BETTY (Off, from her bedroom): Vi!!! I hate this! I look like I don’t know what! Vi!!!
(Vi comes out of the kitchen.)
VI: I’m coming . . .
(Mike is right behind her, he holds his teacup.)
MIKE: Will you tell her we have to go—?
BETTY (Off): Vi, help me!
VI (To Mike): Tell her yourself—
MIKE (Over this): Betty!! We have to—!!
(Betty enters from the bedroom. She wears one of Vi’s tight-fitting dresses.)
BETTY (Entering): I can’t even bend over in . . . (Tries, stops)
MIKE: I like it!
BETTY: I’m not going to believe a word you say.
(She smiles. Mike laughs.)
MIKE (“Innocently”): Why not? (Laughs and winks at Peter)
BETTY (Turns to Vi, about the dress): Look, you can actually see the crease in my bottom.
(Mike “leans over and looks” and winks at Peter.)
VI: Is that bad?—
BETTY (Over this): I can’t walk in it. What else have you got? (Heads for the bedroom)
MIKE: Betty, we have to go to work! Can’t you do that—?
BETTY: When? I get off at six. (Turns back to Vi) In this he’ll think I’m a bloody whore.
VI (As she and Betty go): I very much doubt that.
(Vi and Betty are gone.)
MIKE (To Peter): Extraordinary. In the surgery—she’s like a rock.
(He looks at his watch. Ann has entered in her dressing gown.)
There she is! Sleeping Beauty awakens! (To Peter) There’s something to be said for a house full of women, isn’t there? (Back to Ann) She walks. She talks. Or does she?
ANN: Good morning. (Kisses Mike on the cheek as she passes him. Goes to the sofa. To Peter) Is there room there?
(Peter moves and she sits down.)
(To Peter) Morning.
MIKE: Cup of tea?
PETER (Starting to stand): I’ll get you one.
ANN (Stopping him): No, no, please. I don’t want anything.
(Peter sits back down. Ann pats his knee.)
How did you sleep?
(Betty and Vi burst back into the room. Betty is now in her underwear; she holds a blue dress in front of her. Vi holds another dress.)
BETTY: Ann, which do you think, the blue or the green?
MIKE: Betty, I’m leaving in two minutes.
PETER: Wasn’t the blue one Mother’s?
(This stops everyone for a moment.)
BETTY: Was it?
PETER: I’m pretty sure.
VI: I think it was, he’s right.
(Beat.)
BETTY: Then it’s the blue one. Mother would have liked that.
VI: The hem’s too low though. (Leans down and pulls up the hem, revealing more and more of Betty’s leg) How’s this? (Higher, teasing) How’s this?
BETTY: Stop it!
VI: He’d like it like that! We know he likes legs.
(The others laugh, Betty pretends she didn’t hear it.)
BETTY (To Peter): You really remember Mother in this?
PETER: I think so.
(Betty sighs, presses the dress against her chest and starts to head back to her bedroom. As she turns, Vi notices a hole in Betty’s underpants.)
VI: Betty, you can’t wear . . . (Sticks her finger in the hole)
BETTY (Hitting her hand away): What are you doing?
VI (Sticking her finger back in the hole): There’s a hole. You can’t wear these—
BETTY: He’s not going to see my—
MIKE (Over this, turning): I’m not watching!
VI (Over this, to Betty): Are you so sure of that?!
(Betty hurries out of the room.)
(To Betty, out of the room) Really, it’s like dressing a child.
(Follows Betty off)
MIKE (Calls): I’m going, Betty! (To Ann and Peter) Tell her I’ve gone.
(He goes to the sofa, leans down and kisses Ann on the head. She rubs his arm with her hand.)
(To Ann) I forgot to tell you, Hugh mentioned last night that there might be a flat available in his building. I’ll try and find out more.
(Ann freezes.)
PETER: What?
MIKE: Ann and I have been looking for our own—
ANN: No we haven’t. Not for months.
MIKE: We just didn’t find any—
ANN: We decided to stop looking. We liked it here—
MIKE (Over this): We need our own flat!
(Suddenly Ann and Mike are shouting at each other.)
ANN: My sisters are here and my brother!
MIKE: Your sisters could have their own rooms!
ANN: And when the baby’s born—
MIKE: That’s my point!
ANN:—to have aunts and an uncle—to help, Mike!
MIKE: I’m going to look at the flat!!
ANN (Waving her arms, gesturing to this flat): And who’ll pay for—!!?
MIKE: I will pay, dammit!!!
(Pause. Mike looks at Peter, who turns away.)
ANN: This is an important conversation, we just can’t—
MIKE: I have to go.
ANN: You’re always doing this—
MIKE: Good-bye.
(He goes. Short pause. Betty hurries out of the bedroom, now in her nurse’s uniform.)
BETTY: Where’s—? (Looks around, realizes Mike is gone) Bye. Good-bye. See you tonight.
(She quickly kisses Peter on the top of the head, touches Ann’s shoulder and hurries out after Mike. We hear her footsteps down the steps.
Vi appears in the doorway.)
VI: She’s like dressing a doll. She has that much knowledge of clothes.
ANN: Well, I’m sure you helped . . .
VI: I tried. I did my best. (Starts to put on a sweater)
ANN: Where are you going?
VI: Into town. They might be filming that picture in Leicester Square. It’s not raining today. (Beat) You two going to be OK?
PETER: Yes. I think so.
VI: Don’t wait on her, Peter. She’s stronger than she looks. And she’s more than capable of taking advantage. I can swear to that.
ANN (Smiling): Be quiet.
PETER (Smiling): I’ll—be careful.
(Vi goes to the door, stops.)
VI: You don’t feel I’m abandoning you, do you?
PETER: You have to work. And Ann’s here. And we did go to the pictures yesterday.
VI: True. That’s true.
ANN: Now it’s my turn—to be with him.
VI: Right. Good. See you later then.
(She goes, leaving Peter and Ann alone on the sofa.)
ANN (Quietly): Bye. (Turns to Peter, then turns away and stands) So . . . I hate Mike.
(Peter looks at her.)
You heard him. Sometimes I hate him. And sometimes I say to myself, You shouldn’t stay with someone you hate. And I believe that. (Shrugs. Picks up Mike’s teacup) Tea?
(Peter shakes his head. Ann starts to head off for the kitchen, then returns right away.)
Father used to do that to me. (Beat) I remember once, he had a taxi waiting. I helped him down with his bag. He let me. He helped me help him. And as he was getting in—after a glance at the ticking meter? He said, “Ann, I’ve decided which school you’re going to.” Then taxi door slam, and he was gone. No discussion. Nothing. (Beat) Like you’re a—thing to be told. Like you are nothing. (Beat) I’m going to clean today. You can help me. Move the chairs around, that sort of thing. (Short pause) It’s because of you that Mike’s looking for another flat. Suddenly we’re—“crowded.” (Beat) All I ask is for the opportunity to talk about things. Before decisions are made. Before things are done, and can’t be—reversed. (Looks at Peter) You are so young. I can’t believe how young you are. (Beat) So what are we going to do today? Should we talk about it? (Short pause) I love this flat. I must know every inch. (Pointing to the sofa) I remember—God knows how old I was—certainly not old enough to “get
it”—but I came around that corner. And there was Mother and Father on that sofa. Right there, Peter. Her blouse was—it was hanging off her shoulder. She was sitting on Dad. (Beat) The upholstery is the same as it was then. We haven’t changed it. (Beat) I’m not going to the pictures with you. I’ve stopped all that. You can go yourself if you want. (Short pause. Thinks, then) You step outside today—just one foot out of your home—and it all makes no sense anymore. And it’s been building up to this for a while. (Suddenly remembers) About a month ago, I was out—You know the shop—it used to be a greengrocer’s near the surgery on High Street? Of course you don’t know it. Well it’s reopened. And do you know what they’re selling—the only thing they are selling as far as I could tell? Crows. Dead crows. Rows and rows and rows of hanging black crows. They’re selling them—to eat, I think. (Beat) Go and have a look if you like. Quite a sight. (Short pause. Comes and sits next to him, takes his hand, puts it on her stomach) It’s kicking. (Her mind drifts away) You try and make sense—You start to ask yourself—should I do this? Should I do that? (Beat) You have such a wonderful smell about you. (Takes his hand and holds it) We’re all alone. (Pause. Suddenly stands) I need to go for a pee. Excuse me.
(She goes off down the hallway to the W.C.
Peter is alone. He sits, nearly frozen.
Ann returns, tying her dressing gown.)
Walking past your room, I noticed you haven’t made your bed, Peter. (Beat) If you’d like, I could make it. (Beat) Could I make it? (Beat) I’ll go and make your bed, Peter.
(She goes off down the hallway to his bedroom. Peter watches her go, stands, and follows her out.)
SCENE 7
Early evening.
Peter sits on the sofa, his book in his lap.
There is a knock on the door. Peter does not respond. Another knock.
VI (Off): Is that the door? Peter, will you get it?!
(Peter does not move. Another knock.)
Peter?!
(Another knock. Vi hurries on from her bedroom.)
Did you hear the door?!
(Suddenly it is like Peter “comes to”—he really hadn’t heard it. Vi opens the door, and there is Hugh, flowers in hand.)
HUGH: May I come in?
VI: Please, of course. Betty will be— Shall I take those? (The flowers)
HUGH (Joking): They’re not for you.
VI (Embarrassed): I know. I meant—
(Hugh laughs a little too loudly.)
HUGH: And where is that beautiful sister of yours?—
VI: She’ll be out in—
(Ann appears in the kitchen doorway.)
HUGH (Seeing Ann and pointing): There she is! (Laughs)
ANN: Peter, get Hugh a drink. He’s a man in need of a drink. You remember Peter.
HUGH (Over this): I’m teasing.
VI: I’ll tell Betty you’re here.
(She goes. Peter has got up and goes to the drinks.)
HUGH (As if explaining, to Peter): I have four sisters. (Smiles)
PETER: Whisky?
HUGH (Nods, then) Where’s Mike?— Is he—?
ANN: Not home yet. Any minute, I suppose.
HUGH (Looking at his watch): I’m impressed. He’s working—
ANN: Let me get you something to have with your drink.
(She goes into the kitchen, leaving Peter and Hugh alone. Peter hands Hugh his drink.)
HUGH (Sips, then nods toward where Ann exited): When’s the baby—due?
PETER: I don’t know. (Short pause. Peter sits back on the sofa)
HUGH: He’ll be a wonderful father.
PETER: Good.
HUGH: With some men—you can’t tell. Me—I did my best. You saw my best. But it’s a winnerless race raising a child. As I used to tell my ex-wife—the goal seems to be—to cause the least harm you can. (Sips) He’s a good man. Mike. Much admired. I understand he pays for all this—
PETER: I know.
HUGH: Everything. (Beat) And now you too. Ann’s a lucky woman.
PETER: And you’re a lucky man.
(This confuses Hugh. He half smiles.)
HUGH: How so?
PETER: Betty. She’s the smartest of all us—
HUGH (Seriously): It’s a date. (Shrugs) Don’t make too much out of it. You understand, I’m sure.
(Beat.)
PETER (Continuing): The smartest, cleverest. She was the only one of us who was ever able to finish anything. She finished school. I’m sure she’s a great nurse—
HUGH: But what about those ankles? (Smiles)
PETER (Erupting): For Christ sake—she’s not a piece of meat!!
HUGH: I’m teasing. I’m teasing you, Peter. If we can’t take a joke anymore . . . I told you—four sisters. (Beat) Sorry.
(Ann comes out with a tray of biscuits.)
ANN: What were you two—?
PETER: Hugh has four sisters.
ANN: My condolences. And how is your lovely daughter? (Turns to Peter for help)
PETER: Rose.
ANN: Rose. I love that name.
PETER (To Hugh): She wasn’t scarred by the divorce?
(Both Hugh and Ann are surprised by the question.)
By your wife leaving you—for that American? The one you found in your wife’s bed? (Beat. Smiles) I’m just teasing.
HUGH: Ask her. (To Ann) Boys love her, as you can guess.
PETER: Was your divorce difficult? I suppose what I’m really asking is—was it expensive? (Glances at Ann, then back to Hugh)
HUGH: Not terribly. We decided most things before even talking to a solicitor.
PETER: And that made it—less expensive?
HUGH: Yes.
(Peter again looks at Ann. Vi bursts in.)
VI: Hugh, here she comes!
(Betty enters in her mother’s blue dress, hem raised to the knee, looking great. No one says anything for a moment, then:)
HUGH: You look great.
(Nervous laughter.)
BETTY (Seeing the flowers): Are those for me? (Takes them, kisses Hugh on the cheek) Thank you. (To Vi) Would you put them in water for me?
(Vi takes the flowers.)
(To Hugh) Where are you taking me?
HUGH (Shrugs, then): A drink first at the corner at the King’s Head? Then—dinner?
BETTY (Making a joke): At the King’s Head?!
HUGH: No, no I didn’t mean—
BETTY: Sounds like fun. And then—after—we’ll see.
(The sisters react to this boldness: “Ohhhhhh!” Hugh laughs nervously. Peter just watches.)
HUGH: I like this girl!
BETTY (Holding up her sweater, to Hugh): Would you mind?
(Hugh helps her on with her sweater.)
Should we go? Or do you want to finish that? (The drink)
(Hugh swallows the rest.)
(To Vi) Goodnight. (Kisses Vi) Goodnight, Ann. And baby.
(Kisses Ann) Goodnight. (Kisses Peter)
HUGH: Don’t worry, she’s in good hands. (Laughs)
PETER: Is that a joke too?—
VI (Over this, suddenly “serious”): Betty!
BETTY: What?
(Vi quickly lifts up Betty’s dress a bit. Betty, confused, pushes her hand away.)
VI: Just making sure you’re all dressed.
(She laughs. Betty smiles at the joke. Everyone is saying: “Goodnight,” “Have a nice time,” etc. The door is closed, they are gone, and immediately all the smiles disappear.)
PETER: Am I mad or did she look just like Mother?
ANN: Just like her.
(Vi nods. Pause. No one knows what to do. Ann starts rubbing her hands together.)
VI: Are you all right?
ANN: I’m fine—
VI: Your hands are freezing.
ANN: I’ll just put another jumper on. (Starts to go)
PETER (To Ann): That was interesting what he said about getting a divorce. It doesn’t have to cost—everything.
(Ann goes. Vi is confused by this, then turns to
Peter.)
VI: What a woman goes through to have a baby.
PETER: Is that why she’s—
VI: I watch Ann and I think—never me. What about you? You want children?
PETER: I haven’t thought about it.
VI: Men don’t, I find. Of course they have less reason to. Or need to—think about it. (Beat) I loaned Betty a couple of French letters. She’s a virgin, did you know that? Why would you? A virgin. She just told me. I couldn’t believe it. I had to show her how to put them on. (Holds up her finger and demonstrates) To make sure it was tight . . . you . . . (Stops) You don’t want to know about this. (Beat) Twenty-one years old and still a . . . I asked her—why? There must be some reason she’s had for waiting. Some—principle? Belief? No, she said. There was no reason.
(Beat.)
PETER: So—Hugh????
VI (Shrugs): She said—she wondered if it was finally time to grow up.
PETER: Grow up? Is that growing up? Is—Hugh—??
(Ann enters with another sweater.)
ANN (Entering): What are we doing for supper? Anything?
VI: Sh-sh!!! We’re in the middle of a very interesting conversation. (Turns to Peter) Are you a virgin, Peter?
ANN: Vi, you can’t just ask—
VI (Over this): If he doesn’t want to answer, he doesn’t have to.
(Beat.)
PETER: No, no, I’m not a virgin.
ANN: I think I’ll go and begin a supper. (Goes)
VI: She has no curiosity. (Calls) If you need any help, just . . . (Beat) She can’t hear me. What about a drink? I need a drink. (Gets up and goes to the drinks, stops) We should have asked if she (Ann) was a virgin.
(She laughs. Peter smiles.)
“Let me get you a drink, Father.” (As she makes drinks) That’s what Mother always said. “Let me get—” Explain something to me, why would a woman call her husband “Father”? (Beat) What did you do today?
PETER: Nothing.
VI (Not listening, handing him his drink): “Father”! Cheers. You spent all day here with Ann?
PETER: Yes.
VI: Then you deserve that drink. Betty didn’t even know how to put one on and she’s a nurse! You look different today. Why do you look different?
(No response.)
You must have got some sleep. (Beat) I got the part in Autumn Fire. The director changed his mind.
PETER: Congratulations.—
VI (Over this): That’s good, isn’t it? I’ll have to be away for a while. On my own. You’re the first to know.
Goodnight Children Everywhere and Other Plays Page 30