL. (Offstage.) I’m looking for Mary Anne. AGNES. Yale?
MARY ANNE. (Ducks behind the kitchen island.) I’m not dressed yet! MARY ANNE. That’s the one!
PAUL. (Offstage.) That’s alright. I don’t mind. (Opens the door and peeks PENNY. (Uncomfortable.) I have to go. I’m going to be late.
his head in.) Can I come in? MARY ANNE. (To Penny.) Do you remember what we talked about?
MARY ANNE, AGNES, and PENNY. No! PENNY. Yes. Bye everyone.
AGNES. Good luck, sweetheart. (Penny leaves. Pleased, Mary Anne takes Scene 8
her coffee and heads for the stairs.) Mary Anne? (Mary Anne stops.)
You’re going out with Paul tonight? Agnes is, of course in the kitchen. Making dinner. Or, more specifically,
MARY ANNE. Yes. grating potatoes. It’s early evening. Marry Anne enters from the outside.
AGNES. Are you sure that’s a good idea? Her head is wrapped in a scarf. She’s wearing a trench coat and
MARY ANNE. He's asked me out. What was I supposed to say? sunglasses. She’s wet.
HANNAH. Jesus Christ.
ANGES. You could have said no, sweetheart. You can always say no. MARY ANNE. My Lord it smells divine in here.
MARY ANNE. (Defensive.) He seems like a nice man. (She goes. Hannah AGNES. You went out?
stays in the room, her eyes trained on Agnes.) MARY ANNE. I’m sorry. I just couldn’t stay cooped up in that room a
HANNAH. Who is that girl? moment longer. I tried to disguise myself. I found this trenchcoat in my
AGNES. She’s my niece. closet. I assumed it would be okay?
HANNAH. No she’s not. Who is she? AGNES. It’s fine.
AGNES. (Coldly.) She is my sister’s daughter. That makes her my niece. MARY ANNE. It’s beautiful. Is it yours?
HANNAH. Fine. You need to get rid of her. She’s bad news. AGNES. No. It belonged to another girl who stayed here. Years ago. You
AGNES. Really? I should get rid of her but keep you around. look like jackie Kennedy in that outfit.
HANNAH. Women like her are zombies. The walking dead. MARY ANNE. Jackie never had a face like this.
AGNES. She’s been through quite an ordeal- AGNES. I wouldn’t be surprised if she did. Let me see. (Mary Anne lets
HANNAH. Who among us hasn’t? Living with a vagina is an ordeal. But Agnes examine her face.) Why, you can barely see a thing! I did an
I’ll tell you who the least oppressed are. Girls who are pampered by excellent job. (A knock on the door.)
society because they sit at the right hand of the straight man and service all PAUL. (Offstage.) Y'all better be decent at this hour. Otherwise, I’m going
his needs. So he lets her enjoy the scraps of his privileges. (Crosses to to think you’re running a brothel in there.
Agnes, gets very close.) Passivity is the minotaur every woman needs to AGNES. Come in, Paul (Paul enters, golding a guitar.)
slay in order to leave the labyrinth. (It’s an invitation.) PAUL. I thought maybe you’d appreciate a little musical accompaniment
AGNES. I’ll keep that in mind. with this evening's preparations. Do you dance, Mary Anne?
HANNAH. Listen to me, lady. If there’s one thing I know, it’s women. MARY ANNE. Oh, no
And the one you got up there- your “niece”- she’s gonna make you wish PAUL. I’ll play you something if you promise to dance for me.
you never had a sister. (She leaves. Lights down.) MARY ANNE. I can’t dance alone.
PAUL. Agnes will dance with you.
AGNES. Agnes will do no such thing. (Paul begins to play the guitar and Hannah out of the room. The girls stop dancing. Mary Anne drifts vaguely
sing a popular ‘60s song, such as the Mamas & the Papas The next bit of towards threshold but does not cross it.)
action happens over his song: Penny appears in the doorway. Mary Anne MARY ANNE. (To Penny.) Who do you suppose it is?
sees her first.) PENNY. I don’t know.
PENNY. It worked. MARY ANNE. I didn't hear the doorbell, did you?
MARY ANNE. It worked? (Penny runs and throws herself into Mary PENNY. No. (Paul is still singing. The sound of the doorway slamming
Anne’s arms.) shut. Mary Anne jumps. Paul stops playing. Agnes and Hannah reenter the
PENNY. It worked! He said yes! I mean, I said yes! room. Agnes goes to the phone, picks it up, and dials a number.)
MARY ANNE. I told you it would! I told you! AGNES. (Into the phone.) Hi, yes this is Agnes Engles. Hi Nancy, how are
AGNES. You got in? You got into Yale? you? Would you send the sheriff by, if he’s not too busy. Yes, right away
PENNY. What? No, I- please. We’re fine. We did. That’s right. Thank you. (Hangs up.)
MARY ANNE. She’s going to the prom! MARY ANNE. It’s John, isn’t it?
AGNES. The prom? With who? AGNES. Yes. (Mary Anne turns and carefully starts walking towards the
PENNY. Tommy Butler! stairs. Her legs buckle beneath her. She crashes to the floor.)
AGNES. Who’s Tommy Butler? PAUL. Mary Anne! (Mary Anne begins to crawl towards the stairs as if
MARY ANNE. He’s the captain of the football team. (Mary Anne and she hasn’t heard him.)
Penny dance together in the center of the room. They’re joyous, both of PENNY. What’s she doing?
them. Like sisters.) AGNES. Mary Anne. It’s alright. It will be alright. (Tries to hold her.)
AGNES. (To Penny.) I thought you had an interview today? (Paul keeps MARY ANNE. (A growl.) Don’t touch me! (Agnes backs away. Mary
singing over the next part.) Anne reaches the stairs. Climbs slowly up them. They watch her. Silently,
MARY ANNE. Tell me everything that happened. Start from the as she disappears into the house.)
beginning. PAUL. What’s the matter with her?
PENNY. I don’t remember. It’s such a blur. He just dropped me off. AGNES. She’s afraid, Paul.
AGNES. Penny, how was the interview? (Hannah appears in the doorway. PENNY. Should I go after her?
She looks at Agnes. Something's wrong.) AGNES. No.
HANNAH. Agnes? There's someone at the door. HANNAH. What do we do now?
PENNY. Oh! It’s probably Tommy. I’ll be right back. AGNES. Wait for the sheriff. (A moment of nothing. Then, from up the
HANNAH. (Sharply.) No! (Beat.) Agnes? (Agnes hears something in stairs, comes a howl.)
Hannah’s tone. She wipes her hands quickly on an apron and follows
Scene 9 MARY ANNE. I don’t remember how.
AGNES. I think you do.
Later that night. The kitchen is lit by candlelight.. Mary Anne is leaning MARY ANNE. I’m going to bed. (She starts for the stairs. Agnes blocks
over the sink. Agnes purs water from a pitcher over her head. And again. her way.)
And again. Rinsing her hair. The room is silent, except for the soft sound of AGNES. Sit down.
the water running into the drain. When she’s finished, Agnes wraps Mary MARY ANNE. I’m so tired. I just want to sleep. (Agnes takes Mary Anne
Anne’s head in a towel. Mary Anne moves to the table and tares straight by the arm and forces her back into the chair.) Ow. You’re hurting me.
ahead. AGNES. Listen to me. I am not the one who did this to you.
MARY ANNE. I know. (Tries to wrench herself away. Agnes holds her
AGNES. Do you want some whiskey? tightly.)
MARY ANNE. Do you still have any of that ginger ale? (Agnes takes a AGNES. No, You don’t. I am not the one who did this to you.
can of ginger ale out of the refrigerator. And sets it down in front of Mary MARY ANNE. I know. Let me go.
Anne. Silence.) AGNES. I am not the one who did this to you.
AGNES. So…. do you want to tell me how he found you? (Mary Anne MARY ANNE. I heard you.
doesn’t respond.) Did you call him? (No response.) You’re in danger now. AGNES. I am not the one who this to you!
And you’ve put us all in danger. Can you see that? MARY ANNE. Leave me alone!
MARY ANNE. I’m sorry. AGNES. I am not the one who did this to you!
AGNES. I’m sure you are. But you can’t stay here now. MARY ANNE. You can go to hell! (Agnes lets Mary Anne’s arm go.)
MARY ANNE. (Stunned.) Why? AGNES. There she is. There’s the fighter. (Beat.) I know a woman who
AGNES. I have Penny to think about. If John comes back- runs another house, right over the Canadian border. I’ll call tonight.
MARY ANNE. He won’t (Hannah enters from outside.)
AGNES. You don’t know that.(Beat.) HANNAH. Hi.
MARY ANNE. Do I have to go tonight? AGNES. Hi.
AGNES. No, but soon, As soon as the sheriff thinks it’s safe. (Silence.) HANNAH. Why’s everyone still up?
Why’d you do it? (No response.) You missed him? (Nothing.) Do you AGNES. We were cutting Mary Anne’s hair.
remember what he did to you? MARY ANNE.. (To Agnes.) Can I go to bed now? (Agnes nods.) Good
MARY ANNE. Yes. night. (She goes.)
AGNES. What did he do? AGNES. What did the sheriff say?
MARY ANNE. He beat me up. HANNAH. Nobody’s seen him. But they’re on alert. They’re going to
AGNES. How? monitor the ferries. (Charged beat. To break tension, Agnes bruises herself
with preparing the next day’s muffins.) How the hell did he find her HANNAH. Girls like Mary Anne will land on their feet, they always do.
anyway? But a great battle is coming. And you need to choose a side, Agnes. We
AGNES. I think she called him. have to know. Are you with us or against us? (Agnes rolls her eyes and
HANNAH. What a stupid bitch. concentrates on her batter.) Fine, lady. You just keep making your
AGNES. Hannah. muffins. (Hannah goes. Lights down.)
HANNAH. What? Would you call up some guy who beat the shit out of
you and tell him where to find you? Scene 10
AGNES. She loves him.
HANNAH. What the hell does that mean? Early the next morning. Light is just beginning to creep in through the
AGNES. Love makes people do stupid things. windows. Mary Anne is sitting alone at the table. She’s staring into space
HANNAH. (Drains her coffee mug abruptly and stands.) You need any and tapping the penny over and over again on the counter. She’s got the
more help around here? ‘Cause if not, I’ll be moving on. bottle of whiskey in front of her. Paul enters. Looks at her.
AGNES. You’re leaving now?
HANNAH. Good a time as ever. PAUL. (Softly.) Hey
AGNES. I don’t know what you’re worried about, or who’s chasing you, MARY ANNE. Why are you up?
but you’re safe here. (Hannah stops. Looks Agnes dead in the eye.) PAUL. I couldn’t sleep. Can I join you? (Mary Anne nods.) So…. how you
HANNAH. I’m not one of your broken girls Agnes. I'm not running from doing?
anything. I’m just- you shouldn’t talk to me like you know me. You’ve MARY ANNE. Fine.
clearly never seen anyone like me before. [Link] was at the door? (Mary Anne won’t answer.) Agnes wouldn’t
AGNES. Oh that’s clear to you, is it? tell me anything.
HANNAH. If you had, you wouldn’t still be here. MARY ANNE. My husband. John.
AGNES. Where would I be? PAUL. You’re married?
HANNAH. There’s something happening out there. A real revolution. You MARY ANNE. Yes.
should join us. PAUL. You’re not Agnes’s niece, are you? (No response.) What is this
AGNES. You mean, go with you to your cult? I don’t think so. place?​
HANNAH. Why not? MARY ANNE. You can never tell anyone what you saw here.
AGNES. I’m not a political person, Hannah! I have a life here. I have a PAUL. Okay.
daughter. I have a job. I have people that I protect. I know it doesn’t seem MARY ANNE. You have to promise me.
worth much to you, but- PAUL. I promise.
MARY ANNE. Agnes says I have to leave.
PAUL . Where will you go? PAUL. (moves away from Mary Anne, hurt. He sits down and puts himself
MARY ANNE. I don’t know. another shot of whiskey.) You’re a real tease, you know that? You’ve been
PAUL. Come with me. leading me on since the moment I got here with your big eyes and your
MARY ANNE. You have a wife, Paul. little…
PAUL. We’re getting a divorce, I told you. MARY ANNE. Paul? (Moves to him. She kneels down in front of his
MARY ANNE. What’s she like? chair.) Kiss me. Please. (Paul stares down at her for a moment. Then he
PAUL. Ellen? She beautiful. leans forward and kisses her. Lights down.)
MARY ANNE. And…?
PAUL. And, what? I don’t know. She’s troubled. I couldn’t take it Scene 11
anymore.
MARY ANNE. You said she left you. An hour later. Paul is gone. Mary Anne is scrubbing the oven clean. She’s
PAUL. That’s right. She did. In the end. crying. Penny sneaks in from the outside.
MARY ANNE. Why?
PAUL. She said I wasn’t enough of a man. (Beat.) You know what I did? I PENNY. I’m so glad you’re up- oh my god, your hair! I love it.
knew the fellow she ran off with. He fixed our car once. He’s a junkie. I MARY ANNE. You do?
was worried that he couldn’t afford to feed her. Or buy her clothes. Or that PENNY. Don’t you?
rosewater she likes from the department store. So I sent money. To him. MARY ANNE. I hate it.
Can you believe that? PENNY. Well it’s only temporary.
MARY ANNE. You’re a good person. MARY ANNE. Have you been out all night?
PAUL. No, I’m not. I’m an idiot. (Paul pulls out his guitar out of the PENNY. Yes.
corner of the room. He starts to strum chords gently.) It is so easy for me MARY ANNE. Penny! How are you going to go to school today?
to talk to you. Why is it so easy? (Moves to Mary Anne and attempts to PENNY. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. How do you skip
kiss her, she pushes him away.) What's wrong? school? Without getting caught?
MARY ANNE. Nothing. MARY ANNE. What?
PAUL Are you thinking about your husband? (Beat.) PENNY. There’s a Led Zeppelin concert Tommy wants to see tonight in
MARY ANNE. No. (Paul tries to kiss her again. She pushes away again.) Portland. So… I told him I’d ask you how to do it.
PAUL. Are you afraid of me? MARY ANNE. Me? Why?
MARY ANNE. No. PENNY. I figured if anyone knew, it would be you. (Mary Anne looks
PAUL. What’s the matter with you? pale.) Don’t worry I didn’t tell him who you are. I just said you knew a
MARY ANNE. I’m sorry. little something about everything.
MARY ANNE. That isn’t true. MARY ANNE. You cannot elop with this boy.
PENNY. Yes it is. I don’t know what I would have done if you never PENNY. Why not?
showed up. Do you know why I asked Tommy to the prom that first day MARY ANNE. You’re going to college.
you were here? Because Agnes told me to. She doesn’t know you’re PENNY. I don’t have to.
supposed to wait for them to ask. All this time, I’ve been thinking how MARY ANNE. Don't be an idiot!
difficult it must be. But it isn't at all. Calculus is hard. Boys are easy. PENNY. I love him.
MARY ANNE. I never skipped school. MARY ANNE. So what?
PENNY. Oh really? Why not? PENNY. I thought you, of all people, would understand.
MARY ANNE. I was afraid my father would beat me. (Silence.) MARY ANNE. I do understand. Which is why you have to do what I tell
PENNY. Well, never mind. I’ll figure it out. (Heads towards the stairs. you. Don’t see him again. Let him go off to basic training. If he writes you
Hesitates. There’s something else she wants to ask.) How do you know if letters, don’t open them. There are plenty of girls on the base to keep him
you’re pregnant? occupied. He will forget you soon enough.
MARY ANNE. You feel something kicking. PENNY. I don’t want him to forget me!
PENNY. I’m serious. (Mary Anne stops. Looks up.) MARY ANNE. Yes you do. Penny. Listen to yourself. This isn’t you.
MARY ANNE. Why? (Penny just looks at her.) No. Just now? Tonight? PENNY. How do you know?
(Penny nods.) Where? MARY ANNE. I know you.
PENNY. In his car. PENNY. You don’t. You don’t know me. I don’t even know me. (Puts her
MARY ANNE. And? head in her hands. Mary Anne reaches out and gently strokes her hair.) I
PENNY. He said he loved me! He said he’s loved me since he first saw don’t want to go to college. I’m tired of being smart. It just makes
me, but never had the guts to tell me because he thought I was so much everyone hate you.
smarter than him. (Silence. Mary Anne scrubs.) Did you hear what I said? MARY ANNE. That’s not true.
MARY ANNE. Hmm-hmm. I’m happy for you. PENNY. Nobody like Tommy has ever even looked at me before.
PENNY. I’m going to marry him. MARY ANNE. They're intimidated by you.
MARY ANNE. We’ll see. PENNY. Why? What am I doing wrong? I’m nice to people. I don’t make
PENNY. No, I am. We’re going to elope. As soon as he graduates. (Gets fun of anyone. I never try to make anyone else feel stupid. If I know the
up and leans over the kitchen island.) He wants to join up now. He wants answer to a question in class, why can’t I say it?
to get a chance to fight before the war is over- (Mary Anne slaps Penny MARY ANNE. You can.
across the face.) Ow. What’s wrong with you? PENNY. But when I say it, nobody asks me to the prom! (Beat.) I did
MARY ANNE. You’re scaring me. exactly what you told me to. I sat next to him in chemistry class and I
PENNY. So you hit me? pretended to be confused and I let him explain it to me, and I didn’t correct
him, even though I knew he was explaining it wrong. And then after PENNY. I was doing my homework. She was keeping me company.
school, I went to his practice and I cheered my head off. I could hear the AGNES. Where are your books?
other girls talking about me and I knew they were making fun of me, but I PENNY. Lay off, Agnes! (Agnes stares at Penny. Then she turns to Mary
said to myself, “The only thing that matter is Tommy, the only thing that Anne, sees her scrubbing the stove.)
matters is Tommy,” and I didn’t react. And then after school, he walked MARY ANNE. Coffee?
me home, and I just asked him questions. He didn’t ask me a single thing AGNES. (A dig at Penny.) I don’t know what we’re going to do around
about myself in return- so I thought, he must not be interested in me at all, here without you, Mary Anne. I’ve gotten so used to having the help.
but I touched his arm like you told me to and he caught my hand and asked PENNY. Why don’t you invite her to stay? (Beat.) It isn’t safe.
me to go to the prom with him. So it worked, everything you said to do PENNY. For who?
worked. I don’t understand. Why did you tell me how to get him, if I can’t AGNES. You.
have him? PENNY. I’ll be leaving soon anyway. Which reminds me. Where’s my
MARY ANNE. You’re going to have your pick of men. You just need to birth certificate?
hold out a little bit longer. Wait until you’re twenty-five. Heck, wait until AGNES. I haven’t looked for it yet.
you’re thirty. PENNY. You promised.
PENNY. Thirty? I might be dead by then! (Suddenly she bangs her head AGNES. Well, I'm sorry. It’s been a little busy around here, lately.
down on the table.) I hate being a girl. I hate it. I hate it. PENNY. Do you even have it?
MARY ANNE. Penny! Stop it! You’ll bruise yourself! AGNES. I don’t know!
PENNY. I don’t care. (Bangs her forehead again.) PENNY. There are some mothers who know exactly where everything is.
MARY ANNE. Stop. Stop. It’s okay. Stop (She takes Penny’s head in her There are some mothers who have everything pertaining to their children’s
hand and pulls the younger girl to her. For a moment, Penny lets herself existences catalogued in very organized files.
be held.) Listen to me. It is not worth it. I know they seem so special… AGNES. What can I tell you Penny? You drew the short straw.
and when they choose you, it makes you feel… But it’s a trick. They don’t PENNY. Nothing is organized around here! We live in total chaos.
see you. They’re just looking for reflections of themselves in your eyes. AGNES. What is the matter with you this morning?
PENNY. (Straightens up and looks at her.) But you said- PENNY. I’m late for school. Again.
MARY ANNE. Forget what I said! I am lost Penny. In a hall of mirrors. AGNES. And how is that my fault?
It’s a maze and nobody ever gets out. (Agnes enters the room, PENNY. It isn’t. Nothing is ever your fault. You’re perfect. Perfect Saint
bleary-eyed.) Agnes. Patron Saint of Messed Up Girls Everywhere. (She goes storming
AGNES. What’s going on here? up the stairs.)
PENNY. (Quickly.) Nothing. AGNES. Good grief. (Looks to Mary Anne.) How are you?
AGNES. What are you two talking about? MARY ANNE. I’m fine.
AGNES. Good. Tomorrow, I think, if John still hasn’t shown up, I’ll ask AGNES. You have to give it time. (Penny reenters, wearing a very short
the sheriff to escort you to the ferry. dress.)
MARY ANNE. (Hurt.) Thank you. PENNY. Agnes, where is the iron?
AGNES. Let’s talk about where you’re going. AGNES. It’s in my bathroom. (Penny turns to go back upstairs.) Is that
MARY ANNE. Back to Mama and Daddy’s. dress even long enough to iron?
AGNES. But he’ll find you there. PENNY. It’s not for my dress. It’s for my hair. And I’m not going to
MARY ANNE. I don’t have anywhere else, Agnes. school.
AGNES. I’ll call my friend up north. AGNES. Where are you going?
MARY ANNE. I don’t want to go to Canada. I want to stay here. PENNY. To a concert in Portland. With Tommy.
AGNES. Well, that’s not an option. AGNES. Excuse me? Who the hell is Tommy?
MARY ANNE. Please Agnes. PENNY. You know who he is.
AGNE. No! (Mary Anne crouches down, puts her head between her knees, AGNES. Yes and I don’t like the sound of him.
and breathes heavily.) I know you’re frightened. But you’re a strong girl, PENNY. Why not? Because he sounds normal?​
Mary Anne. AGNES. I just don’t understand why he’s interested in you.
MARY ANNE. I’m really not. (She stands up, goes to the refrigerator, and PENNY. I’m an interesting person Agnes! You know what? Forget the
helps herself to some ginger ale.) Paul tried to kiss me last night. I didn’t iron. Forget the iron and my birthday certificate and if you get a call from
like it. All I could think about was John. school today and they say I’m not there, just forget that too.
AGNES. Give it time. Paul and John are very different men. MARY ANNE. Penny! (Penny starts for the door.)
MARY ANNE. I miss John. AGNES. Where are you going?
AGNES. That will pass. PENNY. To meet Tommy.
MARY ANNE. You don’t understand. I miss him so much I feel like my AGNES. Penelope. Sit down.
heart is going to fall out of my chest. I can’t breathe it hurts so badly. I PENNY. I am so sick of this place. This house. I am tired of living here. I
think about the way he used to grab my hair and pull my head back to kiss want to be someplace where people sleep through the night. Where they
me. don’t open doors to strange girls with their faces bashed in.
AGNES. Mary Anne! I don’t want to hear this. AGNES. (Coldly.) Who’s stopping you?
MARY ANNE. He haunts me, Agnes. Every moment of every day. I want PENNY. You are! Because to leave, I would need a car, which I couldn’t
to be with a man like Paul. But when I try to imagine it- in my head- I feel even drive because I can’t get my driver’s license until you find my birth
like I’m already dead and buried. John is the only person who has ever certificate!
made me feel alive. (Silence. Agnes stares at her, hard.) AGNES. I don’t have your birth certificate.
PENNY. Well where the hell is it?
AGNES. Probably with your mother! (Silence. The three women stare at AGNES. Do you want her to end like you? (Mary Anne looks like she’s
each other.) been hit.) Tell her. (Beat.)
MARY ANNE.( To Agnes.) I’m sorry- I thought- aren’t you her mother? MARY ANNE. (To Penny.) John came home one night and beat me up.
(No response.) Agnes? AGNES. Why?
AGNES. No. I’m not. Penny was left here. As a baby. By one of the girls. MARY ANNE. I was out with an old friend. I came home a little late.
MARY ANNE. What do you mean “left here”? She never came back? (Beat.) He was drunk.
AGNES. No. AGNES. Did you pick a fight with him?
MARY ANNE. Why not? (No response.) Why not? MARY ANNE. No, of course not. (Beat.) I had had such a lovely night. I
PENNY. Why do you think? She got herself killed. (Beat.) didn’t want him to ruin it. I tried to go to bed.
MARY ANNE. Oh my god. (She crouches over again, puts her head AGNES. Then what happened?
between her knees, and gags.) MARY ANNE. He followed me into the bedroom. He turned on the light.
AGNES. (Coolly.) Are you alright? (Mary Anne nods.) Would you like And he said, “You think you can just walk away from me? Who do you
some tea? think you are? Get up.”
MARY ANNE. Yes, thank you. (Agnes moves into the kitchen to make PENNY. What did you do?
some tea.) MARY ANNE. I got up. I got dressed. I said I’d go to my mother’s.
PENNY. (To Mary Anne.) You understand why I have to go, don’t you? Usually, he just lets me go. He sleeps it off, and I come back in the
MARY ANNE. I guess I do. morning. But this time, he blocked the door.
PENNY. Then tell her. Make her understand. She won’t listen to me. PENNY. (Confused.) Why?
MARY ANNE. (To Agnes.) It’s just a concert, Agnes. She’s not running MARY ANNE. I don’t know, Penny. He said I was a child. He said I
off with him. It’s one day of school. always ran off to my parents. He said I’d never been through anything
AGNES. (Looks at Mary Anne, evenly.) Alright. Thank you for delivering hard. (Stares into her teacup.) He said the sight of me made him sick. He
the message. Now why don’t you tell Penny what happened to you. (To said he should have married my sister. She’s only your age, Penny. I
Penny.) Sit down. Listen to this. If you want to leave, after she’s through, I couldn’t listen to him talking about her like that. I told him to shut the hell
won’t try to stop you. (To Mary Anne.) Go ahead. up. He called me a bitch. (Beat.) Then he said, “I Love you”. I said he
MARY ANNE. She doesn’t need to hear about it. didn't know what love was. That really made him mad. He grabbed me by
AGNES. I think she does, Mary Anne. Thanks to you. I’m not an idiot. I the hair. He smashed my face into one of the bed posts. (She starts to cry,
know what you two were doing down here late at night. You filled her surprising herself.)
head with stories of boys and dates and white weddings. Now tell her what PENNY It’s alright Mary Anne. You don’t have to tell us anymore.
came next for you. AGNES. Yes she does.
MARY ANNE. Please, Agnes. PENNY. (To Agnes.) Why Are you being so horrible to her?!
AGNES. She needs to say it. She needs to say it, and she needs to hear MARY ANNE. I have to go. (She picks up her bag and crosses the room
herself saying it. And we need to listen to her. (To Mary Anne.) Then what in front of Paul. As she does, he reaches out and grabs her arm. She stops,
did he do? (Mary And doesn’t answer.) WHAT DID HE DO? surprised.)
MARY ANNE. He pinned me down, Agnes, to the bed and put his arm PAUL. Please come with me.
against my throat and held it there while he…. I couldn't breathe. I was MARY ANNE. You’re serious.
sure I would die. (Beat.) I must have blacked out, because the next thing I PAUL. Yes. (Best. mary Anne just looks at him.) I’m not a very interesting
remember (Mary Anne catches the horrified look on Penny’s face.) There man, I know that. I don’t know any foreign languages. I’ve never been
was a time I was good. I was so perfectly good. (Suddenly, penny stands skinny-dipping. I’ve never even kissed a girl in the rain. I may not be able
and races out of the front door. A beat. Agnes and Mary Anne look at each to sweep you off your feet, but I will never, ever hurt you. (Mary Anne just
other. Then Agnes gets up and runs out after Penny. Lights down.) stares at him.) I want to love someone. Mary Anne. Quietly. Deeply. I
want to own my house. I want children who outlive me. I want a dog.
Scene 12​ That’s all. Would it be enough for you? (Beat. Agnes enters, interrupting
them. She clocks the suitcases.)
Later that morning, the kitchen is empty. Paul enters, carrying his guitar AGNES. (To Mary Anne.) Are you leaving? Both of you?
and suitcase. PAUL. I’m afraid so, Agnes. How much do I owe you? (Agnes crosses
slowly to her record book and does a calculation by hand.)
PAUL. Agnes? (Mary Anne enters from the stairs. She’s also carrying a AGNES. One hundred and twenty. (Paul opens his wallet. Counts his
bag.) Oh. Hello. money.)
MARY ANNE. Hello PAUL. Is Penny around? I’d like to say goodbye.
PAUL. I was just looking for Agnes. Is she around? AGNES. No she’s not.
MARY ANNE. She’s resting. (Beat.) Are you leaving? PAUL. Will she be back soon? I don’t mind waiting.
PAUL. Yes. AGNES. (To Mary Anne.) I have no idea when she’ll be back.
MARY ANNE. Me too. (Beat.) PAUL. Okay, tell her she’s a good kid and to keep her head straight, will
PAUL. Where are you going? you? (Agnes doesn’t answer. To Mary Anne.) You ready to go? (Mary Anne
MARY ANNE. Home, I guess. weighs her options for a beat, then makes a decision and picks up her
PAUL. You can’t do that. bag.)
MARY ANNE. Where else am I going to go, Paul? MARY ANNE. Goodbye, Agnes. Thank you for everything.
PAUL. Come with me. AGNES. (Coldly.) Would you like a muffin, for the road? I insist. (Agnes
holds out a basket of muffins to Mary Anne. She reluctantly takes one.)
MARY ANNE. Thank you.
AGNES. Aren’t you going to try it? They’re pumpkin cardamom. Your understand why you keep trying to punish me. I haven’t done anything
favorite. (Mary Anne clearly doesn’t want to eat but Agnes is waiting. She wrong.
makes herself take a small bite and swallows it. She gags. Waits a moment. AGNES. To “punish” you?
Then races for the trash bin and throws up.) MARY ANNE. “You need to stay upstairs, Mary Anne. You look like a
PAUL. Mary Anne! Are you alright! (Mary Anne stands, shakily.) ghoul, Mary Anne. Who are you calling, Mary Anne? Why are you
MARY ANNE. I’m fine. I’m fine. We should go. (She picks up her bag smoking Mary Anne? What are you saying? What are you wearing? What
and starts for the door.) are you thinking Mary anne?” I know you think I’m stupid. That only
AGNES. Are you pregnant? (Mary Anne freezes.) stupid, weak girls get hit. But you’ve never loved anyone. So what do you
MARY ANNE. What? know?
AGNES. I was a nurse, Mary Anne. Do you think I’m stupid? Are you AGNES. I don’t think you’re stupid.
pregnant? (Mary Anne doesn’t answer.) I thought you had an abortion. (No MARY ANNE. I have loved him since I was fifteen. We were children
response.) You told me you had an abortion! together. Then he went to war and he came back differently and all I was
MARY ANNE. I lied. (Silence.) trying to do was stand by him, understand that he’s in pain, and that he’s
AGNES. Are you planning on keeping it? scared, and when he’s scared, he gets angry and when he’s angry he…
MARY ANNE. I don’t know. he… (Starts breathing hard.)
PAUL. Wait a second. You’re pregnant? PAUL. Mary Anne, let’s just go-
AGNES. Does John know? MARY ANNE. Leaving him is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I
MARY ANNE. No. did it and I’m never going back but I still love him. I wish you could
[Link] happens when he finds out? understand that. (Paul picks up Mary Anne’s bags-) I can get those myself
MARY ANNE. He won’t. paul. (Paul stops. To Agnes.) I’m going to have this baby and I’m going to
AGNES. You couldn’t last a week here without reaching out to him. You raise him in a safe house and he’s going to grow up strong and kind. He
think once you have a baby that things are going to get easier?! will love me and I will love him and he will be good and I will be good
MARY ANNE. You don’t understand. and that is all I want from life. I don’t why everything fell apart. I was
AHGNES. You had the chance to start over! You’re so young. trying so hard. I always try so hard. (She is crying.)
MARY ANNE. You don’t understand! AGNES. I understand. And I wish you luck.
AGNES. Well why don’t you try to explain it to me. Try to explain to me PAUL. Mary Anne? (He opens the door. Reaches out a hand. Mary Anne
what the hell you were thinking- looks at him, picks up her own bags , and steps over the threshold. She
MARY ANNE. It is a baby. That’s what I was thinking. (Silence.) I don’t turns to look back at Agnes one more time.)
want to go to Canada and arrange flowers for the rest of my life. I don’t MARY ANNE. She didn’t leave because of me. She left because of you.
(Lights down.)
Scene 13 HANNAH. That it might pass. That the times, they are a-changin.
AGNES. They’ll change back.
A week later. Early morning. It’s still dark. Agnes is sitting at the kitchen HANNAH. Don’t say that.
table, drinking coffee and reading a big book. She hears a noise oat the HANNAH. How’s Mary Anne?
window. Someone is trying to open it from the outside. Agnes move swiftly AGNES. She left.
into the kitchen, pulls out a gun from one of the cabinets, and points it at HANNAH. Where’d she go?
the window. The window rises slowly and Hannah slips into the room. AGNES. I don’t know. She went with Paul.
HANNAH. Well, that’ll last a day and a half. (Agnes frowns at Hannah.)
AGNES. Freeze! AGNES. Did you find your group?
HANNAH. (Jumps.) You have a gun? HANNAH. The Gorgons? Oh yeah, I found them. They’re not far from
AGNES. What are you doing? here. They set up a whole community on one of the smaller islands. The
HANNAH. Why do you have a gun? women are living in trailers right now, but they’re planning to build log
AGNES. I run a safe house for abused women. What are you doing? cabins eventually, like the Salish Indians. And everyone has a job. Some
HANNAH. I was just stopping by. women keep the fire going. Others ten the garden. One woman is weaving
AGNES. Through the window? hemp jewelry to sell in town. There’s even childcare for the female
HANNAH. I’m a revolutionary. Can you put that away? Please? (Agnes children.
slowly lowers the gun and puts it back in the drawer. They stare at each AGNES. What about the male children?​
other.) Aren’t you going to offer me a muffin? HANNAH. We eat them. (Agnes starts.) That was a joke. They’re not
AGNES. No. allowed to come. There are no men allowed on the land. Not even
HANNAH. Oh come on, I’m starving. children.
AGNES. AGNES. I haven’t made any muffins. AGNES. Lord. What a world. (The coffee starts to percolate. Hannah
HANNAH. Can I at least have a cup of coffee? pours herself a cup.)
AGNES. Make it yourself. Hannah. (Agnes moves back to the table, sits, HANNAH. They call it Womynland. With a “y” instead of an “e,” so there
down, and opens up her book. Hannah moves into the kitchen and starts are no men anywhere, not even in the name. I’ve already learned so much.
making some coffee.) The female is parthenogenetic. The male is not. In order for their kind to
HANNAH. I guess it’s safe to say you didn't miss me. (Agnes ignores her.) survive, they had to conquer us. We are engaged in a biological warfare
HANNAH. Big news in the paper yesterday. Did you see it? and we’ve been losing so badly, for so long, that we’ve forgotten it’s a
AGNES. Yes. fight. There will never be never be equality with men if we keep sleeping
HANNAH. Gives you hope, doesn’t it? with them. We are delivering our most vital energies to our oppressors.
AGNES. For what? The only hope we have for gender parity is to live as separate species.
Adjacent, but independent. What these women are doing- their vision for a HANNAH. Screw you!
new world- a place where women take care of women- it’s the kind of AGNES. Penny is gone. (Hannah stops.)
thing I’ve been looking for my whole life. HANNAH. Gone where?
AGNES. So why are you back here? (Hannah doesn’t answer. Agnes AGNES. I don’t know. She ran off with that football player. I think they
returns to her cookbook.) went to a concert.
HANNAH. I thought about you a lot in Womynland. HANNAH. When?
AGNES. Really. AGNES. A week ago.
HANNAH. Yes really. (Beat.) Everyone up there is so… I don’t know… HANNAH. A week ago?! And you haven’t heard from her?
dramatic. They do the rituals where they pray to Artemis, the Virgin AGNES. No.
Hunter, and they rip off their shirts and beat their bare breasts. Would you HANNAH. Have you called the cops?
ever do anything like that? AGNES. No. (Hannah gets off the window ledge and moves to the phone.)
AGNES. Beat my bare breasts? No. HANNAH. Well what the hell are you waiting for?
HANNAH. Right. And yet, when I think of all the women you’ve helped. AGNES. She wasn’t kidnapped.
All the lives you’ve changed. (Hannah tries to kiss Agnes.) HANNAH. So what? She’s a minor. They’ll treat her like a runaway.
AGNES. Oh God Hannah, no. AGNES. She left. Of her own volition. She wanted to go.
HANNAH. Agnes- HANNAH. She’s sixteen, she doesn’t know what she wants.
AGNES. Hannah. AGNES. When I was sixteen I lied about my age to become and nurse for
HANNAH. I know you’re frightened. the Army. If she wants to throw her whole life away on some boy, after
AGNES. No, I’m not. everything she’s seen here, after everything we’ve been through, then who
HANNAH. I can teach you what you don’t know. am I to stop her?
AGNES. I’m not interested. HANNAH. Her mother.
HANNAH. Why not? AGNES. No, her mother’s name was Lia. She was my… she was my
AGNES. I’m an old woman. friend. A girl I grew up with in Tennessee. She was something. Everyone
HANNAH. Don’t you want to feel something before you die? (Tries to who met her fell in love with her. Men. Women. It didn’t matter. She just
kiss her again.) had this… I don’t know how to describe… she made you feel so good, just
AGNES. I feel things. (Shoves Hannah away and moves away into the being around her. (Beat.) And she thought I was funny. She’s the only
kitchen. Hannah stays on her knees for a [Link]. Then, person who has ever thought I was funny. (Beat.) Her husband was a
mortified, she scrambles up and goes to the window-) Hannah- terror-. She showed up on my doorstep, eight months pregnant, with all her
HANNAH. Forget it. (Hannah opens the window. Swings a leg out.) things in the world packed in a basket, like she was stopping for tea. We
AGNES. Hannah! drove as far west as we could. When we got to Seattle, we heard of an
island that you couldn’t get to. Because the bay around it was too shallow PENNY. Back at his house. I think.
for ships to pass through. We knew if we made it there, we’d be safe. AGNES. What happened?
(Beat.) She delivered Penny right here on this kitchen floor. I thought we’d PENNY. Can I tell you tomorrow? I’m really tired. (Agnes nods.) Is there
raise her together. Become a kind of… family. She left eight months later. anyone in my room now?
Took my car and left her child. I didn’t hear from her for over a year, and AGNES. No.
then I heard she was dead. So, you see, Penny is not my child to chase. But PENNY. Can I go to bed? (Agnes nods.) Will you wake me tomorrow, in
don’t tell me that I don’t feel things. I feel too much. Much too much. time for school (Agnes nods again. Penny crosses the room.) Nice to see
(Hannah crosses the room and attempts to hug Agnes. Agnes stiffens.) you Hannah. I’m glad you’re here.
HANNAH. Hold still. (Agnes tries to push away from Hannah. Hannah HANNAH. (Surprised.) Me too. (Penny hesitates for a moment then exits
grips her tightly.) up the stairs. When she’s gone, Agnes collapses into a chair and chokes
AGNES. I don’t want your sympathy. back a sob. Hannah fills a cup of water from the faucet and hands it to
HANNAH. Good, because you’re not getting any. (Hannah holds Agnes Agnes.) She came home. (Agnes nods.) She’s here now. She’s safe. (Agnes
fiercely as Agnes continues to struggle.) nods again.) Should I leave? (Agnes shakes her head.) Do you want me to
AGNES. Then what are you doing? stay? (Agnes just looks at her.) You have to ask. If you want me to stay,
HANNAH. I’m trying to love you, you thick woman. you have to say it. (There’s a gentle chime sound. Subtle. You could miss it.
AGNES. Why? But Hannah and Agnes don’t. They freeze. And wait. And then come four
HANNAH. Because it’s good for you. Now hold still. (Agnes stops soft knocks.)
struggling. And for a moment, she lets herself be held. A sweet silence. The AGNES. Will you stay? (A moment. Then lights down.)
sound of the front door opening. Agnes and Hannah separate. Penny
appears in the doorway.) End of Play
PENNY. Can I come in? (Agnes just stares at Penny.)
HANNAH. Of course, Penny.
PENNY. Agnes? Can I come it?
AGNES. Yes. (Penny steps into the kitchen.)
PENNY. I’m sorry.
AGNES. Okay.
PENNY. Is it?
AGNES. I think so.
PENNY. Thank you. (A silence. All three women look at each other.)
AGNES. Where’s Tommy?