Aftercare Instructions by Bonnie Pipkin

Author:Bonnie Pipkin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Flatiron Books

ACT II

SCENE 2

(This scene takes place in Genesis’s living room. Lights rise to GENESIS reading on the couch. There is a knock on the door. She isn’t expecting anyone, but when she looks out the window to see who it is, she doesn’t seem surprised. She starts to sneak out of the room, but another knock makes her think twice.)

PETER

(Speaking through the door)

Gen! I know you’re home.

(She opens the door. PETER moves toward her, and she doesn’t react. He puts his arms around her. She lets him but doesn’t move. She’s rigid, unresponsive.)

PETER

Genny Penny.

(They continue to embrace, and PETER kisses her head and ad libs sweet, soothing words until she finally moves her arms around him too. When they separate, we can see that GENESIS has been crying into his shoulder.)

PETER

I was afraid to come here. Afraid you wouldn’t answer the door. Afraid you wouldn’t let me touch you. You disappeared, Gen. Where were you?

GENESIS

It’s been really hard around here.

PETER

You’ve missed the whole week of school.

GENESIS

I know.

PETER

And you haven’t responded to any of my calls or texts.

GENESIS

My mom has needed me. There’s been a lot to take care of this week. It’s a lot to put on someone else.

PETER

You shouldn’t have to do everything.

GENESIS

No, I mean I don’t want to put any of it on you.

PETER

I’m supposed to be your boyfriend, Genesis.

GENESIS

I know.

PETER

You have to let me in. Whatever it is. I can handle it. I’m not going anywhere. I’m not going to leave you.

GENESIS

I know.

PETER

I think I can handle a lot more than you give me credit for.

GENESIS

Everything is so perfect for you. Believe me, you don’t want to see what happens around here sometimes.

PETER

Is that what you think? That everything for me is perfect?

GENESIS

Isn’t it?

PETER

Seems we have a lot to learn about each other. Both ways.

GENESIS

I’d take strict parents and threats of grounding and total support and encouragement over a dead dad and a mom who was too scared to be alone all week.

PETER

I love you, Genesis.

GENESIS

What?

PETER

I do. I love you. Let me in. Let me be here for you.

(She nods.)

You want rules? Here’s one: Don’t ignore my calls. You have to respond to me.

GENESIS

And if I don’t?

PETER

Then you’re grounded.

GENESIS

I wanted to respond.

PETER

I thought you were gone. I should have come sooner.

GENESIS

I do too.

PETER

I’m not psychic.

GENESIS

No, I mean. I do too. Love you.

(PETER embraces her again. They kiss.)

PETER

I love you.

GENESIS

I can let you in. I just hope you’re ready.

PETER

Let’s do this. Let’s jump in. No retreating. Only jumping. One … two … three …

(Blackout.)

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