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Школа кожевенного мастерства: сумки, ремни своими руками

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Аннотация: Фестивальная программа

Two Silent Screams

Paul Edmonds

edmonds@creativeents.com

07903 326 143

Characters:

Louise.

Tom.

Policewoman

Policeman

Father

Mother

Becky

It is the early hours of the morning inside a deserted house/basement, miles away from inhabitants. Louise is tied up with her hands behind her back, lying on the floor in just her knickers and T-shirt, looking exhausted and dirty. Tom is lying asleep on the floor with his pistol close to hand. The wind is howling, and there are candles burning providing light. There are pieces of paper scattered on the floor that Tom has drawn and sketched on.

Tom awakes with his fist clinched around a pistol.

Louise

Are you OK?

No reply from Tom.

Louise

Are you OK?

Tom:

[Pauses.]

Why should you care?

Louise:

Because I do, I care about you... I know you never meant it... You're not like that. You're soft and gentle.

Tom:

You care about me. Why would you care about me?

Louise:

Of course I care... Why wouldn't I?

Tom:

Nobody really cares. Nobody really cares about anything anymore.

Louise:

I do!

Tom:

[Rubbing his head]

I can't take this any more... I just can't!

Louise:

Hey, you're a good person!

Tom:

A good person, a good person, after what I've done. How on earth can I be judged as a good person?

Louise:

I will never judge you. I forgive you and that's what counts.

Tom:

But I can't forgive myself. That's the problem.

Louise:

Nobody's judging you apart from yourself... Surely it must be easy to forgive yourself?

Tom:

You forgive me, but you won't be able to forget about me! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for what I've done, you can't imagine the guilt I feel.

Tom helps Louise to put her knickers on.

Louise:

I know you're a good person, everybody makes mistakes and we all have to learn from them to become better and stronger people.

Tom is sat in the corner of the barn curled up in a foetal position with his head bowed down and rocking.

Tom:

I'm going to hell for this. Just look at me, your sympathy is wasted on me

Louise

Hey your...

(Interrupted.)

Tom gets up from the corner and begins to pace around the barn.

Tom:

I hate myself... I can't cope. [Panicking] What am I going to do, I have nothing. I have nobody.

On his hands and knees begging in front of Louise.

Louise:

You're not going to Hell, I promise you. God's love is unconditional. He loves you and all his children, and your going to heaven; there's nothing to be worried about, I promise you.

Tom:

But if God created everything he must have created Hell too, I'm confused. So many different faces, male, female, amorphous, caring, punishing, giving and demanding. Sometimes I believe bad is good, I can't help it, It's all a lie, I'm a lie. Oh, who cares...

Louise

It's ok... Everything's going to be OK.

Tom begins pointing the gun to Louise' temple.

Tom (CONT'D)

If we're all good and we're all going to heaven why doesn't everyone shoot themselves now, instead of living out this misery called life. If you think we're all going to heaven why don't you want to die?

Louise

Because we are here to be tested. So after this life we can move on... That's what I believe.

Tom

But we've only worship a God that we've created.

Louise:

Calm down... It's OK! It's OK! You'll be safe with me. I promise you.

Pause.

Tom pulls the pistol away from Louise' temple.

Tom:

Your tender touch I'll always treasure with love and warmth. I'm sorry my mind can make a heaven into a hell. I'm just a big contradiction.

Louise:

We all are... But it is always our choice whether we get on with life and live in the now or...

Louise pauses.

Tom

Or?

Louise

Or chain ourselves to the past dwelling on everything we've missed out on.

Pause.

Tom laughs.

Tom:

What's your name?

Tom begins to stroke Louise' hair, softly and gently.

Pause.

Louise:

Louise.

Tom:

Louise. That's a beautiful name.

Louise:

Thank you.

Tom:

What are you thankful for?

Louise:

[Surprised]

Sorry?

Tom:

It was your parents that named you, they're the one's with good taste.

Tom caresses Louise' face.

Louise

Yes, you're right.

Tom

Does your mother look like you?

Pause.

Louise:

Yeah, well, so, so people say. People say we could be sisters.

Tom:

She must be a good woman... to have raised you, that is.

Louise:

Yes, yes, I'm lucky... My mother and father are wonderful, they have always been there for me... Just like I'm here for you.

Tom:

Yes, we're very lucky... Luckier than others.

BEAT.

Tom (CONT'D)

How old are you?

Louise:

[Looking scared.]

I'm eighteen in a month's time.

Tom:

Eighteen years old, in a month's time, doesn't that make you seventeen?

Louise

I don't feel seventeen.

Tom

Why do you want to be older than you already are? Everything seems so

possible at your age. And everything is.

Louise

Yes, looking back everything looks possible when it's taken away... But everything's possible with you.

Tom strokes Louise' neck and upper chest.

Tom

Was I your first?

Louise looks tearful and begins to choke on her words. And she doesn't reply.

Tom

Was I your first?

Louise

Yes.

Tom

Was I?

Louise

Yes. Yes you were

Tom:

You should be thankful, because now you have no concern about losing your virginity. What do you say?

Louise

Thank you.

Tom laughs.

BEAT.

Tom (CONT'D)

I've done you a favour, haven't I?

Louise:

I know and I'm grateful, you don't know how grateful... [Interrupted.]

Tom rubs the pistol against Louise' breasts.

Tom:

Did you enjoy it?

Louise:

[Answers quickly but convincingly.] Yes, Yes it was wonderful.

Tom:

Tell me... What did you enjoy about it the most?

Tom strokes Louise' face with the pistol.

Louise:

[Hesitantly.]

Just... Just being... close to you.

Tom:

Did you enjoy my hard cock inside you? Did it feel good?

Louise:

[Nodding.]

Yes... Of course!

Tom:

You like it hard don't you? Say it.

There is no response from Louise.

Tom (CONT'D)

[Shouting.]

Don't you!

Louise:

[Looking very scared.]

Yes! I like it hard.

Tom

Do you?

Louise

Yes.

Tom:

[Calmly.]

You dirty slag!

Tom pulls Louise' hair viscously.

Tom (CONT'D)

[Calmly.]

Would you like to taste the cold lead on your tongue, bitch?

BEAT.

Tom (CONT'D)

[Shouting.]

Would you like that? Would you fucking like that?

Louise:

[Crying and breathing heavily.]

I'm sorry... Please just stop... I can help you.

Pause.

Tom:

No, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! You don't deserve to be spoken to like that. I hope I'm an example to everyone. All it takes Louise is the right bar, the right girl and the right friends.

Louise

Or the wrong day.

Tom calms down and walks away.

Tom (CONT'D)

Look at you, you're the most beautiful thing I`ve ever seen.

Tom walks back over to Louise and begins to stroke her stomach.

Tom:

Do you know my name?

Louise:

No...

Tom:

Thomas, but you can call me Tom... That's what my friends call me.

Tom looks distant.

Pause.

Louise looks at the pieces of paper on the floor.

Louise:

[Unconvincingly]

You're a good artist Tom. You seem to capture the light so well.

Tom:

I'm an impressionist... It passes the time... Helps me think and reflect... I prefer self-portraits.

Louise:

Everybody needs to think.

Tom:

Yes... Everybody.

Louise

A lot of people don't though. Do they?

Tom

Where do you think you'll be in a couple of months, Louise?

Louise

I'm going...

Tom

You're going where?

Louise

[Looking distant.]

I was going... To India and Nepal in... December.

Tom

How lovely, India! The Mecca to all gap year students.

Louise

Have you been?

Tom

[Seriously.]

No... But I like Onion Bharjis. Do you?

Louise

Oh yes.

Tom

So why are you going? To make sure the poor are still poor, or to find inspiration?

Louise

Maybe not to come back.

Pause.

Tom

I'm sorry.

Pause.

Tom

To say I love you may appear naОve, but I do.

There is no response from Louise.

Tom (CONT'D)

[Meekly.]

Do you love me?

Pause.

Louise:

Yes, yes of course I do. I love you with all my heart.

Tom just stares at Louise and then smiles and then walks over and begins to stroke her stomach.

Tom:

I can't wait to have our own little family, you and I and our baby.

Louise:

Yeah, just the three of us.

Tom rests his head on Louise' lap.

Tom:

Nobody can stop us.

Louise:

[Looking very distant.]

Yeah, Nobody.

Tom:

[Looking fascinated at Louise' stomach.]

That's me safe and warm away from harm. You'll look after me won't you Louise?

Louise:

I will protect you Tom... I promise you.

Tom:

Good. You will never hurt me will you... Promise me... Don't hurt me, Louise.

Louise:

Like your mother did?

Tom:

Yes... Just like Mother did... Just like mother did...Just like mother...

Tom tearfully gets up and walks to the corner of the barn before collapsing in a heap.

Louise

It's OK, stop blaming yourself.

Tom

Why, what did I do so wrong? What did I do? Oh I wish I could go back in time. I wish I could make amends...Why do I hurt everyone I love? Why?

Pause.

Louise:

You never really wanted to hurt me did you Tom?

Tom:

I'm sorry, believe me I am!

Louise:

You called me Mother when you... [Interrupted.]

Tom:

[Tearfully.]

That's who I saw, that's who I felt. I can't continue hating the dead. I wanted her to love me... I Just wanted to be loved, that's all.

Louise:

Why do you still hate her so much, she's dead. I know deep down you didn't her or hate anybody.

Tom doesn't answer.

Louise:

Do you want to be back inside her womb?

Tom:

That's not a bad thing is it?

Louise:

[Looking distant.]

No. No it isn't. Everyone wants to feel safe and secure.

Tom

Do you, Louise?

Louise

Yes.

Tom:

The closest I could get was with you. With me inside you... I just needed to be inside! But the comfort of being inside is destroyed as the universe pulls us into the river of life, and constructs the loss of innocence... As we explore a fearful world.

Tom laughs.

Pause.

Louise:

[Hesitantly.]

There are people who can help and protect you, you know, People who know how to help you... You'll be treated very well...

Tom:

No, please... I thought you loved me, please no, Louise. Don't allow the others to be involved...

Louise:

I do love you... You can start your life again. You can have a new beginning! You're inside me now Tom; you have nothing to fear... My body will provide your warmth and comfort.

Tom:

But what should I do?

Pause.

Louise:

Start again.

Tom:

Start again, you mean?

Tom looks at his pistol.

Louise:

Yes... Be brave and do it for me... You love me don't you? Do you trust me?

Tom

Yes.

Louise

It's the right thing to do then... Take the responsibility.

Tom:

I love you so much Louise!

Louise:

You will not die... You will be reborn. A new life. The world is a beautiful place and you'll be able to experience that, maybe for the first time in your life.

Tom

With you?

Louise

Yes with me, of course.

Tom

Yes, yes, you're right, You are so right. Let me withdraw into quiet isolation with no disturbance. This is the best day of my life.

Louise:

Just think how happy you'd be. No more worries, no more self-hatred...

Tom:

[Smiling.]

It's making me happy just thinking about it. Yes the womb is where life begins... Where children are born, not perfect but are considered beautiful nonetheless; most have flaws but their mothers love them unconditionally... That's what I want... That's what I need... I need you, Louise.

Louise:

And we'll be together forever!

Tom rubs Louise' stomach.

Tom:

Promise me you won't tell anyone... You're not going to tell the police are you.

Louise

No... I promise.

Tom rests his head on Louise.

Flash On:

A policeman and policewoman enters the barn via the door. They approach Louise and stand either side of her.

Policewoman

Now, Louise, this is serious...

Policeman

Ferensics have told us that there were traces of seaman.

Policewomen

What happened? Did you have an argument with your boyfriend or an ex? Trying to get back at him or something?

Louise

I've already told you three times...

Policeman

Have you ever been in trouble with the police before, Louise?

Louise

No! Why, what is this?

Policeman

You don't know any self-defence, do you?

Louise

He had a fucking gun and I was raped.

Policewoman

Why didn't you scream?

Louise

He had a fucking gun, he raped me!

Policeman

Louise, swearing doesn't suit you.

Louise

I did scream, though my scream, I think... I can't remember. He just went on and on until I lost consciousness. I'm just glad that I'm still alive.

Policewoman

And what were you wearing?

Louise

For Christ sake, Who's on trial here?

Policewoman

And why has this happened to you... You're no saint are you Louise... How many people have you slept with?

Louise

That isn't the point... I was raped!

Policewoman

Rape is a word that can destroy a man's life so easily... If you want to be treated like an adult Louise you'd better start acting like one... The police have got better things to do than chasing the whims of silly little school-girls who didn't want to go the full way...

Beat.

Policewoman

But did.

Beat.

Policewoman

Perhaps you would like to get your story straight and then come back to us. This is somebody's future at stake.

The policewoman walks towards the door, the policeman crouches down to Louise.

Policeman

We do believe you, but just have a little think, You know, what you might have... Just have a little think, OK. But I do think you would benefit from a couple of sessions of counselling.

The policeman and woman exits via the barn door.

Louise

Where are you going?

BEAT.

Louise

[Calmly stroking Tom's hair]

Just keep going. Just keep going you're doing fine...

BEAT.

Fucking bastard, Just shoot yourself, just put that gun to your sick, little, fucking head and do yourself and me a favour. I just want to get out of here... Alive. I just want to return to normality, just return being to me.

Beat.

Just relax; this will be all over soon. If he loves me so much he surely would let me go.

[Interrupted.]

Tom is holding a pistol to his head.

Tom:

Thank you for directing me on the right path Louise... Thank you so much for your help.

Louise:

Tom... Not just yet.

Tom

Why not?

Louise

I wouldn't be able to give birth to you if I was left here to die.

Long pause.

Tom has a sudden moment of realisation.

Tom:

I'm sorry... I don't want you to die... You're my life!

Louise:

And you're mine!

BEAT.

Louise (CONT'D)

I will help you... I will do anything for you. I want you to know that.

Tom:

I know. And I will do anything for you.

Tom pulls the pistol from his head.

Louise:

I ask of you one thing Tom...

Tom

What?

Louise

Untie me... please.

Long pause.

Tom:

Yes... That's the least I could do for you.

Tom begins to untie Louise, slowly and methodically,

Tom (CONT'D)

Right over left, left over right and out it comes, there we are.

Louise stands up with Tom still firmly gripping the pistol, and then they hug each other.

Louise:

[Relieved.]

Oh Thank you... Thank you. Thank you so much.

Tom:

And I ask of one thing from you.

Pause.

Louise:

Yes?

Tom:

I'm sorry for what I've done, I am believe me! It doesn't matter whether we love one another or not, I still committed a sin... And I need to be punished... Let justice prevail!

Louise:

Please put the gun down Tom. It isn't necessary.

Tom:

It's only fair. You have the right. It's your right! Please, I can't do it myself... I'm indebted to you.

Pause.

Louise:

You want me to shoot you?

Tom:

You said you would do anything for me... Please don't let me down. Not now.

Pause.

Louise:

I know but...

Tom

But what?

Louise

I can't... I can't shoot you Tom!

Tom:

Louise, take the gun and shoot me!

Holding out the pistol for Louise to take.

Louise:

No, I'm sorry Tom... I can't. How can you expect me to shoot you?

Tom:

[Shouting]

Take the fucking gun and shoot me, Shoot me, Shoot me! End my fucking misery and yours.

Louise:

You're scaring me, stop it Tom.

Tom:

You're just like the rest of them aren't you. You don't love me.

Tom grabs Louise and points the pistol at her stomach.

Louise:

[Screaming]

Please stop! Please stop...I don't want to die.

Louise begins to break down.

Tom:

[Calmly.]

But I do. This is my only escape. You're my only escape.

Louise:

No! You can get over this. I will help you... I can help you Tom!

Tom:

It's far too late. I'm beyond help.

Tom hands over the gun to Louise, where she then points the gun at Tom.

Tom:

Do it. It'll make you feel better and let me sleep in your cave of silence.

Louise:

[Looking at the gun] Please Tom, will you just listen? I don't want to be here anymore, I want to go home. I want to go back to my world, my life... Please.

Tom points to the door.

Tom:

You can leave after you've shot me.

Louise:

This isn't fair... Please stop doing this to me.

Tom:

[Shouting.]

This isn't fair. This isn't fucking fair... You know nothing! You silly little bitch.

Louise:

Why are you taking this out on me... I haven't hurt you... I'm not the rest of society.

Tom:

You're all the same. You're all part of this huge mess, my mess. The people that I take great pleasure in condemning are also the people I totally envy.

Tom begins to shout.

Tom (CONT'D)

I know, I know you're only scapegoats... For my self hatred.

Louise:

We could call a doctor and they could help you, Couldn't they.

Tom grabs Louise by the throat.

Tom:

Shut up Bitch, I'm talking, I'm fucking talking, I'm human too, and I just want someone to fucking listen to me for once.

Louise

Who's going to listen to me?

Tom releases his grip and calms down.

Tom

I just want the world to stop judging me. Who's given these people the divine right to judge me? Self-appointed judges judge.

Louise

Who's judging you? Tell me.

Tom begins to cry.

Tom

They think I'm... I don't know what they think? I'm human too...

Louise

Everything's going to be fine. Just relax.

Tom walks to the other side of the barn.

Louise:

Why are you so depressed? Why are you so up set?

Tom:

Depression is like an old friend in a new place, offering familiarity with no surprise. You'll realise that one day.

Louise:

You can change.

Tom begins to laugh.

Tom:

Demons penetrate my only defence, the thin wall of fragility... You're all afraid of me... I'm sorry.

Louise:

You are your own demon... All the love you need is inside your head, you don't need anyone else.

Tom

I'm a contagious cancer eating the world and myself. I began life as kiss and now I've evolved into a curse. Where do I belong? Where do I belong Louise.

Louise begins to shout at Tom.

Louise

Will you just stop feeling sorry for yourself. Will you just stop for a minute and look at the harm you cause for others... It doesn't have to be this way.

Tom begins to cry.

Louise walks over to Tom and tries to comfort him.

Louise:

Tom!

Tom begins to stroke Louise' stomach.

Tom:

I think it's right that you should kill me and give birth to me.

Louise:

Tom, I can't... It's wrong. I don't want to shoot anyone.

Tom:

Why is it wrong? It's natural to die.

Louise:

Murdering you isn't natural, is it? Please don't put me in this position... Don't put me in a position where I have no choice... Not again!

Tom:

I'm suffering, Please... It would be an act of love. You said you loved me.

Louise:

It's an act of selfishness on your part. I don't want to kill you.

Tom

I'm sorry but I need your help. It would be a mercy killing.

Louise:

I know. I know you would be out of your misery. But I don't want to make a decision like this.

BEAT.

Louise (CONT'D)

That would make us equal then, wouldn't it... You just want me to feel as guilty and as bad as you, believe me Tom, I feel worse.

Tom:

But soon you're going to have to make a decision...

[Pointing to the door]

Tom begins to laugh.

Tom (CONT'D)

People only think about themselves don't they? What effects them? I mean why are people in relationships? To satisfy themselves not their partners, people only love others because they want to be loved!

Tom is getting angrier.

Tom (CONT'D)

The human race is so fucking selfish. Everything we do or say comes from our collective subconscious, what benefits me? What are my needs? I suppose that's how the human race has survived.

Tom's anger subdues into laughter.

Tom (CONT'D)

We're all self-destructive.

Louise:

And destructive to others!

Tom:

My point exactly.

Louise:

Perhaps the world would be a better place if everybody were as nihilistic as you.

Tom:

No! Everyone is as nihilistic as me, everyone has that dark corner in their mind that scares them, so they pretend it doesn't exist, and they go about playing the game abiding by the rules following the herd.

Tom suddenly turns angry again.

Tom (CONT'D)

You're all fucking sheep all of you! Not knowing why and not caring, prejudice and ignorant... Who needs action when you've got words? You all need dates to remember to be generous and happy, birthdays and Christmas...

Louise

And valentines day to say I love you.

Louise

I know... I'm beginning to realise, realise that when people are free to do as you they please, they imitate others.

Tom

And attitudes are contagious

Louise

And some might kill.

Pause.

Tom

So why is rape perceived as wrong and bad?

Louise:

It's the powerful dominating the weak and vulnerable.

Tom begins to laugh.

Tom:

Like society and me...

Louise

No like... [Interrupted.]

Tom

I'm the only person who perceives that as wrong. I'm the only person who cares. Raping the vulnerable and weak happens every day, in war, politics and by those who love us. This happens every minute of everyday, the media portrays it as a rarity.

Louise

People aren't aware... And most of us don't want to know the truth. They're happy being sheep. Just let them fucking be... You can't change the world, you can only change yourself.

BEAT

Louise:

Was raping me, some kind of revenge?

Tom:

One succumbs to external pleasantries but is internally corrupted; every man knows that or at least experiences it. It's more isolating than the loss of speech and sight.

Louise

Every man?

Tom (CONT'D)

And many of us are so ignorant that we're not aware it's even happening.

Louise:

[Hesitantly] I don't think that's true. There's a difference between sexual desire and aggressive sexual power.

Tom begins to laugh.

Tom (CONT'D)

Louise, I'm only a result of civilised western ignorance. Not addressing the problem, Not curing the reason, the cause of pain, but merely hiding the pain with prescriptions pills, opting for the short term and we're all surprised when the pain resurfaces. It's not our fault! It's not our problem... You are your problem!

Louise

It's everybody's problem.

Tom

Why do you say that? Do you include yourself in that?

Louise

I took a lot for granted-only because I was comfortable.

Tom

Will you after today?

Pause.

Louise

No.

Tom

This is your problem now, nobody to help you... The way you want to be helped, just catogorized.

Louise:

I know more than you think. Nobody wants to feel caterogorized, or like an animal without any true freedom.

Tom:

But that's exactly what we are. Before man became civilised, if that's what we call ourselves, man was raping women in order to reproduce and that gene is ever present today. That gene is a significant reason why the human race has evolved. Women are so suppressed, but so are men.

Louise

But without the rules there would be anarchy. We need these rules and boundaries as much as we need to reproduce.

Pause.

Tom (CONT'D)

Would you prefer if I shot myself, Louise?

BEAT.

Tom (CONT'D)

You would... Wouldn't you?

Louise:

Tom, I'd prefer to be tied up again than having to shoot you.

Tom begins to laugh.

Tom:

Answer the question.

Louise:

I don't want to see you die but yet... [Interrupted.]

Tom:

But yet what else do I have to live for?

BEAT.

Tom (CONT'D)

Please shoot me.

Louise:

You didn't put yourself in this position... I know that.

Tom:

And nor did you.

Louise:

But yet we both feel guilty... We can try to be happy

Tom:

I don't believe true happiness really exists. It's entirely artificial. I feel fake most of the time and I feel guilty for it, because I'm not being true to myself... This is me... This id fucking me, OK.

Louise:

That isn't a good enough reason to die or bring other people into this problem.

Louise begins to cuddle Tom compassionately and then stare at one another

Tom

Do you feel protected by me? I feel protected by you.

Flash on:

Louise' father enters the barn via the door. Tom's head is resting on Louise' stomach.

Louise' father is carrying a gift that is wrapped up.

Birthday music is played.

Very awkward pause.

Father

Err... I don't know what to say... Happy eighteenth.

[Handing over the gift]

Pause.

Louise

Thanks

Father

How could I have let this happened to my beautiful girl. Why were you out alone?

Louise

Dad, I was coming home from work...

Father

But why did he choose you? Why you? I don't understand. Did you do anything?

Louise

Father

Did you know him, what's his name?

Louise

Tom.

Father

Tom?

Father

Such an ordinary name.

BEAT.

Father

I'm sorry... We're just in autopilot at the moment. You never think something like this will ever happen to you.

Louise

It's happened to me, Dad...

[Interrupted.]

Father

It was those shoes wasn't it?

Louise

What?

Father

You were wearing those nice shoes that flattered your ankles.

Louise walks away from her Dad. Tom follows her.

Father

What's wrong, Darling? I'm your Dad.

Louise

Nothing, I'm just feeling a little odd at the moment. I'm OK, I just need some space.

Father

Your mother was so worried about you. You know what's she's like.

BEAT.

Father

I'm sorry we've just been through a lot these past couple of days... I'll get you a cup off tea. Are you sure you don't want to join the party?

Louise' father exits via the barn door.

Enters Louise' mother via the barn door.

Mother

Oh my poor little baby. It's OK... You're safe now.

Louise

I never thought I'd see you again.

Mother

You seem to be coping with it all so well. You must be still in shock.

Louise

I feel so numb... I feel like I've lost everything.

Mother

If we knew you were out with somebody we wouldn't have too worry about you so much. I always feel safe with your Dad. That's why I hardly go anywhere without him. Had you ever met him before?

Louise

No, I've never met him. Never!

Mother

Are you sure? You know like on those chat-rooms, bloody internet, you hear about it all the time. He must have been horrible and disgusting to do what he did to my daughter... Disgusting.

Louise

Yes, disgusting.

Mother

Dad's not coping too well. You know what he's like, he never says what's on his mind.

BEAT.

Mother

What happened to that nice boy... What was his name?

Louise

Mum please... I'm not in the mood, OK.

Mother

Well what did this beast look like?

Louise

What do you mean?

Mother

I mean, what did he look like?

Louise

A normal looking bloke.

Mother

A normal looking bloke?

Louise

Well, what do you expect, a werewolf or something. Of course he was a normal looking bloke.

Mother

I'm sorry.

Louise

I just want to be left alone now, please.

Mother

Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?

Louise

Please mum, not now.

Mother

You know it takes more muscles to smile than it does to frown. Here this should cheer you up.

[Handing over her gift]

Louise

Thanks Mum.

Louise' mothers exits via the barn door.

Louise

James Bond alternately whips out his revolver and cock, and though there are no known connections between the skill of gun fighting and lovemaking, pacifism seems suspiciously effeminate.

BEAT.

That's what he wants, surely that's what I can at least do for him... end his misery. Taking control of his fate. I really want to do the right thing... But in the last twenty four hours... I no longer know what is right or wrong anymore.

Tom:

Shoot me... Right here.

Louise places the pistol to Tom's temple.

Louise:

Ok.

Tom:

It will be short and sweet. It'll be fine, don't you worry.

Louise is breathing heavily and looks very anxious.

Louise:

I feel for you Tom. I do! But you also disgust me, you're my first experience with a man... Do you like playing God? How do you feel now a woman's holding the gun?

Tom

You're the one now playing God, Louise.

Louise

You've probably shaped the rest of my life. Do you know that?

No response from Tom

Louise (CONT'D)

Do you fucking know that?

Tom

We shape our own lives remember.

Louise pauses to look at the gun.

Tom (CONT'D)

[Calmly]

Just pull the trigger.

Louise:

I do see the problem that society has created Tom! If nobody else has ever cared for you I want you to know that I at least understand.

Tom:

Please pull the trigger.

Louise is shaking heavily whilst stroking her stomach.

Louise:

I will look after you Tom.

Pause.

Tom:

Thank you.

Louise begins to cry.

Louise:

Perhaps love and hate really do come from the same place.

Tom:

Shoot me.

Louise:

Can I ask you one more question?

Pause.

Tom:

One question.

Louise:

I need to know why. Why me?

Tom:

Because...

Pause.

Louise:

Because what? Tell me for fuck sake, please.

Tom

[Laughing]

What if don't?

Louise

Then I won't shoot you.

Tom:

Look at you, you're beautiful.

Louise:

Is that it? But you don't even know me.

Tom:

No...

Louise:

Well what then... Tell me, please. I want to know. I need to know.

Tom:

You were there.

Louise:

I was there.

BEAT.

Louise (CONT'D)

But what if I wasn't walking along...

Louise begins to laugh.

Louise (CONT'D)

As easy as that. As easy as that... Could, could it have been anyone? What did I do wrong?

Louise looks distant.

Tom:

Nothing, I enjoy looking at the town and people. Admiring the beauty from afar. You were just unlucky!

Louise looks up to the ceiling.

Louise

Unlucky?

BEAT.

Louise:

[Sensitively.]

But someone would have seen you. Cameras and passers by. How on earth do you think you're...

[Interrupted.]

Tom:

I don't care. What's the worst that can happen to me? Locked up for committing a crime...

BEAT.

Tom (CONT'D)

And locked up for not.

Louise:

I can't shoot you... I can't do it!

Tom:

Is it too difficult? The harsh reality of life, your first taste. I'm sorry it's a bitter one.

Tom begins to laugh.

Louise:

Why are you laughing?

Tom

Because I'm easily amused.

Remember the choice is yours. Live or die.

Louise begins to panic.

Louise:

This isn't a choice, I can't. Listen to me please, please. I need to get away from here. Just let me go.

Louise runs for the door, but Tom grabs her and pushes her to the floor.

Pause.

Tom

You're going nowhere until you do what needs to be done.

Louise

I can't take this anymore.

Tom

Welcome to the club.

Louise:

Maybe I should...

Tom:

Maybe you should what?

BEAT.

Tom (CONT'D)

No!

Louise:

Maybe I should shoot myself, that would sort out this mess out.

Tom:

[Responding quickly.]

No, No, You can't! Stop thinking like that.

Flash on.

Enters Becky holding a fashion magazine and looking like Miss Cosmopolitan.

Tom looks at Becky, picks up a piece of paper and begins to sketch her.

Becky

I heard what happened. I told you to come with us...

Louise

I didn't want too OK. I have a right and need to go where I want.

Do you know what I've been through?

Becky

I'm sorry.

Louise

That's all I'm fucking hearing is sorry... I don't want sorries!

Becky

I'm... I mean... Sorry.

BEAT.

Becky (CONT'D)

Do you want to come out... It might do you some good.

Louise

Becky, I wish I was dead... I don't care anymore.

Becky

But you've got everything. You're clever and beautiful... I wish I looked like you.

BEAT.

Becky

Liam will be at the party, are you sure you don't want to come?

Louise

Well be me then, because I don't want be me.

Becky

You can get over this and your life again. You can go to India and Nepal and forget it.

BEAT.

Becky

What was it like... Did it hurt?

Louise

I passed out.

Becky

Shit.

BEAT.

Becky

Is there anything you want?

Louise

No! And you can't help me, so just please leave me.

Becky

Oh I forgot, I booked those kick-boxing lessons, we'll go together and kick them in the balls.

[Laughing]

BEAT.

Becky

Even though you've been through hell, you still look great.

Becky kisses Louise on the forehead.

Becky exits via the barn door.

[Long pause.]

Rape and suicide, a very happy couple indeed.

Louise:

You wouldn't have shot me would you Tom?

Tom:

No, I love you, why would I want to shoot you? Is that what you think of me? I'm now a rapist and a murderer.

BEAT.

Tom

What would you prefer me to be?

Louise:

Then why the gun?

Tom:

Because... [Interrupted.]

Louise:

Why blindfold me?

BEAT.

Louise

Why rape me?

Tom:

Because I hate women who like to be attractive to men but resent their own sexual desires. I'm sorry about the gun, but you wouldn't be here otherwise.

Louise:

I'm sorry. But I'm not every woman, women are individuals.

Tom:

Do you feel you've lost your individuality, your identity? Do you feel less of a woman?

Louise:

I feel less of a person. I've lost so much in the last few hours, I'm sure they will all eventually catch up with me in time. I'm just wondering how I can prevent that.

Louise looks at the gun.

Louise (CONT'D)

I'm sorry.

Tom

Sorry, sorry for what?

BEAT.

Tom:

Sorry you were raped?

Louise sits on the floor looking despondent.

Tom begins to laugh.

Louise

Sorry for you.

Louise:

Oh my head. This is the first time I have ever felt suicidal.

Louise strains to be sick.

Louise (CONT'D)

I am trying to think of a world in which rape would be a foreign concept. I don't want to, I don't want to die, I just want to be out of this mess.

Tom:

Contemplating suicide is only realising you're alive.

Louise:

But this isn't right... What have you done to me? You're trying to break me.

Tom begins to comfort Louise.

Tom:

I know you're scared but I'm here.

BEAT.

Tom:

We're only scared of the unfamiliar. God loves all his children, remember.

Louise:

So why has he put me in this situation? Put us both in this position.

There is a pause and the wind begins to blow through the barn resulting in rattling and shaking.

Tom:

It's only a test Louise.

Louise:

I wish I really knew what was happening inside my head.

Louise begins to moan in pain.

Tom:

A test so we can take control of our own fate. We're all going to die any way. Death and birth are same thing, aren't they?

Tom begins to stroke Louise' stomach.

Pause.

Louise:

They seem to be the same thing in some religions.

Tom

So if you agree why don't you oblige?

Louise

No, no I won't.

Tom:

[Speaking softly.]

You're so beautiful.

Tom strokes Louise' hair, softly.

Tom (CONT'D)

The gun is yours, take control.

Pause.

Louise:

Thank you.

Louise strokes Tom's face.

Tom:

It'll be Ok.

They begin to hug with Louise still gripping the gun in her hand.

Louise:

I feel so numb.

Tom:

You're bound to after what's happened.

Louise:

I'm beginning to feel relieved already.

Louise starts to laugh.

Tom

I know you would, see, I love you.

Louise (CONT'D)

When you see the true value of everything, nothing really matters... We're insignificant. Everything's covered up and hidden. What part do we play in anything?

Tom:

We don't really have choices or rights. But I suppose suicide is one choice we can decide for ourselves. Why is suicide against the law? Arrest me when I'm dead.

[Laughing]

Louise:

I can't believe I'm thinking like this.

BEAT.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Tom

No my dear... life is like a movie. If you've sat through more than half of it and it's been shit for every second so far, the chances are it isn't going to be great right at the end to make it all worth while... No one should blame you for walking out early.

BEAT.

Tom (CONT'D)

Louise, the people that love us burden us. Sex, money, and power, that's all what motivates us.

Louise:

And without one, the others cannot exist. I know, I know... But there must be more, the world will change... There is hope!

Tom:

No... People cannot understand that there lies any bliss beyond sex, fast cars and power.

Louise:

Is that the reason why you raped me? The things you haven't got, emotional and material.

Tom:

Only to prove one point out of many.

Louise:

To whom?

Tom:

Probably to myself, I don't expect anybody else to understand, besides, nobody else will ever know.

Louise

Someone will eventually find out.

Tom

You shouldn't concern yourself with that.

Louise

What?

Tom

Louise, there are only two people who know what's happened here.

Louise

We can both get out of this unharmed. People will help you.

Tom

For fuck sake, Louise, will you just cut the social worker role. Nobody will understand.

Louise

You're not stupid are you Tom. You know what you're doing.

Tom

It is impossible to know and understand beyond your own standpoint. That's why people remain confined to their own standpoints. Seeking things that are deathless.

Louise:

What if you standpoint is death?

Tom

Then you'll end up like me.

BEAT.

Tom:

People are already in sorrow filling that void with retail therapy and fucking pop idol! But death, death allows you to break free. Life just confines us.

Louise:

You're as guilty as everyone else, your filling a void with something far worse.

Tom

You need to save us both. What do you care about?

Louise is looking at the pistol.

Louise:

No, no I don't, I don't care about freedom from want, I care about freedom from this pain.

Tom:

The Japanese consider suicide as a noble act.

Louise:

A noble act? All of the Japanese, why aren't they all dead. You're crazy.

Tom

[Shouting]

I said, never call me that.

Louise just stares at the gun.

Tom starts to strangle her, Louise reaches for the gun on the floor and points it at Tom.

Louise

Is this the right way?

Tom:

Yes... Pull the trigger, just pull the trigger, now.

Louise:

I can't, I, I, I don't...

Tom picks up the chair and throws it against the wall.

Tom:

Just fucking do it!

Louise:

Tom! Please stop! Don't hurt me, Please!

Tom:

[Shouting.]

You think I'm stupid don't you. Don't you, you think I'm stupid?

Louise:

No, no that isn't true.

Tom begins to look very worried.

Tom:

[Shouting]

Shit, shit. Just pull the fucking trigger. Pull the trigger.

Long pause.

Louise:

You bastard!

Tom hurries over to Louise grabs her hair and drags her to the other side of the barn leaving the gun in the middle of the floor.

Tom:

Don't back out now!

Louise:

Ad libb

[Screaming.]

Get of me you fucker. You're just jealous of what I've got. Get off me! Get off me you Bastard!

Tom begins to laugh wryly.

Tom:

You silly bitch. You thought you could outwit me?

Louise:

Just as much as you thought you had outwitted me. This is just a game to you isn't it. You Bastard! You're sick.

Pause.

Tom:

Just a game? No, This is my life; this is the only pleasure I get out of life.

Tom begins to grope her breasts.

Louise:

Get of me. Get off me!

Tom

Come on, you seemed to have enjoyed it last time.

Louise begins to Scream and Punches Tom frantically in the face. She escapes his grip and runs to the other side of the barn and tries to open the barn door but it's locked. She hits the door, but to no avail.

Tom begins to laugh as he watches Louise trying to escape. He casually walks over to her.

Tom:

Your screams are silent. No one can hear you. You're my fly in my web.

Louise begins to hit Tom in the body.

Louise:

Tell me where I am. Just let me go! Let me go you evil piece of shit! You won't get away with this!

Tom grabs Louise by the arms and holds her.

Tom:

It's not going to make any difference where you are. This is my home it has been for months now, and now it's yours, Welcome.

Louise looks shocked and just stares around the barn.

Tom:

Yes. Here I'm the only person that exists. Nothing can penetrate me. I like the silence. The nightmarish realm of silence allows me to ignore my every echoing, deafening scream.

Louise:

I'm not your first. Am I?

Pause.

Tom:

Do you feel less special now? You're the first to have ever got this far. Congratulations. Normally the emotional roller coaster ride is far too much to cope with!

Louise:

You Bastard. You're sick!

Tom:

I'm only exorcising my negative thoughts. Why, do you feel betrayed?

Louise:

Betrayed?

Tom begins to laugh.

Tom

Betrayed by your rapist. You're angrier with yourself for trusting me and convincing yourself, than being raped. I do feel sorry for you Louise! You should have shot yourself when you had the chance.

Louise:

No! I should have shot you when I had the chance.

Tom:

Go ahead. The choice is yours.

Louise:

It's not a choice. No, now it's my duty. What ever happens I am free inside my mind.

Tom and Louise pause and look at one another.

Tom:

Oh you could live with yourself murdering someone who was intentionally bad, innately bad, but not someone who had the inability to understand.

Louise:

I would be defending myself. Freeing myself, preventing this happening to anyone else. Not murdering. Once outside the womb, there's no coming back Tom. If every witness to a crime kept silent would there be any justice in the world? It's time you faced the real world.

Tom:

You Martyr. That's bollocks. I don't care about justice. Because justice doesn't care about me. Those who can charm and draw us in at will ultimately use us as prey. Take the responsibility Louise!

Louise

Long pause.

Tom

It amazes me the will of instinct.

Tom and Louise pause and look at one another.

Tom:

How situations change.

Long pause.

Tom and Louise both run for the gun positioned in the middle of the floor and the Curtain drops.

There is one gunshot that can be heard.

The End.

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