Lenten Observance (A Play) Act II

Act II

Scene I

The sitting-room

Easter Saturday a year later

Afternoon

(Mark is watching football on TV)

Mark: Go on you twat shoot! What an idiot. How could you miss from there?
Oh shit it’s a breakaway. Watch this, just watch it – they’ll score here. Get back for Chris…for God’s sake, cover. Look, he’s through. Like a hot knife through butter. Save it keeper, come out and cover the angles. Don’t stay back. You moron, you fuck…you grade A moron. (Pause) It’s a goal; what else could I have expected? What a bunch of losers. Last five minutes as well. We’ve lost the league now. “Do the math” as the Yanks say.

(Nathan enters)

Nathan: What’s the swearing for?

Mark: Lost silverware.

Nathan: I don’t understand.

Mark: United, they blew it.

Nathan: They got beaten you mean?

Mark: What the bloody hell else?

Nathan: You should say what you mean Dad. (Pause) My team lost too.

Mark: Your team! They’re a joke, a disgrace to the town.

Nathan: It’s still my team and my town. Why don’t you support them Dad?

Mark: Listen son, I didn’t ask to be born here. I can support who I want. United have better players.

Nathan: United have more money.

Mark: That is a fact of life Nathan. It’s something else you have to get used to; laws of the jungle, survival of the fittest and all that.

Nathan: City would have more money if you went to see them. You could take me.

Mark: I’m not wasting my money.

Nathan: So instead you watch United on telly.

Mark: I’ve earned it – I pay for it.

Nathan: City are hardly ever on telly.

Mark: Look son I have been watching united since I was a kid. My old man never took me to matches, certainly not before my mother left him. United have always had a great following. That’s what football’s all about – fidelity.

Nathan: What’s that?

Mark: It’s about staying loyal to something regardless of change. It’s what makes a man a man.

Nathan: I thought it was a penis.

Mark: Nathan! Where did you learn that word?

Nathan: At school, of course.

Mark: You shouldn’t repeat what the other boys say.

Nathan: I’m not. I learnt it from the teacher.

Mark: What on earth is going in our schools? Are they employing anybody these days?

(Julie enters)

Julie: Animus School is the same as every other school, they have sex education classes.

Mark: He does?

Nathan: Of course we do. They teach us how men and women reproduce. How the penis is inserted into the vag…

Mark: Yes, yes, okay son, I am well versed in the procedure.

Julie: With all this knowledge you’re embracing Nathan, I don’t know whether you’re frightening or embarrassing your father.

Nathan: Then there’s sexuality: heterosexual, lesbian and homosexual.

Mark: Why on earth would you want to learn about the last two?

Julie: Because they have sexual drives like we all do.

Pause

(Mark looks bemused)

Julie: Because they’re human beings too.

Mark: (Mark goes across toward the sacred heart picture and places his hands on each side as if covering Christ’s ears) Good God, in the middle of the Easter week end!

Julie: Most apt.

Mark: Are you listening to this? Is this really what I should be expecting from my son’s education?

Julie: You cried when you received the letter confirming his place at Animus Academy. What was it you said: “Do you know how hard it is to get in there? They can only take so many”.

Mark: Surely the others don’t have to go through this?

Julie: Mark, drop the melodrama; it’s not a test of fire. They attend a Catholic school and so I rather doubt that their sex lessons will have involved more than what you would regard as ‘normal’. Animus is not a faith school, it has another agenda.

Mark: But you will conform in this house. Nathan your penis…ah em…your willy is not something you should bring out in the open.

(Nathan Giggles)

Julie (Almost whispering): Oh the irony.

Mark: The innocence of childhood can often be preferable to the crudity of the teenager. Perhaps we need to remember the infant in us all.

Nathan: I remember.

Mark: You do! What do you remember?

Nathan: Lots of things. I recall once, as a baby, staring out of the pushchair into a cold night. There were specks of snow falling. It wasn’t here though it was somewhere else. I got upset over the traffic lights.

Julie: It was Birmingham. We went Christmas shopping.

Nathan: They wouldn’t stay green.

Mark: But you couldn’t have been more than three!

Nathan: Was I? They kept changing. I hated it. I couldn’t figure out why they wouldn’t stay as they were. What was the point of being orange, let alone red?
Wasn’t green good enough?

Mark: Red’s my favourite colour.

Julie: But you cope with change now. Your teachers have helped tremendously.

Nathan: And the trees.

Mark: We all know you love the trees.

Nathan: But do you know why?

Julie: Explain it to us son.

Nathan: They were different. No matter what the weather, they seemed to calm me when I gazed at them. It was the movement that drew me, always the movement. And the wonder of what caused it. How could a force that was invisible, unseen, make these creatures dance so beautifully. It didn’t matter what the weather was like, they retained their beauty it would just assume a different form.

Mark: Trees are not alive Nathan, they can’t breathe.

Nathan: Can’t they? I hear them. I hear them sighing when a soft breeze slips through their branches and gently caresses each single leaf. I hear their laughter when a sudden unexpected gust surprises them from behind them and each gulping scream when gales blast at their sides.

Mark: Well maybe I’m a little deaf son, eh?

(Knock on the door)

Nathan: That’ll be Daniel. (Exits)

Mark: I think I preferred my son when I could understand him.

(Nathan re-appears with Daniel)

Nathan: We’re just going to my room Dad.

Mark: Okay. (Joking)Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.

(They exit).

Mark: He’s certainly come a long way from the little boy left looking out of the classroom window, all because his teacher couldn’t understand him.

Julie: Are we doing anything today?

Mark: Can’t I rest?

Julie: You do that every holiday, can’t we go somewhere?

Mark: On a bank holiday?

Julie: For God’s sake Mark, I’m not asking for Alton Towers here, just a walk around the park, maybe a picnic.

Mark: Let’s go Sunday, after mass.

Julie: But it’s nice today. Besides which by the time we go to mass, come back and get everything sorted, the day’s half gone.

Mark: Are you suggesting that we miss church?

Julie: Well if you can’t move your arse today, would it matter just once so we could have a whole day with you, doing things other families get around to at weekends.

Mark: Why are you picking on me?

Julie: I watch you some evenings getting changed for work. It seems to reveal a lot about you as a person.

Mark: That I take a great pride in how I look, and how people see me so what?

Julie: You operate a fork-lift Mark! You drive to the warehouse. You work indoors all night. Who’s watching?

Mark: You never know. Untidy tie, untidy mind.

Julie: It’s hypocritical.

Mark: No, it’s silk and cotton. (Laughs)

Julie: You still criticise that teacher for something that happened 12 years ago, yet she was never trained to recognize autism.

Mark: He’d still be there now if it were up to her.

Julie: And where would he be if it were left to you?

Mark: I’ve always been there for him.

Julie: You don’t recall screaming at him when he couldn’t understand those simple sums you tried to teach him?

Mark: But how was I to know…?

Julie: How many times have you played teacher to your other children? Only to fail time and time again because you haven’t had the patience to see they can’t grasp what seems to be so simple to you.

Mark: It’s how they’re taught at school these days that’s to blame. They don’t do things the way I did.

Julie: Isn’t that good?

Mark: Well then how can you blame me when I get frustrated with them? I’m only trying to help after all.

Julie: Too many hours spent at work.

Mark: Not this again. Look at this place: it’s warm and comfortable, the kids have never wanted for anything and I never pushed you out to work did I?

Julie: Your consideration is overwhelming. It’s never occurred to me before that I’ve had the life of Reilly.

Mark: Not at all.

Julie: Mark, can’t you stop being an arrogant arsehole for a minute?

Mark: Why do I always have to defend myself for working hard?

Julie: You don’t have to. You need to realise that millions of others out there doing just as much as you, and maybe even more and they’re not all standing on the great parade ground of life waiting for hero badges to be stuck to their chests.

Mark: Am I to be court-martialled then?

Julie: No, you need to take some compassionate leave.

Mark: I can’t, I’ve told you. I’m needed there.

Julie: How many times have you said that only to be stitched up and stabbed in the back by people that have more influence than you?

Mark: It’s an occupational hazard. When one door closes another opens, that’s been my philosophy and I’ve survived haven’t I?

Julie: Yes, but look around the lifeboat Mark, where are the other passengers?

Mark: What do you mean?

Julie: They’re jumped out of the boat and swam for shore. They’re getting on with their lives. The only one still paddling is you. You need rescuing.

Mark: You’re beginning to sound like Nathan now.

Julie: Precisely. He’s grown up, like Louise and Frank and you’ve barely noticed it. Will it be any different with Sarah? We go on without you, or despite you, only having the privilege of seeing you briefly at weekends, and a little bit longer during the holidays.

Mark: And summer?

Julie: One week? 25 years we’ve been married and the longest time we’ve ever been away is ten days, and that was our honeymoon.

Mark: But we couldn’t afford to.

Julie: Yes, for all that time spent at work. We’ve never even been abroad.

Mark: We’re practically Mediterranean anyway with all this global warming.

Julie: Don’t be so flippant.

Mark: It’s true. The week we have booked in St Ives will seem more like St Tropez.

Julie: In late September!

Mark: Well it won’t be so hot then. You need a cool breeze to really enjoy the sun.

Julie: Early June the year before wasn’t it? How long have you worked there?

Mark: Twenty years.

Julie: Haven’t you any kind of seniority at all? Why do you always get stuck with the shitty weeks?

Mark: But I explained; Raj wanted to go home to India this year and he hasn’t seen his family for two years.

Julie: He has my sympathy.

Mark: And Gordon’s wife could only get August and I can’t expect him to take a separate holiday from his wife. After all they’ve only been married a year.

Julie: Good for her.

Mark: And Tony…

Julie: Hang on are you trying to tell me that you’ve stepped aside for all these people?

Mark: Only four.

Julie: Four! That’s eight fucking weeks of prime summer vacation you’ve just given away. How long have you been acting the martyr?

Mark: Not so…

Julie: Mark, the truth – how long?

Mark: On and off? Ten years.

Julie: You rotten bastard.

Mark: So I sacrificed some, isn’t that the Christian way?

Julie: So what am I? What are the kids? Don’t I bend a knee every Sunday? Don’t your children bless themselves and receive Holy Communion every week in the Lord’s name? We’ve all got crosses Mark we don’t need to carry yours.

Mark: Next year, I promise we’ll have August…and for two weeks.

Julie: Where? Rome, Paris, a Greek island maybe?

(Enter Frank)

Frank: Arguing again.

Mark: Better to argue with a loved one than make love to a stranger.

Frank: Wow, St. Thomas Aquinas, no?

Julie: One of your father’s dogmatic variations.

Mark: It’s the back bone of this family. It’s what keeps us together.

Frank: By the way I’m leaving.

Julie: What?

Frank: Moving out. I’ve got a place.

Mark: On your wages?

Julie: It’s not a toilet is it?

Mark: No – it’s on the Steppe estate.

Mark: But that’s a really nice new development.

Julie: You’re not into anything illegal are you?

Mark: I knew it. As the feet leave the true path…

Frank: I have a partner.

Julie: A friend? Not Barry, he’s an idiot.

Frank: A girlfriend.

Mark: Finished playing the field now, have we? Sowed enough wild seed? Now we’re living in sin?

Julie: But Frank, do I know this girl? Can she be trusted? Will she run out on…?

Frank: Hey, I’m 20. I don’t have to submit to an inquisition.

Mark: You’ve used me? You took this home and everything in it, TV, DVD, games machines, beds, sofas, food, heating…

Frank: So you deny me these things now? Can’t I in turn give these to mine? Isn’t that how it works. Isn’t that what He wants? (Points upwards)

Julie: She’s pregnant then?

(Frank nods assent)

Mark: Just one or are there two bastards in her stomach?

(Sarah enters)

Sarah (Mimicking a nursery rhyme): Dad said a naughty word.

Mark: Better to say than do.

Frank: Any more of this philosophy and you’ll be able to open your own branch.

Julie: Sarah, sweetheart it might be better if you don’t hear this.

Mark: Let her hear. She should be aware of the immoral underbelly of secular Britain.

Frank: Immoral? I love her.

Sarah: That’s good isn’t it?

Julie: Yes it is but…oh why the hell am I arguing for his position? I’m happy for you Frank.

Mark: Three against one.

Frank: An unholy trinity.

(Louise enters)

Louise: Uh oh, trouble?

Sarah: Frank’s pregnant.

Louise: Are you sure it’s yours?

Mark (Walks toward the Sacred Heart picture): What have I done wrong? I don’t understand where this road is taking me anymore. Haven’t I done everything expected of me? I rewarded them it for being good and disciplined them when they were bad. I’ve tried to protect them from the evil influences of this world. Still it finds its way into my house, brought in by weak wills and easy morals.

Julie: For Heaven’s sake they’re our children not some criminal underclass.

Louise: Besides which didn’t Christ forgive the sinners crucified with him.

Mark: Only the one.

Frank: And I’m the other then Dad? - left to singe my arse in Hell for eternity in the name of improper love; unsanctioned and unauthorized by a state which neither knows us or will protect us.

Louise: So you’re moving in with Rachel then?

Julie: Well, at least now I know her name. Good news seems to keep passing me by.

Mark: You make a mockery of the gospel.

Frank: You’d have told him Mum, sorry.

Sarah: Who’s Rachel?

Mark: Frank’s slut.

(Frank advances angrily toward his father)

Frank: You bastard!

Julie: Frank, get back. Mark you’re a disgrace.

Frank: No he’s not he’s simply an anachronism.

Sarah: What’s a slut?

Louise: I wouldn’t know.

Mark: If I were Abraham…

Frank: There’d be one more ram in the flock.

Sarah: What’s an anachronism?

Louise: Abraham.

Julie: This isn’t going to be easy.

Frank: Look, Dad, this isn’t what you wanted for me? I know and I admit I’m a little confused.

Sarah: Me too.

Mark: Listen to him, confused and getting shacked up with a strange woman.

Louise: Rachel’s lovely Dad. You would really like her. She’s quiet, intelligent and uncomplicated. Like Nathan in some ways.

Mark: Don’t compare my little Prince…

Julie: But if your emotions are topsy-turvy?

Frank: Do I have to write it down for you both. I want to sort my life out with Rachel’s help. Whatever happens, whatever I become when I reach the end of the tunnel, I’ll be - through her, with her and in her.

Sarah: Like Jesus.

Mark: I can’t stand this. I need to pray. I’m going to church.

Julie: But we were all going to the vigil tonight.

Mark: No I need to go alone.

(Exits)

Louise: Gethsemane.

Sarah: Like Jesus.

Julie: Perhaps we’re asleep.

Frank: I’d better go too. I have to meet Rachel.

Julie: Take care son; I’ll start to pack some of your things.

Louise: Sarah can help me collect your CD’s and DVD’s.

Frank: I’ll leave you in peace then.

Sarah: Like Jesus.

Louise: Shut up.

(Sarah and Louise exit)

Julie: Frank, I’m not going to give you the “your old man’s really a great guy” speech because we both know people are far more complicated, particularly you’re Dad, even if he doesn’t recognize it himself.

Frank: You’re telling me! The number of times he’s grounded me for swearing and yet he could fall out with himself on a deserted island.

Julie: He has a temper but he’s never hurt any of us, physically. (Cries)

Frank: Mum, what’s wrong – has he hit you, for real?

Julie: I feel like the Incas must have.

Frank: I don’t follow…

Julie: Conquered – wiped out, left bereft by the onslaught of religious conviction.

Frank: Coming over to my side are you?

(Pause)

Julie: I’ve spent the last three years in no-man’s land between you and your father. On one side the forces of Religion opposing the army of the atheist masses. But somehow I always felt things were far clearer where I stood than in either of your camps.

Frank: Life’s as misty to me as it is to every other young adult.

Julie: But occasionally the fog lifts and allows me a view of both sides.

(Pause)

Julie: Frank, I’ve worked hard haven’t I? I’ve cooked and cleaned. I’ve changed dirty nappies and climbed out of warm beds to breast feed you all. For years I’ve gone without but I said to myself “It’ll be worth it, one day, when they’re older and begin their own lives, they’ll be space and time and I’ll reap the harvest”. Now I feel like a mid-west farmer after a plague of locusts have ravaged his crops. All that loving, all that nurturing invested, only to be left standing in a dry open porch clutching a parched corn stalk, staring at a horizon where the sun’s setting over mutilated fields.

Frank: Do you want to leave Dad?

Julie: I wanted to pull you two together again. Haul you out of the trenches and have a game of football, like those soldiers did that first Christmas during World War 1. Forsake ideology and indulge in humanity. I think I may need a Rachel Frank. Frank looks at her askew No, not that. How can I find solutions with a man who thinks in black and white and feels in grey? He’s in church, harrowing a biblical hell with Christ, and ignoring the domestic version.

Frank: One that he’s helped create.

Julie: It’s not him it’s dogma; something that he inherited and has hidden away, like the Dorian Gray portrait, sitting covered in a curtained room, untreated and septic slowly discolouring and darkening.

Frank: Waiting for destruction, or resurrection.

Julie: I think I’ll go upstairs for a while.

Frank: Tired?

Julie: No, perhaps I need to pray too.

Frank: For my father, for me?

Julie: For all of us.

Frank: Say one for me, will you?

Julie: I will. Bye Son.

(She kisses him – exeunt)

Scene II

Nathan’s bedroom

(The two boys are sitting on Nathan’s bed playing with a games console)

Nathan: I’ve got you this time.

Daniel: You think so?

Nathan: Watch out for my special move.

Daniel: I’m ready.

(The boys begin playing vigorously with their game pads)

Nathan: Oh, no - I haven’t much energy left.

Daniel: This is the end.

Nathan: AAAAAARRRRRR!!!!

Daniel. You are dead my son.

Nathan: That was some move. Where did you learn that?

Daniel: A combination of cheating and practice.

Nathan: Excellent.

Daniel: How come you don’t mind losing to me?

Nathan: I do.

Daniel: No you don’t, you always take it on the chin.

Nathan: I’m a good loser. That’s one of the things I’ve been taught will help me (Mimes the inverted commas) “assimilate” myself into society.

Daniel: Bollocks. I’ve seen you play Louise. When she’s beaten you you’re in bits.

Nathan: Louise is different.

Daniel: I thought you were supposed to be different.

Nathan: I am aren’t I?

Daniel: You seem pretty normal to me; always have done – except for the obsessions, and, bloody hell, we’ve all had them.

Nathan: You’re different.

Daniel: I would hope so. Don’t want to be anybody’s little lamb.

Nathan: How can you be a lamb, you’re a boy.

Daniel: It’s a figure of speech. It means that I don’t want to be a follower but a leader.

Nathan: Like the Good Shepherd, like Jesus?

Daniel: I don’t go for that crap.

Nathan: Why is it crap?

Daniel: Come on now. (Picks up a bible from Nathan’s bedside table) The Bible’s just a book, and not a very good book at that. (Slings it away) The big bang’s what created everything? And the dinosaurs; where do Adam and Eve fit with them? Were they their pets? Maybe they used to race them, eh? Put me a tenner on Trevor the T Rex in the 4.30 at Jurassic Park.

Nathan: They could’ve lived in another country. They can’t swim can they?

Daniel: What did they teach you at school?

Nathan: Lots of things.

Daniel: And space and time – did you learn about that?

Nathan: The stars, oh yeah, of course.

Daniel: All that we can see came from that very first explosion.

Nathan: Let there be light.

Daniel: Now you’re talking. The weather and trees are your fixation yes?

(Nathan nods)

Daniel: Where did it all come from then?

Nathan: Dad says…

Daniel: Never mind dad, what do you think?

Nathan: God?

Daniel: That’s still your dad. Stardust, that’s where all this comes from. Even me and you, we’re the same, made from stars. (Goes to the window)

Nathan: That’s stupid.

Daniel: Every single atom in your body can be traced back to that first massive explosion.

Nathan: An atom, that’s science.

Daniel: Correct. And science and God don’t mix.

Nathan: Why not?

Daniel: He’s not needed now is he? Us Catholics only keep him around to make you feel guilty.

Nathan: I’m not guilty of anything.

Daniel: You will be. Let’s say you win the lottery, could you keep the money, buy a big house, a big car and live abroad in five star luxury accommodation? You can if you want but first you’d have to eradicate all that guilt that’s been drilled into you.

Nathan: Where?

Daniel: At church and in your home.

Nathan: My mum and dad are the best. They’ve never been unkind to me.

Daniel: Guilt supersedes that. It’s all pervasive; it’s part of the very creed you have to live by.

Nathan: Daniel, I know what’s wrong and what’s right. They taught me that.

Daniel: And guilt is the tool they use.

Nathan: I don’t understand.

Daniel: You argued with Louise last week, didn’t you?

Nathan: Yes, I hit her.

Daniel: Your dad told you off.

Nathan: He never hit me though.

Daniel: How did you feel?

Nathan: Angry, because she was wrong.

Daniel: Why didn’t you protest? Why didn’t you stick to your guns?

Nathan: Turn the other cheek.

Daniel: Exactly – accept it, because even though you know you’re right he’s made you feel guilty about it.

Nathan: So guilt is wrong?

Daniel: No, no, a certain type of guilt is necessary. It’s what keeps most of us from killing, and stealing and hurting others. But that’s human guilt, natural, unadulterated, fresh from the root. Not some sort of predetermined genetic default hiding away in your DNA strand.

Nathan: Original sin, is that it?

Daniel: The bad fruit, yes. It’s amazing really?

Nathan: What is?

Daniel: I can use a figure of speech and you take me literally and yet you’re capable of making very astute leaps of wisdom when we discuss faith.

Nathan: But it’s not complicated like science. Science is hard.

Daniel: But it makes more sense than God.

Nathan: But why, why doesn’t God make sense?

Daniel: Okay why have you got your condition? What purpose does it serve? Your Mum and Dad go to Church regularly so why did he make you autistic? Why weren’t you born to some one else?

Nathan: But I don’t blame God for making me this way. We can’t all be clever. That would be boring.

Daniel: What about wars and don’t give me that bollocks about free will.

Nathan: I can’t understand it, all I know is that sometimes I get angry and I can’t stop myself. I’m just glad I’m not a king or a Prime Minister.

Daniel: My Dad was killed in a car crash.

Nathan: I remember, you were with me that day when your mum came for you. I cried and cried but I never met him.

Daniel: The driver who hit him was drunk or drugged up at the time. Where was God that day? Which seat was he sitting in?

Nathan: What do you mean?

Daniel: The driver got away with a five-year ban. He lost his licence and I lost my father.

Nathan: That’s when you stopped going to mass.

Daniel: There’s no cure there for my father. He was a good friend. I often imagined what we’d do together when I was a man: going to the races, he loved the horses, you know; maybe a big match, a cup final, or a European Championship.

Nathan: Lazarus.

Daniel: Another myth.

Nathan: No, you don’t follow me. You could be Lazarus. You could take your own son.

Daniel: Naw. We could go though couldn’t we?

Nathan: With me?

Daniel: Why not. I don’t mind paying. I’ll get a good job after my A levels. I don’t expect you to be able to earn as much as me, no offence, but that doesn’t matter. I could take care of you.

Nathan: I’ve never had a truly close friend like you, someone who could teach me things with patience; who wanted to share things with me.

Daniel: I’ve always liked you. I don’t even think about the autism.

(Nathan begins to cry. Daniel puts his arm around him and they slowly lie back onto the bed. Daniel kisses Nathan on the forehead)

Daniel: You OK?

Nathan: Yes

Daniel: We won’t rush things. Let’s not change a thing. We’ll be just fine.

Nathan: My dad.

Daniel: You have rights, above the church.

Nathan: But there’s nothing above God.

Daniel: Not even love.

Nathan: But God is…

(The bedroom door opens and Julie walks in)

Julie: Christ! Nathan! What the hell?

Nathan: Mum, please don’t get angry.

Daniel: Nathan’s a grown man.

Julie: Shut up you, he’s still my son.

Nathan: I’ll always be that.

Daniel: I’m not threatening your relationship.

Julie: And his father.

Daniel: He cannot tell Nathan how to feel.

Julie: Why not?

Nathan: It’s ungodly.

(Julie begins to soften)

Julie: I don’t know why I’m so mad. I’ve suspected it for a long time.

Nathan: You have?

Julie: It’s a mother’s prerogative. We notice things. Maybe it’s a cave man thing. The hunter gatherer goes out to get dinner and the woman has nothing to do but stare at the wilderness. If you’re genes are comprised of generations watching and waiting you see what the ape-man misses.

Daniel: What are you going to say when he returns with the kill?

Julie: You’d think after all these years of living with him I’d know, but I really haven’t a clue.

Nathan: Mum a while ago I overheard you and Dad talking in the living room one night. I’d got up to go to the toilet and heard my name mentioned. So I snuck down the stairs just enough to catch what you were saying.

Julie: Well as I’ve just snuck in on you two I suppose we’re equal.

Nathan: You were wondering if I’d ever find someone to look after me. Dad was worrying about what would happen to me if I had to live with you and something happened to you both.

Julie: Which sibling to farm you out to.

Nathan: If you mean Frank, Louise or Sarah.

Julie: Yes darling that’s what I mean.

Nathan: You said that it would be wonderful if only I could meet some girl that would be willing to take me on and give me a life of my own. Well it’s happened, only it’s Daniel.

Daniel: And your husband should be happy for him.

Julie: The Berlin wall stood for 28 years, your father is nearly 45.

(Mark enters)

Mark: Yes, 45 and blind.

Julie: How much have you heard?

Mark: How much is left?

Nathan: Dad, please don’t be angry. I feel so close to Daniel.

Mark: It’s an abomination.

Nathan: Turn the other cheek.

Mark: Advice you should heed yourself.

Daniel: There’s no need for that, we haven’t…

Mark: Than it’s not too late son. Think of the church, think of me.

Nathan: You don’t want me hanging around for the rest of your life do you? Surely you want to spend time alone with mum?

Mark: Nathan, he cannot give you what a woman can.

Julie: A woman, what woman would sacrifice herself for him?

Mark: Don’t Julie; not having a woman is better than having a man.

Julie: Don’t make me answer that.

Nathan: Dad, I understand the difference. But I don’t mind. I like kids. We could adopt.

Mark: Adopt! You would bring something pure into such an unnatural den?
Christ why weren’t you born normal? Julie what went wrong?

(Pause)

Julie: You need to skip a generation to uncover the solution to that.

Mark: So it’s not enough that you dishonour the father, now you desecrate the memory of the faithful dead.

Julie: Faithful! Your mother was a fanatic. You were raised with brimstone not tenderness. You were threatened with hell, not promised salvation. Mark, can’t you see that now is the time to act, not talk.

Mark: You are bad seed, Nathan.

Nathan: Alpha - omega, Dad; I’m your son and I’ll always be.

Daniel: Nathan, I’ve heard enough of this shit. I’m offering you a life your father cannot give you.

Nathan: A man cannot be slave to two masters.

Mark: Nathan, stop talking gibberish. You’re staying here in this house until this disease leaves you.

Daniel: Nathan, come with me before he infects you further.

Nathan: Mum, what should I do?

Julie: I cannot answer for you son. I can only stand here as witness.

Daniel: I’m going to my car.

(Exits)

Mark: The beast is gone, put these on. (He takes out a rosary from his pocket) These will protect you.

(Nathan looks at his mother. She nods)

Nathan: Wait Mark I’m coming.

(He tries to rush out)

Mark: No! You mustn’t go. You can’t shame me this way.

Nathan: I couldn’t make you any worse than you are right now.

(Nathan pushes past him knocking Mark down and the rosary tumbles from his hand)

Mark: Nathan – no – please - stay.

Julie: Run son.

Mark: You bitch.

Julie: The bitch that bore you four puppies and now two are off the leash. What will we do when the others go?

Mark: Leave me, go on flea. The host is dry. There’s not a drop of blood left.

Julie: And become you?

Mark: We are (pause) we were, one body.

Julie: But never one mind.

Mark (Breaks down): Teach me.

Julie: Could you really change?

Mark: Julie, there are things that can’t be bargained with. It’s an anathema. Wouldn’t I be guilty too if I condoned it?

Julie: So it’s your immortal soul you’re afraid of losing, not your little prince?

Mark: But you know I love him.

Julie: No, not for himself. You consider it a blessing don’t you – a martyrdom? Not a gift but an entry in the credit column in your soul ledger.

(There is the sound of footsteps running up the stairs. Louise rushes in. She is crying and in a frantic state)

Louise: Mum, Dad, come quickly. Daniel’s crashed his car at the junction. I think Nathan was with him.

Julie: My baby! (Exits)

Mark: Oh God no. How can you (Directed at the Sacred Heart picture)…not me…haven’t I given you enough? Aren’t my knees worn through with bending? (His temper explodes) Is this how you repay me?

FUCK! …….. SHIT! ……. BASTARD! ……. CUNT!

(Long pause)

Now I am become scourge, thorn, hammer and nail.

(Mark begins to hammer at the wall with ever increasing velocity)

(Curtain)