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Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: missouri
Posts: 12
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Cici
Cici
By Luddite
Act I
Scene one
(Scene: Office in New York. Cici Donovan sits at her desk (C) Cassie the mail girl enters (R) and walks to Cici’s desk with her mail.)
Cassie: Good morning Miss Donovan. You look very cheerful this morning.
Cici: It because I am. I had a great time last night. You know that guy Todd who works the floor above us?
Cassie: (takes a seat next to Cici’s desk and leans in with interest) Yeah.
Cici: Well, we’ve been going out for a few months and last night we had a really great time together.
Cassie: Was last night your first night with him?
Cici: No, we’ve been at that for quite a while, but last night I realized that I think he might be the one.
Cassie: Has he proposed?
Cici: No, but if he feels the same way I do I think wedding bells might be around the corner.
(Enter Todd (R).
Cici: (Excited) Todd! What brings you down to the third floor?
Todd: I need to speak you about tonight.
Cassie: (Standing up) I’ll just leave you two alone. (Walks over to (UR)
Todd: (Moving closer to Cici) Listen, about tonight. An old buddy of mine just called and he’s going to be in town tonight. He wants me to meet him so we can catch up. So can we hold off our date till tomorrow?
Cici: (taken aback) Yeah, yeah sure. We’ll just go out tomorrow,
Todd: Sorry it’s so sudden Cici. I’ll try and give you a call if it’s not too late. Okay.
Cici: (Sad) Yeah
(Todd exits. Cici lights up a cigarette and takes a drag)
Cassie: (Coming back to Cici’s desk) What was that about.
Cici: Oh, he just came to tell me that he’s going to meet with an old buddy tonight and that we’ll have to hold off our date till tomorrow.
Cassie: So you won’t see him tonight?
Cici: (Sultry) Well, he can’t possibly be with his buddy all night.
Cassie: (Squeals) Miss Donovan!
(Both giggle)
Cassie: Well, I need to finish my rounds. I better give you your mail before I forget.
(Hands Cici her mail)
Cici: (irritated) Not those L.A. people again.
Cassie: Who?
Cici: This business in L.A. keeps offering me this job. The money’s right, but I just can’t leave. Not with things as good as they are.
Scene Two
(Scene: Restaurant. Darien sits at a table and drinks a coffee while waiting for Todd. After a few moments Todd enters and makes eye contact with Darien. He walks over to Darien and takes the seat in front of him.)
Darien: Hello Todd.
Todd: (awkward) Hey Darien, it’s been a while.
Darien: Yeah, two years. (He pauses and then puts his hand on Todd’s) I’ve missed you, Todd. For the last few weeks all I could think about was being back with you. Now that I’m back in New York indefinitely we can finally be together. (Leans in to kiss Todd, but he pushes Darien away.)
Todd: Before we can go any further I need to be honest with you.
Darien: What is it?
Todd: (Hesitant) While you were gone I met someone and I haven’t been completely faithful to you.
Darien: (Upset) Who was he?
Todd: (discomfited) She.
Darien: (shaken) She?
Todd: She’s a co-worker of mine. She was hired not long after you left. Her name is Cici, Cici Donovan.
Darien: Oh God, were you…. were you intimate with her?
Todd: (Pause) Yes. (Averts his eyes from Darien)
Darien: Do you love her?
Todd: No, no I love you. (Embraces him) I love you Darien, only you, you’re all I want.
Darien: I don’t know, this makes me wonder more about why you didn’t want to come into my bed.
Todd: Don’t say that! There are many reasons why I didn’t make love to you and none of them are because I didn’t love you.
Darien: No, I’m just an experiment to you.
Todd: No, I love you!
Darien: Then why didn’t you come into my bed?
Todd: You’re the first man in my life. I have never been with a man and to be honest I was scared. It’s a big leap both physically and emotionally. I didn’t want to make that leap with out knowing I was ready.
Darien: If you love, why did you have her over me?
Todd: You were gone so long and I was so alone. Cici was the same. Being with her made both of our lives better.
Darien: I don’t believe you.
Todd: I love you; believe me when I say that.
Darien: If you love me show me that you do.
Scene Three
(Scene: Todd’s apartment. Areas CR to C are Todd’s living room, which has a sofa and a table with a phone on it. The area CL is Todd bedroom, which has his bed. A door separates the two rooms. Darien and Todd enter (L) laughing go to the sofa where they kiss. They continue until the phone ringing interrupts them.)
Todd: Don’t move. (Kisses Darien on his forehead) I’ll be right back. (Picks up the phone) Hello, (shocked) Cici?! No don’t come over. Why? I, I, I, (looks over to Darien and quickly looks away) I need to get to bed. I need to be in early tomorrow morning. Bye. (Hangs up the phone. He keeps his eyes away from Darien)
(Pause)
Darien: (Angry) you haven’t broken things off with her?
Todd: Well, (Pause) No. (Darien becomes angry) Well, I was going to. It’s just that…. Well, I’m not sure why-
Darien: Tell me you love me!
Todd: (Walks to Darien and puts his hands on his face.) I do love you. (Kisses Darien) Come to the bedroom with me. I’m ready now.
Scene Four
(Scene: Todd. apartment. Todd and Darien are sitting up in bed holding each other while kissing. Cici enters Todd’s apartment as she smokes. She lays her keys on Todd’s table and proceeds to Todd bedroom door with a mischievous smile.)
Darien: Did it hurt?
(Cici stops)
Todd: No, it was wonderful. It’s just-
(Cici peaks in the door)
Darien: (irate) It not like being with a woman.
Todd: (takes Darien’s face in her hands) Listen Darien, I love you. Being with you is all I ever wanted. I want you to know that I don’t love her, I never did. (Kisses Darien)
(Cici gasps and backs away from the door. She grabs her keys and then turns and runs out the door slamming it.)
Darien: What was that?
Todd: I don’t know.
Scene Five
(Scene: Central Park. A bench sits at center stage. People walk in and out of the scene. Cici enters crying and gasping for air. She slumps next to the bench.)
Cici: (Gasping and sobbing) I don’t love her, I never did. I don’t love her, I never did. I don’t love her, I never did.
(Woman enters and notices Cici.)
Woman: Miss? Miss are you all right?
Cici: (frantic) I don’t love her, I never did.
Woman: Miss?
Cici: I don’t love her, I never did.
(passes out)
Woman: (hushed) Oh my God! (shouts) Somebody call an ambulance!
Scene Six
(Scene: A hospital room. Cici sleeps in a bed at center stage. She wakes and looks around at her surrounding. She is startled when Dr. Howard enters (L)
Dr. Howard: Cici Donovan? I’m Dr. Howard. How are you feeling?
Cici: What happened? (Cici reaches for a cigarette)
Dr. Howard: You passed out at Central Park. (Cici lights cigarette and takes a drag.) Mrs. Donovan, a woman in your condition shouldn’t be smoking.
Cici: (confused) My condition?
Dr. Howard: (astonished) You don’t know?
Cici: What?
Dr. Howard: You’re three weeks pregnant.
Cici: (chokes on her smoke) What did you say?!
Dr. Howard: Mrs. Donovan, you’re going to be a mother. Would you like me to call Mr. Donovan?
Cici: I’m not married. I’m alone.
Dr. Howard: Oh, I’m sorry. Miss Donovan let me give you some help. I can give you several referrals of excellent Obs in the area, all highly qualified and if you mention that I sent you I know they wouldn’t charge as much they would a normally.
Cici: Do you know any from L.A?
Dr. Howard: L.A? Yeah a few, why?
Cici: I’ve just taken a job offer there.
Scene Seven
(Scene: Cici’s apartment. On the floor in front of the door mail is scattered. The apartment is mostly barren except for clothes and other items stacked on a table that stands at (DR). Todd enters.)
Todd: (looks around) Cici? Cici are you here?
(Landlord enters.)
Todd: Do you know where Cici might be?
Landlord: If you don’t I certainty wouldn’t.
Todd: She hasn’t been to work in a week. Everyone’s really worried.
Landlord: Yeah me too.
Todd: Why?
Landlord: She owes me rent. She better not have packed up and left.
Todd: I don’t know. Her stuff is gone.
Landlord: What about this?
(Picks up a shirt. Todd takes it.)
Todd: This is mine. In fact, all of this is.
Landlord: (poking his finger hard in Todd’s chest) Nobody stiffs me fir rent. If I don’t get my money from her I’ll be getting it from you.
(Landlord exits)
(Todd goes to the door and picks up the mail. He takes it to the table and starts to look through it. He comes upon a bill and looks at it for a moment before ripping it open.)
Todd: (reading)
Dear Miss Donovan,
Listed below are the expenses you collected during your stay. You bill includes:
Ambulance transportation
Emergency room treatment
Observation
You bill comes to a total of-
(worried) Oh God, what’s happened Cici?
Scene Eight
(Scene: Hospital nurse’s station. A few nurses walk around while others busy themselves with paperwork. Todd enter (L) with the letter from Cici’s apartment.)
Todd: (to a nurse) Excuse me Miss, I was wondering if you could help me. I have a friend who’s gone missing and I found this bill in her apartment. I was wondering if she might still be here.
Nurse: Her name?
Todd: Cici Donovan
(Types on a computer)
Nurse: It says here that she was treated and released a week ago.
Todd: What was she brought here for?
Nurse: I’m sorry sir, but that violates patient confidentiality.
Todd: (pleading) You have to tell me something.
Nurse: If you want you can talk to the doctor that treated her, but chances are he’ll say the same thing.
Todd: All right, let me see him.
Nurse: (over an intercom) Dr. Howard to nurse’s station five. Dr. Howard to nurse’s station five.
(enter Dr. Howard (R)
Dr. Howard: Yes nurse.
Nurse: This man would like to speak to you about Cici Donovan.
Dr. Howard: (turns to Todd) How may I help you?
Todd: Cici’s missing and I want to know what she was brought in for so I can know she’s okay.
Dr. Howard: This hospital has a strict patient confidentiality policy, but I can tell you Cici is fine. Can I ask you a personal question?
Todd: Sure.
Dr. Howard: Well, Cici told me that she didn’t have a husband, but it was apparent that she had a significant other. Would that be you?
Todd: (Pause) No, we’re just friends.
Dr. Howard: (aside) Right. (To Todd) I suggest to you that you find Cici because I think you might have…. (Thinking) an emotional investment in her.
Todd: I said we’re just-
Dr. Howard: Take it from me, you do. Have a nice day sir. (Holds out his hand which Todd shakes) Make sure you find her because believe me you’ll want to.
Scene Nine
(Scene: Todd’s apartment. Todd sits on his sofa with a beer in his hand. Darien enters and takes a seat next to him.)
Darien: (Puts his hand on Todd’s) Todd?
Todd: (grunt)
Darien: Todd you’ve been in this funk for two weeks. I thought you said you didn’t love her, you never did.
Todd: She was in the hospital. She might be sick or dying somewhere.
Darien: Didn’t the doctor say she was okay?
Todd: Yeah, but he also told me to find her. He said I have an emotional investment in her. It was like he was trying to tell me something.
Darien: Todd, I want us to forget this and have us move on with our relationship. I want it to be just you and me without Cici in our lives. (Darien goes down on one knee.) Todd, I want us to spend the rest of our lives together. I want to be your husband and you to mine. Please say you’ll marry me?
Todd: Oh My God Darien, (pause) Yes, I promise you now and forever you’ll be the only one in my life.
Act II
6 years later
Scene One
(Scene: Day care at L.A where small children play. Todd jr. plays in the corner (UR). Darien and Sec. enter left.)
Sec: (gesturing to the children) And finally we have the day care for your employees. Mr. Black, I would like to say thank you for buying our company and pulling it out of the gutter.
Darien: I took a special interest in this business. Plus, my partner and I wanted to re-locate.
Sec: Business partner?
Darien: No, my spouse.
Sec: As a welcome to California my husband and I would love to have you and your wife to dinner.
Darien: Husband.
Sec: Pardon?
Darien: I have a husband.
Sec: (baffled) I’m confused.
Darien: I’m married to a man.
Sec: Oh.
(Darien looks at Todd jr. He walks closer to him for a better look. He then turns to the Sec.)
Darien: (inquisitive) What’s that boys name. (Pointing to Todd jr.)
Sec: That’s Todd Donovan.
Darien: (vexed) Todd Donovan?!
Sec: He’s Cici Donovan son.
Darien: (incited) Cici Donovan? Cici Donovan works here?
Sec: Yes, she came here when we offered her a job here six years ago. I believe she was pregnant with Todd when she came.
Darien: Who’s his father?
Sec: She won’t say. The only I know about him is he’s from New York and he left her for someone else.
(Darien moves closer to Todd jr. Cici enters right and looks at Darien and then her son. She rushes over to her son and takes him in her arms.)
Cici: (To Darien) Stay away from my son.
Sec: Miss Donovan, this is Mr. Black (urgent) The new owner.
Cici: (resentful) I’m aware of who he is.
Darien: (angry) Todd Donovan? This is Todd’s son isn’t he?
Cici: Of course he is.
Darien: We got to call Todd. We need to tell where you are. We need to tell him about his little boy.
Cici: He’s my son! I’m going to be the only person in his life. I won’t have Todd or you a part of his life or mine.
Darien: You can’t do this! That’s his son! (gestures to Todd jr.) Have you told him? Have you told him who his father is?
Cici: He doesn’t need to know and neither does Todd.
Darien: I’m telling him.
Cici: (shouts) No!
Darien: Why shouldn’t I?
Cici: (sobbing) He loves you! Isn’t that enough? Just leave me alone! Leave us alone!
Sec: I’m confused. Do you know each other?
Cici: I have to go. Good day Mrs. Walker, Mr. Black.
(Cici exits with Todd jr. in her arms right.)
Darien: Whoa, Cici wait!
(Darien rushes after her)
Sec: I swear, those New Yorkers.
Scene Two
(Scene: Cici’s L.A. apartment. Todd jr. sits at the table coloring at center stage. He is disturbed when there is a knock at the door. He gets up from his seat and answers the door at (CR). As he opens it he stands back and Darien enter.)
Toddjr: It’s you.
Darien: Where’s your mom?
Toddjr: In her room, crying. Why are you doing this to her?
Darien: It hard for a little boy to understand.
Toddjr: All I understand is I hate to see mommy cry and because of you that’s happening.
Darien: I know it’s hurting your mom, but it’s the best thing for her and you.
Toddjr: I know all of this is about my father and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to know where I came from, but for my mother’s sake wait until she can accept it.
Darien: You really want to know where you’re from?
Toddjr: Who wouldn’t?
Darien: Here I’ll give you something. (pulls out his wallet and takes out a picture) This is a picture of your father and me at our wed- (pauses) at a party we had. Keep it a secret from your mom, okay.
Toddjr: Thanks.
Darien: You’ll see your father someday, I promise.
(Cici enters (UC) Toddjr. quickly puts the picture in his pocket.)
Cici: (shouts) Darien? No! This goes too far! This is my home and your not welcomed here! GET OUT!!!
Darien: (pleading) Cici please calm down.
Cici: No, I won’t! Your taking away everything I have!
Darien: (raises his voice) Listen to me! For the time being I won’t tell Todd, but you must promise me you must stay here and you won’t go hiding from us.
Scene Three
(Scene: Office. Sec sits her desk (CS) doing paper work. An empty desk sits next to her (CL). Darien enters right)
Darien: Good morning Mrs. Walker
Sec: Morning Mr. Black.
(looks at the empty desk)
Darien: Where’s Cici?
Sec: Cici turned in her resignation yesterday. She told she’s taking a job in St. Louis at a small business, strange if you ask me.
Darien: St. Louis
Sec: Yeah, at a place called Whitcomb & Meleager. I wonder why she would leave all the sudden.
Darien: (hushed) She’s running.
Sec: What?
Darien: Nothing.
Sec: Mr. Black we’ll need to hire a replacement.
Darien: Don’t hire on just yet.
Sec: Why?
Darien: Just not yet.
(Darien exits)
Scene Four
(Scene: Darien and Todd’s apartment. Darien is packing as Todd enters.)
Todd: Packing? What for?
Darien: I have a business trip. I’ll be gone for a few days.
Todd: Oh, do where are you going?
Darien: St. Louis.
(finishes packing)
Todd: I’ll miss you. (holds Darien close)
Darien: I’ll miss you too. (kisses Todd. Darien leaves Todd’s embrace and grabs his bag.)
Todd: Bring me back a souvenir.
Darien: I will and it’ll be a good one.
Scene Five
(Scene: Cici’s St. Louis apartment. A door is at CR, a bed at CL, and a table at CS. As Cici unpacks at the table there is a knock at the door. She answers it and is shocked.)
Cici: Darien? What are you doing here?
Darien: (stepping ion the door.) You broke your promise.
Cici: I can’t do it. I can’t live in the same place as Todd. What would happen if he saw me? What would happen if he saw his son? How would you explain that you knew?
Darien: Oh God, why did I have to be in the middle? (pause) Where’s Todd?
Cici: School. (pause) Why are you doing this?
Darien: You have to come back. When the time comes to tell Todd. (Cici huffs irritably and goes back to unpacking. Darien raises his voice.) Todd and his son will need to be together. They’ve lost so much time already. I do anything to make you two come back.
(phone rings which Cici answers)
Cici: Hello (jolted) What? The company has been bought out? By who? (looks at Darien) thank you for telling me. Goodbye. (to Darien)
You bought out the place I work so you could have me come back to L.A?
Darien: I said “anything”.
Cici: How many people lost their jobs because of you?
Darien: The business will remain running. I required only one job. Yours. (pause and looks at Cici closer) I finally see it.
Cici: What?
Darien: (looking closer) What Todd saw in you all those years ago. What made him forget the kisses I once gave him and only want yours. I feel you might be putting the same affect on me. (kisses Cici as he moves them over to her bed) You can come back home now, back to L.A., back with me. (kisses her as he lays her back on the bed) I’ve never been with a woman and I never thought I would be. It’s strange you’d be the first.
Scene Six
(Scene: Cici’s apartment. Cici sits up in her bed smoking with the sheets wrapped around her and Darien. Darien lays asleep next to her. As Cici takes a long drag Darien awakes and sits up.)
Darien: Didn’t know you smoked.
Cici: I don’t at least not since the day I found out I was pregnant with Todd. This is the first one since.
Darien: We’ll need to keep this secret.
Cici: Okay, if you keep my secret, I’ll keep yours.
Darien: Sounds fair, I can’t believe I’ve done this. I’ve betrayed my marriage vows, I’ve cheated on Todd, and it doesn’t make it any better that it was with you.
Cici: Maybe it’ll do Todd some good. It’ll let him know what it feels like when someone you love isn’t true to you.
Darien: No matter what Todd can’t know. Even after him and his son meet he can’t know.
Cici: Fine with me.
Darien: I have to be honest. I don’t think this will the last time I’m in your bed.
Cici: Then I should be honest with you. The only reason I let you in my bed is because you’re the closest thing to Todd can get and for that reason and that reason alone I will continue to let you in my bed. I want you to know that there is no chance in hell of me ever loving you. Any shreds of lust or love you think I possess towards you are only my feelings for Todd.
Scene Seven
(Scene: Park in L.A. Todd stands reading a paper (DR) Cici enter left and goes a vending stand (UC). A bench sits at center stage.)
Cici: Diet please (takes the drink. Todd looks over to the stand) Thank you.
Todd: Cici?
Cici: (looks over to Todd) Todd? (drops her drink)
Todd: Oh my God, oh my God Cici? I can’t believe it. Come on let’s sit down (guides her the bench and they both sit) Where have you been? Have you been all right? Why did you leave?
Cici: (looks to the ground) I came to your apartment that night. I overheard you, all of it. Even I don’t love her, I never did.
Todd: Oh Jesus, Cici I’m sorry, I never wanted you to find out that way. I didn’t want to hurt you, I just didn’t know how to-
Cici: How to get rid of me. I’m sorry about damaging your relationship with him. I shouldn’t have been with someone who didn’t want me, some who never could.
(Puts his hands on her shoulders and makes her face him.)
Todd: but I did want you! I cared about you, I just-
Cici: Loved him more. (takes his hands off)
Todd: (pauses while trying to start up different conversations, but fails several times. Then he finally finds one.) Well, looks at you, you look great. I bet you’ve found someone else.
Cici: I guess you could say that. (moves closer to Todd) I’ve missed you. I’ve been so alone.
Todd: Cici, you said you had someone.
Cici: He’s not you. He could never be you. (She leans in and kisses him. He embraces her, but then pushes her away.)
Todd: (shaky) I can’t (scoots her away from him) I can’t, I love Darien and this isn’t fair to you. You deserve so much more.
(Cici bows her head)
Cici: You really love him, don’t you?
Todd: Yeah, I do.
Cici: I should go now.
Todd: Wait Cici, will I see you around?
Cici: I think it’s best we don’t. Good-bye Todd, Good-bye forever.
Scene Eight
(Scene: Cici’s apartment. Cici sits crying in a fetal position wrapped in a blanket on her sofa at center stage. Darien enters right, looks at Cici and quickly runs over to her and sits by her side.)
Darien: Cici? (Sits her up and looks in her eyes) Cici, what’s wrong?
(Cici turns to him and starts to take off his shirt.)
Darien: Cici, what-
Cici: (puts her finger to his lips) Don’t speak.
Scene Nine
(Scene: Split. One scene from CR to CS is Cici’s apartment. Cici and Darien lay wrapped in a blanket on Cici’s sofa. The other is Todd at DL sitting at a chair looking shaken with a table in front on him with a phone on it. Todd picks up the phone and dials. Darien cell phone in his pant’s pocket rings. Darien and Cici wake up and Darien gets the phone and answers.)
Darien: (groggy) Hello.
Todd: (unsteady) Darien can you come home right now? I need to talk to you.
(Cici looks at Darien)
Darien: Is something wrong?
Todd: Well, yeah I guess. I need you to come home. Are you at work?
Darien: Yeah, but is this some kind of emergency?
Todd: It could be.
Darien: Can you wait?
Todd: I don’t know.
Darien: What is it about?
Todd: I just need you. Please come home?
Darien: I really can’t. (looking to Cici) I’m kind of wrapped up in something right now.
Todd: Okay I’ll come to you.
Darien: (bolts up) No, stay there! I’ll be there soon. Bye. (hangs up and starts to get dressed)
Cici: Was that Todd?
Darien: Yeah, it was (looks in the mirror) Do you have a comb I can borrow?
Cici: Yeah here.
Darien: (combing his hair in front of a mirror) Cici I always wanted to know, what was your relationship like with Todd?
Cici: Haven’t you ever asked Todd?
Darien: Yeah, but he’s not being honest.
Cici: I guess he wouldn’t want to be.
Darien: (looks to Cici) Was the sex that great?
Cici: It wasn’t just that.
Darien: What was it?
Cici: I was so alone. I was in the big city for the first time and I didn’t anyone. Then Todd came into my life and I could tell he felt alone too. Being with him made life better. He means so much to me because of that.
Darien: Cici, why were you crying hen I came in?
Cici: I felt alone.
Darien: Oh, I see.(pause) No matter how much I’m in your life I’ll never be the way Todd was to you.
Cici: I already told you. I won’t love you and the only reason I let you have these sessions with me is because you the closest thing to Todd I can get.
Darien: (sits next to Cici) Why do you continue to love Todd even though he hurt you and plus the fact he’s married to me.
Cici: First I was because of my son, then as the years passed it was because
I felt so lonely with out someone to share romance with, then since you’re here it’s because he right at my finger tips yet still out of reach. Why do you continue to sleep with me even though you love Todd?
Darien: I’m not entirely sure. It’s been six months; did you know? Six months since the first time in St. Louis and each time I look at Todd it gets harder and harder to not let everything about you, me, and his son burst out, But I’m scared, scared of losing him and you.
Cici: I don’t love you.
Darien: (standing up) I know. (kisses Cici) but regardless I love you. I have to go. Do I look presentable?
Cici: (stands up and straightens his tie) There.
Darien: Bye, (kisses her again) I’ll see you tomorrow at work. (Walks to the door and takes one step out) I love you.
(Darien exits)
Scene Ten
(Scene: Todd and Darien’s apartment. Todd sits and a sofa shaking and nervous (CS). Darien enters right and goes to his side.)
Darien: So what’s wrong?
Todd: Cici.
Darien: (nervous) Cici!?
Todd: Yeah, I saw her today.
Darien: (cools down) Oh, are you sure it was her?
Todd: Yeah it was her. She seemed okay. I asked her if she had found someone new and she said she had, but later she said she didn’t care about him and that she never could. Then… (Hesitates and then breaks down and embraces Darien.) Oh God Darien I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to, but it was only a kiss, that’s all. I could never be unfaithful to you, never again.
Darien: Oh, I see.
Todd: Nothing happened, I promise. I told her I couldn’t. I told hr I loved you.
Scene Eleven
(Scene: Cici’s apartment. Her sofa sits at UL. She sits at the table (CS) with her hands on her head trying to sooth her headache. Toddjr. sits across from her eating cereal.)
Toddjr: Mommy? Are you feeling okay?
(Cici smiles at Toddjr. and puts hand on his)
Cici: I’ll be okay, but I think we’ll stay home today. (Cici stands up) How about you finish your cereal while mommy takes a nap okay?
Toddjr: Okay. (Toddjr. continues eating as Darien enters. Darien looks at Cici and then Toodjr.)
Toddjr: (hushed with his finger to his lips) Shhh, mommy is trying to sleep.
Darien: (hushed) Hey, how about you go and play in your room quietly while I see how she’s doing?
Toddjr: Okay.
(Toddjr. exits while Darien walks over to Cici)
Darien: (whispering) Cici? (louder) Cici?
(Cici wakes and Darien put his hand on her forehead.)
Darien: You’re burning up. I’m getting you to a doctor.
Cici: (pushes him away) No, I don’t need a doctor. I just need rest.
Darien: (sits next to her and puts his hand on hers) I know what happened yesterday. Todd told me.
Cici: That’s why I need rest. The whole experience left me scared and nervous. Please just let me have some rest. I promise I’ll be back to work tomorrow.
(Darien stands up and leans down and kisses Cici.)
Darien: Get well, I love you.
Cici: Don’t say that, I don’t love you. It’s not right.
Darien: Nothing about any of this is right. I’m cheating on the man I love more than life itself with the woman he cheated on me with. To make things worse I’ve grown so in love with you that if I were forced to choose between you and Todd I honestly couldn’t make a decision. But in the end you don’t love me; you’re only using me and I guess in a way I’m using you.
Cici: I’m sorry it hurts you. Not only about my feelings towards you, but also what it does to you to do this to Todd.
Darien: I’ll come back at lunch and make you and Todd something to eat to eat. In the time being, you rest. (kisses Cici) I love you.
(Darien exits)
Cici: Stupid bastard.
Scene Twelve
(Scene: Daycare. Cici enters left with Toddjr. She puts him with the rest of the kids and then bends down and kisses him.)
Cici: Be a good boy for mommy.
(Turns to leave)
Sec: Miss Donovan, you don’t look well.
Cici: No, I’ll be-
(Cici passes out)
Sec: (rushing to her side) Miss Donovan?
Scene Thirteen
(Scene: Darien’s office. At CR there is a door, which Todd enters from stormily.)
Darien: Todd, What are you doing here?
Todd: Darien, we need to talk now!
Darien: Okay.
Todd: What’s with you lately? You’re coming home later and later each night, you’re never where you say you are, then there’s the whole deal with buying that company in St. Louis that we didn’t need, and you’re never around when I need you. I’m afraid Darien. For the first time ever I feel that our marriage might be in jeopardy.
Darien: I’m sorry; I didn’t know you felt neglected. I-
(knock at the door)
Todd: You tell them to go away! We are having a serious conversation.
(Sec bursts in the door)
Sec: (out of breath) Mr. Black, It’s horrible. An employee has passed out. She just was taken to the hospital.
Darien: Who was it?
Sec: Cici Donovan. Sir, what should we do with her little boy?
Todd: (looks at Darien) Cici?
(Darien looks at Todd then the door, then back at Todd and then Darien runs out the door.)
Scene Fourteen
(Scene: Hospital Cici lies on a bed and Darien sits crying by her with his head resting on her stomach. Todd enters left.)
Todd: It makes so much sense now. You were with her all the time. So, how is she?
Darien: (chocking on a sob) She’s dead.
Todd: (shocked) Dead?
Darien: Complication during pregnancy.
Todd: Is the child yours?
Darien: Was, they said she was three months along, they said it would have been a girl.
Todd: And the boy, is he yours too?
Darien: No, he’s not mine.
Todd: Then- (stunned) Oh my God.
Darien: She didn’t want you to know. I wanted to tell you a thousand times.
Todd: Where is he?
Darien: The daycare at work.
(Todd exits)
Scene Fifthteen
(Scene: Day care. Toddjr. sits alone on a chair. Todd and the sec enter.)
Sec: So you’re the father. I have to admit I don’t really understand this whole thing with you, Miss Donovan and Mr. Black.
Todd: I really don’t understand it either.
Sec: Well there he is, I’ll leave you two alone.
(Todd slowly walks over to Toddjr.)
Toddjr: So you’re my daddy?
Todd: Yeah.
Toddjr: Darien said I’d see you someday. He even gave me a picture of you, but he told me to keep it a secret from mommy.
Todd: I’ve found out he’s good at keeping secrets.
Toddjr: Where’s mommy?
Todd: (Repressing a sob) She’s gone. You’ll be staying with Darien and me for now on.
Scene Sixteen
(Scene: Graveyard. Darien sits on a bench looking at Cici’s grave. Todd enters left.)
Todd: There you are. We were getting worried.
Darien: It’s so fucking ironic. All this time I loved Cici as much as she loved you while you couldn’t love her and she couldn’t love me.
Todd: Was it because what I did to you all those years ago are was I because I had a son and you thought Cici could give you the same.
Darien: I wanted you. She was the only part of you I didn’t have. And now lost all of you. Because of me Cici is dead, my only child is dead and (pauses as he stands and looks at Cici grave) I might as well be dead.
Todd: (embraces Todd) you haven’t lost me. You have hurt me so much, but I will love you, regardless. (pulls Darien down to the bench with him) If I’m going to forgive you I need you to do something for me. I’m not asking you to forget Cici because I can’t forget her either, I don’t want to. But if I’m going to forgive you I need you to be my Darien again. No more lies, never again.
Darien: (sobbing) I don’t deserve you.
Todd: Promise me.
Darien: Yours, I always be yours as long as you want me. No more lies.
Todd: And Todd: is as much your son as he is mine. He loves you and you love him.
Darien: If I told you from the beginning about Cici what would you have done?
Todd: No what ifs, life doesn’t work that way. I forgave Cici and I forgive you. It’s time to move on.
The End
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"Go n-ithe an cat thú is go n-ithe an diabhal an cat"
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