Kelly McBean as Tyler: "I died three hours after the party from massive internal injuries."
Written and performed by:
Directed by Steve Schrum
DAD: What the hell's going on here?
JASON I'm having a party.
DAD: What party?
JASON: I thought I told you. I've been planning this for a while.
DAD: Well, I'm going out tonight, don't mess up the house.
JASON Okay, dad, I'll make sure the party's under control.
DAD: Make sure, otherwise you're in for a beating when I come home.
(DAD SHOVES JASON TO MAKE HIS POINT.)
DAD: stupid kids!
(DAD STORMS OUT. JASON CHUGS A BEER, AND TYLER, JASON'S GIRLFRIEND, ENTERS.)
TYLER: Hey, hon, what's up?
JASON: (DRUNK) Nothing, what's your problem?
TYLER: What do you mean, what's my problem? You've been drinking, haven't you?
JASON: Hell, yeah!
TYLER: Jason, the party hasn't even begun yet! You're the host of this stupid "beer fest," and you're already smashed! You are unbelievable!
JASON: Why do you always have to give me crap, Tyler? You aren't my goddamn father, you know.
TYLER: Come on, Jay. First off, I care about you and I think you may have a problem. Secondly, all of our friends will be here any minute--I don't want you to embarrass yourself.
JASON: Stop your complaining already! My friends like me this way--they know my parties begin a little earlier than everybody else's. So what? Who cares anyway?
TYLER: I care! I love you! (COMES CLOSER TO COMFORT HIM WITH A HUG.)
JASON: Screw you! (PUSHES HER HARD AWAY FROM HIM) You just nag, nag, nag all the damn time. Leave me alone, and let me have a little fun.
TYLER: Fine. (SHE WALKS BEHIND THE TABLE)
(THE FIRST SET OF PEOPLE--DAVE, MIKE, AND RICKY--RISE OUT OF SEATS IN THE AUDITORIUM, WALK TO THE STAGE, AND ENTER. THEY AD-LIB GREETINGS WITH JASON, THEN CROSS TO UPSTAGE OF TABLE AND GET BEERS. THEY TALK WITH TYLER. NEXT MONIQUE AND EVA STAND UP AND DO THE SAME, AND SIT ON THE COUCH. THEN TIFFANY AND BRITTANY FOLLOW; THEY STAKE OUT A PLACE UP CENTER. LASTLY, TRACY RISES AND MOVES TO THE STAGE, AND STANDS BY HERSELF UP RIGHT. MIKE CROSSES DOWN TO JASON.)
MIKE: What's going on over there?
JASON: Where?
MIKE: (POINTS AT TYLER) I wouldn't put up with that crap.
(JASON CROSSES TO TYLER AND, AND GRABBING HER BY THE HAIR, PULLS HER DOWNSTAGE. LIGHTS CHANGE, ISOLATING THEM DOWN RIGHT.)
JASON: What the hell are you doing?
TYLER: What--what are you talking about?
JASON: You know damn well what I'm talking about?
JASON: You and Ricky! (DRINKS BEER) How long has this been going on?
TYLER: Nothing's been going on, Jason! Please listen to me!
JASON: Listen to what? Huh? How you've been cheating on me ever since we got together? Sleeping around with every guy you could get your hands on?
TYLER: No, Jason, I swear! I have never cheated on you! I never would, you know that!
JASON: No, I don't you lying slut! I'm really angry. (HE RAISES HIS HAND IN ANGER AND LOWERS IT.)
TYLER: No, Jason! Please don't be angry! We're just friends, me and Ricky! I could never do that to you! Please don't get mad, Jason! Try to come to your senses!
JASON: (DRINKING) Come to my senses! You're telling me to come to my senses! I've had about enough of your crap, you tamp! (HE SLAPS HER, AND SHE FALLS TO THE FLOOR) You deserve a slap every once in a while. (LAUGHS HEARTILY)
TYLER: Jason I thought you said you would stop that. (RISES)
JASON: Stop what?
TYLER: Stop hitting me, Jason! You really hurt me!
JASON: That's the purpose, you dumbass!
TYLER: I can't believe you. You haven't changed at all. I'm such a fool for staying with you for so long. We're over!
JASON: (GRABBING HER AND SNAPPING HER BACK TO HIM FORCEFULLY) You'll never leave me! You just want to be with Ricky! Never!
(HE HITS HER AGAIN AND DRAGS HER OFFSTAGE.)
TYLER: (OFF) No, Jason, stop!
(SOUNDS OF SLAPPING ARE HEARD OFFSTAGE. THE FULL STAGE LIGHTS RETURN, AND THE MUSIC PLAYS.)
MONIQUE: Hey, what happened to your big date the other day?
(EVA DOES NOT RESPOND.)
MONIQUE: Eva, are you in there?
EVA: (SHAKES HEAD) Oh, yeah, what were you saying?
MONIQUE: I asked how was your big six month anniversary date with Stan.
EVA: It was fine.
(EVA STANDS AND WALKS DOWNSTAGE.)
MONIQUE: (FOLLOWING HER AS THE LIGHTS FADE TO ISOLATE THEM DOWN LEFT) It was fine, that's all you have to say. It was the date. You two planned it for three weeks. I know it wasn't that boring.
EVA: We just went to dinner.
MONIQUE: And?
EVA: And what? We just went to dinner.
MONIQUE: I tried to call you at midnight and you still weren't home. I know for a fact that dinner does not take that long.
EVA: We went driving after dinner.
MONIQUE: And?
EVA: What do you want, details?
MONIQUE: Yes. You know that's how this works. You go on a date, I get all the details and vice versa. Well?
EVA: Well, nothing happened.
MONIQUE: Nothing? Not even a kiss--a peck on the cheek--a kiss on the hand? Nothing?
EVA: No, nothing. What, do you think I'm lying to you? Monique, nothing happened. Can we just drop it, please?
MONIQUE: No, we can't drop it because you are lying to me. We've been best friends for fifteen years. I know you better than you know you. Now tell me what happened.
EVA: Okay, you want to know what happened! He raped me, that's what happened.
MONIQUE: What do you mean he raped you?
EVA: I mean I said no and he said yes. It started out fine. He picked me up right on time. I looked great. He looked awesome. I was so excited. Everything was wonderful. We went to the Powerhouse Eatery. After dinner we went driving and ended up in this really beautiful part of the woods. The moon looked gorgeous and we started kissing. Everything was normal, and then all of a sudden he was different. He told me he wanted to make love to me and I told him I wasn't ready. He said that wasn't fair and it was time. I begged him to stop, but all he said was, "You can't stop it now." I cried while he raped me and he didn't even care.
MONIQUE: Oh, my God. Are you, like, in pain or anything?
EVA: Not physically. But I don't know what I'm gonna do.
MONIQUE: Have you considered pressing charges? What he did to you is illegal.
EVA: I couldn't do that.
MONIQUE: Why not? Is he threatening you?
EVA: No, but he's my boyfriend. I can't do that to him.
MONIQUE: Oh, so that's how it goes. If he's your boyfriend, he has the right to rape you. Thanks for telling me. I never knew.
EVA: That's not what I mean. I just don't want to get him into trouble.
MONIQUE: You don't want to get him into trouble, huh? What about you? What about what he did to you?
EVA: But maybe I did lead him on. Maybe I did something that made him think I was ready to have sex with him. Anyway, maybe I should have said yes. It's been six months. Maybe he was right, it was time and I'm just a prude.
MONIQUE: And maybe it's not illegal to force someone to have sex with you against your will. Whether it's been six months or six years you never owe him sex. You said no, right?
EVA: Yeah.
MONIQUE: Then he should have just stopped. I don't care what he said, you have the right to say no and he has to oblige. You have to press charges against him.
EVA: But I love him and he does love me. He was just frustrated by me always saying no.
MONIQUE: I don;t know about you, but in my book, people who are in love don't force each other to have sex. The key is you said no. If he really loved you he would have stopped.
EVA: What do you know? You've never been in love before.
MONIQUE: I know that when someone does something like this, its not a one-time deal. He's gonna do it over and over again, and never care how much he hurts you. He's gonna destroy you if you don't stop him now. And what if you two break up, who's next? Who else will he hurt? Do you want this to happen to someone else.
EVA: No. But I can't stop him. I'm not strong enough. And besides, if I do, who's gonna want to date me? I'm not the best-looking girl in the world and everyone will know I've been raped. Guys don't want to date a girl who's been raped.
MONIQUE: If a guy doesn't want to be with you because you were raped, then he's not worth your time. Anyway, people like Stan belong in jail and you can put him there. I'll support you. So, are you gonna do it?
EVA: I'm not sure, but I would like to talk to someone who could tell me what my options are.
MONIQUE: Okay. I know of this place called the Victim's Resource Center. I'll go with you tomorrow if you want.
EVA: Okay.
(THEY HUG, THEN SELF-CONSCIOUSLY REALIZE PEOPLE MIGHT BE LOOKING AT THEM, SO THEY COOLLY GO GET ANOTHER BEER AND RETURN TO THE COUCH. THE FULL STAGE LIGHTS RETURN. TRACY CROSSES AND SITS ON THE FLOOR DOWN RIGHT. A MOMENT LATER, TIFFANY AND BRITTANY CROSS TO CENTER.)
BRITTANY: So how do you like the party?
TIFFANY: It's cool.
BRITTANY: Are you having a good time?
TIFFANY: Yeah! (FAKING IT)
BRITTANY: Hey. Tiff, there's Tracy. You know I'm in the mood to do some lines tonight. Let's go talk to her , she's got some really good stuff.
TIFFANY: Britt, I really don't feel like it. Lets just go talk to [Natalie].
BRITTANY: No I need a few lines, and you need to try it, you'll love it.
TIFFANY: Britt, I don't want to tonight. I just want to get a buzz off this beer. You know I have to go home and my parents will be up.
BRITTANY: Tiff, it's no big deal. The rush will probably be gone by the time you go home.
TIFFANY: Britt, I really don't--
BRITTANY: Tiff! What is the problem? Stop complaining and just do it with me. I promise you'll love the feeling.
TIFFANY: I don't want to get hooked on it or anything.
BRITTANY: You won't. Look at me, I'm not, I just like to do it once in awhile for fun. That's the point Tiff, it's funŠget it?!
TIFFANY: I don't know, I just think I'm better off sticking to my beer.
BRITTANY: Tiff, I'm sick of excuses--I'm getting some and so are you!! Let's go. (PULLS TIFFANY OVER TO TRACY AS THE STAGE LIGHTS ISOLATE THEM DOWN RIGHT.)
BRITTANY: Hi, Tracy, how's it goin'?
TRACY: It's just fine, what do you want Brittany?
BRITTANY: I just came over to say hi, is that okay?
TRACY: You and I both know that there's more to it than that. Can I help you?
BRITTANY: Well, I was wondering if you had something for us.
TRACY: Maybe, what do you have in mind?
BRITTANY: You know what I mean...
TRACY: I'm carrying a lot, Britt. Be specific.
BRITTANY: We need some lines. Tiffany is going to try it for the first time.
TRACY: (SARCASTICALLY) Wow, Tiff, are you excited?
TIFFANY: (SPACING OUT BECAUSE SHE IS NERVOUS, SHE REALIZES SHE IS BEING ADDRESSED) Oh...oh yeah, I guess.
TRACY: Uh, huh. Well, how much do you want, guys?
TIFFANY: Not too much.
BRITTANY: Tiff! I guess an eighth.
(TRACY GETS COKE FROM POCKET AND EXCHANGES MONEY AND DRUGS WITH BRITTANY. BRITTANY GETS OUT A MIRROR AND ROLLS UP A DOLLAR BILL, DOES A FEW LINES, THEN MOTIONS FOR TIFFANY TO SIT DOWN AND TRY IT. TIFFANY HAS BEEN STANDING UNCOMFORTABLY ON THE SIDE.)
TRACY: What's wrong, Tiff?
TIFFANY: You know what, guys, I'm getting a really good buzz off this beer, I don't think I'll need any.
BRITTANY: (GIGGLING) Tiff, it's really good, Try it!!
TIFFANY: I don't wan---
TRACY: Tiff, is there a problem?
TIFFANY: (FEELING TOO PRESSURED) No, nothing, set it up for me.
(SHE SITS DOWN, AND SNORTS A FEW AND STARTS TO SHAKE, THEN FALLS BACK TO THE FLOOR CONVULSING.)
TRACY: Tiff! Brittany, what's wrong with her?
BRITTANY: (LAUGHING AND SPACING OUT) I don't know....(LAUGHS)
TRACY: Brittany you ass! She's freaking out! I can't believe I did this to her! Someone help!! Please, Tiff, it's gonna be okay, calm down, somebody!
(MIKE COMES OVER TO HELP, THEY PICK TIFFANY UP. DAVE COMES OVER.)
DAVE: Hey, man, she's out of it. (POINTS TO TIFFANY AND LAUGHS) What's she on? Can you hook me up?
TRACY: What the hell is wrong with you? Get out of our way! This is wrong, this whole thing is wrong! Go find someone else to give you this junk because I won't.
(FULL STAGE LIGHTS RETURN AS MIKE AND TRACY CARRY TIFFANY OUT. AS THEY DO SO, JASON RETURNS TO UPSTAGE OF THE TABLE. A MOMENT LATER, SOMEONE BANGS ON THE DOOR OFFSTAGE.)
DAD: Open the door, dammit! I lost my key!
(BANGS AGAIN)
DAD: I said open the door, dammit!
(RICKY OPENS THE DOOR, AND DAD KNOCKS HIM DOWN.)
DAD: Jason!
(JASON WALKS OVER TO HIM)
DAD: What's going on here? (GRABS JASON BY THE SHIRT)
JASON: It's the party, dad. Have fun!
DAD: Look at this house! It's a mess! Well, you're going to get it.
JASON: (GOES CRAZY) Dad, it's not my fault! You said I could have the party! We'll clean up! Just let it be!
DAD: Well, I say you're going to get a beating tonight!
(EVERYONE STOPS TALKING, WATCHES.)
JASON Let's see you try.
(DAD PUNCHES JASON IN THE FACE; JASON FALLS; THEN HOLDING HIS FACE, HE LOOKS UP. DAD WALKS AWAY.)
DAD: That'll show you! Damn kid!
(DAD SAUNTERS OVER, GETS A BEER OPENS IT, CHATS UP BRITTANY.)
DAVE. (TO JASON, HELPING HIM UP) Stop fighting and have a beer.
JASON: All right.
(JASON GRABS A BEER, AND START TO DRINK)
RICKY: HEY, Jason, we need more ice over here.
JASON: Fine.
(JASON PUTS HIS BEER DOWN; DAD WALKS OVER AND GRABS IT.)
DAD Thanks!
JASON What the hell are you doing?
DAD Drinking my beer!
JASON That's mine.
DAD: Oh, what? Do you want another beating?
JASON Not this time.
(JASON GRABS HIS FATHER AND IS ABOUT TO PUNCH HIM; ALL FREEZE. LIGHTS CROSS FADE TO DOWN CENTER AS TYLER, BLOODIED AND BRUISED, ENTERS AND CROSSES INTO THE LIGHT. SHE ADDRESSES THE AUDIENCE.)
TYLER: I thought he really loved me. Of course I believed him when he promised he would change, that he would stop hitting me. I should have known the abuse wouldn't stop. Instead, my life did. I died three hours after the party from massive internal injuries. (PAUSE) If you need someone to talk to confidentially about your problems, call the Domestic Violence Service Center at 455-9971. That's the Domestic Violence Service Center at 455-9971.
(JASON AND DAD COME FORWARD AS THE LIGHTS COME UP DOWNSTAGE.)
JASON: If you have problems at home, call the Catholic Social Services at 455-1521. That's Catholic Social Services at 455-1521.
(MONIQUE AND EVA COME FORWARD)
MONIQUE: If you are in a relationship where you're saying no and he's saying yes, he has no right to invade your body. Don't let him hurt you. Call The Victim's Resource Center at 454-7200. The Victim's Resource Center at 454-7200.
(TIFFANY, BRITTANY and TRACY COME FORWARD.)
TRACY: If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, or have a friend who was problems, call Serento Gardens at 455-9902. That's Serento Gardens, 455-9902.
(THE LIGHTS FADE OUT. LIGHTS UP FOR CURTAIN CALL.)