by David Heyman
~ Curtain ~
Act 2, Scene 3
The stage is totally black. The only sound is that of a farmer's pickup truck engine whining and some rattles from the truck when it bumps over ruts in the access road. Gradually, two dim lights emerge from the dark. The audience should be able to tell that they are the headlights of the truck. Finally, the audience can see only the two lights facing them, and, possibly, some moonlight at the top of the stage. If possible, house lights should be dim or out. The people in the truck are lost in the dark.
The voices are crisp and clear as they would be in a place that is cool and utterly silent.
Gretchen: “How can you tell where we are?”
Billy: “I've been here before. After we hit a few rough spots, we should be able to turn around. Then, we should be facing a field where the deer hang out.”
Gretchen: “Have you been here with other women?”
Billy: Laughs. “No!”
Gretchen: “I'll bet!”
Billy: “Seriously. No, I haven't met many women in my life that attract me like you do.”
Gretchen: “You're not just saying that, are you?”
Billy: If I were lying, would it be any worse than you wanting me to sign that paper you showed me for your husband?”
Gretchen: “I don't even know why I brought it. It was a convenient excuse, I guess. Tell me. Should we be able to hear the corn growing?”
Billy: “Only if we are very quiet.”
Gretchen: “I don't think I'm quiet enough. All I hear is my heart beating.”
Billy: “Sh-h. I'm going to use the spotlight. Follow the spot.”
Gretchen: “oo-h! What are those shapes in the field?”
Billy: “That's them. The entire herd is out there. I'm going to try to light one up. See!”
Gretchen: “There's one. And two. And three.” (Counting) “There are at least nineteen deer, and they're all over the place. They’re wonderful!”
Billy: “So are you.”
Gretchen: “U-mm. Put that light away and hold me.” A minute or so of silence.
Billy: “I can't recall the last time I was kissed like that.”
Gretchen: “You will have to forgive me, if I seem forward. I've been married so long, I don't know how to be subtle.
More silence and some jiggling of the headlights facing the audience.
Gretchen: “O-oh! Did you take Viagra?”
Billy: “No-o!'
Gretchen: “I would guess that you don't need it. But, remember, I'm not as flexible as I used to be.”
Billy: “Think now! I don't know how you used to be.” Silence. “Oo-h! Oo-h!”
Gretchen: “I can't think! I can't think at all! Aa-h! Aa-h!” More silence.
Next the headlights begin to bounce up and down. Male and female moans of pleasure are heard coming from the truck. Then, quiet and stillness.
Gretchen: “What a wonderful way to initiate the gas pipeline!”
Billy: “What do you know about a gas pipeline?”
Gretchen: “Oh, my God! I was oblivious. I wasn't thinking. I'm not even supposed to know about it. And Duke would kill me, if he thought I gave away that information!
Billy: “He might want to kill you for being here with me.”
Gretchen: “No. He's not that kind of a man. Sometimes I wonder if he even cares.”
Billy: “But what if he does? Now he has that M-7, and he feels empowered.”
Gretchen: “Did you notice how he didn't pay any attention when you picked me up? He was on the phone to one of his pals, talking about his properties near the river. He was really happy about whatever it was they were discussing.
“And what I told you about the gas line might not even be true. Plans change.” Silence.
Billy: “I don't think the gas line will make any difference to you and me.”
Gretchen: “Maybe if Duke were a different kind of man, I wouldn't even be here.”
Billy: “Every person who cheats on their spouse, blames their spouse. You can't go through life blaming your other-half for what you want to do. It certainly doesn't work for me. I'm here because you entered my mind, and I can't get you out of my mind, even if I wanted to.”
Gretchen: “Oh, I know you are right. Duke and I hardly ever talk about our feelings, so I'm not used to talking about the way I feel. But I can't help but think that I have a silly need to rationalize what I'm doing.”
Pause.
“Why is it so quiet? I want you to keep holding me, but I'm getting worried now. Maybe, we should go back before they get suspicious.”
Billy: “Whatever you say. But I must ask you something.”
Gretchen: “What?”
Billy: “Will there be another time?”
Gretchen: “I'm sure there will be.”
Billy: “Wonderful!”
The sound of the engine starting and the rumble of the truck on the rough road drown out their voices. The two red tail lights fade (move off stage) to the right into the darkness.