Artist Statement
I wrote these scenes to share with my zoom acting class. Since quarantine started, we’ve been looking at acting through a playwriting perspective, using various techniques to connect with the unconscious.
First Scene in the style of Alfaro’s ‘Mojada’
by Eliana Yeager
(Words in quotes should be accompanied by air quotes)
(Ayanna is sitting at her music desk, she hits a button to start triggering samples. Soundscape changes to a raging frat party. Hit. Two lovers. Hit. Desperate screams. She fucks up.)
Ayanna: Agghgh I hate my life.
(Hit. A beautiful psych-rock song. Ayanna goes to the mirror and notices her hair is lifting up, as if it’s trying to float away. She starts dancing. Outside the window a muffled megaphone rant begins. Ayanna goes outside to check it out)
Tali :FUCK YOU ELIJAH YOU LITTLE BITCH BOY! MEN ARE TRASH! MEN ARE TRASH! MEN ARE TRASH AND CAN SUCK MY ASS!
(Tali, looking very relieved, steps down from the podium.)
Ayanna: Hey.
Tali: Hi.
Ayanna: Can I say something?
Tali: Oh yeah for sure, anyone can. This is an advertisement for the anger management club. You just have to follow us on instagram first.
Ayanna: Oh okay.
(Ayanna scans a barcode next to the podium. Then stands on stage, leaves megaphone on the ground)
Ayanna: Humanity is going down a mixture of four paths. 1) Destruction. This is the least likely path. Mass extinction is not in the elite’s interest. 2) Human’s biology will be “UPGRADED” until the elite are no longer homo sapiens. 3) Human’s will be outfitted with increasingly superior technology to the point where again, we’re no longer homo sapiens. 4) Artificial Intelligence will surpass us and probably enslave us all as we do to pigs, cows, and chickens. This is all coming so much sooner than anyone thinks. Jeff Bezos will find a way to become immortal. First it starts with chips being put in the skulls of coma patients, and it ends with the death of our species and reality as we know it.
(Alex walks by)
Ayanna: There’s no one alive who can possibly connect the dots in all the rapid advancements happening in every field of science. Think of the unintended consequences of becoming Gods. We’re hurtling into a blackhole. Why doesn’t anyone ever talk about this?
Alex: Cause you need to chill!
(Ayanna gets off the stage)
Ayanna: Dude.
Alex: Hey.
Ayanna: You’re like a sheep, and I’m escaping the pen, and you’re trying to drag me back.
Alex: Whether you’re right or wrong. Why not be an optimist about it? (whispers) I work for Pointing Vector. We’re supposed to suppress public dissent when we can.
Ayanna: Ohhhhhhh
Alex: Do you want to be reassembled after the singularity?
Ayanna: Yes.
Alex: Follow me.
(They exit)
At the Ballroom where somehow Ayanna Knows Everyone
Ayanna - Emma
Alex - Andrew
Lourden (up and coming model) : Tali
London - Maddie La Fer
Imogen - Grace W or Gabi Nail
(Banquet hall in a hotel. Ayanna is sitting at one of the round tables with white tablecloths. Alex enters.)
Alex: Ayanna?
Ayanna: Oh wow. Hi Alex. Why are you here?
Alex: I’m friends with Imogen. I just got here early.
Ayanna: Oh I don’t know who that is.
(Ayanna stands up, unbalanced)
Alex: Are you good?
(Ayanna sits back down. Party guests begin to trickle in)
Ayanna: I was at this masterclass here. It ended 20 minutes ago. I swear to god it literally feels like the earth is shaking really hard. I asked a waiter if he felt it and he said no like I was crazy.
Alex: There’s always something with you. Well I hope the earth stops shaking soon. It’s definitely not. Anyway feel free to stay, I’ll say you’re my plus one.
Ayanna: Thanks.
(Alex walks away. Lourden enters)
Lourden: Oh hi Ayanna.
Ayanna: Hi! Oh my gosh it’s been a minute.
(Lourden goes in for a hug as Ayanna tries to hide her instability)
Lourden: I didn’t know you were still friends with Imogen.
Ayanna: Uh. Who’s Imogen? My boyfriend brought me here.
Lourden: We went to middle school with her.
Ayanna: Huh? That’s so weird.
Lourden: Do you still talk to London?
Ayanna: No. Do you?
Lourden: No. I heard she was coming though.
Ayanna: Yeah, she was pretty nasty the last time I spoke to her.
Lourden: Can I sit down?
Ayanna: Sure.
(Lourden sits)
Lourden: The last time I was here was for my dad’s wedding.
Ayanna: Oh. Have you, like, reconciled?
Lourden: He passed away last month.
Ayanna: Shit.
Lourden: It was really weird. I wasn’t even that sad.
Ayanna: I mean that makes sense.
Lourden: Who’s your boyfriend?
Ayanna: Oh um well he’s not really my boyfriend. Yet.
Lourden: Ah. I see.
Ayanna: Alex.
Lourden: I don’t think I’ve heard of him.
Ayanna: Well, he’s really close with Imogen.
Lourden: Do you wanna grab something to drink?
Ayanna: No I’m okay
(Ayanna is clutching the tablecloth)
Lourden: Are you okay?
Ayanna: I’m feeling a little dizzy today.
Lourden. Oh. Eventually you get used to it.
(Lourden walks away, bumps into Alex)
Alex: Excuse me.
Lourden: Hey, sorry to bother you. Could you take a picture of me next to this window?
Alex: Sure.
(Starts taking photos)
Don’t wanna miss golden hour?
Lourden: Precisely.
(London enters, pretends not to see Lourden. Walks straight up to Alex)
London: Well hello there. What’s your name?
Lourden: He has a girlfriend, London.
Alex: What?
Lourden: Oh sorry oops. I’m thinking of someone else.
London: (to Alex) Where did you come from, handsome?
Alex: Toronto.
(London laughs, sees Imogen across the room)
London: Imogen! Get over here, birthday girl!
(Imogen walks over)
Imogen: Hey guys! Thanks for coming. (looks at Alex) Who’s this?
(Alex breaks away to find Ayanna)
Alex: Do you want to get out of here?
Ayanna: Where?
Alex: I don’t know, wherever you want. We should go.
Ayanna: I really don’t get you. You said you would text me in a couple of weeks.
Alex: I said I would text you when work stopped being crazy.
Ayanna: And now you just expect me to go home with you?
Alex: I didn’t say let’s go to my place!
Ayanna: STOP ALEX. Fuck. I really liked you and you knew that.
(security guard approaches them)
Alex: I’ll explain everything. Please.
Ayanna: Fine. I need you to help me walk.
(they exit)
(end of scene)
At Hami Quad
1: I never thought I’d have to look at this view again.
2: I’m just happy to be outside.
1: This is the exact day and time Ben broke up with me. The sun rarely feels this bright. Like you can barely open your eyes. I used to hang out here. Sometimes here. Also over there. But never over there. It was like no man’s land. Different people every day and you never saw the same face twice.
2: That’s not true. You just have to look more carefully.
Alex’s Apartment 1
(In Alex’s apartment. Lying on his bed.)
Alex: Do you wanna watch another episode?
Ayanna: I’m good
Alex: How about a massage?
Ayanna: Oooh yes please
(Alex starts massaging Ayanna’s back)
Ayanna: Wait. Alex.
Alex: Yeah?
Ayanna: You just pushed so hard on my shoulders that I threw up in my mouth.
Alex: Oh my god. Sorry.
Ayanna: No, it’s fine. It’s funny.
Alex: Do you want me to keep going?
Ayanna: I might throw up on your bed
Alex: Got it.
(Alex gets off. They begin to cuddle. Alex is staring at the ceiling with dread, Ayanna see’s his eyes)
Ayanna: What’s up
Alex: (groans)
Ayanna: What??
Alex: I hate my life.
Ayanna: You have a great life.
Alex: Ugh. Yeah. You’re right. I hate myself.
Ayanna: Okay stop it.
Alex: No. Today I was in this meeting and I had to do this presentation and show everyone my designs. My boss laughed at me. He called me a pussy. You know, for all the good press they get, it’s actually a very toxic work environment. The only woman I’ve seen in the office is a secretary. But seriously, I did not become an artist to do PowerPoint presentations to dick engineers.
Ayanna: I honestly can only barely picture any of this because I still don’t know what you really do but I’m really sorry Alex. They probably did not suck. You work very hard.
Alex: It’s like, to the art kids, I’m like a banker but to the bankers, I’m just an art kid.
Ayanna: You’re helping the world.
Alex: That’s just what they tell you though. Really it’s just the most perverted form of capitalism.
Ayanna: Oh, shit...you’re right.
(Alex gets a call, he silences his phone)
Alex: Sorry. You know I’m actually really tired, I think I should just get some rest. You’re welcome to stay.
Ayanna: I’m tired too.
Alex: Please don’t just agree with me to agree with me.
Ayanna: I’m not. Go to bed. I’ll call an Uber.
(Alex kisses her hard. His phone rings again)
Alex: I’m really sorry. Can you give me one second?
(Alex gets up and goes to the bathroom)
(end of scene)
Ayanna Mirror Monologue
(Ayanna is talking into her bathroom mirror)
Ayanna: Wait wait wait. I just need to ask you one thing. So like, last night when you texted me that you didn't want anything serious, which I totally get and actually completely agree with, but like, does that mean if I ever develop feelings for you I have to just end it immediately? Should I tell you?
FUCK YOU’RE SO STUPID. Aghhhhh. Okay.
Heyy so like, I love that you want to keep this super casual because you know… me too. But like what’s gonna happen when you inevitably fall in love with me?
Oh my god.
Yeah, I don’t want anything serious either. I actually just got out of a really bad break up, you know? He said I was too intelligent and successful and beautiful for him and it made him self conscious.
(screams)
STOP IT AYANNA.
You know, I really respect that you want to keep this super casual, it's just that... I think I might have already developed feelings for you. Just being honest. I’m telling you this only because I think we should stop seeing each other. Don’t worry. I wont tell anyone about Teslas’ new top-secret project. Goodbye Alex, you were really cool. Thanks for buying me sushi. And letting me cum first.
Oh my god i hate myself
I HATE MYSELF
Okay something about that reaction feels false, fix.
Ayanna’s roommate (offstage): Hey, are you okay?!
Ayanna: YES I'M FINE
(end of scene)
Alex Monologue
Alex: You’re literally a very nice person. I just feel like you idolize me. You think that because I validate you that you’re special but I’m not special so what the fuck would my opinion of you matter at all? I honestly just look at you and see everything I hated about myself when I was your age. You’re self hating, you seriously do have potential but you're crippled by fear of doing, while simultaneously thinking you're smarter and better than everyone else. Mostly I’m scared I’m gonna turn you into the best version of yourself and you’ll just leave me in the dust.
Scene 16
Ayanna: It’s been on my mind. I thought about it often. I was definitely caught off guard when I got that text. I actually read it soon after you sent it. I got excited seeing your name on my screen and as soon as my eyes caught the words my stomach dropped. I tried to think out a response that would seem mature, not whiney, attractive even. Something that would leave the door open. Yeah, I didn’t text you back until at least ten the next morning, I think I facetimed my friend about it. You probably saw through that. I know I’m pretty readable but, I feel like you can literally read my mind. I think that’s why I was so attracted to you it’s like you deeply know me, but how could you? But anyway, wait actually, I remember I was seriously considering saving face and breaking it off with you before that, after you said you wanted to keep things super casual. Yeah, I kinda kicked myself for not jumping the gun. But if there was any precursor, it was definitely our last kiss. I just felt this icky energy zap through me in that moment. It surprised me. As if we were a cold distant married couple pecking each other for a family picture?
Alex: Jeez, how do you even remember all this stuff? I um... Well I was trying to fall asleep. I had this huge thing the next day. I was thinking about you and I was like fuck I just cannot be losing sleep over another person right now. If it makes you feel better you’re still the last person I’ve had sex with. Yeah.
Ayanna runs into Jack and Maddie
2 new characters. Jack (Andrew) is Ayanna’s boyfriend from a past life. Maddie (Maddie) is his girlfriend/former close friend of Ayanna.
At a party. Ayanna sees them and freezes up in terror. There’s nowhere to hide/run. They collide.
Ayanna: Omg Jack and Maddie… heyyyyy.
Maddie: Hi, Ayanna.
Ayanna: What’s up guys? How you been? Maddie blink twice if you need help.
(laughs)
I’m totally kidding!
(whispers)
I’m not kidding.
Jack: Whaaat the fuck…
Maddie: Soooo… Thanks for coming to my show last month.
Ayanna: Of course are you kidding? Maddie it was incredible.
Jack: Law 17.
Ayanna: Huh?
Jack: You know what the fuck I’m talking about.
Ayanna: That is not law 17! That’s literally just my personality! By the way the craziest thing happened the other week. I had this dream where you murdered me! Brutally. It was crazy. I woke up so mad like, yes Jack would definitely kill me, fucking asshole. Then I realized well no of course not. You couldn’t kill someone physically. But what it did was made me think all day about the multiple times back when we were together where you-
Jack: I’m sorry I killed you Ayanna. Truly.
Maddie: Isn’t it so crazy we all ended up at the same college?
Ayanna: I think about it all the time. You know the first couple weeks I didn’t know Jack went here. Then the first time I saw him I had a panic attack! Literally! I had to start going to therapy. Nightmares, flashbacks. all that.
Jack: It’s been great catching up Ayanna. Take it easy.
Ayanna: Bye Maddie! When he starts being a monster I’m just a call away!
VR therapy app/simulator
Scene before unwritten yet, Alex brings home a demo simulation machine from pointing vector, supposed to be used for exposure therapy purposes, Ayanna uses it for this next scene.
Alex: yeah yeah I’ve tried it already. I (blank) START
(Ayanna presses a button to enter the simulation. Alex remains on stage but oblivious to her. Ayanna is surprised to see Jack sitting on a bench. She looks at him for a moment.)
(This is a monologue. Things in parenthesis aren’t said aloud.)
Jack: (Yelps shit!)
Ayanna: Sorry
Jack: (What do you want ?)
Ayanna: I just wanted to say hi
Jack: (Hi hi. )
Ayanna: How are you
Jack: (Im okay. Me and maddie broke up)
Ayanna: You guys broke up? Haha good for her. I'm just kidding. Can I sit down?
Jack: (Uhh sure.)
Ayanna: Y'know there's actually one thing I've always really wanted to talk to you about. I just figured I'd never get the opportunity. So please just hear me out as my fellow... sympathetic human being. The first time I saw you walking around here I had a panic attack. Then I started having nightmares or like I couldn’t sleep at night. I became very fixated on this one thing that I had repressed for a really long time but realized a couple months after we broke up. I think it took me so long to accept because when someone hurts you it’s almost easier to convince yourself it was your fault because that way you had control over the situation somehow. Now I realize I didn’t have any control. I was a really weak person, I don’t want to directly blame you for that but... you were a very controlling person. You made me into a different person in your image for a year. I started going to therapy but... I don’t think I’ll ever truly get over it. And that fucking sucks. (Pause)
You raped me Jack. Two times where I verbally said stop and you willfully ignored me. Once I confronted you and you convinced me that you didn’t hear me. I know you heard me. Do you hear me right now? Then you heard me back then. Countless times where I did not want to have sex but you would not give up till I gave in. It’s called coercion. I know, rape and coercion and controlling, scary words. You’ve probably buried it deeper than I have. I actually have this theory that because we were so young and immature, basically that young teenage boys just cannot have a relationship where they don’t see the girl as primarily a sex object. I’m not saying we didn’t love each other deeply... But you’re my rapist Jack. You’ve made my life a lot harder. I have to carry this thing around with me forever.
(Pause)
(Ayanna presses button to end the simulation)
Alex: How was it?
Ayanna: good
Alex and Ayanna (E) got stuck in the toxic sludge dimension :(
A: Sometimes shit like this just happens okay? You don’t get no do overs. You don’t get any hints. You come so close every day to becoming a pulverised bag of meat why ever think about it?
E: Because I’m fucking scared. I love my life.
A: Then why do you proclaim so loudly the exact opposite?
E: I can’t control it Alex. Jesus don’t you think I’ve fucking tried? It’s like a sneeze. Let me live. I do not hate my life! Which is exactly why I think your point of view on this is unhelpful, disgusting, and immoral as fuck.
A: What the fuck is immoral to you?
E: It’s not to me it’s to nature. We’re biologically wired to think of things as immoral if it’s gonna fuck with your chances of reproducing.
A: That can’t be it.
E: Got any better ideas? What kind of sane person doesn’t give a fuck that we’re gonna die?
A: Because everyone died you can’t change that!
E: That’s just another place where you’re wrong my friend. Once again. I will cheat death. I will become God. I have before so I can do it again.
A: You’re so blinded. You’re impossible to talk to.
E: Well I don’t want to talk to you unless you’ve got any ideas. GIVE THAT TO ME YOU’RE DOING IT SO FUCKING SLOW.
A: Jesus christ. I can’t believe I let you speak to me like this. I’ve done-
E: I’m sorry. I had no intention of making you feel like that.
A: You’re such a bad liar. Not an ounce of remorse.
E: Why should I be sorry?
A: Because you love me.
E: That is correct. I could love you more.
A: LET ME OUT OF HERE. Time is moving so fucking slow.
E: I feel like a sleepy angry baby.
A: I just know you’re gonna die alone. If there’s one thing that makes me feel better about any of this is that you’re going to die cold, sad and alone. Everyone-- no one will give a shit because you pushed them all away.
E: I’m not a people’s person. I just want friends who understand me.
A: By your logic that’s fucking immoral.
E: So I’ve sinned in my eyes. So what? I’ve sinned plenty more in yours.
A: I’m tired.
E: Me too.
A: Reset?
E: I’m trying to breathe. My chest feels tight and I’m so exhausted I want to cry.
A: It’ll all be over soon.
E: That’s what I want the least.
A: Are you sure?
E: Yes.
A: I think I know you better than you know yourself.
E: Well of course you do. Everyone fucking does. Nothing I do will ever change that. I’ve heard it all a million times you prick. I’m readable. I’m a bad liar. I’m predictable. Let me tell you that I never let my guard down. I’m a different person to everyone I meet and nothing will ever change that cuz I’m a fucking survivor. My soul is a million years old. I know things you couldn’t ever dream of.
A: No.
E: Yes!
A: No!
E: God I AGH.You’re just like the rest of them. And my father.
A: A reflection of you my love. Since you love yourself so much it would do you well to love me too.
E: Well I hate myself so fuck you.
A: Now now. That’s not true.
E: It’s so true. I never do this right. I control so little. I can only watch myself be a monster.
A: Yes it is pretty hard to love you but I think-- do you smell that?
E: Yeah.
A: What the fuck?
E: I don’t know.
A: Where is it coming from?
E: I don’t know… now it’s gone.
A: This place is fucking weird.
E: It’s alive. It’s making its claim.
A: My bones feel like broken glass. I’m so done.
E: I forgot what I was going to say uhhh… Do you remember the first time you derealized?
A: Yes. It was scary as fuck and no one believed me. They gave me antipsychotics! Can you imagine? The first night I felt great. I felt high. Then I slept for 16 hours and woke up deeper in my sunken state than ever. I stuck it out for two days and flushed them down the toilet. I got in so much trouble. But they put me on antipsychotics! They said I was having marijuana induced delusions but didn’t take into account the fact that my grandma literally just died. It’s a prison of your own creation really. Because yes, life was always like that. Now you just see how ugly it really is. I remember so bad just begging the universe to let me see again. I forgot you don’t need your eyes. The most frustrating thing was none of my friends knew what the fuck I was talking about. Now it’s everywhere.
E: I think it’s standing on the precipice of breaking out of the simulation.
A: You just gave me an idea.
(End Scene)
Last Scene
(Ayanna and Alex are sleeping soundly. Ayanna wakes up)
Ayanna: Alex? Alex?
Alex: hhhuh?
Ayanna: Do you feel the earth shaking?
Alex: Sto- oh wait.
(Sirens begin in the distance and quickly grow in volume. Nuclear warning?)
Alex: What the hell?
Ayanna: I think it’s just the police?
(Alex goes to the window and pulls the curtain. Downtown is aflame)
Alex: Shit!
(explosion in the apartment building’s hallway)
Ayanna: Wait wait no no we’re definitely dreaming.
Alex: Get up!
(they run towards the door, the handle burns Alex)
Alex: Fuck.
Ayanna: This is a lot sooner than I hoped.
Alex: Look at me.
Ayanna: I’m about to die in a fire. I’m about to breathe in fire and my skin is about to melt off.
Alex: I know.
(Fire enters the apartment)
(They stand on the kitchen table and share a grotesquely soggy snotty and desperate kiss as the earth splits open)
Ayanna and Pope Joan in the afterlife
A: You really had a nice life though. Overall. I wonder… would you say it was worth it?
J: I was the most powerful person on earth but what I cared most about was knowing the most. Finding out God wasn’t real was quite a punch in the gut for sure. It was painful of course… I don’t know if I can answer your question.
A: I mean, the last hour of your life was the type of hell Catholics give up their lives, in every sense of the word, to avoid.
J: Yes but only for an hour maybe. Compared to a lifetime no woman of my time could ever imagine. If anything it hurts worse knowing that an average teenager like you understands more about the nature of the universe than me.
A: I wouldn’t say I’m just an average teenager.
J: Why don’t you tell me then. Afterall, we didn’t die too differently. I’m interested to know.
A: My only regret is that we took it for granted, we hid from each other, even when we knew the end wasn’t far off. Especially when we thought we could stop it for a brief moment. And now I’ll never have what so many do. A deep, long-lasting, true love. Well at least it was true.
J: Take solace in the fact that I never got that either.
Margie and Talia Remember when they used to be best friends also I don’t know how epi-pens work
(Talia and Margie are in a teeny tiny apartment kitchenette making a pasta dish for their roommate Ayanna’s birthday)
T: Can you like to hold the strainer and I’ll pour this in there?
M: Do we have any gloves?
T: I think there’s a mitt somewhere up there.
M: Okay umm (gets it) Yeah okay let’s do this.
T: Do you know when she’s coming home?
M: She said 6
T: Okay cool cool.
M: But anyway as I was saying it’s like I’ve heard you sing Talia. I know you know how to sing. Back there it was like you just decided not to with that indie girl crap.
T: I know. I know. Okay? I’m working things out. I’m rusty, okay? And unfortunately addicted to nicotine.
M: Like how often do you practice?
T: (whimper)
M: No it’s fine it’s just like I’m trying to help you.
T: No I know. I really respect your opinion. I agree with you. I just don’t like to think about it. I mean is it so necessary to really BE A SINGER to sing?
M: I mean yeah Talia it helps a lot.
T: Right that’s why I used to try so hard. It’s like. Okay, listen. So like. What’s the most joyous thing a human being can do, right? Sing. Like you get that gig or your crush texts you and you’re like (opera) AHHHH. So I was like cool okay let’s get really good at this because then I’ll be even happier. But then it was so much pressure and I guess I got really good, or like better, pretty fast but then one day I’m driving home from my singing lesson and I’m on the 10 west and I’m literally sobbing. I hated myself because I wrapped up my worth in how good of a singer I was. And I was like wait, I started singing because it made me so incredibly happy and now I’m having a breakdown in the middle of traffic and everyone can see my snot all because I can’t get a high C? Then I was like wait fuck this. And now I guess I suck again.
M: I don’t think training to sing well takes the joy out of it.
T: Right. For you. And that’s great like I think you’re amazing and I admire your discipline it’s just that I don’t know how to find that balance. I’ve tried. (pause) Okay, I think it should be cool enough by now let’s try it.
M: Yummmmmm. MMMMMmmmm delicious. We make a good team.
T: I think we make a great team!
M: Remember when we used to be best best friends?
T: Yeah that was fun. And we’re still friends!
M: Yeeess :) (pause) (starts having a serious allergic reaction like coughing a lot)
T: Oh my god you’re turning red are you okay?
M: My bag. Epipen.
T: I DON’T KNOW HOW TO DO THAT FUCK
M: Just--
T: AHHHHHHHHH
(Fire alarm starts going off)
T: There’s a fire!? I hear dozens of people running down the hallway.
M: T (cough) al (cough) i (cough) a
T: I’m trying to find it! What’s more important this or should we get out of here and then? Oh my god here it is.
M: Give (cough)
T: Okay yes yes here you go. Okay I’m right here.
M: (Shoots herself with EpiPen) fuuuuccck. Damn. Jesus Christ. That was scary.
T: OKAY CMON THERE’S A FIRE.
M: yeah.
(Talia and Margie run out of the apartment. Margie’s kind of slow about it. They leave the stove on.)
Scene for tonight (maddie and emma)
(the girls are laying out by Margie’s pool)
A: That’s why I’ve always felt like I would be a really good president.
M: I think you totally could like you’re very open minded but you also-
A: I’m pragmatic but most importantly, as the despot of America, I would have transcendent love for everyone. Even people who hate me.
M: Like even people who think gay people shouldn’t get married and abortions should be illegal?
A: Yes and I have a great idea for them. Because they’re not like inherently bad people, you know? Like with the abortion thing, they literally believe it’s murder. I can’t argue with that! I can’t tell you it’s not murder. I mean honestly… it kind of is you know? Murder that we’re okay with. But I can see why they think that. They’re really christian, we shouldn’t suppress them.
M: They want us to live in their world though. They show up at gay pride with these awful signs and they want to take away our rights. Like how is that allowed?
A: But they’re not shutting down gay pride, I mean if we outlawed them from protesting gay pride how are we better? It’s hateful and icky but… Listen god is dead anyway y’know? It’s just taking his body a long time to decompose. (pause) It just blows my mind that someone could be so adamantly serious and diehard about one specific political ideology and ever think that they’re right. There’s just no way that in a country with two such crazily polar opposite extreme sects, that one of them is right. Neither of them can be right or the other wouldn’t exist.
M: But the middle of those two extremes, is still crazy. It still wouldn’t leave everyone happy just equally dissatisfied.
A: Not necessarily. Okay listen, take all the crazy republicans. Put them in one state. Like maybe Missouri or something would offer itself up. Whoever wants to go live there, yes go have fun. If you're stuck there and you hate it, we’ll get you out. The laws of this state are super conservative like nothing is legal except guns.
M: They’ll just be like, you’re only giving us one state? No we want more, we want everyone to live under our ideals.
A: Okay well that’s only phase 1. Phase 2 is we make a virtual reality that’s a conservative paradise, and everyone can go live there but from the comfort of wherever they actually are. (pause) By the way I don’t tell you this enough but I literally love you so much.
M: Aww I love you too.
A: Like you just understand me and accept me and you think I’m cool and I just love you and thank you. When I have to take over the world I will most definitely spare you.
(Ayanna gets a call)
Oh my god Alex is calling me what? I don’t think he’s ever called me before ahhh okay I’m gonna act like I’m alone.
(picks up)
Oh heyyyy, this is Alex from biology right? Oh. Alex Alex. Yeah sorry, I was just expecting a call from my other friend Alex. I have so many Alex’s in my phone yknow sometimes I lose track. But yeah how are you Alex? Oh me? I’m good I was just… reading some… philosophy… books. Yeah maybe I have to check my schedule. I’ll let you know. Okay, bye.
M: That was so smooth Ayanna damn.
A: Auuuuuughghghghgh
M: I know how you feel.
A: He said he wants to show me something really cool what the fuck does that mean.
M: Maybe it’s his penis.
A: I’ve already seen his penis. It is cool though.
M: Wow then I really don’t know. Maybe he has a second penis?
A: I have to go right now. Oh my god I feel like I’m about to yakk into your pool.
M: Oh you don’t have to do that it’s okay. Have fun Ayanna! I believe in you!
A: (running out) Thank you!!
(end scene)
Ayanna monologue (she is typing and speaking aloud)
I procrastinate using my own to-do list. The lag on computer is more disconcerting than on paper. I click the red underlines to procrastinate. Or am I………. a perfectionist? Too many grey dots lined against the page. (sees something scary peripherally) I see you from the corners of my eyes. I look at the tv. It’s a big red rock in a red desert and now a yellow highway against a blue lake city. (clock turns to 12:00 am) Then it’s the next day. No you didn’t accomplish everything. You don’t always have to go for the red line. I have that feeling that happens when you don’t move too much but you definitely said too much. Also I can hear a car alarm up against the inside of the tiny dimension inside machines. (looks at the tv again) Is that a window or a floor? Either way it’s stunning. Maybe I should just delete everything. Maybe I should just delete everything. (chuckles). I feel like a clogged sink. A sink clogged with four beautiful girls-- oh shit. Are we -- is that an earthquake? I knew it would end like this. Because of this. Fuck. maybe it’s something else and I’m just a casualty?
(get up and touch the floor.) I’m the one shaking. Not the earth. Hmph.
(hugs herself) My skin is warm at least. It’s comforting. I should just go to bed I think. Who’s talking? It sounds metallic. I do be hearing things sometimes. Is Margie crying? I think I can see things shaking too. Am I the only one who feels these things? I definitely -- oh shit that cable is definitely shaking. Or like swaying. Hmmm. (deep breaths)