Just Friends

J.S. Barne-Larsek
1995

ACT I

A woman sits alone reading a textbook, pen in hand. A knock is heard, she smiles, and gets up to answer.

Diana: Hello!

Jason and Mark (simultaneously): Hi Diana! (They enter the room carrying luggage.)

Diana: How was your drive?

Mark: Fine, beautiful day for a drive. No traffic.

Jason: Yeah, Mark made great time. No tickets either.

Mark laughing: Never. Only one very close call even.

Jason: You should have seen it Diana. We were going 70 at least when a cop comes up behind us, lights flashing. Mark pulls over, but the guy flew right by us. I would have liked to have seen what was so important.

Diana: I am glad it worked out. Can I get you something to drink? Water, coffee, (smiling) beer?

Jason and Mark: Beer!

Mark: Definitely, Let's get this party started!

Diana returning with three beers which everyone opens.

Diana (smiling): We definitely want to pace ourselves. I don't expect anyone to come until at least 9. But it should be a good party. I have told my available friends about my cute friends from home. They are looking forward to meeting you guys.

Mark: Great. I can't wait.

Jason: Like you actually expect to hook up with someone?

Mark: Of course. I read an article recently that sexual freedom on college campuses is still rampant. The only place it still is. (Sheepishly) I wouldn't want to upset the statistical norm. Besides confidence and optimism are the best way to accomplish it.

Jason: Mr. self help book!

Mark: Hey, I need all the help I can get in this world.

Diana: How are things going Mark, with your job? I don't think I have seen you since Andrea's party last summer.

Mark: Yeah I missed seeing you over Christmas. I somehow managed to get a week off and I went to Tahoe with my parents. Some kind of family reunion. (Sigh) Wow, it's tough out there! I always knew in college that life was going to get much worse and sure enough, it has.

Jason (emphatically): We're having a good time though. It sure is nice to have money in my pocket.

Mark: Try working 50 plus hours a week. You are working part time and you are going back to school soon. You know what you are going to do with your life.

Jason: Try living at home. My parents drive me crazy.

Diana: Your job is not going well, Mark?

Mark: Oh, it's OK, I guess. I got promoted recently to (sarcastically) full-fledged junior consultant.

Diana (smiling): Oooh, sounds pretty responsible.

Mark: Yeah more responsibility, more stress, longer hours, better pay.I am resigning myself to the fact that this is the way it is going to be if I want to successful. What about yourself?

Diana: Well I am going to finally graduate in June. You can imagine how happy Jim and Kathy are about that. They are already trying to organize this big honor Diana thing. The whole nine yards. Grandparents, Aunt and Uncle from LA,a fancy dinner. I can't wait. Of course, I have to pass all my classes first. No sure thing for me. (She faces Jason suddenly) You are still coming right?

Jason: I am sure I will be there. It will be nice to see your family again? Maybe I can drag you Mark.

Mark: Maybe not (ingratiatingly) As much as I want to be there for your big moment, my graduation was too recent not to remember how boring these things are.

Diana (quickly): Of course you won't be there. Most of my friends have of course graduated. I think that is the worse part about still being here. I have seen way too many graduation ceremonies. I wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy.

Mark: Thanks. How does it feel to be almost done?

Diana: That question again.

Mark: Sorry.

Diana: No, it is certainly valid. I am very aware that I only have four more months to go. I am ready to get on with the next stage in my life. You don't put any effort into making new friends. Worse the stress about what I am going to do with my life is starting to become harder to ignore. Fortunately there are plenty of distractions, as always. Jason trying to sound natural: Like your new boyfriend.

Mark (feigning ignorance): Oh really, you have a new boyfriend. That's great Diana.

Diana: Smiling at Jason: He's not my boyfriend (explaining to Mark) Two dates. I like him though. You'll meet him tonight.

Mark: Great. But I hope he understands your obligation to introduce us to everyone.

Diana: You will be very well taken care Mark. He knows you guys are coming, although he is a little worried about you Jason.

Jason: I bet, but of course you told him that he has nothing to worry about, that it is long over between us. And that we are just good friends.

Diana (uneasily): Right. Are you seeing anyone Mark.

Mark (smiling): Of course, but nothing serious. She wanted to come. As if leaving the city with her in it wasn't the main reason for me coming. I told her how important it was for Jason and I to spend some time together.

Jason: I am touched. Mark: Besides she thinks I will be staying at Tom's place both nights.

Diana: What is the matter with my place.

Mark: Going to a woman's party, no matter how good the friend, and spending the night? I would have to check in on the hour. No thanks.

Diana: You are terrible. The poor girl. But I know what you mean about seriousness being a turn off. David, that guy I am seeing is asks get to know you questions like how was your childhood.

Mark: Ick. You do understand. I have barely gone out with her for three months and already I know how much she likes kids. She has been out of college for three years and I am terrified she wants to settle down.

Diana: An older woman.

Mark (proud of himself): My first one. And I really like the fact she is older but there is no way I will even think about getting married at this stage of my life, let alone have kids. What is she thinking?

Jason: I sympathize with your plight but you have to at least try to change her mindset. (To Diana): She is smart, funny, good looking...

Mark: I know, I know. (exasperated). Aaahh. But I refuse to worry about it this weekend. (To Jason) Remember what I asked? No bringing up her name.

Jason: Hey I didn't bring it up, Diana did.

Diana: Sorry, I didn't know. I did tell my roommate about you though.
Mark (smiling): Roommate?

Diana (to Jason): Didn't you tell him about Angela?

Jason: Of course I did.

Mark: Oh yeah I must have forgotten. Me being in a relationship and all. Which we can keep between ourselves, can't we?

Diana: Hardly. Angela is one of my best friends. I believe I described you well to her. But she is a big girl, Mr. Heartbreaker. I think she could survive a one night fling under the right circumstances if she is interested.

Mark: I have always been a big believer in honesty. By the way, where is she?

Diana: She should be home soon. Probably at the library. She is a good influence on me.

Jason (to Diana): So how did you respond to the childhood question?

Diana: Evasively of course. A description of Walnut Creek suburbia was all it took. Even worse was what I thought about the American dream.

Mark: Good question! I already like this guy.

Jason: It sounds to me like some question from a how to pick up women book.

Mark: So you read self help books too?

The door opens and Angela walks in.

Diana: Hi Angela, how was the library?

Jason: Hi Diana.

Angela (sits down and smiles at the two men): Hi Jason. Not bad, but I was too excited to stay there long. A lot of people are coming tonight.

Diana: You obviously know Jason. Angela, I want you to meet another old friend from high school. This is Mark. Mark, Angela.

Angela: Nice to meet you.

Mark: Likewise. We were just talking about beginning new relationships. Diana's new boyfriend quizzed her on what the American dream means to her.

Angela (smiling): You didn't tell me that. Deep guy. I love good questions. So what did you say?

Diana: Great, on the spot again. Although I am sure I can answer it better now. My original answer was pretty standard. The next time some guy asks me you can bet I will come off sounding somewhat intelligent. Of course deciding what I want to do will improve my answers to a lot of questions. (The others laugh.)

Jason: So tell us what you would say now?

Diana: Apparently I am not going to get off the spot easily?

Mark: Nope.

Diana: OK. I would talk about a rewarding job, both financially and spiritually, emotional growth, learning new things, spending a lot of time in nature. Good friends (embarrassed). You know stuff like that. I still think it is a tough question. Don't laugh Jason. How about you please tell us what your concept of the American Dream is?

Jason: I was laughing with you. My dream hasn't changed much. Going to medical school, helping people, being paid well for helping people. Getting married, raising a family in a nice house in the suburbs. With a nice vacation every year. Saving money, retiring early. Pretty standard.

Mark: Sickening is how I would describe it. All I can say is you better still be able to drink heavily with your buddies in this suburban hell you paint.

Jason: Always my friend.

Angela: It's not a bad dream. Helping people has got to be rewarding. I know I could never be a doctor and certainly respect people who can. For me I think my dream revolves around the person I marry and the family I raise. I know I am supposed to concentrate on a career and I plan on being a teacher. But when I think about my future I think most about what kind of family I will have in ten years. I want to marry someone I am madly in love with who loves children as much as I do. I want to have three children and that same house in the suburbs.

Mark (ignoring Diana and Jason's big smiles): That is a beautiful dream. I have thought about being a teacher myself. (Sigh) The American Dream. In the end, it all comes down to that. As a matter of fact, I am sometimes deeply concerned that it even exists. For me I suppose it would have to include the book I have always dreamed about writing and never done anything, except talk about. I think I sometimes dream too much. Dreams are good, but I also need to need to resign myself to my career. I have a good job, learning a lot of important skills, making money. I should be ecstatic. I suppose the problem is I haven't met the right person to share it with.

Angela: What do you do?

Mark: I am a computer consultant. When companies want to update their computer systems, my company gets contracted and I help implement the systems and train the people how to use them.

Angela: Sounds important.

Mark: Not really. The best part is I get tons of training on new programs which I hope to make pay off in the rest of my career, doing whatever that is. Most importantly is coming to terms with working so many hours. It's really mental. One thing I will say, weekends have never been so important.

Diana: Well I think you guys will have a good time tonight.

Mark (smiling): I know I will.

Jason: Me too.

Angela: When do you think people will show?

Diana (looking at her watch): Soon. I told people 9.

Angela: I need a shower and should probably clean up my room. Everyone always seems to want to see your room.

Mark: I know I have used that line before.

Angela:(embarrassed) Well there is always that possibility too. (To Diana) Everything else is all taken care of, huh?

Diana: Yep, we have all the makings of a first class party.

Angela: See you guys soon. (to Mark) Nice meeting you, Mark.

Mark: You too, Angela.

Angela leaves the room to go upstairs to her bedroom. Hearing her door shut, both Jason and Diana start laughing.

Diana laughing: You are incorrigible.

Jason: Pretty smooth my friend. Computer consultant? What happened to technical support?

Mark feigning ignorance: What are you talking about? The job descriptions are interchangeable. It's all variety. I was just enjoying some stimulating conversation.

Diana: I think she liked you Mark, you still have to meet my other friends though.

Mark: Oh don't you worry, Diana, I promise you I will. Rule number one is always work the jealousy factor. (He smiled at the appropriateness of his remark along with Jason and Diana as the lights faded.


ACT II

Mark and Jason are on a balcony as the sounds of a party are going on in the background

Mark: What a beautiful night. The stars just don't look this beautiful in the city.

Jason: Yeah I love this town. Part of the reason why I wanted to come down here.

Mark smiling: A small part.

Jason exhaling deeply: It's so frustrating. Come on, did you see him? He is not her type. For one thing he is barely her height.

Mark: Now, now. He is nice enough and she is getting at least one inch from her shoes. We talked about this on the way down. You have no right to be jealous. It has been three years. If you can't handle it we shouldn't be here. Of course it is too late now to do anything about your wrong decision, so we just have to make the best of it.

Jason. I know, I know. You want a cigarette?

Mark: No I better not. I don't know how Angela feels about them yet.

Jason: That confident, are we? I have a mint you can have, so don't worry.

Mark: Thanks.

They smoke in silence for a few seconds.

Jason: Besides I still have a chance. For one thing I am sleeping here tonight, not him.

Mark: You don't know that he's not sleeping here.

Jason laughing: Shut up. The last thing I want is negative input. I need all the confidence I can get. I am going to tell her about my feelings for her.

Mark: Feelings? You spent the entire ride down telling me you were completely over her and it's just friends now.

Jason: What is this stupid just friends stuff. There is no such thing as just friends. There is friends and there is potential. Diana definitely falls under the latter classification. You are never just friends with someone you are sexually attracted to.

Mark: I admit I was impressed by the materiality of your American Dream.

Jason: It's all manipulation, baby, and saying things they want to hear, so you keep in their thoughts. I don't have to tell you about that. What was your ÒAmerican DreamÓ, if not pure manipulation?

Mark sheepishly: I think it is working though.

Jason: I am going to be so frustrated if I am the only one sleeping alone tonight. Good luck of course though.

Mark: Thanks. Maybe you are unnecessarily narrowing your options. If you haven't noticed there are a lot of other women here.

Jason: And risk letting Diana be alone with (sarcastically) Brett. Hardly. Besides, don't cry for me yet. We have a powerful history, including, most importantly, a history of fooling around post breakup. (He grins.)

Diana (opens the door to come on the balcony): So this is where you guys are hiding? This is pretty anti-social, especially when people are asking about you.

Mark: Angela? (Diana nods). Say no more.

Mark goes inside. Jason and Angela enjoy a moment of silence.

Jason: It is so cool we are still friends.

Diana: I was just thinking that. After all we have been through to be here now on this balcony together. It means a lot to me.

Jason: We had some good times didn't we?

Diana: We sure did. Sometimes I feel like we grew up together. I feel like we were so young. The emotions I felt were so intense. So many shared memories. It's weird that there are all these experiences that have helped lead to who I am that only you and I know about.

Jason: I know what you mean. We know so many things about each other.

Diana laughing: Almost too many things.

Jason: Are you referring to something in particular.

Diana: Like what?

Jason (laughing): Oh nothing of course.

Diana: So what do you think of Brett.

Jason: He's seems like a nice guy. I haven't really talked to him much yet though.

Diana: He thinks you are avoiding him.

Jason: That is ridiculous! (thinking a few seconds) Well it would be kind of awkward so I wasn't going to initiate a conversation.

Diana: Oh come on, you have to. We both know we are just friends, and you aren't really interested, so by avoiding him here you are only making him suspicious. Please do it for me. It is already tough enough having both you and him here.

Jason: Would you have preferred me not to come?

Diana: Don't be silly. We have had these plans for a while. You have to admit though that it was bad timing, starting to see him now. I kind of wish that he was out of town or something so I can relax and enjoy my party, but I had to invite him.

Jason: I know. I will talk to him. I want you to be happy. I honestly hope it works out for you with him.

Diana: Thanks.

They hug. A man opens the door, looks outside, thinks twice about coming out, and attempts to return inside and close the door quietly behind him, withoug being seen, but Diana, in fact, does see him.

Diana (loudly to cover her embarrassment): Hi Brett. We were just talking about you.

Brett: I don't want to interrupt.

Jason (heartily): Not at all. I was hoping to talk to you.

Diana: Well, I better go inside to see how my guests are. I'll be back.

Brett and Jason watch her leave in dismay. They resign themselves to their fated conversation.

Jason: So how are you doing tonight Brett?

Brett: I am doing great. What about yourself?

Jason: Pretty good. It is nice going on a road trip for the weekend.

Brett: Yeah, Diana was telling me that you and Mark are visiting some other friend down South tomorrow, in the San Fernando valley?

Jason: Right, we are staying at an old college friend of ours. Some other people we know are getting together for a small party tomorrow night too. It is going to be quite a weekend.

Brett: Tonight's party looks pretty promising. Have you seen how many people are here lately?

Jason: No I have been out here for a while. I will have to go in.

Brett: Your friend seems to be getting along pretty well with Angela.

Jason: I hope to duplicate his success.

Brett: Oh really. Anyone in mind.

Jason: Not yet. (There is a pause in the conversation) So how are things going with Diana?

Brett (his face brightening): She's a great girl, but we are just getting to know each other. (Uneasily) Going slow.

Jason: That's not what Diana says.

Brett (quickly): And what does Diana say?

Jason: Oh I can't repeat it, but we are still pretty close. You know she confides quite a bit in me. We know so much about each other of course.

Brett: Of course. When I first saw you two talking, it looked like you still had feelings for each other. (Laughing) I was getting nervous, until I talked to her.

Jason: Don't be silly. We are just really good friends now, although I can see how you would be worried. We have a pretty weird relationship.

Brett: That's great. I have never been able to stay friends with my exes.

Jason: Really, that's a shame. There is no reason to throw away a good friendship.

Brett: That is great in theory, but I have always found that it is harder to get over someone if you are still in contact with them. I wish I could just turn off my feelings but inevitably if I am not in a new relationship, I start thinking back on my old relationships more and more fondly. Sort of revisionist history. I idealize the good times and forget why we broke up in the first place.

Jason: Time however is the great equalizer. And Diana is too good of a friend to just discard from my life.

Brett: We certainly agree on that. In fact, I can't wait to get to know her much better.

Jason: Good luck.

Diana (opens the door and comes back onto the balcony): Hey guys!

Brett and Jason: Hi.

Brett: We were just talking about you.

Diana: Uh oh. (teasing) What were you telling him about me Jason.

Jason: There are only good things to say of course. I better check on Mark.

Diana: He seems to be doing great. Very social.

Jason: That's my friend. Nice talking to you Brett.

Brett: You too Jason.

Jason goes inside.

Diana (eagerly): So how did it go?

Brett: About as well as could be expected. The poor guy sure is hung up on you.

Diana: No he's not. We are just really good friends is all.

Brett: I just hope your interpret your friendship differently than he does, because I hope we can build our own special friendship.

Diana (contemplatively): Me too.


Act III

Mark and Angela are talking animatedly as there is party commotion off stage.

Angela: I love Tom Robbins! He is one of my favorite authors.

Mark: Me too. I have read each of his books. Which one was your favorite?

Angela: I think I liked Jitterbug Perfume the best.

Mark: Great book! My favorite was Skinny Legs And All. The part where the heroine sees the belly dancer do her dance and is so inspired that she finally does her mural? Different art forms mixing just kills me.

Angela: Yeah I liked that part too.

Mark (animatedly): I will never forget what I felt when I read that section. Finding motivation out of a common culture that is just out there for everyone, like some kind of matrix, depending on what your interests are. Someday I want to have that impact on people.

Angela (quietly): I am sure you will.

Mark: Awww. You are too nice to me. Dreams can be scary. I definitely need all the help I can get from my friends. (He smiles at her.) It's tough out there.

Angela: That is what I have heard. I read something where we are headed towards a two class society. Rich and poor.

Mark: I believe it. Sometimes I wish I had studied harder at one thing that I knew I really wanted to do and succeeded at it. Like Jason. He totally knows what he wants to do. He can basically kick back now until he goes off to school again, and not even stress out about the future because it will all happen in good time. I want to go back to school.

Angela: I know what you mean. I have always been envious of people who know what they want to do.

Mark: What are you talking about? You want to be a teacher. That's terrific.

Angela: I always say that, because I have always said that. I don't know... It sounded good once, but sometimes I have doubts.

Mark: I believe that. Our nation's youth scares me.

Angela: I know! I have this brother in high school who is always getting in trouble. My mom tells me he smokes marijuana, drinks, he has even been brought home by the cops.

Mark: Kids will always rebel, but there is a worse trend. It all goes back to that disparity between economic classes you mentioned. Funding for schools, welfare, it is all being cut back, which only produces another generation worse off than the previous one. It is a vicious cycle.

Angela: (Sigh) My days at this oasis are numbered.

Mark: Oh it's not so bad. Having money is nice. The independence and responsibility are incredible. And your time off from work is even more precious, if you can imagine?

A different song comes on.

Angela: I love this song.

Mark: Me, too.

Angela: I remember dancing with my sister in her room when we were kids. I like this 70's comeback.

Mark: I just danced to it recently. That's another thing about working, dancing has become one of my biggest passion. These days I dance with complete abandon. It is an incredible release.

Angela: I love to dance. They have this place downtown here I go to all the time.

Mark: It is crazy in the city! There are so many places to go. Weeknights, super late night, different kinds of music. I work up a sweat, it is a total workout. And there are a ton of people our age doing the exact same things. The dance places are packed.

Angela (teasingly): So who do you dance with?

Mark: Lots of people in a group is always the best, but sometimes I go off by myself. I do my own thing, but I have done it enough so that women usually will dance near me and sometimes, if I am lucky, exchange glances. It is fun to see how they dance and are dressed. I love it.

Angela: And then you pick these women up?

Mark: Never. I don't even talk to them. What am I going to say? Can I buy you a drink? It's so loud and such a sleazy move to pull off. People are there with their friends. It must happen but never to me.

Angela: Sometimes it is nice to get asked to dance, but most of the time I end up saying no and feel bad about it.

Mark: That's why I am doing a favor not asking you to dance.

Angela: Dance? Well we couldn't dance here anyhow.

Mark: Why not?

Angela: So you are asking me to dance?

Mark: Of course.

Jason enters hurriedly.

Mark: What is up, my friend?

Jason (sighing exasperatedly): The man is hell! It's one thing to hate his guts by sight, but I swear to God, he is taunting me. In a different situation I would kill him.

Mark: I am sorry to hear that, but violence is never a good way to resolve a problem.

Jason: Thanks for the advice. I imagine I'll live. How are you two doing?

Angela: Fine thanks. It was getting pretty crowded in the other room and Mark suggested a quieter place to talk.

Mark: Yeah, I have resigned myself to not meeting everyone here. You know I have always preferred quality one on one conversations to party chit chat anyway.

Angela: What's going on with you and Brett, Jason?

Jason: Oh, I was just exaggerating. It's just that I want her to find the right guy.

Angela: Do you still like her?

Jason: Of course not! It has been over between us for years. We are just good friends.

Angela: Good friends is hard to be with an old love.

Jason: That's what he said! What is this some kind of conspiracy against my best friendship with a member of the opposite sex?

Mark: Ouch, no wonder you are down on him.

Jason: Can you believe it? The nerve of him. Like shorty really has a chance anyway.

Angela: That's not fair. Besides he happens to be good-looking. I do agree with you, however, that I don't think he is right for Angela, but who knows?

Jason: So you don't like him either? The man is scum!

Angela: I didn't say that. I think you still do like Diana.

Mark (smiling): Wow, you are quick.

Jason: Shut up. You know she will tell her everything.

Angela: No I won't! (They both look at her) Well at least not tonight. (Mark laughs.)

Jason: It is really not that big of deal. Who am I kidding? I am still in love with her. There. I have said it. Please don't tell her tonight, Angela. I want to.

Angela: I promise.

Jason: You know her. What are my chances?

Angela: I don't know for sure, but I know she likes you some. A couple of days ago she showed some people who didn't know you a picture of you and she was happy when people said you looked cute.

Jason: They did. She has pictures of me? (To Mark) This is going to be easier than I thought.

Mark: You the man!

Angela: Maybe not.

Jason: Uh oh.

Angela: Well I don't really know, but I do know that you live hundreds of miles away.

Jason: She is graduating soon. I am sure she will be going back home.

Angela: I don't know about that.

Jason (demandingly): What do you mean?

Angela: I have told you too much already. You will have to talk to her about it. Tell her your feelings. Try to win her over. Let me know how it goes.

Jason (nodding): That's what I will do.

Mark and Angela (in unison): Good luck!

Jason (laughing): Thanks. (a pregnant pause) So what are you studying these days Angela? (laughing) Actually I better refill my drink. I could use a little help.

Angela: You don't need help Jason.

Jason: Right, that is what I have to remember. I mean look at my competition. I'll give you deep thoughts, and they sure wouldn't be as forced as the goddamn (sarcastically) loaded American Dream question. Give me a break!

Jason exits stage left.

Mark: Poor guy is in deep.

Angela: It is romantic and all, but I wouldn't to live with trying to be friends with someone I actually was in love with.

Mark: Amen. I have been telling him that for years. He has to find someone new or he will continue to obsess on the past. Life is too short not to experiment with different people to find out what is out really there.

Angela: Yeah I think you are right. Diana definitely shares your opinion.

Mark: Good for her.

Angela: You are supposed to be his friend.

Mark: I am, it's just that life is too precious not to live it to the fullest. For instance dancing would give me pleasure right now. I could worry that you won't want to, or think I am a creep for asking, but I refuse to not to do something I want to do. And therefore leave the choice up to you.

Angela: Carp et diem.

Mark: Exactly.

Angela: You hear about it all the time, but it is always inspirational to see someone try to put it in practice.

Mark: Finding inspiration is one of my greatest joys. (Smiling) So would you like to?

Angela: How could I say no?

The lights fade as they slow dance.


ACT IV

Diana, Brett, and Jason are cleaning up her house after everyone has left.

Diana: Thanks for helping, guys.

Jason: No problem.

Brett: It was my pleasure. Are you sure you don't want to get started on the kitchen?

Diana: No thanks. We can leave that for the morning. I am exhausted.

Jason: Me too.

Brett: Well I guess I will be leaving then.

Diana: Good night, Brett. Thanks for coming.

Brett: Thanks for inviting me. I'll call you tomorrow. Nice meeting you, Jason. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Jason: Thanks. Nice to meet you, too. See you.

Brett leaves and there is a small pause.

Diana: I wonder where Angela and Mark are?

Jason: Yeah they have been gone on their food run for well over an hour.

Diana: Do you think there is anything going on between them?

Jason: Knowing Mark, I would bet anything. They did really seem to get along well. There can't be any illusions about what they are getting themselves into. Mix in a little alcohol, and a little no strings attached romance starts sounding pretty nice. It sure beats a lonely night by yourself.

Diana: I agree.

Jason (looks at her seriously): Is that what Brett is, company?

Diana: I don't know what Brett is. I am attracted to him, but I don't know if I even want to put the work in to see if something can happen between us. My time here is running out. No strings attached sounds pretty good to me.

Jason: You have given up on love?

Diana: I didn't say that. It's just that this is a transitional time for me. So what did you think of him?

Jason: Brett's a really nice guy. (They both start laughing.)

Diana: Stop that. He said nice things about you.

Jason: No he didn't.

Diana: Sure he did. He was a little jealous of our past, but he said you seemed like a cool guy.

Jason: I can't believe that, after our conversation.

Diana: What did you talk about?

Jason: For one thing, he seems pretty insecure about our friendship.

Diana: That is his problem. But you have to admit it must be a little weird for him. However, he cannot get between our friendship.

Jason: That is what I want to hear. (A pause) It is not that I am jealous, it is just that I want you to be happy and not settle for just anyone.

Diana: I am happy.

Jason: Good.

There is another pause as Jason attempts to say something, but stops, but finally starts again.

Jason: I need to tell you something, Diana.

Diana (expectantly): What is it Jason?

Jason (nervously and quickly): I still have feelings for you. And they are more than just friendhip feelings. I think about you all the time. We get along so well. We could be perfect together. You are graduating soon, and I want us to get back together.

Diana (with wide eyes): Oh Jason, I like you, too. You know I do. I am so happy we are still close, and I cherish our memories together, but...

Jason: But?

Diana: But nothing, really. I certainly like you better than Brett. I had a dream the other night about you and I was totally looking forward to you spending the night here... (she smiles shyly)

Jason: I love you Diana.

Diana: You do?

Jason: I have had a lot of time to think about it, and I am convinced that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

Diana: What do you envision our life like?

Jason: We will go out over the summer and hopefully get engaged. And then you and I can live together when we go to med. school in LA You can get a job doing whatever you decide you want to do. I will eventually establish myself and we can settle down and raise a nice family.

Diana: It sure sounds nice.

Jason waits for a few seconds expectantly for Diana to go on.

Diana: But.... but I can't commit to anything at this stage in my life. I am too young. I have to make it own my own. I want to travel, maybe go to Europe, see what the world has to offer. I definitely don't want to live in L.A.

Jason (protesting): It will only be temporary.

Diana: You don't understand. We broke up to see other people. We went out for what felt like forever.

Jason: We broke up because it was long distance, and that will soon be over.

Diana: Yeah but it was also a good decision. We were high school sweethearts. We needed to see what else is out there.

Jason: And we have.

Diana: Who have you seen? I know I have barely dated a few guys but nothing that serious yet. Who knows what will happen in the future, but right now we need to experience what life has to offer.

They are interrupted when Mark and Angela enter the door giggling.

Diana: Hey you two, how is it going?

Mark: Great, I hope we are not interrupting you.

Jason: Oh no, we were just catching up is all. How was dinner?

Angela: Actually we didn't go. The place was closed, so we just walked around. I showed Mark some landmarks.

Mark: Angela is a terrific guide. It is such a beautiful night, but such a long walk has definitely made me exhausted.

Diana: I have a sleeping bag and an air mattress you can use. Let me get them.

Angela: Actually I told Mark he could crash on my bed. (Sheepishly) It is pretty big after all.

Diana: Right. OK, well good night.

Angela, Mark, and Jason chorus good nights.

Jason (teasingly): We are leaving at 10 tomorrow, remember?

Mark: Don't worry about me.

Angela and Mark go upstairs to Angela's room. Jason and Diana break out laughing.

Diana: The scoundrel!

Jason: Angela was so embarrassed.

Diana: I can't wait to tease her.

Jason: I am jealous. It sounds like fun.

Diana: Me, too.

Jason (angrily): You are going to regret your decision, Diana. No one is going to love you as much as I will. No one will make you happier.

Diana: Maybe, but I have to take the chance. You do understand, don't you?

Jason: I understand you are making a big mistake, but I respect your decision of course. This is it. I can't be this good of friends with you anymore. I need to get over you.

Diana: That's probably a good idea. This is so sad!

She gives him a hug. They look each other in the eyes and then she starts kissing him. He pulls away.

Jason: What are you doing?

Diana: Can't we have one last time for old times sake? No strings attached.

Jason (looks at her a long time and shakes his head): The strings were attached a long time ago. To tell you the truth, they feel like ropes.

Diana: You sure?

Jason: Never been more.

Diana: Well I am going to go to bed then. Good night.

Jason: It doesn't feel like one.

Diana: No, it doesn't.

Jason: We still have our memories. We had some great times...

Diana: Yeah, we sure did.

Jason: Good night, my friend.

Diana: Good night, Jason.

The lights dim as Diana goes upstairs to her room. Jason reclines on the couch, staring straight ahead as he reaches for a couch pillow and hugs it tightly to his chest.


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Updated Thursday, 04-Mar-2004 14:58:30 PST