ROSIE. You make me sick, you dumb bastard.
NATHAN. Sweet, sweet, Rosie. So young. So tough. You weren’t too tough that night, were you? (Beat.) You didn’t even fight me off.
ROSIE. (She goes to the telephone on the counter and dials a number.) I should have done this a long time ago.
NATHAN. (Approaching her:) What are you doing?
ROSIE. Calling the sheriff. Telling him to throw your crazy ass back in jail where you fucking belong.
NATHAN. You gonna tell him what we did? Hell, Rosie, I’m a good man. Everybody in town thinks the world of Britney. She’s the best cashier at Grady’s. You know that. You tell the sheriff what we did and by tomorrow morning everyone in Grand Island will know what a filthy little whore you are. My God, you practically begged me for it.
ROSIE. You fucking liar! (She slams the phone against the side of Nathan’s head. He recoils and yells in pain.) I told you to get out!
NATHAN. I should fucking kill you!
ROSIE. You already tried that once, remember?
NATHAN. Mark my word—
ROSIE. Your word means nothing to me. I want you out and if you know what’s good for you—
NATHAN. Just remember, sweet Rosie, you’re the one who declared the war.
ROSIE. Go fight yourself, Nathan. I’m through. You’re insane and I hope someone kills you for what you’ve done to the women in Grand Island.
NATHAN. (Sinister:) I’ll kill your Grandmother.
ROSIE. (Beat.) I’ll kill her first.
NATHAN. (To Britney:) You stay here with this bitch and you ain’t coming home.
ROSIE. She’s staying here with me.
NATHAN. (In Rosie’s face:) You can have her.
ROSIE. Fine, then. She’s mine. (Beat.) Now get out! (He exits. Immediately, Rosie turns to Britney.) What in the hell is wrong with you?
BRITNEY. He was hitting me. I ran from him.
ROSIE. Did you get the money?
BRITNEY. I took all of it from the store. It’s in the truck.
ROSIE. You left it in the God damn truck?
BRITNEY. Under the seat. In a paper bag.
ROSIE. How are we supposed to leave tonight if you don’t have the money?
BRITNEY. You’re going to be upset with me, but I’ve thought things through. (Beat.) I’m taking the money back. I’m not going with you.
ROSIE. The man is a barbarian. He beats the shit out of you every chance he gets.
BRITNEY. It’s not about him. (Beat.) I’m pregnant, Rosie. I’m gonna have a baby.
ROSIE. You’re even dumber than I thought.
BRITNEY. Can I tell you a secret? (Beat.) It’s not his baby.
ROSIE. Does he know?
BRITNEY. Not yet.
ROSIE. Good. I hope he blows his head off when you tell him.
BRITNEY. I’ll get you some money, but I’m staying in Grand Island. I just have to find my mother’s ring and I’ll sell it. I think Derek hid it from me somewhere.
ROSIE. We had a promise, Britney. We made plans. I want out of this place and I’ll do anything to get on that bus tonight.
BRITNEY. What about your grandmother?
ROSIE. What about her? She’s old. She’s waiting for the aliens to come and take her away because she’s a fucking nut like everyone else in Nebraska.
BRITNEY. Do you want me to look after her, since I’ll be here?
ROSIE. Become her fucking nurse for all I care.
BRITNEY. It’s funny that you say that. I’m actually thinking of going to nursing school. After the baby is born, I mean. I think I’d be really good at helping people.
ROSIE. I can’t believe you want to stay. I should’ve known you’d change your mind. All because of a piece of ass.
BRITNEY. I know what Nathan is like. I’m not staying because of him. I told you that.
ROSIE. You know what he did to me. You’re his girlfriend, for God’s sake. It doesn’t bother you that your man has forced himself on half the women in this town?
BRITNEY. Some of them wanted it. Like Sheila and Madison.
ROSIE. That’s sick.
BRITNEY. I see how they look at him. Sheila practically seduces him every time we go down to Clyde’s for a beer. And Madison told me to my face that she wants to marry him. He’s bad. Some girls like that.
ROSIE. Well, I didn’t. He practically raped me. Did you know that? Huh? Do you care? Yeah, all you care about is the cheap, sick thrill you get every time he smacks you around. You’re a fucking puppet, Britney. A dumb, lazy, nasty little puppet who stays with a pig because you get off when he nearly bashes your skull in. You wanna stay here. You’re an idiot. You stay and rot away with your bastard baby. I’m leaving. I’m going to Miami and no one will stop me. Not you. Not my stupid grandmother and certainly not your ugly boyfriend. I got a suitcase behind the counter and I got some food in my purse. I’m not going home tonight, because if I do, I will kill that old woman in her sleep. (Beat.) Now, you go get the money you promised me and get your fucking ass back here so I can go to Miami and start my wonderful new life. Do you hear me?
BRITNEY. I said I’ll get you some cash. I need the ring.
ROSIE. Then go find it.
BRITNEY. I feel horrible for stealing from the store. I have to put the money back before they realize it’s missing in the morning.
ROSIE. We’re supposed to go to Miami and share an apartment and get jobs and be happy. You messed everything up.
BRITNEY. You can go by yourself.
ROSIE. Believe me, I am. But once I’m gone, you’ll regret it. You’ll be stuck here working the cash register at Grady’s.
BRITNEY. You make it sound like a bad thing. Did you hear? I’m the Employee of the Month.
ROSIE. Well, congratufuckinglations. Who knows, Britney? Maybe nursing school will be more glamorous than ringing up groceries all day long.
BRITNEY. I don’t need all the excitement like you do, Rosie.
ROSIE. You’re boring me.
BRITNEY. I can’t go to Miami if I’m pregnant. Who’s gonna help me with the baby?
ROSIE. It’s not my fault you got knocked up.
BRITNEY. I’m scared.
ROSIE. Because you don’t have any backbone. You never have.
BRITNEY. I know you don’t mean that. Me and you have been friends for a long time. You were there for me when my Mom died.
ROSIE. I’m not as nice as I used to be, Britney.
BRITNEY. Yeah, I noticed that.
ROSIE. We both know I was never a Girl Scout.
BRITNEY. Still, you’re always so angry now.
ROSIE. Don’t ever fall in love. (Beat.) It’ll make you crazy. Just look at what it’s done to me.
BRITNEY. Is that why you’re going to Miami?
ROSIE. You’re wasting my time, Britney. Memory lane is a dead end street. Go get the money.
BRITNEY. What if Nathan catches me? I have to go back to the house to get the money out of the truck and then sneak back into the store. If he sees me—
ROSIE. That’s your fault, not mine. You shouldn’t have left the money to begin with. I’m not sticking up for you anymore. You’re a grown woman. You made a promise.
BRITNEY. I could get fired. I mean, I’ve worked at that store for three years. Those people trust me.
ROSIE. Well, if you were going to Miami with me, they’d never catch you. If you stay here, I’m sure they’ll find out.
BRITNEY. What if they send me to jail?
ROSIE. Then you and Nathan can share a cell. You two deserve each other.
BRITNEY. I’m not staying with him — when you leave, I mean.
ROSIE. Bullshit.
BRITNEY. I’m serious. Not after what he’s done.
ROSIE. Who are you kidding? You’re gonna die with that man. You like what he does to you.
BRITNEY. His mother made him mean. Have you met her before? She lives in Kearney. She’s horrible.
ROSIE. I don’t give a shit. Go get me some mon
ey. The bus leaves at midnight.
BRITNEY. It’s a long walk. The storm is coming -
ROSIE. (She goes behind the counter and gets an umbrella. She tosses it to Britney, who drops it and then picks it up.) Here. Take this. And don’t be long. I don’t like to wait.
BRITNEY. (Starts to exit and then stops:) Rosie? For whatever it’s worth, I’m sorry I changed my mind. I didn’t mean to break a promise. (She exits.)
ROSIE. (Yelling off stage, after Britney:) Yeah, well, have fun flunking outta nursing school! I’ll be sitting on the beach drinking a Piña Colada and having the time of my life! Thanks for nothing! (After a moment, she goes to the phone and dials:) Grandma? (Her mood softens.) It’s Rosie. I’m working late tonight, so don’t wait up for me. If you need anything, go next door and ask Mrs. Huxley. Don’t forget to take your medication. (Beat.) Yeah, me too. Bye. (She hangs up.)
RICARDO (He enters from the front door, cold and shivering. He has a duffel bag with him.) It’s getting pretty bad out there. No rain yet, but the wind is terrible.
ROSIE. Is your sister still alive?
RICARDO. (Wary:) She’s fine.
ROSIE. Did you get everything you needed?
RICARDO. What are you talking about?
ROSIE. Gimme a break, Ricardo. Everybody knows you and your psycho boy are planning to run off together. (Beat.) I bet you didn’t even tell your crippled sister good bye. Is that your get away bag?
RICARDO. Stay out of my business, Rosie.
ROSIE. Isn’t he waiting for you at the bus depot? Didn’t you go down there and feed him and declare your undying sick and twisted love? Did you kiss him good bye, lover boy? (Beat.) Where is it that the two of you are sneaking off to? (She goes to the road map, sees the outlined trip. Ricardo tries to take the map from her, but she wins the struggle.) California? That figures. (She tosses the map to the floor.) They like your type out there. Maybe you two freaks will even get married.
RICARDO. Well, if we do, you’re not invited.
ROSIE. This is cute, Ricardo, how you’re running away with your retard all in the name of love and shit like that. You got your little bag and a wild look in your eyes. Or maybe you’ve been crying. But your family — your poor, poor sister — who’s going to look after her when you’re gone? Your father? He blames himself every day for what he’s done. (Beat.) Wasn’t he the one who was driving?
RICARDO. It won’t work, Rosie. Not this time. I’m not buying.
ROSIE. I’m not selling.
RICARDO. What do you want from me?
ROSIE. I thought you were Catholic.
RICARDO. I am.
ROSIE. They didn’t teach you in church that what you’re doing is wrong? They didn’t tell you that having a fag for a son is the biggest disappointment to a mother and a father? No one mentioned that you were going to burn in hell for being a homo? (Beat.) Help me out here, Ricardo. I’m confused. I seem to remember a night or two you and I spent together.
RICARDO. You’re delusional. You and I never slept together.
ROSIE. You can’t blame a girl for trying.
RICARDO. I fell for your act. But I know you now. You’re a spider.
ROSIE. You were new in town. A novelty. A Mexican who could speak English without spitting on me. Really, Ricardo, did you think you and I were gonna date? Run away and get married? God, you’re so stupid. You were a new flavor I wanted to try. That’s all. (Beat.) Little did I know you’d punk out once your pants were off.
RICARDO. That was two years ago. That was before—
ROSIE. Before you decided to turn into a big homo?
RICARDO. I’m not. You wouldn’t understand. And keep your mouth shut or else I’ll tell Della you’ve been snaking money out of the donation box.
ROSIE. Like they even give that money to the crippled children. That church puts every dime in their fat pockets. A bunch of hypocrites. (Beat.) Just like you, sad boy.
RICARDO. There’s nothing going on between me and Derek.
ROSIE. Look me in the eye and say it again.
RICARDO. Why? You’re not my mother.
ROSIE. Does she know? Have you told her yet? That she won’t be having any grandchildren because you’re doing a retard up the ass?
RICARDO. Jealous?
ROSIE. I don’t understand what you see in Derek. He’s a freak. (Beat.) Or maybe that’s why you do it to him. Because you feel sorry for him. Because you want to be his little Latin hero. (Beat.) Wow. And you say I’m the twisted one.
RICARDO. You’re just pissed because I wouldn’t have sex with you. (Beat.) Let it go, Rosie. Get over it.
ROSIE. You’re wrong. I don’t hold grudges. (Beat.) I get even.
RICARDO. (He grabs her; shakes her violently. She loves it, screams with pleasure.) You want me to make love to you, is that it?
ROSIE. (Animalistic:) Do it!
RICARDO. What do you want me to do? (He shoves her against a wall, pinning her.)
ROSIE. (She clings to him, wild with passion.) Prove it to me, fast boy.
RICARDO. You think if I have sex with you, I’m a man?
ROSIE. I know you want it. You’re just scared. Let me help you. (She starts to unbuckle his belt.) Come on, Ricardo. Show me what you’ve got.
RICARDO. (He holds her face in his hands, kisses her with fierceness. He pulls away from her. She is breathless.) Satisfied?
ROSIE. (Trembling:) Not even close.
RICARDO. Maybe you’d like a taste of your own medicine.
ROSIE. (Quiet.) You bastard.
RICARDO. If I’m gonna make love to a woman, it certainly won’t be you.
ROSIE. You won’t find anyone better in Grand Island.
RICARDO. I already have.
ROSIE. So, you finally admit it? You’re in love with him.
RICARDO. No matter what I am, you’re still a piece of trash.
ROSIE. Sticks and stones, Ricardo.
RICARDO. (Suddenly:) Your mother left because she hated you.
ROSIE. (Caught off guard:) What?
RICARDO. You heard me. She couldn’t stand the sight of you. Left you here to rot away with your grandmother. And she doesn’t even want you.
ROSIE. Fuck you!
RICARDO. You don’t know who your father is because your mother was a bigger whore than you are.
ROSIE. I’ll kill you, you son of a bitch!
RICARDO. Yeah, you can dish it out, but you can’t take it.
ROSIE. I’m warning you!
RICARDO. What are you planning to do, Rosie? Sleep your way out of Grand Island? Let the first truck driver you see have his way with you, hoping he lets you come along for the ride? You’re no different than Judy. You’re no different than Britney or Lucille. You’re no different than me.
ROSIE. Don’t you think I know that?!
(A moment passes between them, a point of no return. They lock eyes, speaking silently, understanding one another. Outside, it has started to rain. A strange sense of calm creeps in.)
RICARDO. It’s raining.
ROSIE. I guess the storm finally hit.
RICARDO. You need a ride home later?
ROSIE. Aren’t you the gentleman?
RICARDO. I don’t want you walking home in the rain.
ROSIE. I can take care of myself.
RICARDO. I know. (Beat.) That’s what scares me.
ROSIE. Everything scares you.
RICARDO. (He notices the mess:) What in the hell happened in here?
ROSIE. (She starts cleaning up, including the silverware.) I dropped the silverware.
RICARDO. You want me to help you clean it up?
ROSIE. Don’t worry about it.
RICARDO. I think we should close up.
ROSIE. Anxious to get on the road?
RICARDO. I want to get out town before the storm gets bad.
ROSIE. Did you ever consider that maybe I wanted to be the one to run away with you? (Beat.) I’ll miss you, you fucker.
RICARDO. (Beat.) The feeli
ng is mutual.
ROSIE. You’re not the only one who dreams about leaving this place.
RICARDO. You would really do it? You’d leave your Grandmother?
ROSIE. Just like you’re leaving your sister.
RICARDO. But I have a reason to go.
ROSIE. So do I.
RICARDO. I’m taking some food. Don’t tell anyone.
ROSIE. Take whatever you want. I plan to, when I leave.
RICARDO. I’m leaving a note for Della. Make sure she gets it.
ROSIE. Your resignation?
RICARDO. And my apologies.
ROSIE. How formal. She’s a sad woman. She hates this restaurant as much as I do. The only reason why she keeps it is out of respect for her dead husband who left her the stupid thing. I would’ve sold it. Nobody wants to eat here anymore. The food sucks. Always has. (Beat.) This place will die without us, Ricardo. We both know Kimberly will quit soon. (With a small laugh:) Have you ever noticed she’s dumber than dirt? That bitch deserves what she gets. She’s a horrible waitress. (Beat.) Has a real bad attitude.
RICARDO. This place has served its purpose, Rosie. (He exits to the kitchen.)
ROSIE. (To herself:) For who?
NATHAN. (He enters cautiously. Rosie is down on her hands and knees picking up silverware. She looks up, sees Nathan and then slowly stands with a steak knife in her hand.) Rosie, Rosie, Rosie. Got a pocketful of… Ashes fall. They hit the ground. And I hear talk all over town.
ROSIE. (She takes a step towards him.) Do you want me to kill you?
NATHAN. I just want you to love me.
(Rosie rushes to him, tosses the knife down and they collide into a passionate kiss. The attraction between them is wild, barbaric, animal-like. He clears off the top of a table, with a quick swipe of his hand, and he lifts Rosie up and places her on the table top. She leans back, claws at him with lust.)
ROSIE. I want you so bad.
NATHAN. She bought the whole thing. Just like you said she would.
ROSIE. Where is she now?
NATHAN. Crying at home. She tried to get the money out of the truck.
ROSIE. Did you hit her?
NATHAN. I beat the shit out of her. Called her a thief and a liar.
ROSIE. (She moans in ecstasy:) Oh God, I love you.
NATHAN. You gonna run away with me?
ROSIE. Hell yes, I am. We’re going to Miami, baby.
Better Places to Go Page 3